bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BMI and Stroke Risk in Korean Women
Authors: Park Ji Wan , Lee Sang‐Yi , Kim Su Young , Choe Heon , Jee Sun Ha
Published: January 2008

Objective:Obesity is known to be associated with diverse disease outcomes; however, the effect of body weight on the occurrence of stroke remains controversial and has not been studied sufficiently, particularly among Asian populations and among women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of BMI on the risk of stroke among Korean women.

Methods and Procedures:The overall risk of stroke and the risk of different subtypes of stroke were evaluated in relation to BMI using Cox's proportional hazard models among 439,582 Korean women, aged 30–95 years, in a 13‐year prospective cohort study with enrollment from 1992–1995. Stratified analyses were performed for age groups and cigarette smoking status.

Results:The average BMI was 23.2 kg/m2at baseline. The overall risk of stroke was the lowest in the group with a BMI <20.0 and increased with BMI in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the direction and strength of association varied according to the type of stroke and age groups. The risk of ischemic stroke (IS) showed a strong and progressive linear relationship with an increase in the BMI, while the relationship was less linear for hemorrhagic stroke (HS). The association between the risk of stroke and BMI was modified by age, with a weaker association at higher ages.

Discussion:In Korean women, the BMI showed a progressive and linear relationship with the occurrence of stroke. The association of BMI with the risk of stroke was modified by age.
Dietary Soy Isoflavone–Aglycone Lowers Food Intake in Female Rats With and Without Ovariectomy
Authors: Kishida Taro , Mizushige Takafumi , Ohtsu Yohhei , Ishikawa Shimpei , Nagamoto Manabu , Izumi Tohru , Obata Akio , Ebihara Kiyoshi
Published: January 2008

Objective: Estrogens downregulate eating behavior, and soy isoflavones are known to be estrogenic agents. We aimed to examine whether the estrogenic property of soy isoflavones can affect food intake and body weight.

Methods and Procedures: Seven‐week‐old male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague‐Dawley rats were given free access to a diet containing 100–300 mg total isoflavone/kg diet, or to a control diet, either with or without concurrent administration of estradiol by subcutaneous implantation.

Results: Dietary soy isoflavone was shown to lower food intake in female rats, whether or not the animals had undergone ovariectomy. Administration of estradiol lowered the food intake in male rats and in OVX female rats. The decrease in weekly food intake in female rats led to a reduction in their weekly gain in body weight. Dietary soy isoflavone significantly increased the concentration of serum isoflavones, especially equol (a metabolite of daidzein), regardless of gender or ovariectomy. Dietary soy isoflavone did not affect either serum estradiol concentration or uterine and didymus weights, but estradiol administration improved the uterine atrophy in OVX rats, and decreased the didymus weight in male rats.

Discussion: Soy isoflavone lowers the food intake in female rats, but not in the male animals. Contrary to the hypothesis currently in vogue, the reduction in food intake caused by soy isoflavone may not be a purely estrogenic effect. This follows from the finding that the effects of soy isoflavones on food intake and on the reproductive organs differ from the corresponding effects produced by estrogen.
The Association of BMI With Functional Status and Self‐rated Health in US Adults
Authors: Imai Kumiko , Gregg Edward W. , Chen Yiling J. , Zhang Ping , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Williamson David F.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine the association of BMI with functional status and self‐rated health among US adults and how the association differs by age and sex.

Methods and Procedures: All analyses are based on the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 1997–2005, a yearly, representative study of the US household population. We pooled all survey years and fitted logistic regression for the two sexes and three age strata (ages 18–44, 45–64, and ≥65).

Results: Our study found that although underweight and severe obesity are consistently associated with increased disability and poorer health status, overweight and moderate obesity show associations that vary considerably by age and sex. For men, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for disability and poor/fair self‐rated health tended to be lowest among overweight persons, especially for ages ≥45. Among men with moderate obesity, the risk of disability was elevated for ages 18–44 but lower for ages ≥65. For women, the adjusted ORs for disability and poor/fair self‐rated health tended to be lowest among normal‐weight persons, particularly for ages ≤45. Compared to normal‐weight counterparts, overweight women aged ≥65 had a lower risk of disability but a somewhat elevated risk of poor/fair self‐rated health.

Discussion: The results suggest that the association of BMI with functional status and self‐rated health varies significantly across ages and sexes. The variations in the association of BMI with functional status and self‐rated health suggest that a single “ideal body weight category” may not be appropriate for all persons or all health outcomes.
Constructs of Health and Environment Inform Child Obesity Prevention in American Indian Communities
Authors: Adams Alexandra K. , Harvey Heather , Brown David
Published: January 2008

Objective: Obesity prevention efforts have had limited success in American Indian (AI) populations. More effective prevention programs might be designed using insights into linkages between parental health beliefs, environmental constraints and healthy lifestyle choices.

Methods and Procedures: Focus group sessions (n = 42 participants) were conducted to explore parental perspectives on children's health, diet and physical activity in three Wisconsin Tribal communities. Focus group questions were derived from preliminary interviews and observations on environmental barriers surrounding nutrition and physical activity.

Results: Two broad thematic areas emerged from the focus groups: child health themes and environmental themes. Health themes included views of child health (emphasizing emotional health), views on parenting, and assessment of risks to child safety. Environmental (social and physical) themes included assessments of personal support networks, assessments of local facilities and programs, and values regarding household relationships. A provisional model of family behaviors related to child nutrition and physical activity was developed to better understand these themes and the potential tensions among them.

Discussion: Understanding the unique cultural constructs of health and environment of AI communities can inform decision making in community‐level prevention research. The proposed model served as a useful starting point for designing healthy lifestyle interventions in these AI communities. This model may also be applicable to other minority communities.
Physical Inactivity and Obesity: A Vicious Circle
Authors: Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kaprio Jaakko , Borg Patrik , Plasqui Guy , Yki‐Järvinen Hannele , Kujala Urho M. , Rose Richard J. , Westerterp Klaas R. , Rissanen Aila
Published: January 2008

Objective: Physical activity (PA) begins to decline in adolescence with a concomitant increase in weight. We hypothesized that a vicious circle may arise between decreasing PA and weight gain from adolescence to early adulthood.

Methods and Procedures: PA and self‐perceived physical fitness assessed in adolescents (16–18 years of age) were used to predict the development of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (waist ≥88 cm in females and ≥102 cm in males) at age 25 in 4,240 twin individuals (90% of twins born in Finland, 1975–1979). Ten 25‐year‐old monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs who were discordant for obesity (with a 16 kg weight difference) were then carefully evaluated for current PA (using a triaxial accelerometer), total energy expenditure (TEE, assessed by means of the doubly labeled water (DLW) method), and basal metabolic rate (BMR, assessed by indirect calorimetry).

Results: Physical inactivity in adolescence strongly predicted the risk for obesity (odds ratio (OR) 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–10.9) and abdominal obesity (4.8, 1.9–12.0) at age 25, even after adjusting for baseline and current BMI. Poor physical fitness in adolescence also increased the risk for overall obesity (5.1, 2.0–12.7) and abdominal obesity (3.2, 1.5–6.7) in adulthood. Physical inactivity was both causative and secondary to the development of obesity discordance in the MZ pairs. TEE did not differ between the MZ co‐twins. PA was lower whereas BMR was higher in the obese co‐twins.

Discussion: Physical inactivity in adolescence strongly and independently predicts total (and especially) abdominal obesity in young adulthood, favoring the development of a self‐perpetuating vicious circle of obesity and physical inactivity. Physical activity should therefore be seriously recommended for obesity prevention in the young.
Physical Activity Intensity and Risk of Overweight and Adiposity in Children
Authors: Wittmeier Kristy D.M. , Mollard Rebecca C. , Kriellaars Dean J.
Published: January 2008

Background: Physical activity recommendations for children focus on duration of activity and underemphasize intensity.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between physical activity (intensity and duration) and the odds of being overweight, >20% body fat and >25% body fat.

Methods and Procedures: Body fat, BMI and physical activity (accelerometry) were measured in children (n = 251) aged 8–10 years. Physical activity was quantified as time in moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA).

Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 18 and 11.6%, respectively. Regression indicated that VPA, not MPA, is associated with body fat (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.26, P < 0.001). Odds ratio demonstrated a significant impact of MPA and VPA on body composition. Children performing ≤5 min/day of VPA are 4.0 times more likely to have ≥20% body fat (P < 0.001), 2.9 times more likely to have ≥25% body fat (P < 0.05) and 5.2 times more likely to be classified as overweight (P < 0.01) compared to children performing ≥15 min/day. Those performing ≤15 min/day of MPA vs. >45 min/day MPA are at 4.2 increased odds of having ≥20% body fat (P < 0.001), and 3.0 increased odds of having ≥25% (P < 0.01).

Discussion: Lower durations of both MPA and VPA are associated with increased odds of overweight and adiposity. Forty‐five minutes of MPA and fifteen minutes of VPA were associated with reduced body fat and BMI. We recommend that these amounts are used to develop minimum physical activity intensity guidelines for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Prevalence and Determinants of Obesity in Children in Public Schools of Sintra, Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Raquel J. , Marques‐Vidal Pedro M.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To assess the prevalence of and the factors related to overweight and obesity in a sample of children from the region of Sintra, Portugal.

Methods and Procedures: Cross‐sectional study, stratified for freguesia with random selection of schools. Height, weight, triceps skinfold, upper arm and waist circumferences were measured, and overweight/obesity defined according to international criteria. Breast‐feeding, number of daily meals and parents' height and weight data were also collected.

Results: One thousand two hundred and twenty‐five children aged 6–10 years were assessed. Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.6% (23% overweight and 12.6% obesity). Overweight or obese children had higher triceps skinfold, upper arm circumference, arm muscle area, and waist circumference than their normal weight counterparts (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, relatively to a child without obese progenitors, a child with one obese progenitor had an obesity risk multiplied by 2.78 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76–4.38), while a child with two obese progenitors had a risk multiplied by 6.47 (95% CI: 5.59–16.19). Conversely, being picky was significantly related with a smaller risk of obesity: for boys, odds ratio (OR) = 0.15 (95% CI: 0.04–0.63); for girls, OR = 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06–0.64). Finally, no relationships were found between obesity, birth weight, birth height or breast‐feeding.

Discussion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity are elevated among children of the Sintra region in Portugal compared to most other regions of Europe. The relationship with the parents' nutritional state stresses the need to target families for preventing obesity.
Islet‐1: A Potentially Important Role for an Islet Cell Gene in Visceral Fat
Authors: Li Haiyan , Heilbronn Leonie K. , Hu Dachun , Poynten Ann M. , Blackburn Miriam A. , Shirkhedkar Deepali P. , Kaplan Warren H. , Kriketos Adamandia D. , Ye Jiming , Chisholm Donald J.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine differences in gene expression between visceral (VF) and subcutaneous fat (SF) to identity genes of potential importance in regulation of VF.

Methods and Procedures: We compared gene expression (by DNA array and quantitative PCR (qPCR)) in paired VF and SF adipose biopsies from 36 subjects (age 54 ± 15 years, 15 men/21 women) with varying degrees of adiposity and insulin resistance, in chow and fat fed mice (± rosiglitazone treatment) and in c‐Cbl−/− mice. Gene expression was also examined in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes during differentiation.

Results: A twofold difference or more was found between VF and SF in 1,343 probe sets, especially for genes related to development, cell differentiation, signal transduction, and receptor activity. Islet‐1 (ISL1), a LIM‐homeobox gene with important developmental and regulatory function in islet, neural, and cardiac tissue, not previously recognized in adipose tissue was virtually absent in SF but substantially expressed in VF. ISL1 expression correlated negatively with BMI (r = −0.37, P = 0.03), abdominal fat (by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, r = −0.44, P = 0.02), and positively with circulating adiponectin (r = 0.33, P = 0.04). In diet‐induced obese mice, expression was reduced in the presence or absence of rosiglitazone. Correspondingly, expression was increased in the c‐Cbl−/− mouse, which is lean and insulin sensitive (IS). ISL1 expression was increased sevenfold in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes during early (day 1) differentiation and was reduced by day 2 differentiation.

Discussion: An important developmental and regulatory gene ISL1 is uniquely expressed in VF, probably in the preadipocyte. Our data suggest that ISL1 may be regulated by adiposity and its role in metabolic regulation merits further study.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Pediatric Obesity‐prevention Counseling: National Prevalence of Clinician Practices
Authors: Branner Christopher M. , Koyama Tatsuki , Jensen Gordon L.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To assess the frequency of clinician‐reported delivery of obesity‐prevention counseling (OPC) at well‐child visits; evaluating for racial/ethnic discrepancies.

Methods and Procedures: Combined, weighted well‐child visit data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 2001 to 2004 were analyzed for patients aged 4–18 years. Obesity‐prevention counseling was defined as the combined delivery of diet/nutrition and exercise counseling. Patients receiving over‐ or underweight related diagnoses were excluded. Counseling frequencies were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the relationship of OPC with race, ethnicity, region, provider, sex, age, and payor type.

Results: Of 55,695,554 (weighted) visits, 24.4% included OPC (90.8% of these from NAMCS). 15.4% of Hispanic patients received OPC compared to 28.8% of non‐Hispanics. Frequencies were similar between Whites and Blacks (25.0 and 27.1%). Patients with private insurance received more counseling (26.9%) than Medicaid (19.1%) or self‐pay (15.1%). In logistic regression models, non‐Hispanics were more likely to receive OPC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.94; confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–3.32), and patients in the West were less likely to receive OPC (OR = 0.39; CI = 0.18–0.85). Payor type was not predictive in regression analysis. Patients in hospital‐based practices received less OPC (11.9% vs. 25.7% with OR = 0.40; CI =0.22–0.74).

Discussion: Obesity prevention, like treatment, is a complex and multifactorial process. With the documented racial and ethnic disparities in rates of pediatric obesity, reasons for discrepancies in the provision of OPC must be further investigated as preventive strategies are formulated.
Association of Common JAK2 Variants With Body Fat, Insulin Sensitivity and Lipid Profile
Authors: Ge Dongliang , Gooljar Sakina B. , Kyriakou Theodosios , Collins Laura J. , Swaminathan Ramasamyiyer , Snieder Harold , Spector Tim D. , O'Dell Sandra D.
Published: January 2008

The leptin signal is transduced via the JAK2‐STAT3 (Janus kinase 2‐signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3) pathway at the leptin receptor. JAK2 also phosphorylates insulin receptor substrate, integral to insulin and leptin action and is required for optimum adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)‐dependent transport of lipids from cells to apolipoprotein A‐1 (apoA‐I). We hypothesized that common variation in the JAK2 gene may be associated with body fat, insulin sensitivity, and modulation of the serum lipid profile in the general population. Ten tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the gene were genotyped in 2,760 white female twin subjects (mean age 47.3 ± 12.6 years) from the St Thomas’ UK Adult Twin Registry. Minor allele frequencies were between 0.170 and 0.464. The major allele of rs7849191 was associated with higher central fat (P = 0.030), percentage of central fat (P = 0.014) and waist circumference (P = 0.027) the major allele of rs3780378 with higher serum apoA (P = 0.026), total cholesterol (P = 0.014), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = 0.012) and lower triglyceride (P = 0.023). However, no associations were significant at a level which took account of multiple testing. Although JAK2 is a critical element in leptin and insulin signaling and has a role in cellular cholesterol transport, we failed to establish associations of common SNPs with relevant phenotypes in this human study.
Effect of Orlistat on Eating Behavior Among Participants in a 3‐year Weight Maintenance Trial
Authors: Svendsen Mette , Rissanen Aila , Richelsen Bjørn , Rössner Stephan , Hansson Fredrik , Tonstad Serena
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine the effect of orlistat on dietary restraint, disinhibition, hunger, and binge eating and to understand the relation between changes in eating behavior and weight maintenance.

Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 306 women and men (age: 19–45 years; BMI: 37.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2) included in the Scandinavian Multicenter study of Obese subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome, a 3‐year clinical trial of orlistat or placebo following an 8‐week very low energy diet (VLED). Outcomes were changes in weight and in the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Binge Eating Scale (BES) between screening and 17 and 33 months after randomization. As reported previously, weight gain following VLED was lower in subjects treated with orlistat than with placebo.

Results: Compared to screening results, dietary restraint was increased and disinhibition, hunger, and binge eating were decreased in both groups. These changes were similar in both groups with the exception of the hunger score at month 33 that was reduced more in the placebo than in the orlistat group (difference between groups −1.1 (95% CI (−2.0, −0.2)) P = 0.014). In multivariate analyses, scores for restraint, disinhibition and binge eating were associated with weight loss after adjustment for BMI, gender, age, and treatment (all P ≤ 0.002, model R 2 = 0.12–0.17).

Discussion: Orlistat did not affect eating behavior differently in any substantial way than the placebo did in this long‐term weight maintenance trial. The results indicate that increased restraint and decreased disinhibition and binge eating are important for sustained weight maintenance in obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome.
Headaches in Overweight Children and Adolescents Referred to a Tertiary‐care Center in Israel
Authors: Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Frumin Katia , Gabis Lidia , Mazor‐Aronovich Kineret , Modan‐Moses Dalit , Reichman Brian , Lerner‐Geva Liat
Published: January 2008

Objective: To assess the association between obesity and primary headaches in children and adolescents.

Methods and Procedures: In a prospective study, the short‐questionnaire version based on existing International Headache Society diagnostic criteria was administered. Two hundred and seventy‐three children and adolescents (61% females) aged 9–17 years were assessed. One hundred and sixteen (42.5%) subjects were of normal weight, 45 (16.5%) were at risk for overweight (BMI >85th and <95th percentile for age and gender) and 112 (41%) were overweight (BMI ≥95th percentile). The outcome measures were prevalence of headaches, type of headaches, association between headaches and elevated blood pressure in overweight subjects.

Results: Headache was reported in 39 (14.3%) subjects, with a similar rate in females (14.5%) and males (14%). Among 39 subjects with headaches, 20 (17.9%) were overweight, 7 (15.6%) were at risk for overweight and 12 (10.3%) were normal‐weight children. Among females, 7.7% of normal‐weight group suffered from headaches, compared with 14.8% of the at risk for overweight group and 20.3% of the overweight group (P for trend 0.04). Among males, the occurrence of headaches was similar in all three weight groups (P = 0.96). The occurrence of headaches increased from 10.6% among children aged 9–11 years to 21.8% in the 15–18 years age group (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, a significant independent risk for headaches was present in overweight females (odds ratio (OR) = 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–12.1) and in adolescents aged 15–18 years (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.07–6.45).

Elevated blood pressure was not independently associated with headaches. Of the 15 children with migraine, 12 were either at risk for overweight or overweight.

Discussion: Overweight females had an almost fourfold excess risk of headaches when compared with normal‐weight girls.
Visceral Fat, Waist Circumference, and BMI: Impact of Race/ethnicity
Authors: Carroll Joan F. , Chiapa Ana L. , Rodriquez Mayra , Phelps David R. , Cardarelli Kathryn M. , Vishwanatha Jamboor K. , Bae Sejong , Cardarelli Roberto
Published: January 2008

Objective: BMI and waist circumference are used to define risk from excess body fat. Limited data in women suggest that there may be racial/ethnic differences in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) at a given BMI or waist circumference. This study tested the hypothesis that racial/ethnic differences exist in both men and women in the relationship of anthropometric measures of body composition and computed tomography (CT)‐determined VAT or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).

Methods and Procedures: Subjects included 66 African American, 72 Hispanic, and 47 white men and women, aged ≥45. Waist circumference and BMI were measured using standard methods. Total abdominal and L4L5 VAT and SAT were measured using CT.

Results: Among both men and women, groups did not differ in waist circumference or BMI. White men had greater L4L5 VAT than African‐American men, and both white and Hispanic men had greater total VAT than African‐American men. Among women, Hispanics and whites had greater L4L5 VAT than African Americans, and Hispanics had greater total VAT than African Americans. The slope of the linear relationship between BMI or waist circumference and VAT was lower in African Americans than in Hispanics and/or whites.

Discussion: Middle‐aged and older African‐American men and women had lower VAT despite similar BMI and waist circumference measurements. Altered relationships between anthropometric measures and VAT may have implications for defining metabolic risk in different populations. Different waist circumference or BMI cutoff points may be necessary to adequately reflect risk in different racial/ethnic groups.
A Prospective Study of Dairy Consumption in Relation to Changes in Metabolic Risk Factors: The Hoorn Study
Authors: Snijder Marieke B. , van Dam Rob M. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Hiddink Gerrit J. , Heine Robert J. , Dekker Jacqueline M.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Higher dairy consumption has been suggested to reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic disturbances. The aim of our study was to investigate the prospective association between dairy consumption and changes in weight and metabolic disturbances.

Methods and Procedures: Baseline dairy intake (servings/day) was assessed by a semi‐quantitative food‐frequency questionnaire in 1,124 participants of the Hoorn Study. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between dairy intake and 6.4‐year change in weight, fat distribution, and metabolic risk factors (glucoses, lipids, blood pressure) and the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS).

Results: Baseline dairy consumption was not associated with changes in fasting and post‐load glucose concentrations, serum lipid levels (high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and triglycerides), or blood pressure, nor with the risk of developing the MS in 6.4 years (odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was 0.86 (0.52–1.42) comparing highest with lowest quartile of dairy consumption). In subjects with BMI < 25 kg/m2, higher dairy consumption was significantly associated with an increase in BMI, weight, waist, and a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein.

Discussion: Our results do not support the hypothesis that a higher dairy consumption protects against weight gain and development of metabolic disturbances in a Dutch elderly population.
IL6 and IL1B Polymorphisms are Associated With Fat Mass in Older Men: The MrOS Study Sweden
Authors: Strandberg Louise , Mellström Dan , Ljunggren Östen , Grundberg Elin , Karlsson Magnus K. , Holmberg Anna H. , Orwoll Eric S. , Eriksson Anna L. , Svedberg Johan , Bengtsson Magnus , Ohlsson Claes , Jansson John‐Olov
Published: January 2008

There is growing evidence that immune functions are linked to the regulation of body fat. Our studies of knockout mice indicate that both endogenous interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1 can suppress mature‐onset obesity. We now investigated whether four common polymorphisms of the IL6 and IL1 systems are associated with the fat mass measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in elderly men (n = 3,014). The study subjects were from the Swedish part of the MrOS multicenter population study and 69–81 years of age. The IL6 −174 G>C (Minor allele frequency (MAF) = 48%) gene promoter polymorphism was associated with the primary outcome total fat mass (P = 0.006) and regional fat masses, but not with lean body mass. The IL1B −31T>C (MAF = 34%) polymorphism was also associated with total fat (P = 0.007) and regional fat masses, but not lean body mass. The IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) gene (IL1RN) +2018 T>C (MAF = 27%) polymorphism (in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with a well‐studied variable number tandem repeat of 86 base pair (bp)) and IL1B +3953 C>T (MAF = 26%) polymorphism were not associated with total fat mass. In conclusion, the IL‐1 and IL‐6 systems, shown to suppress mature‐onset obesity in experimental animals, contain gene polymorphisms that are associated with fat, but not lean, mass in elderly men.
Compliance, Behavior Change, and Weight Loss With Orlistat in an Over‐the‐Counter Setting
Authors: Schwartz Susan M. , Bansal Vidhu P. , Hale Cecilia , Rossi Maureen , Engle Janet P.
Published: January 2008

Objective: The study was conducted to provide information on how consumers would use orlistat 60 mg, especially in terms of product dosing, in a setting without physician supervision.

Methods and Procedures: A 3‐month, open‐label, naturalistic study was conducted in an over‐the‐counter (OTC) setting in 18 pharmacies. Consumers ≥18 years were allowed to purchase orlistat packages containing a bottle of orlistat 60 mg plus educational materials, which provided lifestyle information and tools to encourage successful weight loss. Data were collected at pharmacy visits and during telephone interviews at 14, 30, 60, and 90 days after enrollment.

Results: A total of 237 subjects purchased and used the product, and completed at least one interview. Most subjects followed the dosing directions and took two to three capsules per day with meals throughout the study. The majority of subjects took a daily multivitamin, as directed. Approximately, 80% of subjects used the educational materials and found them useful or very useful. Over the study duration, most subjects reported following a diet and 51% of subjects reported more frequent or longer exercise than at enrollment. Approximately, 80% of subjects indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the weight loss achieved; measured and self‐reported relative median weight loss was ∼5% after ≥60 days of using orlistat. Most common adverse events were gastrointestinal (GI), and majority of subjects did not interrupt or discontinue orlistat due to these GI events.

Discussion: These results demonstrate that orlistat 60 mg can be used appropriately and safely and with high consumer satisfaction without physician supervision or dietary counseling. Collectively, results indicate that orlistat 60 mg is an appropriate weight loss therapy in the OTC environment.
No Evidence of an Effect of Alterations in Dietary Fatty Acids on Fasting Adiponectin Over 3 Weeks
Authors: Lithander Fiona E. , Keogh Geraldine F. , Wang Yu , Cooper Garth J.S. , Mulvey Tom B. , Chan Yih‐Kai , McArdle Brian H. , Poppitt Sally D.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Little is known about the effects of alterations in fatty acid classes on adiponectin, a hormone secreted by the adipocyte known to be important in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Any factor, including diet, that may positively influence adiponectin gene expression or increase circulating levels might be useful for improving such metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effects of alterations in dietary fatty acid saturation on fasting serum adiponectin and associated peptides.

Methods and Procedures: Double‐blind, randomized, crossover, 2 × 3‐week residential intervention trial where 18 mildly hyperlipidemic adult men were provided with a high saturated:unsaturated fat (SFA:USFA) and lower SFA:USFA treatment separated by an uncontrolled 4‐week washout. Only fatty acid profile was altered between treatments. Fasting blood samples were collected on days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 22 of each intervention period for the measurement of adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), high‐sensitivity C–reactive protein (hsC‐RP), leptin, and ghrelin.

Results: Body weight was kept constant (±1 kg) throughout each treatment. There was no detectable difference in fasting adiponectin at baseline (mean day 0 + day 1) between the treatment groups (mean ± s.d.; highSFA:USFA = 7.0 ± 1.7 vs. lowSFA:USFA = 6.7 ± 1.4 μg/ml, P > 0.05). There were neither significant between‐treatment effects of fatty acid saturation (diet × time, P > 0.05) on serum adiponectin nor any significant between‐treatment effects on serum TNF‐α, IL‐6, hsC‐RP, leptin, or ghrelin (P > 0.05).

Discussion: Fasting serum adiponectin was not detectably affected by alterations in dietary fatty acid profile in mildly hyperlipidemic men. There was no evidence that an increase in SFA content of the diet significantly worsened fasting serum adiponectin over a 3‐week intervention period.
Adiponectin and Resistin Response in the Onset of Obesity in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Ribot Joan , Rodríguez Ana M. , Rodríguez Enrique , Palou Andreu
Published: January 2008

Objective: Studying the sex‐dependent response of adiponectin and resistin adipose tissue expression and circulating levels in the onset of dietary obesity.

Methods and Procedures: Male and female 4‐week‐old Wistar rats were fed a control or cafeteria (CAF) diet for 15 days. Body weight and energy intake were monitored. Gonadal (visceral), retroperitoneal (visceral) and inguinal (subcutaneous) white adipose tissue (WAT) depots were collected. Serum adiponectin and resistin and tissue mRNA levels were analyzed by western blot and reverse transcription—PCR, respectively. Serum levels of insulin, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), and glucose were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and by a glucose sensor. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA).

Results: Energy intake and adipose‐tissue weight were significantly increased in the CAF rats, with higher increase in visceral than in subcutaneous fat, especially in females. The effective production of adiponectin and resistin (total levels adjusted per WAT weight) was decreased in the CAF groups, more markedly in females for adiponectin. This decrease was associated with the tendency to lower WAT mRNA levels for resistin, but not for adiponectin. Insulin levels were not significantly altered. Fasting glucose was slightly increased in CAF females. HOMA score was not significantly increased by CAF feeding, although it tended to be increased in a few CAF females.

Discussion: Decrease of WAT adiponectin and resistin‐effective production seems an early response to obesity development under a high‐fat (CAF) diet, with sex‐associated differences. This can probably be related to a physiological role of both adipokines modulating the insulin signaling system.
Using experiments in corporate strategy research
Authors: Croson Rachel , Anand Jaideep , Agarwal Rajshree
Published: January 2008

Research in corporate strategy has come a long way since its early days as a purely case‐based investigation. Today, corporate strategy theory draws not only on ideas from many disciplines, but has also developed its own concepts to better describe and predict strategic behavior. Methodologically, however, modern corporate strategy research relies primarily on observational methods using large data sets, developed either from primary or archival sources. We argue for an increased use of experiments to address the current integrative and interdisciplinary theory in corporate strategy and to complement existing methods. We review the few experiments in corporate strategy research, and describe the advantages and limitations of the experimental method.
Partners in power: job mobility and dynamic deal‐making
Authors: Checkley Matthew , Steglich Christian
Published: January 2008

This research considers how the connectedness of venture capital (VC) firms changes with the job mobility of managers between those firms. A continuous‐time Markov chain model is developed to test whether managers are able to ‘drag’ prior inter‐firm relational ties with them as they move between employing firms. The findings support the hypothesis that increasing the stock of managers is material to creating inter‐firm ties. However, managers are not found to drag their prior links to new network positions. This result is consistent with an institutional view of VC syndication, suggesting that inter‐firm relations are other than managerial in nature.
The ECRIS charge state breeding project at TRIUMF
Authors: Ames F. , Baartman R. , Bricault P. , Jayamanna K. , McDonald M. , Schmor P. , Spanjers T. , Yuan D. H. L. , Lamy T.
Published: January 2008

The performance of charge state breeding with an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source intended to increase the charge state of online produced radioactive ions at the ISAC facility at TRIUMF has been investigated. A 14GHz PHOENIX from PANTECHNIK has been setup on a test bench. Singly charged ions have been produced with several ion sources typical for the on-line operation and were injected into the charge breeder. The main purpose of the tests has been the optimization of the efficiency for the charge breeding into the desired charge state. Maximum efficiencies reached so far with the standard one step deceleration of the ions in front of the plasma are up to about 6% for noble gas ions and about 3.5% for alkalines. As ion optics simulations show, the acceptance can be increased by a two step deceleration. In order to meet the velocity acceptance of the accelerator at different A∕q values a similar two gap acceleration system for the highly charged ions has been installed to allow the source to run at different voltages. For the further beam transport to the accelerator, cross sections for charge exchange of the highly charged ions with the residual gas have been determined.
Investigation of an electron string ion source with field emission cathode
Authors: Becker R. , Currell F. J. , Donets E. D. , Donets E. E. , Kester O. , Quint W. , Ptitsin V. E.
Published: January 2008

The string mode of operation for an electron beam ion source uses axially oscillating electrons in order to reduce power consumption, also simplifying the construction by omitting the collector with cooling requirements and has been called electron string ion source (ESIS). We have started a project (supported by INTAS and GSI) to use Schottky field emitting cathode tips for generating the electron string. The emission from these specially conditioned tips is higher by orders of magnitude than the focused Brillouin current density at magnetic fields of some Tesla and electron energies of some keV. This may avoid the observed instabilities in the transition from axially oscillating electrons to the string state of the electron plasma, opening a much wider field of possible operating parameters for an ESIS. Besides the presentation of the basic features, we emphasize in this paper a method to avoid damaging of the field emission tip by backstreaming ions.
Shiftless nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Chin H. , Opella Stanley J.
Published: January 2008

The acquisition and analysis of high resolution one- and two-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra without chemical shift frequencies are described. Many variations of shiftless NMR spectroscopy are feasible. A two-dimensional experiment that correlates the C13α–N15 dipole-dipole and H1–C13α dipole-dipole couplings in the model peptide C13α, 15N labeled N-acetyl-leucine is demonstrated. In addition to the resolution of resonances from individual sites in a single crystal sample, the bond lengths and angles are characterized by the two-dimensional powder pattern obtained from a polycrystalline sample.
A beam transport system for an intense He− beam source
Authors: Tanaka N. , Kikuchi M. , Nagamura T. , Sugawara H. , Takeuchi S. , Kobuchi T. , Okamoto A. , Shinto K. , Kitajima S. , Sasao M. , Wada M.
Published: January 2008

We have been developing a test stand for fast He0 beam production. One of the major issues is how to transport effectively the He+ and He− beams from which the He0 beam is produced. The beam should be focused in two transverse focal points, the center of the charge exchange cell and the electrostatic accelerator. We studied the beam transport system and effect of space charge neutralization in the test stand by experiments and calculation.
An ion source research facility
Authors: Roeder M. , Dehnel M. , Jackle P. , Stewart T. , Theroux J.
Published: January 2008

As an ion source developer, D-Pace frequently faces the issue of needing access to a research facility to be able to test equipment or to develop our existing technology further. The closest facility to perform such tasks is hundreds of kilometers away, at TRIUMF, and it is not always feasible to make use of it on a timely basis. With a growing demand and a desire to enhance our products, the idea to create an ion source research facility in our region evolved. In this paper, we will discuss the approach that was chosen to reach our goal, the status of the project, the principle layout of the facility, and the different ways this facility could be utilized.
Tungsten filament material and cesium dynamic equilibrium effects on a surface converter ion source
Authors: Rouleau G. , Geros E. , Stelzer J. , Chacon-Golcher E. , Keller R. , Tarvainen O. , Borden M.
Published: January 2008

We present results on two different aspects that affect surface converter H− ion source performance: tungsten filament material and converter/wall temperature control. On the tungsten material aspect, evidence that filament grain size affects the source performance as well as filament failure modes is shown. Materials with impurity contents that hinder grain growth during conditioning or operation are to be avoided in order to increase the filament lifetime. Regarding the temperature control of the converter and plasma chamber walls, we present results of increased current output of up to 2.5mA (15%). This is explained by generating increased cesium vapor pressure leading to enhanced sputtering of H− ions.
Magnetism of LaAlO3∕SrTiO3 superlattices
Authors: Janicka Karolina , Velev Julian P. , Tsymbal Evgeny Y.
Published: January 2008

First-principles electronic structure calculations are performed to elucidate magnetic properties of LaAlO3∕SrTiO3 heterostructures. We find that TiO2-terminated interfaces are n-type conducting which is consistent with experimental observations. In a (LaAlO3)3∕(SrTiO3)3 superlattice, this interface is magnetic with a magnetic moment on the Ti3+ atom of 0.2μB, as revealed by the spin-polarized calculations within the local density approximation (LDA). For thicker SrTiO3 layers the magnetic moment decreases and eventually disappears because the electron gas spreads over more than one unit cell, making the electron delocalized across the superlattice and violating the Stoner criterion for magnetism. Thus, magnetization in these superlattices is due to geometric confinement of the electron gas. The inclusion of electron correlations via the LDA+U approximation with U=5eV on the Ti atoms makes the two-dimensional electron gas half-metallic and enhances and stabilizes the interface magnetization.
Spatially resolved Pt195 NMR of carbon-supported PtRu electrocatalysts: Local electronic properties, elemental composition, and catalytic activity
Authors: Du Bingchen , Danberry Aaron L. , Park In-Su , Sung Yung-Eun , Tong YuYe
Published: January 2008

While bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) offer greater tunability of their catalytic performance than their monometallic counterparts, their detailed mechanistic characterizations are still of a great challenging prospect, particularly at nanoscale. In this paper, we describe a unique Pt195 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based in situ technique that in principle enables us to access local elemental composition and electronic information across the dimension of the Pt-based NPs with decent spatial resolution. When combined with electrochemical analysis, it opens a way to correlate the local elemental composition and electronic properties with the catalytic activity of the bimetallic NPs. Specifically, from the Pt195 NMR analysis we concluded that (1) for the PtRu/carbon nanofibers, Ru segregates at the surface while Pt does so inside the NPs; (2) alloying Ru substantially reduces the EF local density of states (LDOS) at the Pt atoms; (3) the larger variation in s-like EF LDOS at the surface region of the PtRu/graphite nanofibers may imply a higher diversity of catalytic sites available for reactions, therefore explains the observed higher reactivity in methanol electro-oxidation.
A high torque density permanent magnet motor for oil pumping unit
Authors: Lu Q. F. , Fan C. Z. , Ye Y. Y. , Zhu Z. Q.
Published: January 2008

A low speed, high torque density compound permanent magnet (PM) motor is developed for oil pumping unit to reduce energy consumption. It consists of dual axial-field PM motors and an outer rotor PM motor. In order to account for the influence of skew, a multislice two-dimensional finite element method is employed to analyze the air gap field distribution, back-emf, cogging torque, and electromagnetic torque. Predicted results are validated experimentally.
Study of high magnetic anisotropy Co∕Pd multilayers for patterned media
Authors: Koda Tetsunori , Awano Hiroyuki , Hieda Hiroyuki , Naito Katsuyuki , Kikitsu Akira , Matsumoto Takuya , Nakamura Kimio , Nishida Tetsuya
Published: January 2008

We have studied the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of Co∕Pd multilayers for ultrahigh recording density patterned media. By using Pt as an underlayer, the magnetic anisotropy enhances significantly, which is considered to be due to a magnetostriction by inducing a tensile strain into the Co∕Pd multilayers. A patterned medium using the Co∕Pd multilayers has been successfully fabricated with the diameter of the dots and the distance between the center of the dots measuring 20 and 30nm, respectively. The coercivity of the nanopatterned medium is 9.5kOe.
Effect of substrate orientation on magnetic properties of (Ga, Mn)As
Authors: Lee W. N. , Huang J. H. , Huang P. W. , Chen Y. F. , Xu F. , Chin T. S. , Kuo C. T.
Published: January 2008

Structural and magnetic properties of Ga0.93Mn0.07As layers grown on (001) and (311)A GaAs substrates by molecular-bean epitaxy are investigated. The as-grown (001) and (311)A Ga0.93Mn0.07As layers exhibit the same Curie temperature (TC) of 80K. However, upon annealing, the TC’s of the (001) and (311)A Ga0.93Mn0.07As layers are enhanced by 80 and 60K, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the AsGa defects cannot be removed by low-temperature annealing, and a higher concentration of AsGa defects exist in the (311)A layers than in the (100) reference layers. The less enhancement in TC by annealing for the (311)A Ga0.93Mn0.07As layer can be ascribed to the larger amount of AsGa defects in the material.
Spin accumulation oscillation and current vortex in the Landauer setup with locally applied biases
Authors: Chen Son-Hsien , Liu Ming-Hao , Chen Kuo-Wei , Chang Ching-Ray
Published: January 2008

The spin accumulation and the out-of-plane spin current in two-dimensional (x-y plane) electron gas with the Rashba spin-orbit interaction are examined. Employing the real-space Landauer–Keldysh Green’s function formalism and considering the two-terminal Landauer setup with leads locally contacting the sample, we show that the accumulation patterns for the three components of the spins can be identified from their unique symmetries. With increasing lateral sample length, the out-of-plane spin accumulation oscillates by generating bubbles with alternating signs on the lateral edges. The out-of-plane spin currents are patterned by global vortices, and within the locally biased region of the sample, the direction of the current flow also oscillates as a function of the lateral sample length.
Distinguishing local moment versus itinerant ferromagnets: Dynamic magnetic susceptibility
Authors: Vannette Matthew D. , Bud’ko Sergey L. , Canfield Paul C. , Prozorov Ruslan
Published: January 2008

Radio-frequency measurements of dynamic magnetic susceptibility of various ferromagnets show striking differences between local-moment ferromagnetism (LFM) and weak itinerant ferromagnetism (IFM) ferromagnetic systems. LFMs show a very sharp peak in susceptibility in the vicinity of the Curie temperature TC that rapidly decreases in amplitude and shifts to higher temperature with the application of a weak dc bias field. In stark contrast, the generally accepted IFM systems show no peak, but rather a broad maximum well below TC. The temperature of this maximum shifts to lower values and the amplitude is suppressed with an applied dc field.