bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demand Characteristics of the Research Setting Can Influence Indexes of Negative Affect‐Induced Eating in Obese Individuals
Authors: Faith Myles S. , Wong Frank Y. , Allison David B. 
Published: September 2012

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

AbstractObjective: This study was designed to determine if serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) after weight loss on a low‐calorie diet predict subsequent weight gain.Research Methods and Procedures: Body composition and serum leptin concentrations were determined on 14 moderately obese, postmenopausal, nondiabetic women with a familial predisposition to obesity. Assessments were obtained under tightly controlled metabolic ward conditions of macronutrient intake and weight maintenance both before (obese state) and after a mean weight loss of 12.0 kg to normal body weight (postobese state). Four years later, without intervention, body weight and body composition were reassessed.Results: Weight loss resulted in significant decreases in fat mass (29.7 ± 5.4 vs. 20.3 ± 4.7; kg), body mass index (27.7 ± 1.6 vs. 23.0 ± 1.5; kg/m2), percent body fat (40.7 ± 4.3 vs. 33.1 ± 5.0), and serum leptin concentrations (31.8 ± 16.0 vs. 11.5 ± 5.4; ng/mL). Serum leptin concentrations were positively correlated (p<<0.05) with fat mass in both the obese and postobese states (r = 0.67 and r = 0.56, respectively). However, residual serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) in the obese and postobese states were not related to changes in body weight (p<= 0.61 and 0.52), fat mass (p = 0.72 and 0.42), body mass index (p = 0.59 and 0.33), or percent body fat (p = 0.84 and 0.46) over the follow‐up period.Discussion: These finding do not support the hypothesis that relatively low concentrations of leptin predict weight regain after weight loss. However, because the number of subjects in this study was limited, further studies are warranted.
What Is the Role of Cognitive‐Behavior Therapy in Patient Management?
Authors: Foreyt John P. , II Walker S. Carlos Poston 
Published: September 2012

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

AbstractRYAN, DONNA H., GEORGE A. BRAY, FRED HELMCKE, GARY SANDER, JULIA VOLAUFOVA, FRANK GREENWAY, PRAMILLA SUBRAMANIAM, AND D. LUKE GLANCY. Serial echocardiographic and clinical evaluation of valvular regurgitation before, during, and after treatment with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine and mazindol or phentermine. Obes Res.Objective: The prevalence of cardiac valvular regurgitation demonstrated by echocardiography in patients who took appetite‐suppressant medication for weight loss has been assessed at 5%‐30%. We studied 86 patients who had echo‐cardiograms before treatment with appetite suppressants to determine the incidence of new cases and to evaluate the clinical implication of the echocardiographic findings.Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 69 men [Mean± Standard Deviation (S) age 49±81] and 17 women (mean±S age 50±7) who had 233 echocardiograms before, during, and after a weight‐loss program that used predominantly fenfluramine (or dexfenfluramine) with mazindol (or phentermine). Mean drug exposure was 17 months. Blinded echocardiographic readings were performed to identify and grade aortic regurgitation (AR) or mitral regurgitation (MR).Results: Seven of 86 patients (8%) had pre‐existing regurgitation with five (6%) meeting our case definition. Thirteen (16. 5%) of initially normal patients developed valvular regurgitation and were new cases. Of the new cases, 12 were grade IAV AR and one was both grade II/III MR and IIDV AR. All 13 patients were asymptomatic, and only two aortic insufficiency murmurs could be auscultated. There was significantly greater risk for developing valvulopathy for those who took medications longer than 6 months (p = 0. 03), and no new cases were observed in patients exposed for less than 8 months. No increased risk associated with age, presence of hypertension, or exposure to fenfluramine‐phentermine combination was demonstrated. Although there was a higher incidence of new regurgitation in women (31% vs. 13% for men), this was not statistically significant (p = 0. 093).Discussion: Some patients who had normal echocardiograms at baseline developed cardiac valvular regurgitation after exposure to fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine with mazindol or phentermine. The development of valvulopathy was significantly correlated with duration of exposure. The clinical implications of echocardiographically demonstrated regurgitation are uncertain, since there were only two audible murmurs and no other clinically relevant signs or symptoms among the patients.
Absence of Cardiac Valve Dysfunction in Obese Patients Treated with Sibutramine
Authors: Bach David S. , Rissanen Aila M. , Mendel Carl M. , Shepherd Gillian , Weinstein Steven P. , Kelly Finiun , Seaton Timothy B. , Putel Bububhui , Pekkarinen Tuula A. , Armstrong William F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACH, DAVID S., AILA M. RISSANEN, CARL M. MENDEL, GILLIAN SHEPHERD, STEVEN R. WEINSTEIN, FINIAN KELLY, TIMOTHY B. SEATON, BABABHAI PATEL, TUULA A. PEKKARINEN, AND WILLIAM F. ARMSTRONG. Absence of cardiac valve dysfunction in obese patients treated with sibutramine. Obes Res.Objective: Serotonin‐releasing agents prescribed as weight‐loss medications have been implicated as a cause of acquired aortic and mitral valve abnormalities. Sibutramine hydrochloride (MERIDIA®) is a serotonin and norepi‐nephrine reuptake inhibitor with proven efficacy of weight reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of cardiac valve disease in sibutramine‐treated patients.Research Methods and Procedures: Obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus enrolled in an ongoing double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm, 12‐month study of sibutramine (followed by a 12‐month open label extension) underwent transthoracic echocardiographic imaging and color Doppler interrogation for assessment of cardiac valve anatomy and function.Results: A total of 210 patients were evaluated. Of these, 133 were receiving sibutramine (72 in the double‐blind period), and 77 were receiving placebo. The mean ± Standard Deviation age was 54±9 years, and the mean duration of treatment was 229±117 days (approximately 7. 6 months). The prevalence of left‐sided cardiac valve dysfunction was low and similar for the two treatment groups (sibutramine 31133, or 2. 3%; placebo 2/77, or 2. 6%). All five cases were cases of aortic insufficiency; four were mild, one was severe (in a placebo patient). All three sibutramine cases were patients over age 50; two had a history of systemic hypertension.Conclusion: The prevalence of left‐sided cardiac valve dysfunction was not higher than background in obese patients treated with sibutramine for an average of 7. 6 months.
Two‐Year Changes in L ipids and Lipoproteins Associated with the Maintenance of a 5 % to 10% Reduction in Initial Weight: Some Findings and Some Questions
Authors: Wadden Thomas A. , Anderson Drew A. , Foster Gary D. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWADDEN, THOMAS A., DREW A. ANDERSON, AND GARY D. FOSTER. Two‐year changes in lipids and lipoproteins associated with the maintenance of a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight: some findings and some questions. Obes Res.Objective This study assessed whether a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight would be associated with as favorable long‐term (i.e., 100 weeks) changes in lipids and lipoproteins, as have been observed on a short‐term basis (i.e., 8 weeks).Research Methods and Procedures This was a prospective evaluation of 25 obese women, each of whom had lost ≥5% of initial weight during 48 weeks of treatment and had maintained a weight loss of this magnitude at 1‐year follow‐up (week 100). Lipids and lipoproteins were obtained at baseline and at weeks 8, 24, 48, and 100. All participants had a baseline total cholesterol ≥5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL).Results At the end of the first 8 weeks, weight fell an average of 11.7±2.8%, total cholesterol 20.6±7.5%, low‐density‐lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 23.0±18.1%, and triglycerides 26.0±20.1%. At week 48, weight had fallen to 20.1±7.0% below baseline, but total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were reduced only 11.5±10.4% and 12.0±14.0% below baseline, respectively. These latter reductions were significantly (p<0.05) smaller than those observed at week 8, despite the larger weight loss at week 48. High‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol declined significantly (p<0.05) during the first 8 weeks, but returned to baseline values by week 24. Patients gained 7.4±7.4 kg from weeks 48 to 100, during which time total and LDL cholesterol (but not triglycerides) rose significantly (p<0.05). Patients who, at week 100, maintained losses >10% of initial weight had significantly greater reductions in total and LDL cholesterol values than did patients who maintained losses of only 5% to 10% of initial weight.Discussion Results of this study underscore the importance of assessing long‐term changes in weight‐related health complications when patients have lost weight but are no longer dieting (and exercising) as aggressively as they did during the initial months of treatment.
Oncogene‐dependent control of miRNA biogenesis and metastatic progression in a model of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
Authors: Mito Jeffrey K , Min Hooney D , Ma Yan , Carter Jessica E , Brigman Brian E , Dodd Leslie , Dankort David , McMahon Martin , Kirsch David G 
Published: September 2012

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

AbstractWe discuss the synthesis of new optically active polymeric networks containing azobenzene moieties and different alkyl‐chain‐containing compounds. An epoxy resin based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) was reacted with metaxylylenediamine (MXDA). An azo prepolymer (TAZ) was synthesized by reaction between Disperse Orange‐3 and DGEBA. Reaction between palmitic acid (PA) and DGEBA was performed using triphenylphosphine as catalyst of the epoxy–acid reaction employing variable molar ratios of epoxy to carboxyl groups (r = 1, 2, 4). These precursors were called PA1, PA2 and PA4. Crosslinked epoxy‐based azopolymers containing variable PA‐based precursor content and constant chromophore concentration equal to 20 wt% TAZ were synthesized. Their reversible optical storage properties were studied and compared. It was found that the optical response is a direct consequence of the morphologies generated, and that crystallization of PA‐based precursor can take place. When the PA‐based precursor is not covalently bonded to the matrix, e.g. PA1, the remaining birefringence is high. PA4‐modified materials present a completely different response, showing a behaviour that could be of great importance in the development of optical switchers. In this case, the organic tails remain dissolved in the matrix and unable to crystallize, giving a typical ‘on–off’ response. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Fine-mapping quantitative trait loci with a medium density marker panel: efficiency of population structures and comparison of linkage disequilibrium linkage analysis models
Authors: ROLDAN DANA L , GILBERT HÉLÈNE , HENSHALL JOHN M , LEGARRA ANDRÉS , ELSEN JEAN-MICHEL 
Published: September 2012

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

Albert Einstein encapsulated a commonly held view within the scientific community when he wrote in his book Out of My Later Years (Einstein 1950, page 54)
‘When we say that we understand a group of natural phenomena, we mean that we have found a constructive theory which embraces them.’
This represents a dual challenge to the scientist: on the one hand, to explain the real world in a very basic, and if possible, mathematical, way; but on the other, to characterise the extent to which this is even possible. Recent years have seen the mathematics of computability play an increasingly vital role in pushing forward basic science and in illuminating its limitations within a creative coming together of researchers from different disciplines. This special issue of Mathematical Structures in Computer Science is based on the special session ‘Computability of the Physical’ at the International Conference Computability in Europe 2010, held at Ponta Delgada, Portugal, in June 2010, and it, together with the individual papers it contains, forms what we believe to be a special contribution to this exciting and developing process.
Women, business and the law: measuring legal gender parity for entrepreneurs and workers
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed 
Published: September 2012

PurposeGiven the importance of legal parity between women and men in today's world and lack of research in this domain, the purpose of this paper is to identify gender‐based distinctions in formal laws and institutions that may directly or indirectly affect women's prospects as entrepreneurs and employees.Design/methodology/approachCovering 128 economies, it establishes six indicators of gender differences in formal laws and institutions: accessing institutions; using property; getting a job; dealing with taxes; building credit; and going to court. The first three indicators capture laws that have direct gender dimensions and are based on a reading of such laws from the perspective of individual women. The fourth indicator examines the direct and indirect gender implications of tax policy from the perspective of four standardised families with varying tax liabilities. The last two indicators examine the ease of access to credit bureaus and courts to examine the indirect effects that microfinance institutions and dispute resolution have on women, who are more likely to rely on non‐traditional financial services. The questions used to construct each indicator were chosen based on data availability, economic relevance and variation of regulation across economies.FindingsThe findings of the study pointed out that every region contains economies with unequal rules for men and women, with the extent of inequality varying by region.Research limitations/implicationsThis research does not test or analyse outcome variables of gender inequality; it simply identifies whether the law is equal for women and men, which can be a potential source of inequitable gender outcomes.Practical implicationsThis research offers valuable practical insights for employees and entrepreneurs to improve understanding of how legal and regulatory environments shape opportunities for women and contribute to more informed policy discussions.Originality/valueThe paper provides interesting insights into research on linkages between legal differentiation and outcomes for women, and helps inform policy dialogue on things governments can do to expand women's opportunities. It is the first attempt to measure the gender gap in policy variables using quantitative and objective data.
Housing for the vulnerable in the Offinso South Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Boamah Nicholas 
Published: September 2012

PurposeHousing decay is a major feature of all the cities and towns in Ghana. This paper aims to investigate the condition of housing in the older neighbourhoods of the Offinso South Municipality (OSM), in the Asante region of Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed questionnaires to collect empirical data from households and property owners in the studied neighbourhoods. These data were then analysed, and interpreted using some knowledge of local culture and beliefs. Houses are of cultural significance in Ghana; they serve the needs of the living, the dead and future generations.FindingsThe research finds that most households in the older neighbourhoods of the OSM live in housing deprivation. The most affected are children and the elderly in the neighbourhoods. But the poor housing is in part a consequence of attitudes toward property management and a weakening social system that hitherto supported the vulnerable in society.Originality/valueThe paper recommends that the municipal authority enforces regulations governing property management. It also suggests that Ghanaians should rediscover a social system that ensures that the elderly are adequately sheltered.
Interventions in community settings that prevent or delay disablement in later life: an overview of the evidence
Authors: Frost Helen , Haw Sally , Frank John 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe population of older people in the UK is expected to rise rapidly over the next 20 years and therefore identification of effective interventions that prevent functional decline and disablement is a public health priority. This review summarises the evidence for interventions in community settings that aim to prevent or delay disablement in later life.Design/methodology/approachA search of review‐level literature was conducted for the period September 1999 and 2009 of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. It included interventions that aimed to prevent disablement of community dwelling older people (50+ years old). It excluded interventions carried out in institutional care and those focused on specific disease. The reviews were screened using the AMSTAR assessment tool.FindingsThe search identified 62 reviews of complex interventions (preventative home visits (n=9), integrated service delivery/case management and comprehensive geriatric assessment (n=6), falls prevention (n=17), exercise (n=15), nutritional needs (n=3), medication review (n=2), telecare/telehealth (n=5), social integration interventions (n=3) and vision screening (n=2).Originality/value to ConclusionThe review identified many areas of unknown effectiveness, partly due to unstandardised use of outcomes and poor experimental design. The most promising complex interventions include: assessment of risk factors; and direct referral to an easily accessible, comprehensive range of interventions that are tailored to need and include long‐term follow up. There is consistent evidence that exercise can be beneficial, particularly in preventing falls, but overall, the evidence‐base for other specific interventions is limited.