bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the autonomic arousal of frequent, infrequent and non‐gamblers while playing fruit machines
Authors: Moodie Crawford , Finnigan Frances 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAims  The purpose of the present study was to examine differences between frequent, infrequent and non‐gamblers in autonomic arousal, as indexed by heart rate, while playing a fruit machine and controlling for the confounding effect of movement.Design  The experiment employed a between‐subjects design, with a total of three groups being investigated—two experimental groups (frequent and infrequent gamblers) and a control group (non‐gamblers).Setting  To enhance ecological validity the study took place within an actual gambling setting, in Glasgow city centre.Participants  A total of 63 participants, 21 for each of the three groups, who were matched for age and gender, took part in the study.Measurements  In terms of autonomic arousal, measurements were taken using a Pulse Oximeter (Pulsox‐3I‐Minolta Company Limited Milton Keynes, UK). In addition, a questionnaire was employed to measure levels of gambling severity (SOGS).Findings  Frequent gamblers were found to have significantly higher levels of autonomic arousal than infrequent and non‐gamblers, with the frequent gamblers arousal levels continuing to rise after play, unlike the other two groups. Interestingly, novel findings to arise from this research involved the fact that the specialist play characteristics of the fruit machine, such as bonuses, nudges and features, were found to be as arousing as wins.Conclusions  The main hypothesis was supported, suggesting that arousal is indeed a key factor in fruit machine gambling. The research has value, as few studies have examined specifically the differences between frequent, infrequent and non‐gamblers, and no studies have investigated the arousal associated with the actual dynamics of fruit machine play (i.e. bonuses, nudges, features, wins). The arousal associated with modern British fruit machines suggests a high potential for addiction.
Irritable bowel, smoking and oesophageal acid exposure: an insight into the nature of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux
Authors: Zimmerman J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground : In gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, oesophageal acid exposure correlates with symptoms but explains only a small fraction of their variance.Aims : To elucidate the effects of irritable bowel syndrome and smoking on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and to clarify whether they modulate the relationship between oesophageal acid exposure and symptoms.Methods : The relationship between oesophageal acid exposure, irritable bowel syndrome (Rome I criteria), smoking status and symptoms was investigated in patients with a normal gastroscopy who underwent a 24‐h oesophageal pH monitoring.Results : Of 256 patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, 16% were smokers and 50% met the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (irritable bowel syndrome+). The extent of oesophageal acid exposure was unrelated to smoking or irritable bowel syndrome status. Oesophageal acid exposure, irritable bowel syndrome status and current smoking independently predicted symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome and smoking modulated the effect of oesophageal acid exposure on symptoms: oesophageal acid exposure was predictive of symptoms only in non‐smokers. However, irritable bowel syndrome was a significant predictor of symptoms both in smokers and in non‐smokers. Smoking was associated with symptoms only in irritable bowel syndrome+, while oesophageal acid exposure was associated with symptoms irrespective of irritable bowel syndrome status.Conclusions : In patients with non‐erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, smoking and irritable bowel syndrome independently predicted symptoms, without affecting the extent of oesophageal acid exposure. The relationship between oesophageal acid exposure and symptoms was affected significantly, and in opposite directions, by smoking and irritable bowel syndrome.
Mesalazine (5‐aminosalicylic acid) micropellets show similar efficacy and tolerability to mesalazine tablets in patients with ulcerative colitis – results from a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Raedler A. , Behrens C. , Bias P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground : Formulations containing 5‐aminosalicylic acid, such as mesalazine, are the gold standard of treatment for mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis. Current oral regimens require the use of large tablets and frequent dosing to reach the recommended treatment dose. Mesalazine micropellets were designed to allow less frequent dosing in an easier to swallow formulation.Aim : To compare the efficacy of mesalazine micropellets with the tablet formulation in patients with mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis.Methods : This phase 2, double‐blind, active‐controlled, parallel‐group, multiple dose clinical trial randomized 362 patients to either mesalazine micropellets or tablets, at a dosage of 3 g/day. The primary efficacy end‐point was the incidence of clinical remission within 8 weeks, defined as the sum of clinical activity index components 1–4 (CAIC1−4) ≤ 2.Results : CAIC1−4 decreased significantly in both treatment groups within 8 weeks. The micropellet formulation showed confirmatory non‐inferiority with statistical significance compared with the tablet formulation, with regard to the incidence of clinical remission (odds ratio in according‐to‐protocol population 1.008; 95% CI: 0.623–1.632). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events.Conclusions : The mesalazine micropellet formulation is as effective as tablets in patients with mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis, enabling a larger dose to be taken comfortably and conveniently, thereby potentially improving patient compliance, treatment response and quality of life.
Systematic review: is there excessive use of proton pump inhibitors in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease?
Authors: Lee T. J. , Fennerty M. B. , Howden C. W. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground : Proton‐pump inhibitors are often recommended for continuous use in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, but this may not be necessary in all patients.Aim : To ascertain the level of evidence for alternative strategies for proton‐pump inhibitor treatment in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.Methods : We searched for observational or interventional studies examining alternatives to continuous proton‐pump inhibitor treatment in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.Results : Non‐randomized studies suggest that some patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, including some with erosive oesophagitis, may be adequately maintained on proton‐pump inhibitor therapy given less frequently than once daily. However, the results may not be generalizable. Four high quality randomized‐controlled trials compared ‘on‐demand’ proton‐pump inhibitor and placebo treatment in endoscopy‐negative reflux disease; all found this effective for most patients. One high quality randomized‐controlled trial found intermittent courses of a proton‐pump inhibitor or H2‐receptor antagonist in erosive oesophagitis or endoscopy‐negative reflux disease adequate for almost half of the patients studied. Up to 80% of patients on continuous high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitor treatment for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease can be ‘stepped down’ to less intensive therapy.Conclusions : On‐demand proton‐pump inhibitor treatment may be appropriate in endoscopy‐negative reflux disease. In gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, patients taking more than once daily or high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitor treatment, a step down to once daily or standard dose therapy should be attempted.
Antifungal potential of Spilanthes calva after inoculation of Piriformospora indica
Authors: Rai M. K. , Varma A. , Pandey A. K. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe investigated the influence of Piriformospora indica on the antifungal principle of Spilanthes calva, a plant of high commercial value. An antifungal efficacy was shown by aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of S. calva against Fusarium oxysporum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The petroleum ether extract of S. calva was more effective than the aqueous extract in inoculated as well as uninoculated plants. The antifungal activity of the plant was enhanced due to the increase in spilanthol content after inoculation of P. indica.
Cutaneous zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sundararajan T. , Kumar C. P. G. , Menon T. , Rekha K. , Venkatadesikalu M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe report herein a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a 7‐year‐old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving intensive chemotherapy. The diagnosis was based on observation of hyphal elements in cutaneous biopsy and isolation of the fungus in culture. The patient responded to surgical intervention and treatment with amphotericin B.
The epidemiology of canine and feline dermatophytoses in southern Italy
Authors: Cafarchia C. , Romito D. , Sasanelli M. , Lia R. , Capelli G. , Otranto D. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA total of 424 animals (268 dogs and 156 cats) with skin lesions (alopecia and peripheral scaling) were examined from January 1999 to December 2002. Of the 424 samples examined, 99 (23.3%) yielded a positive culture and, in particular, 20.5% of the dog samples and 28.2% of the cat samples. Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte isolated from dogs and cats (77.7%), followed by geophilic dermatophyte species (M. gypseum, Trichophyton terrestre). Young dogs and cats, especially those younger than 1 year, showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of M. canis infection than older animals. No statistically significant association was found between infection and sex in cats, while male dogs were more affected by dermatophytes. Among breeds, Yorkshire terriers showed the highest positivity (50%) caused mainly by M. canis (46.6%), while no differences were noticed for cats. A significantly higher prevalence of positive samples was registered in summer and in autumn for cats. The presence of dermatophytes was not associated with itching. The diagnostic value of Wood's lamp fluorescence and microscopic examination proved to be scarce compared with fungal cultures as only 45.5% of the 77 samples that tested positive for M. canis at the cultural examination was positive under Wood's lamp florescence and 53.2% at microscopic examination.
Identification and characterization of Xenopus OMP25
Authors: Inui Masafumi , Asashima Makoto 
Published: December 2004

This study describes the isolation of mitochondrial outer membrane protein 25 (OMP25) from Xenopus laevis and an analysis of its role in early development. X. laevis OMP25 (xOMP25) is a transmembrane protein of the mitochondrial outer membrane with a PDZ domain in the cytoplasmic tail, and an approximate molecular size of 25 kDa. We isolated xOMP25 from a cDNA library of X. laevis tailbud embryos. Amino acid sequence analysis of xOMP25 showed 57% identity to mouse OMP25, with 73% identity in the PDZ domains. XOMP25 mRNA is expressed maternally, and at a constant level throughout early development. The transcript is localized to eye, otic vesicle, branchial arch and neural tube. Mitochondrial targeting of an EGFP‐fusion protein of xOMP25 was visualized using a mitochondria‐specific fluorescent dye. Overexpression of xOMP25 in embryos caused curved axes, small eyes and disorganized head structures. Knockdown of xOMP25 protein using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides resulted in slightly shortened axes and decreased neural tissue. Although the mechanism remains unclear, our results implicate xOMP25 protein in the formation of the intact neural tube.
Disruption of the NCS‐1/frequenin‐related ncsA gene in Dictyostelium discoideum accelerates development
Authors: Coukell Barrie , Cameron Anne , Perusini Stephen , Shim Katharine 
Published: December 2004

To learn more about the function of intracellular Ca2+ in Dictyostelium discoideum, we searched databases for sequences encoding potential members of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family of Ca2+‐binding proteins. As a result, genes for five new putative Ca2+‐binding proteins were identified. Based on amino acid sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses, one of these genes (ncsA) was determined to be closely related to NCS‐1/frequenin genes in other organisms. The protein product of ncsA (NcsA) binds 45Ca2+ and exhibits a dramatic gel mobility shift in the presence of Ca2+, suggesting that it is a Ca2+ sensor. ncsA‐null cells grow normally in axenic culture. However, on bacterial lawns, the ncsA‐null clones expand slowly and development begins prematurely within the plaques. In larger clones, ncsA‐null cells form narrow growth zones with evenly spaced aggregates along the inner edge, and closely packed fruiting bodies. An analysis of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, developmental timing on phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) agar, and stage‐specific gene expression indicate that development of ncsA‐null cells is accelerated by 3–4 h. Together, these results suggest that NcsA might function in Dictyostelium to prevent cells from entering development prematurely in the presence of environmental nutrients.
Does Increased Predicted Warm-Season Rainfall Indicate Enhanced Likelihood of Rain Occurrence?
Authors: Gallus William A. , Segal Moti 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The likelihood of simulated rainfall above a specified threshold being observed is evaluated as a function of the amounts predicted by two mesoscale models. Evaluations are performed for 20 warm-season mesoscale convective system events over the upper Midwest of the United States. Simulations were performed using 10-km versions of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Eta Model and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, with two different convective parameterizations tested in both models. It was found that, despite large differences in the biases of these different models and configurations, a robust relationship was present whereby a substantial increase in the likelihood of observed rainfall exceeding a specified threshold occurred in areas where the model runs forecast higher rainfall amounts. Rainfall was found to be less likely to occur in those areas where the models indicated no rainfall than it was elsewhere in the domain; it was more likely to occur in those regions where rainfall was predicted, especially where the predicted rainfall amounts were largest. The probability of rainfall relative-operating-characteristic and relative-operating-level curves showed that probabilistic forecasts determined from quantitative precipitation forecast values had skill comparable to the skill obtained using more traditional methods in which probabilities are based on the fraction of ensemble members experiencing rainfall. When the entire sample of cases was broken into training and test sets, the probability forecasts of the test sets evidenced good reliability. The relationship noted should provide some additional guidelines to operational forecasters. The results imply that the tested models are better able to indicate the regions where atmospheric processes are most favorable for convective rainfall (where the models generate enhanced amounts) than they are able to predict accurately the rainfall amounts that will be observed.
The ROC Curve and the Area under It as Performance Measures
Authors: Marzban Caren 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a two-dimensional measure of classification performance. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) is a scalar measure gauging one facet of performance. In this short article, five idealized models are utilized to relate the shape of the ROC curve, and the area under it, to features of the underlying distribution of forecasts. This allows for an interpretation of the former in terms of the latter. The analysis is pedagogical in that many of the findings are already known in more general (and more realistic) settings; however, the simplicity of the models considered here allows for a clear exposition of the relation. For example, although in general there are many reasons for an asymmetric ROC curve, the models considered here clearly illustrate that an asymmetry in the ROC curve can be attributed to unequal widths of the distributions. Furthermore, it is shown that AUC discriminates well between “good” and “bad” models, but not between good models.
Prenatal Maternal Anxiety and Depression Predict Negative Behavioral Reactivity in Infancy
Authors: Davis Elysia Poggi , Snidman Nancy , Wadhwa Pathik D. , Glynn Laura M. , Schetter Chris Dunkel , Sandman Curt A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects of maternal antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression on infant negative behavioral reactivity were examined in a sample of 22 mother‐infant pairs. Maternal anxiety and depression were assessed by standardized measures during the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. Infant negative behavioral responses to novelty were assessed using a previously validated measure at 4 months of age. Maternal anxiety and depression during the prenatal, but not the postnatal period, were related to infant negative behavioral reactivity to novelty. These data illustrate that prenatal maternal psychological state can exert persisting influences on human infant behavior.
Sex Differences in Infants' Ability to Represent Complex Event Sequences
Authors: Schweinle Amy , Wilcox Teresa 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPrior research suggests that when very simple event sequences are used, 4.5‐month‐olds demonstrate the ability to individuate objects based on the continuity or disruption of their speed of motion (Wilcox & Schweinle, 2003). However, infants demonstrate their ability to individuate objects in an event‐monitoring task (i.e., infants must keep track of an ongoing event) at a younger age than in an event‐mapping task (i.e., infants must compare information from 2 different events). The research presented here built on these findings by examining infants' capacity to succeed on an event‐mapping task with a more complex event sequence to determine if the complexity of the event interferes with their ability to form summary representations of the event, and, in short, individuate the objects. Three experiments were conducted with infants 4.5 to 9.5 months of age. The results indicated that (a) increasing the complexity of the objects' trajectories adversely affected infants' performance on the task, and (b) boys were more likely to succeed than girls. These findings shed light on how representational capacities change during the first year of life and are discussed in terms of information processing and representational capabilities as well as neuro‐anatomical development.
14‐Month‐Old Infants Form Novel Word—Spatial Relation Associations
Authors: Casasola Marianella , Wilbourn Makeba Parramore 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study explored 14‐month‐old infants' ability to form novel word‐spatial relation associations. During habituation, infants heard 1 novel word (e.g., teek) while viewing dynamic containment events (i.e., Big Bird placed in a box) and, on other habituation trials, a second novel word (e.g., blick) while viewing dynamic support events (i.e., Big Bird placed on the box). Each novel word was presented in a sentence (e.g., “She's putting Big Bird teek the box”). During the test, infants discriminated an event that maintained the habituation word‐relation pairing from one that presented a switch in this pairing. The results indicate that 14‐month‐olds can learn to form word‐relation associations quickly, requiring only a few minutes of experience with each word‐relation pairing.
An Event—Emotion or Event—Expression Hypothesis? A Comment on the Commentaries on Bennett, Bendersky, and Lewis (2002)
Authors: Camras Linda A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe hypothesis investigated by Bennett, Bendersky, and Lewis (2002) has 2 components. The first concerns relations between events and emotions, and the second concerns relations between emotions and facial expressions. These components should be conceptually distinguished, independently investigated, and separately evaluated.
Developmental Diethylstilbestrol Exposure Alters Genetic Pathways of Uterine Cytodifferentiation
Authors: Huang Wei-Wei , Yin Yan , Bi Qun , Chiang Tung-Chin , Garner Neysa , Vuoristo Jussi , McLachlan John A. , Ma Liang 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe formation of a simple columnar epithelium in the uterus is essential for implantation. Perturbation of this developmental process by exogenous estrogen, such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), results in uterine metaplasia that contributes to infertility. The cellular and molecular mechanism underlying this transformation event is not well understood. Here we use a combination of global gene expression analysis and a knockout mouse model to delineate genetic pathways affected by DES. Global gene expression profiling experiment revealed that neonatal DES treatment alters uterine cell fate, particularly in the luminal epithelium by inducing abnormal differentiation, characterized by the induction of stratified epithelial markers including members of the small proline-rich protein family and epidermal keratins. We show that Msx2, a homeodomain transcription factor, functions downstream of DES and is required for the proper expression of several genes in the uterine epithelium including Wnt7a, PLAP, and K2.16. Finally, Msx2−/− uteri were found to exhibit abnormal water trafficking upon DES exposure, demonstrating the importance of Msx2 in tissue responsiveness to estrogen exposure. Together, these results indicate that developmental exposure to DES can perturb normal uterine development by affecting genetic pathways governing uterine differentiation.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Expression and Glucocorticoid Synthesis Are Directed by a Molecular Switch during Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Eijken M. , Hewison M. , Cooper M. S. , de Jong F. H. , Chiba H. , Stewart P. M. , Uitterlinden A. G. , Pols H. A. P. , van Leeuwen J. P. T. M. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) plays an important role in the prereceptor regulation of corticosteroids by locally converting cortisone into active cortisol. To investigate the impact of this mechanism on osteoblast development, we have characterized 11β-HSD1 activity and regulation in a differentiating human osteoblast cell line (SV-HFO). Continuous treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone induces differentiation of SV-HFO cells during 21 d of culture. Using this cell system, we showed an inverse relationship between 11β-HSD1 activity and osteoblast differentiation. 11β-HSD1 mRNA expression and activity were low and constant in differentiating osteoblasts. However, in the absence of differentiation (no dexamethasone), 11β-HSD1 mRNA and activity increased strongly from d 12 of culture onward, with a peak around d 19. Promoter reporter studies provided evidence that specific regions of the 11β-HSD1 gene are involved in this differentiation controlled regulation of the enzyme. Functional implication of these changes in 11β-HSD1 is shown by the induction of osteoblast differentiation in the presence of cortisone. The current study demonstrates the presence of an intrinsic differentiation-driven molecular switch that controls expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 and thereby cortisol production by human osteoblasts. This efficient mechanism by which osteoblasts generate cortisol in an autocrine fashion to ensure proper differentiation will help to understand the complex effects of cortisol on bone metabolism.