Nicotine Dependence and Smoking Behaviour : A genetic and epidemiological study

The worldwide health burden caused by the tobacco epidemic highlights the importance of study-ing determinants of smoking behaviour and key factors sustaining nicotine dependence. Despite vast-ranging preventive efforts, smoking remains one of the most deleterious health behaviours, and its genetic and environmental factors warrant continuous investigation. The heritability of smoking behaviour and nicotine dependence has been suggested to be relatively high. Earlier smoking behaviour, nicotine dependence, socio-economic position and demographic factors have all been shown to be associated with smoking cessation. This thesis aimed to examine various aspects of smoking behaviour and nicotine dependence from an epidemiological and genetic per-spective. Data for Studies I and IV were obtained from the Older Finnish Twin Cohort, a postal health sur-vey conducted in 1975, 1981 and 1990 on same-sexed pairs and in 1996-1997 on male-female adult pairs. The number of ever-smoking participants was 8941 in Study I and 3069 in Study IV. Data for Studies II and III came from the Family Study of Cigarette Smoking - Vulnerability to Nicotine Addiction. This study is linked to the Older Finnish Twin Cohort with new data collec-tion during 2001-2006 that focused on smoking twin pairs and their family members. The meas-ures included intensive telephone interviews, blood samples and additional postal questionnaires. The numbers of ever-smoking participants was 1370 in Study II and 529 in Study III. Study I examined whether a genetic component underlies smoking behaviour among Finnish adults. Genetic factors were important in the amount smoked and smoking cessation, with about half of the phenotypic differences explained by genetic variance. A novel finding was that genetic influences on amount smoked and smoking cessation were largely independent of genetic influ-ences on age at initiation. This result has implications for defining phenotypes in the search for genes underlying smoking behaviour. Furthermore, even if smoking initiation is postponed to a later age, potential vulnerability to subsequent nicotine dependence cannot be completely inhib-ited. Study II investigated the effect of genetic and environmental factors on nicotine dependence, as measured by the novel multidimensional Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS). This scale was validated in the Finnish data. The NDSS correlated highly with other established nico-tine dependence scales (FTND and DSM-IV), suggesting that this new scale would be a feasible and valid measure for identifying nicotine-dependent smokers among the ever-smoking popula-tion. About one-third of the phenotypic variation in nicotine dependence in this sample was ex-plained by genetic influences. Study III aimed at identifying chromosomal regions harbouring genes that influence smoking be-haviour and nicotine dependence. Linkage analysis of family data revealed that for smoker and nicotine dependence phenotypes as well as for co-morbidity between nicotine dependence and alcohol use signals on specific chromosome regions (chromosomes 2q33, 5q12, 5q34 7q21, 7q31, 10q25, 11p15, 20p13) exist. Results further support the hypothesis that smoking behaviour phe-notypes have a genetic background. Study IV examined associations of smoking behaviour, socio-economic position and transition of marital status with smoking cessation. Indicators of socio-economic position were important pre-dictors of smoking cessation even when adjusted for previous smoking behaviour. Getting married was associated with an increased probability of cessation in men, a finding confirmed among dis-cordant twin pairs. Thus, having a partner appears to have a positive impact on smoking cessation. In conclusion, nicotine dependence and smoking behaviour demonstrate significant genetic liabil-ity, but also substantial environmental influences among Finnish adults. Smoking initiation should be prevented or at least postponed to a later age. Although genetic factors are important in nicotine dependence and smoking behaviour, societal actions still have a primary role in tobacco control and smoking prevalence. Future studies should examine the complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors in nicotine dependence.

Epidemiological data of seasonal variation in mood and behaviour

The aim of this study was to measure seasonal variation in mood and behaviour. The dual vulnerability and latitude effect hypothesis, the risk of increased appetite, weight and other seasonal symptoms to develop metabolic syndrome, and perception of low illumination in quality of life and mental well-being were assessed. These variations are prevalent in persons who live in high latitudes and need balancing of metabolic processes to adapt to environmental changes due to seasons. A randomized sample of 8028 adults aged 30 and over (55% women) participated in an epidemiological health examination study, The Health 2000, applying the probability proportional to population size method for a range of socio-demographic characteristics. They were present in a face-to-face interview at home and health status examination. The questionnaires included the modified versions of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument 15D, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The structured and computerized Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview (M-CIDI) as part of the interview was used to assess diagnoses of mental disorders, and, the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria were assessed using all the available information to detect metabolic syndrome. A key finding was that 85% of this nationwide representative sample had seasonal variation in mood and behaviour. Approximately 9% of the study population presented combined seasonal and depressive symptoms with a significant association between their scores, and 2.6% had symptoms that corresponded to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in severity. Seasonal variations in weight and appetite are two important components that increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Other factors such as waist circumference and major depressive disorder contributed to the metabolic syndrome as well. Persons reported of having seasonal symptoms were associated with a poorer quality of life and compromised mental well-being, especially if indoors illumination at home and/or at work was experienced as being low. Seasonal and circadian misalignments are suggested to associate with metabolic disorders, and could be remarked if individuals perceive low illumination levels at home and/or at work that affect the health-related quality of life and mental well-being. Keywords: depression, health-related quality of life, illumination, latitude, mental well-being, metabolic syndrome, seasonal variation, winter.

Understanding the cropping behaviour of Riberry (Syzygium leuhmannii)

This study highlights the complexity of flowering biology in Syzygium and demonstrates how a basic understanding of a species’ fundamental biology is necessary for successful commercial cultivation. This report brings together useful information from previous international research on Syzygium as well as providing a basic understanding of flower biology, the nature of fruit set and seediness in riberry. Much of these findings have implications for the cultural management of riberry orchards to optimise fruit set and minimise seed set. It raises the possibility of avenues for genetic improvement.

Switching Process in Ferroelectric Triglycine Selenate

Triglycine selenate (TGSe) is isomorphous with Triglycine sulphate and is ferroelectric below 22°C. It is interesting to study the switching process in TGSe in the ferro-state with a view to comparing the results with TSG. The switching process was studied by applying electrical square pulses to produce fields up to 5 kV/cm on the sample, and measuring the parameters characterizing the transient current flowing in the sample, according to the Merz method. The temperature range in which the process was studied was 15°C to -20°C. The results were analysed by applying the Pulvari-Kuebler theory and the parameters α the activation field and µ the mobility of the domains were evaluated. It is found that µ varies with temperature in TGSe in a manner similar to TGS. µ is lesser for TGSe than for TGS for the same shift of temperature from Tc. The switching behaviour of γ-irradiated TGSe is qualitatively similar to that of unirradiated crystal eventhougth the process gets slowed down as a result of irradiation.

A Huge Effect of Weak dc Electrical Fields on Grain Growth in Zirconia

We show that the application of a modest dc electrical field, about 4 V/cm, can significantly reduce grain growth in yttria-stabilized polycrystalline zirconia. These measurements were made by annealing samples, for 10 h at 1300°C, with and without an electrical field. The finding adds a new dimension to the role of applied electrical fields in sintering and superplasticity, phenomena that are critical to the net-shape processing of ceramics. Grain-growth retardation will considerably enhance the rates of sintering and superplasticity, leading to significant energy efficiencies in the processing of ceramics.

Non-Destructive Method to Estimate the Moisture Content in Bread using Multi-Channel Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

Bread undergoes several physicochemical changes during storage that results in a rapid loss of freshness. These changes depend on moisture content present in bread product. An instrument based on electrical impedance spectroscopy technique is developed to estimate moisture content of bread at different zones using designed multi-channel ring electrodes. A dedicated AT89S52 microcontroller and associated peripherals are employed for hardware. A constant current is applied across bread loaf through central pair of electrodes and developed potential across different zones of bread loaf are measured using remaining four ring electrode pairs. These measured values of voltage and current are used to measure the impedance at each zone. Electrical impedance behavior of the bread loaf at crust and crumb is investigated during storage. A linear relationship is observed between the measured impedance and moisture content present in crust and crumb of bread loaf during storage of 120 hours.

Structure-thermal behaviour studies on the salicylato complex of cobalt

The salicylato complex of cobalt was synthesized and its structure established to be [Co(sal)2] · 4 H2O, where, sal =, from elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, cryoscopy and conductivity. The X-ray diffractogram of the complex has been given. Thermal decomposition has been studied in air by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. TG shows three main steps of decomposition. The intermediates formed at various stages were collected and analysed. From the TG results and chemical analysis of the intermediates, a mechanism has been proposed for the thermal decomposition of the complex, leading to the oxide formation in the final stage.

Crystallization behaviour of polyethylene and i-polybutene-1 blends

The mutual influence of the components on the crystallization behaviour of polyblends, namely, isotactic polybutene-1 (PB) with low-density and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE), has been studied using techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, infra-red spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc. Each component in the blend is observed to crystallize independently. There is phase separation and incompatibility, as shown from tensile properties and scanning electron microscopic observation of the fracture surface of the blend. For HDPE-PE blends (<30% HDPE), unusual form I′ crystals of PB are observed along with the usual form II.

Electrical conduction in plasma polymerized thin films of γ-terpinene

Plasma polymerized c-terpinene (pp2GT) thin films are fabricated using RF plasma polymerization. MIM structures are fabricated and using the capacitive structures dielectric properties of the material is studied. The dielectric constant values are found to be in good agreement with those determined from ellipsometric data. At a frequency of 100 kHz, the dielectric constant varies with RF deposition power, from 3.69 (10 W) to 3.24 (75 W). The current density–voltage (J2V) characteristics of pp–GT thin films are investigated as a function of RF deposition power at room temperature to determine the resistivity and DC conduction mechanism of the films. At higher applied voltage region, Schottky conduction is the dominant DC conduction mechanism. The capacitance and the loss tangent are found to be frequency dependent. The conductivity of the pp2GT thin films is found to decrease from 1.39 3 10212 S/cm (10 W) to 1.02 3 10213 S/cm (75 W) and attributed to the change in the chemical composition and structure of the polymer. The breakdown field for pp–GT thin films increases from 1.48 MV/cm (10 W) to 2 MV/cm (75 W). A single broad relaxation peak is observed indicating the contribution of multiple relaxations to the dielectric response for temperature dependent J2V. The distribution of these relaxation times is determined through regularization methods. VC 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42318.

Performance of slotted ALOHA satellite channels with finite buffer

The behaviour of the slotted ALOHA satellite channel with a finite buffer at each of the user terminals is studied. Approximate relationships between the queuing delay, overflow probabilities and buffer size are derived as functions of the system input parameters (i.e. the number of users, the traffic intensity, the transmission and the retransmission probabilities) for two cases found in the literature: the symmetric case (same transmission and retransmission probabilities), and the asymmetric case (transmission probability far greater than the retransmission probability). For comparison, the channel performance with an infinite buffer is also derived. Additionally, the stability condition for the system is defined in the latter case. The analysis carried out in the paper reveals that the queuing delays are quite significant, especially under high traffic conditions.

Balancing entertainment and behaviour value: M-games as a social marketing agent of change

In a marketplace where millions of dollars are spent on the design of mobile games (m-games), social marketers are now using this technology as a tool for behaviour change. Despite high expenditure by governments and non-profits on social marketing m-games, little is known about their effectiveness in terms of creating value. Value creation has been demonstrated to have an important impact on satisfaction and behaviour. This paper reports the results of a qualitative study involving four focus groups with 23 participants to reveal two categories of experiential value, entertainment and behaviour. Additionally, it was discovered that entertainment could be characterised by amusement and social value dimensions. Whereas, behaviour could be made up of information, simulation and distraction value dimensions. The categories of value, as well as the dimensions of information, simulation and distraction are entirely new to the social marketing literature and thus represents a unique contribution to social marketing.

Stress path effects on the strength behaviour of a layered soil

An experimental investigation dealing with the influence of stress path on the shear behaviour of a layered soil prepared in the laboratory is described. Specimens trimmed in vertical and horizontal directions have been sheared under three different stress paths in compression and extension tests. Either in compression or extension, the stress–strain behaviour of the specimens with both orientations was apparently the same, although the volume change behaviour was different. The effective stress parameters C′ and ′ were found to be unique and independent of the stress path and two principal orientations. However, the values of ′ in extension tests were 6–7° higher than those in compression tests.

Non-ohmic conduction and electrical switching under pressure of the charge transfer complexo-tolidine-iodine

The current voltage characteristics ofo-tolidine-iodine, with stoichiometry 1:1 grown from benzene, have been studied under high pressures upto 6 GPa atT=300 K andT=77 K. The characteristics show a pronounced deviation from ohmicity beyond a certain current for all pressures studied. At room temperature, beyond a threshold field the system switches from a low conductingOFF state to a high conductingON state with σON/σOFF ∼ 103. TheOFF state can be restored by the application of an a.c. pulse of low frequency. The temperature dependence of the two states studied indicates that theOFF state is semiconducting while theON state, beyond a certain applied pressure is metallic. The characteristics atT=77 K do not show any switching.