bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tropical sun and trophy heads
Authors: Weikop Christian
Published: December 2004

Book reviewed in this article:

Ingrid Brugger, Johann Georg Prinz von Hohenzollern and Manfred Reuther (eds.), Emil Nolde und die Südsee
Size matters
Authors: Rosenberg Eric
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this article:

Elizabeth Sussman (ed.), Eva Hesse

Ann Temkin (ed.), Barnett Newman
The Origins of Architecture, After De Chirico
Authors: Mical Thomas
Published: December 2004

Giorgio de Chirico’s haunting representations of classical architecture and abandoned piazzas are often seen as anticipating the emergence of modern urbanism. This essay proposes that the metaphysical paintings, informed by Nietzschean philosophy, are posited upon a provisional origin of architecture, not as shelter, but as bodily sacrifice, turning flesh into stone, the moment into eternity. In de Chirico’s metaphysical spaces, architectural history appears a dialogue between these forces, where origin and end circulate around the fatal origin of architecture as memory. This thesis is developed and supported by the theory and practice of ‘fragmentary writing’ utilizing the works of Nietzsche’s post–structuralist interpreters.
‘Just what is it that makes today’s Hans Bellmer so different, so appealing?’
Authors: Smith Marquand
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this article:

Sue Taylor, Hans Bellmer: The Anatomy of Anxiety

Thérèse Lichtenstein, Behind Closed Doors: The Art of Hans Bellmer
On the Optimality and Limitations of Buehler Bounds
Authors: Lloyd Chris J. , Kabaila Paul
Published: December 2004

In 1957, R.J. Buehler gave a method of constructing honest upper confidence limits for a parameter that are as small as possible subject to a pre‐specified ordering restriction. In reliability theory, these ‘Buehler bounds’ play a central role in setting upper confidence limits for failure probabilities. Despite their stated strong optimality property, Buehler bounds remain virtually unknown to the wider statistical audience. This paper has two purposes. First, it points out that Buehler's construction is not well defined in general. However, a slightly modified version of the Buehler construction is minimal in a slightly weaker, but still compelling, sense. A proof is presented of the optimality of this modified Buehler construction under minimal regularity conditions. Second, the paper demonstrates that Buehler bounds can be expressed as the supremum of Buehler bounds conditional on any nuisance parameters, under very weak assumptions. This result is then used to demonstrate that Buehler bounds reduce to a trivial construction for the location‐scale model. This places important practical limits on the application of Buehler bounds and explains why they are not as well known as they deserve to be.
The Use of Balanced Incomplete Block Designs in Designing Randomized Response Surveys
Authors: Smith Narelle F. , Street Deborah J.
Published: December 2004

This paper investigates the block total response method proposed by Raghavarao and Federer for providing accurate estimates of the base rates of sensitive characteristics during surveys. It determines the best balanced incomplete block design to use to estimate the base rates for three, four, five and six sensitive attributes respectively, given a maximum total number of 13 questions. The estimates obtained from this method have smaller variance than estimates obtained using the similar, but more popular, unmatched count technique.
Prediction Error Property of the Lasso Estimator and its Generalization
Authors: Huang Fuchun
Published: December 2004

The lasso procedure is an estimator‐shrinkage and variable selection method. This paper shows that there always exists an interval of tuning parameter values such that the corresponding mean squared prediction error for the lasso estimator is smaller than for the ordinary least squares estimator. For an estimator satisfying some condition such as unbiasedness, the paper defines the corresponding generalized lasso estimator. Its mean squared prediction error is shown to be smaller than that of the estimator for values of the tuning parameter in some interval. This implies that all unbiased estimators are not admissible. Simulation results for five models support the theoretical results.
The future of management: does business history have anything to tell us?
Authors: Robertson Paul. L.
Published: December 2004

Although many of the environmental factors described by Alfred D. Chandler, Jr are altering under the impact of technological change, this will not necessarily lead to wholesale changes in the roles played by managers. Many of the functions of managers will remain intact, even if new technologies alter how they are executed. Moreover, the managerial and organizational capabilities developed to control ‘Chandlerian’ firms are adaptable and will continue to be exercised despite transformations in the contexts that initially inspired them.
Dealing with class: orthodox public discourse and Australian trade unionism
Authors: Livingstone Charles
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this article is to identify and explain some of the processes by which alignments of language, power and knowledge, and their concrete manifestations, are transformed. This theoretical discussion is then applied to the history of Australian trade unions from the late nineteenth century, in order to gain an understanding of the process that led to the development of the Australian system of arbitration and conciliation. The article also includes the argument that the role played by trade unions within the Australian social world has been substantially configured in keeping with the discursive limitations of this system.
Progress report on the new history of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Authors: Singleton John , Grimes Arthur , Hawke Gary , Holmes Frank
Published: December 2004

Work began in 2001 on a new official history of the RBNZ, focusing on the period since publication of Gary Hawke's study of the Bank in 1973. This paper discusses the arrangements under which the current project is managed, explains the significance of the RBNZ for central banking, and indicates the challenges facing the historians. A brief outline is given of the planned contents of each chapter. It is hoped that the book arising from this project will be of value to those interested in central banking and monetary policy as well as in the recent history of New Zealand. Over the years, a number of leading central banks, including the Bank of England, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the Deutsche Bundesbank, have commissioned institutional histories. The present research project on the history of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ or the ‘Bank’) falls within this tradition.
Melancholy and Amnesia: Tocqueville's Influence on Australian Democratic Theory
Authors: Patapan Haig
Published: December 2004

The paper looks at the influence of Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America on Australian democracy. It argues that the way Tocqueville approached democracy in America – the questions he posed, the problems he saw, the predictions he made – were influential for subsequent thinkers who examined the newer democracies such as Australia. To bring to light this Tocquevillian influence the paper examines two major works that have Democracy in America as their implicit or acknowledged theoretical starting point: Bryce's Modern Democracies and Hancock's Australia.
Uncertain Climate: The Recent History of Drought Policy in Australia
Authors: Botterill Linda Courtenay
Published: December 2004

In 2002 Australia experienced widespread drought, with over 70 per cent of the country experiencing serious to severe rainfall deficiencies for the period April to October. During this period images of parched landscapes were frequently shown on television, and the Farm Hand drought appeal launched, with the backing of business, to raise funds to assist drought–affected farmers. Since 1992, Australia has had in place a National Drought Policy based on principles of self–reliance and risk management. This policy reflects the neo–liberal economic policy approach, which has dominated Australian policy since the 1980s. Severe drought tests the will of policy makers to hold to this policy line as agrarian sentiments are stirred and political pressure is brought to bear to change policy settings. This article describes the history of drought policy in Australia and the challenges facing policy makers.
A Rising Tide for Jean–Marie, Jörg, & Pauline? Xenophobic Populism in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Deangelis Richard A.
Published: December 2004

Many analysts attributed right–wing victories in Italy, Portugal, Scandinavia, Holland, and in the 2002 French presidential elections, to a rising wave of xenophobic populism voicing opposition to elitism, migrants, crime, and corruption. Drawing upon increasing political mistrust and volatility, and upon discontent with moderate, left–centre governments, this populist wave looked to be tidal. The generic causes of xenophobic populism are widespread and, although complex, understandable. They now extend beyond a simple response to socioeconomic hardship, mass unemployment or uncontrolled migration. In countries like France, Austria and Australia, which have overcome most major economic and security problems, other cultural and political factors have fostered resentment. The National Front, the Freedom Party and, in Australia, perhaps even Pauline Hanson's One Nation, have assembled a durable, organised, hard core of supporters. Even without their charismatic leaders, these parties may well survive, build on their relative success, and implant themselves as a fairly permanent nuisance in the political arena.
Powerful Connections and the Challenge of Change
Authors: Hetzel Basil S.
Published: December 2004

This is an edited version of the 2002 Garran Oration presented to the National Conference held in Adelaide on 13 November 2002. Dr Hetzel indicated in his address that he was pleased to respond to the challenge of the conference title ‘Powerful Connections’ but added ‘and the Challenge of Change’. Dr Hetzel was joined in the Garran Oration by Mr James Fitzpatrick who delivered an address in verse (see Conference Papers ‘Powerful Connections’, 13–16 November 2002, IPAA).
Administering Romance: Government Policies Concerning Pre‐marriage Education Programs
Authors: Van Acker Elizabeth
Published: December 2004

Recent policy objectives surrounding the institution of marriage are based on strategies aimed at sustaining a stable and morally cohesive society. Policy‐makers disapproving of marriage breakdowns often focus on the behaviour of individuals to explain the breakdowns. Policy initiatives seek to ‘cure’ individuals to overcome the problem of marriage failure. Pre‐marriage education programs encourage self‐help and depend on individuals solving their own problems. I argue in this paper that this rational view of marriage is flawed because it does not engage with the issue of romance. This is an important concern to administrators because romance often plays a central role in partner choice and people's expectations of marriage. Policy‐makers either ignore romance or treat it as a myth to be countered; they rarely discuss how it influences a couple's decision to marry in the first place. I argue that romance should not be dismissed so easily as it plays a significant role in gender relations. Acknowledging romance ought to be a significant part of administering marriage education programs.
The Role of Performance Measures in a Federal‐state Context: The Examples of Housing and Disability Services
Authors: Monro Dugald
Published: December 2004

High hopes were held for performance measures in the reform of the administration of joint federal‐state programs in the early 1990s. They were seen as enabling the Commonwealth to take a ‘hands‐off’ role in the administration of joint programs and as ensuring the accountability of the states to the Commonwealth in a direct way through the application of sanctions for non‐performance. Despite considerable effort in developing performance measures their role became confined to achieving accountability in an indirect way through negotiations on policy. This article examines the operation of performance indicators under the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement and the Commonwealth State Disability Agreement to identify why the earlier intentions for performance measures could not be achieved.
Constructing Barriers in the Translation and Deployment of Science: Basslink — A Case Study
Authors: Duncan Ronlyn
Published: December 2004

The effect of the translation and deployment of science by development proponents in the impact assessment process is examined. Basslink, the 300 km power cable to transport electricity across Bass Strait, is the case study. Drawing on the sociology of science, this paper analyses one critic's contestation of the Basslink proponent's science. It highlights the extent to which impact assessment statements fortify proponents' knowledge‐claims, obscuring from view the conditionality of science, and making these claims resistant to independent critique, analysis and verification. These circumstances have the potential to undermine the effectiveness, equity and transparency of regulatory instruments and enforcement mechanisms that derive from the impact assessment process as well as the regime's legitimacy.
Values in Contention: Some Key Administrative Issues in 2002
Authors: Nethercote John
Published: December 2004

The year 2002 saw the values of the public service subject to considerable parliamentary and public scrutiny. Here John Nethercote reflects on the contending values evident in the outcomes and implications of the ‘children overboard inquiry’. He also sees in the resignation of Max Moore‐Wilton, and the establishment of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government, Secretary to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, developing questions about public service values. This is the eighth administrative essay published in the journal since 1996. Earlier administrative essays include Jenny Stewart 1996:55(1); Scott Prasser 1997:56(1); Judith Homeshaw 1998:57(3); Jeremy Moon 1999:58(2); Jennifer Curtin 2000:59(1); Jim Chalmers and Charles Broughton 2001:60(1); and Narelle Miragliotta 2002:61(1).
Economic Rationalism and Public Sector Ethics: Conflicts and Catalysts
Authors: James Carolynne
Published: December 2004

Given recent focus on unethical activity and failings in corporate governance in the private sector, this paper briefly overviews the application of ‘economic rationalism’ in public administration and its impacts on the ethics of public sector decisions. It is argued that although ‘unethical’ decisions in public administration may be influenced by the economic imperatives embodied in ‘economic rationalist’ policies, it does not follow that the application of economic principles is necessarily inconsistent or injurious to ethical outcomes. In many instances the application of economic principles in public administration adds value by making existing ethical conflicts transparent and enabling more informed decisions.
Fifteen‐year follow‐up of ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders compared with schizophrenia and affective disorders
Authors: Jäger M. , Bottlender R. , Strauss A. , Möller H.‐J.
Published: December 2004

Objective: The nosological status of schizoaffective disorders is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders to schizophrenia and affective disorders with respect to the clinical picture and the long‐term outcome.

Method: Two hundred and forty‐one first‐admitted inpatients from the years 1980–1982 who fulfilled the ICD‐10 criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective or affective disorders were included. Patients were examined at the time of first hospitalization and then followed‐up after 15 years.

Results: With respect to the clinical picture at the time of first hospitalization ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders were distinguishable from both schizophrenia and affective disorders. However, with respect to the long‐term outcome ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders had a prognosis similar to that of affective disorders.

Conclusion: Differing prognosis implies that schizoaffective disorders should be distinguished from schizophrenia and suggests their subcategorization under affective disorders.
South American heartland: the Charcas, Latin American geopolitics and global strategies
Authors: HEPPLE LESLIE W
Published: December 2004

Mackinder's 1904‘geographical pivot of history’ concept, subsequently developed into his famous ‘Eurasian heartland thesis’, marginalizes South America, yet his ideas have attracted considerable interest there, including interpretations (and fantasies) of a ‘South American heartland’. This paper examines the reception of Mackinder's ideas in Latin American geopolitics and how his heartland thesis was adapted for the South American context. It traces the roots of this adaptation in earlier South American geopolitical writing, and examines these ideas of counter‐insurgency policies and global geopolitical strategies, analysing their relationship to military and anticommunist perspectives.
Reduced dopamine D4 receptor mRNA expression in lymphocytes of long‐term abstinent alcohol and heroin addicts
Authors: Czermak Christoph , Lehofer Michael , Wagner Elke M. , Prietl Barbara , Lemonis Leonidas , Rohrhofer Alfred , Schauenstein Konrad , Liebmann Peter M.
Published: December 2004

Aim  It has been repeatedly suggested that dopamine receptor expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes reflects, to some extent, brain status. The aim of the present study was to investigate dopamine receptor expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of long‐term abstinent alcohol and heroin addicts against the background of the hypothesis, that a persisting dysfunction of the dopaminergic system contributes a biological cause to the chronic character of addiction.

Design  Dopamine D3 and D4 receptor mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 19 alcohol addicts, abstinent for 6.2 ± 4.7 months (mean ± SD), and 20 heroin addicts, abstinent for 6.7 ± 3.7 months (mean ± SD), and compared to a control group of 29 age‐ and sex‐matched individuals with no life‐time history of substance abuse.

Findings  One‐way anova showed significant differences in D4 mRNA expression between the groups (P = 0.005): both groups of addicts showed an approximately 50% reduction in D4 receptor mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) compared to controls. No differences were found for D3 mRNA expression between the groups.

Conclusion  The results of the present study indicate a withdrawal‐persisting dopaminergic imbalance in abstinent addicts as measured by a suggested peripheral marker.
The effectiveness of personally tailored computer‐generated advice letters for smoking cessation
Authors: Borland Ron , Balmford James , Hunt Deon
Published: December 2004

Aim  To assess the effectiveness of a new computer‐generated tailored advice programme designed to be used by smokers and recent quitters having problems staying stopped.

Design  Randomized trial comparing a series of questionnaire assessments leading to tailored computer‐generated advice letters mailed at strategically relevant times, to a no extra treatment control sent standardized printed self‐help materials.

Setting  Victoria, Australia.

Participants  A total of 1058 smokers or recent quitters recruited from callers to the Quitline.

Measurements  Smoking status and sustained abstinence at 12‐month follow‐up, plus extent of participation in the intervention.

Findings  Using a conservative analysis (missing data coded as a treatment failure), 6‐month sustained abstinence was reported by significantly more participants in the computer‐generated tailored advice (20%) than the standard printed materials condition (12%) at 12‐month follow‐up OR 1.82 (1.31–2.55)). Group differences in point prevalence abstinence (28% intervention, 25% control) were not significant. Among participants in the tailored advice condition, 6‐month sustained abstinence was associated with the number of advice letters received.

Conclusion  The provision of a series of tailored, computer‐generated advice letters resulted in greater rates of sustained cessation than for controls. A dose–response relationship was found, with increased compliance with the intervention associated with improved cessation outcomes. The programme appears to have much of its effect by preventing relapse.
Heterogeneity in 12‐month outcome among female and male smokers
Authors: Swan Gary E. , Javitz Harold S. , Jack Lisa M. , Curry Susan J. , McAfee Tim
Published: December 2004

Aims  To examine heterogeneity in outcome following treatment for smoking cessation with combined bupropion SR and behavioral counseling in women and men.

Design, setting, participants  This study included 875 women and 649 men recruited from a large health‐care system and randomized to one of four combinations of treatment [two dosage levels of bupropion SR (Zyban®, 150 mg and 300 mg) were crossed with two counseling programs of lower and higher intensity to create a four‐cell design].

Measurements and findings  A comprehensive set of relevant individual characteristics prior to treatment and treatment characteristics was included in the analysis. Smoking outcome at 12 months was defined as point‐prevalence of any regular smoking within the 7 days prior to follow‐up contact. Classification and regression tree analysis identified six subgroups in women that ranged in proportion of non‐smokers from 9.8% to 42.9% and six subgroups in men that ranged in proportion of non‐smokers from 17.3% to 50.0%.

Conclusions  These results indicate the presence of a substantial amount of variation in treatment outcome among women and men receiving combined bupropion SR and counseling. Variation in outcome could be reduced by providing treatments tailored to subgroups of individuals who are at exceptionally high risk for smoking following cessation.
Drinking pattern and risk of non‐fatal myocardial infarction: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Trevisan Maurizio , Dorn Joan , Falkner Karen , Russell Marcia , Ram Malathi , Muti Paola , Freudenheim Jo L. , Nochajaski Thomas , Hovey Kathy
Published: December 2004

Aims  Alcohol consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease incidence and mortality. However, most studies have focused on an average volume per specific time period and have paid little attention to the pattern of drinking. The aim of this study was to examine the association between various drinking patterns and myocardial infarction (MI).

Design  A population‐based case–control study.

Methods  Participants were 427 white males with incident MI and 905 healthy white male controls (age 35–69 years) selected randomly from two Western New York counties. During computer‐assisted interviews detailed information was collected regarding patterns of alcohol consumption during the 12–24 months prior to interview (controls) or MI (cases).

Findings  Compared to life‐time abstainers, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for non‐current and current drinkers were 0.66 (0.31–1.39) and 0.50 (0.24–1.02), respectively. Daily drinkers exhibited a significantly lower OR (0.41) compared to life‐time abstainers. Participants who drank mainly without food had an OR of 1.49 (0.96–2.31) compared to those who drank mainly with food and 0.62 (0.28–1.37) compared to life‐time abstainers. Men who reported drinking only at weekends had a significantly greater MI risk [1.91; (1.21–3.01)] compared to men who drank less than once/week, but not compared to life‐time abstainers [0.91 (0.40–2.07)].

Conclusions  Our results indicate that patterns of alcohol use have important cardiovascular health implications.
The utility of drug testing in epidemiological research: results from a general population survey
Authors: Fendrich Michael , Johnson Timothy P. , Wislar Joseph S. , Hubbell Amy , Spiehler Vina
Published: December 2004

Aims  To assess the utility of biological testing in a general population survey for estimating prevalence and evaluating self‐report data quality.

Design  An audio computer‐assisted interview was administered to subjects from June 2001 to January 2002. Immediately following the interview, subjects were requested to participate in hair, oral fluid and urine testing.

Setting  Subjects were from randomly selected households in the City of Chicago using multi‐stage sampling methods. Interviews were conducted in subjects’ homes.

Participants  The data represent 627 randomly selected adult participants, ages 18–40 years.

Measurements  Prevalance, kappa, conditioned kappa, sensitivity, specificity, under‐reporting, ‘mixed model’ and logistic regression.

Findings  Higher rates of marijuana use were generated from survey reports than from drug testing. Drug testing generated higher prevalence rates than survey reports for recent use of cocaine and heroin. Under‐reporting of recent drug use was apparent for all three substances. Sensitivity was particularly low for cocaine and heroin. Race was related to under‐reporting, with African Americans less likely to report marijuana use despite a positive test result.

Conclusions  The utility of drug testing for surveys depends on the type of substance examined as well as on the type of test employed. Multiple tests have more utility than a single test. Drug testing is useful for identifying the levels and sources of under‐reporting in a survey and provides a basis for adjusting prevalence estimates based on self‐reports.
Alcohol expectancies and drinking in different age groups
Authors: Leigh Barbara C. , Stacy Alan W.
Published: December 2004

Aims  Because expectancies about the effects of alcohol change as drinking experience is accumulated, it is likely that the relationship of expectancy to drinking will differ with age. In this study, we examine the prediction of drinking behavior from positive and negative outcome expectancy at different ages.

Design  Data were collected as part of the National Alcohol Survey, using a multi‐stage area probability sample of the household population of the 48 contiguous United States.

Participants  US residents aged 12 and older (n = 2875).

Measurements  Survey questions included drinking habits (frequency, quantity, frequency of drunkenness, maximum quantity) and beliefs about the effects of alcohol (alcohol expectancies).

Findings  Structural equation models tested the relationship of positive and negative expectancy to drinking behavior in six age groups. Outcome expectancy accounted for a larger portion of the variance in drinking among younger respondents than among older respondents. However, suppression effects were common. When suppression effects were considered, positive expectancy predicted drinking better than negative expectancy only among respondents under 35, while negative expectancy was a better predictor of drinking status in most respondents over 35 years. Among drinkers, positive expectancy predominated over negative expectancy when suppression effects were considered.

Conclusions  These results suggest that negative expectancy predicts abstention, while positive expectancy predicts level of drinking among drinkers. In expectancy research, differences between drinkers and abstainers, age of participants and the presence of suppression effects should be taken into account.
Prize reinforcement contingency management for treating cocaine users: how low can we go, and with whom?
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , Tedford Jacqueline , Austin Mark , Nich Charla , Carroll Kathleen M. , Rounsaville Bruce J.
Published: December 2004

Aims  This study evaluated the efficacy of a low‐cost, prize reinforcement contingency management (CM) intervention for reducing cocaine use.

Setting  Community‐based treatment centers.

Participants and design  Cocaine‐abusing out‐patients (n = 120) were assigned randomly to one of three 12‐week conditions: standard treatment, standard treatment plus CM with an expected maximum of $80 of reinforcement or standard treatment plus CM with an expected maximum of $240 of reinforcement.

Intervention  In the CM conditions, patients earned the opportunity to win prizes for submitting negative urine samples and completing goal‐related activities.

Measurements  Drug use was measured at intake and throughout a 3‐month treatment period.

Findings  Patients in the $240 CM condition achieved more abstinence than patients in the standard condition. Patients who initiated treatment with positive urinalysis results were most responsive to the CM intervention, with the $240 CM condition engendering the best effects in this subgroup. In contrast, patients who initiated treatment with negative urinalysis results generally remained abstinent during treatment, regardless of treatment assignment. On average, patients in the two CM conditions earned $36 and $68 in prizes.

Conclusions  This study suggests that prize reinforcement CM may be suitable for community‐based settings, and beneficial effects may be magnitude‐dependent in more severe patients.
Drinking pattern and mortality in middle‐aged men and women
Authors: Tolstrup Janne S. , Jensen Majken K. , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Grønbæk Morten
Published: December 2004

Aims To address the prospective association between alcohol drinking pattern and all‐cause mortality.

Design Population‐based cohort study conducted between 1993 and 2003.

Setting Denmark.

Participants A total of 26 909 men and 29 626 women aged 55–65 years.

Measurements We obtained risk estimates for all‐cause mortality for different levels of quantity and frequency of alcohol intake adjusted for life‐style factors, including diet.

Findings During follow‐up, 1528 men and 915 women died. For the same average consumption of alcohol, a non‐frequent intake implied a higher risk of death than a frequent one.

Conclusions Drinking pattern and not just the total amount of alcohol consumed is important for the association between alcohol intake and mortality. These results suggest that future public guidelines concerning sensible alcohol drinking should include messages about drinking pattern together with quantity of alcohol.
Experimenter‐defined quit dates for smoking cessation: adherence improves outcomes for women but not for men
Authors: Borrelli Belinda , Papandonatos George , Spring Bonnie , Hitsman Brian , Niaura Raymond
Published: December 2004

Aims Smoking cessation treatment trials often require that smokers quit on or before a protocol‐defined date. The goals of this paper were to: (1) identify factors associated with adherence to a protocol‐defined quit date and (2) determine whether such adherence predicts cessation outcome (relapse).

Design A quasi‐experimental secondary analysis of data collected from a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of fluoxetine (60 mg or 30 mg) versus placebo for smoking cessation.

Setting and participants Clinic‐based smoking cessation treatment program comprising 989 non‐depressed smokers.

Intervention Participants received cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking cessation and either study medication or placebo for 10 weeks. They were required to set a quit date within 2 weeks of their second study visit (by visit 4).

Findings Significant predictors of quit date adherence were low nicotine dependence and active drug treatment. High‐dose fluoxetine (60 mg) and male gender were protective against relapse. Adherence to quit date was not an independent predictor of relapse; instead there was a significant interaction between quit date adherence and gender. Among non‐adherers to the quit date, women were more than 2.5 times as likely as men to relapse; among adherers to the quit date, women were only 1.3 times as likely as men to relapse.

Conclusions Although women were more likely than men to relapse regardless of quit date adherence, adherence was strongly protective against relapse for women.
Antisecretory factor peptide derivatives specifically inhibit [3H]‐γ‐amino‐butyric acid/36Cl− out→in permeation across the isolated rabbit Deiters’ neuronal membrane
Authors: Rapallino M. V. , Cupello A. , Lange S. , Lönnroth I.
Published: December 2004

Aims:  Antisecretory factor (AF) is a 41‐kDa protein, its main function being the regulation of intestinal ion/water transport, but it also inhibits chloride and γ‐amino‐butyric acid transport across nerve cell membranes. The present experiments were designed to evaluate whether the same AF peptide sequence mediates the permeability effects seen at the nerve cell membrane and in the rat small intestine.

Methods:  Four peptides were prepared by the solid phase technique with sequences derived from positions 1–51 of the full‐length antisecretory factor AF and tested on nerve cell membranes isolated from rabbit Dieter cells.

Results:  AF peptides containing the active 36–51 peptide exerted a blocking effect of the out→in permeation of 36Cl− as well as of [3H]‐γ‐amino‐butyric acid. The minimal dose causing inhibition, however, varied between 10−11 m (AF10) and 10−7 m (AF13). The most potent peptides have been shown previously to be active in inhibiting experimental diarrhoea in vivo in small intestinal ligated loops in rats. The non‐active sequence AF23–32 did not inhibit any of the two permeation markers in vitro, a result which supports the lack of activity found also in vivo.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that AF, or AF derivatives, counteract intestinal hypersecretion by blocking anion permeation across large anionic pores. Such a blocking effect could also influence the generation of action potentials in enteric nerve cells controlling the intestinal water and ion transport system.
Predicting in situ soil N2O emission using NOE algorithm and soil database
Authors: Hénault C. , Bizouard F. , Laville P. , Gabrielle B. , Nicoullaud B. , Germon J. C. , Cellier P.
Published: December 2004

This paper presents a new algorithm, Nitrous Oxide Emission (NOE) for simulating the emission of the greenhouse gas N2O from agricultural soils. N2O fluxes are calculated as the result of production through denitrification and nitrification and reduction through the last step of denitrification. Actual denitrification and nitrification rates are calculated from biological parameters and soil water‐filled pore space, temperature and mineral nitrogen contents. New suggestions in NOE consisted in introducing (1) biological site‐specific parameters of soil N2O reduction and (2) reduction of the N2O produced through nitrification to N2 through denitrification. This paper includes a database of 64 N2O fluxes measured on the field scale with corresponding environmental parameters collected from five agricultural situations in France. This database was used to test the validity of this algorithm. Site per site comparison of simulated N2O fluxes against observed data leads to mixed results. For 80% of the tested points, measured and simulated fluxes are in accordance whereas the others resulted in an important discrepancy. The origin of this discrepancy is discussed. On the other hand, mean annual fluxes measured on each site were strongly correlated to mean simulated annual fluxes. The biological site‐specific parameter of soil N2O reduction introduced into NOE appeared particularly useful to discriminate the general level of N2O emissions from site to site. Furthermore, the relevance of NOE was confirmed by comparing measured and simulated N2O fluxes using some data from the US TRAGNET database. We suggest the use of NOE on a regional scale in order to predict mean annual N2O emissions.
Methane efflux in relation to plant biomass and sediment characteristics in stands of three common emergent macrophytes in boreal mesoeutrophic lakes
Authors: Kankaala Paula , Käki Tiina , Mäkelä Suvi , Ojala Anne , Pajunen Hannu , Arvola Lauri
Published: December 2004

Methane efflux was studied in stands of three emergent macrophyte species (Equisetum fluviatile, Schoenoplectus lacustris and Phragmites australis) commonly found in the littoral zone of boreal lakes. In vegetation stands with relatively low methane (CH4) emissions (<0.3 mol m−2 (ice‐free period)−1), the seasonal variation of CH4 efflux was better correlated with the dynamics of plant growth than variation in sediment temperature. In dense and productive vegetation stands that released high amounts of CH4 (2.3–7.7 mol m−2 (ice‐free period)−1), the seasonal variation in CH4 efflux was correlated with sediment temperature, indicating that methanogens were more limited by temperature than substrate supply. The bottom type at the growth site of the emergent plants significantly influenced the ratio of CH4 efflux to aboveground biomass of plants (Eff : B). The lowest Eff : B ratio was found in E. fluviatile stands growing on sand bottom under experimental conditions and the highest in P. australis‐dominated littoral areas accumulating detritus from external sources. The future changes expected in the hydrology of boreal lakes and rivers because of climatic warming may impact the growth conditions of aquatic macrophytes as well as decomposition and accumulation of detritus and, thus, CH4 effluxes from boreal lakes.
The effects of glacial atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate on isoprene emissions by vascular plants
Authors: Possell Malcolm , Nicholas Hewitt C. , Beerling David J.
Published: December 2004

Isoprene (C5H8) emissions by terrestrial vegetation vary with temperature and light intensity, and play an important role in biosphere–chemistry–climate interactions. Such interactions were probably substantially modified by Pleistocene climate and CO2 cycles. Central to understanding the nature of these modifications is assessment and analysis of how emissions changed under glacial environmental conditions. Currently, even the net direction of change is difficult to predict because a CO2‐depleted atmosphere may have stimulated emissions compensating for the negative impacts of a cooler climate. Here, we address this issue and attempt to determine the direction of change from an experimental standpoint by investigating the interaction between isoprene emissions and plant growth of two known isoprene‐emitting herbaceous species (Mucuna pruriens and Arundo donax) grown at glacial (180 ppm) to present (366 ppm) CO2 levels. We found a significant enhancement of isoprene emissions per unit leaf area in M. pruriens under subambient CO2 concentrations relative to ambient controls but not for A. donax. In contrast, canopy emissions remained unaltered for both plant species because enhanced leaf emissions were offset by reductions in biomass and leaf area. Separate growth experiments with M. pruriens revealed that lowering day/night temperatures by 5°C decreased canopy isoprene emissions irrespective of the CO2 level. Incorporation of these results into a simple canopy emissions model highlights their potential to attenuate reductions in the total isoprene flux from forests under glacial conditions predicted by standard models.
A parameterization of leaf phenology for the terrestrial ecosystem component of climate models
Authors: Arora Vivek K. , Boer George J.
Published: December 2004

Leaf phenology remains one of the most difficult processes to parameterize in terrestrial ecosystem models because our understanding of the physical processes that initiate leaf onset and senescence is incomplete. While progress has been made at the molecular level, for example by identifying genes that are associated with senescence and flowering for selected plant species, a picture of the processes controlling leaf phenology is only beginning to emerge. A variety of empirical formulations have been used with varying degrees of success in terrestrial ecosystem models for both extratropical and tropical biomes. For instance, the use of growing degree‐days (GDDs) to initiate leaf onset has received considerable recognition and this approach is used in a number of models. There are, however, limitations when using GDDs and other empirically based formulations in global transient climate change simulations.

The phenology scheme developed for the Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CTEM), designed for inclusion in the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis coupled general circulation model, is described. The representation of leaf phenology is general enough to be applied over the globe and sufficiently robust for use in transient climate change simulations. Leaf phenology is functionally related to the (possibly changing) climate state and to atmospheric composition rather than to geographical boundaries or controls implicitly based on current climate. In this approach, phenology is controlled by environmental conditions as they affect the carbon balance. A carbon‐gain‐based scheme initiates leaf onset when it is beneficial for the plant, in carbon terms, to produce new leaves. Leaf offset is initiated by unfavourable environmental conditions that incur carbon losses and these include shorter day length, cooler temperatures, and dry soil moisture conditions. The comparison of simulated leaf onset and offset times with observation‐based estimates for temperate and boreal deciduous, tropical evergreen, and tropical deciduous plant functional types at selected locations indicates that the phenology scheme performs satisfactorily. Model simulated leaf area index and stem and root biomass are also compared with observational estimates to illustrate the performance of CTEM.
Cough provocation with capsaicin is an objective way to test sensory hyperreactivity in patients with asthma‐like symptoms
Authors: Millqvist E.
Published: December 2004

Background: A group of patients with asthma‐like symptoms and sensitivity to chemical irritants, but without bronchial obstruction, has been found among subjects referred for suspected asthma. They have no well‐defined diagnosis, and no objective diagnostic method has previously been available. These patients are more sensitive to inhaled capsaicin than are patients with asthma or healthy controls. The aim was to study cough and other capsaicin‐induced symptoms and to test the effect of a drug (lidocaine) that inhibits nerve transmission in sensory nerves.

Methods: Twelve patients were provoked with three different concentrations of inhaled capsaicin solutions in a randomized, double‐blind order. They all had asthma‐like symptoms and were sensitive to chemical irritants, but had noIgE‐mediated allergy or demonstrable bronchial obstruction. Before the provocations, the patients inhaled lidocaine or placebo (saline), also ina double‐blind, randomized order. The results were expressed as the numberof coughs and scores of various symptoms.

Results: The patients reacted in a dose‐dependent way with cough, airway, and eye symptoms, which were significantly reduced after preinhalation of lidocaine.

Conclusions: A drug that inhibits transmission in sensory nerves successfully blocked the number of coughs and other symptoms provoked by inhalation of capsaicin. This indicates that the mechanisms underlying chemical sensitivity in these patients may originate in the sensory nervous system, and we call this condition “sensory hyperreactivity”.
Fine‐scale mapping of type I allergy candidate loci suggests central susceptibility genes on chromosomes 3q, 4q and Xp
Authors: Haagerup A. , Børglum A. D. , Binderup H. G. , Kruse T. A.
Published: December 2004

Background:  Type I allergy globally affects an increasing number of individuals with the consequence of considerable personal morbidity and socio‐economic costs. Identification of disease susceptibility genes would render enormous medical perspectives in terms of improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Like for other complex disorders, achievement of the knowledge necessary depends on confirmation of reported genomic candidate regions.

Methods:  We performed a two‐stage fine‐scale linkage analysis in 11 selected candidate regions on chromosome 3p, 3q, 4p, 4q, 5q, 6p, 9p, 12q, 12qter, 18q and Xp. We analysed 97 polymorphic markers in 424 individuals from 100 sib‐pair families and evaluated the data for five phenotypes: Allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and total and specific immunoglobulin E.

Results:  The highest maximum likelihood scores (MLS) were obtained on chromosomes 3q (MLS = 2.69), 4p (MLS = 2.34), 4q (MLS = 2.75), 6p (MLS = 2.22), 12qter (MLS = 2.15) and Xp (MLS = 2.23). All five phenotypes showed MLS ≥ 2 in one or more of the candidate regions.

Conclusions: Susceptibility genes in the 3q, 4q and Xp regions may play a central role in the inheritance of allergic disease, as positive results were obtained for all five phenotypes in these three regions.
Mitochondrial membrane potential and aging
Authors: Nicholls David G.
Published: December 2004

The mitochondrial membrane potential (or protonmotive force) is the central bioenergetic parameter that controls respiratory rate, ATP synthesis and the generation of reactive oxygen species, and is itself controlled by electron transport and proton leaks. As a consequence of extensive research, there has emerged a consensus as to how these parameters integrate. Despite this consensus, the literature contains contradictory reports on the extent to which these parameters are modified in animal models of aging. This article critically examines the basis for a number of these reports.
Oxidative damage in cultured human olfactory neurons from Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Ghanbari Hossein A. , Ghanbari Kasra , Harris Peggy L. R. , Jones Paul K. , Kubat Zvezdana , Castellani Rudolph J. , Wolozin Benjamin L. , Smith Mark A. , Perry George
Published: December 2004

Oxidative abnormalities precede clinical and pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease and are the earliest pathological changes reported in the disease. The olfactory pathways and mucosa also display the pathological features associated with Alzheimer's disease in the brain. Olfactory neurons are unique because they can undergo neurogenesis and are able to be readily maintained in cell culture. In this study, we examined neuronal cell cultures derived from olfactory mucosa of Alzheimer's disease and control patients for oxidative stress responses. Levels of lipid peroxidation (hydroxynonenal), Nɛ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (glycoxidative and lipid peroxidation), and oxidative stress response (heme oxygenase‐1) were measured immunocytochemically. We found increased levels for all the oxidative stress markers examined in Alzheimer's disease neurons as compared to controls. Interestingly, in one case of Alzheimer's disease, we found hydroxynonenal adducts accumulated in cytoplasmic lysosome‐like structures in about 20% of neurons cultured, but not in neurons from control patients. These lysosome‐like structures are found in about 100% of the vulnerable neurons in brains of cases of Alzheimer's disease. This study suggests that manifestations of oxidative imbalance in Alzheimer's disease extend to cultured olfactory neurons. Primary culture of human olfactory neurons will be useful in understanding the mechanism of oxidative damage in Alzheimer's disease and can even be utilized in developing therapeutic strategies.