Regression problems in which predictors are measured with error have been studied by statisticians and researchers for many years. Measurement error in predictors creates biases in estimated regression coefficients, and hence models that address this are extremely important. These models are especially important in perinatal research since errors in gestational age can have serious effects. / The presence of measurement error in gestational age can lead to poor estimation of fetal growth and risk of mortality and morbidity, and can compromise statistical analyses [32, 39]. Since various obstetric choices are made based on birth weight distributions by gestational age, it is important to obtain plausible birthweight-gestational-age combinations. / Berry et al. [3] propose a Bayesian approach to modeling a flexible regression function in the presence of measurement error, where the regression function is modeled using smoothing splines and regression P-splines. These methods are applied to population-based data from U.S. birth certificates, which results in realistic birthweight-gestational age combinations.

The predictors of birthweight (scBWT) in normal pregnancy are well established. The objectives of this study were to characterize and determine predictors of scBWT among women diagnosed with scGDM. A cohort of 436 scGDM full-term pregnancies (followed 1978-1989) were examined using data abstracted from the Royal Victoria Hospital Antenatal Diabetic Clinic charts and McGill Obstetric and Neonatal Database. Women were treated with insulin and/or diet. Dietary treatment (mean 2047 kcal/d) significantly decreased the rate of weight gain and mean fasting plasma glucose (scFPG). Regression analysis identified several predictors of scBWT (mean 3520 g): prepregnancy body mass, height, smoking, pre-diagnostic rate of weight gain, scFPG, gestational age, infant gender, and length of treatment. Stratification by body mass indicated that among non-obese women with scGDM, scFPG and length of treatment were not significant predictors of scBWT. In conclusion, since women with normal pregravid mass and prediagnostic weight gain are at lower risk of high scBWT, these require consideration, in addition to plasma glucose criteria, when treating scGDM.

No description available.

Colonies of the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) were located and studied in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph Counties, Indiana, from June 12, 1988 through August 25, 1989. During the study, 24 colonies were located. Attempts were made to capture as many bats as possible during visits to the colonies. Colony sites were revisited several times during the two year study. A total of 1,846 bats were captured, banded and examined. During examinations bats were sexed, aged, weighed, and checked for wing damage and ectoparasites. The weights from the captured bats provided data on differences in bat weights for the summer of 1988 and 1989. The summer of 1988 was characterized by drier than normal precipitation, and the summer of 1989 had wetter than normal precipitation. Several comparisons were carried out on the data. The comparisons showed a correlation between increased rainfall and increased bat weights. In the wet year of 1989, adult bats were significantly heavier than they were in 1988. Juveniles were slightly heavier but not significantly. Further detailed data regarding age and sex ratios; wing damage and ectoparasite occurence are discussed briefly. / Department of Biology

The purpose of this study was to assess athletic performance measures following two different loading conditions in the back squat exercise. Fourteen NCAA Division I tennis players were randomly assigned to either a low-resistance (50-60% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) training group or a high-resistance (65-90% 1RM) training group. The eight weeks of training consisted of 3 training sessions per week using a complete strength training program designed for sport performance enhancement. Performance in the 1RM back squat, 10 yard sprint and a countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) was assessed. There were no significant pretest to posttest differences in improving lower-body power production as measured by the 1 RM back squat, 10yd sprint and countermovement vertical jump in either group. The results of this study indicate that low-resistance, high-velocity training and high-resistance, low-velocity training is equally effective for improving lower-body power production. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

The purpose of this project was to assess the coordination and performance of the jump squat movement for multiple loading conditions. Seventeen male subjects between 18 and 30 years of age, performed two jump squats for each loading condition, 0-60% of their one repetition maximum (1 RM) incremented by 10% for each trial. Video capture was used to assess kinematics and a force platform in combination with a linear position transducer was used to determine power. All of the peak power values occurred between 0% and 30% of 1 RM and there was an overall linear decrease in power output from 0-60% (p = 0.000). The shank-thigh and thigh-trunk mean absolute relative phase (MARP) values were shown to have linear increases from 0-60%, with p-values of 0.003 and 0.014 respectively. The MARP values calculated from 0-30% were significantly different than those at 60% for both segmental relationships. These results indicate that optimal jump squat performance occurs from 0-30% of 1 RM. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the validity of an linear position transducer / force platform method as compared to a 2D video analysis / force platform method for determining power output during free-standing jump squats, and to examine the effects of strength level and sport background on the optimal load for power output. The results showed that the LPT method was not suitable for measuring power output during free-standing jump squats. In addition, the optimal load range was determined for the VA method to occur between 10% and 20% of a predicted 1RM squat. Strength level did not have a significant affect on the optimal load, however, there were differences in strength and power output by sport. It is recommended that future research examine the specific limitations of an LPT for measuring un-constrained movements, as well as the effects of athletic and training background on the optimal load. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Objective: Since short-term weight loss is often achievable in overweight individuals but long-term weight maintenance is generally poor, this thesis examines the effect of the nature of support programmes and macronutrient composition on weight maintenance following weight loss. Research design and methods: A 2x2 multifactorial design was used to compare two support programmes and two diets differing in macronutrient composition on maintenance of weight loss over a 2-year period. Two hundred women who had recently lost at least 5% of initial body weight were randomised into one of two support programmes. One provided intensive expert, health professional support with regular circuit training classes. The other provided brief and frequent �weigh-ins� and support facilitated by a nurse. Participants were also randomised with regard to recommended diet composition. One eating plan was high in carbohydrate and dietary fibre, emphasising low glycemic index foods. The second eating plan was relatively high in monounsaturated fat and protein and had a low overall glycaemic load. At baseline, 1 and 2-years, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured and body composition was estimated using bioelectrical impedance. Three-day weighed diet records were collected to estimate dietary intake. A fasting blood sample was used to measure glucose, insulin and lipids. Results: At 2-years weight was measured for 87% of participants. On average those randomised to the Expert Support Programme reduced weight by 2.5kg while those on the Nurse Support Programme reduced weight by 3.6kg (difference between support programmes, P=0.976). On the High Carbohydrate Diet average weight loss was 2.4kg compared with a loss of 3.8kg on the High Monounsaturated fat Diet (difference between diets, P=0.419). At follow-up, there were no signficant differences between the support programmes with regards to body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, blood lipid levels, glucose, insulin, and predicted insulin sensitivity. From a health system perspective and relative to the Nurse Support Programme, the Expert Support Programme cost $NZ 928, 970 per QALY gained (or $9, 290 per person). At follow-up, there were no signficant differences between the dietary prescriptions with regard to body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin and predicted insulin sensitivity. However, total and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower on the High Carbohydrate Diet compared with the High Monounsaturated fat Diet (total cholesterol 0.2mmol/l, P=0.044, LDL cholesterol 0.2mmol/l, P=0.042). At follow-up those on the High Monounsaturated fat Diet reported significantly higher intakes of saturated fat (1.5%TE), total fat (5%TE), monounsaturated fat (2.4%), and a significantly lower intake of carbohydrate (-5%TE) than those on the High Carbohydrate Diet. Conclusion: A relatively inexpensive nurse led programme appears to be as effective as a more costly expert health professional led programme in achieving weight maintenance over a 2-year period. This inexpensive and successful weight maintenance programme offers a feasible option for implementation in primary health care in New Zealand. Similarly, both dietary approaches produced comparable beneficial effects in terms of weight loss maintenance. However the High Carbohydrate Diet was associated with lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol, possibly due to a lower intake of saturated fat.

Typescript (photocopy) / v, 256 leaves, [2] leaves of col. plates : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Dept. of Plant Physiology, University of Adelaide, 1982

Thesis (M. Nurs.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.