bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced nitric oxide and cyclic GMP formation plays a role in the anti‐platelet activity of simvastatin
Authors: Chou T‐C , Lin Y‐F , Wu W‐C , Chu K‐M 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:It has been found that 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) exert various vascular protective effects, beyond their cholesterol‐lowering property, including inhibition of platelet‐dependent thrombus formation. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP‐mediated processes in platelets contribute to the anti‐aggregatory activity of simvastatin.Experimental approach:After rabbit platelets were incubated with simvastatin for 5 min, aggregation was induced and the platelet aggregation, nitric oxide synthase activity, guanylyl cyclase activity, NO and cyclic GMP formation were measured appropriately.Key results:Treatment with simvastatin concentration‐dependently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen or arachidonic acid with an IC50 range of 52–158 μM. We also demonstrated that simvastatin (20–80 μM) concentration‐dependently further enhanced collagen‐induced NO and cyclic GMP formation through increasing NOS activity (from 2.64±0.12 to 3.52±0.21–5.10±0.14 μmol min−1 mg protein−1) and guanylyl cyclase activity (from 142.9±7.2 to 163.5±17.5–283.8±19.5 pmol min−1 mg protein−1) in the platelets. On the contrary, inhibition of platelet aggregation by simvastatin was markedly attenuated (by about 50%) by addition of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, a NO scavenger or a NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. The anti‐aggregatory effects of simvastatin were significantly increased by addition of a selective inhibitor of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase.Conclusions and implications:Our findings indicate that enhancement of a NO/cyclic GMP‐mediated process plays an important role in the anti‐aggregatory activity of simvastatin.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1281–1287; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.19; published online 11 February 2008
A model explaining some bryozoan colonies
Authors: Mazurek Dawid 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAlthough the colonialism surely developed independently in Graptolithoidea and Bryozoa, both groups share similar patterns of astogeny. One of the common features is the presence of morphological gradients. Many attempts at its explanation were made for more than a half of the century. This paper discusses a new model of the late astogeny in some bryozoan colonies, showing a cyclic reappearance of secondary zones of astogenetic change and astogenetic repetition that cannot be explained by the single morphogen gradient theory.
From Universal Laws of Cognition to Specific Cognitive Models
Authors: Chater Nick , Brown Gordon D. A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe remarkable successes of the physical sciences have been built on highly general quantitative laws, which serve as the basis for understanding an enormous variety of specific physical systems. How far is it possible to construct universal principles in the cognitive sciences, in terms of which specific aspects of perception, memory, or decision making might be modelled? Following Shepard (e.g., ), it is argued that some universal principles may be attainable in cognitive science. Here, 2 examples are proposed: the simplicity principle (which states that the cognitive system prefers patterns that provide simpler explanations of available data); and the scale‐invariance principle, which states that many cognitive phenomena are independent of the scale of relevant underlying physical variables, such as time, space, luminance, or sound pressure. This article illustrates how principles may be combined to explain specific cognitive processes by using these principles to derive SIMPLE, a formal model of memory for serial order (), and briefly mentions some extensions to models of identification and categorization. This article also considers the scope and limitations of universal laws in cognitive science.
A Rational Analysis of Rule‐Based Concept Learning
Authors: Goodman Noah D. , Tenenbaum Joshua B. , Feldman Jacob , Griffiths Thomas L. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis article proposes a new model of human concept learning that provides a rational analysis of learning feature‐based concepts. This model is built upon Bayesian inference for a grammatically structured hypothesis space—a concept language of logical rules. This article compares the model predictions to human generalization judgments in several well‐known category learning experiments, and finds good agreement for both average and individual participant generalizations. This article further investigates judgments for a broad set of 7‐feature concepts—a more natural setting in several ways—and again finds that the model explains human performance.
Is a Single‐Bladed Knife Enough to Dissect Human Cognition? Commentary on Griffiths et al.
Authors: Fu Wai‐Tat 
Published: February 2008

AbstractGriffiths, Christian, and Kalish (this issue) present an iterative‐learning paradigm applying a Bayesian model to understand inductive biases in categorization. The authors argue that the paradigm is useful as an exploratory tool to understand inductive biases in situations where little is known about the task. It is argued that a theory developed only at the computational level is much like a single‐bladed knife that is only useful in highly idealized situations. To be useful as a general tool that cuts through the complex fabric of cognition, we need at least two‐bladed scissors that combine both computational and psychological constraints to characterize human behavior. To temper its sometimes expansive claims, it is time to show what a Bayesian model cannot explain. Insight as to how human reality may differ from the Bayesian predictions may shed more light on human cognition than the simpler focus on what the Bayesian approach can explain. There remains much to be done in terms of integrating Bayesian approaches and other approaches in modeling human cognition.
Bromide as marker for drug adherence in hypertensive patients
Authors: Braam Richard L. , Van Uum Stan H. M. , Lenders Jacques W. M. , Thien Theo 
Published: February 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Insufficient drug adherence is an important reason for inadequate blood pressure control.• Currently, methods that measure drug adherence objectively are lacking. Objective methods are needed to help improve blood pressure control and outcome in hypertensive patients. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Potassium bromide added to antihypertensive drugs can be used to monitor drug adherence in individual patients.• However, although this method is objective, it is rather time‐, cost‐ and work‐consuming.AIMS Adherence to antihypertensive medication is essential for adequate long‐term control of blood pressure (BP). This study investigated different methods of measuring adherence in hypertensive patients.METHODS Patients were included if BP was insufficiently controlled on monotherapy. After a placebo period patients were treated with trandolapril 2 mg/verapamil SR 180 mg (TV). BP was determined using a mercury sphygmomanometer and ambulatory BP monitoring. Adherence was measured by capsule counting, electronic registration of pill‐box openings and by measuring serum bromide concentrations. Potassium bromide was added to each TV capsule.RESULTS Thirty patients participated in the study. Treatment with TV significantly lowered office BP and ambulatory BP.Results for electronic monitoring and adherence based on bromide measurements were comparable. Adherence was slightly higher when assessed by capsule counting.CONCLUSIONS Measuring serum bromide concentrations may be suitable for assessment of adherence to drug therapy giving comparable results to electronic monitoring. Using capsule counting, electronic monitoring and measurement of bromide concentrations, nonadherent patients were identified.
Serotonin transporter polymorphism and bleeding time during SSRI therapy
Authors: Hougardy Dahlia M. C. , Egberts Toine C. G. , Van Der Graaf Fedde , Brenninkmeijer Vincent J. , Derijks Luc J. J. 
Published: February 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • From case reports it has become clear that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause bleeding disorders.• The causative mechanism is as yet unknown.• Several publications have described the relationship between the serotonin transporter genotype and the prevalence of certain diseases such as depression, but few have focused on the relationship with side‐effects of antidepressive drugs such as SSRIs. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This study suggests that the association between SSRI therapy and prolonged bleeding time may not be related to the polymorphism of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR) investigated.AIMS Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine, are associated with an increased risk of bleeding disorders, probably due to decreased platelet serotonin levels. Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTT) may influence the risk of SSRI‐induced bleedings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent the serotonin transporter polymorphism increases the bleeding time in paroxetine users.METHODS A prospective study, using routinely collected hospital and pharmacy data, was conducted among 43 patients between 18 and 70 years old and on >4 weeks of paroxetine therapy. The genotype for the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR), trough paroxetine levels, platelet function analyser (PFA)‐closure time (collagen/epinephrine) and a complete blood count were assessed.RESULTS No significant difference was seen between the SS, SL, LL genotypes of the serotonin transporter and the PFA‐closure time. None of the covariates had a significant influence on the association between the serotonin transporter polymorphism and the PFA‐closure time. Age and von Willebrand factor showed the largest contribution, but not significant. No difference was seen between the PFA‐closure time and the frequency of bruising and spontaneous bleedings between patients with at least one S allele and with the LL genotype.CONCLUSION Our prospective study does not support the assumption that paroxetine can cause a prolonged PFA‐closure time during paroxetine therapy due to a serotonin transporter polymorphism. Old age, use of platelet inhibitors and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding remain the focus for SSRI‐induced bleeding complications.
Interleukin‐13 acts as an apoptotic effector on lung epithelial cells and induces pro‐fibrotic gene expression in lung fibroblasts
Authors: Borowski A. , Kuepper M. , Horn U. , Knüpfer U. , Zissel G. , Höhne K. , Luttmann W. , Krause S. , Virchow J. C. , Friedrich K. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground
IL‐13 promotes acute allergic asthma and is discussed to play a role in late asthmatic features such as fibrotic processes and airway remodelling. The contributions of IL‐13‐mediated mechanisms to subepithelial events related to fibrosis are not yet settled.Objective
We investigated the impact of IL‐13 on lung epithelial cells as apoptotic effector and on lung fibroblasts as inducer of pro‐fibrotic gene expression.Methods
Using the two lung epithelial cell lines A549 and BEAS‐2B as well as primary lung epithelial cells, we investigated the capability of IL‐13 to induce apoptosis by both flow‐cytometry and ELISA. The ability of IL‐13 to increase the expression of pro‐fibrotic genes and to exert influence on the expression of its own receptor was investigated by real‐time quantitative PCR measurement of mRNAs encoding collagen I, collagen III, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and the IL‐13 receptor α1 (IL‐13Rα1) chain in human primary lung fibroblasts. The specificity of IL‐13‐mediated cellular responses was confirmed by means of an inhibitory monoclonal antibody directed to the IL‐13 receptor.Results
IL‐13 induces apoptosis in lung epithelial cell lines as well as in primary lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, IL‐13 increases the expression of mRNA for α‐SMA and collagen III, but not for bFGF in human primary lung fibroblasts. The susceptibility of lung fibroblasts to IL‐13‐induced up‐regulation of pro‐fibrotic genes is associated with the regulation of IL‐13 receptor expression. IL‐13‐dependent fibrosis‐associated effects could be inhibited by antibody‐mediated blockade of the IL‐13Rα1 subunit.Conclusion
Our findings indicate a function of IL‐13 as a mediator in fibrotic processes leading to loss of functional airway tissue in asthma. They also highlight the therapeutic potential of specifically targeting the interaction between IL‐13 and its receptor.
Effect of gamma‐sterilization and autoclaving on soil organic matter structure as studied by solid state NMR, UV and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Berns A. E. , Philipp H. , Narres H.‐D. , Burauel P. , Vereecken H. , Tappe W. 
Published: February 2008

SummarySterilized soil is often used, for example in degradation studies, sorption experiments, microbiological tests and plant test systems, to distinguish between microbial processes and abiotic reactions. The most commonly used technique for sterilization is autoclaving of the soil. Another technique is irradiation with high‐level gamma radiation (γ‐radiation). One major drawback of sterilization procedures is the possible alteration of the structure of soil components, for example the organic matter. A change in the chemical structure of the soil organic matter can cause different reactions in the above‐mentioned experiments and hence interfere with the aim of clearly distinguishing between biotic and abiotic processes. Two soils (Gleyic Cambisol and Orthic Luvisol) were sterilized by two γ‐irradiation procedures (4 kGy hour−1 for 9 hours and 1.3 kGy hour−1 for 27 hours) and repeated autoclaving at 121°C. Gentle physical aggregate fractionation of the sterilized soils revealed a decrease in the aggregation of the soil, which was reflected in an increase of the clay fraction. Subsequent analysis of the aqueous phase revealed much more dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the γ‐sterilized and autoclaved soils than in the untreated soils. Ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence spectra of the DOM showed a decrease in the aromaticity and polycondensation of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC). 13C cross‐polarization/magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐CP/MAS NMR) spectra of the unfractionated soils and their respective soil fractions before and after sterilization showed that the most important change occurred in the carbohydrate and N‐alkyl region, the main components of microorganisms. In general, the impact of the sterilization method was stronger for autoclaving. The γ‐sterilized soils and fractions displayed both fewer and smaller changes in the soil organic matter.
Shrub effects on herbs and grasses in semi‐natural grasslands: positive, negative or neutral relationships?
Authors: Pihlgren A. , Lennartsson T. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe present study investigated how the abundance and sexual reproduction of herbs and grasses relates to the presence of shrubs of Rosa dumalis in three semi‐natural pastures in Sweden. Shrubs may affect grassland plants negatively by competition, positively by serving as grazing refuge, or neutrally. At different distances from shrubs of R. dumalis, data were collected on plant abundance, frequency of reproductive shoots, vegetation height and litter depth. In one grassland, data were collected on seedling density and frequency of reproductive shoots in the presence and absence of grazing. The shrubs functioned as grazing refuges with taller vegetation, deeper litter and higher probability of reproduction by plants. The overall number of plant species remained the same at all distances from shrubs. Most species showed a neutral relationship with shrubs. Proportionately, 0·08–0·26 of the species showed a negative pattern to shrubs and 0·14–0·30 a positive pattern. Seedling density was negatively correlated with litter depth and peaked at 60–90 cm from shrubs. Establishment of seedlings of small‐seeded species was negatively related to shrubs probably because of thicker litter layer close to shrubs. The observed patterns were compared with different functional traits, such as Ellenberg values, plant height, growth form and Raunkiaer life form. Plant height from data in the literature was the trait that best explained the relationship of plant species to shrubs because tall species were more common in proximity to shrubs. It was concluded that shrubs increase the heterogeneity in grasslands and that intensive shrub‐clearing may negatively affect biodiversity.
Jordan’s and other ecogeographical rules, and the vertebral number in fishes
Authors: McDowall R. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim  To explore variation in the number of vertebrae in fishes in the context of Jordan’s rule and other ecogeographical rules.Location  Global.Methods  The study is based on literature review.Results  The number of vertebrae varies very widely across the diversity of fishes. Jordan’s rule states that vertebral number increases with latitude, and this is widely attributed to ambient temperatures during ontogeny of individual fishes. However, the number of vertebrae may depend on both the ontogenetic environment and inheritance. Diverse other aspects of fish development and ecology are suggested as influencing vertebral number, including fish size, phyletic position, body shape and swimming mode.Main conclusions  The number of different factors that influence the number of vertebrae in fishes makes for highly complex patterns of variation, and means that unravelling causes is difficult. The question needs to be addressed at the population/species/species group scale; moreover, the lack of discrimination between environmental and inherited causes of variation adds to the complexity.
Modern vegetation–pollen–climate relationships for the Pampa grasslands of Argentina
Authors: Tonello Marcela Sandra , Prieto Aldo Raúl 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim  To analyse the relationships between potential natural vegetation, pollen and climate in order to improve the interpretation of fossil pollen records and provide the background for future quantitative palaeoclimatic reconstructions.Location  Pampa grasslands of Argentina, between 33–41° S and 56–67° W.Methods  Modern pollen data were obtained from a pollen data base developed by the Grupo de Investigación de Paleoecología y Palinología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina (143 surface samples and 17 pollen types). Analysis of pollen and climate data involved multivariate statistics (cluster analysis and principal components analysis), scatter diagrams, Pearson’s correlation and isopoll mapping.Results  Vegetation patterns at regional scales (grasslands and xerophytic woodlands) and local scales (edaphic communities) were identified by cluster analysis of pollen surface samples. The main climatic variables that appear to constrain the vegetation distribution and abundance of taxa are mean annual precipitation, annual effective precipitation and summer temperature. Individual pollen types such as Chenopodiaceae, Apiaceae, Cyperaceae, Prosopis, Schinus, Condalia microphylla and other xerophytic taxa are good indicators of moisture regime. Many pollen types are significantly correlated with summer temperature. The modern vegetation–pollen–climate relationships vary in a broadly predictable manner, supporting the contention that fossil pollen assemblages can be related to particular climatic characteristics.Main conclusions  An expanded suite of modern analogues facilitated new insights into vegetation–pollen–climate relationships at the regional scale in Pampa grasslands. Relationships between individual pollen types and climate are appraised at a regional scale and new modern analogues are presented. The results provide the basis for improved vegetation and climate reconstruction from fossil records of the study area.
Review: evaluating information systems in nursing
Authors: Oroviogoicoechea Cristina , Elliott Barbara , Watson Roger 
Published: February 2008

Aims.  To review existing nursing research on inpatient hospitals’ information technology (IT) systems in order to explore new approaches for evaluation research on nursing informatics to guide further design and implementation of effective IT systems.Background.  There has been an increase in the use of IT and information systems in nursing in recent years. However, there has been little evaluation of these systems and little guidance on how they might be evaluated.Methods.  A literature review was conducted between 1995 and 2005 inclusive using CINAHL and Medline and the search terms ‘nursing information systems’, ‘clinical information systems’, ‘hospital information systems’, ‘documentation’, ‘nursing records’, ‘charting’.Results.  Research in nursing information systems was analysed and some deficiencies and contradictory results were identified which impede a comprehensive understanding of effective implementation. There is a need for IT systems to be understood from a wider perspective that includes aspects related to the context where they are implemented.Conclusions.  Social and organizational aspects need to be considered in evaluation studies and realistic evaluation can provide a framework for the evaluation of information systems in nursing.Relevance to clinical practice.  The rapid introduction of IT systems for clinical practice urges evaluation of already implemented systems examining how and in what circumstances they work to guide effective further development and implementation of IT systems to enhance clinical practice. Evaluation involves more factors than just involving technologies such as changing attitudes, cultures and healthcare practices. Realistic evaluation could provide configurations of context‐mechanism‐outcomes that explain the underlying relationships to understand why and how a programme or intervention works.
Prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence of Swiss nursing home residents at admission and after six, 12 and 24 months
Authors: Saxer Susi , Halfens Ruud J G , De Bie Rob A , Dassen Theo 
Published: February 2008

Aims and objectives.  To study the prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence in a Swiss nursing home population at admission and at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after admission.Background.  No prevalence data for urinary incontinence in people older than 65 years living in nursing homes are available in Switzerland and other German‐speaking parts of Europe. Prevalence of urinary incontinence elsewhere varies between 49% and 77%.Methods.  This is a secondary analysis of the data of the minimum data set of the Resident Assessment Instrument 2.0 in which 2719 residents were assessed. Prevalence rates and incidence were calculated at admission and at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after admission. Special focus was placed on sex‐ and age‐related differences.Results.  Prevalence of urinary incontinence was 51·5% (men 51·4%, women 51·5%) and was found to rise with increasing age. At the time of admission, 37% (men 43%, women 34%) were urinary incontinent. The prevalence increased from admission to 24 months after admission.Conclusion.  The high prevalence rates indicate the relevance of the problem for residents and caregivers alike. Early identification of individuals likely to become incontinent is crucial in the development of interventions and the prevention of urinary incontinence in this vulnerable population.Relevance to clinical practice.  The study provides valuable data about the extent of the problem of urinary incontinence in nursing homes.