bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiviral triterpenoids from the medicinal plant Schefflera heptaphylla
Authors: Li Yaolan , Jiang Renwang , Ooi Linda S. M. , But Paul P. H. , Ooi Vincent E. C.
Published: March 2007

Schefflera heptaphylla (L.) Frodin is a principal ingredient of an herbal tea formulation widely used for the treatment of common cold in southern China. An extract of the long leafstalk of the compound leaf of S. heptaphylla exhibited the most potent antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Further antiviral‐guided fractionation and isolation of the leafstalk extract of S. heptaphylla led to obtain two highly active pure triterpenoids, namely 3α‐hydroxylup‐20(29)‐ene‐23,28‐dioic acid and 3‐epi‐betulinic acid 3‐O‐sulfate, together with an inactive saponin, 3α‐hydroxylup‐20(29)‐ene‐23,28‐dioic acid 28‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside. An antiviral assay using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method showed that the two triterpenoids possessed broader antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with a similar 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) value of 6.25 µg/mL, influenza A (H1N1) virus with IC50 values of 25 and 31.3 µg/mL, Coxsackie B3 (Cox B3) virus with IC50 values of 12.5 and 20 µg/mL and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) with IC50 values of 18.8 and 25 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the saponin did not have antiviral activity against these four viruses at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimutagenic effect of broccoli flower head by the ames salmonella reverse mutation assay
Authors: S. Murugan S. , P. Balakrishnamurthy , J. Mathew Y.
Published: March 2007

A study was performed to investigate the antimutagenic effect of broccoli flower head by the Ames Salmonella reverse mutation assay. Broccoli flower head being the most highly edible part in the plant was analysed for its antimutagenic effect. Without isolating the phytomolecules, the crude ethanol extract of broccoli flower head was tested for suppressing the mutagenic effect induced by certain chemical mutagens. Three strains – TA 98, TA102 and TA 1535 were used in the study. The tester strains were challenged with their respective mutagens. These were challenged with the ethanol extract of broccoli flower head at concentrations of 23 and 46 mg/plate. The plates were incubated for 72 h and the revertant colonies were counted. The crude extract did not prove to be promutagenic. The ethanol extract of the broccoli flower head at 46 mg/plate suppressed the mutagenic effect induced by the corresponding positive mutagens on all the three tester strains used in this study. The crude extract of broccoli flower head alone was not cytotoxic even at the maximum concentration tested (46 mg/plate). In conclusion, the ethanol extract of broccoli at 46 mg/plate suggests their diverse antimutagenic potential against the mutagenic chemicals employed in this study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial activity of ergosterol peroxide against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: dependence upon system and medium employed
Authors: Duarte Noélia , Ferreira Maria‐José U. , Martins Marta , Viveiros Miguel , Amaral Leonard
Published: March 2007

Ergosterol peroxide, cycloart‐23‐en‐3β,25‐diol, vanillin and 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde have been isolated and characterized from a crude methanol extract of Euphorbia lagascae. Previous studies have shown contradictory results about the antibacterial activity of ergosterol peroxide against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In order to clarify this question, the activity of this compound was tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv ATCC 27294 strain using two different systems: BACTEC 460TB (Bactec 460) and BACTEC MGIT 960 system (Bactec 960). The results obtained show that significant activity was demonstrable only with the Bactec 460 system. The lack of activity noted with the Bactec 960 system appears to be due to the much faster growth rate of the organism in the medium of this system as opposed to that of the Bactec 460 system. Ergosterol peroxide is also shown by the current study to be devoid of any activity against an antibiotic sensitive ATCC strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of a diterpenoid from Salvia cinnabarina on arterial blood pressure in rats
Authors: Alfieri Alessio , Maione Francesco , Bisio Angela , Romussi Giovanni , Mascolo Nicola , Cicala Carla
Published: March 2007

The effect of a diterpenoid isolated from Salvia cinnabarina, 3,4‐seicosopimar‐4(18),7,15‐triene‐3‐oic acid (SCB), on arterial blood pressure was evaluated in anaesthetized rats.

Male Wistar rats, anaesthetized with urethane (sol. 10% p/v; 10 mL/kg), underwent surgery for continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure. After preliminary experiments to evaluate the dose response (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg i.v.) of SCB, a dose of 3 mg/kg was chosen for all successive experiments. On different groups of rats treated with the ganglion‐blocking agent chlorisondamine (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) the effect of SCB (3 mg/kg i.v.) was evaluated before and following an infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l‐NAME (0.3 mg/kg/min i.v.). Intravenous administration of SCB at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg led to a fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) of 14.75 ± 1.44 mmHg, 36.60 ± 31.40 mmHg and 31.40 ± 6.28 mmHg, respectively (n = 4–5), that was not modified by treatment of the rat with chlorisondamine nor with l‐NAME. The results demonstrate a hypotensive effect of SCB – due to a peripheral mechanism but independent of endothelial nitric oxide release. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro cytotoxicity of some medicinal plants from Georgian Amaryllidaceae
Authors: Jokhadze Malkhaz , Eristavi Lina , Kutchukhidze Jumber , Chariot Alain , Angenot Luc , Tits Monique , Jansen Olivia , Frédérich Michel
Published: March 2007

Using an ethnomedical data approach, some Georgian plants, which are used in Georgian traditional medicine for cancer or non‐cancer diseases, were collected and evaluated for cytotoxic activity. The cytotoxic effect of the methanol extracts of species from the genera Galanthus and Leucojum was evaluated in vitro on three human cell lines (Hela, ephitheloid cervix carcinoma; HCT‐116, colon carcinoma; HL‐60, acute myeloid leukaemia). Cell type cytotoxic specificity was observed for some extracts. Overall, the HCT‐116 cells were much more sensitive to most of the extracts than were the other cell lines. Plants that showed pronounced cytotoxic activity will be further evaluated for the possible isolation of active antitumour compounds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust H∞ control for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems with mixed time delay
Authors: Liu Yurong , Wang Zidong , Liu Xiaohui
Published: March 2007

This paper is concerned with the problem of robust H∞ control for a class of uncertain nonlinear Itô‐type stochastic systems with mixed time delays. The parameter uncertainties are assumed to be norm bounded, the mixed time delays comprise both the discrete and distributed delays, and the sector nonlinearities appear in both the system states and delayed states. The problem addressed is the design of a linear state feedback controller such that, in the simultaneous presence of parameter uncertainties, system nonlinearities and mixed time delays, the resulting closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable in the mean square and also achieves a prescribed H∞ disturbance rejection attenuation level. By using the Lyapunov stability theory and the Itô differential rule, some new techniques are developed to derive the sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of the desired feedback controllers. A unified linear matrix inequality is proposed to deal with the problem under consideration and a numerical example is exploited to show the usefulness of the results obtained. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interval estimation for individual categories in cumulative logit models
Authors: Rajeswaran Jeevanantham , Blackstone Eugene H.
Published: March 2007

We derive and compute confidence intervals for probabilities of categories for ordinal responses in cumulative logit link models using frequentist, Bayesian, and bootstrap approaches. The three approaches are evaluated by their coverage probabilities and are illustrated for longitudinal assessment of graded heart valve prosthesis regurgitation following aortic valve replacement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression B‐spline smoothing in Bayesian disease mapping: with an application to patient safety surveillance
Authors: MacNab Ying C. , Gustafson Paul
Published: March 2007

In the context of Bayesian disease mapping, recent literature presents generalized linear mixed models that engender spatial smoothing. The methods assume spatially varying random effects as a route to partially pooling data and ‘borrowing strength’ in small‐area estimation. When spatiotemporal disease rates are available for sequential risk mapping of several time periods, the ‘smoothing’ issue may be explored by considering spatial smoothing, temporal smoothing and spatiotemporal interaction. In this paper, these considerations are motivated and explored through development of a Bayesian semiparametric disease mapping model framework which facilitates temporal smoothing of rates and relative risksviaregression B‐splines with mixed‐effect representation of coefficients. Specifically, we develop spatial priors such as multivariate Gaussian Markov random fields and non‐spatial priors such as unstructured multivariate Gaussian distributions and illustrate how time trends in small‐area relative risks may be explored by splines which vary in either a spatially structured or unstructured manner. In particular, we show that with suitable prior specifications for the random effects ensemble, small‐area relative risk trends may be fit by ‘spatially varying’ or randomly varying B‐splines. A recently developed Bayesian hierarchical model selection criterion, the deviance information criterion, is used to assess the trade‐off between goodness‐of‐fit and smoothness and to select the number of knots. The methodological development aims to provide reliable information about the patterns (both over space and time) of disease risks and to quantify uncertainty. The study offers a disease and health outcome surveillance methodology for flexible and efficient exploration and assessment of emerging risk trends and clustering. The methods are motivated and illustrated through a Bayesian analysis of adverse medical events (also known asiatrogenic injuries) among hospitalized elderly patients in British Columbia, Canada. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complicated Appendicitis: Laparoscopic or Conventional Surgery?
Authors: Kirshtein Boris , Bayme Michael , Domchik Sergey , Mizrahi Solly , Lantsberg Leonid
Published: March 2007

Background

The surgical treatment of complicated appendicitis remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopic appendectomy in the treatment of complicated appendicitis in comparison with open surgery.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent an appendectomy for complicated appendicitis between January 2001 and August 2005.

Results

We identified 98 patients with complicated appendicitis. Forty‐eight patients underwent open appendectomy, 42 laparoscopic appendectomy, and 8 initial laparoscopy with conversion to open surgery. Older patients, patients with comorbidities, and female patients were more likely to have been offered a laparoscopic appendectomy. Operating time, time to solid oral intake, and time of hospital stay were prolonged in the laparoscopic group but not significantly. There was no mortality observed in either group, and the complication rate was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic appendectomy is an acceptable procedure for complicated appendicitis, with the same rate of infectious complications as the conventional approach.
Gimbernat y Arbós, Antonio de (1734–1816)
Authors: Loukas Marios , El‐Sedfy Abraham , Tubbs R. Shane , Linganna Sanjay , Salter E. George , Jordan Robert
Published: March 2007

Don Manuel Louise Antonio de Gimbernat y Arbós, Spanish anatomist and surgeon, was one of the pioneers during the “age of dissection” (late eighteenth century). A bright young mind, Gimbernat was confident and audacious, which allowed him to become a recognized surgeon with a famed reputation that influenced his colleagues internationally. The Spaniard was most widely recognized for his advancements in the treatment of strangulated femoral hernias, and the lacunar ligament was named “Gimbernat’s ligament” in his honor. In 1793, he published Nuevo Método de operar en la Hernia Crural dedicated to King Charles IV, which was translated into English by Thomas Beddoes 2 years later. Gimbernat’s daring procedures helped improve safety and efficiency of hernia surgery. A person of great determination, he was known as a brilliant, meticulous, and creative man who exemplified the importance of surgeons. His devoted study of anatomy, especially of inguinal anatomy, allowed him to devise a legendary surgical technique in repairing femoral hernias, influencing renowned surgeons of his time and thereafter.
Augmented versus Virtual Reality Laparoscopic Simulation: What Is the Difference?
Authors: Botden Sanne M.B.I. , Buzink Sonja N. , Schijven Marlies P. , Jakimowicz Jack J.
Published: March 2007

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging new modality for laparoscopic skills training; however, most simulators lack realistic haptic feedback. Augmented reality (AR) is a new laparoscopic simulation system offering a combination of physical objects and VR simulation. Laparoscopic instruments are used within an hybrid mannequin on tissue or objects while using video tracking. This study was designed to assess the difference in realism, haptic feedback, and didactic value between AR and VR laparoscopic simulation.

Methods

The ProMIS AR and LapSim VR simulators were used in this study. The participants performed a basic skills task and a suturing task on both simulators, after which they filled out a questionnaire about their demographics and their opinion of both simulators scored on a 5‐point Likert scale. The participants were allotted to 3 groups depending on their experience: experts, intermediates and novices. Significant differences were calculated with the paired t‐test.

Results

There was general consensus in all groups that the ProMIS AR laparoscopic simulator is more realistic than the LapSim VR laparoscopic simulator in both the basic skills task (mean 4.22 resp. 2.18, P < 0.000) as well as the suturing task (mean 4.15 resp. 1.85, P < 0.000). The ProMIS is regarded as having better haptic feedback (mean 3.92 resp. 1.92, P < 0.000) and as being more useful for training surgical residents (mean 4.51 resp. 2.94, P < 0.000).

Conclusions

In comparison with the VR simulator, the AR laparoscopic simulator was regarded by all participants as a better simulator for laparoscopic skills training on all tested features.
Effects of adult neighbour and gap size on seedling emergence and early growth of Bromus inermis Leyss
Authors: Liu Guixia , Mao Peisheng , Wang Yunwen , Han Jianguo
Published: March 2007

A field study was conducted to determine the effects of neighbour root exclusion and gap size on the seedling emergence and early growth of Bromus inermis. Seeds of B. inermis were added to artificially created gaps in an improved shortgrass steppe in northern China. Neighbour root exclusion was accomplished using PVC tubes sunk in the soil of gaps. Emergence and survival of seedlings were greater in all gaps than in the control (0‐cm diameter), but better growth performance (height of seedling, leaves, tillers and dry weight per seedling) was observed only in large gaps (20‐ and 40‐cm diameter) with neighbour root present and gaps without neighbour root presence. Seedling growth performance was improved by reducing root and shoot competition. Neighbour root exclusion provided a favourable environment for seedling establishment. Differences between gaps in light levels and topsoil temperature can explain the patterns of germination. These results confirm that B. inermis is a gap‐enhanced species. Our study strongly suggests that asymmetric competition by adult neighbour plants negatively influences the establishment of B. inermis.
Effects of Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Oils Containing Arachidonic, Docosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids
Authors: Bartee Shirley D. , Kim Hyun Jung , Min David B.
Published: March 2007

The effects of ascorbyl palmitate at 0, 300, 600, 900, or 1,200 ppm, tocopherol at 0, 200, 400, 600, or 800 ppm, and β‐carotene at 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 ppm on the oxidative stabilities of Oil 1, Oil 2, and Oil 3 containing 0, 0.55, and 0.67% of combined arachidonic acid (AA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively, were studied by a central composite experimental design. The oxidative stability of oil was evaluated by determining the induction time using the Oxidative Stability Index. Ascorbyl palmitate and tocopherol had a significant effect on the stability of all three oils at α = 0.05. β‐Carotene did not have any effect on the stability of oils at α = 0.05. The interaction effect of ascorbyl palmitate and tocopherol was significant for the three oils at α = 0.05. The induction time of oils decreased as the total amounts of AA, DPA and DHA increased from 0 to 0.55% or 0.55 to 0.67%. The addition of 1,200 ppm ascorbyl palmitate, 800 ppm tocopherol and 12 ppm β‐carotene to Oils 1, 2, and 3 increased the induction time from 13.5 to 29.9 h, from 11.8 to 27.0 h, and from 10.5 to 20.0 h, respectively. The coefficient of determination (r2) for the linear regression between the experimentally determined and statistically predicted induction time of the three oils was greater than 0.95. The use of an optimum combination of ascorbyl palmitate and tocopherols from the response surface analysis could improve the oxidative stabilities of oils containing AA, DPA and DHA.
The management of Legg-Calvé-Perthes’ disease: Is there a consensus?
Authors: Hefti Fritz , Clarke N. M. P.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The aim of the study was to find out whether or not there is consensus among experienced pediatric orthopaedists about the management of certain clinical scenarios in Legg-Calvé-Perthes’ disease.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to all 297 members of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) describing four cases of Legg-Calvé-Perthes’ disease (LCPD) with two X-rays each and a short description of the clinical scenario. Two of the patients were younger and two were older than six years of age. From both age groups there was one with a good range of motion and an X-ray classified as Herring A or B, while the other patient had a poor range of motion and an X-ray classified as Herring C. EPO members were asked to choose from various treatment options or to describe any other therapy that they would advise in the clinical scenarios.

Results

One-hundred and fifty members answered the questionnaire. The participants had an average of 20 years of experience in pediatric orthopaedics. There was a consensus that no surgery should be performed in a young patient with a good range of motion and that there should be no weight relief when older with a good range of motion. Conservative containment treatment (abduction splint, Petrie cast) and arthrodiastasis was suggested in only very few centres. There was a tendency to perform • an operation when the patient is older with a poor range of motion and to perform operative treatment only when there were subluxation or head at risk signs. • pelvic osteotomies or a combination of pelvic and femoral osteotomies rather than femoral osteotomies alone. Age did not determine the indication for treatment and there was no agreement on the indications for physiotherapy. There was also no consensus on the type of pelvic osteotomy to be used.

Conclusions

The study showed that indications for the treatment of LCPD is based more on the personal experience of the surgeon rather than on scientific data.
Intergenerational discrepancies of parental control among Chinese American families: Links to family conflict and adolescent depressive symptoms
Authors: Juang Linda P. , Syed Moin , Takagi Miyuki
Published: March 2007

This study investigated how discrepancies between adolescents’ and parents’ endorsement of parental control contribute to adolescent depressive symptoms. Family conflict was hypothesized to mediate the link between parent–adolescent discrepancies and depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 166 pairs of Chinese American adolescents and their parents. The results indicated that, as predicted, greater discrepancies between adolescents and their parents on parental control related to greater adolescent depressive symptoms. Furthermore, adolescent's perceived degree of family conflict partially mediated this relation. Both parents and adolescents are changing and adapting to their cultural contexts; some in synchrony and some not. Identifying areas where parents and adolescents diverge concerning values, behaviors, and beliefs, is an important avenue to understanding Chinese American adolescents’ mental health.
Carbamylated albumin is a potent inhibitor of polymorphonuclear neutrophil respiratory burst
Authors: Jaisson Stéphane , Delevallée-Forte Céline , Touré Fatouma , Rieu Philippe , Garnotel Roselyne , Gillery Philippe
Published: March 2007

Carbamylation is a post‐translational modification of proteins characterized by the binding of cyanate to amino groups, increased in renal failure. Pathophysiological consequences of carbamylation and adverse effects of carbamylated proteins on cell functions are poorly understood. We studied the influence of carbamylated albumin on polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) production. Carbamylated albumin significantly decreased production in PMNs stimulated by type I collagen, but not by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate or tumor necrosis factor‐α. This effect was related to inhibition of p125FAK phosphorylation. Such an alteration of neutrophil oxidative functions might explain characteristic complications of renal failure, such as increased occurrence of inflammation or infections.
News That Sells: Media Competition and News Content
Authors: HAMILTON JAMES T.
Published: March 2007

This paper explores the economic factors that influence news coverage and discusses the difficulties of determining the impact of news content on political outcomes. Evidence from the United States clearly shows how supply and demand concepts can be used to predict content in newspapers, television, and the Internet. To demonstrate how the concept of market-driven news extends beyond the US, I trace out hypotheses about how media content in many countries should vary depending on three factors in news markets: the motivations of media outlet owners, the technologies of information dissemination available, and the property rights that govern how information is created and conveyed. I offer three different types of analyses – the measurement of product differentiation, information search patterns, and consumption patterns – to show how these ideas about competition influencing content could be tested across countries. The paper briefly discusses the degree to which market competition affects content in three Asian countries (China, Thailand, and Japan) and concludes with a section on the difficulties of designing policies to improve the operation of media markets.
Changing Media and Changing Political Organization: Delegation, Representation and News
Authors: POPKIN SAMUEL L.
Published: March 2007

This article examines the ways that new communications technologies change the organization of politics as well as the content of news. Changes in the media lead to changes in the mediators, the persons who choose and interpret the news for the public. When new mediators convey different news stories or offer different interpretations from the previous regime, they redistribute control of politics and culture.

As media get cheaper, faster and harder to control, state regulation of content becomes less effective. This provides new opportunities for citizens to monitor their leaders and alters the ways that leaders – whether they are democratic or authoritarian – demonstrate accountability.

Political leaders are always trying to control the agenda by limiting information available to the public and convincing the public that they know more and know best. New forms of media, such as the commercial television, cable and satellite television, and the internet change political competition by providing new opportunities for insurgent politicians to challenge their elders. I consider these changes within the context of past innovations, including the rise of the printing press, the telegraph, the newspaper, and radio.
Changing Media, Changing Politics in Japan
Authors: TANIGUCHI MASAKI
Published: March 2007

This paper demonstrates that recent changes in the mass media, especially TV programs, change democratic practice. I argue that this theory is applicable not only to the US, but also to Japan after the 1990s. This paper is organized as follows: the first section confirms that the increase in TV news after the 1980s is driven by an increase in ‘soft’ or ‘infotaining’ political news. The second section describes the changes in political practice – elections, policy processes, and party organization brought about by this change in the mass media, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Introduction: Changing Media, Changing Politics
Authors: POPKIN SAMUEL , KABASHIMA IKUO
Published: March 2007

In 2003 Ikuo Kabashima and Samuel Popkin invited Professors Masaki Taniguchi, Gill Steel, Susan Shirk, Jay Hamilton and Matthew Baum to join with them in charting a new path for research on the ways changing media are changing politics. In the last two decades, media studies have moved beyond claims of minimal effects by demonstrating how various characteristics of news stories–point of view (framing), connection to political offices (priming), emotional content, or causal implications– affect public opinion and voting. (Iyengar and Kinder 1987; Iyengar 1991; Sniderman, Brody and Tetlock 1991) Here we examine the ways in which changing communications technologies change the issue content of news consumed by the public and political competition within and between parties.
A knowledge-based approach for selecting information sources
Authors: EITER THOMAS , FINK MICHAEL , TOMPITS HANS
Published: March 2007

Through the Internet and the World-Wide Web, a vast number of information sources has become available, which offer information on various subjects by different providers, often in heterogeneous formats. This calls for tools and methods for building an advanced information-processing infrastructure. One issue in this area is the selection of suitable information sources in query answering. In this paper, we present a knowledge-based approach to this problem, in the setting where one among a set of information sources (prototypically, data repositories) should be selected for evaluating a user query. We use extended logic programs (ELPs) to represent rich descriptions of the information sources, an underlying domain theory, and user queries in a formal query language (here, XML-QL, but other languages can be handled as well). Moreover, we use ELPs for declarative query analysis and generation of a query description. Central to our approach are declarativesource-selection programs, for which we define syntax and semantics. Due to the structured nature of the considered data items, the semantics of such programs must carefully respect implicit context information in source-selection rules, and furthermore combine it with possible user preferences. A prototype implementation of our approach has been realized exploiting the DLV KR system and its PLP front-end for prioritized ELPs. We describe a representative example involving specific movie databases, and report about experimental results.
Well-founded and stable semantics of logic programs with aggregates
Authors: PELOV NIKOLAY , DENECKER MARC , BRUYNOOGHE MAURICE
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we present a framework for the semantics and the computation of aggregates in the context of logic programming. In our study, an aggregate can be an arbitrary interpreted second order predicate or function. We define extensions of the Kripke-Kleene, the well-founded and the stable semantics for aggregate programs. The semantics is based on the concept of a three-valuedimmediate consequence operatorof an aggregate program. Such an operatorapproximatesthe standard two-valued immediate consequence operator of the program, and induces a unique Kripke-Kleene model, a unique well-founded model and a collection of stable models. We study different ways of defining such operators and thus obtain a framework of semantics, offering different trade-offs betweenprecisionandtractability. In particular, we investigate conditions on the operator that guarantee that the computation of the three types of semantics remains on the same level as for logic programs without aggregates. Other results show that, in practice, even efficient three-valued immediate consequence operators which are very low in the precision hierarchy, still provide optimal precision.
Assessing Learning With and Without Interference
Authors: Beblo T. , Mensebach C. , Wingenfeld K. , Rullkötter N. , Driessen M.
Published: March 2007

Abstract. Whereas learning in every day life requires the inhibition of irrelevant information, standardized memory tests usually do not contain interfering stimuli. The present study aims at an initial evaluation of a new verbal learning paradigm that considers learning with emotionally neutral or negative interference, and learning without interference. In three learning trials, 82 healthy subjects learned three 15-item word lists derived from the Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Word recall in both conditions with interference was decreased, especially in the first learning trial and regardless of emotional valence. Working memory, therefore, might be more affected by interference than learning. These first promising results indicate the usability of the new verbal paradigm for clinical purposes.
Geringe kognitive Störungen nach vierfacher Hirnoperation im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Klos Thomas , Deike Christel
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Bei D.H., einer 36-jährigen Patientin mit Zustand nach mehrfachen neurochirurgischen Eingriffen im Rahmen eines Astrozytoms, zeigte die neuropsychologische Diagnostik vergleichsweise gute Leistungen. Die Patientin hatte erhebliche rechts fronto-temporale Läsionen mit Schwerpunkt im orbitofrontalen, dorsolateralen und ventromedialen präfrontalen Cortex. Deutliche kognitive Störungen zeigten nur zwei von fünf Verfahren zur Untersuchung der exekutiven Funktionen. Stärker ausgeprägt waren Verhaltensstörungen. Ätiologie und Symptomatik weisen Parallelen zu dem aus der Literatur bekannten Fall EVR auf ( Eslinger & Damasio, 1985 ). Beide Patienten zeigen Störungen im Entscheidungsverhalten in der Iowa Gambling Task und werden als Beispiel für kompensatorische Plastizität im Erwachsenenalter diskutiert.
Verlauf kognitiver Störungen nach Schädel-Hirn-Trauma unter Rivastigmin
Authors: Keller Ingo , Husemann Britta , Scheidtmann Klaus , Tracik Ferenc
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Das Schädel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) ist eine häufige Ursachen für bleibende kognitive Defizite. Cholinesterase-Hemmer können die kognitiven Leistungen bei Alzheimer-Patienten verbessern. Um zu prüfen, ob der Cholinesterase-Hemmer Rivastigmin auch die kognitiven Leistungen nach einem SHT verbessert, wurde eine doppel-blinde, placebokontrollierte Verlaufsstudie an einer Stichprobe von 66 SHT-Patienten durchgeführt. Die Zuordnung zwischen Rivastigmin und Placebo erfolgte randomisiert. Im Verlauf wurden neuropsychologische Standardtests aus den Bereichen Aufmerksamkeit (vier Messzeitpunkte), Lernen und Gedächtnis (zwei und drei Messzeitpunkte) sowie Exekutivfunktionen (zwei Messzeitpunkte) durchgeführt. Nach 20 Wochen Behandlungsdauer ergab sich kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen der Placebo- und Experimentalgruppe. Ein tendenziell positiver Einfluss auf die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit zu Gunsten von Rivastigmin konnte jedoch bei Patienten, deren SHT weniger als sechs Monate zurücklag, festgestellt werden. Es erscheint daher sinnvoll eine weitere Studie an akut betroffen SHT-Patienten durchzuführen.
Is Forgetting of Dreams due to Repression? Experimental Investigations Using Free Associations
Authors: Köhler Thomas , Prinzleve Michael
Published: March 2007

This study investigated whether forgetting of dream material is due to repression. Under this assumption, free associations starting from forgotten elements are expected to encounter successively growing resistance. In Experiment 1, 25 participants brought along notes of dreams and were asked to freely associate to five elements from their own dreams and five stimuli from someone else’s dreams. One week later, they were tested for recognition of sequences of their dreams. Afterwards they produced free associations to five elements they had remembered and to five elements not identified (Experiment 2). Skin conductance responses (SCR) and perceived unpleasantness were recorded. Results of Experiment 1 were in line with previous findings from our laboratory: Associations starting from own dream material provoke greater SCRs. Results of Experiment 2 were: In comparison to recognised dream material, unrecognised elements elicited associations accompanied by greater activation. During associations to the latter stimuli, increase of SCR was more frequent, and unpleasant feelings were reported more often. Our findings are in line with Freud’s assumptions on forgetting of dreams.
Associations Between Measures of Emotion and Familial Dynamics in Normative Families With Adolescents
Authors: Vandeleur Caroline L. , Perrez Meinrad , Schoebi Dominik
Published: March 2007

The Family Life Scale (FLS), which includes the dimensions of Cohesion, Adaptability, Communication and Satisfaction, and two measures of emotion were applied to a German-speaking sample of adolescents and their parents in Switzerland. The main goal of the study was to assess the associations between the measures in order to increase our understanding of the dynamics involving emotional and familial factors, particularly in adolescents. Analyses revealed different patterns of association to emerge according to gender in both samples. Indeed, in girls, optimal family functioning was associated with Empathy, while similar trends were found in mothers. In boys, optimal family functioning was associated with Self-esteem, while similar trends were found in fathers. Overall, our data suggest that Empathy and Self-esteem play a significant role in the perception of family dynamics which may, reciprocally, affect emotional experiences in family members.
Effects of Mood and Problem Solving in Dyads on Transfer
Authors: Brand Serge , Opwis Klaus
Published: March 2007

Various studies have shown that problem solving which requires some kind of transfer can be improved subsequent to knowledge acquisition in pairs (cf. Olivera & Straus, 2004 ). It has been observed that positive mood may also lead to increased cognitive performance (e.g., Isen, Daubman, & Gorgoglione, 1987 ). These two approaches were combined in two studies. Results of Experiment 1 show that after learning in dyads and after individual mood induction, individuals in a positive mood were more able to solve transfer tasks than those in a negative mood. In Experiment 2, participants underwent the learning phase alone or in dyads; after mood induction all transfer tasks were solved in pairs. Results indicate that mood induction was the main factor influencing better transfer achievement, whereas learning in dyads only facilitated performance of proximal transfer tasks. Hence, positive mood was the main factor for good transfer performance; whether learning occurred alone or in pairs and whether transfer was performed individually or in dyads is not as important as the mood of a person.
Medikamentöse Therapie der chronischen Herzinsuffizienz*
Authors: Schüpfer
Published: March 2007

In den letzten Jahren hat sich die Therapie der chronischen Herzinsuffizienz stark verändert. Die aktuellen therapeutischen Bemühungen führen nicht nur zur Symptomreduktion, sondern haben auch die Verhinderung der Progression der Herzinsuffizienz sowie die Verbesserung der Prognose zum Ziel. Die Herzinsuffizienz betrifft nicht nur das Herz allein, sondern führt auch zu peripherer Vasokonstriktion, zu neurokriner und zytokriner Aktivierung sowie zu Funktionsstörungen der Skelettmuskulatur und der Lunge. Damit zielt die heutige Herzinsuffizienztherapie nicht nur auf die Korrektur des Wasser- und Salzhaushaltes, sondern versucht auch die zytokrinen und neurokrinen Veränderungen zu korrigieren sowie die extrakardialen Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz zu reduzieren. Der folgende Artikel geht auf die medikamentöse Therapie der Herzinsuffizienz ein gemäss den Richtlinien der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie.
Anämie, einmal ohne Eisenmangel
Authors: Gregor
Published: March 2007

Das Ziel der Anämieabklärung durch den Grundversorger ist das Erkennen behandelbarer Ursachen wie Eisen- oder Vitaminmangel, einer zugrunde liegenden Niereninsuffizienz, einer entzündlichen Erkrankung oder einer Hämolyse. Die Anämien können mit routinemässiger Bestimmung der Retikulozyten zunächst in hämolytische und häufigere nicht hämolytische Formen eingeteilt werden. Bei hämolytischen Anämien ist das Erkennen von seltenen potentiell schweren Verläufen wie Autoimmunhämolyse, einer mikroangiopathischen hämolytischen Anämie und gewissen hereditären Formen wichtig. Innerhalb der nicht-hämolytischen Anämien ist eine weitere Einteilung aufgrund des mittleren Erythrozytenvolumens (MCV) in mikrozytäre, normozytäre und makrozytäre Anämien zur Einengung der Differentialdiagnose sinnvoll. Innerhalb jeder Gruppe erfolgt anschliessend schrittweise eine weitere Abklärung. Die meisten Anämien können damit bereits in der Praxis korrekt klassifiziert, bezüglich Grundkrankheit abgeklärt und behandelt werden.
Kardiale Resynchronisationstherapie bei chronischer Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Sticherling
Published: March 2007

Die kardiale Resynchronisationstherapie (CRT) hat sich als neuartige Therapieoption für Patienten mit schwerer Herzinsuffizienz unter optimaler medikamentöser Therapie und Zeichen der intraventrikulären Dyssynchronie etabliert. Mehrere prospektive, randomisierte Studien konnten bei herzinsuffizienten Patienten mit kardialer Dyssynchronie im Vergleich zur medikamentösen Therapie eine Reduktion der Mortalität sowie eine Verbesserung der Symptome, der Belastbarkeit und der linksventrikulären Funktion belegen. Ziel der aktuellen Forschung ist es, die Prädikatoren für ein Ansprechen auf CRT zu identifizieren, da 20–30% der Patienten keine Verbesserung nach Implantation erfahren. Des Weiteren ist die Rolle von CRT bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern und solchen mit chronischer rechtsventrikulärer Schrittmacherstimulation nicht abschliessend geklärt. Die meisten Kandidaten für eine CRT-Therapie qualifizieren zudem für eine CRT-ICD-Implantation zur Primärprophylaxe vor dem plötzlichen Herztod.
Motivation von Rehabilitationspatienten zur Teilnahme an einer Herzgruppe
Authors: Dohnke Birte , Nowossadeck Enno , Held Klaus , Karoff Marthin , Müller-Fahrnow Werner
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie wählt erstmalig einen gesundheitsverhaltenstheoretischen Ansatz zur Untersuchung der Herzgruppenteilnahme und untersucht mit der Wahl des sozial-kognitiven Prozessmodells gesundheitlichen Handelns die Annahmen dieses Stadienmodells erstmalig für die Teilnahme an einem Aktivitätsprogramm. Geprüft werden die Annahmen, dass sich die drei Stadien Motivation, Intention und Handlung für eine regelmäßige Herzgruppenteilnahme sechs Monate nach Entlassung aus einer stationären kardiologischen Phase II Rehabilitation finden lassen und dass Risikowahrnehmung, Konsequenz- und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen stadienspezifisch bedeutsam sind (Diskontinuitätshypothese). Die Stichprobe stammt aus dem 6-Monats Follow-up der CARO II Studie (N = 640). Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die Diskontinuitätshypothese für Risikowahrnehmung, negative Konsequenzerwartungen sowie für Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen. Positive Konsequenzerwartungen hingegen steigen linear über die drei Stadien an. Zusammenfassend liefert die Studie einen ersten Hinweis darauf, dass dieses (Inanspruchnahme-)Verhalten als dynamischer Verhaltensänderungsprozess auf Grundlage des sozial-kognitiven Prozessmodells gesundheitlichen Handelns beschrieben werden kann und eine stadienspezifisch zugeschnittene Intervention zur Förderung der Herzgruppenteilnahme Erfolg versprechend ist.
Eine Meta-Analyse zur Wirksamkeit der Dialektisch Behavioralen Therapie bei Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörungen
Authors: Kröger Christoph , Kosfelder Joachim
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Dialektisch Behaviorale Therapie (DBT) gilt inzwischen als empirisch bewährte Behandlungsform für die Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung im ambulanten wie stationären Setting. Fragestellung: Wie groß ist die durchschnittliche Wirksamkeit in den bisherigen Studien? Gibt es Hinweise auf eine differenzielle Effektivität? Unterscheidet sich die Wirksamkeit im ursprünglich ambulanten Konzept von der stationären Adaptation? Methode: Eine Literaturrecherche erbringt zehn Primärstudien, die in die Meta-Analyse eingehen. Berechnet werden neben summarischen Effektstärken (ES) über alle Maße spezifische ES für die Bereiche Impulsivität, Soziale Anpassung und allgemeine Symptombelastung. Ergebnisse: Die globale Wirksamkeit der DBT liegt bei ES = 0,62. Verbesserungen der Sozialen Anpassung fallen mit einer ES von 1,09 noch höher aus. Zwischen ambulantem und stationärem Setting ergaben sich keine Unterschiede. Schlussfolgerungen: DBT kann als wirksames Behandlungsverfahren gelten. Notwendig erscheinen weitere kontrollierte Studien besonders im stationären Bereich.
Verhaltensübungen im Elterntraining
Authors: Lauth Gerhard W. , Grimm Katrin , Otte T. Alian
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Bei Familien mit sozial auffälligen Kindern leiden die Eltern unter einem erhöhten Stressniveau und einer größeren Belastung durch die kindlichen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten. Fragestellung: Überprüfung der differenzierten Wirksamkeit eines Elterntrainings mit Verhaltensübungen, ohne Verhaltensübungen und einer non-direktiven Alternativbehandlung. Methode: Es wurden 62 Eltern von sozial auffälligen Kindern (Alter 5-13 Jahre) zufällig den drei Bedingungen mit dem Ziel einer Reduktion der kindlichen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten und des familiären Stressniveaus zugewiesen. Ergebnisse: Im Elterntraining mit Verhaltensübungen reduzierten sich die kindlichen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten mit mittleren bis großen Effektstärken und das familiäre Stressniveau mit mittlerer Effektstärke. Diese Effekte fielen für das Elterntraining ohne Verhaltensübungen geringer aus. Für die Alternativbehandlung wurden keine bedeutsamen Veränderungen festgestellt. Schlussfolgerung: Besonders die Einübung konkreter Verhaltensweisen im Elterntraining führt die Wirksamkeit herbei.
Copingstile im Umgang mit depressiver Stimmung
Authors: Bürger Christin , Kühner Christine
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Response Styles Fragebogen (RSQ) beansprucht, Coping-Stile im Umgang mit depressiven Symptomen als Traits zu erfassen. Fragestellung: Untersuchung psychometrischer Gütekriterien der deutschen Version des RSQ. Methode: Der Fragebogen wurde an einer depressiven Patientenstichprobe nach stationärer Entlassung (n = 130) und einer Gemeindestichprobe (n = 311) faktorenanalytisch untersucht. Weitere Reliabilitäts- und Validitätsprüfungen erfolgten an Substichproben. Ergebnisse: Die Hauptkomponentenanalysen sprechen klar für eine Dreifaktorenlösung in beiden Gruppen, die Faktoren wurden mit “symptomfokussierter Rumination“, “selbstfokussierter Rumination“ und “Distraktion“ benannt. Die drei Faktoren weisen zufriedenstellende interne Konsistenzen und Retestreliabilitäten sowie plausible Muster von Zusammenhängen mit konstruktnahen Skalen und depressiver Symptombelastung auf. Symptomfokussierte Rumination und Distraktion wiesen prädiktive Validität bezüglich der Depressivität nach 5 Monaten auf. Schlussfolgerungen: Für zukünftige Forschung wird der Einsatz der faktoriell abgeleiteten RSQ-Subskalen empfohlen.
Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen und Therapieerfolge bei Patienten mit anhaltender somatoformer Schmerzstörung (ICD-10: F45.4)
Authors: Schneider Jessica , Rief Winfried
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Verbesserung der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen ist zentrales Anliegen der Therapie chronischer Schmerzen. Nach Bandura (1977) gelingt dies durch Erfolgserlebnisse, die eigenen Kompetenzen zugeschrieben werden. Fragestellung: Führen Therapieerfolge in Schmerzbewältigung und Beeinträchtigung zur Steigerung der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen? Welchen relativen Beitrag leisten Erfolge in diesen Bereichen? Methode: In einer Feldstudie wurden N = 316 Patienten mit Somatoformer Schmerzstörung bei Aufnahme und Abschluss einer stationären psychosomatischen Rehabilitation hinsichtlich Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen, Schmerzbewältigungsstrategien, schmerzbedingter und allgemeinpsychischer Beeinträchtigung untersucht und bei Entlassung zusätzlich mit direkten Therapieerfolgsratings befragt. Die Daten wurden mit Strukturgleichungsmodellen im Rahmen konfirmatorischer Pfadanalysen analysiert und kreuzvalidiert. Ergebnisse: Es wurden zwei Modelle bestätigt, die jeweils 65% Varianz der Selbstwirksamkeits-Änderungen erklärten. Es zeigte sich, dass die erfolgreiche Reduktion der schmerzbedingten und allgemeinpsychischen Beeinträchtigung die stärksten direkten Effekte hat, die Verbesserung der Schmerzbewältigungsstrategien über die Verbesserung der Beeinträchtigung den stärksten Gesamteffekt. Schlussfolgerungen: Bei Patienten mit somatoformer Schmerzstörung ändern sich Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen in Abhängigkeit von Veränderungen der erlebten Beeinträchtigungen und Schmerzbewältigungsstrategien.
Selektive Aufmerksamkeit im Gesichtsbereich bei Personen mit einem kosmetisch-medizinischen Behandlungswunsch
Authors: Grocholewski Anja , Heinrichs Nina , Lingnau Angelika
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Visuelle Aufmerksamkeitsprozesse spielen bei Personen mit dysmorphophoben Störungen eine große Rolle. Fragestellung: Trifft dies auch auf Menschen zu, die eine kosmetisch-medizinische Behandlung für als subjektiv hässlich empfundene Stellen im Gesichtsbereich planen oder ist das Vorliegen einer Dysmorphophobie Voraussetzung für verzerrte Informationsverarbeitungsprozesse? Methode: Dreißig Teilnehmer bekamen Gesichter von fünf Personen (darunter eine der Teilnehmer selbst) dargeboten. Mittels Blickkamera wurden Anzahl und Dauer der Fixationen zu bestimmten Gesichtsbereichen gemessen. Ergebnisse: Personen, die eine kosmetisch-medizinische Behandlung planen, richten ihre Aufmerksamkeit nicht spezifisch auf die als subjektiv “hässlich“ empfundenen Gesichtsregionen. Eine Analyse ausschließlich der Daten der Personen, die eine Dysmorphophobie mit klinischer Ausprägung aufweisen, zeigt hingegen eine spezifische Aufmerksamkeitslenkung auf die als subjektiv “hässlich“ empfundenen Gesichtsregionen. Schlussfolgerung: Theorien zur Dysmorphophobie lassen sich nicht ohne weiteres auf Personen mit kosmetisch-medizinischem Behandlungswunsch übertragen.