Examination of Cognitive Variables Relevant to Sunbathing

This study examined cognitions relevant to sunbathing decision-making in college-aged subjects. Using Jaccard's (1981) theory of alternative behavior as a guiding model, 263 subjects were recruited from psychology classes and administered questionnaires assessing their sunbathing behavioral tendencies, attitudes toward sunbathing, attitudes toward reasonable behavioral alternatives to sunbathing, and cognitive variables underlying these attitudinal variables. The fits of models predicting sunbathing attitudes and sunbathing behavioral tendencies (evaluated using covariate structural equations modeling techniques; LISREL VIII) were good for all models tested. In contrast to previous work, the results of this study support the notion that young people will make their decisions regarding sunbathing based on the behavioral alternatives available to them (i.e., generally the one that they prefer most). Furthermore, the multivariate approach used clearly delineates the specific cognitive beliefs and orientations that might be targeted to change these attitudes. The relevance of these findings to skin cancer prevention interventions is discussed.     

Examination of the Short-Term Efficacy of a Parent-Based Intervention to Prevent Skin Cancer

The research evaluated an intervention strategy designed to prevent skin cancer in young adolescents. The intervention used parents as change agents to effectively communicate the risks of skin cancer and encourage their children to avoid high-risk sun-related behaviors while increasing positive sun-safe behaviors. Three hundred and forty parents in two regions of the United States were educated about the dangers of risky sun behaviors and how to convey information about skin cancer prevention to their children. Parents were then encouraged to talk with their children about these issues over a 1-month period prior to the onset of summer. Following this time period, children whose parents received and implemented the intervention materials were compared with a control sample of 129 children. These two groups were matched on age, gender, and school on number of sunburns and sunburn severity, attitudes and beliefs, and sunbathing behavior. Children in the treatment condition differed significantly from controls in the predicted directions on all outcome variables. The findings are discussed in terms of reducing skin cancer risk behaviors of children via parent-based intervention approaches.     

Illness perceptions associated with perinatal depression treatment use

The relationship between psychological beliefs about depression and depression treatment use was examined in depressed pregnant and postpartum women using the Common Sense Model as a framework (CSM; Leventhal H, Nerenz DR, Steele DF (1984) A handbook of psychology and health illness representations and coping with health threats. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.). Pregnant women who screened >/ 10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; Cox et al. Br J Psychiatry 150:782–786, 1987) completed measures of depression symptoms, perceptions and treatment at three time points through 6 weeks postpartum. Understanding modifiable beliefs may be useful in improving low rates of perinatal depression treatment use.     

An Integrated Genetic Map for Linkage Analysis

Here I describe an Internet accessible database containing interpolated genetic map positions for 12917 marker loci. These are estimated via locally weighted linear regression (loess) from the Build 35.1 physical map position and the linkage map of Kong, X., and coworkers (2004) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 75:1143–1148. For the pseudoautosomal region, I have interpolated a male map based on the sperm typing data of Lien, S., and coworkers (2000) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 66:557–566.     

儿童关于特质的性别差异信念的发展

目的:考察3~8岁儿童关于特质的性别差异信念及其发展特点。方法:采用个别测查法对379名儿童进行测查。结果:①从总体上看,各年龄组儿童倾向于将男性化特质归于男孩,将女性化特质归于女孩;②男孩比女孩更倾向于将男性化特质与男孩相联系,而女孩比男孩则更倾向于将女性化特质与女孩相联系;③从总体上看,学前阶段儿童将男性化特质与男孩相联系、将女性化特质与女孩相联系的倾向逐渐增强,6岁之后二者均处于稳定水平。结论:我国儿童从3岁起就持有关于特质的性别差异信念,他们对同性特质的性别差异信念强于对异性特质的性别差异信念,并且这些信念在学前期间不断增强,6岁左右趋于稳定。     

Comparing several equations that predict peak VO2 using the 20-m multistage-shuttle run-test in 8-10-year-old children

This study compared the validity of reported equations as predictors of peak VO₂ in 8–10-year-old children. Participants (90 boys and girls aged 8–10 years) performed the multistage-shuttle-run-test (MSRT) and peak VO₂ was measured in field using a portable gas analyser. The equations that estimated peak VO₂ from the MSRT performance were chosen according to the age range of this study. As follows, the FITNESSGRAM reports and the equations of Leger et al. (Can J Appl Sport Sci 5: 77–84, 1988), Barnett et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 5:42–50, 1993), Matsuzaka et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 16:113–125, 2004) and Fernhall et al. (Am J Ment Retard 102:602–612, 1998) were used to estimate the peak VO₂ and compared with the directly measured value. The equation of Leger et al. (Can J Appl Sport Sci 5: 77–84, 1988) provided a mean difference (d) of 4.7 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ and a 1.0 slope. The equation of Matsuzaka et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 16:113–125, 2004)(a) using maximal speed (MS) showed a higher d (5.4) than the remaining using total laps d (4.2). The equation of Barnett et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 5:42–50, 1993)(a) that includes triceps skinfold and MS showed the highest d (6.1) but the smallest range (24.1) and slope (0.6). Data from the FITNESSGRAM had the smallest d (1.8 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹), but also had the highest range between limits of agreement (28.6 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) and a 1.2 slope. The lowest slope (0.4) and range (22.2 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) were observed using the equation of Fernhall et al. (Am J Ment Retard 102:602–612, 1998). Log transformation of the data revealed that the equations of Matsuzaka et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 16:113–125, 2004)(a) (1.1*/÷1.25) and Fernhall et al. (Am J Ment Retard 102:602–612, 1998) (1.17*/÷1.25) showed the closest agreement among all, but they still yield unsatisfactory accuracy.     

Skin Type and Optimistic Bias in Relation to the Sun Protection and Suntanning Behaviors of Young Adults

The study examined the roles of general and personal beliefs and skin type in relation to suntanning and sun protection, by assessing various perceptions of risk of skin cancer both for the self and for the average person. A sample of 355 people aged 16 to 25 years was selected randomly from the telephone directory of a coastal provincial city. Highly structured interviews were conducted over the telephone. The findings were presented in relation to three research questions. First, skin type, classified as burn only, burn then tan, or tan without burning, influenced both general and personal beliefs. Compared to the tan-only group, the burn-only group perceived earlier age at onset, greater number of years of life lost, and greater severity of skin cancer, for both the average person and the self, and greater susceptibility to skin cancer for the average person. Second, differences were found between personally relevant and population-relevant beliefs on susceptibility to skin cancer, time of onset, and years of life lost due to skin cancer but not for perceptions of severity and curability. Finally, skin cancer beliefs were poor correlates of tanning and protecting behaviors. The factor explaining the greatest proportion of variance in both behaviors was skin type.     

A comparison of the efficacy of an appearance-focused skin cancer intervention within indoor tanner subgroups identified by latent profile analysis

The reduction of intentional exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important area of skin cancer prevention. Hillhouse et al. (Cancer 113:3257–3266, 2008) have developed an appearance-focused intervention with evidence of efficacy in lowering indoor tanning UV exposure in young women. In the current study, a subgroup approach was used to determine moderators of intervention efficacy. Undergraduate females in two regions of the United States (n = 362) were randomized into an intervention or control condition. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of indoor tanners based on patterns of indoor tanning motives. Intervention efficacy was examined within each subgroup. We found evidence for 4 subgroups of tanners: knowledgeable-appearance tanners, low-knowledge tanners, low-knowledge, relaxation tanners, and knowledgeable, low-appearance and low-relaxation tanners. The intervention significantly reduced indoor tanning for the low-knowledge subgroup (34% of the sample). The utility of the subgroup approach in developing targeted behavioral skin cancer interventions is discussed.     

A comparative scale of autonomic function with age through the tone-entropy analysis on heart period variation

Tremendous numbers of heart rate variability studies have aimed to elucidate age-associated alterations of autonomic function in the past decades. However, the studies, far from clarifying ageing mechanisms, fell into confusion by a lack of common scales. The purpose of this study is to show a possibility to establish a comparative scale of autonomic function through a method, tone-entropy (T-E) analysis on heart period variation, whose validity has been already examined on typical physiological cases (Oida et al. in J Appl Physiol 82:1794–1801, 1997; Oida et al. in J Gerontol 54A:M219–M224, 1999a; Oida et al. in Acta Physiol Scand 165:129–134, 1999b; Oida et al. in Acta Physiol Scand 165:421–422, 1999c; Amano et al. in Eur J Appl Physiol 94:602–610, 2005). In this study, 276 subjects from teens to seventies were examined at rest by T-E analysis together with conventional time and frequency domain analyses. The tone (negativity represents vagal predominance) became significantly high [−0.174 ± 0.026 (teens) to −0.024 ± 0.004 (seventies), P < 0.05 for one-way ANOVA], and the entropy (total autonomic activity), significantly low [4.40 ± 0.12 (teens) to 2.90 ± 0.09 bit (seventies), P < 0.05] with advancing age. The result, plotted in 2-D T-E space, showed that the ageing traced a curvi-linear relation from right-bottom to left-top, and was consistent with previously studied typical physiological cases. The conventional analyses showed almost the same autonomic reduction as T-E did, but failed in detecting delicate alteration of autonomic balance. The results, showing that autonomic activity reduced in both pathways impairing vagal predominance significantly with ageing, suggested a possibility to assess autonomic function in 2-D T-E space in a comparative way.     

Characterization of Cryptosporidium canis isolated in Japan

Oocysts that morphologically resemble Cryptosporidium canis oocysts were isolated from a stray dog captured in the northeastern part of the main island of Japan. The DNA sequence of the 18S rRNA gene of the isolate showed high homology to the published sequence of C. canis that was isolated in USA by Fayer et al., J Parasitol, 87:1415–1422, (2001). The isolate phylogenetically belonged to the C. canis cluster; however, its DNA sequence showed two base substitutions. This suggests the genetic diversity of C. canis.     

Age-associated alteration of sympatho-vagal balance in a female population assessed through the tone–entropy analysis

Through our recent studies on heart rate variability (Oida et al. J Appl Physiol 82:1794–1801, 1997; J Gerontol 54A:M219–M224, 1999a; Acta Physiol Scand 165:129–134, 1999b; Acta Physiol Scand 165:421–422, 1999c), we discover that autonomic functions could be assessed quantitatively in time domain by the tone–entropy (T–E) methodology, where the tone represents sympatho-vagal balance, and the entropy, autonomic regulatory activity. The purpose of this study was then to elucidate an age-associated alteration of sympatho-vagal balance in a female population through this T–E method. ECG R–R time intervals at rest were acquired on 10 min for 73 female subjects. Ageing influence was examined by comparisons between two groups: middle-aged group (40–50), (51.5±0.7 year, n=28) and old-aged (60–70), (69.5±0.8 year, n=45)]. Evaluated tone: [–0.058±0.011 (40–50), and 0.027±0.003 (60–70) (P<0.01)], and entropy: [3.46±0.11 (40–50), and 3.06±0.08 bit (60–70) (P<0.01)]. The result showed that the tone was high and the entropy was low in the old-aged compared with the middle-aged group. When the result was plotted in two-dimensional T–E space, it revealed a curvi–linear relation between the tone and the entropy, consistent with our previous studies on pharmacological blockades, on heart recovery after dynamic exercise and on a male ageing. In conclusion, the result suggested that the sympatho-vagal balance altered or the vagal predominance was impaired with age significantly in this female population. Interestingly, comparing with corresponding male, the female had better autonomic functions.     

Peer crowd identification and indoor artificial UV tanning behavioral tendencies

In this study, the relation between peer crowd identification and indoor tanning behavioral tendencies was examined. Participants were 174 undergraduate students at a large university in the USA. Results indicated peer crowd identification was significantly associated with indoor artificial UV tanning behavioral tendencies (attitudes, normative beliefs, past year use and intentions) independent of gender and skin type. Participants who identified with the popular peer crowd were at the greatest risk for indoor tanning UV exposure while identification with the brain crowd was protective against such behavior. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for future skin cancer intervention efforts.     

Replicated Linkage for Eye Color on 15q Using Comparative Ratings of Sibling Pairs

The aim of the study was to perform a genetic linkage analysis for eye color, for comparative data. Similarity in eye color of mono- and dizygotic twins was rated by the twins’ mother, their father and/or the twins themselves. For 4748 twin pairs the similarity in eye color was available on a three point scale (“not at all alike”—“somewhat alike”—“completely alike”), absolute eye color on individuals was not assessed. The probability that twins were alike for eye color was calculated as a weighted average of the different responses of all respondents on several different time points. The mean probability of being alike for eye color was 0.98 for MZ twins (2167 pairs), whereas the mean probability for DZ twins was 0.46 (2537 pairs), suggesting very high heritability for eye color. For 294 DZ twin pairs genome-wide marker data were available. The probability of being alike for eye color was regressed on the average amount of IBD sharing. We found a peak LOD-score of 2.9 at chromosome 15q, overlapping with the region recently implicated for absolute ratings of eye color in Australian twins [Zhu, G., Evans, D. M., Duffy, D. L., Montgomery, G. W., Medland, S. E., Gillespie, N. A., Ewen, K. R., Jewell, M., Liew, Y. W., Hayward, N. K., Sturm, R. A., Trent, J. M., and Martin, N. G. (2004). Twin Res. 7:197–210] and containing the OCA2 gene, which is the major candidate gene for eye color [Sturm, R. A. Teasdale, R. D, and Box, N. F. (2001). Gene 277:49–62]. Our results demonstrate that comparative measures on relatives can be used in genetic linkage analysis.     

Electroencephalographic evidence of vector inversion in antipointing

Mirror-symmetrical reaching movements (i.e., antipointing) produce a visual-field-specific pattern of endpoint bias consistent with a perceptual representation of visual space (Heath et al. in Exp Brain Res 192:275–286, 2009a; J Mot Behav 41:383–392 2009b). The goal of the present investigation was to examine the concurrent behavioural and event-related brain potentials (ERP) of pro- and antipointing to determine whether endpoint bias in the latter task is related to a remapping of the environmental parameters of a target (i.e., vector inversion hypothesis) or a shift of visual attention from a veridical to a cognitively represented target location (i.e., reallocation of attention hypothesis). As expected, results for antipointing—but not propointing—yielded a visual-field-specific pattern of endpoint bias. In terms of the ERP findings, an early component (i.e., the N100) related to the orienting of visuospatial attention was comparable across pro- and antipointing. In contrast, a later occurring component (i.e., the P300) demonstrated a reliable between-task difference in amplitude. Notably, the P300 has been linked to the revision of a ‘mental model’ when a mismatch is noted between a stimulus and a required task goal (so-called context-updating). Thus, we propose that the between-task difference in the P300 indicates that antipointing is associated with a remapping of a target’s veridical location in mirror-symmetrical space (i.e., vector inversion). Moreover, our combined behavioural and ERP findings provide evidence that vector inversion is mediated via perception-based visual networks.     

Behaviors,beliefs, and intentions in skin cancer prevention

This study investigated knowledge, behaviors, and health beliefs of Australian university students (n=312) regarding skin cancers and evaluated the effects of videotaped presentations. Students' knowledge and health beliefs were assessed, and they then viewed either an informational video, an emotionally involving video, or a control video. Knowledge and beliefs were assessed immediately and 10 weeks later. Postvideo skin protection intentions increased significantly from prevideo assessment among the two intervention groups compared to the controls. Maintenance of skin protection intentions was higher with the emotional video. Health belief variables, particularly perceived barriers, were significant predictors of knowledge, intention, and behavior. However, other variables such as skin type and previous experience with skin cancer were more important. Females had greater knowledge and stronger intentions to prevent skin cancer than males but reported fewer high-risk behaviors.     

Application of Azjen's Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Sunbathing, Tanning Salon Use, and Sunscreen Use Intentions and Behaviors

Ajzen's (1988) theory of planned behavior (TOPB) was used to examine psychological determinants of high-risk UV radiation exposure-related behaviors (sunbathing, tanning salon use, and sunscreen use). Undergraduates at a midsized southeastern university were assessed on their psychological and behavioral tendencies toward high-risk UV radiation exposure-related behaviors. The results generally supported the utility of the TOPB as an explanatory model for high-risk behavior. Attitudes were strongly associated with high-risk intentions (e.g., not utilize sunscreen, use salons), whereas subjective norms were less so. Perceived behavioral control was found to moderate the relationship among attitudes, norms, and intentions to sunbathe and tan at a salon. Implications for intervention strategies and future model building in this area are discussed.     

Dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep in children

The objective of the study was to determine whether associations between dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep and sleep disturbance are evident in children. Cross‐sectional data were collected from 123 children aged 8–10 years (49% boys). The participants came from ethnically diverse backgrounds from two inner‐city schools in London, UK. Children completed the Sleep Self‐Report (SSR) and the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS) questionnaire (which was adapted for use with children). Parents completed the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The total DBAS score was associated with sleep disturbances defined as total SSR score (β = 0.40, P < 0.001, r² = 0.15), the SSR insomnia items (β = 0.29, P < 0.01, r² = 0.08) and the total CSHQ score (β = 0.22, P < 0.05, r² = 0.04). Some dysfunctional beliefs about sleep predicted sleep disturbance to a greater extent than others. For example, when controlling for the other DBAS subscales, the ‘control and predictability of sleep’ subscale, but not the ‘sleep requirements expectations’ subscale, predicted total SSR score and SSR insomnia items. Given this preliminary evidence that dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep appear to be associated with sleep difficulties in children, future work is needed to further developmentally adapt a version of the DBAS appropriate for use with children.     

Description of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis anasi</Emphasis> sp. nov. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis albifronsi</Emphasis> sp. nov. in birds of the order Anseriformes

On the basis of the already published morphological, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA data (Kutkienė et al., Parasitol Res 99:562–565, 2006; Parasitol Res 102:691–696, 2008; Parasitol Res 104:329–336, 2009), and ITS-1 region investigation results of sarcocysts presented in this paper, Sarcocystis albifronsi sp. nov. from the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) and Sarcocystis anasi sp. nov. from the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) are described.     

The impact of family asthma management on biology: a longitudinal investigation of youth with asthma

This study examined longitudinal associations of asthma management-related beliefs and behaviors with changes in asthma-relevant biological markers in a sample of 43 children with asthma. Children (M age = 12.4, 75% male) and parents were interviewed about asthma management beliefs and behaviors. Asthma outcomes included lung function (FEV₁%), eosinophil counts, and daily cortisol measured at two time points, 18 months apart. Children with a less sophisticated disease belief (termed the “no symptoms, no asthma” belief) displayed eosinophil counts that increased over time, controlling for baseline levels. Poorer family asthma management was associated with increasing eosinophil counts over time. Poorer child asthma management was associated with cortisol output that declined over time. Further, families who reported poorer collaboration with their physician had children who displayed worsening lung function over time. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at teaching families better asthma management approaches and more accurate disease beliefs may have the potential to alter biological profiles in children with asthma.     

A simple theoretical model of heat and moisture transport in multi-layer garments in cool ambient air

Overall resistances for heat and vapor transport in a multilayer garment depend on the properties of individual layers and the thickness of any air space between layers. Under uncomplicated, steady-state conditions, thermal and mass fluxes are uniform within the garment, and the rate of transport is simply computed as the overall temperature or water concentration difference divided by the appropriate resistance. However, that simple computation is not valid under cool ambient conditions when the vapor permeability of the garment is low, and condensation occurs within the garment. Several recent studies have measured heat and vapor transport when condensation occurs within the garment (Richards et al. in Report on Project ThermProject, Contract No. G6RD-CT-2002-00846, 2002; Havenith et al. in J Appl Physiol 104:142–149, 2008). In addition to measuring cooling rates for ensembles when the skin was either wet or dry, both studies employed a flat-plate apparatus to measure resistances of individual layers. Those data provide information required to define the properties of an ensemble in terms of its individual layers. We have extended the work of previous investigators by developing a rather simple technique for analyzing heat and water vapor transport when condensation occurs within a garment. Computed results agree well with experimental results reported by Richards et al. (Report on Project ThermProject, Contract No. G6RD-CT-2002-00846, 2002) and Havenith et al. (J Appl Physiol 104:142–149, 2008). We discuss application of the method to human subjects for whom the rate of sweat secretion, instead of the partial pressure of water on the skin, is specified. Analysis of a more complicated five-layer system studied by Yoo and Kim (Text Res J 78:189–197, 2008) required an iterative computation based on principles defined in this paper.