bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using action research to change health‐promoting practice
Authors: Casey Dympna
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Action research was used as a method to develop an educational skills training program focusing on the health education aspect of nurses’ health‐promoting role. The program was based on the theoretical concepts of the Transtheoretical Model and Motivational Interviewing. Interviews were used to collect the data on a purposive sample of nurses working in an acute hospital ward. Three main themes were identified: using the skills, barriers to implementing the skills, and facilitators of implementing the skills. Most nurses were more aware of health education and health promotion and were able to incorporate the skills learnt and instigated a change in practice. There was evidence, however, that further training was required. This might focus more on helping nurses to use the skills with patients who are very resistant to change and to better recognize health‐promoting opportunities. Ways of offering the training program to other health professionals also should be explored.
Decision aid software programs in telenursing: not used as intended? Experiences of Swedish telenurses
Authors: Holmström Inger
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Telenurses at call centers use decision aid software programs to offer triage recommendations and self‐care advice to the general public. Decision aid programs are intended to support medical safety but were suggested by telenurses to be a hindrance to the dialogue. The aim of this study was to explore the use of decision aid software programs for telenursing, from the perspective of the users. A qualitative, descriptive approach was used. Twelve telenurses in Sweden were interviewed twice. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Four themes were found: support for assessment but not for the decision; inconsistency between actual practice and the decision aid software; limited support for learning and information; and communication challenges and software programs. The software programs were a support for assessment, rather than decision‐making, assuring the nurses that the relevant questions were asked. They were not fully adapted to current clinical practice, focusing mainly on acute conditions. Nurses worked to a large extent with self‐care advice, often over‐riding the recommendations made.
Methodological aspects of rigor in qualitative nursing research on families involved in intensive care units: A literature review
Authors: Høye Sevald , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Rigor has important ramifications for the entire qualitative research process. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of methodological congruence by focusing on four dimensions of rigor in qualitative nursing research related to the presence of patients’ family members in the intensive care unit. Eight research papers covering the years 1990–2004 were analyzed by means of one of Burns and Grove’s standards, methodological congruence, for critique and consistency. The results show that there are varying degrees of focus on procedural rigor, such as limitations and bias. Ethical rigor is described clearly in some papers, while others lack descriptions of confidentiality and the voluntary nature of participation. However, all papers contain descriptions of qualitative data analysis. In conclusion, there were strengths in procedural rigor and auditability, but also some limitations in the identification of theoretical development and the scientific tradition on which the article is based.
Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a family’s everyday life in Finland: Perceptions of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their spouses
Authors: Kanervisto Merja , Kaistila Tiina , Paavilainen Eija
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their everyday lives by using the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Five people with COPD and four spouses participated in the study. The data were collected by thematic personal interviews and were analyzed by deductive content analysis. The findings describe the impairment of body function of people with COPD, they provide knowledge of those factors that promote the well‐being of people with COPD, how they cope on a daily basis, and the importance of their spouse. Knowledge about COPD for all health‐care professionals is a precondition to ensure that people receive the help they need. People with COPD found it important to have a care relationship with their own treatment unit. The findings of the present study showed that peer support was an important matter.
Phospholipase Cβ3 is distributed in both somatodendritic and axonal compartments and localized around perisynapse and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in mouse Purkinje cell subsets
Authors: Nomura Sachi , Fukaya Masahiro , Tsujioka Takao , Wu Dianqing , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: February 2007

Phospholipase Cβ3 (PLCβ3) and PLCβ4 are the two major isoforms in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), displaying reciprocal expression across the cerebellum. Here, we examined subcellular distribution of PLCβ3 in the mouse cerebellum by producing specific antibody. PLCβ3 was detected as a particulate pattern of immunostaining in various PC elements. Like PLCβ4, PLCβ3 was richly distributed in somatodendritic compartments, where it was colocalized with molecules constituting the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) signalling pathway, i.e. mGluR1α, Gαq/Gα11 subunits of Gq protein, inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor IP3R1, Homer1, protein kinase C PKCγ, and diacylglycerol lipase DAGLα. Unlike PLCβ4, PLCβ3 was also distributed at low to moderate levels in PC axons, which were intense for IP3R1 and PKCγ, low for Gαq/Gα11, and negative for mGluR1α, Homer1, and DAGLα. By immunoelectron microscopy, PLCβ3 was preferentially localized around the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in spines, dendrites, and axons of PCs, and also accumulated at the perisynapse of parallel fibre‐PC synapses. Consistent with the ultrastructural localization, PLCβ3 was biochemically enriched in the microsomal and postsynaptic density fractions. These results suggest that PLCβ3 plays a major role in mediating mGluR1‐dependent synaptic transmission, plasticity, and integration in PLCβ3‐dominant PCs, through eliciting Ca2+ release, protein phosphorylation, and endocannabinoid production at local somatodendritic compartments. Because PLCβ3 can be activated by Gβγ subunits liberated from Gi/o and Gs proteins as well, axonal PLCβ3 seems to modulate the conduction of action potentials through mediating local Ca2+ release and protein phosphorylation upon activation of a variety of G protein‐coupled receptors other than mGluR1.
Somatodendritic localization of EFA6A, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ADP‐ribosylation factor 6, and its possible interaction with α‐actinin in dendritic spines
Authors: Sakagami Hiroyuki , Honma Takashi , Sukegawa Jun , Owada Yuji , Yanagisawa Teruyuki , Kondo Hisatake
Published: February 2007

EFA6A is a member of the guanine nucleotide exchange factors that can specifically activate ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6). In this study, we identified α‐actinin‐1 as a possible interacting protein with EFA6A by the yeast two‐hybrid screening with its C‐terminal region as bait. The central region of α‐actinin‐1 containing a part of spectrin repeat 1 and spectrin repeats 2–3 is responsible for this interaction. In the hippocampal formation, EFA6A immunoreactivity occurred at a high level as numerous fine puncta in the strata oriens, radiatum, lacunosum‐moleculare of the hippocampal CA1–3 subfields and the dentate molecular layer, whereas the immunoreactivity was faint in the neuronal cell layers and the stratum lucidum, the mossy fiber‐recipient layer of the CA3 subfield. Double‐immunofluorescent analyses revealed a partial overlapping of EFA6A and α‐actinin at the dendritic spines of in vivo and cultured hippocampal neurons. Our present findings suggest that EFA6A may form a protein complex with α‐actinin and activate ARF6 in close proximity of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane proteins in the dendritic spines.
Polymodal conceptual processing of human biological actions in the left inferior frontal lobe
Authors: Baumgaertner Annette , Buccino Giovanni , Lange Ruediger , McNamara Adam , Binkofski Ferdinand
Published: February 2007

Apart from being increasingly implicated in higher motor control, Broca's area is considered to play an important role in action understanding by coding the motor goal of an action. Moreover, recent findings suggest that parts of Broca's area may be able to code action content in a more abstract fashion, independent of modality, specific movement parameters or effector used. We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether in humans processing object‐directed hand actions presented either visually as video clips or verbally as spoken sentences relies on the same neural substrates. To control for action specificity, we included videos and sentences depicting inanimate motion events. In order to induce conceptual processing, we asked participants to make judgements about the acceptability of the stimuli. Results show that processing object‐directed hand actions presented both visually and verbally leads to common activation of areas in parietal and frontal regions, most prominently in the pars opercularis of Broca's region. We conclude that the pars opercularis of Broca's area is endowed with polymodal capabilities, allowing the processing of higher‐level conceptual aspects of action understanding.
MAPK‐dependent actin cytoskeletal reorganization underlies BK channel activation by insulin
Authors: O'Malley Dervla , Harvey Jenni
Published: February 2007

Numerous brain regions are enriched with insulin and insulin receptors, and several lines of evidence indicate that insulin is an important modulator of neuronal function. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated that insulin inhibits hippocampal epileptiform‐like activity, in part by activating large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (BK) channels. Moreover, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascade has been found to couple insulin to BK channel activation. However, the cellular events downstream of MAPK that underlie this action of insulin are unknown. Here we demonstrate that in hippocampal neurons, BK channel activation by insulin is blocked by actin filament stabilization, suggesting that this process is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton. Stabilizing actin filaments also markedly attenuated the ability of insulin to inhibit the aberrant hippocampal synaptic activity evoked following Mg2+ removal. Insulin also promoted rapid reorganization of fluorescently labelled polymerized actin filaments; an action that was prevented by inhibitors of MAPK activation. Moreover, in parallel studies, insulin increased the level of phospho‐MAPK immunostaining in hippocampal neurons. These data are consistent with BK channel activation by insulin involving MAPK‐dependent alterations in actin dynamics. This process may have important implications for the role of insulin in regulating hippocampal excitability.
Retrosplenial and hippocampal brain regions in human navigation: complementary functional contributions to the formation and use of cognitive maps
Authors: Iaria Giuseppe , Chen Jen‐Kai , Guariglia Cecilia , Ptito Alain , Petrides Michael
Published: February 2007

The ability to orientate within familiar environments relies on the formation and use of a mental representation of the environment, namely a cognitive map. Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies suggest that the retrosplenial and hippocampal brain regions are involved in topographical orientation. We combined functional magnetic resonance imaging with a virtual‐reality paradigm to investigate the functional interaction of the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex during the formation and utilization of cognitive maps by human subjects. We found that the anterior hippocampus is involved during the formation of the cognitive map, while the posterior hippocampus is involved when using it. In conjunction with the hippocampus, the retrosplenial cortex was active during both the formation and the use of the cognitive map. In accordance with earlier studies in non‐human animals, these findings suggest that, while navigating within the environment, the retrosplenial cortex complements the hippocampal contribution to topographical orientation by updating the individual's location as the frame of reference changes.
What do you do at work? Profession building and doing nursing
Authors: Allen D.
Published: February 2007

Background:  The dominant image of nursing promotes individualized care based on emotional intimacy as the basis of its distinctive service contribution. However, the empirical basis for nursing’s claims about its function is weak.

Aim:  The aim of this paper is to review a decade of observational studies as a starting point for understanding the actual content of nursing work.

Methods:  The paper draws on a previously published interpretative review of field studies of nursing work published in the English language between 1993 and 2003.

Results:  Eight bundles of activity are identified and described. These indicate that contrary to the profession’s claims, nursing work is not centred exclusively on individuals but is orientated to the effective functioning of healthcare systems.

Conclusions:  The bundles of activity identified by the review provide the starting point for a research‐based understanding of nursing work. This might enable a closer coupling of professional identities with service realities.
Trends in ecological science – is there a paradigm shift?
Authors: Aulmann W.
Published: February 2007

The cosmetic industry takes full responsibility for the safety of its products. The common understanding of this responsibility has been moving lately from the basic concept of ensuring consumer protection to a wider perspective also encompassing the protection of indirectly exposed targets. Hence, a newly defined responsibility also accounts for exposure to chemicals that possibly spread globally having an impact at any remote spot in the world. Such responsibility safeguards future human generations as well as other living organisms, both wildlife and experimental animals. In pursuit of taking this responsibility seriously, the scientific and regulatory community has to accept new challenges. This compels us to question paradigms that were once considered indisputable. It may even be necessary to change them. The basic Paracelsus imperative of ecological and toxicological science, the dose, is such a paradigm, which is increasingly called into question. The substantial erosion of the dose paradigm is illustrated by the example of persistence and bio‐accumulation. Likewise, in the search for in vitro alternatives to animal tests, possible future breakthroughs will be linked to challenging the dose paradigm.

Paper presented as a keynote lecture at the IFSCC International Conference 2005, Florence, Italy
Is the axilla a distinct skin phenotype?
Authors: Watkinson A. , Lee R. S. , Moore A. E. , Paterson S. E. , Pudney P. , Rawlings A. V.
Published: February 2007

The axillary skin is cosmetically important with millions of consumers daily applying antiperspirant/deodorant products. Despite this, we know virtually nothing about axillary skin or how antiperspirant use impacts upon it. To characterize axillary stratum corneum and determine whether this is a unique skin type, we have evaluated a range of skin parameters, comparing these with the volar forearm. Trans‐epidermal water loss and corneosurfametry revealed a reduced barrier function in the axilla. However, application of antiperspirant had no effect upon these barrier properties. High performance thin layer chromatography analysis of stratum corneum lipids demonstrated statistically elevated levels of fatty acids, ceramide and particularly cholesterol in the axilla. This modification of barrier lipid ratios appeared to result in a more ordered lipid lamellae phase behaviour, as determined by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with transition phase changes occurring at higher temperatures. Morphological differences were also seen in the cells of the axillary stratum corneum. Microscopic evaluation of axillary‐cornified envelopes revealed them to be smaller, indicative of a shorter stratum corneum turnover. However, there appeared to be no significant difference corneocyte maturation. ‘Skin dryness’ squamometry measurements indicated that the axillary stratum corneum retained desquamated material on its surface more than on the forearm. This correlated with decreased levels of the desquamatory stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme in the surface layers of the skin. These results indicate that the axilla has a distinct phenotype. Paper presented at the 22nd IFSCC Congress 2002, Edinburgh, Scotland
Color simulation method for accurate prediction of resulting dyed hair color
Authors: Takahashi T. , Tango Y. , Shimmoto K. , Ogihara T. , Momose S.
Published: February 2007

When choosing hair dyes, it is natural for the user to assume that the final hair color will resemble the color indicated on the product container or color chart. Often, however, the result is quite different. The ability to accurately predict resulting hair color after dyeing is essential, but not easy to attain because hair varies significantly from person to person. In this paper, a new method for predicting the dyed hair state is proposed. Our method is based on a model, where the observed final color consists of contribution from three layers of the hair structure: a melanin‐containing layer, a bleached layer and a pigment‐colored layer. A method for predicting the final color from responses in each layer is introduced. In this method, response formulae for each layer are derived from the energy balance, and the predicted hair color after dyeing is obtained by calculating the each equation assuming that the hair state before dyeing is solely because of the contribution from the melanin‐containing layer. In addition, a small measuring apparatus utilizing this prediction method was developed and the effectiveness of our method demonstrated by data obtained before and after the hair dyeing.
Skin in maturity: the endocrine and neuroendocrine pathways
Authors: Quatresooz P. , Piérard‐Franchimont C. , Kharfi M. , Al Rustom K. , Chian C. A. , Garcia R. , Kamoun Md. R. , Piérard G. E.
Published: February 2007

Synopsis

Irrespective of age, most of the skin components are under the physiological control of endocrine and neuroendocrine factors. There is evidence that skin ageing appears complex showing much interindividual variability. Conceptually, ageing is a single biological process that is influenced and modulated by a series of various internal and exogenous factors. Among them, hormones and neuroendocrine signals play key roles in several ways. Ageing of most endocrine glands will in turn alter the skin biology. In addition, the age‐related reduction in the intrinsic neuroendocrine activity of the skin will also alter the ageing rate of this organ. At last, various endocrinopathies will boost or conversely decrease the severity of the signs of cutaneous ageing.
Topical proteolytic enzymes affect epidermal and dermal properties
Authors: Smith W.P. , Bishop M. , Gillis G. , Maibach H.
Published: February 2007

Synopsis

Although proteolytic enzymes have a history of use in skin care products it is not known whether they simply induce superficial exfoliation or with continued use can alter epidermal and dermal skin properties. We examined herein whether enhanced exfoliation resulting from treatment with an aspartyl dependent acid protease produces appearance improvements and over time, changes in the epidermis and dermis. Test participants applied 15% enzyme containing serum and a simple moisturizer twice daily for 3 months; a matched control group applied the same serum (without enzyme) and moisturizer. Changes in skin smoothness and texture, the depth and number of lines and wrinkles, and epidermal and dermal firmness and thickness were examined in a double‐blind fashion. Treatment with 15% enzyme product(s) resulted in significant improvement in epidermal properties after 1 month and both epidermal and dermal properties after 3 months. The control group showed modest improvements in surface properties only. These results demonstrate that significant appearance benefits can be derived from use of exfoliative proteolytic enzymes. Such improvements are the result of changes to the epidermis and dermis and are strikingly similar to results observed with higher concentrations of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids).
Hydroxy Dimethoxybenzyl Malonate: A Novel Anti‐(Photo)ageing Concept
Authors: Rudolph T. , Bühle P. , Beck J. , Pflücker F. , Reiffen K.‐A. , Buchholz H.
Published: February 2007

Ideally, anti‐(photo)ageing concepts should provide maximum efficacy, perfect stability and cosmetic (formulation) elegance. The need for high efficacy paired with excellent stability appeared contradictive but was resolved by designing complete redox systems rather than antioxidants alone. We here introduce a new class of cosmetic redox pairs, each comprising the initial antioxidant plus its oxidation product. The chemical properties of the oxidation product are the key to enabling the system to maintain or even increase its initial efficacy. A series of antioxidant tests were used to carefully characterize single redox pair components for comparison with traditional antioxidants such as vitamin C and E derivatives (DPPH, lipid and TEAC assays). Kinetic studies on the photobehaviour of a selected redox pair were carried out in cosmetic emulsions with solar simulation and monitored by UV spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography. Hydroxy dimethoxybenzyl malonate (HDBM) is a pure transparent cosmetic oil. It shows excellent cosmetic stability coupled with extraordinary antioxidant properties. This controlled activity can be explained well by the presence of its oxidation product hydroxy dimethoxybenzylidene malonate (HDBMox), which provides ongoing antioxidant activity plus excellent UVA absorbing properties. The redox pair described here provides the advanced on‐demand benefit of a non‐UV‐absorbing photoprotector that is converted into its UV‐absorbing equivalent upon light exposure.
A Non‐Destructive Method for Assessing Hair Interior and Surface Damage by Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Miyamae Y. , Yamakawa Y. , Ozaki Y.
Published: February 2007

This paper reports a non‐destructive method for evaluating hair interior and surface damage based on near‐infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy. It is important to know the extent of chemical damage in the interior and surface proteins of the hair in order to choose an appropriate restoration agent or chemical treatment. Unfortunately, though there are many simple and non‐destructive methods for evaluating the hair surface, the existing evaluation methods for monitoring chemical changes in the interior proteins are very complicated and destructive. Therefore, we have attempted to develop a new non‐destructive method to evaluate the damage of the hair interior and surface simultaneously by using NIR‐DR spectroscopy. The key to this study was the combined application of NIR‐DR spectroscopy and principal component analysis to development of a method for the evaluation of hair damage and finding the most suitable wavenumber region (5060—4500 cm‐1) for this evaluation. In this study, we developed a new evaluation method that can indicate hair interior and surface damage conditions induced by chemical treatments in a simple, rapid, non‐destructive manner based on NIR‐DR using a fibre probe on hair

Paper presented at the IFSCC International Conference 2005, Florence, Italy.
4‐(1‐Phenylethyl)1,3‐Benzenediol: A New, Highly Efficient Lightening Agent
Authors: Vielhaber G. , Schmaus G. , Jacobs K. , Franke H. , Lange S. , Herrmann M. , Joppe H. , Koch O.
Published: February 2007

There is an increasing world‐wide demand for skin lightening active ingredients. Many common lightening ingredients on the market are either unsafe or ineffective at low concentrations. We therefore screened a series of hydroxy‐stilbene derivatives for tyrosinase inhibitory activity. By chemical synthesis, the structures were optimized for efficacy and stability. The final candidate, 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol, was found to be stable and to inhibit mushroom tyrosinase 22 times more effectively than kojic acid. In an assay with B16V melanoma cells, 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol was the most potent inhibitor of melanin synthesis with an IC50 of 2 μM among the compounds investigated. The lightening effect of 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol was not due to cytotoxicity as proved by an MTT assay on B16V cells. On pigmented 3D epidermis models, 0.1% of 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol led to an almost complete suppression of melanin synthesis after 14 days of incubation. Finally, an in vivo test on Asian subjects proved that 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol efficiently lightens human skin at 0.5% dosage. Optimal results are achieved when 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol is applied in formulations with low oil content. In summary, we have demonstrated that 4‐(1‐phenylethyl)1,3‐benzenediol is a potent, stable and safe skin lightener.
Optical properties of skin gloss and development of mizumizushii‐looking makeup foundation
Authors: Nishimura H. , Takasuka Y. , Yamamoto M.
Published: February 2007

In Japan, the term mizumizushii is used to express beauty. This term mizumizushii is an adjective involving factors for a variety of ‘beauties full of the feeling of vitality’ such as youthful, fresh, watery, dewy and the like. The exact choice of words depends on the circumstances. Mizumizushii‐looking skin represents the skin that looks wet with the moisture contained in it and that has a good gloss. However, according to our research carried out using a Corneometer, almost no relationship was found between skin actually including a large amount of moisture in the stratum corneum and mizumizushii‐looking skin. We elucidated the ‘apparently mizumizushii‐looking skin,’ and tried to develop makeup products having the function of making the skin look mizumizushii, which is to be one of the factors of beauty. For this purpose, what makes skin mizumizushii‐looking or not had to be defined. Hence, sensory evaluations on 100 women were performed. As a result, these panelists could be classified into two groups of those having mizumizushii‐looking skin (25 women) and those having the skin without a mizumizushii look (75 women). Further, it was revealed that the skin without a mizumizushii look could be classified into two groups of dry‐looking skin and excessively oily‐looking skin. We succeeded in qualitatively classifying the appearance of the skin of these three groups through using a value for optical properties analysed under specified conditions. Moreover, as a result of investigation of the grounds for possible qualitative classification of these groups with the value for optical properties of the skin, an evident relationship was clarified with the surface morphology (homogeneity on a micro m scale). From the findings of the optical properties of the mizumizushii‐looking skin, we designed a makeup film incorporating a function for the mizumizushii look, leading to the development of a foundation.
Resolving the conflict of a simultaneously highly moisturizing and occlusive emulsion film
Authors: Sakai Y. , Suzuki M. , Ohara Y.
Published: February 2007

Two basic functions of emulsion‐based cosmetic products are moisturization and occlusion, which are markedly affected by the ratio of hydrophilic to lipophilic parts in the emulsions. However, due to their conflicting requirements, it is difficult to simultaneously improve both functions. Therefore, we developed new emulsion that has simultaneously higher moisturizing and occlusive functions than those of polyoxyethelene‐type emulsions, by using polyglycerin‐type surfactants, acetyl alcohol, polyglycerin‐13‐polyoxybutylene‐14‐stearyl ether and the D‐phase emulsification method, because of dispersing a large quantity of water into the lipophilic part of the applied emulsion film and of strengthening the hydrophilic part of the emulsion film. We confirmed through microscopic study with a laser microscope that in polyoxyethelene‐type emulsions, droplets disappear quickly after the film is formed and dried, whereas in our experimental emulsions, the droplets’ shape is evenly retained. Furthermore, after 1 month of continuous use, stratum corneum removal and corneocyte arrangement also improved significantly.
The application of sodium dextran sulfate to the field of cosmetics
Authors: Kato I.
Published: February 2007

In this study, it was shown that sodium dextran sulfate (DS), which is used as an antihyperlipoproteinemic and is clinically known for the improvement of the blood flow, accelerated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Currently, the free radical NO is known to be an important mediator in various physiological and pathophysiological processes of the skin, such as regulation of blood flow. The result suggests that DS might exert improvement on the blood flow by the acceleration of NO synthesis. The evaluation in the human body test showed that DS effectively reduced and prevented the swelling of the lower leg. Consequently, it is reasonable to suggest that DS could penetrate into the epidermis and enhance NO synthesis, and NO released from the epidermal keratinocytes could promote the blood flow in the microvasculature and reduce the swelling of the lower leg.
Study of dyeing properties of semipermanent dyestuffs for hair
Authors: Ballarin B. , Galli S. , Morigi M.
Published: February 2007

Synopsis

In this article we have evaluated some of the factors (pH, solvent composition and dye structure) that influence the dyeing of hair with dyes from direct semipermanent categories. These dyes, in fact, have been used more and more in cosmetic industry over the last years, due to their lesser aggressiveness vs. hair fibres. Two different dye classes are investigated: phenylene diamine (HC), well known for their low molecular weight and their small size, and a series of Basic dyes, characterized by the same ionic charge (positive) but with different sizes and different polar groups in the molecule. pH and dyebath composition result critical factors controlling the diffusion and adsorption process.
Protection against singlet oxygen, the main actor of sebum squalene peroxidation during sun exposure, using Commiphora myrrha essential oil
Authors: Auffray B.
Published: February 2007

Synopsis

Squalene is a component of sebum. Both are directly exposed to the external environment and play a key role in skin physiology. They are particularly prone to photo oxidation during sun exposure. We studied the impact of two types of antioxidant on sebum squalene peroxidation by UV irradiation. The first type is free radical scavenger (Butyl hydroxyl toluene and an olive extract rich in hydroxytyrosol). The second type is the essential oil of Commipora myrrha, a singlet oxygen quencher. These properties were confirmed using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl test for antiradical capacity [Yoshida et al. (1989) Chem. Pharm. Bull., 37, 1919; Buenger et al. (2006) Int. J. Cosmet. Sci., 28, 135] and 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran test for the capacity to quench singlet oxygen [Kochewar and Redmond (2000) Meth. Enzymol., 28, 319; Racine and Auffray (2005) Fitoterapia, 76, 316]. Furthermore, we have extended an ex vivo method to classify the efficacy of cosmetics to protect squalene by collecting sebum in vivo and irradiating it in a controlled way. The squalene monohydroperoxide formation is monitored by high performance liquid chromatography. This methods allows us to compare the efficiency of the three antioxidants at 0.6% in a cosmetic formulation to protect squalene from photo oxidation. Our results clearly show that essential oil of Commiphora myrrha provides the best protection against squalene peroxidation. These results demonstrate that squalene peroxidation during solar exposure is mainly because of singlet oxygen and not due to free radical attack. This suggests that sun care cosmetics should make use not only of free radical scavengers but also of singlet oxygen quenchers.
Developmental connections between cranial components and the emergence of the first permanent molar in humans
Authors: Sardi Marina L. , Rozzi Fernando Ramírez
Published: February 2007

The age of emergence of the first molar (M1) is a developmental event correlated with many variables of primate life history, such as adult brain size. The evolution of human life history is characterized by the inclusion of childhood, which takes place between weaning and M1 emergence. Children still depend on adults for nutrition due to their small digestive system and their immature brains. By contrast, juveniles are not dependent because of M1 emergence, which enables shifting to adult type diet, and attainment of nearly adult brain size. In this study, developmental connections between M1 emergence and growth of cranial components were explored in two ways in order to understand the developmental basis of their evolutionary connections: (1) differences in growth trajectories of cranial components with respect to M1 emergence and (2) differences between individuals with and without fully emerged M1. Growth of anteroneural, midneural, posteroneural, otic, optic, respiratory, masticatory and alveolar cranial components was analysed in human skulls of individuals aged 0–20 years and in an adult reference skull. Volumetric indices were calculated to estimate size. Two subsamples were selected in order to focus on the transition between deciduous and permanent dentition: those with full deciduous dentition and before M1 reaches the occlusal plane; and those who present M1 in full emergence and no other cheek‐tooth at the occlusal plane. The principal results were as follows. (1) Trajectories fitted using the whole sample are characterized by an inflection point that takes place before M1 emergence for neural components and around M1 emergence for facial components. (2) Associations between growth and age tend to be strong in those with full deciduous dentition, and weak in those who present M1 in full emergence. (3) Individuals who present M1 in full emergence are larger than those with full deciduous dentition. (4) Growth of components linked to the central nervous system is not linear until M1 emergence. Individuals who present M1 in full emergence are only larger than individuals with full deciduous dentition by 4–5% of adult size. (5) The alveolar component does not show increments between full deciduous dentition and M1 emergence. (6) When volumetric indices were standardized by age, the growth trajectories of individuals with full deciduous dentition and of those with M1 were not decoupled. In general terms, M1 emergence does not show a strong association with growth of the components that may explain differences in life histories. However, the main changes in neural and alveolar components occur in the first 3 years of life, which may be developmentally connected with M1 crown formation.
Surprise, surprise: Two distinct components in the visually evoked distractor effect
Authors: Graupner Sven‐Thomas , Velichkovsky Boris M. , Pannasch Sebastian , Marx Johannes
Published: February 2007

The distractor effect is an inhibition of saccades shortly after a sudden visual event. It has been explained both as an oculomotor reflex and as a manifestation of the orienting response. To clarify which explanation is more appropriate, we investigated a possible habituation of this effect. Visual and auditory distractors were presented at gaze‐contingent intervals during the perception of meaningful pictures. Both reflexlike and modifiable components were present in the visual distractor effect, with latencies of about 110 and 180 ms, respectively. The influence of visual and auditory distractors on saccades preceded the earliest changes in cortical ERPs. Only for long‐term habituation in the visual modality was a correlation with ERPs (N1) found.
Motivational complexity of green consumerism
Authors: Moisander Johanna
Published: February 2007

This paper elaborates on the motivational complexity of green consumerism using a simple model of motivation as an analytical tool. The objective is to provide insights into the challenges that environmentally concerned ‘green consumers’ may face in the markets, as well as to illustrate the limitations of framing and targeting environmental policy measures in terms of individual motivation and morally responsible decision making. On the whole, the paper argues that as a private lifestyle project of a single individual, ‘green consumerism’ is much too heavy a responsibility to bear. Therefore, the author joins the growing number of scholars who argue that in environmental policy the focus on individual consumers is limited and thus needs to be problematized.
The Arctic Alzheimer mutation favors intracellular amyloid‐β production by making amyloid precursor protein less available to α‐secretase
Authors: Sahlin Charlotte , Lord Anna , Magnusson Kristina , Englund Hillevi , Almeida Claudia G. , Greengard Paul , Nyberg Fred , Gouras Gunnar K. , Lannfelt Lars , Nilsson Lars N.G.
Published: February 2007

Mutations within the amyloid‐β (Aβ) domain of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) typically generate hemorrhagic strokes and vascular amyloid angiopathy. In contrast, the Arctic mutation (APP E693G) results in Alzheimer’s disease. Little is known about the pathologic mechanisms that result from the Arctic mutation, although increased formation of Aβ protofibrils in vitro and intraneuronal Aβ aggregates in vivo suggest that early steps in the amyloidogenic pathway are facilitated. Here we show that the Arctic mutation favors proamyloidogenic APP processing by increased β‐secretase cleavage, as demonstrated by altered levels of N‐ and C‐terminal APP fragments. Although the Arctic mutation is located close to the α‐secretase site, APP harboring the Arctic mutation is not an inferior substrate to a disintegrin and metalloprotease‐10, a major α‐secretase. Instead, the localization of Arctic APP is altered, with reduced levels at the cell surface making Arctic APP less available for α‐secretase cleavage. As a result, the extent and subcellular location of Aβ formation is changed, as revealed by increased Aβ levels, especially at intracellular locations. Our findings suggest that the unique clinical symptomatology and neuropathology associated with the Arctic mutation, but not with other intra‐Aβ mutations, could relate to altered APP processing with increased steady‐state levels of Arctic Aβ, particularly at intracellular locations.
POLDISP: a software package for indirect estimation of contemporary pollen dispersal
Authors: ROBLEDO‐ARNUNCIO JUAN J. , AUSTERLITZ FRÉDÉRIC , SMOUSE PETER E.
Published: February 2007

poldisp 1.0 is a free software package to estimate the distribution of pollen dispersal distances from mother–offspring diploid genotypic data. It requires the spatial coordinates and genotypes of a sample of seed plants and their respective maternal progenies, providing estimates of the average, variance and kurtosis of the pollen dispersal curve. poldisp also estimates the effective reproductive density of pollen donors and the correlation of paternity within and among maternal sibships. poldisp is useful for characterizing the spatial scale of pollen dispersal, for assessing the variation in male fertility and for investigating biological factors affecting correlated paternity in plants.
Microsatellite DNA primers for the endangered vermilion darter, Etheostoma chermocki, and cross‐species amplification in other darters (Percidae: Etheostoma)
Authors: KHUDAMRONGSAWAT J. , HEATH L. S. , HEATH H. E. , HARRIS P. M.
Published: February 2007

The endangered vermilion darter (Etheostoma chermocki) is endemic to the Black Warrior River system in the Mobile Basin in Alabama. Restoration and conservation of this species require an understanding of its population genetic structure, which can be characterized using microsatellite DNA. Nine microsatellite loci were developed; eight loci were polymorphic. Although observed heterozygosity was lower than expected heterozygosity in most polymorphic loci, only one locus showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These nine markers were tested in an additional 24 species of Etheostoma and appear to have sufficient allelic variation to be useful in studies of population genetic structure.
Ten microsatellite loci from Zamia integrifolia (Zamiaceae)
Authors: MEEROW ALAN W. , NAKAMURA KYOKO
Published: February 2007

Ten microsatellite loci isolated from Zamia integrifolia are described. All 10 are polymorphic, with three to 10 alleles across 36 members of a single population from South Florida. Heterozygosities ranged from 0.139 to 0.889. Two loci depart significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and exhibit heterozygote deficiency. One locus pair exhibits significant linkage disequilibrium. The primers have also successfully amplified loci from Zamia portoricensis and Zamia ambliphyllidia. These loci will be utilized for population studies in the Caribbean Zamia pumila complex.
Microsatellite markers isolated from barn swallows (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: TSYUSKO OLGA V. , PETERS MAUREEN B. , HAGEN CRIS , TUBERVILLE TRACEY D. , MOUSSEAU TIMOTHY A. , MØLLER ANDERS P. , GLENN TRAVIS C.
Published: February 2007

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) and optimized for future studies of radiation‐induced mutations in populations from Ukraine. The loci were screened for variability among 25 individuals from two populations. The primers amplified loci with relatively high numbers of alleles ranging from five to 32 alleles per locus and polymorphic information content from 0.481 to 0.951. Observed heterozygosity varied from 0.458 to 0.960. None of the loci showed deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in either population.
Nest predation in Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus: an experimental study
Authors: SCHIEGG KARIN , EGER MARC , PASINELLI GILBERTO
Published: February 2007

Predation is a major cause of nest failure in many bird species. High levels of nest loss may be a consequence of habitat fragmentation, leading to increased amounts of edge habitat. Yet the evidence for generally high nest predation rates along edges in fragmented landscapes is ambiguous. Using real nests of Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus in which artificial Reed Bunting and real Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica eggs were placed, we experimentally tested for edge effects on nest predation in highly fragmented reed Phragmites sp. habitats in the Swiss lowlands. We also examined seasonal patterns of predation and the impacts of nest visits by observers. We found evidence for an edge effect at the water‐sided reed edge, with nests located closer to the water being more likely to be predated than those further away. Predation probability increased from early to late season, suggesting that nest predation may be density dependent. Probability of nest predation was only weakly influenced by whether or not a nest was visited. Our results suggest that the intensive reed management currently applied in Swiss nature reserves may result in unnaturally high levels of nest losses in the Reed Bunting, because reed bands are not wide enough to allow nest placement at a safe distance from reed edges.
Rapid morphological divergence of introduced Red‐whiskered BulbulsPycnonotus jocosusin contrasting environments
Authors: AMIOT CHRISTOPHE , LORVELEC OLIVIER , MANDON‐DALGER ISABELLE , SARDELLA ANTONIA , LEQUILLIEC PATRICIA , CLERGEAU PHILIPPE
Published: February 2007

New environmental conditions may impact on behaviour and morphology, and consequently affect population dynamics. Rapid response to new conditions is likely to be a key factor in species introduction success. The Red‐whiskered BulbulPycnonotus jocosusis an Asian species which, following accidental introduction only 30 years ago, has colonized the two climatically and ecologically contrasting sides of the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. We assessed the degree of morphological divergence of mature birds in 11 non‐seasonal and three seasonal characters, in windward and leeward sites. Our study showed (1) that sexual dimorphism existed, (2) that when sexual dimorphism is controlled, nine non‐seasonal characters differed significantly between windward and leeward sites, (3) that these non‐seasonal characters define groups of geographically proximal sites, especially in males, and (4) that classification according to the most indicative character, the bill, also clearly separated birds from windward and leeward sites. These results indicate very rapid morphological divergence, particularly in bill size, in an introduced bird species in fewer than ten generations. We suggest that differences in diet could partly explain this variability.
Use of credit and arrears on debt among low‐income families in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bridges Sarah , Disney Richard
Published: February 2007

Household accumulation of debt and arrears on debt, especially among low‐income families, is an extremely topical issue in the UK media and in policy circles. This paper utilises data from the UK's Survey of Low Income Families in order to examine use of credit, and default and arrears, among low‐income families with children. It shows how credit use and accumulation of arrears differ between single parents and couples with children, and also between homeowners and renters. It also briefly examines the persistence of arrears on specific forms of credit using the panel element of the data‐set, now named the Families and Children Survey.
Compliance costs for personal income tax in a transition country: the case of Slovenia
Authors: Clun Maja
Published: February 2007

The evaluation of taxpayers' compliance costs has grown in significance within tax system research over the last 15 years. In 2001, two surveys of VAT and personal income taxpayers were conducted in Slovenia to evaluate compliance costs for the 2000 fiscal year. This paper presents the results of research into compliance costs for personal income tax in Slovenia. The results show that compliance costs for personal income tax are relatively low, primarily because most taxpayers consider filing their tax declaration to be a simple procedure, which means that consultancy costs are low.