bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General formulation for quantitative G‐factor calculation in GRAPPA reconstructions
Authors: Breuer Felix A. , Kannengiesser Stephan A.R. , Blaimer Martin , Seiberlich Nicole , Jakob Peter M. , Griswold Mark A.
Published: July 2009

In this work a theoretical description for practical quantitative estimation of the noise enhancement in generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) reconstructions, equivalent to the geometry (g)‐factor in sensitivity encoding for fast MRI (SENSE) reconstructions, is described. The GRAPPA g‐factor is derived directly from the GRAPPA reconstruction weights. The procedure presented here also allows the calculation of quantitative g‐factor maps for both the uncombined and combined accelerated GRAPPA images. This enables, for example, a fast comparison between the performances of various GRAPPA reconstruction kernels or SENSE reconstructions. The applicability of this approach is validated on phantom studies and demonstrated using in vivo images for 1D and 2D parallel imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automatic slice positioning (ASP) for passive real‐time tracking of interventional devices using projection‐reconstruction imaging with echo‐dephasing (PRIDE)
Authors: Patil S. , Bieri O. , Jhooti P. , Scheffler K.
Published: July 2009

A novel and fast approach for passive real‐time tracking of interventional devices using paramagnetic markers, termed “projection‐reconstruction imaging with echo‐dephasing” (PRIDE) is presented. PRIDE is based on the acquisition of echo‐dephased projections along all three physical axes. Dephasing is preferably set to 4π within each projection ensuring that background tissues do not contribute to signal formation and thus appear heavily suppressed. However, within the close vicinity of the paramagnetic marker, local gradient fields compensate for the intrinsic dephasing to form an echo. Successful localization of the paramagnetic marker with PRIDE is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in the presence of different types of off‐resonance (air/tissue interfaces, main magnetic field inhomogeneities, etc). In order to utilize the PRIDE sequence for vascular interventional applications, it was interleaved with balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) to provide positional updates to the imaged slice using a dedicated real‐time feedback link. Active slice positioning (ASP) with PRIDE is demonstrated in vitro, requiring approximately 20 ms for the positional update to the imaging sequence, comparable to existing active tracking methods. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of nonlinear dimensionality reduction to characterize the conformational landscape of small peptides
Authors: Stamati Hernán , Clementi Cecilia , Kavraki Lydia E.
Published: July 2009

The automatic classification of the wealth of molecular configurations gathered in simulation in the form of a few coordinates that help to explain the main states and transitions of the system is a recurring problem in computational molecular biophysics. We use the recently proposed ScIMAP algorithm to automatically extract motion parameters from simulation data. The procedure uses only molecular shape similarity and topology information inferred directly from the simulated conformations, and is not biased bya prioriknown information. The automatically recovered coordinates prove as excellent reaction coordinates for the molecules studied and can be used to identify stable states and transitions, and as a basis to build free‐energy surfaces. The coordinates provide a better description of the free energy landscape when compared with coordinates computed using principal components analysis, the most popular linear dimensionality reduction technique. The method is first validated on the analysis of the dynamics of an all‐atom model of alanine dipeptide, where it successfully recover all previously known metastable states. When applied to characterize the simulated folding of a coarse‐grained model of β‐hairpin, in addition to the folded and unfolded states, two symmetric misfolding crossings of the hairpin strands are observed, together with the most likely transitions from one to the other. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dispersive properties of 4f states in rare‐earth systems
Authors: Laubschat C. , Danzenbächer S. , Vyalikh D. V. , Molodtsov S. L. , Kucherenko Yu.
Published: July 2009

Angle‐resolved photoemission spectra of Ce, Yb, and Eu systems reveal dispersions and momentum dependent energy splittings of the 4f emissions that are obviously caused by the interaction of localized 4f states with delocalized valenceband states. The spectra may be described satisfactorily in the light of a simplified approach of the periodic Anderson model by a momentum dependence of the electron hopping matrix elements. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Developing a learning progression for scientific modeling: Making scientific modeling accessible and meaningful for learners
Authors: Schwarz Christina V. , Reiser Brian J. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Kenyon Lisa , Achér Andres , Fortus David , Shwartz Yael , Hug Barbara , Krajcik Joe
Published: July 2009

Modeling is a core practice in science and a central part of scientific literacy. We present theoretical and empirical motivation for a learning progression for scientific modeling that aims to make the practice accessible and meaningful for learners. We define scientific modeling as including the elements of the practice (constructing, using, evaluating, and revising scientific models) and the metaknowledge that guides and motivates the practice (e.g., understanding the nature and purpose of models). Our learning progression for scientific modeling includes two dimensions that combine metaknowledge and elements of practice—scientific models as tools for predicting and explaining, and models change as understanding improves. We describe levels of progress along these two dimensions of our progression and illustrate them with classroom examples from 5th and 6th graders engaged in modeling. Our illustrations indicate that both groups of learners productively engaged in constructing and revising increasingly accurate models that included powerful explanatory mechanisms, and applied these models to make predictions for closely related phenomena. Furthermore, we show how students engaged in modeling practices move along levels of this progression. In particular, students moved from illustrative to explanatory models, and developed increasingly sophisticated views of the explanatory nature of models, shifting from models as correct or incorrect to models as encompassing explanations for multiple aspects of a target phenomenon. They also developed more nuanced reasons to revise models. Finally, we present challenges for learners in modeling practices—such as understanding how constructing a model can aid their own sensemaking, and seeing model building as a way to generate new knowledge rather than represent what they have already learned. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 632–654, 2009
Getting multi‐dimensional trees into a new shape
Authors: Korn Ralf , Müller Stefanie
Published: July 2009

The use of the numerous variants of binomial trees in option pricing is ubiquitous. They are not only easy to understand and to implement, but also range among the most efficient methods for many pricing problems. However, there are at least two main problems regarding their application: In multi‐asset markets, conventional tree construction methods cannot ensure well‐defined transition probabilities for any desired correlation structure between the assets. Furthermore, binomial tree methods often exhib‐it an irregular convergence behavior of the option prices computed for a decreasing sequence of step sizes (i.e. for a sequence of growing trees). The most prominent example of irregular behavior is the so‐called sawtooth effect. In this article we will present a universal method that can overcome both problems at once. Copyright © 2009 Wilmott Magazine Ltd
Understanding antecedents of new product development speed: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Jiyao , Damanpour Fariborz , Reilly Richard R.
Published: July 2009

New product development (NPD) speed is a key component of time‐based strategy, which has become increasingly important for managing innovation in a fast‐changing business environment. This meta‐analytic review assesses the generalizability of the relationships between NPD speed and 17 of its antecedents to provide a better understanding of the salient and cross‐situationally consistent factors that affect NPD speed. We grouped the antecedents into four categories of strategy, project, process, and team, and found that process and team characteristics are more generalizable and cross‐situationally consistent determinants of NPD speed than strategy and project characteristics. We also conducted subgroup analyses and found that research method variables, such as level of analysis, source of data, and measurement of speed, moderate the relationships between NPD speed and its antecedents. We apply the study's findings to assess several models of NPD speed, such as the balanced model of product development, the strategic orientation and organizational capability model, the compression vs. the experiential model, the centrifugal and centripetal model, and the product development cycle time model. We also discuss the implications of our findings for research and practice.
Inflammatory Disease Processes and Interactions with Nutrition
Authors: Calder P. C. , Albers R. , Antoine J.-M. , Blum S. , Bourdet-Sicard R. , Ferns G. A. , Folkerts G. , Friedmann P. S. , Frost G. S. , Guarner F. , Løvik M. , Macfarlane S. , Meyer P. D. , M'Rabet L. , Serafini M. , van Eden W. , van Loo J. , Vas Dias W. , Vidry S. , Winklhofer-Roob B. M. , Zhao J.
Published: July 2009

Inflammation is a stereotypical physiological response to infections and tissue injury; it initiates pathogen killing as well as tissue repair processes and helps to restore homeostasis at infected or damaged sites. Acute inflammatory reactions are usually self-limiting and resolve rapidly, due to the involvement of negative feedback mechanisms. Thus, regulated inflammatory responses are essential to remain healthy and maintain homeostasis. However, inflammatory responses that fail to regulate themselves can become chronic and contribute to the perpetuation and progression of disease. Characteristics typical of chronic inflammatory responses underlying the pathophysiology of several disorders include loss of barrier function, responsiveness to a normally benign stimulus, infiltration of inflammatory cells into compartments where they are not normally found in such high numbers, and overproduction of oxidants, cytokines, chemokines, eicosanoids and matrix metalloproteinases. The levels of these mediators amplify the inflammatory response, are destructive and contribute to the clinical symptoms. Various dietary components including long chain ω-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, plant flavonoids, prebiotics and probiotics have the potential to modulate predisposition to chronic inflammatory conditions and may have a role in their therapy. These components act through a variety of mechanisms including decreasing inflammatory mediator production through effects on cell signaling and gene expression (ω-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, plant flavonoids), reducing the production of damaging oxidants (vitamin E and other antioxidants), and promoting gut barrier function and anti-inflammatory responses (prebiotics and probiotics). However, in general really strong evidence of benefit to human health through anti-inflammatory actions is lacking for most of these dietary components. Thus, further studies addressing efficacy in humans linked to studies providing greater understanding of the mechanisms of action involved are required.
Dietary carbohydrates, glycaemic load, food groups and newly detected type 2 diabetes among urban Asian Indian population in Chennai, India (Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study 59)
Authors: Mohan Viswanathan , Radhika Ganesan , Sathya Rangaswamy Mohan , Tamil Selvi Ramjothi , Ganesan Anbazhagan , Sudha Vasudevan
Published: July 2009

The aim of the study was to examine the association of dietary carbohydrates and glycaemic load with the risk of type 2 diabetes among an urban adult Asian Indian population. Adult subjects aged >20 years (n 1843) were randomly selected from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study, in Chennai city in southern India. Dietary carbohydrates, glycaemic load and food groups were assessed using FFQ. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed using 75 g glucose in all subjects. Diagnosis of diabetes was based on WHO Consulting Group criteria. OR for newly detected diabetes were calculated for carbohydrates, glycaemic load and specific food groups comparing subjects in the highest with those in the lowest quartiles, after adjustment for potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, physical activity, current smoking, alcohol consumption and relevant dietary factors. We identified 156 (8·5 %) newly diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes. Refined grain intake was positively associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (OR 5·31 (95 % CI 2·98, 9·45); P < 0·001). In the multivariate model, after adjustment for potential confounders, total carbohydrate (OR 4·98 (95 % CI 2·69, 9·19), P < 0·001), glycaemic load (OR 4·25 (95 % CI 2·33, 7·77); P < 0·001) and glycaemic index (OR 2·51 (95 % CI 1·42, 4·43); P = 0·006) were associated with type 2 diabetes. Dietary fibre intake was inversely associated with diabetes (OR 0·31 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·62); P < 0·001). In urban south Indians, total dietary carbohydrate and glycaemic load are associated with increased, and dietary fibre with decreased, risk of type 2 diabetes.
Mapping multiple quantitative trait loci under Bayes error control
Authors: SHRINER DANIEL
Published: July 2009

In mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), performing hypothesis tests of linkage to a phenotype of interest across an entire genome involves multiple comparisons. Furthermore, linkage among loci induces correlation among tests. Under many multiple comparison frameworks, these problems are exacerbated when mapping multiple QTLs. Traditionally, significance thresholds have been subjectively set to control the probability of detecting at least one false positive outcome, although such thresholds are known to result in excessively low power to detect true positive outcomes. Recently, false discovery rate (FDR)-controlling procedures have been developed that yield more power both by relaxing the stringency of the significance threshold and by retaining more power for a given significance threshold. However, these procedures have been shown to perform poorly for mapping QTLs, principally because they ignore recombination fractions between markers. Here, I describe a procedure that accounts for recombination fractions and extends FDR control to include simultaneous control of the false non-discovery rate, i.e. the overall error rate is controlled. This procedure is developed in the Bayesian framework using a direct posterior probability approach. Data-driven significance thresholds are determined by minimizing the expected loss. The procedure is equivalent to jointly maximizing positive and negative predictive values. In the context of mapping QTLs for experimental crosses, the procedure is applicable to mapping main effects, gene–gene interactions and gene–environment interactions.
Pedigree analysis for conservation of genetic diversity and purging
Authors: WELLMANN R. , PFEIFFER I.
Published: July 2009

We present an approach to describe and evaluate changes in genetic diversity and to calculate bounds for improvement. This pedigree-based analysis was applied to the Kromfohrländer dog (FCI Gr9 Sec10). Pedigrees trace back to the foundation of the breed and were available for 5527 individuals. Based on this dataset the population structure and historical bottlenecks were studied. Distributions of allele frequencies were estimated by Monte Carlo simulation. To monitor changes in mating systems throughout the breeding history, the homozygosity of alleles was compared with their expectations in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Different breeding lines were identified by hierarchical cluster analysis and were characterized by ancestor contributions. Our calculations showed that the founder event in 1945 was followed by two bottlenecks. One was caused by strong selection in a very small population, and the other was triggered by rigorous disease management. The necessary amount of purging that arised due to the bottlenecks was also discussed.
The postcranial skeleton ofMonolophosaurus jiangi(Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Middle Jurassic of Xinjiang, China, and a review of Middle Jurassic Chinese theropods
Authors: XI-JIN ZHAO , BENSON ROGER B. J. , BRUSATTE STEPHEN L. , CURRIE PHILIP J.
Published: July 2009

The Middle Jurassic was a critical time in the evolution of theropod dinosaurs, highlighted by the origination and radiation of the large-bodied and morphologically diverse Tetanurae. Middle Jurassic tetanurans are rare but have been described from Europe, South America and China. In particular, China has yielded a number of potential basal tetanurans, but these have received little detailed treatment in the literature. Here we redescribe the postcranial skeleton of one of the most complete Chinese Middle Jurassic theropods,Monolophosaurus. Several features confirm the tetanuran affinities ofMonolophosaurus, but the possession of ‘primitive’ traits such as a double-faceted pubic peduncle of the ilium and a hood-like supracetabular crest suggest a basal position within Tetanurae. This conflicts with most published cladistic analyses that placeMonolophosaurusin a more derived position within Allosauroidea. We review the Middle Jurassic record of Chinese theropods and compareMonolophosaurusto other Middle Jurassic theropods globally. These comparisons suggest thatMonolophosaurusandChuandongocoelurusformed an endemic theropod clade limited to the Middle Jurassic of Asia. Other Middle Jurassic Chinese theropods deserve further study.
The effect of fishing on growth of the clam Chamelea gallina (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from the Turkish Black Sea coast
Authors: Dalgiç Göktuğ , Okumuş İbrahım , Karayücel Sedat
Published: July 2009

Age and growth of the clam Chamelea gallina from dredged, non-dredged and closed areas of the Turkish Black Sea coast were estimated. Von Bertalanffy growth curves were fitted for each sampling site; asymptotic length (L∞) values ranged between 25.995 and 28.883 mm and the growth coefficient (K) from 0.164 to 0.217 per year. Results indicate growth rates were significantly reduced in the far eastern commercial populations compared with those in western populations. According to our results presented here it can be concluded that C. gallina at closed area does not grow as fast as non-dredged stock and this is because of the shortness of closure season. Nevertheless we suggest that fallowing is the major precaution for the recovery of C. gallina stocks in the Black Sea.
Expanded description of Opisthoteuthis hardyi based on new specimens from the Patagonian slope
Authors: Collins Martin A. , Laptikhovsky Vladimir , Strugnell Jan M.
Published: July 2009

Opisthoteuthis hardyi was originally described from a single male specimen caught near Shag Rocks (north-west of South Georgia) and no further specimens have been attributed to this species. During research fishing on the Patagonian slope to the south-east of the Falkland Islands 33 specimens of Opisthoteuthis were caught at depths ranging from 630 to 1391 m. Morphological measurements indicated that these specimens were conspecific to the holotype of O. hardyi. The mitochondrial gene 16S rDNA was sequenced from two of these specimens and compared with a published sequence of the holotype and other Opisthoteuthidae to confirm the morphological data. This extends the geographical and bathymetric range of the species, which spans the Antarctic Polar Front. We also expand the original description, providing details of the digestive system and of the female reproductive system, with preliminary estimates of fecundity.
Differential geographical trends for loggerhead turtles stranding dead or alive along the Andalusian coast, southern Spain
Authors: Bellido Juan J. , Castillo Juan J. , Pinto Francisco , Martín Juan J. , Mons José L. , Báez José C. , Real Raimundo
Published: July 2009

Every year, an undetermined number of loggerhead turtles cross the Gibraltar Strait entering and going out of the Mediterranean Sea. An unknown percentage of them strand on the Andalusian beaches, alive or dead, with an unequal distribution along the coast. We found a geographical pattern in the density of strandings, as well as in the proportion of them that were alive and dead. Atlantic areas receive a higher number of strandings, although most of them correspond to dead individuals, especially on the west coast (province of Huelva), whereas on the Mediterranean coast there is less difference between the number of alive and dead turtles stranded. The causes of stranding also presented a spatial segregation along these coasts: net fisheries were concentrated in Huelva, cold stunning was more frequent in Atlantic Cádiz, and debilitated turtle syndrome and longline were biased to the Mediterranean coast. The Atlantic areas might be an important accumulation zone for turtles, but where they endure a high human-induced stress and mortality. In the Mediterranean area, different causes, such as the narrowness of the Alborán basin, the ocean currents, human activity, or the number of turtles crossing, may increase the number of turtles stranding alive on the coast.
Analysis of the ontogenetic variation in body and beak shape of the Illex argentinus inner shelf spawning groups by geometric morphometrics
Authors: Crespi-Abril Augusto César , Morsan Enrique Mario , Barón Pedro José
Published: July 2009

In this paper we analysed size and shape differences of body (mantle and fins) and inferior beak of the squid Illex argentinus from two Patagonian inner-shelf spawning groups. A new method was developed to reconstruct three-dimensional coordinates based on the 2-D projection of the beak on a plane. Shape of the beak did not vary between groups, sexes and maturity condition of individuals. Also, no beak shape changes were observed through the ontogeny. In contrast, as larger and heavier squids were considered in shape analysis, body widened near the fin insertion, and fin area increased. Our results suggest that shape adaptations of I. argentinus through the ontogeny reflect modifications to optimize swimming performance rather than to increase gamete holding capacity.
Population structure and reproductive biology of the stone crab Xantho poressa (Crustacea: Decapoda: Xanthidae) in the ‘Corrales de Rota’ (south-western Spain), a human-modified intertidal fishing area
Authors: Spivak Eduardo D. , Arévalo Elisabeth , Cuesta José A. , González-Gordillo J. Ignacio
Published: July 2009

The present study describes the reproductive biology, population structure and life history traits of the abundant intertidal crab Xantho poressa. Between March 2007 and April 2008, a total of 1918 individuals were collected in Corrales de Rota (south-western Spain), a human-modified intertidal habitat characterized by an artificial high complexity. Suitable refuges for crabs (cobbles and boulders) are very abundant in this area and density (maximum of 50 ind*m−2) was directly related with the area covered by these stones. In spring and summer, size–frequency distributions showed a polymodal pattern with seasonal variations related to the incorporation of juveniles to the adult population. Newly settled juveniles were not found in the Corrales suggesting an ontogenetic migration from a distant recruitment habitat. The annual reproductive cycle was seasonal and successive peaks in the abundance of ovigerous females were observed in late spring and summer. Females probably produced multiple broods during a long intermoult period. The gonadosomatic index had a cyclic pattern of variation with peaks two weeks prior to those of ovigerous females; it was lower during the non-reproductive season. The hepatosomatic index was high during spring, decreased during summer and increased gradually at the end of the reproductive season. There was a monthly cycle of larval release resulting from a combination of a cyclic and synchronic ovarian maturity, oviposition and incubation; hatching took place during neap tides when the moon was at last quarter. The adaptive significance of the rhythmic reproduction and hatching observed may not be explained by the predator avoidance hypotheses. The overall sex-ratio did not differ from 1:1 but one male and several females coexist under a stone, indicating a female biased operative sex-ratio. The combination of a complex habitat, its use, and a strong sexual dimorphism suggest a refuge–defence polygenic mating system. The survival and fitness of X. poressa in the Corrales de Rota are probably enhanced by the availability of shelter, a consequence of a highly complex habitat, and probably, of human activity.
Incidence of schizophrenia in Ireland
Authors: Nuallain Mairin Ni , O'hare Aileen , Walsh Dermot
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

This paper reports an investigation of the incidence of schizophrenia in Ireland by means of standardized case-finding procedures. Our findings do not support the popular belief, based on first admissions figures, of a raised incidence in Ireland. We show this to have been considerably overestimated.
Personality disorder in mental handicap
Authors: Reid Andrew H. , Ballinger Brian R.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

100 randomly selected mildly or moderately mentally retarded adults were assessed for personality disorder using the Standardized Assessment of Personality devised by Mann et al. (1981). By the terms of this instrument 56% of patients showed features of abnormal personality, and in 22% this abnormality was marked, suggesting the presence of personality disorder. Personality problems may be a more significant factor in assessing a mentally retarded person's acceptability in a community setting than has hitherto been realized.
Metals and magnets in medicine: hysteria, hypnosis and medical culture in fin-de-siècle Paris
Authors: Harrington Anne
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

It is well known that the end of the nineteenth century represented a ‘golden age’ of hysteria and hypnosis research under Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, but the extent to which metals and magnets figured in this strange and provocative world has been very incompletely told. This paper offers itself as a first corrective to this neglect. In 1876 a certain elderly physician and mesmerist, Victor Burq, asked the Parisian Société de Biologie formally to establish the validity of his so-called ‘metallotherapy’ (later ‘metalloscopy’) treatment for hysteria. The paper argues that Charcot's participation in the investigation of Burq's work – undertaken in conjunction with two other leading French neurologists, Amédée Dumontpallier and Jules Bernard Luys – served as a major catalyst in arousing the great neurologist's interest in hypnosis in the first place, and was subsequently responsible for several of his key beliefs about the underlying physiological link between hypnosis and hysteria. It is also shown how these early metalloscopy studies – and especially the discovery by Charcot and his colleagues of so-called metalloscopic ‘transfer’ – opened the door to the rise of a neo-mesmeric, and increasingly occult, branch of hypnosis research in French psychiatry, which has to date, in the secondary literature, gone almost wholly unremarked.
The effects of experimentally induced respiratory virus infections on performance
Authors: Smith A. P. , Tyrrell D. A. J. , Al-Nakib W. , Coyle K. B. , Donovan C. B. , Higgins P. G. , Willman J. S.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Studies of experimentally induced respiratory infections and illnesses showed that influenza impaired performance on a visual search task but had no effect on a simple motor task, whereas colds impaired the motor task but not the search task. The effect of influenza on the search task was observed in both volunteers with significant clinical symptoms and volunteers who were shown, by virological techniques, to be infected but who had no significant clinical illness. Performance was also impaired during the incubation period of this illness, which confirms that subclinical influenza virus infections can have behavioural effects. In contrast to influenza, the effects of colds were restricted to volunteers who had significant clinical symptoms, and the impairments in performance were observed only when the symptoms were apparent.
Urinary-free cortisol in depressed patients and controls: relationship to urinary indices of noradrenergic function
Authors: Roy Alec , Linnoila Markku , Karoum Farouk , Pickar David
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

We measured urinary outputs of urinary-free cortisol in 28 medication-free depressed patients and 32 normal controls. Depressed patients had significantly greater urinary outputs of urinary-free cortisol than controls. Also, there were significant correlations among depressed patients, but not among controls, between urinary-free cortisol and urinary outputs of norepinephrine and its metabolite vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). These urinary data extend recent findings suggesting that dysregulation of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and noradrenergic system occur together in depression.
Language and dementia: a review
Authors: Hart Siobhan
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

In the literature on dementia the presence or absence of language deficits has come to occupy a pivotal position with respect to certain nosological and nosographical issues. These are reviewed critically, together with the results of experimental investigations which have sought to elucidate the nature of the language deficit(s) in patients with dementia, especially that of the Alzheimer type. Attention is drawn to important gaps in current knowledge and suggestions are made regarding the direction of future research.
Lycanthropy: alive and well in the twentieth century
Authors: Keck Paul E. , Pope Harrison G. , Hudson James I. , McElroy Susan L. , Kulick Aaron R.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Lycanthropy, the belief that one has been transformed into an animal (or behaviour suggestive of such a belief), has been described by physicians and clerics since antiquity, but has received scant attention in the modern literature. Some have even thought the syndrome extinct. However, in a review of patients admitted to our centre since 1974, we identified twelve cases of lycanthropy, ranging in duration from one day to 13 years. The syndrome was generally associated with severe psychosis, but not with any specific psychiatric diagnosis or neurological findings, or with any particular outcome. As a rare but colourful presentation of psychosis, lycanthropy appears to have survived into modern times.
The Geriatric Mental State (GMS) used in the community: replication studies of the computerized diagnosis AGECAT
Authors: Copeland J. R. M. , Dewey M. E. , Henderson A. S. , Kay D. W. K. , Neal C. D. , Harrison M. A. M. , McWilliam C. , Forshaw D. , Shiwach R.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Three studies are reported using the Geriatric Mental State in one of its community forms on a total of 647 subjects aged over 65 and living in their own homes. The concordance between the computer diagnosis AGECAT and psychiatrists' diagnosis is at least as good in these replication samples as in the original studies (Copeland et al. 1986). AGECAT has been shown to be useful for epidemiological surveys and as a diagnostic guide for non-medical interviewers.
The placebo concept in medicine and psychiatry
Authors: Grünbaum Adolf
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

The standard technical vocabulary used to define placebo therapies and experimental placebo controls in medicine and psychiatry is both confusing and obscure. To achieve conceptual clarity in the theory of placebogenic phenomena, this paper offers (1) a rigorous articulation of the placebo notion, (2) a lucid new terminology that obviates the defects intrinsic to the traditional locutions employed in the placebo literature, and (3) a substantial revamping of A. K. Shapiro's influential prior definition of‘placebo’. This paper supersedes an earlier version (Grünbaum, 1981).
Validity of the scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in a Spanish population
Authors: Lobo Antonio , Pérez-Echeverría Maria Jesús , Artal Jesus
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

This study confirms the validity of a Spanish version of the General Health Questionnaire in its scaled 28-item version. The screening instrument was tested on a sample of 100 patients attending an internal medicine out-patient clinic, who were examined independently by psychiatrists standardized in the use of the Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS). The questionnaire correctly identified 85% of “cases” with a cutting score of 6/7 (sensitivity 76·9%, specificity 90·2%), and 83% of cases with a cutting score of 5/6 (sensitivity 84·6%, specificity 82%), suggesting a discriminative power almost as good as the Spanish GHQ-60. It has the important advantage of being considerably shorter and, although the 4 subscales are by no means independent, its concurrent validity with CIS ratings suggests that they provide additional information concerning anxiety and depression.
Population screening and the early detection of dementing disorders in old age: a review
Authors: Cooper Brian , Bickel Horst
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

The scope for the early detection of dementing disorders in the elderly by means of screening techniques is reviewed in the light of the basic principles of early disease detection. It is concluded that, while there is an increasingly urgent need for the development and application of psychogeriatric screening methods as a step towards preventive action, such methods are still at an early experimental stage. Prescriptive screening programmes are contra-indicated at present. The most immediate requirement is for evaluative research, which should be planned to take account both of the properties of the screening instruments and of the health-care and social settings in which these are to be applied. No major progress in this field can be expected unless it proves possible to integrate methods of early case-detection, and of systematic surveillance of the at-risk elderly, into the work of primary medical and social services.
A statistical modelling approach to community prevalence data
Authors: Knuiman M. W. , Burvill P. W.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Sample survey techniques are often used to assess the prevalence of illness in a community and to determine any variation with environmental, social and demographic factors. Analysis of survey data is often carried out using several elementary statistical procedures. The formulation of a statistical model is an effective way of conducting a unified analysis. The model provides a concise description of the study population and is a most effective way of summarizing community prevalence data. The testing of statistical hypotheses is equivalent to model simplification and is conveniently performed using general procedures. Two alternative statistical models are given for an investigation into the extent of minor psychiatric morbidity in Perth, Western Australia.
The relevance of socio-demographic and resource factors in the use of acute psychiatric in-patient care in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada
Authors: Richman Alex , Boutilier Carol , Harris Pamela
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

This study assessed the inter-relations of socio-demographic, resource and policy factors with standardized measures of short-term psychiatric bed-use in 42 counties of Atlantic Canada. The policy factor made up two-thirds of the total variability (61%) accounted for among males, and nearly one-half of the 47% accounted for among females. An accurate assessment of in-patient resource needs is seen as resulting from intertwining morbidity surveys with utilization studies.
Mental distress in mothers of young children in Harrogate
Authors: Berg Ian , Butler Alan , Houston Jackson , McGuire Ralph
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Two hundred and forty women with young children who were patients in a Harrogate general practice were studied. About a third of them were found to be suffering from ‘mental distress’. Younger mothers were more affected. The number and spacing of their children were not related to symptoms of depression and anxiety, but poor personal relationships and difficulties getting out and about were so related, despite relatively affluent circumstances. Children of distressed mothers were more inclined to be disturbed. A controlled trial using amitryptyline involving 25 of the women suggested that this drug can improve depressive symptoms under these circumstances and that the improvement is likely to be maintained over the course of a year.
The pineal and psychiatry: a review
Authors: Mullen P. E. , Silman R. E.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

The pineal in man is an active endocrine gland throughout life. Historically the gland has been associated with speculation on the nature of mind and its disorders. Modern research is now demonstrating it to be an endocrine gland capable of affecting the brain and behaviour. The implications for future research into this aspect of pineal function are discussed in the context of a critical review of the current literature.
Significance of androgen levels in the aetiology and treatment of homosexuality
Authors: James Sheelah , Carter R. A. , Orwin A.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Serum total androgens were estimated by radioimmunoassay on blood samples of treatment-seeking homosexuals and heterosexual controls. There was no significant difference in androgen levels between the homosexual and control group, nor was there any relationship between androgen levels and response to treatment. These results suggest that androgen levels have no aetiological significance in treatment-seeking homosexuals and have no relevance as indicators of treatment outcome.
Psychiatric illness, maladjustment and juvenile delinquency: an ecological study in a London borough
Authors: Cooper Brian , Gath Dennis
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Patterns of adult psychiatric referral, of child guidance referral and of juvenile delinquency in a metropolitan borough were examined. The 3 sets of rates showed parallel trends among the 20 electoral wards of the borough, all 3 being similarly related to socio-demographic indices. A cluster analysis technique was used to combine the 450 enumeration districts of the borough into 22 clusters defined by social characteristics rather than by geographical boundaries. Ecological correlates of treated psychiatric disorder and of delinquency, based on these clusters, were found to be similar to those derived from the electoral ward data.

The findings suggest that it may be possible to demarcate relatively small urban areas with high concentrations of psychiatric disorder, maladjustment and delinquency.
Psychiatric disorder in an adult training centre and a hospital for the mentally handicapped
Authors: Ballinger Brian R. , Reid Andrew H.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Seventy-five mentally handicapped adult individuals attending a training centre were compared with 75 adult patients in a mental subnormality hospital using a standardized psychiatric interview. Ten of the individuals at the training centre were rated in the pathological range for overall psychiatric disturbance compared with 23 patients in hospital. Details are presented for the various psychiatric symptoms.
Three cognitive theories of depression
Authors: Bebbington Paul
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

The cognitive theories of depression put forward by Beck and his colleagues (1980), Brown & Harris (1978) and Abramson and her colleagues (1978) are described and compared. Although each theory has its strengths, it is argued that an adequate cognitive account of depression is awaited. Such a theory must link specific experiences with each of the cognitive themes of depression, and the links postulated should be specific to depression. Refinements of description and method are required before such a theory can be tested.
Depression among men made involuntarily redundant
Authors: Melville Donald I. , Hope David , Bennison Dean , Barraclough Brian
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Ninety-eight men aged 25–50, who were unemployed because of involuntary redundancy and out of work for 2–18 months, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–30). Their scores were compared with those of a group of employed men matched for age and social class. The mean GHQ score for the redundant men was 13–0, compared with 4·0 for the employed group. The mean BDI score was 11·1 for the redundant group and 5·6 for the employed group. Eighteen per cent of the redundant men, compared with 6% of the employed group, scored 18 or more which are scores corresponding to those in depressive illness. We conclude that the prevalence of depressive illness may be increased among redundant men.
Factors influencing the psychological impact of prolonged unemployment and of re-employment
Authors: Warr Peter , Jackson Paul
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Six hundred and twenty-nine unemployed men were re-interviewed 9 months after initial measurement of their psychological health and commitment to the labour market. For those men remaining continuously unemployed between interviews, no further decrement was observed in mean General Health Questionnaire scores after 3 months without a job, but a significant deterioration was recorded for the sub-sample initially unemployed for less than 3 months. Small but significant declines were observed after 3 months on a single-item measure of reported health and on an 8-item index of commitment to the labour market. For those regaining paid work, all measures of health showed large improvements, and employment commitment was unchanged. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with magnitude of changes during continuous unemployment, yielding a systematic pattern of significant relationships. For example, higher employment commitment at initial interview was significantly associated with a greater subsequent decline in psychological health, but not in physical health; reporting a chronic health impairment at initial interview was significantly associated with a greater subsequent decrement in physical health, but not in psychological health.
Louis-Victor Marcé, 1828–1864: anorexia nervosa's forgotten man
Authors: Silverman Joseph A.
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSIS

An English translation of Marcé's original description of anorexia nervosa is reproduced with a brief comment on the author and his work.
How does gender influence age at first hospitalization for schizophrenia? A transnational case register study
Authors: Häfner H. , Riecher A. , Maurer K. , Löffler W. , Munk-Jørgensen P. , Strömgren E.
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSIS

Numerous studies have reported a lower mean age at first hospitalization for schizophrenia in males than in females. For this finding not only a gender difference in age at first onset of schizophrenia, but also other factors can be responsible. With the aim of providing a comprehensive analysis of gender differences in onset, symptomatology and course of schizophrenia, we started by testing the hypothesis postulating a gender difference in mean age at first hospitalization. By using the Danish and the Mannheim psychiatric case registers we analysed all hospital admissions for schizophrenia and related diagnoses and all previous admissions for other diagnoses of the Danish population in 1976 and those of the inhabitants of the German city of Mannheim in the period of 1978–80. Artefacts were controlled for systematically. The impact of intervening variables such as selection factors as well as the influence of gender on the ascription of a diagnosis of schizophrenia for the first time were assessed. We found a mean difference of 5 to 6 years in age at first hospitalization between males and females in both countries when a broad definition of the diagnosis was used and of 4 to 5 years when a restrictive definition was applied. The higher mean age at first hospitalization among females is not attributable to artefacts, diagnostic procedures or to any essential extent to gender differences in help-seeking behaviour or occupational status. When a distinction was made between ‘single’ and ‘married’, the significant difference in age at first hospitalization between the sexes disappeared in singles. With case register data and without knowing the chronological order of marriage and onset of the disease, it remains an open question whether this finding can be explained by purely correlative associations between sex, marital status and age of onset or by causal effects.
Eating disorders: lessons from a cross-cultural study
Authors: King Michael B. , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSIS

Five hundred and eighty schoolgirls living in a small North Indian industrial town were screened using the EAT-26. Although twenty-nine per cent scored above the threshold for the questionnaire (≥ 20), closer scrutiny of the pattern of responses revealed misinterpretations of a large number of questions possibly on a conceptual basis. Linguistic and conceptual pitfalls inherent to cross-cultural epidemiological research are discussed with reference to previous work.
The Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE): socio-demographic correlates, reliability, validity and some norms
Authors: Jorm A. F. , Jacomb P. A.
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSIS

The IQCODE is a questionnaire which asks an informant about changes in an elderly person's everyday cognitive function. The questionnaire aims to assess cognitive decline independent of pre-morbid ability. In the present study, the IQCODE was administered to a sample of 613 informants from the general population. In addition, the questionnaire was administered to informants of 309 dementing subjects who had filled it out one year previously. A principal components analysis, using the general population sample, confirmed that the IQCODE measures a general factor of cognitive decline. The questionnaire was found to have high internal reliability in the general population sample (alpha = 0·95) and reasonably high test-retest reliability over one year in the dementing sample (r = 0·75). The total IQCODE score, as well as each of the 26-items, was found to discriminate well between the general population and dementing samples. The correlation with education was quite small (r = – 0·13), indicating that contamination by premorbid ability is not a problem.
The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI): an epidemiological study in a general population sample
Authors: Mackinnon A. J. , Henderson A. S. , Scott R. , Duncan-Jones P.
Published: July 2009

SYNOPSIS

The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) was used in a 2-wave community survey of 386 persons. The two factor structure of the instrument was confirmed, as well as the high stability of its scales over time. Respondents who had had children differed significantly from others. No association was found between social desirability, neuroticism or extraversion and either of the scales. No association was observed between the scales and psychiatric disorder, despite using covariance structure analysis to remove the effects of age and attenuation due to measurement error. Estimates of relative risk for affectionless control were low in contrast to estimates calculated from samples with psychiatric disorders. These findings may be characteristic of symptomatic persons in a general population. Because of the importance of the affectionless control construct, the findings invite further investigation in other community and treated samples.