bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple improved confidence intervals for comparing matched proportions
Authors: Agresti Alan , Min Yongyi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractFor binary matched‐pairs data, this article discusses interval estimation of the difference of probabilities and an odds ratio for comparing ‘success’ probabilities. We present simple improvements of the commonly used Wald confidence intervals for these parameters. The improvement of the interval for the difference of probabilities is to add two observations to each sample before applying it. The improvement for estimating an odds ratio transforms a confidence interval for a single proportion. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysing child mortality in Nigeria with geoadditive discrete‐time survival models
Authors: Adebayo Samson B. , Fahrmeir Ludwig 
Published: February 2005

AbstractChild mortality reflects a country's level of socio‐economic development and quality of life. In developing countries, mortality rates are not only influenced by socio‐economic, demographic and health variables but they also vary considerably across regions and districts. In this paper, we analysed child mortality in Nigeria with flexible geoadditive discrete‐time survival models. This class of models allows us to measure small‐area district‐specific spatial effects simultaneously with possibly non‐linear or time‐varying effects of other factors. Inference is fully Bayesian and uses computationally efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation techniques. The application is based on the 1999 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Our method assesses effects at a high level of temporal and spatial resolution not available with traditional parametric models, and the results provide some evidence on how to reduce child mortality by improving socio‐economic and public health conditions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A permutation test for inference in logistic regression with small‐ and moderate‐sized data sets
Authors: Potter Douglas M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractInference based on large sample results can be highly inaccurate if applied to logistic regression with small data sets. Furthermore, maximum likelihood estimates for the regression parameters will on occasion not exist, and large sample results will be invalid. Exact conditional logistic regression is an alternative that can be used whether or not maximum likelihood estimates exist, but can be overly conservative. This approach also requires grouping the values of continuous variables corresponding to nuisance parameters, and inference can depend on how this is done. A simple permutation test of the hypothesis that a regression parameter is zero can overcome these limitations. The variable of interest is replaced by the residuals from a linear regression of it on all other independent variables. Logistic regressions are then done for permutations of these residuals, and a p‐value is computed by comparing the resulting likelihood ratio statistics to the original observed value. Simulations of binary outcome data with two independent variables that have binary or lognormal distributions yield the following results: (a) in small data sets consisting of 20 observations, type I error is well‐controlled by the permutation test, but poorly controlled by the asymptotic likelihood ratio test; (b) in large data sets consisting of 1000 observations, performance of the permutation test appears equivalent to that of the asymptotic test; and (c) in small data sets, the p‐value for the permutation test is usually similar to the mid‐p‐value for exact conditional logistic regression. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemiosmotic systems in bioenergetics: H+-cycles and Na+-cycles
Authors: Skulachev Vladimir P. 
Published: February 2005

The development of membrane bioenergetic studies during the last 25 years has clearly demonstrated the validity of the Mitchellian chemiosmotic H+ cycle concept. The circulation of H+ ions was shown to couple respiration-dependent or light-dependent energy-releasing reactions to ATP formation and performance of other types of membrane-linked work in mitochondria, chloroplasts, some bacteria, tonoplasts, secretory granules and plant and fungal outer cell membranes. A concrete version of the direct chemiosmotic mechanism, in which H+ potential formation is a simple consequence of the chemistry of the energy-releasing reaction, is already proved for the photosynthetic reaction centre complexes.Recent progress in the studies on chemiosmotic systems has made it possible to extend the coupling-ion principle to an ion other than H+. It was found that, in ceertain bacteria, as well as in the outer membrane of the animal cell, Na+ effectively substitutes for H+ as the coupling ion (the chemiosmotic Na+ cycle). A precedent is set when the Na+ cycle appears to be the only mechanism of energy production in the bacterial cell. In the more typical case, however, the H+ and Na+ cycles coexist in one and the same membrane (bacteria) or in two diffeerent membranes of one and the same cell (animals). The sets of Δμ̄H+ and Δμ̄Na+ generators as well as Δμ̄H+ and Δμ̄Na+ consumers found in different types of biomembranes, are listed and discussed.
Contemporary German composers
Authors: Whittall Arnold 
Published: February 2005

LACHENMANN: Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern (Tokyo Version, 2000) c. Sylvain Cambreling. ECM New Series 1858/9 (2-CD set).DÖHL: Sound of Sleat; Bruchstücke zur Winterreise for piano; String quintet: Winterreise; Notturno. James Tocco (pno), Hugo Noth (accordion), Ovidiu Dabila (double bass), Auryn Quartet with Boris Pergamenschikov (vlc), Lasalle Quartet. Dreyer-Gaido 21013.HÖLLER: Piano Works. Kristi Becker, Pi-hsien Chen (pnos). cpo 999 954-2.PINTSCHER: Figura I–V; String Quartet No. 4, Portrait of Gesualdo; Dernier espace avec introspecteur. Theodoro Anzelotti (accordion), Arditti String Quartet. Winter & Winter 910 097-2.
Piano Music by Erik Chisholm
Authors: Jones Michael 
Published: February 2005

Piano music of Erik Chisholm and his friends. BARTÓK: With Drums and Pipes. SORABJI: Fantasiettina sul nome illustre dell'Egregio poeta Hugh MacDiarmid ossia Christopher Grieve. CHISHOLM: Piano Sonata in A, An Riobain Dearg. STEVENSON: A Threepenny Sonatina. BUSONI: Fantasia Contrappuntistica. Murray McLachlan (pno). Dunelm DRD0219.CHISHOLM: Music for piano Volume 1. Straloch Suite; Scottish Airs for Children; Piano Sonata in A (abridged version 2004). Murray McLachlan (pno). Dunelm DRD0222.
New Releases of music by Women Composers
Authors: Rickards Guy 
Published: February 2005

CECILIE ØRE: A. – a shadow opera. Joachim Calmeyer, Anneke von der Lippe, Tilman Hartenstein, Henrik Inadomi, Lakis Kanzakis, Rob Waring (voices). Aurora ACD 5034.BETH ANDERSON ‘Swales and Angels’: March Swale1; Pennyroyal Swale1; New Mexico Swale2,1,3; The Angel4,1,5,6,8; January Swale1; Rosemary Swale1; Piano Concerto6,1,7,3,8. 1Rubio String Quartet, 2Andrew Bolotowsky (fl, picc), 3David Rozenblatt (perc), 4Jessica Marsten (sop), 5Joseph Kubera (vc, pno), 6André Tarantiles (hp), 7Darren Campbell (bass), c. 8Gary M. Scheider. New World 80610-2.RAGNHILD BERSTAD: Anstrøk for violin and cello1; Krets for orchestra9; Respiro for clarinet and tape2; Zeugma for ensemble3; Toreuma for string quartet4; Verto for voice, cello & percussion5,6,7; Emutatio for voice, chorus and orchestra5,8,9. 1Kyberia, 2Lars Hilde (cl), 3Affinis Ensemble, 4Arditti String Quartet, 5Berit Ogheim (voice), 6Lene Grenager (vc), 7Cathrine Nyheim (perc), 8Oslo Chamber Choir, 9Norwegian Radio Orchestra c. Christian Eggen. Aurora ACD 5021.TAILLEFERRE: Works for piano. Cristiano Ariagno (pno). Timpani 1C1074.‘Sweetly I Rejoice: Music based on Songs and Hymns from Old Icelandic Manuscripts’ by HILDIGUNNUR RÚNARSDÒTTIR, MIST THORKELSDÒTTIR, THÒRDUR MAGNÚSSON, JÒN GUDMUNDSSON, ELÍN GUNNLAUGSDÒTTIR and STEINGRÍMUR ROHLOFF. Gríma Vocal Ensemble. Marta Gudrún Halldórsdóttir (sop), EThos String Quartet. Instrumental Ensemble c. Gunnstein Òlafsson. Smekkleysa SMK31 (2-CD set).‘I Start My Journey’: Sacred music by Anon, SMÁRI ÓLASON, ELÍN GUNNLAUGSDÒTTIR, STEFÁN ÓLAFSSON, JAKOB HALLGRIMSSON, BARA GRÍMSDÒTTIR, HRÒDMAR INGI SIGURBJÖRNSSON, GUNNAR REYNÍR SVEINSSON. Kammerkor Sudurlands c. Hilmar Örn Agnarsson. Smekkleysa SMK17.‘New Zealand Women Composers’. DOROTHY KER: The Structure of Memory. JENNY McLEOD: For Seven. GILLIAN WHITEHEAD: Ahotu (O Matenga). ANNEA LOCKWOOD/Lontano: Monkey Trips (1995). Lontano c. Odaline de la Martinez. LORELT LNT116.SPAIN-DUNK: Phantasy Quartet in D minor. BEACH: String Quartet in one movement. SMYTH: String Quartet in E minor. Archaeus String Quartet. Lorelt LNT114.SAARIAHO: Du cristal…a la fumée1–3; Nymphaea4; Sept Papillons2. 1Petri Alanko (alto fl), 2Anssi Karttunen (vlc), 3Los Angeles PO c. Esa-Pekka Salonen, 4Kronos Quartet. Ondine ODE 1047-2.
Cannabidiol inhibits human glioma cell migration through a cannabinoid receptor‐independent mechanism
Authors: Vaccani Angelo , Massi Paola , Colombo Arianna , Rubino Tiziana , Parolaro Daniela 
Published: February 2005

We evaluated the ability of cannabidiol (CBD) to impair the migration of tumor cells stimulated by conditioned medium. CBD caused concentration‐dependent inhibition of the migration of U87 glioma cells, quantified in a Boyden chamber. Since these cells express both cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the membrane, we also evaluated their engagement in the antimigratory effect of CBD. The inhibition of cell was not antagonized either by the selective cannabinoid receptor antagonists SR141716 (CB1) and SR144528 (CB2) or by pretreatment with pertussis toxin, indicating no involvement of classical cannabinoid receptors and/or receptors coupled to Gi/o proteins. These results reinforce the evidence of antitumoral properties of CBD, demonstrating its ability to limit tumor invasion, although the mechanism of its pharmacological effects remains to be clarified.British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 1032–1036. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706134
Unresponsiveness of mu‐opioid receptor knockout mice to lipopolysaccharide‐induced fever
Authors: Benamar Khalid , McMenamin Malgorzata , Geller Ellen B , Chung Young G , Pintar John E , Adler Martin W 
Published: February 2005

Recently, we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced fever could be suppressed by a selective mu‐opioid receptor antagonist, indicating that the mu‐opioid system is involved in the LPS fever. In the present study, to confirm the role of the mu‐opioid system in the pathogenesis of LPS fever, we used mice lacking the mu‐opioid receptor. In the wild type (WT), following intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 100 μg kg−1 of LPS, body temperature (Tb) increased approximately 1°C and remained elevated during the 360‐min recording period. In the mu‐opioid receptor knockout (MOR‐KO) mice, the administration of 100 μg kg−1 i.p. of LPS did not induce fever during the recording period. Saline by itself, given i.p., did not alter the Tb, either in WT or MOR‐KO. These results confirm that the mu‐opioid system is involved in LPS‐induced fever.British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 1029–1031. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706145
Mutations of β‐catenin and AXIN I genes are a late event in human hepatocellular carcinogenesis
Authors: Park Jik Young , Park Won Sang , Nam Suk Woo , Kim Su Young , Lee Sug Hyung , Yoo Nam Jin , Lee Jung Young , Park Cheol Keun 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a well‐known cancer involving the Wnt pathway in its carcinogenesis.Aims: However, it is not clear whether these genetic changes are early genetic events in hepatocarcinogenesis or not.Method: In this study, we performed mutational analysis of the β‐catenin and AXIN I genes, and immunohistochemistry for β‐catenin in a series of 114 hepatocellular nodular lesions, including premalignant lesions such as low‐grade dysplastic nodules (LGDNs) and high‐grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs). Results: In the present study, mutations of the β‐catenin and AXIN I genes were detected in 16% (13 out of 81) and 6.2% (five of 81) of the HCCs, respectively. However, no mutations were found in 14 LGDNs and 19 HGDNs. Moreover, abnormal nuclear β‐catenin immunostaining was observed in 30 of 81 HCCs, but not in dysplastic nodules.Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that β‐catenin stabilization because of either β‐catenin or AXIN I mutation might be a late event for malignant progression rather than an early genetic event involving the initiation of HCC development.
Differential modulation of interleukin 8 by interleukin 4 and interleukin 10 in HepG2 cells treated with acetaldehyde
Authors: Gómez‐Quiroz Luis Enrique , Paris Raquel , María Lluis José , Bucio Leticia , Souza Verónica , Hernández Elizabeth , Gutiérrez Mario , Santiago Mariana , García‐Ruiz Carmen , Fernández‐Checa José C. , Kershenobich David , Gutiérrez‐Ruiz Ma. Concepción 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background/Aim: Pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as interleukin (IL) 8, are important mediators of hepatic injury and repair following an insult. The purpose of this work was to study the regulation of IL‐8 by IL‐10 and IL‐4 in HepG2 cells treated with acetaldehyde (Ac). Methods: HepG2 cells were pretreated with IL‐10 or IL‐4 before exposure to Ac, examining IL‐8 expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Results: Ac treatment produced an increment in IL‐8 induction and secretion that was prevented by IL‐4 pretreatment, while IL‐10 pretreatment failed to decrease Ac‐induced IL‐8 production. Consistent with these findings Ac increased NF‐κB and AP‐1 activation that were prevented by IL‐4 but not by IL‐10, findings accompanied by greater IκB‐α levels in IL‐4 but not IL‐10 pretreated cells. In contrast to the pro‐inflammatory role of IL‐10 in HepG2, IL‐10 did not show any change in the activation of NF‐κB by Ac in WRL‐68 cells, a human fetal hepatic cell line. Moreover, IL‐10 did not induce the degradation of IκB‐α in cellular extract from rat primary cultured cells.Conclusions: While the present findings demonstrate the anti‐inflammatory role of IL‐4 in preventing the expression of IL‐8 by Ac, the regulation of chemokines by anti‐inflammatory cytokines is complex and depends on the cellular lineage.
Hemosiderosis is associated with accelerated decompensation and decreased survival in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Kayali Zeid , Ranguelov Rostislav , Mitros Frank , Shufelt Chrisandra , Elmi Farshad , Rayhill Stephen C. , Schmidt Warren N. , Brown Kyle E. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Aim: Although hepatic iron deposition unrelated to hereditary hemochromatosis is commonly observed in cirrhosis, its clinical significance is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of cirrhotic patients with and without hemosiderosis.Methods: Patients with an initial liver biopsy demonstrating cirrhosis between January 1993 and December 1997 were identified using the Department of Pathology database. Based on iron staining, patients were characterized as siderotic or nonsiderotic. Charts were reviewed to determine outcomes.Results: Siderotic patients had significantly higher Child–Pugh (CP) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores. Their median survival without transplant was 23 months vs. 85 months in the nonsiderotics (P<0.0001, confidence interval: 95%). On univariate analysis, siderosis was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.74 (P<0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the effect of siderosis was reduced but remained significant after correction for the CP or MELD score (hazard ratios 1.82 and 2.06, P=0.05 and 0.02, respectively). Child's A cirrhotics with hemosiderosis decompensated more rapidly and had shorter median survival than those without siderosis (P=0.007 and P=0.01, respectively).Conclusions: The presence of siderosis is associated with more advanced liver dysfunction. Even when the effects of baseline liver function are taken into account, siderosis is associated with decreased survival and more rapid decompensation in cirrhosis.
Raloxifene improves bone mass in osteopenic women with primary biliary cirrhosis: results of a pilot study
Authors: Levy Cynthia , Harnois Denise M. , Angulo Paul , Jorgensen Roberta , Lindor Keith D. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: Bone disease is common in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Our aim was to evaluate safety and efficacy of raloxifene in this population.Methods: Nine postmenopausal women with PBC were enrolled and seven completed the study. Subjects received raloxifene 60 mg daily for 1 year. Each patient on raloxifene was age‐matched to three controls. Liver biochemistries were monitored periodically; bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) was measured at baseline and at 1 year.Results: No significant adverse effects were reported. Liver biochemistries remained unchanged. Baseline LS‐BMD was similar in the treatment group and controls [median 0.720 g/cm2 (range 0.620–0.867) vs. 0.740 g/cm2 (0.570–1.040), P=0.5].Conclusion: Compared with baseline, LS‐BMD improved significantly with 1 year of therapy [0.72 g/cm2 (0.62–0.87) vs. 0.74 g/cm2 (0.63–0.97), P=0.02]. FN‐BMD remained stable [0.53 g/cm2 (0.50–0.60) vs. 0.54 g/cm2 (0.49–0.63), P=0.6]. Improvement in LS BMD was seen in patients on raloxifene but not in matched controls [0.02 g/cm2 (0.01–0.10) vs. 0.00 g/cm2 (−0.120–0.040), P=0.06)]. In conclusion, raloxifene appears safe and of benefit in preventing bone loss in patients with PBC. Larger studies with longer follow‐up are warranted.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia in chronic liver diseases: role of disease stage, vitamin status and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetics
Authors: Ventura Paolo , Rosa Maria Cristina , Abbati Gianluca , Marchini Stefano , Grandone Elvira , Vergura Patrizia , Tremosini Silvia , Zeneroli Maria Luisa 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: The liver plays a key role in sulphur aminoacid metabolism hence, homocysteine metabolism may be impaired in chronic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate, in patients affected by chronic liver diseases, (1) the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia and (2) the role of its determinants such as the stage and the aetiology of disease, vitamin status, genetic documented alterations (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency) and presence/absence of documented malignant evolution (hepatocellular carcinoma).Material and Methods: One hundred and thirty patients with chronic liver disease (34 with chronic active hepatitis, 12 with fatty liver and 88 with liver cirrhosis) and 50 healthy age‐matched control subjects were included into the study.Results: Hyperhomocysteinaemia was defined as homocysteine plasma levels greater than 12.6 μmol/l. Hyperhomocysteinaemia prevalence in liver cirrhosis group was 40.9%, significantly higher (all P<0.01) with respect to controls (12%), chronic active hepatitis (14.7%) and fatty liver (25%) groups and increased with Child–Pugh stage [Child A: 22.2%, Child B (50%); Child C (58.3%)]. In chronic‐active hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, the prevalence of subjects with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677→T mutation (both as CT and as TT) and hyperhomocysteinaemia results in significantly higher levels with respect to controls. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677→T mutation and disease stage showed to be the most important predictive factors of hyperhomocysteinaemia in liver cirrhosis whereas the influence of homocysteine‐related vitamin status seems to have a secondary role.Conclusions: In conclusion hyperhomocysteinaemia is highly prevalent in liver cirrhosis but not in other chronic liver diseases; it may contribute to fibrogenesis and vascular complication of liver cirrhosis.
Early hepatitis C virus changes and sustained response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon α‐2b and ribavirin
Authors: Gallegos‐Orozco J. F. , Loaeza‐del Castillo A. , Fuentes A. P. , García‐Sandoval M. , Soto L. , Rodríguez R. , Gutiérrez‐Ruíz M. C. , Gutiérrez‐Reyes G. , Bonder A. , Olivera M. A. , Kershenobich D. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: Interferon‐based therapy induces changes in viral dynamics in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.Aims: The aim of this study was to assess early hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA changes and evaluate its predictive value to achieve sustained viral response (SVR) in patients with CHC treated with peginterferon α‐2b weekly plus ribavirin daily for 48 weeks.Methods: HCV‐RNA was measured at baseline, 48 h, 4, 12, 24 and 48 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks after treatment.Results: Eighteen HCV genotype 1 patients were included (13 male, five female) with a mean age of 44.4±11.9 years. Nine patients achieved SVR (50%). Viral decline occurred as early as 48 h; the magnitude of decline was statistically different between both groups (P<0.01). Responders had a ≥1 log10 drop in HCV‐RNA at 48 h (positive predictive value (PPV) of 89% to achieve SVR) that persisted at week 4. By week 12, serum HCV‐RNA was undetectable (PPV 100%).Conclusions: Our data indicate that peginterferon α‐2b plus ribavirin treatment produces significant changes in HCV dynamics that can be detected as early as 48 h after the first dose of peginterferon α‐2b and that these changes are useful in predicting response to therapy in CHC patients.
Solidification microstructure and heterogeneous nucleation phenomena in cast SiCp‐reinforced hypereutectic Al–Si alloy composites
Authors: Skolianos Stefanos M. , Mavropoulos Azarias A. 
Published: February 2005

The microstructure and heterogeneous nucleation phenomena in cast SiCp‐reinforced hypereutectic Al–Si/alloy composites have been studied. Composite specimens were prepared using the compocasting technique and followed by remelting at 1023 K. The microstructure evolution of the composite has been investigated by water quenching the composite specimens at different stages of solidification. It has been observed that SiC particles can serve as substrate for the primary Si particles but not for α‐Al dendrites. Instead primary α‐Al dendrites push SiC particles into the last solidified liquid.In the presence of SiC particles, the eutectic silicon morphology changes from plate and needle shape of the unreinforced alloy to just plate shape. Globularisation of primary α‐Al dendrites occurs at the eutectic temperature while primary Si crystals tend to agglomerate as solidification proceeds. As a result both the average size and the average volume fraction of the primary Si crystals increases. A significant refinement in the size of eutectic silicon can also be observed but only in the regions where SiC particles are present.