bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal analysis of the relation between moderate long‐term stress and health
Authors: Öhman Lena , Bergdahl Jan , Nyberg Lars , Nilsson Lars‐Göran 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe main goal of the present work was to longitudinally examine consequences of long‐term moderately elevated levels of stress for various health outcomes. To address this issue, data covering 10 years was used from the ongoing Swedish population‐based prospective Betula Study. Based on the ratings on a validated self‐reported stress scale, matched subsamples between 40 and 65 years of age were divided into a high (n = 137) and low (n = 211) stress group. The reported incidence of cardiovascular, diabetes, psychiatric, tumour and musculoskeletal diseases was assessed 5 and 10 years after baseline (baseline = 1993–1995) without contaminating effects of past health history. The incidence of diseases 5 years after baseline assessment showed no differences between the groups. After 10 years, there was a significantly higher incidence of psychiatric diseases, mainly depression in the high‐stress group as well as a significant effect for tumours, although the number of cases was low. Although moderately elevated stress level may have a possible impact on psychiatric diseases especially depression and some tumours, it seems that prolonged moderate stress does not appear to be harmful to other stress‐related diseases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do firms both make and buy? An investigation of concurrent sourcing
Authors: Parmigiani Anne 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTransaction cost economics, neoclassical economics, and the firm capabilities literatures propose theories of the firm that typically depict firm boundaries determined by a dichotomous choice: the makeorbuy decision. However, none of these theories presents a satisfying explanation as to why firms would concurrently source, i.e., simultaneously makeandbuy the same good. This study combines these organizational economics theories and compares when firms make, buy, and concurrently source through surveying small manufacturing firms. Support was shown for aspects of all three theories, with evidence indicating that concurrent sourcing is a distinctly different choice, rather existing along a make/buy continuum. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐cost wireless sensor networks for remote cardiac patients monitoring applications
Authors: Hu Fei , Jiang Meng , Xiao Yang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOne of today's most pressing matters in medical care is response time to patients in need. Scope of this research is to suggest a solution that would help reduce response time in emergency situations utilizing technologies of wireless sensor networks. The enhanced power efficiency, minimized production cost, condensed physical layout, and reduced wired connections present a much more proficient and simplified approach to the continuous monitoring of patients' physiological status. The proposed sensor network system is composed of wearable vital sign sensors and a workstation monitor. The wearable platforms are to be distributed to patients of concern. The wearable platforms can provide continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring by measuring electrical potentials between various points of the body using a galvanometer. They will then relay the ECG signals wirelessly to the workstation monitor. In addition to displaying the data, the workstation will also perform signal wavelet transformation for ECG characteristic extractions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Load balance and energy efficient data gathering in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mandala Devendar , Du Xiaojiang , Dai Fei , You Chao 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMany data‐gathering protocols for wireless sensor networks use clustering technology for prolonging network lifetime. Cluster‐based protocols reduce the total energy consumption via data aggregation and balance energy consumption via clusterhead rotation. However, most existing protocols focus on load balance within each cluster. The energy consumption of the entire network is still unbalanced and this uneven energy dissipation can significantly reduce network lifetime. We propose an even energy dissipation protocol (EEDP) for efficient cluster‐based data gathering in wireless sensor networks. In EEDP, sensor data are forwarded to the base station (BS) via multiple chains of clusterheads. Each chain uses a rotation scheme to balance energy consumption among clusterheads and avoid the formation of a hot spot. We developed efficient algorithms to organize clusterheads into multiple chains, such that the traffic load is evenly distributed among different chains. Analysis and simulation results show that EEDP achieves better load balance than several existing protocols and significantly increases network lifetime. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parenting styles, coping strategies, and the expression of homesickness
Authors: Nijhof Karin S. , Engels Rutger C.M.E. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the role of parenting styles in the experience and expression of homesickness, and the way of coping with the feelings involved. Using a sample of 670 first year college and university students, aged 16 to 25, we tested three hypotheses: (1) authoritarian, permissive as well as uninvolved parenting are associated with the experience of homesickness, contrary to students with authoritative parents who are less likely to have feelings of homesickness; (2) students with authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved parents show their homesickness by internalizing and externalizing problems; and (3) students raised by authoritative or permissive parents use more effective coping strategies to deal with homesickness. Results indicated that students raised by authoritative and permissive parents experienced more homesickness with stronger feelings of homesickness than students raised by authoritarian or uninvolved parents. However, they hardly express homesickness by internalizing or externalizing problems when they use effective ways of coping, namely support‐seeking and/or problem‐solving. Students with parents endorsing an authoritarian or uninvolved parenting style, on the other hand, showed more internalizing and externalizing problems in reaction to feelings of homesickness. They also use less effective coping strategies. The results revealed the importance of a loving and accepting home environment for the development and expression of homesickness, as well as the importance of the way in which students learn to cope with their problems.
An urban–rural comparison of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Eastern China
Authors: Weng Xiaoping , Liu Youxue , Ma Jiemin , Wang Wenjuan , Yang Gonghuan , Caballero Benjamin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of urbanisation on the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults.DesignAs part of a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2002, a sample from rural and urban populations in East China was obtained. The metabolic syndrome is defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (ATP III) and the modified ATP III, which recommended a lower waist circumference cut-off for Asians.SettingField sites in Jiangxi and Anhui provinces and the Jing'an District of Shanghai, China.SubjectsA total of 529 non-pregnant, non-lactating urban and rural adults, aged 20–64 years without diagnosed diabetes.ResultsDwelling in urban areas was associated with higher dietary fat intake and slightly lower total energy intake, and with significantly lower occupational physical activity. Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher for urban than rural men (12.7 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001), and was similar between urban and rural women (10.1 vs. 9.7%, P = 0.17). These urban–rural differences were greatly enhanced when the modified ATP III criteria for the syndrome were used, for men (34.3 vs. 2.7%, P < 0.01) and women (24.1 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.07). The Asian waist circumference cut-offs (90 and 80 cm for men and women, respectively) had a better combination of sensitivity and specificity in identifying other metabolic disorders, which included high glucose, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, for this population.ConclusionFor the Chinese population, urban dwelling was associated with higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, especially in men.
Diet and overweight and obesity in populations of African origin: Cameroon, Jamaica and the UK
Authors: Jackson M , Walker S , Cruickshank JK , Sharma S , Cade J , Mbanya J-C , Younger N , Forrester TF , Wilks R 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the relationship of diet to overweight and obesity among populations of African origin.Design and settingCross-sectional data were obtained from adults aged 25–74 years in rural Cameroon (n = 686), urban Cameroon (n = 975), Jamaica (n = 924) and Afro-Caribbeans in the UK (n = 257). Dietary data were collected using food-frequency questionnaires specifically designed for each site. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a measure of overweight.ResultsThe expected gradient in the distribution of overweight across sites was seen in females (rural Cameroon, 9.5%; urban Cameroon, 47.1%; Jamaica, 63.8%; UK, 71.6%); however, among males overweight was less prevalent in Jamaica (22.0%) than urban Cameroon (36.3%). In developing countries increased risks of overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg m− 2) were influenced by higher energy (urban Cameroonian men) and protein (Jamaican women) intakes. No dietary variables were associated with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m− 2) in Cameroon or Jamaica. In the UK, energy intakes were inversely related with overweight whereas increased risks of being overweight were associated with higher protein (men) and fat (women) intakes. Similarly, whereas higher protein and fat intakes in UK men and women were associated with obesity, carbohydrate intakes were associated with decreased risks of obesity in men.ConclusionsDiet and overweight were associated in the UK but few dietary variables were related to overweight in Jamaica and the Cameroon. These findings suggest that associations between diet and overweight/obesity are not generalisable among populations.
Predictors of misreporting in an elderly population: the ‘Quality of life after 65’ study
Authors: Bazelmans C , Matthys C , De Henauw S , Dramaix M , Kornitzer M , De Backer G , Levêque A 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence and identify some predictors of misreporting in an elderly Belgian population and to assess the effect of underreporting on estimated intakes of macronutrients and foods.DesignA 1-day food record was completed by 2083 adult men and women aged 65 years or more. Individuals whose energy intake was lower than 0.90 × BMR (basal metabolic rate) were defined as underreporters. Overreporting was defined as energy intake greater than 2 × BMR.ResultsUnderreporting and overreporting occurred in 13.6% and 7.9% of food records, respectively. Results from logistic regression models indicated that gender and body mass index (BMI) were predictors of misreporting. Whereas women were more likely to underreport energy intake, the prevalence of overreporting was higher in men. Underreporting was more prevalent among obese people and overreporting more prevalent in normal-weight subjects. Smoking status and education level did not predict underreporting; however, overreporting was more likely to occur in more highly educated subjects. A cultural difference in reporting of nutrient intakes was also found, with the percentage of underreporters being higher among Walloons compared with Flemish.ConclusionBMI seemed to be one of the most important factors in misreporting. This calls for special attention when dietary surveys are performed on obese or lean people.
Physical manipulation of calcium oscillations facilitates osteodifferentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sun Shan , Liu Yaoming , Lipsky Samantha , Cho† Michael 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe role of cytosolic calcium oscillation has long been recognized in the regulation of cellular and molecular interactions. Information embedded in calcium oscillation can provide molecular cues for cell behavior such as cell differentiation. Although calcium dynamics are versatile and likely to depend on the cell type, the calcium dynamics in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and its role in differentiation are yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study we characterized the calcium oscillation profiles in hMSCs before and after subjecting the cells to the osteoinductive factors. Our findings indicate that the calcium spikes decreased rapidly with osteodifferentiation to a level observed in terminally differentiated human osteoblasts. In addition, the calcium oscillations appear to serve as a bidirectional signal during hMSC differentiation. While an altered calcium oscillation pattern may be an indicator for hMSC differentiation, it is also likely to be involved in directing hMSC differentiation. Treatment of hMSCs with a noninvasive electrical stimulation, for example, not only altered the calcium oscillations but also facilitated osteodifferentiation. Regulation of calcium oscillation by external physical stimulation could amplify hMSC differentiation into a tissue‐specific lineage and may offer an alternate biotechnology to harness the unique properties of stem cells.—Sun, S., Liu, Y., Lipsky, S., Cho, M. Physical manipulation of calcium oscillations facilitates osteo‐differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. FASEB J. 21, 1472–1480 (2007)
Alternative splicing in intron 13 of the human eNOS gene: a potential mechanism for regulating eNOS activity
Authors: Lorenz Mario , Hewing Bernd , Hui Jingyi , Zepp Angela , Baumann Gert , Bindereif Albrecht , Stangl Verena , Stangl Karl 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTNO, the product of endothelial NOS (eNOS), is a major regulator of vascular homeostasis and a critical factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases. We previously established a positive correlation between the number of variable CA repeats in intron 13 of human eNOS and the risk of coronary artery disease, and demonstrated that these polymorphic CA repeats function as a length‐dependent splicing enhancer. By 5′‐RACE polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we detected three splice variants containing novel 3′ splice sites within intron 13—termed eNOS13A, eNOS13B, and eNOS13C—which share the first 13 exons of human eNOS and the same polyadenylation site at the end of the novel exon. When translated, all these splice variants would result in truncated proteins lacking eNOS activity. Coexpression of full‐length eNOS with eNOS13A diminished eNOS enzyme activity in COS‐7 cells by formation of heterodimers. The splice variants were expressed in endothelial cells and various human tissues. Finally, we demonstrate, using minigene transfection, that the expression of the eNOS13A splice variant is increased with high CA repeat numbers in intron 13. These data suggest a new mechanism for the regulation of eNOS activity and NO production in the cardiovascular system by truncated, dominant‐negative splice variants of human eNOS.—Lorenz M., Hewing B., Hui J., Zepp A., Baumann G., Bindereif A., Stangl V., Stangl K. Alternative splicing in intron 13 of the human eNOS gene: A potential mechanism for regulating eNOS activity FASEB J. 21, 1556–1564 (2007)
Protective effects of citrus nobiletin and auraptene in transgenic rats developing adenocarcinoma of the prostate (TRAP) and human prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Tang MingXi , Ogawa Kumiko , Asamoto Makoto , Hokaiwado Naomi , Seeni Azman , Suzuki Shugo , Takahashi Satoru , Tanaka Takuji , Ichikawa Kazuhito , Shirai Tomoyuki 
Published: February 2007

Dietary phytochemicals, including nobiletin and auraptene, have been shown to exert inhibiting effects in several chemically induced carcinogenesis models. We here investigated the influence of nobiletin and auraptene on prostate carcinogenesis using transgenic rats developing adenocarcinoma of the prostate (TRAP) bearing the SV40 T antigen transgene under control of the probasin promoter and human prostate cancer cells. Starting at 5 weeks of age, male TRAP rats received powder diet containing 500 p.p.m. nobiletin or auraptene, or the basal diet for 15 weeks and then were sacrificed for analysis of serum testosterone levels and histological changes. The body and relative prostate weights and serum testosterone levels did not differ among the groups. Since all animals developed prostate carcinomas, these were semiquantitatively measured and expressed as relative areas of prostate epithelial cells. Nobiletin caused significant reduction in the ventral (P < 0.01), lateral (P < 0.001) and dorsal (P < 0.05) prostate lobes, while decreasing high grade lesions (P < 0.05) in the ventral and lateral lobes. Feeding of auraptene also effectively reduced the epithelial component (P < 0.05) and high grade lesions (P < 0.05), in the lateral prostate. A further experiment demonstrated that growth of androgen sensitive LNCaP and androgen insensitive DU145 and PC3 human prostate cancer cells, was suppressed by both nobiletin and to a lesser extent auraptene in a dose‐dependent manner, with significant increase in apoptosis. In conclusion, these compounds, particularly nobiletin, may be valuable for prostate cancer prevention. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 471–477)
Irbesartan reduces common carotid artery intima‐media thickness in hypertensive patients when compared with atenolol: the Swedish Irbesartan Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Investigation versus Atenolol (SILVHIA) study
Authors: Mörtsell D. , Malmqvist K. , Held C. , Kahan T. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.Background and purpose.  Angiotensin II promotes cell growth and has been implicated in the development and maintenance of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and of structural vascular changes. We wished to examine whether an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) would influence structural vascular changes beyond the effects of blood pressure reduction.Methods.  Hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy (age 55 ± 9 years, blood pressure 162 ± 19/104 ± 8 mmHg, LV mass index 148 ± 31 g m−2; mean ± SD) were randomized double‐blind to the ARB irbesartan (n = 52) or the beta1 receptor blocker atenolol (n = 56) for 48 weeks. Ultrasonography of the left and right common carotid artery (CCA) and echocardiography were performed at week 0 and 48.Results.  With similar reductions in blood pressure, CCA intima‐media thickness (IMT) was reduced by irbesartan (from 0.92 ± 0.14 by 0.01 ± 0.10 mm, NS), whereas it was increased by atenolol (from 0.94 ± 0.21 by 0.03 ± 0.12 mm, P = 0.018; P = 0.002 between groups). CCA lumen diameter was less reduced by irbesartan than by atenolol. Thus, CCA intima‐media area was reduced by irbesartan (from 21.3 ± 5.0 by 0.90 ± 2.45 mm2, P = 0.034) but not by atenolol (from 21.3 ± 6.1 by 0.18 ± 2.71 mm2, NS; P = 0.037 between groups). Changes in CCA IMT or area did not relate to changes in LV mass.Conclusions.  The favourable effects by irbesartan on CCA IMT with an outward vascular remodelling suggest that angiotensin II mediates structural vascular changes, beyond the effects of blood pressure. This may be important in the prevention of cerebrovascular events.
Generation of Autoreactive CTL by Tumour Vaccines Containing Foreign T Helper Epitopes
Authors: Steinaa L. , Rasmussen P. B. , Rygaard J. , Mouritsen S. , Gautam A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including a foreign T helper cell epitope in vaccines designed for generation of CTL against self‐antigens and for inhibition of tumour growth. Two different vaccine designs were composed, a minimal epitope vaccine and a modified full length self‐antigen, both based on OVA containing either a colinearily synthesized or an inserted Th‐epitope, respectively. These vaccines were used for immunization of tolerant OVA transgenic mice (RIP‐OVAlow) and non‐tolerant C57BL/6 mice. First, it was shown that transgenic mice were tolerant to OVA in the CD4 compartment. Secondly, only the vaccines containing the foreign Th‐epitope and not the wild‐type constructs were able to induce self‐reactive CTL in the transgenic mice. Thirdly, these self‐reactive CTL induced by the Th‐epitope modified constructs also inhibited tumour growth in the OVA transgenic mice. Overall, these results demonstrate that inclusion of a foreign Th‐epitope circumvents the tolerance in this OVA transgenic strain. In addition, these results show the importance of including strong T‐cell help in cancer vaccines.
Correlation of IL‐1alpha and IL‐4 Gene Polymorphisms and Clinical Parameters in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Vasakova M. , Striz I. , Slavcev A. , Jandova S. , Dutka J. , Terl M. , Kolesar L. , Sulc J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious disease characterized with progressive scarring of the lungs in which a genetic background is supposed. We have tested correlation of promotor regions of IL‐1alpha and IL‐4 gene polymorphisms with clinical parameters in IPF.We investigated the group of 30 patients with IPF. The correlations of vital capacity (VC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cell counts and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) alveolar and interstitial scores with different genotypes of IL‐4 at (−1098), (−590) and (−33) positions and IL‐1 alpha at (−889) position were tested. The PCR method was used for genotyping.The carriers of CT genotype at IL‐1 alpha (−889) position had higher VC at the time of diagnosis. The CC genotype at this position was more frequent in patients with higher counts of HLADR+ T lymphocytes in BAL. The GT genotype at IL‐4 (−1098) position correlated with higher counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes, and inversely the TT genotype with higher counts of CD8+ T lymphocytes in BAL fluid. According to dynamic changes of HRCT score the CT genotype at IL‐4 (−33) was more frequent in patients with progressive disease compared to that with stable disease.We assume from our data that the gene polymorphisms of the promotor region of IL‐4 at position (−1098) and (−33) and IL‐1 alpha at position (−889) are likely to play a pathogenic role in IPF and in modification of its clinical presentation and severity.