bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suggestive Linkages Between Markers on Human 1p32‐p22 and Body Fat and Insulin Levels in the Québec Family Study
Authors: Chagnon Yvon C. , Pérusse Louis , Lamothe Manuel , Chagnon Monique , Nadeau André , Dionne France T. , Gagnon Jacques , Chung Wendy K. , Leibel Rudolph L. , Bouchard Claude
Published: September 2012

A single‐gene rodent mutation (diabetes) and a quantitative trait locus (dietary obese 1) mapped to the mid portion of mouse chromosome 4 have been related to obesity and/or insulin levels. Synteny relationships place their putative human homologs on 1p31 and 1p35‐p31, respectively. In 137 sibships of adult brothers and sisters from the Québec Family Study, genetic linkages between seven microsatellite markers from 1p32‐p22 and various obesity‐ and diabetes‐related quantitative phenotypes were examined using single locus sibpair linkage analysis. Suggestive linkages were observed between markers D1S476 and body mass index (p>=Q.Q5), fat mass (p=0.02), the sum of six skinfolds (p=0.02), the insulin area after an oral glucose tolerance test (p=0.02), and between the neighboring marker D1S200 and body mass index (p>=0.03), and fat mass (p=0.009). Suggestive linkages were also observed between the more telomeric markers D1S193 and body mass index (p=0.03), and between the neighboring marker DIS 197 and fasting insulin level (p=0.05). No linkage was observed with the trunk to extremity skinfolds ratio. These linkages suggest that human homologs of the mouse diabetes or dietary obese 1 and/or other genes in this interval on chromosome 1 play a role in the regulation of body mass, body composition, and insulin levels, but not of subcutaneous fat distribution.
Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction
Authors: Pingitore Regina , Spring Bonnie , Garfieldt David
Published: September 2012

PINGITORE, REGINA, BONNIE SPRING, DAVID GARFIELD. Gender differences in body satisfaction.

Although men and women show similar rates of obesity, women more frequently engage in weight loss efforts, with potentially adverse health consequences. We surveyed 320 college‐aged men and women to examine gender differences in the determinants of body dissatisfaction and the degree of importance assigned to body‐weight and shape. Results indicated that, for both genders, satisfaction with bodyweight and shape decreased as body mass index (BMI) increased. Women, however, showed significantly greater body and weight dissatisfaction than men at most weight categories. Only the underweight (BMI<20) women and men were similarly satisfied with their bodyweight and shape. As BMI increased, however, women became disproportionately more dissatisfied: both normal‐weight and overweight women expressed greater dissatisfaction than comparable men. College‐aged women also attributed progressively more importance to both weight and shape as BMI increased, unlike college‐aged men, who considered body weight equally important to (or slightly less important than) self‐esteem as BMI increased. We discuss implications for the self‐esteem of obese women and men.
Plasma Leptin and Acute Serotoninergic Stimulation of the Corticotropic Axis in Women Who Are Normal Weight or Obese
Authors: Oppert Jean‐Michel , Lahlou Najiba , Laferrère Blandine , Roger Marc , Basdevant Arnaud , Guy‐Grand Bernard
Published: September 2012

OPPERT, JEAN‐MICHEL, NAJIBA LAHLOU, BLANDINE LAFERRÈRE, MARC ROGER, ARNAUD BASDEVANT, BERNARD GUY‐GRAND. Plasma leptin and acute serotoninergic stimulation of the corticotropic axis in women who are normal weight or obese.

In some recent studies, glucocorticoid treatment was associated with rapid induction of obese (ob) gene expression in adipose tissue of normal rats and in isolated adipocytes. We studied the effect of acute stimulation of the corticotropic axis on plasma leptin, the ob gene product, in 7 women of normal weight and 12 women with obesity. Under double‐blind, placebo‐controlled conditions, a single 12.5‐mg dose of clomipramine, a serotonin uptake inhibitor, was administered intravenously in 15 minutes. Mean basal plasma leptin was increased more than 3‐fold in subjects with obesity compared with subjects of normal weight (35.1 ± 4.9 ng/mL vs. 8.9 ± 1.4 ng/mL, p=0.001). Whereas corticotropin (ACTH) and Cortisol responses were increased in women who were obese compared with women who were lean, no significant effect of clomipramine infusion was found on plasma leptin concentrations measured during the following 150 minutes in both groups. There was a strong positive correlation between basal plasma leptin concentrations and body mass index (r=0.92, p<0.0001). In six subjects with obesity studied after a moderate weight loss, mean basal plasma leptin was significantly decreased (43.7 ± 6.4 ng/mL before vs. 28.0 ± 8.1 ng/mL after, p=0.04), but the hormonal response pattern to clomipramine administration was unchanged. We conclude that, at least in the short term, an acute stimulation of the corticotropic axis does not seem to increase leptin secretion in humans, as shown by the response to the serotoninergic agent clomipramine.
Segregation Analysis of Abdominal Visceral Fat: The HERITAGE Family Study
Authors: Rice Treva , Després J.P. , Perusse Louis , Gagnon Jacques , Leon Arthur S. , Skinner James S. , Wilmore Jack H. , Rao D.C. , Bouchard Claude
Published: September 2012

RICE, TREVA, JP DESPRÉS, LOUIS PÉRUSSE, JACQUES GAGNON, ARTHUR S LEON, JAMES S SKINNER, JACK H WILMORE, DC RAO, CLAUDE BOUCHARD. Segregation analysis of abdominal visceral fat: The HERITAGE Family Study.

A major gene hypothesis for abdominal visceral fat (AVF) level, both before and after adjustment for total body fat mass, was investigated in 86 white families who participated in the HERITAGE Family Study. In this study, sedentary families were tested for a battery of measures (baseline), endurance exercise trained for 20 weeks, and then remeasured again. The baseline measures reported here are unique in that the variance due to a potentially important environmental factor (activity level) was limited. AVF area was assessed at L4 to L5 by the use of computerized tomography scan, and total body fat mass was assessed with underwater weighing. For fat mass, a putative locus accounted for 64% of the variance, but there was no evidence of a multifactorial component (i.e., no polygenic and/or common familial environmental effects). For AVF area, both a major gene effect accounting for 54% of the variance and a multifactorial component accounting for 17% of the variance were significant. However, after AVF area was adjusted for the effects of total level of body fat, the support for a major gene was reduced. In particular, there was a major effect for fat mass‐adjusted AVF area, but it was not transmitted from parents to offspring (i.e., the three transmission probabilities were equal). The importance of this study is twofold. First, these results confirm a previous study that suggested that there is a putative major locus for AVF and for total body fat mass. Second, the findings from the HERITAGE Family Study suggest that the factors underlying AVF area in sedentary families may be similar to those in the population at large, which includes both sedentary and active families. Whether the gene(s) responsible for the high levels of AVF area is the same as that which influences total body fat content remains to be further investigated.
The Relationship Between Fat Distribution and Coronary Risk Factors in Sedentary Postmenopausal Women On and Off Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Perry Arlette C. , Allison Mark , Applegate E. Brooks , Jackson M. Loreto , Miller Paul C.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fat distribution and coronary risk factors (CRF) in sedentary overweight postmenopausal women both on and off hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Medical records and information were abstracted from nonsmoking women entering a weight loss program. A total of 33 women on HRT (mean age=50.12 ± 5.2) and 51 nonusers (mean age=52.52 ± 7.8) fulfilled subject eligibility requirements and were included in the data analysis. Results showed a significantly lower waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (p=0.009) and waist (p=0.010) and greater levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (p=0.035) in HRT users than in nonusers. After converting correlations to standard Z‐scores and performing z‐tests, the correlation between total cholesterol (T‐Chol) and WHR was significantly greater in nonusers than in HRT users (p=0.038). A multiple regression analysis showed differences between groups in the ability of age and anthropometric variables to predict CRF. Although T‐Chol could be predicted in nonusers(r2=0.24; p=0.011), very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) could be significantly predicted in HRT users only (r2=0.28, P=0.055 and r2=0.40, p=0.005 for VLDL‐C and SBP, respectively). These data suggest that there are differences between HRT users and nonusers in predictors of CRF, central adiposity, HDL‐C, and the relationship between WHR and T‐Chol. It is concluded that the significantly lower levels of central adiposity observed in HRT users may have clinical benefits with regard to CRF.
Effects of Enterostatin on Consumption of Optional Foods in Non‐Food‐Deprived Rats
Authors: Rice Harry Benjamin , Corwin Rebecca L.
Published: September 2012

Enterostatin, the activation peptide of procolipase, has been reported to reduce high‐fat food consumption in rats. This reduction has been reliably demonstrated using procedures in which the test diet was also the maintenance diet of the animals. Other reports, though, have shown that peripherally administered enterostatin had no effect on the consumption of oil provided as an option to the diet, and that centrally administered enterostatin had no effect on the consumption of an optional high‐fat mixed food. However, the effects of peripherally administered enterostatin on the consumption of an optional high‐fat mixed food have not been examined. This experiment, then, examined the effects of peripherally administered enterostatin on the consumption of optional, mixed foods (no‐fat and high‐fat cookies) provided in addition to a standard diet under choice and nonchoice conditions. Four experiments were conducted. In experiment I, the effect of enterostatin in a two‐choice feeding paradigm was assessed. In experiment II, the effect of enterostatin in a nonchoice feeding paradigm was assessed. In experiment III, the effect of enterostatin administered at five different pretreatment times in a non‐choice feeding paradigm was assessed. Enterostatin had no effect on cookie intake in any of these experiments. Finally, experiment IV was undertaken to verify the activity of the peptide. Enterostatin significantly reduced the consumption of a standard diet in overnight food‐deprived rats, thus confirming the activity of the peptide used in experiments I to III. Enterostatin may not play a major role in the regulation of food intake that is stimulated by optional foods that are periodically provided in addition to a standard well‐balanced diet.
Demand Characteristics of the Research Setting Can Influence Indexes of Negative Affect‐Induced Eating in Obese Individuals
Authors: Faith Myles S. , Wong Frank Y. , Allison David B.
Published: September 2012

Measures of negative affect‐induced eating (NAIE) are common in clinical research with obese individuals. However, previous studies suggest that measures of NAIE can be induced by social desirability tendencies or demand characteristics of the research setting. Using an experimental design, the present study tested the effects of demand characteristics of the research setting on selfreport and behavioral indexes of NAIE. Obese and nonobese subjects (n=107) were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Experimental subjects received a lecture indicating an association between emotional eating and obesity; control subjects received no information. Outcome measures were indexes of NAIE from a questionnaire, food diaries, and food intake during a laboratory “taste test.” We hypothesized that the association between relative body mass and NAIE would be stronger among subjects receiving the lecture manipulation than control subjects. Results indicated that NAIE indexes, particularly from food diaries, were influenced modestly by research demand characteristics. We conclude that demand characteristics of the research setting can affect indexes of NAIE among obese persons.
Serum Leptin Concentrations and Weight Gain in Postobese, Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Nagy Tim R. , Davies Susan L. , Hunter Gary R. , Darnell Betty , Weinsier Roland L.
Published: September 2012

Objective: This study was designed to determine if serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) after weight loss on a low‐calorie diet predict subsequent weight gain.

Research Methods and Procedures: Body composition and serum leptin concentrations were determined on 14 moderately obese, postmenopausal, nondiabetic women with a familial predisposition to obesity. Assessments were obtained under tightly controlled metabolic ward conditions of macronutrient intake and weight maintenance both before (obese state) and after a mean weight loss of 12.0 kg to normal body weight (postobese state). Four years later, without intervention, body weight and body composition were reassessed.

Results: Weight loss resulted in significant decreases in fat mass (29.7 ± 5.4 vs. 20.3 ± 4.7; kg), body mass index (27.7 ± 1.6 vs. 23.0 ± 1.5; kg/m2), percent body fat (40.7 ± 4.3 vs. 33.1 ± 5.0), and serum leptin concentrations (31.8 ± 16.0 vs. 11.5 ± 5.4; ng/mL). Serum leptin concentrations were positively correlated (p<<0.05) with fat mass in both the obese and postobese states (r = 0.67 and r = 0.56, respectively). However, residual serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) in the obese and postobese states were not related to changes in body weight (p<= 0.61 and 0.52), fat mass (p = 0.72 and 0.42), body mass index (p = 0.59 and 0.33), or percent body fat (p = 0.84 and 0.46) over the follow‐up period.

Discussion: These finding do not support the hypothesis that relatively low concentrations of leptin predict weight regain after weight loss. However, because the number of subjects in this study was limited, further studies are warranted.
What Is the Role of Cognitive‐Behavior Therapy in Patient Management?
Authors: Foreyt John P. , II Walker S. Carlos Poston
Published: September 2012

This review summarizes the role of cognitive‐behavior therapy (CBT) in obesity treatment. Although not a specific intervention per se, CBT is the systematic application of principles of social cognitive theory to modify behaviors that are thought to contribute to or maintain obesity. Most forms of CBT include the use of five strategies: self‐monitoring and goal setting; stimulus control for the modification of eating style, activity, and related habits; cognitive restructuring techniques that focus on challenging and modifying unrealistic or maladaptive thoughts or expectations; stress management; and social support. The use of these strategies in comprehensive obesity programs has been helpful in improving short‐term weight losses, but long‐term success remains elusive, even though these strategies are predictors of long‐term weight loss maintenance. Given that obesity is a chronic condition, not unlike hypertension or diabetes, CBT interventions will need to focus on broader treatment outcomes, such as improved metabolic profiles, quality of life, psychological functioning, and physical fitness. In addition, new methods for delivering CBT interventions should be explored, including home‐based programs and combination with adjunctive pharmacotherapy delivered in primary care centers.
Serial Echocardiographic and Clinical Evaluation of Valvular Regurgitation Before, During, and After Treatment with Fenfluramine or Dexfenfluramine and Mazindol or Phentermine
Authors: Ryan Donna H. , Bray George A. , Helmcke Fred , Sander Gary , Volaufova Julia , Greenway Frank , Subramaniam Pramilla , Glancy D. Luke
Published: September 2012

RYAN, DONNA H., GEORGE A. BRAY, FRED HELMCKE, GARY SANDER, JULIA VOLAUFOVA, FRANK GREENWAY, PRAMILLA SUBRAMANIAM, AND D. LUKE GLANCY. Serial echocardiographic and clinical evaluation of valvular regurgitation before, during, and after treatment with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine and mazindol or phentermine. Obes Res.

Objective: The prevalence of cardiac valvular regurgitation demonstrated by echocardiography in patients who took appetite‐suppressant medication for weight loss has been assessed at 5%‐30%. We studied 86 patients who had echo‐cardiograms before treatment with appetite suppressants to determine the incidence of new cases and to evaluate the clinical implication of the echocardiographic findings.

Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 69 men [Mean± Standard Deviation (S) age 49±81] and 17 women (mean±S age 50±7) who had 233 echocardiograms before, during, and after a weight‐loss program that used predominantly fenfluramine (or dexfenfluramine) with mazindol (or phentermine). Mean drug exposure was 17 months. Blinded echocardiographic readings were performed to identify and grade aortic regurgitation (AR) or mitral regurgitation (MR).

Results: Seven of 86 patients (8%) had pre‐existing regurgitation with five (6%) meeting our case definition. Thirteen (16. 5%) of initially normal patients developed valvular regurgitation and were new cases. Of the new cases, 12 were grade IAV AR and one was both grade II/III MR and IIDV AR. All 13 patients were asymptomatic, and only two aortic insufficiency murmurs could be auscultated. There was significantly greater risk for developing valvulopathy for those who took medications longer than 6 months (p = 0. 03), and no new cases were observed in patients exposed for less than 8 months. No increased risk associated with age, presence of hypertension, or exposure to fenfluramine‐phentermine combination was demonstrated. Although there was a higher incidence of new regurgitation in women (31% vs. 13% for men), this was not statistically significant (p = 0. 093).

Discussion: Some patients who had normal echocardiograms at baseline developed cardiac valvular regurgitation after exposure to fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine with mazindol or phentermine. The development of valvulopathy was significantly correlated with duration of exposure. The clinical implications of echocardiographically demonstrated regurgitation are uncertain, since there were only two audible murmurs and no other clinically relevant signs or symptoms among the patients.
Absence of Cardiac Valve Dysfunction in Obese Patients Treated with Sibutramine
Authors: Bach David S. , Rissanen Aila M. , Mendel Carl M. , Shepherd Gillian , Weinstein Steven P. , Kelly Finiun , Seaton Timothy B. , Putel Bububhui , Pekkarinen Tuula A. , Armstrong William F.
Published: September 2012

BACH, DAVID S., AILA M. RISSANEN, CARL M. MENDEL, GILLIAN SHEPHERD, STEVEN R. WEINSTEIN, FINIAN KELLY, TIMOTHY B. SEATON, BABABHAI PATEL, TUULA A. PEKKARINEN, AND WILLIAM F. ARMSTRONG. Absence of cardiac valve dysfunction in obese patients treated with sibutramine. Obes Res.

Objective: Serotonin‐releasing agents prescribed as weight‐loss medications have been implicated as a cause of acquired aortic and mitral valve abnormalities. Sibutramine hydrochloride (MERIDIA®) is a serotonin and norepi‐nephrine reuptake inhibitor with proven efficacy of weight reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of cardiac valve disease in sibutramine‐treated patients.

Research Methods and Procedures: Obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus enrolled in an ongoing double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm, 12‐month study of sibutramine (followed by a 12‐month open label extension) underwent transthoracic echocardiographic imaging and color Doppler interrogation for assessment of cardiac valve anatomy and function.

Results: A total of 210 patients were evaluated. Of these, 133 were receiving sibutramine (72 in the double‐blind period), and 77 were receiving placebo. The mean ± Standard Deviation age was 54±9 years, and the mean duration of treatment was 229±117 days (approximately 7. 6 months). The prevalence of left‐sided cardiac valve dysfunction was low and similar for the two treatment groups (sibutramine 31133, or 2. 3%; placebo 2/77, or 2. 6%). All five cases were cases of aortic insufficiency; four were mild, one was severe (in a placebo patient). All three sibutramine cases were patients over age 50; two had a history of systemic hypertension.

Conclusion: The prevalence of left‐sided cardiac valve dysfunction was not higher than background in obese patients treated with sibutramine for an average of 7. 6 months.
Two‐Year Changes in L ipids and Lipoproteins Associated with the Maintenance of a 5 % to 10% Reduction in Initial Weight: Some Findings and Some Questions
Authors: Wadden Thomas A. , Anderson Drew A. , Foster Gary D.
Published: September 2012

WADDEN, THOMAS A., DREW A. ANDERSON, AND GARY D. FOSTER. Two‐year changes in lipids and lipoproteins associated with the maintenance of a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight: some findings and some questions. Obes Res.

Objective This study assessed whether a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight would be associated with as favorable long‐term (i.e., 100 weeks) changes in lipids and lipoproteins, as have been observed on a short‐term basis (i.e., 8 weeks).

Research Methods and Procedures This was a prospective evaluation of 25 obese women, each of whom had lost ≥5% of initial weight during 48 weeks of treatment and had maintained a weight loss of this magnitude at 1‐year follow‐up (week 100). Lipids and lipoproteins were obtained at baseline and at weeks 8, 24, 48, and 100. All participants had a baseline total cholesterol ≥5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL).

Results At the end of the first 8 weeks, weight fell an average of 11.7±2.8%, total cholesterol 20.6±7.5%, low‐density‐lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 23.0±18.1%, and triglycerides 26.0±20.1%. At week 48, weight had fallen to 20.1±7.0% below baseline, but total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were reduced only 11.5±10.4% and 12.0±14.0% below baseline, respectively. These latter reductions were significantly (p<0.05) smaller than those observed at week 8, despite the larger weight loss at week 48. High‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol declined significantly (p<0.05) during the first 8 weeks, but returned to baseline values by week 24. Patients gained 7.4±7.4 kg from weeks 48 to 100, during which time total and LDL cholesterol (but not triglycerides) rose significantly (p<0.05). Patients who, at week 100, maintained losses >10% of initial weight had significantly greater reductions in total and LDL cholesterol values than did patients who maintained losses of only 5% to 10% of initial weight.

Discussion Results of this study underscore the importance of assessing long‐term changes in weight‐related health complications when patients have lost weight but are no longer dieting (and exercising) as aggressively as they did during the initial months of treatment.
Oncogene‐dependent control of miRNA biogenesis and metastatic progression in a model of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
Authors: Mito Jeffrey K , Min Hooney D , Ma Yan , Carter Jessica E , Brigman Brian E , Dodd Leslie , Dankort David , McMahon Martin , Kirsch David G
Published: September 2012

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is one of the most common soft tissue malignancies. Patients with large, high‐grade sarcomas often develop fatal lung metastases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying sarcoma metastasis is needed to improve treatment of these patients. Micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Global alterations in miRNAs are frequently observed in a number of disease states including cancer. The signalling pathways that regulate miRNA biogenesis are beginning to emerge. To test the relevance of specific oncogenic mutations in miRNA biogenesis in sarcoma, we used primary soft tissue sarcomas expressing either BrafV600E or KrasG12D. We found that BrafV600E mutant tumours, which have increased MAPK signalling, have higher levels of mature miRNAs and enhanced miRNA processing. To investigate the relevance of oncogene‐dependent alterations in miRNA biogenesis, we introduced conditional mutations in Dicer and showed that Dicer haploinsufficiency promotes the development of distant metastases in an oncogene‐dependent manner. These results demonstrate that a specific oncogenic mutation can cooperate with mutation in Dicer to promote tumour progression in vivo.Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of photoaddressable polymeric networks having azobenzene moieties and alkyl‐chain‐containing compounds
Authors: Orofino Antonela B , Galante María J , Oyanguren Patricia A
Published: September 2012

We discuss the synthesis of new optically active polymeric networks containing azobenzene moieties and different alkyl‐chain‐containing compounds. An epoxy resin based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) was reacted with metaxylylenediamine (MXDA). An azo prepolymer (TAZ) was synthesized by reaction between Disperse Orange‐3 and DGEBA. Reaction between palmitic acid (PA) and DGEBA was performed using triphenylphosphine as catalyst of the epoxy–acid reaction employing variable molar ratios of epoxy to carboxyl groups (r = 1, 2, 4). These precursors were called PA1, PA2 and PA4. Crosslinked epoxy‐based azopolymers containing variable PA‐based precursor content and constant chromophore concentration equal to 20 wt% TAZ were synthesized. Their reversible optical storage properties were studied and compared. It was found that the optical response is a direct consequence of the morphologies generated, and that crystallization of PA‐based precursor can take place. When the PA‐based precursor is not covalently bonded to the matrix, e.g. PA1, the remaining birefringence is high. PA4‐modified materials present a completely different response, showing a behaviour that could be of great importance in the development of optical switchers. In this case, the organic tails remain dissolved in the matrix and unable to crystallize, giving a typical ‘on–off’ response. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The Meroitic Language and Writing System
Authors: Rilly Claude , de Voogt Alex
Published: September 2012

This book provides an introduction to the Meroitic language and writing system, which was used between circa 300 BC and 400 AD in the kingdom of Meroe, located in what is now Sudan and Egyptian Nubia. This book details advances in the understanding of Meroitic, a language that until recently was considered untranslatable. In addition to providing a full history of the script and an analysis of the phonology, grammar and linguistic affiliation of the language it features: linguistic analyses for those working on Nilo-Saharan comparative linguistics, paleographic tables useful to archaeologists for dating purposes and an overview of texts that can be translated or understood by way of analogy for those working on Nubian religion, history and archaeology.
Recollections of the Emperor Napoleon
Authors: Abell Elizabeth Balcombe
Published: September 2012

After Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at Waterloo (1815), the British government exiled him to the island of St Helena, where he forged a friendship with Betsy Balcombe (later Abell, 1802–71), the thirteen-year-old daughter of the government official in whose premises he stayed while Longwood House was being prepared as his residence. In these vivid memoirs, first published in 1844, Abell recalls her time spent with Napoleon, painting a portrait of a humorous and boyish character, of whom she was initially afraid, but then came to view as a friend and companion. Recounting his arrival, his opinions on music, wine and religion, his thoughts on his surrender and his battle tactics, his way of life, and his departure for his permanent incarceration at Longwood, Abell's recollections, which offer an unusual view of one of the most significant figures of modern history, have since inspired many documentaries, dramas and children's stories.
The Republic in Crisis, 1848–1861
Authors: Ashworth John
Published: September 2012

The Republic in Crisis, 1848–1861 analyses the political climate in the years leading up to the American Civil War, offering for students and general readers a clear, chronological account of the sectional conflict and the beginning of the Civil War. Emerging from the tumultuous political events of the 1840s and 1850s, the Civil War was caused by the maturing of the North and South's separate, distinctive forms of social organisation and their resulting ideologies. John Ashworth emphasises factors often overlooked in explanations of the war, including the resistance of slaves in the South and the growth of wage labour in the North. Ashworth acquaints readers with modern writings on the period, providing a new interpretation of the American Civil War's causes.
Mark Twain and the Novel
Authors: Howe Lawrence
Published: September 2012

Mark Twain was an author both drawn to and suspicious of authority, and his novels reflect this tension. Marked by disruptions, repetitions and contradictions, they exemplify the ideological stand-off between the American ideal of individual freedom and the reality of social control. This book provides a fresh look at Twain's major novels such as Life on the Mississippi, Huckleberry Finn and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The difficulties in these works are shown to be neither flaws nor failures, but rather intrinsic to both the structure of the American novel and the texture of American culture.
Fine-mapping quantitative trait loci with a medium density marker panel: efficiency of population structures and comparison of linkage disequilibrium linkage analysis models
Authors: ROLDAN DANA L , GILBERT HÉLÈNE , HENSHALL JOHN M , LEGARRA ANDRÉS , ELSEN JEAN-MICHEL
Published: September 2012

Recently, a Haley–Knott-type regression method using combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage analyses (LDLA) was proposed to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Chromosome of 5 and 25 cM with 0·25 and 0·05 cM, respectively, between markers were simulated. The differences between the LDLA approaches with regard to QTL position accuracy were very limited, with a significantly better mean square error (MSE) with the LDLA regression (LDLA_reg) in sparse map cases; the contrary was observed, but not significantly, in dense map situations. The computing time required for the LDLA variance components (LDLA_vc) model was much higher than the LDLA_reg model. The precision of QTL position estimation was compared for four numbers of half-sib families, four different family sizes and two experimental designs (half-sibs, and full- and half-sibs). Regarding the number of families, MSE values were lowest for 15 or 50 half-sib families, differences not being significant. We observed that the greater the number of progenies per sire, the more accurate the QTL position. However, for a fixed population size, reducing the number of families (e.g. using a small number of large full-sib families) could lead to less accuracy of estimated QTL position.
Introduction: computability of the physical
Authors: CALUDE CRISTIAN S. , COOPER S. BARRY
Published: September 2012

Albert Einstein encapsulated a commonly held view within the scientific community when he wrote in his book Out of My Later Years (Einstein 1950, page 54)

‘When we say that we understand a group of natural phenomena, we mean that we have found a constructive theory which embraces them.’

This represents a dual challenge to the scientist: on the one hand, to explain the real world in a very basic, and if possible, mathematical, way; but on the other, to characterise the extent to which this is even possible. Recent years have seen the mathematics of computability play an increasingly vital role in pushing forward basic science and in illuminating its limitations within a creative coming together of researchers from different disciplines. This special issue of Mathematical Structures in Computer Science is based on the special session ‘Computability of the Physical’ at the International Conference Computability in Europe 2010, held at Ponta Delgada, Portugal, in June 2010, and it, together with the individual papers it contains, forms what we believe to be a special contribution to this exciting and developing process.
A statistical mechanical interpretation of algorithmic information theory III: composite systems and fixed points
Authors: TADAKI KOHTARO
Published: September 2012

The statistical mechanical interpretation of algorithmic information theory (AIT for short) was introduced and developed in our previous papers Tadaki (2008; 2012), where we introduced into AIT the notion of thermodynamic quantities, such as the partition function Z(T), free energy F(T), energy E(T) and statistical mechanical entropy S(T). We then discovered that in the interpretation, the temperature T is equal to the partial randomness of the values of all these thermodynamic quantities, where the notion of partial randomness is a stronger representation of the compression rate by means of program-size complexity. Furthermore, we showed that this situation holds for the temperature itself as a thermodynamic quantity, namely, for each of the thermodynamic quantities above, the computability of its value at temperature T gives a sufficient condition for T ∈ (0, 1) to be a fixed point on partial randomness. In this paper, we develop the statistical mechanical interpretation of AIT further and pursue its formal correspondence to normal statistical mechanics. The thermodynamic quantities in AIT are defined on the basis of the halting set of an optimal prefix-free machine, which is a universal decoding algorithm used to define the notion of program-size complexity. We show that there are infinitely many optimal prefix-free machines that give completely different sufficient conditions for each of the thermodynamic quantities in AIT. We do this by introducing the notion of composition of prefix-free machines into AIT, which corresponds to the notion of the composition of systems in normal statistical mechanics.
On the compressible Hart-McClure and Sellars mean flow motions
Authors: Maicke Brian A. , Saad Tony , Majdalani Joseph
Published: September 2012

We consider the compressible flow analogue of the solution known colloquially as the Hart-McClure profile. This potential motion is used to describe the mean flow in the original energy-based combustion instability framework. In this study, we employ the axisymmetric compressible form of the potential equation for steady, inviscid, irrotational flow assuming uniform injection of a calorically perfect gas in a porous, right-cylindrical chamber. This equation is expanded to order ${\bf M}_{\rm w}^4 $Mw4 using a Rayleigh-Janzen sequence in powers of ${\bf M}_{\rm w}^{\rm 2} $Mw2, where Mw is the wall Mach number. At leading order, we readily recover the original Hart-McClure profile and, at ${\bf M}_{\rm w}^{\rm 2} $Mw2, a closed-form representation of the compressible correction. By way of confirmation, the same solution is re-constructed using a novel application of the vorticity-streamfunction technique. In view of the favorable convergence properties of the Rayleigh-Janzen expansion, the resulting approximation can be relied upon from the headwall down to the sonic point and slightly beyond in a long porous tube or nozzleless chamber. As a windfall, the compressible Sellars motion that arises in the reverse flow problem driven by wall suction is deduced. Based on the simple closed-form expressions that prescribe this motion, the principal flow attributes are quantified parametrically and compared to existing incompressible and one-dimensional theories. In this effort, the local Mach number and pressure are calculated and shown to provide an improved formulation when gauged against one-dimensional theory. Our results are also compared to the two-dimensional axisymmetric solution obtained by Majdalani [“On steady rotational high speed flows: The compressible Taylor-Culick profile,” Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 463, 131–162 (2007)10.1098/rspa.2006.1755]. After rescaling the axial coordinate by the critical length Ls, a parametrically-free form is obtained that is essentially independent of the Mach number. This behavior is verified analytically, thus confirming Majdalani's geometric similarity with respect to the critical distance. A secondary verification by computational fluid dynamics is also undertaken. When compared to existing rotational models, the compressible Hart-McClure plug-flow requires, as it should, a slightly longer distance to reach the speed of sound at the centerline. With this model, however, not only the centerline but the entire cross-section becomes fully choked.
Copper oxide decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes/ferroelectric liquid crystal composites for faster display devices
Authors: Malik Anu , Prakash Jai , Kumar Anil , Dhar Ajay , Biradar Ashok M.
Published: September 2012

We present faster display devices based on copper oxide decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) doped ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) material. The fastening of the response has been attributed to decrease in rotational viscosity of the FLC material. The ionic impurities were also reduced by doping copper oxide decorated MWCNTs into the FLC material, and the reduction has been attributed to trapping of ions by the guest copper oxide decorated MWCNTs. The observations of fastening the response and reduction of ionic impurities have been verified by experimental data using dielectric and electro-optical studies. The underlying mechanism would certainly help to understand the basic mechanism of interaction of CNTs with FLC molecules and could be applied to fabricate ionic defects free faster display devices.
Picosecond dynamics of hot carriers and phonons and scintillator non-proportionality
Authors: Kozorezov A. , Wigmore J. K. , Owens A.
Published: September 2012

We have developed a model describing the non-proportional response in scintillators based on non-thermalised carrier and phonon transport. We show that the thermalization of e-h distributions produced in scintillators immediately after photon absorption may take longer than the period over which the non-proportional signal forms. The carrier and LO-phonon distributions during this period remain non-degenerate at quasi-equilibrium temperatures far exceeding room temperature. We solve balance equations describing the energy exchange in a hot bipolar plasma of electrons/holes and phonons. Taking into account dynamic screening, we calculate the ambipolar diffusion coefficient at all temperatures. The non-proportional light yields calculated for NaI are shown to be consistent with experimental data. We discuss the implications of a non-equilibrium model, comparing its predictions with a model based on the transport of thermalised carriers. Finally, evidence for non-equilibrium effects is suggested by the shape of non-proportionality curve and wide dispersion in data observed in K-dip spectroscopy near the threshold. A comparison of the predicted curves shows good agreement for deformation potential value in the range 7-8 eV.
Thermal rectification and phonon scattering in silicon nanofilm with cone cavity
Authors: Ju Shenghong , Liang Xingang
Published: September 2012

The thermal rectification has potential application in the thermal management of electronics and energy saving. This paper investigates the thermal rectification in silicon nanofilm with cone cavity by the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the thermal resistance caused by the cone cavity is on the order of 10−9 m2 KW−1. The thermal resistance of cone cavity differs averagely by about 11% from 300 K to 1100 K when the heat flow direction is turned over. The phonon wave packet dynamic simulations indicate that transverse phonons are generated by the cavity scattering of longitudinal phonon. When the phonon transport direction is reversed, the average transmission coefficient is changed by about 14% in all the frequency range and is regarded as the main reason for the thermal rectification in silicon film with cone cavity. The thermal rectification depends on the aspect ratio of the cone cavity.
Impact of grazing on chemical, physical and biological properties of soils in the mountain rangelands of Sahand, Iran
Authors: Mofidi Morteza , Rashtbari Mehdi , Abbaspour Hassan , Ebadi Ali , Sheidai Esmaeil , Motamedi Javad
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to characterise the effect of grazing on soil physical, chemical and biological properties of a semi-steppe rangeland grazed by goats and sheep in the Sahand Mountains (Iran) in order to develop effective soil conservation measures and sustain livestock production. Grazing was classified as light, moderate and heavy according to the stocking rate and utilisation rate of the vegetation. Soil sampling was conducted at depths of 0–10 and 10–20 cm for each grazing treatment. Soil physical and chemical properties were determined at both depths and soil microbial variables were evaluated at the surface layer. Increasing level of grazing significantly decreased all soil chemical properties at both depths except for pH and magnesium concentration. Increasing the level of grazing significantly decreased the soil moisture content and porosity at both soil depths. The highest values of microbial biomass carbon, total fungi and bacteria were observed on the light treatment. Grazing significantly affected soil properties unfavourably and reduced vegetation vigour and composition, jeopardising the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Women, business and the law: measuring legal gender parity for entrepreneurs and workers
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Given the importance of legal parity between women and men in today's world and lack of research in this domain, the purpose of this paper is to identify gender‐based distinctions in formal laws and institutions that may directly or indirectly affect women's prospects as entrepreneurs and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Covering 128 economies, it establishes six indicators of gender differences in formal laws and institutions: accessing institutions; using property; getting a job; dealing with taxes; building credit; and going to court. The first three indicators capture laws that have direct gender dimensions and are based on a reading of such laws from the perspective of individual women. The fourth indicator examines the direct and indirect gender implications of tax policy from the perspective of four standardised families with varying tax liabilities. The last two indicators examine the ease of access to credit bureaus and courts to examine the indirect effects that microfinance institutions and dispute resolution have on women, who are more likely to rely on non‐traditional financial services. The questions used to construct each indicator were chosen based on data availability, economic relevance and variation of regulation across economies.

Findings

The findings of the study pointed out that every region contains economies with unequal rules for men and women, with the extent of inequality varying by region.

Research limitations/implications

This research does not test or analyse outcome variables of gender inequality; it simply identifies whether the law is equal for women and men, which can be a potential source of inequitable gender outcomes.

Practical implications

This research offers valuable practical insights for employees and entrepreneurs to improve understanding of how legal and regulatory environments shape opportunities for women and contribute to more informed policy discussions.

Originality/value

The paper provides interesting insights into research on linkages between legal differentiation and outcomes for women, and helps inform policy dialogue on things governments can do to expand women's opportunities. It is the first attempt to measure the gender gap in policy variables using quantitative and objective data.
Housing for the vulnerable in the Offinso South Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Boamah Nicholas
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Housing decay is a major feature of all the cities and towns in Ghana. This paper aims to investigate the condition of housing in the older neighbourhoods of the Offinso South Municipality (OSM), in the Asante region of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed questionnaires to collect empirical data from households and property owners in the studied neighbourhoods. These data were then analysed, and interpreted using some knowledge of local culture and beliefs. Houses are of cultural significance in Ghana; they serve the needs of the living, the dead and future generations.

Findings

The research finds that most households in the older neighbourhoods of the OSM live in housing deprivation. The most affected are children and the elderly in the neighbourhoods. But the poor housing is in part a consequence of attitudes toward property management and a weakening social system that hitherto supported the vulnerable in society.

Originality/value

The paper recommends that the municipal authority enforces regulations governing property management. It also suggests that Ghanaians should rediscover a social system that ensures that the elderly are adequately sheltered.
Interventions in community settings that prevent or delay disablement in later life: an overview of the evidence
Authors: Frost Helen , Haw Sally , Frank John
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The population of older people in the UK is expected to rise rapidly over the next 20 years and therefore identification of effective interventions that prevent functional decline and disablement is a public health priority. This review summarises the evidence for interventions in community settings that aim to prevent or delay disablement in later life.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of review‐level literature was conducted for the period September 1999 and 2009 of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. It included interventions that aimed to prevent disablement of community dwelling older people (50+ years old). It excluded interventions carried out in institutional care and those focused on specific disease. The reviews were screened using the AMSTAR assessment tool.

Findings

The search identified 62 reviews of complex interventions (preventative home visits (n=9), integrated service delivery/case management and comprehensive geriatric assessment (n=6), falls prevention (n=17), exercise (n=15), nutritional needs (n=3), medication review (n=2), telecare/telehealth (n=5), social integration interventions (n=3) and vision screening (n=2).

Originality/value to Conclusion

The review identified many areas of unknown effectiveness, partly due to unstandardised use of outcomes and poor experimental design. The most promising complex interventions include: assessment of risk factors; and direct referral to an easily accessible, comprehensive range of interventions that are tailored to need and include long‐term follow up. There is consistent evidence that exercise can be beneficial, particularly in preventing falls, but overall, the evidence‐base for other specific interventions is limited.