bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE ORGANISATION OF TIME OVER THE LIFE COURSE: EUROPEAN TRENDS
Authors: Anxo Dominique , Boulin Jean-Yves 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Over the last decades, the life course approach has developed into a major research paradigm. The notion of life course provides a common field of research and a heuristic conceptual device aiming at studying individuals trajectories over time. In its modern version, the life course approach can be said to represent a major innovation in our understanding of complex social phenomena, making time, context and process core theoretical dimensions of social behaviour. Most of the research using this approach has stressed the extent to which social structures and individual factors shape the life course of individuals and has focused on the developmental consequences of alternative life trajectories. One of the main features of the life course approach is therefore to recognize the crucial role time plays in our understanding of individual behaviour and structural changes in society. The second important dimension of the life course approach is its attempt to take a holistic view, in that the analysis no longer focuses on isolated specific events, phases or demographic groups as being discrete and fixed but considers the entire life as the basic framework for empirical analysis and policy evaluation. The link between individual trajectories on one hand and historical period, social structures, as well as human agency on the other is also at the core of the life course paradigm. The notion of life course posits therefore that life trajectories are constituted by a palette of sequences of events that are both individually and socially constructed. The main objective of this cross-country comparative paper is to analyse to which extent the design of national welfare state regimes shape households’ patterns of labour market integration over the life course. An analysis of the various national regulatory frameworks, with special focus on institutional opportunities and/or barriers to combine paid work with other social activities, is provided. Special attention is also given to companies’ human resource and time management and whether human resource strategies encompass a life course perspective. By linking the specificity of the various regulatory and social protection systems to the country's current patterns of labour market integration the authors not only examine the impact of the overall institutional framework on time allocation over the life course but, also the extent to which the current working time options actually affect the sustainability of the social protection systems. Finally, in the conclusion, some policy implications are suggested with a special focus on the needs of finding new forms of time organisation and distribution of income over the life course. According to the authors these new forms of time management might contribute to a better work life balance for employees and might favour positive compromises between firms’ productive efficiency and employees’ needs for a larger control on their time structures over their life course.
FCP: functional coverage of the proteome by structures
Authors: García-Serna Ricard , Opatowski Lulla , Mestres Jordi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Motivation: Tools and resources for translating the remarkable growth witnessed in recent years in the number of protein structures determined experimentally into actual gain in the functional coverage of the proteome are becoming increasingly necessary. We introduce FCP, a publicly accessible web tool dedicated to analyzing the current state and trends of the population of structures within protein families. FCP offers both graphical and quantitative data on the degree of functional coverage of enzymes and nuclear receptors by existing structures, as well as on the bias observed in the distribution of structures along their respective functional classification schemes.
Availability:
Contact: jmestres@imim.es
Developing a move-set for protein model refinement
Authors: Offman Marc N. , Fitzjohn Paul W. , Bates Paul A. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Motivation: A wide variety of methods for the construction of an atomic model for a given amino acid sequence are known, the more accurate being those that use experimentally determined structures as templates. However, far fewer methods are aimed at refining these models. The approach presented here carefully blends models created by several different means, in an attempt to combine the good quality regions from each into a final, more refined, model.
Results: We describe here a number of refinement operators (collectively, ‘move-set’) that enable a relatively large region of conformational space to be searched. This is used within a genetic algorithm that reshuffles and repacks structural components. The utility of the move-set is demonstrated by introducing a cost function, containing both physical and other components guiding the input structures towards the target structure. We show that our move-set has the potential to improve the conformation of models and that this improvement can be beyond even the best template for some comparative modelling targets.
Availability: The populus software package and the source code are available at
Contact: paul.bates@cancer.org.uk
Diagnostic Tests in Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: de Lorijn F. , Kremer L.C.M. , Reitsma J.B. , Benninga M.A. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjective:We conducted a systematic review to determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of contrast enema (CE), anorectal manometry (ARM) and rectal suction biopsy (RSB) in infants suspected of Hirschsprung disease.Design:This is a systematic review.Data Sources:Articles were identified through electronic searches in Medline, EMBASE.com and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Searches were limited to articles published after 1966 in PubMed and after 1980 in EMBASE.com.Study Selection:Studies were included if infants underwent at least one of the following tests: CE, ARM or RSB, followed by full‐thickness biopsy and/or clinical follow‐up as the reference standard.Data Extraction:Two reviewers independently assessed the methods of data collection, patient selection, blinding and prevention of verification bias and description of the test protocol and reference standard. Data to construct 2 × 2 tables were abstracted for each test.Results:Twenty‐four studies met our inclusion criteria, but 2 studies were subsequently excluded for statistical analysis because data was missing to construct the 2 × 2 table. RSB (14 studies for a total of 993 patients) was the most accurate test, having both the highest mean sensitivity (93%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 88%‐95%) and mean specificity (98%; 95% CI, 95%‐99%). Sensitivity and specificity of ARM (9 studies for a total of 400 patients) were similar to those of RSB (91% vs 93%, P = 0.73 and 94% vs 98%, P = 0.08, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity of CE (12 studies for a total of 425 patients) were significantly lower than those of RSB and ARM, with mean sensitivity and mean specificity of 70% and 83%, respectively.Conclusions:RSB and ARM are the most accurate tests in the diagnostic workup of Hirschsprung disease.
Breast‐feeding Duration and Childhood Acute Leukemia and Lymphomas in a Sample of Turkish Children
Authors: Altinkaynak Sevin , Selimoglu Mukadder Ayse , Turgut Ahmet , Kilicaslan Buket , Ertekin Vildan 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Whether breast‐feeding is associated with decreased incidence of the lymphoid malignancies in children is uncertain. We evaluated childhood acute leukemia and lymphoma in relation to duration of breast‐feeding.Methods:We investigated this issue in a case‐control study comprising 137 patients, aged 1 to 16 years, with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Hodgkin or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, in addition to 146 controls matched for age and sex.Results:The median duration of breast‐feeding among patients was shorter than that of controls (10 vs 12 months). Patients with ALL and AML had shorter mean breast‐feeding duration compared with healthy children (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The shortest mean breast‐feeding duration was noted in the children with AML.Breast‐feeding for a duration of 0 to 6 months, when compared with feeding of longer than 6 months, was associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) for ALL [OR = 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17‐5.10], AML (OR = 6.67, 95% CI = 1.32‐33.69), Hodgkin lymphoma (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 0.60‐18.54), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 0.68‐5.34) and overall (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.51‐4.26).Conclusions:Our findings suggest that breast‐feeding of more than 6 months is protective against childhood lymphoid malignancies, especially for AML and ALL. JPGN 42:568‐572, 2006.
Bifidogenic Effects of Solid Weaning Foods With Added Prebiotic Oligosaccharides
Authors: Scholtens Petra A.M.J. , Alles Martine S. , Bindels Jacques G. , van der Linde Esmeralda G.M. , Tolboom Jules J.M. , Knol Jan 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Breast‐fed infants have relatively high proportions of faecal bifidobacteria. This bifidogenic microbiota is at least partly explained by the high levels of prebiotic oligosaccharides in human milk. The present study aimed at testing the effect of solid foods with added prebiotic galacto‐ and fructo‐oligosaccharides (GOS/FOS) on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of fully formula‐fed infants during the weaning period.Methods:The study was a double‐blind, randomised trial with an intervention period of 6 weeks. Infants aged 4 to 6 months who were about to start consuming solid foods were randomised to receive either weaning products with a mixture of GOS/FOS or control weaning products with maltodextrin. After an adjustment period, the presented daily dose of GOS/FOS was 4.5 g. Total numbers of bacteria and bifidobacteria in faecal samples were analysed with fluorescent in situ hybridization.Results:Thirty‐five infants were included in the study, and 20 infants were included in a per‐protocol analysis. In the GOS/FOS group, the faecal percentage of bifidobacteria significantly increased from 43% to 57% (P = 0.031) from week 0 to week 6, but did not significantly change in the control group (36% and 32%, respectively; P = 0.387). The change in the percentage of bifidobacteria between week 0 and week 6 in the GOS/FOS was significantly different from this change in the control group (P = 0.026).Conclusions:We conclude that addition of GOS/FOS to solid foods induces an increase in the faecal proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestinal microbiota of fully formula‐fed infants with an established, mixed‐type microbiota in the weaning period.
The “Red Umbilicus”
Authors: Iacono Giuseppe , Di Prima Lidia , D'Amico Domenico , Scalici Calogero , Geraci Girolamo , Carroccio Antonio 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Red umbilicus is considered to be an infectious disease typical of neonates. In our experience, umbilical erythema could be due to cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI).Aims:To evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of umbilical erythema in a series of consecutive children referred for suspected CMPI.Patients and Methods:Seven hundred ninety‐six consecutive patients (median age, 18 months) referred for suspected CMPI diagnosis were studied. CMPI diagnosis was based on the disappearance of symptoms on elimination diet and their subsequent reappearance on double‐blind placebo‐controlled cow's milk challenge.Results:CMPI was diagnosed in 384 patients: 120 with respiratory, 75 dermatologic and 198 gastroenterological symptoms. Although some patients showed more than 1 type of symptom, whether gastroenterological, dermatologic or respiratory, they were classified in 1 category only according to the main reason for referral to the outpatients clinic. Umbilical erythema was observed in 36 patients (median age, 10 months): 16 (8%) with gastroenterological symptoms, 9 (7.5%) with recurrent asthma and 11 (15%) with atopic dermatitis. None of the symptomatic controls without CMPI had umbilical erythema. On elimination diet, the erythema disappeared within the second week. On CMPI challenge, it reappeared within 24 hours.Conclusions:Umbilical erythema can be a sign of food intolerance and can be a useful diagnostic tool for CMPI.
Allergic Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis With Protein‐losing Enteropathy
Authors: Chehade Mirna , Magid Margret S. , Mofidi Shideh , Nowak‐Wegrzyn Anna , Sampson Hugh A. , Sicherer Scott H. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:A subset of patients with allergic eosinophilic gastroenteritis (AEG) has anemia and hypoalbuminemia caused by protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE). Our goals were to describe the response to therapy and the long‐term outcome of patients in this subgroup and to evaluate their gastric and intestinal biopsies for distinguishing features that might explain their protein and blood loss.Methods:Patients with AEG + PLE were identified retrospectively and compared with controls and with patients with AEG only. Immunohistochemical staining for tryptase, a mast cell mediator, was performed on gastric and duodenal tissues. Eosinophils identified by hematoxylin/eosin stain and mast cells identified as tryptase‐positive cells were counted in one high‐power field area with maximal cell infiltration.Results:Although all patients had excellent response to therapy with amino acid‐based formula and tolerated gradual introduction of some foods with time, food‐responsive disease persisted in all patients over 2.5 to 5.5 years of follow‐up. Routine histological evaluation did not show any features differentiating AEG + PLE from AEG. When eosinophils and mast cells were counted in intestinal biopsies, however, significantly more mast cells were found in biopsies of the AEG + PLE group despite comparable numbers of eosinophils. In contrast, in gastric biopsies, eosinophils were more prominent in AEG + PLE, but mast cell numbers were similar in all groups.Conclusions:Patients with AEG + PLE responded well to therapy with amino acid‐based formula. Food hypersensitivities did not completely resolve over up to 5.5 years. Intestinal mast cells were significantly increased in maximally infiltrated areas of the intestine, possibly causing increased intestinal permeability and protein loss. JPGN 42:516‐521, 2006.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Decreases Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Systemic Inflammation in a Gastrostomy‐fed Infant Rat Model
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Li Nan , des Robert Clotilde , Fang Maozhong , Liboni Kellym , McMahon Robert , Caicedo Ricardo A. , Neu Josef 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:A gastrostomy‐fed rat infant “pup‐in‐a‐cup” model was used to test the hypothesis that enterally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) decreases the proinflammatory response induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the developing infant rat small intestine, plasma, lung and liver.Methods:Two groups of 6‐ to 7‐day‐old pups were fed a rat milk substitute with LPS added via the gastrostomy tube for 6 days. One of the rat milk substitute‐fed groups received supplemental LGG; another group received LPS without LGG. Age‐matched mother‐fed rat pups were used as controls.Results:LPS treatment blunted body growth, but LGG supplementation had no effect on weight increments. LGG decreased LPS‐induced inflammation in intestinal tissue; CINC‐1 (rodent IL‐8 equivalent) production in plasma, liver, lung and distal small intestine; and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) production in plasma and lung. Cytokine multiplex assay showed lung interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18, growth‐related oncogene (GRO)/KC (rat CINC‐1) and TNF‐α were significantly higher in gastrostomy‐fed, LPS‐treated pups than in mother‐reared pups, and LGG significantly blunted the LPS‐induced elevation of IL‐1β, IL‐10, IL‐18, GRO/KC and TNF‐α; liver GRO/KC was significantly higher in gastrostomy‐fed, LPS‐treated pups than in mother‐reared pups, and LGG significantly blunted the LPS‐induced elevation of GRO/KC.Conclusions:LGG provided by the enteral route is able to downregulate LPS‐induced proinflammatory mediators. This effect is not only present in the splanchnic organs, that is, the intestine and the liver, but extends to the plasma and a distal organ, the lung. JPGN 42:545‐552, 2006.
Severity of Basal Cell Hyperplasia Differs in Reflux Versus Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Steiner Steven J. , Kernek Kevin M. , Fitzgerald Joseph F. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Basal cell hyperplasia of the esophageal epithelium is a frequent finding in children with histological evidence of esophagitis. The aim of this study was to compare the severity of basal cell hyperplasia in gastroesophageal reflux vs eosinophilic esophagitis.Methods:A cohort of pediatric patients who underwent same‐day endoscopy with esophageal biopsy and 24‐hour esophageal pH monitoring was divided into groups based on endoscopic and pH monitoring findings. Basal cell hyperplasia was defined as normal (≤25% of esophageal epithelial height), mild (26%‐50%), moderate (51%‐75%) or severe (>75%). The severity of basal cell hyperplasia in patients with abnormal pH monitoring studies, both with and without endoscopic abnormalities of the esophagus, was compared with the severity in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.Results:Twenty‐seven children with abnormal pH monitoring were identified. Of these 27 children, 11 had endoscopic findings consistent with reflux esophagitis. Thirty patients with eosinophilic esophagitis were identified. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis had significantly increased severity (P < 0.001) of basal cell hyperplasia (87% severe, 3% moderate, 3% mild, 7%, normal) than patients with abnormal esophageal pH monitoring alone (11% severe, 4% moderate, 15% mild, 70% normal) or in combination with endoscopic abnormalities (18% severe, 9% moderate, 18% mild, 55% normal).Conclusions:Basal cell hyperplasia is more severe in children with eosinophilic esophagitis than in those with reflux esophagitis. The finding of basal cell hyperplasia is a powerful clue into the underlying etiology of pediatric esophagitis and, along with epithelial eosinophil count, can be used as information to guide therapy.
Improved Estimates of Correlation Coefficients and their Impact on Optimum Portfolios
Authors: Elton Edwin J. , Gruber Martin J. , Spitzer Jonathan 
Published: May 2006

Abstract To implement mean variance analysis one needs a technique for forecasting correlation coefficients. In this article we investigate the ability of several techniques to forecast correlation coefficients between securities. We find that separately forecasting the average level of pair‐wise correlations and individual pair‐wise differences from the average improves forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, forming homogenous groups of firms on the basis of industry membership or firm attributes (e.g. size) improves forecast accuracy. Accuracy is evaluated in two ways: First, in terms of the error in estimating future correlation coefficients. Second, in the characteristics of portfolios formed on the basis of each forecasting technique. The ranking of forecasting techniques is robust across both methods of evaluation and the better techniques outperform prior suggestions in the literature of financial economics.
African matrilineages in American Creole cattle: evidence of two independent continental sources
Authors: Lirón J. P. , Bravi C. M. , Mirol P. M. , Peral‐García P. , Giovambattista G. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryIn order to clarify the historical origin and phylogeographic affinities of Creole cattle matrilineages throughout the American continent, we analysed published D‐loop mtDNA sequences (n = 454) from Creole, Iberian and African cattle breeds. The Western European T3 haplogroup was the most common in American Creole cattle (63.6%), followed by the African T1 (32.4%) and the Near Eastern T2 haplogroups (4%). None of the sequences were found in Bos indicus types. Within the African T1 haplogroup there were two subclades, T1a and T1*, whose geographic distribution in America was clearly disjointed. T1a is a highly divergent clade originally reported for Creole cattle from Brazil and the Lesser Antilles, but whose geographic distribution in Africa remains unknown. In contrast, lineages attributable to T1* are restricted in America to the region colonized by the Spaniards. We propose a new hypothesis for the origins of Creole cattle that summarizes all previously published historical and genetic data. While the African T1* fraction in Creole cattle may have arrived in America through the Iberian breeds, the divergent T1a lineages may have been introduced by Portuguese and other European crowns from some unknown, not‐yet‐sampled African location. Additional molecular studies will be required for pinpointing the specific African regional source.
Channel catfish BAC‐end sequences for marker development and assessment of syntenic conservation with other fish species
Authors: Xu P. , Wang S. , Liu L. , Peatman E. , Somridhivej B. , Thimmapuram J. , Gong G. , Liu Z. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryIn the present study, 25 195 BAC ends for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were sequenced, generating 20 366 clean BAC‐end sequences (BES), with an average read length of 557 bp after trimming. A total of 11 414 601 bp were generated, representing approximately 1.2% of the catfish genome. Based on this survey, the catfish genome was found to be highly AT‐rich, with 60.7% A+T and 39.3% G+C. Approximately 12% of the catfish genome consisted of dispersed repetitive elements, with the Tc1/mariner transposons making up the largest percentage by base pair (4.57%). Microsatellites were detected in 17.5% of BES. Catfish BACs were anchored to the zebrafish and Tetraodon genome sequences by BLASTN, generating 16% and 8.2% significant hits (E < e−5) respectively. A total of 1074 and 773 significant hits were unique to the zebrafish and Tetraodon genomes, respectively, of which 417 and 406, respectively, were identified as known genes in other species, providing a major genome resource for comparative genomic mapping.