bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ornithine decarboxylase activity of L929 cells after exposure to continuous wave or 50 Hz modulated radiofrequency radiation—a replication study
Authors: Höytö A. , Juutilainen J. , Naarala J.
Published: May 2007

A replication study with some extensions was made to confirm enhancement of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in murine L929 fibroblasts after radiofrequency (RF) field exposure reported in earlier studies. L929 cells purchased from two cell banks were exposed for 2, 8, or 24 h to continuous wave or DAMPS (burst modulated at 50 Hz, with 33% duty cycle) signals at specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of 2.5 or 6.0 W/kg. Exposures were carried out in Crawford and waveguide chambers, at frequencies 835 and 872 MHz, respectively. The results did not confirm findings of previous studies reporting increased ODC activity in RF‐exposed cells. When Crawford cell exposure system was used, ODC activity was either not affected (in the case of 8 or 24 h exposures) or decreased after 2 h exposure at the highest SAR level (6 W/kg). The decrease was most pronounced when cooling with air flow was not used, and is most likely related to increased temperature. The minor methodological differences (use of antibiotics, increased sensitivity of ODC assay) are not likely to explain the inconsistency of the findings of the present and previous studies. Different results were obtained in experiments with the waveguide system that involves more efficient temperature control. In this exposure system, ODC activity was increased after 8 h exposure at 6 W/kg. Further studies are warranted to explore whether this finding reflects a true non‐thermal effect. The present study did not provide evidence for modulation‐specific effects reported in earlier studies. Bioelectromagnetics 28:501–508, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiomyocytes from human embryonic stem cells: more than heart repair alone
Authors: Mummery Christine
Published: May 2007

One of the most‐exciting and controversial discoveries of the last decade has been the isolation of embryonic stem cells from human embryos. The capacity of these cells to form all somatic cell types in the human body has captured the imagination of researcher and clinician alike, the perspectives that they represent for cell replacement therapies in multiple chronic disorders being used to justify the use of embryos for this purpose. However, there is a gradual realization that cell therapies are in the far future and some find that the other, more immediately applicable, types of research give less justification for the use of embryos. Here, cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells are discussed. The research opportunities created by having human heart cells available routinely in the laboratory are explored and the types of questions that can be addressed are placed in the context of alternative cell and animal models. BioEssays 29:572–579, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Size and shape: the developmental regulation of static allometry in insects
Authors: Shingleton Alexander W. , Frankino W. Anthony , Flatt Thomas , Nijhout H. Frederik , Emlen Douglas. J.
Published: May 2007

Among all organisms, the size of each body part or organ scales with overall body size, a phenomenon called allometry. The study of shape and form has attracted enormous interest from biologists, but the genetic, developmental and physiological mechanisms that control allometry and the proportional growth of parts have remained elusive. Recent progress in our understanding of body‐size regulation provides a new synthetic framework for thinking about the mechanisms and the evolution of allometric scaling. In particular, insulin/IGF signaling, which plays major roles in longevity, diabetes and the regulation of cell, organ and body size, might also be centrally involved in regulating organismal shape. Here we review recent advances in the fields of growth regulation and endocrinology and use them to construct a developmental model of static allometry expression in insects. This model serves as the foundation for a research program that will result in a deeper understanding of the relationship between growth and form, a question that has fascinated biologists for centuries. BioEssays 29:536–548, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rebuilding microbial genomes
Authors: Holt Robert A. , Warren Rene , Flibotte Stephane , Missirlis Perseus I. , Smailus Duane E.
Published: May 2007

Engineered microbes are of great potential utility in biotechnology and basic research. In principle, a cell can be built from scratch by assembling small molecule sets with auto‐catalytic properties. Alternatively, DNA can be isolated or directly synthesized and molded into a synthetic genome using existing genomic blueprints and molecular biology tools. Activating such a synthetic genome will yield a synthetic cell. Here we examine obstacles associated with this latter approach using a model system whereby a donor genome from H. influenzae is fragmented, and the pieces are then modified and reassembled stepwise in an E. coli host cell. There are obstacles associated with this strategy related to DNA transfer, DNA replication, cross‐talk in gene regulation and compatibility of gene products between donor and host. Encouragingly, analysis of gene expression indicates widespread transcription of H. influenzae genes in E. coli, and analysis of gap locations in H. influenzae and other microbial genome assemblies reveals few genes routinely incompatible with E. coli. In conclusion, rebuilding and booting a genome remains a feasible and pragmatic approach to creating a synthetic microbial cell. BioEssays 29:580–590, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Origin of a Band Gap in Compounds of Diamond‐Like Structures.
Authors: Koehler Juergen , Deng Shuiquan , Lee Changhoon , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Thermochemistry of CrO2(OH)2(g).
Authors: Opila Elizabeth J. , Myers Dwight L. , Jacobson Nathan S. , Nielsen Ida M. B. , Johnson Dereck F. , Olminsky Jami K. , Allendrof Mark D.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
MH2P2O7 (M: Co, Ni): Metamagnetic Interaction Between the Zigzag Octahedral Chains.
Authors: Yang Tao , Ju Jing , Li Guobao , Yang Sihai , Sun Junliang , Liao Fuhui , Lin Jianhua , Sasaki Juns , Toyota Naoki
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Experimental and Theoretical Methods to Investigate Extraframework Species in a Layered Material of Dodecaniobate Anions.
Authors: Nyman May , Larentzos James P. , Maginn Edward J. , Welk Margaret E. , Ingersoll David , Park Hyunsoo , Parise John B. , Bull Ivor , Bonhomme Francois
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Monolanthanide‐Containing Silicotungstates [Ln(β2‐SiW11O39)2] 13‐ (Ln: La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, Lu): A Synthetic and Structural Investigation.
Authors: Bassil Bassem S. , Dickman Michael H. , von der Kammer Bernd , Kortz Ulrich
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of SrMnO3 Powders with Different Morphologies by Hydrothermal Method.
Authors: Zhu Jing‐Sen , Liu Jing‐Bing , Wang Hao , Zhu Man‐Kang , Yan Hui
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A New Synthetic Route to Mg2Na2NiH6 Where a [NiH4] Complex Is for the First Time Stabilized by Alkali Metal Counterions.
Authors: Kadir Karim , Noreus Dag
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Is a Phase Transfer Catalyst Really Needed for gem‐Dihalocyclopropanation of Alkenes with Haloforms in the Presence of Alkali Metal Hydroxide?
Authors: Karwowska H. , Jonczyk A.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Stereoselective Synthesis of β‐Amino Ketones via Direct Mannich‐Type Reaction Catalyzed with Silica Sulfuric Acid.
Authors: Wu Hui , Shen Yang , Fan Li‐yan , Wan Yu , Zhang Pu , Chen Cai‐fa , Wang Wen‐xiang
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy Dithiocarbamate Derivatives via Regioselective Addition of Dithiocarbamate Anion to Epoxide in Water.
Authors: Ziyaei‐Halimjani Azim , Saidi Mohammad R.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Functionalized Ionic Liquids Catalyzed Direct Aldol Reactions.
Authors: Luo Sanzhong , Mi Xueling , Zhang Long , Liu Song , Xu Hui , Cheng Jin‐Pei
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Practical Method for the Synthesis of Pyrrolizidine, Indolizidine and Pyrroloazepinolizidine Nucleus.
Authors: Quiroz Tomas , Corona David , Covarruvias Adrian , Avila‐Zarraga Jose Gustavo , Romero‐Ortega Moises
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis, Antiviral, Antituberculostic, and Antibacterial Activities of Some Novel, 4‐(4‐Substituted phenyl)‐6‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐2‐(substituted imino)pyrimidines.
Authors: Siddiqui Anees A. , Rajesh Ramadoss , Mojahid‐Ul‐Islam Mojahid‐Ul‐Islam , Alagarsamy Veerachamy , De Clercq Erick
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Novel and Efficient Synthesis of Pyrimido[4,5‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4,7‐trione and Pyrido[2,3‐d:6,5‐d] Dipyrimidine‐2,4,6,8‐tetrone Derivatives.
Authors: Dabiri Minoo , Arvin‐Nezhad Hamid , Khavasi Hamid Reza , Bazgir Ayoob
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regioselective Construction of Six‐Membered Fused Heterocyclic Rings via Pd/C‐Mediated C—C Coupling Followed by Iodocyclization Strategy: A New Entry to 2H‐1,2‐Benzothiazine‐1,1‐dioxides.
Authors: Barange Deepak Kumar , Batchu Venkateswara Rao , Gorja Dhillirao , Pattabiraman Vijaya Raghavan , Tatini Lakshmi Kumar , Babu J. Moses , Pal Manojit
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regioselective Synthesis of 1,3‐Thiazines by Sequential 4‐Oxothiazolidine to 1,2‐Dithiole to 1,3‐Thiazine Transformations: Role of Intramolecular Non‐Bonded S×××O Interactions.
Authors: Rasovic Aleksandar , Steel Peter J. , Kleinpeter Erich , Markovic Rade
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Bolevenine, a Toxic Protein from the Japanese Toadstool Boletus venenatus
Authors: Matsuura Masanori , Yamada Mina , Saikawa Yoko , Miyairi Kazuo , Okuno Toshikatsu , Konno Katsuhiro , Uenishi Jun'ichi , Hashimoto Kimiko , Nakata Masaya
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Convergent Synthesis of the CDEF Ring Fragment of Yessotoxin via α‐Cyano Ethers.
Authors: Oishi Tohru , Suzuki Miho , Watanabe Koji , Murata Michio
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chemical Reduction of Three‐Dimensional Silica Microassemblies into Microporous Silicon Replicas.
Authors: Bao Zhihao , et al. et al.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Phase Transitions in Multiferroic BiFeO3 Crystals, Thin‐Layers, and Ceramics. Enduring Potential for a Single Phase, Room‐Temperature Magnetoelectric ′Holy Grail′
Authors: Kadomtseva A. M. , Popov Yu. F. , Pyatakov A. P. , Vorob'ev G. P. , Zvezdin A. K. , Viehland D.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Theoretical Insights into the Structure and Reactivity of the Aqueous/Metal Interface
Authors: Taylor Christopher D. , Neurock Matthew
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Design, Synthesis and Photophysics of Ruthenium and Osmium Complexes (20 Years of Collaboration)
Authors: De Cola Luisa , Belser Peter , Von Zelewsky Alex , Voegtle Fritz
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ionic Liquids — Progress on the Fundamental Issues
Authors: MacFarlane Douglas R. , Seddon Kenneth R.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ideen zum Mol‐Begriff
Authors: Hadfield Malcolm
Published: May 2007

DER MOL‐BEGRIFF gehört trotz der Geläufigkeit, mit der Chemiker, Chemielehrer und erfahrene Schüler mit ihm umgehen, zu den für den jungen Schüller schwierigen Begriffen. In diesem Artikel möchte ich den Weg vorstellen, den ich unter teilweiser Anlehnung an das Nuffield‐Konzept in meinem Chemieunterricht gegangen bin. Wichtig erscheint mir auch heute der frühzeitige Umgang mit sehr kleinen Größen und die frühzeitige Einführung der Idee relativer Massen für Atome und Moleküle. Ich habe versucht, diesen Gedanken durch Rückgriffe aus der Lebenswelt und durch Modell‐Experimente zu veranschaulichen. Aus den relativen Massen kann man nun, wenn man sie in Gramm angibt, den Molbegriff definieren als 6,02 · 1023 Atome, Moleküle bzw. Teilchen. Im weiteren Verlauf meines Artikels möchte ich zeigen, wie man an geeigneten Stellen diesen Molbegriff mit dem Periodensystem der Elemente verbinden kann, ihn zur Ermittlung chemischer Formeln nutzen und mit seiner Hilfe den „Valenz”︁‐Begriff einführen kann. Ich möchte betonen, daß die im Artikel dargestellten Aspekte nicht „am Stück”︁ unterrichtet wurden, sondern an geeigneten Stellen meines Unterrichtsprogramms eingebaut wurden.
Der Mensch in der Umwelt Fach‐ und schulformübergreifende Zusammenarbeit in der gymnasialen Oberstufe für die Fächer Biologie und Chemie in Marl
Authors: Schultes‐Bannert Lorenz
Published: May 2007

MIT DEN AUSSAGEN der Kultusministerkonferenz von 1995 zur Weiterentwicklung der gymnasialen Oberstufe wird dem fächerübergreifenden Lernen eine erheblich größere Bedeutung zugemessen als dies in der Vergangenheit der Fall war. Den Beratungen der Kultusministerkonferenz lag die Auffassung zugrunde, die Fachbildung sei zwar eine notwendige Grundlage der Studierfähigkeit. Es sei aber gleichfalls erforderlich, Wissen, Fertigkeiten und Einstellungen zu bündeln. Besonders diese Sichtweise zielt darauf ab, Formen ganzheitlichen Lernens in fächerübergreifender Perspektive in dafür passenden Lernorganisationsformen zu entwickeln. Dabei sollen komplexe Problemstellungen und Schlüsselprobleme betrachtet werden, die fachübergreifend, unter Stärkung der sozialen Kompetenz und der Kooperationsfähigkeit in der gymnasialen Oberstufe bearbeitet werden [1]

Neue Medien, die für die heutigen programmtechnischen, fachdidaktischen und mediendidaktischen Anforderungen zur Verfügung stehen, sollen selbst ein integratives Band für aktiv konstruierendes, handlungsorientiertes und fächerübergreifendes Lernen darstellen. Ein wissenschaftsorientierter Unterricht, der auch berufsvorbereitend angelegt ist, wird durch die neuen Medien unterstützt. Modellbildung und Simulation mit dem Computer, Anwendungen von Tabellenkalkulationsprogrammen, die Erfassung und Bearbeitung von Meßwerten und die variable, medienintegrative Dokumentation von Ergebnissen sind für die Verwirklichung von fachübergreifendem Unterricht von hohem Nutzen [2].
Quantitative Alkoholbestimmung in Wein Ein Praktikumsversuch für eine Unterrichtseinheit Redoxreaktionen
Authors: Reineck Peter
Published: May 2007

VOR DEM HINTERGRUND der gesellschaftlichen Wirklichkeit wird bei diesem Praktikumsversuch das alkoholische Getränk Wein auf eine andere Ebene gehoben ‐ die der Untersuchungssubstanz. Ethanol wird aus einer kleinen Probe Wein in eine Vorlage mit Kaliumchromat und Salpetersäure destilliert. Aus dem iodometrisch ermittelten Verbrauch an Kaliumchromat läßt sich die Menge an Ethanol ermitteln. Bei diesem Versuch sollen exaktes Experimentieren und stöchiometrisches Rechnen eingeübt werden

Bei Verkehrskontrollen wird der Alkoholgehalt in der Atemluft mit Alco‐Check‐Röhrchen ermittelt. In der Forensischen Chemie bedient man sich heute zur Bestimmung des Alkoholgehaltes im Blut der Gaschromatographie und der Alkohol‐Dehydrogenase‐Methode.
Repetitive short‐course hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with high‐dose 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Jun Yong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Yoon Young Joon , Kim Ja Kyung , Lee Hyun Woong , Lee Do Yun , Chon Chae Yoon , Moon Young Myoung , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has often been selected as a therapeutic option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repetitive HAIC with high‐dose 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and cisplatin given for 3 days in patients with advanced HCC.

METHODS.

Between January 2001 and December 2004, a total of 41 patients with unresectable advanced HCC were enrolled. The patients underwent HAIC via the implantable port system with 5‐FU (at a dose of 500 mg/m2 on Days 1–3) and cisplatin (at a dose of 60 mg/m2 on Day 2) every 4 weeks. Tumor response was assessed at the end of every 3 cycles.

RESULTS.

The median age of the patients was 53 years and 34 patients (82.9%) had evidence of portal vein thrombosis. In total, 230 cycles of HAIC were administered to the 41 patients, with a median of 6 cycles given (range, 1–14 cycles). Nine patients (22.0%) achieved a partial response and 14 patients (34.1%) had stable disease. The median time to disease progression and overall survival were 7.0 months and 12.0 months, respectively. The overall survival was found to be significantly longer in the successful disease control group (patients with a complete response, partial response, and stable disease) than in the disease progression group (median of 14.0 months vs 6.0 months; P < .001). Adverse reactions were tolerable and successfully managed with conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS.

HAIC with high‐dose 5‐FU and cisplatin given for 3 days achieved effective and safe results in patients with advanced HCC. Therefore, repetitive short‐course HAIC with high‐dose 5‐FU and cisplatin may be useful as an alternative therapeutic option for patients with advanced HCC. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Albarracin Cesar A. , Fuqua Burcham C. , Evans Joseph L. , Goldfine Ira D.
Published: May 2007

Background

Chromium and biotin play essential roles in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination of chromium picolinate and biotin on glycaemic control.

Methods

Four hundred and forty‐seven subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c≥ 7.0%) were enrolled and received either chromium picolinate (600 µg Cr+3) with biotin (2 mg), or matching placebo, for 90 days in combination with stable oral anti‐diabetic agents (OADs). Major endpoints were reductions in HbA1c, fasting glucose, and lipids. Safety and tolerability were assessed.

Results

Change in HbA1cwas significantly different between treatment groups (p= 0.03). HbA1cin the chromium picolinate/biotin group decreased 0.54%. The decrease in HbA1cwas most pronounced in chromium picolinate/biotin subjects whose baseline HbA1c≥ 10%, and highly significant when compared with placebo (−1.76%vs− 0.68%;p= 0.005). Fasting glucose levels were reduced in the entire chromium picolinate/biotin groupversusplacebo (−9.8 mg/dLvs0.7 mg/dL;p= 0.02). Reductions in fasting glucose were also most marked in those subjects whose baseline HbA1c≥ 10.0%, and significant when compared to placebo (−35.8 mg/dLvs.16.2 mg/dL;p= 0.01). Treatment was well tolerated with no adverse effects dissimilar from placebo.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the chromium picolinate/biotin combination, administered as an adjuvant to current prescription anti‐diabetic medication, can improve glycaemic control in overweight to obese individuals with type 2 diabetes; especially those patients with poor glycaemic control on oral therapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Belief in afterlife as a moderator of fear of death?
Authors: Ochsmann Randolph
Published: May 2007

Investigating the notion that belief in afrerlife (BA) serves the function of helping the individual to deal with fear of death, a study was designed to explore the effect of public commitment to religion, repression‐sensitization, and anticipatory concern with death and dying on BA, and examine the relationship between BA and state anxiety.

Fifty students of theology and fifty students of various other subjects responded to a German version of Byrne's R‐S scale, and then were randomly assigned to two conditions: they either worked through Thanatos‐Questionnaire, and thereby were confronted with death and dying for about 15 to 20 minutes, or filled out a questionnaire unrelated to the topic. Thereupon, a BA scale was administered, and at last, subjects responded to a scale measuring state anxiety.

The findings of Osarchuk and Tatz (1973) that religiously committed persons are strengthening BA after being confronted with death and dying could not be replicated. However, among subjects with no public commitment, those concerned with death and dying scored significantly lower on BA than those not concerned. This effect was especially observed among students classified as sensitizers. Because changes of BA did not correspond with changes of within cell correlations between BA and state anxiety, an alternative explanation of the findings in terms of dissonance theory is put forward.
Shyness and Psychological Imperialism; on the dangers of ignoring the ordinary language roots of the terms we deal with
Authors: Harris Peter Richard
Published: May 2007

Shyness is one of a class of psychological terms that have their roots in ordinary, everyday language. Accordingly, researchers are obliged either to base their definitions of shyness on a thoroughgoing analysis of the conditions prescribed socially for the use of the term and its derivatives, or to otherwise maintain a rigorous distinction between their use and the lay person's use of the term. Unfortunately, however, they have failed to do this. The consequences of this are outlined, including the doubtful practice of ‘Psychological Imperialism’, in which psychologists effectively superimpose their professional definitions of psychological constructs upon those developed by the lay person. The implications of this argument for the conduct of future research into shyness are discussed, and it is suggested that researchers dealing with like terms in other areas of psychology should also be alert to these dangers.
Does the distinction between causal and moral responsibility really salvage the defensive attribution hypothesis?: A critique of Nogami and Streufert's thesis
Authors: Fincham Frank D.
Published: May 2007

Nogami and Streufert's (1983) thesis, that the distinction between causal and moral responsibility accounts for contradictory data in the defensive attribution literature, is criticized on empirical and conceptual grounds. It is argued that the results reported may be idiosyncratic to their study given the procedures they used. Moreover, close examination reveals several problems in using their results to account for previous contradictory research findings.
Misattributions in attribution research: Choices of scientific certainty vs. understanding of reality: A rejoinder
Authors: Streufert Siegfried , Nogami Glenda Y.
Published: May 2007

Fincham (1984) has argued that Nogami and Streufert (1983) advanced a thesis which (1) attempts to empirically demonstrate that attributions for an accident are lower with severe as opposed to less severe outcomes and (2) applies these data to account for previous contradictory findings of the ‘defensive attribution’ literature. The present authors show that Fincham's attribution of intent to Nogami and Streufert is in error and that the divergent views of Nogami and Streufert versus those of Fincham and associates reflect legitimate but different approaches toward the problem of attribution theory and research.
Interpreting the texts of nature and culture: A reply to Jahoda
Authors: Gergen Kenneth J.
Published: May 2007

In his Tajfel Memorial lecture Gustav Jahoda (1986) proposes that experimental findings infrequently reflect natural laws of human action, but are reflections of cultural conventions. In developing his arguments he finds it useful to criticize a number of my earlier ideas (Gergen, 1982). The present paper demonstrates that this critique is not only misguided, but that if the implications of my earlier work had been properly elaborated neither the argument for cultural convention nor general laws could be adequately sustained. Because of the non‐objective character of behavioural interpretation, neither of these positions can be empirically warranted. Their justification is more properly considered in ethical, or ideological terms.
Language games, or As you like it: A reply to Gergen
Authors: Jahoda Gustav
Published: May 2007

Afrer noting some areas of common ground, in particular my acceptance of the fact that causal analysis is not sufficient to capture motivation and meaning, the main disagreement is pinpointed: in my view causal explanations are relevant to human actions. In response to Gergen's contention that cross‐cultural replications have no bearing on theories, which essentially turn on language games, I submit that his account of cross‐cultural work is in several respects misleading. It is suggested that ignoring the striking regularities of social behaviour runs the risk of a return to empty scholasticism.
Conservative coalitions: An expectation states approach
Authors: Wilke H. A. M. , Van Knippenberg A. F. M. , Bruins J.
Published: May 2007

The present study investigates subjective expectancy of formation of conservative coalitions as a function of status characteristics of actors and nature of the task. Five predictions, derived from Expectation States Theory (cf. Berger, Rosenholz and Zelditch, 1980) are tested. Thirty‐four university freshmen participated in the experiment. Subjects estimated the formation of coalitions in eleven ‘choice situations’, which were composed by varying status differences between scenario actors, the nature of the status characteristic and the task to be performed. The predictions derived from Expectation States Theory were generally supported: (1) differentiation on a relevant status characteristic appeared to lead to the expectation of conservative coalitions, (2) a burden of proof process appeared to operate, and (3) the expectation of conservative coalition decreased as the path of relevance was longer. Contrary to predictions, however, it appeared that irrelevant status characteristics did not led to the expectation of conservative coalitions, and that the expectation of conservative coalitions did not covary with the magnitude of the status differentiation. In the discussion of these results two modifications of the burden of proof theorem are proposed and discussed in the light of other findings.
Equity and individual preferences in an MDG
Authors: Wilke H. A. M. , Liebrand W. B. G. , Lotgerink B. , Buurma B.
Published: May 2007

Before participating in an Maximizing Difference Game (MDG) subjects were classified with the help of a social motive test (GDG, Liebrand, 1984) as having a cooperative, an individualistic or a Competitive preference for own/other outcome distributions. Thereafter subjects did make choices in an MDG. A status (high, equal, low, no feedback) × matrix (advantage: 8/6, disadvantage 6/81) × preference (competitive, individualistic, cooperative)‐design was employed, whereas one control condition, i.e. equal statuslmatrix equal (616) was added.

Equity theory could explain the data rather well. Support was found for the status hypothesis, i.e. high status subjects made more D‐choices in an MDG than equal status subjects; equal status subjects made more D‐choices than low status subjects, and for the matrix hypothesis, i.e. matrix disadvantage subjects made more D‐choices than subjects playing in a matrix advantage position. Equity theory could also explain a significant status × matrix interaction effect. Support was partly found for a preference hypothesis: Competitors made more D‐choices than cooperatives, while contrary to the hypothesis, individualists behaved more like competitors.
Studies on latent influence by the spectrometer method I: The impact of psychologization in the case of conversion by a minority or a majority
Authors: Moscovic Serge , Personnaz Bernard
Published: May 2007

The effects of psychologization on the conversion phenomenon were studied for cases where influence was exerted either by a minority or by a majority. In a 2×2×3 ANOVA design (minority source versus majority source, personality versus aesthetics, phases) 48 subjects are faced with a confederate who represents either 18.2 per cent or 81.8 per cent of a population and consistently responds green when an objectively blue slide is shown. Colour perception is said to be associated with either aesthetic or personality factors. The prediction is in this last case that psychologization of the majority induces conversion of the subjects, while psychologization of the minority stands in the way of this latent influence. Influence is measured by four response levels for each trial of the three phases (pre‐influence, post‐influence in the presence or in the absence of the influence source). Manifest influence is measured in terms of the Subjects' Judgements and by the way in which they adjust their stimulus colour perception, as determined with the help of a spectrometer. The latent influence is reflected by the subjects' judgements about the colour of the afterimage upon presentation of the stimulus, as measured on a nine‐point scale and with the help of spectral adjustments of this afterimage. The subjects having been influenced without being aware of their conversion shows up in the shifts toward green or the complementary colour of green. Results indicate a cross‐over for the effect of indirect influence. Under the personality condition, psychologization has the anticipated effect. The majority is the only one to produce a conversion. The attenuating effect of minority influence again manrfests itserf (Mugny and Papastamou, 1980). Under the aesthetic condition, non‐psychologization also induces latent and perceptive shifts, but they go in the opposite direction and coincide closely with other results (Moscovici and Personnaz, 1980; Personnaz, 1981). In this condition, only the minority exerts an influence on all three levels.
The use of statistical, spatial‐temporal, and intensional information in judgments of contingency
Authors: Fielder Klaus , Stroehm Walter
Published: May 2007

Judgments of the contingencies between the opinions expressed by three persons in a video‐taped group discussion were investigated. Although a purely statistical interpretation of the contingency judgment task was called for by the experimental instruction, the intrusion of non‐statistical information in the judgment process was demonstrated: Temporal contiguity (order of speech) and spatial contiguity (eye‐contacts, body movements) systematically affected the estimated frequency of agreement among discussion participants. Similar biases were obtained in a memory test for the observed opinion statements which also suggests that intensional information (structural similarity of the discussants' arguments) influenced the cognitive representation of the contingencies. An attentional focus manipulation was also effective; attending to a certain pair of discussants resulted in higher agreement ratings for that pair. The implications of these findings for experiments which use purely statistical models of contingency as a normative criterion are discussed.
Influence of leadership processes on group polarization
Authors: Jesuino Jorge Correia
Published: May 2007

This research attempted to examine underlying processes of group polarization under leadership conditions. One hundred and twenty‐two subjects formed in groups of four and five members answered to the Choice Dilemma Questionnaire first on an individual basis and then after group discussion. Experimental conditions were manipulated through different rules of group discussion and types of appointed leaders. It was found that leadership is associated both with group polarization and with group depolarization but whether the group polarizes or depolarizes is determined by the explicit or implicit group rules which act as a systemic decisional structure.
The intrusive commercial: Influence of aggressive TV commercials on aggression
Authors: Caprara G. V. , D'Imperio G. , Gentilomo A. , Mammucari A. , Renzi P. , Travaglia G.
Published: May 2007

Two experiments have been conducted to investigate the aggression‐eliciting properties of an aggressive commercial.

The first experiment investigated the influence of an aggressive commercial on subsequent delivery of shocks to a confederate by male or female subjects, in presence and in absence of previous instigation to aggress.

The second experiment examined the heart rate modifications before, during and after exposure to the aggressive commercial.

Twenty males and 20 females participated to each experiment.

Findings justify the concern for the aggression‐eliciting properties of aggressive commercials.
A study of professional attitudes amongst architects
Authors: Vári‐Szilágyi Ibolya
Published: May 2007

Professional attitudes can be studied as expressed in the individual's opinions of conventional and more recent professional stereotypes. It was hypothesized that these opinions, together with their stability and change, depend mainly on the degree of professional identification, a higher degree of which inspires a more sew‐reliant and independent approach to professional work and thinking. The study was carried out with 58 young architects, exploring the differences between and changes in their images of the anticipated actual, empirical actual, and ideal architect. The results support the hypothesis concerning the role of professional identifcation and are in agreement with Tajfel's analysis of manifold social Junctions of stereotypes.
Determinants of help seeking behaviour: The effects of helper's similarity, task centrality and recipient's self esteem
Authors: Nadler Arie
Published: May 2007

The present experiment was concerned with the way in which the characteristics of the helper the task and the recipient affect the willingness to seek help. In line with past theory and research it was reasoned that seeking help would be most threatening when one needs help on an ego ‐ central task, and the helper is perceived as similar to oneself. Consequently, individuals were expected to seek least help under these conditions. Further it was expected that individuals who enjoy a high self esteem would be more sensitive to this self threat and seek less help under these self threatening conditions than would individuals who have a low self esteem. The experiment consisted of a 2 (similar versus dissimilar helper) times 2 (ego‐central versus non central task) times 2 (high versus low self esteem subjects) between subjects design. Subjects worked on a difficult anagram task, and their actual help seeking behaviour served as a dependent measure. The findings support the experimental hypotheses. The conceptual and applied implications of these findings are discussed.
Social marking, socio‐cognitive conflict and cognitive development
Authors: Girotto Vittorio
Published: May 2007

This study is concerned with assessing whether social marking, i.e. the correspondence between the cognitive solution of a task and the social relation expressed in the material, is a mechanism of cognitive progress which depends on specific forms of socio‐cognitive conflict or on presence of familiar social relations in the material. In the first experiment 5‐6‐year‐old non‐conserver children were selected during a pre‐test that comprised three spatial transformation tasks. During the test phase, 56 children worked on spatial transformation tasks with an adult partner in four socially marked conditions in which the correctness of the adult model varied. All subjects were individually post‐tested on the same tasks with unmarked content. Results showed that, under the same marked conditions in the test phase, more progress took place, at the post‐test phase, when subjects had interacted with an incorrect adult model than when they had interacted with a correct one. In the second experiment the hypothesis of an interaction between the nature of the material and the kind of social interaction was examined by means of a factorial design in which the factors were adult versus child partner and marked versus unmarked material. The procedures in the pre‐ and post‐test phase were carried out in the same way as in Experiment I. In the test phase 61 non‐conserver children interacted with partners who presented completely incorrect model. The results of post‐test phase indicated that there was a main effect of social marking although findings of a condition in which children interact with another child on unmarked material also have shown a certain amount of progress. The findings are discussed with respect to the psycho‐social model of cognitive development.
Ideal‐self, self‐focus and value‐behaviour consistency
Authors: Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: May 2007

Two experiments were conducted to examine the role of the ‘idealism’ variable and sew‐focus in value‐behaviour consistency. The idealism variable was measured by means of a questionnaire (Idealism Scale–IS) devised by the author. The scale is based on the assumption that although every individual is able to declare his or her ideal‐self if requested, only some of them actually develop such a structure and use it in their behavioural choices. The first experiment revealed that the level of defensive attribution was a predictable function of the content of the ideal‐self for individuals with high scores on the IS to a greater extent than it was for low scorers. The second experiment showed that both high ‘idealism’ and situationally induced sew‐focus were necessary to obtain a predictable influence of the preference of the value ‘honesty’ on cheating behaviour. Processes which are likely to mediate between ideal‐self content and behaviour are discussed.
Wearing uniforms and aggression–A field experiment
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Steinleitner Michael , Lilli Waldemar
Published: May 2007

Zimbardo's de‐individuation concept was tested in a field experiment using games of fieldball. The results support the assumption that higher degrees of anonymity lead to more aggressive acts.
The effects of commitment to threats and promises upon bargaining behaviour and outcomes
Authors: McClintock Charles G. , Stech Frank J. , Beggan James K.
Published: May 2007

The course of bargaining is determined in part by interdependent individuals exchanging messages so as to influence other's behaviour, and thereby to increase the likelihood of achieving outcomes consistent with their own goals. The communication of threats and promises are two major message strategies that are employed to influence the behaviour of others in a bargaining relationship. The present study examines the effects of players' level of commitment to these forms of message strategies upon behaviour in a duopoly bargaining task. Past research has oprationalized commitment in terms of the consistency with which an individual has followed through on threats or promises in the past. In the present research, Becker's (1960) concept of a side‐bet is employed to provide an alternative means for defining and manipulating commitment. A side‐bet obtains when either a threatener or a promiser posts a valued resource, say a bond, which they forfeit if they do not follow through on their stated threat or promise. The main expectations of the present study were that increased commitment to threat meassages would lead to more competitive behaviour and outcomes within a duopoly bargaining task, whereas increased commitment to promise messages would produce more cooperative behaviour and outcomes. Partial support for these major expectations, as well as confirmation of a number of secondary expectations, was obtained.
Two studies of Piaget's theory of moral judgment
Authors: Helkama Klaus
Published: May 2007

The relationship between conservation skills and subjective responsibility (SR) in moral judgment was examined in two studies. The Kohlberg ontogenetic priority hypothesis stating that conversation is a necessary but not sufficient condition of SR was pitted against the common structural basis hypothesis advanced by Damon. Piaget's notion of heteronomy as a combination of preoperational thought and unilateral respect was studied by using the behavioural independence tasks by Subbotsky as indicators of unilateral respect. A teaching experiment using Galperin's and Obukhova's method to induce conservation indicated significant transfer from conservation to SR. SR was found to be more susceptible to regression over a 3–month period than conservation. Conservers were less likely to regress on SR than nonconservers. Unilateral respect was related to objective responsibility but not to conservation. Taken together the data fail to support Kohlberg's ontogenetic priority hypothesis and only partially support the Piaget and Damon model of a common underlying structure. It is concluded that SR judgments largely reflect individual judgmental strategies and the effect of conservation on SR is intepreted in terms of increasing cross‐situational consistency in the use of these strategies.
The knowledge‐structure and inductivist strategies in causal attribution: A direct comparison
Authors: Hilton Denis J. , Knibbs Christopher S.
Published: May 2007

Two different strategies for making causal attributions are distinguished. The first is the classic inductivist approach, which uses covariation information to arrive at causal attributions. The second is the knowledge‐structure approach, which uses information relevant to knowledge about plans and goals to explain behaviour. Two experiments are reported in which information activating both types of strategy is given. The results indicate that goal‐relevant information activates expectancies that resist the presence of explicit covariation information. The results are interpreted as indicating that expectancies generated by knowledge‐structures are therefore different to those activated by verbs, which do not resist the effect of explicit covariation information. It is concluded that knowledge‐structures constitute an alternative strategy of causal attribution to the inductivist strategy, and the nature of the relationship between the two strategies is considered.
Individual and social identities in intergroup relations
Authors: Doise Willem
Published: May 2007

Henri Tajfel's contribution to the experimental study of intergroup relations is highlighted and recent complementary approaches are presented. The distinction between deductive and inductive aspects of social categorization and the links between within group and between group interaction and differentiation are commented. A plea is made for studying self as social representation and for considering ethical issues of intergroup relations.
Comments on Doise's Individual and social identities in intergroup relations
Authors: Turner John C.
Published: May 2007

Developments within the social identity tradition have led to work on the inductive aspects of categorization and the relation between personal and social identity, individuality and groupness. Other issues raised by Doise represent important areas for research and theoretical discussion.
Personal involvement and the evaluation of group products
Authors: Brown Jonathon D. , Schmidt Greg W. , Collins Rebecca L.
Published: May 2007

This research examined favouritism in group product evaluations as a function of personal involvement. After being divided into groups on an arbitrary basis, subjects worked at a group brainstorming task. Some subjects then assessed the merits of their own group's product relative to that of an outgroup's product, whereas other subjects assessed the merits of an ingroup's product relative to that of an outgroup's product. In both conditions, a significant bias was observed such that owngroup and ingroup products were rated as superior to outgroup products. Moreover, this bias was equally strong regardless of whether subjects were appraising a product they had personally helped create. The implications of the findings for understanding the antecedents of group bias are considered.