bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excessive exercise in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: Relation to eating characteristics and general psychopathology
Authors: Peñas‐Lledó Eva , Vaz Leal Francisco J. , Waller Glenn
Published: August 2002

Objective

Excessive exercise is a well‐known phenomenon in anorexia nervosa, but less is known about its role in bulimia nervosa. In addition, there is little evidence regarding the psychopathological processes that might act as predisposing, triggering, or maintaining factors for such exercise. The present study examined the presence of excessive exercise in different women with eating disorders, and its psychopathological correlates.

Methods

Case notes from 63 anorexia nervosa and 61 bulimia nervosa patients were examined. Two‐way multivariate analyses of variance (diagnosis × use of excessive exercise) were used to determine the impact of the two factors upon eating characteristics (EAT‐40 and BITE) and psychopathological symptoms (SCL‐90‐R).

Results

While high levels of depression were more likely among all patients who used excessive exercise, levels of anxiety and somatization were particularly high only among those anorexics who exercised excessively.

Discussion

Possible explanatory models are advanced to account for this pattern of findings, focusing on the possible use of exercise as an affect regulation strategy among anorexia nervosa patients. Further research is suggested to test and develop this model, and possible clinical implications are outlined. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 31: 370–375, 2002.
Body image treatment for a community sample of obligatory and nonobligatory exercisers
Authors: Smith Jane Ellen , Wolfe Brenda L. , Laframboise Denise E.
Published: August 2002

Objective

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) was used to treat body dissatisfaction in obligatory and nonobligatory exercisers within a community sample of normal weight women.

Method

Ninety‐four women (36% obligatory exercisers, 64% nonobligatory exercisers) were assigned randomly to CBT or the waiting‐list (WL) control group.

Results

The hypotheses that obligatory exercisers would show poorer pretreatment body image and greater compulsivity than nonobligatory exercisers were supported partially. The prediction that obligatory exercisers would respond less favorably to treatment was not supported. Overall, CBT participants evidenced significantly better body image outcomes than the WL at posttreatment, but many effects were lost by the follow‐up.

Discussion

Treatment response is considered in light of the unique characteristics of this ethnically diverse, older community sample when compared with the young students in earlier body image intervention studies. The high rate of physical activity among even the nonobligatory exercisers is highlighted for its mood‐regulation properties and its treatment implications. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 30: 375–388, 2001.
Psychological stress, coping, and symptoms of disordered eating in a community sample of young Australian women
Authors: Ball Kylie , Lee Christina
Published: August 2002

Objective

To investigate the relationships among stress, coping, and symptoms of disordered eating in a community sample of young Australian women.

Method

A longitudinal study design was employed. Two mail‐out surveys, assessing perceived psychological stress, coping strategies, body weight dissatisfaction, dieting, and disordered eating behaviors, were completed 6 months apart by 415 young women selected from a cohort of the Women's Health Australia Study.

Results

Strong cross‐sectional relationships among the study variables were found. Results of longitudinal analyses, however, demonstrated only tenuous relationships among stress, coping, and later symptoms of disordered eating.

Discussion

These results did not support the hypothesis that stress and coping strategies would predict disordered eating over time. Some evidence was found for a modest reverse relationship between stress and disordered eating. Although contrary to generally accepted theoretical models of disordered eating, these findings are consistent with those of the few previous longitudinal studies reported. Theoretical implications are discussed. © 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 31: 71–81, 2002.
Characteristics of cavity‐isolated and cavity‐connected bow‐tie antennas for subsurface pulse radar
Authors: Nishioka Yasuhiro , Uno Toru , Iguchi Takehito
Published: August 2002

The characteristics of metal cavity‐attached resistor‐loaded bow‐tie antennas, which are widely employed as antennas for subsurface detection radars using broadband pulses, are investigated theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Two kinds of antennas are considered: isolated antennas having a structure which separates electrically the bow‐tie antenna and the metal cavity, and connected‐type antennas which connect the bow‐tie antenna and the metal cavity via a resistor. The inner cavity surfaces of both types are coated with ferrite. In this paper, the characteristics of both types of antennas are discussed from the point of view of the effects of the ferrite absorber on the above‐ground and subsurface underground radiation power, the coupling between the transmitter and the receiver, and the effects on the transient reception characteristics. The reasonableness of the analysis of the ferrite absorber is verified experimentally. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 85(8): 66–73, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.1119
Infrared reflection spectroscopic investigation of adsorption of SiHx(CH3)4−x on Si surfaces
Authors: Shinohara Masanori , Shoji Daisei , Maehama Takehiro , Akama Yosuke , Niwano Michio
Published: August 2002

The absorption process of methylsilanes [SiHx(CH3)4−x(x = 1–3)] onto Si(100) surfaces were investigated by in situ infrared adsorption spectroscopy in the multiple internal reflection geometry. It was established that the exposure of a clean Si(100) (2 × 1) surface to methylsilanes leads to a selective cleavage of SiH bonds. The hydrogen atoms and dissociated species produced in the process adsorb on the dangling bonds of Si dimer, thus forming surface‐adsorbed hydrate species SiH, SiH2, and SiH3. It was demonstrated that adsorption of monomethylsilane occurs in two different modes based on reactions of first and second order. In the adsorption process of the first order, the molecule dissociatively adsorbs on both two dangling bonds of a dimer, while in the adsorption reaction of the second order, the surface adsorbed species SiH(CH3) and a pair of hydrogen atoms are adsorbed independently. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(5): 59–65, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.1108
Resistance of spores of Bacillus species to ultraviolet light
Authors: Setlow Peter
Published: August 2002

Dormant spores of the various Bacillus species, including B. subtilis, are 5 to 50 times more resistant to UV radiation than are the corresponding growing cells. This elevated spore UV resistance is due to: a) the photochemistry of DNA within spores, as UV generates few if any cyclobutane dimers, but rather a photoproduct (Fig. 1) called spore photoproduct (SP; 5‐thyminyl‐5,6‐dihydrothymine); and b) DNA repair, in particular SP‐specific repair, during spore germination. The novel UV photochemistry of spore DNA is largely due to its saturation with a group of small, acid‐soluble proteins (SASP), which are unique to spores and whose binding alters the DNA conformation and thus its photochemistry. SP‐specific repair is also unique to spores and is carried out by a light‐independent SP‐lyase, an iron‐sulfur protein that utilizes S‐adenosylmethionine to catalyze SP monomerization without DNA backbone cleavage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 38:97–104, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What motivates European firms to adopt environmental management systems?
Authors: Rivera‐Camino Jaime
Published: August 2002

The growing world concern about the impact of industrial activities on the environment has motivated companies to adopt Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). Despite this trend, very little has been written about the variables associated with the implementation of this type of management tool. This article describes the individual, strategic and organizational variables that a sample of European firms use to determine whether to adopt these EMS. It also discusses the most frequently used environmental standards, the outside influences that motivate directors to implement them and the personal perceptions that play a key role in determining whether the standards will be adopted. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
SMEs and the environment: two case studies
Authors: Friedman Andrew L. , Miles Samantha
Published: August 2002

This paper reports on two cases conducted as part of a wider study surveying 82 UK based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The wider study evaluated an environmental initiative aimed at SMEs. Purposive sampling has been employed to highlight SMEs that made significant environmental improvements. This process emphasizes the practical issues SMEs face when implementing environmental issues as workable company policies as well as what can realistically be achieved. Without tangible evidence of environmental and financial outcomes from in‐depth cases, such initiatives run the risk of appearing to be little more than irrelevant greenwash. Such success stories can help motivate other SMEs. In addition, developers of similar initiatives can gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to success, including how to engage and maintain SME interest. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Quantitative tools for perfecting species lists
Authors: Palmer Michael W. , Earls Peter G. , Hoagland Bruce W. , White Peter S. , Wohlgemuth Thomas
Published: August 2002

A substantial body of literature has accumulated on the topic of the estimation of species richness by extrapolation. However, most of these methods rely on an objective sampling of nature. This condition is difficult to meet and seldom achieved for large regions. Furthermore, scientists conducting biological surveys often already have preliminary but subjectively gathered species lists, and would like to assess the completeness of such lists, and/or to find a way to perfect them. We propose several strategies for utilizing external data (such as might be obtained using GIS) to aid in the completion of species lists. These include: (i) using existing species lists to develop predictive models; (ii) using the uniqueness of the environment as a guide to find underrepresented species; (iii) using spectral heterogeneity to locate environmentally heterogeneous regions; (iv) combining surveys with statistical model‐building in an iterative manner. We demonstrate the potential of these approaches using simulation and case studies from Oklahoma. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Best linear unbiased quantile estimators for environmental standards
Authors: Barnett Vic , Bown Marion
Published: August 2002

Recent research has sought to develop a statistically based approach to setting environmental standards, prompted by Barnett and O'Hagan (1997) whose recommendations for a statistically verifiable ideal standard (SVIS) were endorsed by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (1998). Many current environmental standards are set without due consideration of uncertainty and variation and are often based on poorly defined principles. In this article we propose an SVIS set on a population quantile where inferences about that quantile are achieved through best linear unbiased quantile estimation (BLUQE). We concentrate on estimation using small samples from the normal distribution with both parameters unknown, as is often the case in environmental problems. We investigate the efficiency of this estimator in comparison with a quantile estimator based upon the common sample estimators of mean and standard deviation, X̄ and S, respectively. From extensive simulation, we tabulate 5 per cent and 1 per cent critical values for the 0.95 and 0.99 BLUQE and develop an approximate significance testing procedure, which we demonstrate using river water quality data. We consider the difference in power between this approximate test and a coefficient of variation‐based approach appealing to properties of the non‐central t distribution. Finally, we examine ranked set sampling and compare best linear unbiased quantile estimation based on ranked set samples with that based on ordinary random samples, demonstrating impressive efficiency gains. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of JMA instrumental seismic intensity with strong motion parameters
Authors: Karim Kazi R. , Yamazaki Fumio
Published: August 2002

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) seismic intensity (IJMA) has been used as a measure of strong shaking for many years in Japan, and it necessitates to know the correlation between the JMA seismic intensity and other strong motion indices, e.g. Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), Peak Ground Velocity (PGV), and Spectrum Intensity (SI). In this study, two strong motion data sets were selected; in which, the first set consists of 879 three‐components non‐liquefied records selected from 13 major earthquake events that occurred in Japan, the United States, and Taiwan, and the second set consists of 17 liquefied records selected from 7 major earthquake events that occurred in Japan and the United States. The JMA seismic intensity and other ground motion indices were calculated using the selected data sets. The relationships between the JMA seismic intensity and PGA, PGV, and SI were then derived performing a two‐stage linear regression analysis. Results from the analysis show that the JMA instrumental seismic intensity shows higher correlation with SI than PGA or PGV, and it shows the highest correlation with the parameters such as the combination of PGA and SI or the product of PGA and SI. The obtained relationships are also compared with the ones obtained by other studies, which may be useful for the disaster management agencies in Japan and deployment of new SI‐sensors that monitor both PGA and SI. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the seismic response of masonry buildings based on energy functions
Authors: Benedetti D. , Carydis P. , Limongelli M. P.
Published: August 2002

This work is based on energies evaluated from the responses of 12 stone and brick masonry systems subjected to 58 shaking table tests. The evolution of input energy during a damaging base excitation is correlated to the change of the damage patterns of the considered buildings. The comparison among energies dissipated and absorbed by the buildings during the various shocks gives some hints on strengthening strategies. It is found that damage to spandrel beams produces a more significant energy absorption than other types of damage. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian spectral density approach for modal updating using ambient data
Authors: Katafygiotis Lambros S. , Yuen Ka‐Veng
Published: August 2002

The problem of identification of the modal parameters of a structural model using measured ambient response time histories is addressed. A Bayesian spectral density approach (BSDA) for modal updating is presented which uses the statistical properties of a spectral density estimator to obtain not only the optimal values of the updated modal parameters but also their associated uncertainties by calculating the posterior joint probability distribution of these parameters. Calculation of the uncertainties of the identified modal parameters is very important if one plans to proceed with the updating of a theoretical finite element model based on modal estimates. It is found that the updated PDF of the modal parameters can be well approximated by a Gaussian distribution centred at the optimal parameters at which the posterior PDF is maximized. Examples using simulated data are presented to illustrate the proposed method. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Base isolation for retrofitting historic buildings: Evaluation of seismic performance through experimental investigation
Authors: De Luca Antonello , Mele Elena , Molina Javier , Verzeletti Guido , Pinto Artur V.
Published: August 2002

An experimental test program on a full‐scale model representing a sub‐assemblage of the cloister facade of the Sao Vicente de Fora monastery, retrofitted through base isolation, has been recently carried out at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. In this paper an overview of the laboratory model and the experimental results is provided. In particular, firstly the test model is described, including the geometry and mechanical properties of the masonry specimen and the design of the isolation devices; then the testing method and the sub‐structuring of the isolation system are described and the seismic inputs adopted for the pseudo‐dynamic tests are defined. Finally, the experimental results are discussed and compared to the analogous results obtained on the ‘as is’, fixed‐base sub‐assemblage model. The implications of the test outcomes are emphasized and developments of this research line are presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in sediment sources and floodplain deposition rates in the catchment of the River Tweed, Scotland, over the last 100 years: the impact of climate and land use change
Authors: Owens Philip N. , Walling Desmond E.
Published: August 2002

Evidence from floodplain cores collected from three sites in the middle reaches of the Tweed basin in Scotland is used to reconstruct changes in sediment sources and overbank floodplain deposition rates over the last c. 100 years. Core chronologies and sedimentation rates are established using 137Cs and unsupported 210Pb measurements. The average sedimentation rates since 1963 range from 1·9 ± 0·2 to 2·2 ± 0·2 kg m−2 a−1 and are lower than the average rates for the period 1894/95 to 1963, which range from 2·7 ± 0·6 to 5·9 ± 0·9 kg m−2 a−1. There is also evidence of significant downcore variations in sediment source, defined in terms of both type (i.e. topsoil or channel bank/subsoil material) and spatial location (i.e. main geological/topographic zones). There is no clear link between the changes in overbank sedimentation rates and sediment sources and the trends shown by precipitation, weather pattern and river flow records over the past 100 years, suggesting that changes in climate alone cannot explain the downcore trends. Instead, the temporal changes in overbank sedimentation rates and sediment source appear to be linked more closely to changes in land use and land management over the past 100 years and, more particularly, the introduction of land drainage at the end of the 19th century, the rapid increase in afforestation since the 1940s and the post‐war conversion of grassland to arable land. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Responsive evaluation is to personalized assessment …
Authors: Mabry Linda
Published: August 2002

Parallels are drawn between responsive evaluation of program quality and personalized assessment of individual learning. The commonalities emphasized include attention to uniqueness, respect for local understandings and contexts, and promotion of meaningful agency.
Toward a definition of the ECB process: A conversation with the ECB literature
Authors: Hueftle Stockdill Stacey , Baizerman Michael , Compton Donald W.
Published: August 2002

The authors use the literature to develop conceptual and working definitions of ECB and use these to present a frame for reading the four case studies.
Fire retardance in polyamide‐6. The effects of red phosphorus and radiation‐induced cross‐links
Authors: Balabanovich A.I. , Levchik G.F. , Levchik S.V. , Schnabel W.
Published: August 2002

Red phosphorus contained in non‐irradiated polyamide‐6 at concentrations up to 12.5 does not significantly improve the fire resistance of the polymer. It weakens the thermal stability of the polymer as reflected by a decrease in the onset temperature for mass loss from 407°C to 363°C, but causes char formation as indicated by mres=13 wt%, the non‐volatile residue at 600°C. Irradiation of polyamide‐6, loaded with red phosphorus, with 60Co‐γ‐rays generates intermolecular cross‐links resulting in an improved fire resistance. However, the absorbed dose necessary to achieve improvement is too high (>1 MGy) from a practical point of view. This inconvenience is overcome by applying triallyl cyanurate (TAC) as a cross‐linking promoter. Typically, polyamide‐6 containing 5 wt% TAC and 12.5 wt% red phosphorus exposed to a γ‐ray dose of 22 kGy yields a V‐0 rating (in the mode A UL 94 test) concurrently with a small increase in the onset temperature for mass loss and a drastic increase in the residue non‐volatile at 600°C. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The essential oils of Thymus migricus and T. fedtschenkoi var. handelii from Turkey
Authors: Başer K. Hüsnü Can , Demirci Betül , Kirimer Neş'e , Satil Fatih , Tümen Gülendam
Published: August 2002

The essential oils of Thymus migricus Klokov et Des.‐Shost. and T. fedtschenkoi Ronniger var. handelii (Ronniger) Jalas were obtained by hydrodistillation, and analysed by GC–MS. The main components in the essential oils were found to be carvacrol and thymol and linalool, respectively. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the essential oil from aerial parts of Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth. at different stages of plant growth
Authors: Dabiri M. , Sefidkon F.
Published: August 2002

The essential oils were isolated by steam distillation from aerial parts of Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth. at three stages of growth (before flowering, at the beginning of flowering and at complete flowering). The oils were investigated by a combination of GC and GC–MS. Oil yields related to the three stages of plant growth were 1.69%, 1.60% and 1.64% w/w, respectively. Oil yields, related to the stage of complete flowering, were: for flower oil, 1.45% w/w; for leaf oil 1.47% w/w; and for stem oil 2.1% w/w. Forty‐eight components were characterized from the aerial parts, the major components at the complete flowering stage being 1,8‐cineole (20.74%), camphor (14.52%), limonene (8.58%), β‐caryophyllene (7.91%), α‐pinene (7.77%), α‐humulene (6.28%) and δ‐3‐carene (6.04%). At the flowering stage, 46 components were identified: in leaf oil, β‐caryophyllene (12.51%), 1,8‐cineole (11.70%), limonene (9.66%), α‐humulene (9.36%); in stem oil, 1,8‐cineole (15.64%), β‐caryophyllene (11.92%), camphor (11.63%), α‐humulene (9.55%), limonene (5.24%); and in flower oil 1,8‐cineole (19.52%), α‐pinene (13.97%), camphor (8.60%), β‐caryophyllene (8.36%) were the major constituents. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of solutal undercooling on double‐diffusive convection and macrosegregation during binary alloy solidification: a numerical investigation
Authors: Chakraborty Suman , Dutta Pradip
Published: August 2002

In this paper, we present a macroscopic numerical model that is capable of capturing the interaction between the double‐diffusive convective field and a localized fluid flow on account of solutal undercooling during non‐equilibrium solidification of binary alloys. The model is essentially based on a fixed‐grid enthalpy based control volume approach. In the present model, microscopic features pertaining to non‐equilibrium effects on account of solutal undercooling are incorporated through the formulation of a modified partition‐coefficient. The effective partition‐coefficient is numerically modelled by means of a number of macroscopically observable parameters related to the solidifying domain. This feature has made the present treatment different from micro‐macro modelling of alloy solidification, which involves certain parameters that may not be macroscopically resolvable. Numerical simulations are performed for the case of two‐dimensional transient solidification of Pb–Sn alloys (both hypoeutectic and hypereutectic) in a rectangular cavity, employing the present model. The simulation results are also compared with the corresponding experimental results quoted in the literature, and the agreement is excellent. From the results, it can be concluded that non‐equilibrium effects on account of solutal undercooling result in a more enhanced macrosegregation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical model for the flooding and drying of irregular domains
Authors: Brufau P. , Vázquez‐Cendón M. E. , García‐Navarro P.
Published: August 2002

A numerical technique for the modelling of shallow water flow in one and two dimensions is presented in this work along with the results obtained in different applications involving unsteady flows in complex geometries. A cell‐centred finite volume method based on Roe's approximate Riemann solver across the edges of both structured and unstructured cells is presented. The discretization of the bed slope source terms is done following an upwind approach. In some applications a problem arises when the flow propagates over adverse dry bed slopes, so a special procedure has been introduced to model the advancing front. It is shown that this modification reproduces exactly steady state of still water in configurations with strong variations in bed slope and contour. The applications presented are mainly related with unsteady flow problems. The scheme is capable of handling complex flow domains as will be shown in the simulations corresponding to the test cases that are going to be presented. Comparisons of experimental and numerical results are shown for some of the tests. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gain of 1q and loss of 22 are the most common changes detected by comparative genomic hybridisation in paediatric ependymoma
Authors: Ward Samantha , Harding Brian , Wilkins Peter , Harkness William , Hayward Richard , Darling John L. , Thomas David G.T. , Warr Tracy
Published: August 2002

Ependymomas are the third most common brain tumour in the paediatric population. Although cytogenetic and molecular analyses have pinpointed deletions of chromosomes 6q, 17, and 22 in a subset of tumours, definitive patterns of genetic aberrations have not been determined. In the present study, we analysed 40 ependymomas from paediatric patients for genomic loss or gain using comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH). Eighteen of the tumours (45%) had no detectable regions of imbalance. In the remaining cases, the most common copy number aberrations were loss of 22 (25% of tumours) and gain of 1q (20%). Three regions of high copy number amplification were noted at 1q24‐31 (three cases), 8q21‐23 (two cases), and 9p (one case). Although there was no association with the loss or gain of any chromosome arm or with benign versus anaplastic histologic characteristics, the incidence of gain of 7q and 9p and loss of 17 and 22 was significantly higher in recurrent versus primary tumours. This study has identified a number of chromosomal regions that may contain candidate genes involved in the development of different subgroups of ependymoma. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its nuclear translocator (Arnt) are dispensable for normal mammary gland development but are required for fertility
Authors: Le Provost Fabienne , Riedlinger Gregory , Hee Yim Sun , Benedict Jamie , Gonzalez Frank J. , Flaws Jodi , Hennighausen Lothar
Published: August 2002

Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its nuclear translocator (Arnt) are transcription factors that play a role in the detection of and adaptation to environmental signals. AhR‐null mice are viable but show impaired lactation. Deletion of the Arnt gene from the mouse genome results in embryonic lethality. To determine the role of Arnt in mammary development and function, we inactivated the Arnt gene in mammary epithelium using Cre‐loxP recombination. Inactivation of the Arnt gene during pregnancy did not disrupt alveolar development or the ability of dams to nurse their litters. In contrast, dams in which the Arnt gene had been inactivated during puberty and in ovaries were subfertile, exhibited retarded mammary development, and impaired mammary function. To distinguish defects autonomous to mammary epithelium from indirect effects controlled by ovarian hormones, we transplanted Arnt‐null and AhR‐null mammary epithelium into wild‐type mice and evaluated development after one pregnancy. Normal mammary structures were observed in the absence of Arnt and AhR, demonstrating that neither transcription factor is necessary for mammary development. genesis 32:231–239, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotype by smoking interaction for leptin levels in the San Antonio family heart study
Authors: Martin Lisa J. , Cole Shelley A. , Hixson James E. , Mahaney Michael C. , Czerwinski Stefan A. , Almasy Laura , Blangero John , Comuzzie Anthony G.
Published: August 2002

Recent studies reported a marked inverse effect of smoking on serum levels of leptin (an adipocyte derived protein), offering a possible explanation for variation in body weight between smokers and non‐smokers. The goal of this study was to examine the genetic architecture of the response to smoking in leptin levels using data from the San Antonio Family Heart Study. We employed a variance decomposition analysis using maximum likelihood methods to model genotype by smoking interactions for leptin levels, examined the impact of the exclusion of smokers in a subsequent linkage analysis, and incorporated the QTL identified in the linkage analysis in a model of genotype by smoking interaction. We found significant evidence (P = 0.001) for a genotype by smoking status interaction for serum leptin levels. In the subsequent linkage analysis with smokers excluded, we obtained a maximum LOD score of 3.1 (P = 0.00008) near D8S1102. Using this QTL in a model of genotype by smoking status interaction, we identified significant evidence for an interaction at this specific locus (P = 0.04). Given these results, we hypothesize that a quantitative trait locus in this vicinity of chromosome 8 may have a differential effect on the expression of leptin in smokers versus non‐smokers. Genet. Epidemiol. 22:105–115, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of type I error probabilities for heterogeneity LOD scores
Authors: Abreu Paula C. , Hodge Susan E. , Greenberg David A.
Published: August 2002

Locus heterogeneity is a major confounding factor in linkage analysis. When no prior knowledge of linkage exists, and one aims to detect linkage and heterogeneity simultaneously, classical distribution theory of log‐likelihood ratios does not hold. Despite some theoretical work on this problem, no generally accepted practical guidelines exist. Nor has anyone rigorously examined the combined effect of testing for linkage and heterogeneity and simultaneously maximizing over two genetic models (dominant, recessive). The effect of linkage phase represents another uninvestigated issue. Using computer simulation, we investigated type I error (P value) of the “admixture” heterogeneity LOD (HLOD) score, i.e., the LOD score maximized over both recombination fraction θ and admixture parameter α and we compared this with the P values when one maximizes only with respect to θ (i.e., the standard LOD score). We generated datasets of phase‐known and ‐unknown nuclear families, sizes k = 2, 4, and 6 children, under fully penetrant autosomal dominant inheritance. We analyzed these datasets (1) assuming a single genetic model, and maximizing the HLOD over θ and α; and (2) maximizing the HLOD additionally over two dominance models (dominant vs. recessive), then subtracting a 0.3 correction. For both (1) and (2), P values increased with family size k; rose less for phase‐unknown families than for phase‐known ones, with the former approaching the latter as k increased; and did not exceed the one‐sided mixture distribution ξ = (½) χ + (½) χ. Thus, maximizing the HLOD over θ and α appears to add considerably less than an additional degree of freedom to the associated χ distribution. We conclude with practical guidelines for linkage investigators. Genet. Epidemiol. 22:156–169, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Causes of variation in crystal morphology in metamorphogenic pyrite deposits of the Cameros Basin (N Spain)
Authors: Alonso‐Azcárate J. , Rodas M. , Fernández‐Díaz L. , Bottrell S.H. , Mas J. R. , López‐Andrés S.
Published: August 2002

The low‐grade metasediments of the Cameros Basin, northern Spain, host a number of deposits of spectacular quality pyrite mineralization. These formed during regional metamorphism and the pyrite crystals exhibit a wide range of morphologies. On the basis of pyrite crystal habit, the deposits can be classified into two groups: Group I comprises deposits with cubic, elongated or platy crystals; Group II comprises deposits characterized by pyritohedra and cubo‐pyritohedra with striated faces, along with blocky crystals and fine‐grained aggregates. Group I deposits are formed in sequences dominated by meandriform fluviatile sediments, while Group II is hosted by deltaic plain and lacustrine metasediments.

Temperature differences between deposits and As content are possible causes of the different pyrite morphologies in the deposits, but no significant variation exists between the two groups for either factor. Comparison with experimentally grown pyrite crystals suggests that Group I deposits have morphologies indicative of lower degrees of pyrite supersaturation than pyrite crystals in Group II deposits. The sedimentary facies hosting Group II deposits provides a greater availability of sedimentary sulphur (pyrite and sulphates). Moreover, reactions involving sulphate during metamorphism may have modified fluid chemistry, which would also act to produce higher degrees of pyrite saturation in fluids derived from the sulphate‐rich deltaic plain and lacustrine metasediments hosting the Group II deposits. This hypothesis is confirmed by sulphur isotope data on the pyrites, which show a larger component of34S‐enriched sulphate‐derived sulphur in these deposits. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immune function of astrocytes
Authors: Dong Yuanshu , Benveniste Etty N.
Published: August 2002

Astrocytes are the major glial cell within the central nervous system (CNS) and have a number of important physiological properties related to CNS homeostasis. The aspect of astrocyte biology addressed in this review article is the astrocyte as an immunocompetent cell within the brain. The capacity of astrocytes to express class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and costimulatory molecules (B7 and CD40) that are critical for antigen presentation and T‐cell activation are discussed. The functional role of astrocytes as immune effector cells and how this may influence aspects of inflammation and immune reactivity within the brain follows, emphasizing the involvement of astrocytes in promoting Th2 responses. The ability of astrocytes to produce a wide array of chemokines and cytokines is discussed, with an emphasis on the immunological properties of these mediators. The significance of astrocytic antigen presentation and chemokine/cytokine production to neurological diseases with an immunological component is described. GLIA 36:180–190, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
To tell or not to tell—comparison of older patients' reaction to their diagnosis of dementia and depression
Authors: Jha Arun , Tabet Naji , Orrell Martin
Published: August 2002

Objective

Investigation of the reaction of elderly patients to the disclosure of their diagnosis of dementia compared with depression.

Design

Elderly patients suffering from dementia and depression were asked to complete a questionnaire about the diagnosis and other aspects of their clinical summary sent to them by post. Demographic data included age, gender, marital status and occupation; degree of dementia or depression was established by administering the mini‐mental state examination and the geriatric depression scale, respectively.

Setting

Patients were consecutive attendees of outpatient clinics (old age psychiatry) located in two suburban areas near London.

Measures

Demographic data included age, gender, marital status and occupation; degree of dementia or depression was established by administering the mini‐mental state examination and the geriatric depression scale, respectively.

Results

One hundred cases were recruited, 53 with dementia and 47 with depression. Most depressed and dementia patients ( > 75%) liked the idea of reading their diagnosis but 25% of dementia cases felt upset. Within the dementia group, the majority of patients with mild or severe dementia welcomed the idea of knowing their diagnosis; and 13 (100%) of the patients with vascular dementia wished to know (compared with 68% cases with Alzheimer's disease). None felt upset, and only 39% of them felt pessimistic after reading their own clinical summary. However, among dementia patients who also happened to be depressed, a higher proportion (60%) expressed an unfavourable view towards knowing their diagnosis, but only a minority (40%) of them were actually upset. Most older married females, especially those with depression and Alzheimer's disease, felt pessimistic afterwards.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between patients with dementia or depression in their wish to know their diagnosis. Patients with severe dementia, even if they felt upset, preferred to be told their diagnosis. Patients with vascular dementia tended to express a more favourable view. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Death and dementia
Authors: Keene Janet , Hope Tony , Fairburn Christopher G. , Jacoby Robin
Published: August 2002

Objective

To investigate the last phase of dementia and the causes of death; comparing autopsy and death certificate diagnoses.

Design

Prospective, 11‐year, longitudinal study of behavioural and psychological changes in dementia, with autopsy follow‐up.

Setting

Participants with dementia, living at home with a carer. All lived in Oxfordshire, UK.

Participants

Ninety‐one people with dementia (Alzheimer's disease and/or vascular dementia) who died during the course of the study.

Measures

At four‐monthly intervals, carers were interviewed about the participants' behaviour using the Present Behavioural Examination. Participants were also assessed cognitively. Causes of death were established from death certificates and, where possible, from post‐mortem examination.

Results

The main immediate cause of death recorded at autopsy was pneumonia (57%), followed by cardiovascular disease (16%) and pulmonary embolus (14%). This agreed with the immediate cause of death on 53% of death certificates. Pulmonary embolism and bronchopneumonia were under‐reported on death certificates. Dementia was mentioned on 73% of death certificates. The dementing illness lasted for a mean of 8.5 years with 58% dying in a debilitated state associated with severe dementia. In the period before death, 35% were unable to walk, 58% were hypophagic, 73% were incontinent of urine, 21% incontinent of faeces and 76% entered an institution permanently for a mean period of 18 months.

Conclusion

Family and professional carers of people with dementia can be given some information about prognosis to help them plan for the likely outcome of dementia. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relation of White Matter Hyperintensities to implicit learning in healthy older adults
Authors: Aizenstein H. J. , Nebes R. D. , Meltzer C. C. , Fukui M. B. , Williams R. L. , Saxton J. , Houck P. R. , Carter C. S. , Reynolds C. F. , DeKosky S. T.
Published: August 2002

Objective

This study examined whether MRI evidence of cerebrovascular disease in the form of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) was associated with decreased implicit sequence learning performance in a high‐functioning group of normal elderly volunteers.

Method

One hundred and eight community‐dwelling elderly individuals received an MRI and performed an implicit sequence learning task, the serial reaction time (SRT) task.

Results

Hyperintensities present in the white matter were associated with a decreased learning effect. This association was found with both deep white matter and periventricular changes. Other factors affecting SRT performance (i.e., baseline reaction time and switch‐cost) were not significantly related to the presence of WMH.

Conclusions

The results indicate that in addition to previously identified generalized cognitive deficits, WMH are also associated with a specific decrease in the implicit learning of sequences. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for making group inferences from functional MRI data using independent component analysis
Authors: Calhoun V.D. , Adali T. , Pearlson G.D. , Pekar J.J.
Published: August 2002

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a promising analysis method that is being increasingly applied to fMRI data. A principal advantage of this approach is its applicability to cognitive paradigms for which detailed models of brain activity are not available. Independent component analysis has been successfully utilized to analyze single‐subject fMRI data sets, and an extension of this work would be to provide for group inferences. However, unlike univariate methods (e.g., regression analysis, Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics), ICA does not naturally generalize to a method suitable for drawing inferences about groups of subjects. We introduce a novel approach for drawing group inferences using ICA of fMRI data, and present its application to a simple visual paradigm that alternately stimulates the left or right visual field. Our group ICA analysis revealed task‐related components in left and right visual cortex, a transiently task‐related component in bilateral occipital/parietal cortex, and a non‐task‐related component in bilateral visual association cortex. We address issues involved in the use of ICA as an fMRI analysis method such as: (1) How many components should be calculated? (2) How are these components to be combined across subjects? (3) How should the final results be thresholded and/or presented? We show that the methodology we present provides answers to these questions and lay out a process for making group inferences from fMRI data using independent component analysis. Hum. Brain Mapping 14:140–151, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of n‐(thio)phosphoryl‐n′‐2‐benzoxazolyl semicarbazides
Authors: Chen Wen‐Bin , Jin Gui‐Yu
Published: August 2002

We prepared the benzoxazole derivatives bearing the (thio) phosphoryl moiety by addition reactions of 2‐hydrazionbenzoxazole with isothiocyanato (thio) phosphates and characterized their structures by elementary analysis and 1H NMR and IR spectral data. From the results of biological activity screening, we found that these compounds possess some herbicidal, and plant growth regulator activities, and especially good fungicidal activity against Puccinia recondita. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 12:151–155, 2001
Synthesis and bioactivity of novel triazolo [1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives[3]
Authors: Yang Guangfu , Xu Li , Lu Aihong
Published: August 2002

In an attempt to discover novel compounds with high herbicidal activity and low toxicity, a series of novel 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives, α‐(5,7‐dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐2‐thio)acetamides 3 and α‐(5,7‐dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐2‐sul‐fonyl)acetamides 4, have been designed and synthesized by a three‐step synthetic route. The structures of all compounds prepared were confirmed by elemental analyses and by 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy. The results of preliminary bioassay indicate that the title compounds possess good herbicidal activity against rape (Brassica campestris L.) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloca crusgalli L.) © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 12:491–496, 2001
Representing uncertainty: the role of cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves
Authors: Fenwick Elisabeth , Claxton Karl , Sculpher Mark
Published: August 2002

Decision‐making in health care is inevitably undertaken in a context of uncertainty concerning the effectiveness and costs of health care interventions and programmes. One method that has been suggested to represent this uncertainty is the cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve. This technique, which directly addresses the decision‐making problem, has advantages over confidence interval estimation for incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios. However, despite these advantages, cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves have yet to be widely adopted within the field of economic evaluation of health care technologies. In this paper we consider the relationship between cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves and decision‐making in health care, suggest the introduction of a new concept more relevant to decision‐making, that of the cost‐effectiveness frontier, and clarify the use of these techniques when considering decisions involving multiple interventions. We hope that as a result we can encourage the greater use of these techniques. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there a kink in consumers' threshold value for cost‐effectiveness in health care?
Authors: O'Brien Bernie J. , Gertsen Kirsten , Willan Andrew R. , Faulkner A.
Published: August 2002

Background: A reproducible observation is that consumers' willingness‐to‐accept (WTA) monetary compensation to forgo a program is greater than their stated willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for the same benefit. Several explanations exist, including the psychological principle that the utility of losses weighs heavier than gains. We sought to quantify the WTP–WTA disparity from published literature and explore implications for cost‐effectiveness analysis accept–reject thresholds in the south‐west quadrant of the cost‐effectiveness plane (less effect, less cost).

Methods: We reviewed published studies (health and non‐health) to estimate the ratio of WTA to WTP for the same program benefit for each study and to determine if WTA is consistently greater than WTP in the literature.

Results: WTA/WTP ratios were greater than unity for every study we reviewed. The ratios ranged from 3.2 to 89.4 for environmental studies (n=7), 1.9 to 6.4 for health care studies (n=2), 1.1 to 3.6 for safety studies (n=4) and 1.3 to 2.6 for experimental studies (n=7).

Conclusions: Given that WTA is greater than WTP based on individual preferences, should not societal preferences used to determine cost‐effectiveness thresholds reflect this disparity? Current convention in cost‐effectiveness analysis is that any given accept–rejection criterion (e.g. $50 k/QALY gained) is symmetric – a straight line through the origin of the cost‐effectiveness plane. The WTA–WTP evidence suggests a downward ‘kink’ through the origin for the south‐west quadrant, such that the ‘selling price’ of a QALY is greater than the ‘buying price’. The possibility of ‘kinky cost‐effectiveness’ decision rules and the size of the kink merits further exploration. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.