bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel 51‐kDa fragment of the large subunit of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase formed in the stroma of chloroplasts in dark‐induced senescing wheat leaves
Authors: Zhang Lie‐Feng , Rui Qi , Zhang Peng , Wang Xiao‐yuan , Xu Lang‐Lai
Published: May 2007

The degradation of large subunit (LSU) of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Yangmai 158) leaves was studied. A novel 51‐kDa fragment was detected in leaf crude extracts and in chloroplast lysates from leaves with dark‐induced senescence. Further studies showed that the 51‐kDa fragment was found in the reaction solution with stroma fraction but not in that with the chloroplast membrane fraction and in the chloroplast lysates from mature wheat leaves. The reaction of producing the 51‐kDa fragment was inhibited by 4‐(2‐aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF), 1,10‐phenanthroline and EDTA. The N‐terminal sequence analysis indicated that the LSU was cleaved at the peptide bond between Lys‐14 and Ala‐15. In addition, a 50‐kDa fragment of LSU formed obviously at pH 6.0–6.5 was detected in the crude extracts of leaves with dark‐induced senescence but was not found in lysates of chloroplasts. The degradation was prevented by AEBSF, leupeptin and transepoxysuccinyl‐l‐leucylamido (4‐guanidino) butane (E‐64). The results obtained in this study imply that the appearance of the 51‐kDa fragment could be because of the involvement of a new senescence‐associated protease that is located in the stroma of chloroplasts in senescing wheat leaves.
Conversion to mycophenolate mofetil for modulating recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Kornberg A. , Küpper B. , Wilberg J. , Tannapfel A. , Thrum K. , Bärthel E. , Hommann M. , Settmacher U.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Background.The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of cyclosporine A (CsA) taper in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapy on recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) in liver transplant patients.

Patients and methods.Nineteen liver recipients with serologically and morphologically confirmed recurrent HCV were included in this study. After MMF introduction up to a maximum dose of 2000 mg/day, CsA dose was significantly tapered. In the control group immunosuppression remained unchanged. Allograft function and morphology, viral loads, and renal function were analyzed continuously.

Results.MMF treatment was well tolerated without risk of rejection. Allograft fibrosis progressed in 6 patients of the MMF group (66.6%) and none (0%) of the controls at 12‐month biopsy (P=0.005). Moreover, aminotransferases and viral loads increased slightly in the MMF‐treated patients. Renal function improved significantly (serum creatinine: 239.3±90.2 μmol/L vs. 175.8±46.0 μmol/L;P=0.008) in the treatment group, while deteriorating (serum creatinine: 156.8±44.6 μmol/L vs. 214.8±120.1 μmol/L;P=0.06) in the controls.

Conclusion.MMF introduction allows a safe CsA taper in HCV‐positive liver transplant patients and results in significant improvement of renal function. However, there seems to be a risk of marked progression of HCV‐induced allograft injury.
Giant anal condylomatosis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a rare complication of human papilloma virus infection
Authors: Ganguly N. , Waller S. , Stasik C.J. , Skikne B.S. , Ganguly S.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Condyloma acuminata or genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Ongoing proliferation of HPV in patients with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency states leads to the development of rapidly progressive and sometimes locally invasive tumor with or without dysplasia. Aggressive treatment, diagnostic immuno‐typing, and follow‐up are necessary in patients with ongoing immunosuppression. We report a case of giant ano‐genital condylomatosis due to HPV types 6 and 11 in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The tumor was successfully treated with surgical excision and local application of 5% imiquimod cream.
Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in a renal allograft recipient
Authors: Joseph R. , Chacko B. , Manipadam M.T. , Sureka J. , Cherian V.K. , John G.T.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare multisystemic angiocentric lymphoproliferative disease, which can masquerade as necrotic tissue. There is a paucity of reports of LYG in renal transplant recipients. Herein, we describe LYG in a 56‐year‐old renal allograft recipient 11 years after transplantation, on azathioprine and prednisolone maintenance immunosuppression, presenting to us with fever, weight loss, and nodular and patchy opacities in both lung fields. Initial percutaneous samples showed necrotic tissue while open biopsy revealed characteristic histopathology with evidence of Epstein–Barr virus. We have reviewed the radiological and pathological findings, and discussed clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment of LYG.
Airway infection in stable lung transplant patients is associated with decreased intracellular T‐helper type 1 pro‐inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage T‐cell subsets
Authors: Hodge G. , Hodge S. , Reynolds P.N. , Holmes M.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Current immunosuppression protocols to prevent lung transplant rejection reduce pro‐inflammatory and T‐helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines. However, Th1 T‐cell pro‐inflammatory cytokine production is important in host defense against bacterial infection in the lungs. Excessive immunosuppression of Th1 T‐cell pro‐inflammatory cytokines leaves patients susceptible to infection. To investigate whether pulmonary infection in lung transplant recipients is associated with reduced Th1 T‐cell pro‐inflammatory cytokines, whole blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from 13 stable lung transplant patients with ‘culture‐negative’ BAL and 13 patients with ‘culture‐positive’ BAL was stimulated in vitro, and cytokine production by CD8+ and CD4+ T‐cell subsets was determined using multiparameter flow cytometry. In BAL samples, there was a significant decrease in interleukin‐2 (IL2) in CD3+ T cells and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in CD8+ T cells (but not CD4+) in ‘culture‐positive’ compared with ‘culture‐negative’ transplant patients. There was no difference in blood Th1 T‐cell cytokines between ‘culture‐positive’ compared with ‘culture‐negative’ transplant patients. A decrease in Th1 cytokines IL‐2 and TNF‐α in BAL T‐cell subsets is associated with isolation of potentially pathogenic organisms in the lungs in stable lung transplant patients. Excessive immunosuppression of these Th1 T‐cell pro‐inflammatory cytokines in stable transplant patients may leave them susceptible to infection. Modifying immunosuppression by monitoring intracellular Th1 pro‐inflammatory cytokines in BAL T cells may help to improve morbidity and infection rates in stable lung transplant patients.
Surveillance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia in pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation: incidence and outcome of CMV infection and disease
Authors: Bordon V. , Bravo S. , Van Renterghem L. , De Moerloose B. , Benoit Y. , Laureys G. , Dhooge C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a serious problem after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To investigate the incidence of CMV infection and outcome we retrospectively analyzed 70 consecutive pediatric allogeneic HSCTs monitored by CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with at least 1‐year follow‐up or until death. All patients at risk for CMV infection (CMV‐seropositive patients and CMV‐seronegative recipients transplanted from CMV‐seropositive donors) received hyperimmune anti‐CMV globulins whereas in the group of HSCT patients with both donor and recipient CMV negativity, polyvalent immunoglobulins were given, both at a dose of 400 mg/kg. All patients received acyclovir at prophylactic doses for at least 6 months. Patients were monitored twice a week by CMV PCR. Patients with 2 positive results for CMV DNAemia received ganciclovir for 14 days and continued until 2 consecutive negative results were obtained. The incidence of CMV DNAemia was 12.8% (9/70) in the whole group, with significant higher risk for patients with CMV‐seropositive recipient status, 8 out of 22 (36%), vs. patients with seronegative status, 1 out of 48 (2%) (P=0.0002). Three out of 9 patients with DNAemia developed CMV disease despite adequate preemptive treatment. The transplant‐related mortality was higher in the CMV‐seropositive recipient group (P=0.05). Age, use of hyperimmune anti‐CMV globulins at a high dose, and the low incidence of graft‐versus‐host disease might be contributing factors to this low incidence.
The sustainability of ideals, values and the nursing mandate: evidence from a longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Maben Jill , Latter Sue , Clark Jill Macleod
Published: May 2007

This article reports on research that examines newly qualified UK nurses’ experiences of implementing their ideals and values in contemporary nursing practice. Findings are presented from questionnaire and interview data from a longitudinal interpretive study of nurses’ trajectories over time. On qualification nurses emerged with a coherent and strong set of espoused ideals around delivering high quality, patient‐centred, holistic and evidence‐based care. These were consistent with the current UK nursing mandate and had been transmitted and reinforced throughout their ‘prequalification’ programmes. The existence of professional and organisational constraints influenced their ability to implement these ideals and values once in practice. Data analysis revealed that within 2 years in practice the newly qualified nurses could be categorised as sustained idealists, compromised idealists, or crushed idealists. The majority experienced frustration and some level of ‘burnout’ as a consequence of their ideals and values being thwarted. This led to disillusionment, ‘job‐hopping’ and, in some cases, a decision to leave the profession. These data are explored and discussed to inform the question of whether the current nursing mandate is sustainable.
Failures of reproduction: problematising ‘success’ in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Peters Kathleen , Jackson Debra , Rudge Trudy
Published: May 2007

This paper scrutinises the many ways in which ‘success’ is portrayed in representing assisted reproductive technology (ART) services and illuminates how these definitions differ from those held by participant couples. A qualitative approach informed by feminist perspectives guided this study and aimed to problematise the concept of ‘success’ by examining literature from ART clinics, government reports on ART, and by analysing narratives of couples who have accessed ART services. As many ART services have varying definitions of ‘success’ and as statistics are manipulated to promote further patronage of ART services, the likelihood of ‘success’ is often overstated. This paper is concerned with the effects this promotion has on the participants. We suggest that this very mobilisation of statistical success changes the ability of those who access ART services to make productive decisions about themselves inside these treatment regimes, as the basis for decision‐making is hidden by the way numbers, objectivity and clinical reasoning operate to maintain participation in the program. In such an operation, the powerful mix of hope and technology kept participants enrolled far longer than they originally planned. Moreover, how success rates are manipulated raises ethical issues for all involved: clients, counsellors, and nursing and medical professionals.
Cryotherapy for the prostate: an in vitro and clinical study of two new developments; advanced cryoneedles and a temperature monitoring system
Authors: Gowardhan Bharat , Greene Damien
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

To assess the characteristics of two new developments in cryotherapy for the prostate, IceRodsTM (Oncura, Amersham, UK; 17 G cryoneedles with an advanced heat exchanger which produces a precise ice‐ball comparable in size to those with larger diameter cryoneedles) and the MultitempTM 1601 temperature monitoring system (TMS, InvivoSense, Trondheim, Norway) probes, in an in vitro model and in a clinical setting, to assess their usefulness, focusing in particular on the TMS probes.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed the temperature profile and performance of the IceRods in several different configurations, in conjunction with the TMS probes for temperature mapping, in a phantom prostate model. Subsequently 20 patients with prostate cancer were treated with cryosurgery either as a primary or secondary treatment for radiation failure; all had a standard treatment protocol. The temperatures throughout the procedure were recorded accurately and analysed.

RESULTS

The IceRods were better able to freeze tissue, reaching lower temperatures than conventional cryoneedles. The IceRods were also capable of forming ice‐balls with a maximum diameter of >6 cm after freezing at full power for 10 min. The TMS probes depicted real‐time temperature gradients over either four or eight points in a linear array, enabling more thorough monitoring of the temperature changes during a treatment cycle. In the clinical setting, in all 20 patients, therapeutic freezing of <−40 °C was achieved in both the cycles. Temperatures of ≈ − 40 °C were attained in the area just outside the prostate, as measured by the TMS probes, but with variation along the longitudinal axis. The rectal and external urinary sphincter temperatures did not fall below 0 °C at any of the points along the eight‐point temperature probe, but there was variation in temperature along the prostate.

CONCLUSION

IceRods and the TMS probes are clinically useful, requiring fewer cryoneedles and with more efficient temperature monitoring; this would be expected to reduce morbidity and increase safety without compromising an adequate oncological outcome. The IceRods were useful in larger prostates of >3.5 cm long, which obviated the need for a ‘pull‐back’ technique. The TMS probes showed convincingly the variation in temperatures along one line, suggesting that single‐point temperature monitoring might not accurately depict the lowest temperatures reached during treatment, which is particularly important in the rectum. This is a significant development in cryosurgery and would make the procedure safer, reproducible and allow interested clinicians to learn the technique safely and more quickly.
A continental‐scale analysis of tree cover in African savannas
Authors: Bucini Gabriela , Hanan Niall P.
Published: May 2007

Aim  We present a continental‐scale analysis that explores the processes controlling woody community structure in tropical savannas. We analyse how biotic and abiotic factors interact to promote and modify tree cover, examine alternative ecological hypotheses and quantify disturbance effects using satellite estimates of tree cover.

Location  African savannas.

Methods  Tree cover is represented as a resource‐driven potential cover related to rainfall and soil characteristics perturbed by natural and human factors such as fire, cattle grazing, human population and cultivation. Within this framework our approach combines semi‐empirical modelling and information theory to identify the best models.

Results  Woody community structure across African savannas is best represented by a sigmoidal response of tree cover to mean annual precipitation (MAP), with a dependency on soil texture, which is modified by the separate effects of fire, domestic livestock, human population density and cultivation intensity. This model explains c. 66% of the variance in tree cover and appears consistent across the savanna regions of Africa.

Main conclusions  The analysis provides a new understanding of the importance and interaction of environmental and disturbance factors that create the broad spatial patterns of tree cover observed in African savannas. Woody cover increases with rainfall, but is modified by disturbances. These ‘perturbation’ effects depend on MAP regimes: in arid savannas (MAP < 400 mm) they are generally small (< 1% decrease in cover), while in semi‐arid and mesic savannas (400–1600 mm), perturbations result in an average 2% (400 mm) to 23% (1600 mm) decrease in cover; fire frequency and human population have more influence than cattle, and cultivation appears, on average, to lead to small increases in woody cover. Wet savannas (1600–2200 mm) are controlled by perturbations that inhibit canopy closure and reduce tree cover by, on average, 24–34%. Full understanding of the processes determining savanna structure requires consideration of resource limitation and disturbance dynamics.
Palms tracking climate change
Authors: Walther Gian‐Reto , Gritti Emmanuel S. , Berger Silje , Hickler Thomas , Tang Zhiyao , Sykes Martin T.
Published: May 2007

Aim  Many species are currently expanding their ranges in response to climate change, but the mechanisms underlying these range expansions are in many cases poorly understood. In this paper we explore potential climatic factors governing the recent establishment of new palm populations far to the north of any other viable palm population in the world.

Location  Southern Switzerland, Europe, Asia and the world.

Methods  We identified ecological threshold values for the target species, Trachycarpus fortunei, based on gridded climate data, altitude and distributional records from the native range and applied them to the introduced range using local field monitoring and measured meteorological data as well as a bioclimatic model.

Results  We identified a strong relationship between minimum winter temperatures, influenced by growing season length and the distribution of the palm in its native range. Recent climate change strongly coincides with the palm's recent spread into southern Switzerland, which is in concert with the expansion of the global range of palms across various continents.

Main conclusions  Our results strongly suggest that the expansion of palms into (semi‐)natural forests is driven by changes in winter temperature and growing season length and not by delayed population expansion. This implies that this rapid expansion is likely to continue in the future under a warming climate. Palms in general, and T. fortunei in particular, are significant bioindicators across continents for present‐day climate change and reflect a global signal towards warmer conditions.
Etudes de tolérances oculaire et cutanée chez le lapin de differents echantillons d'esters d'acides gras
Authors: GUILLOT J. P. , GIAUFFRET J. Y. , MARTINI M. C. , GONNET J. F. , SOULÉ G.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Des tests ont été conduits, en complément d'études antérieures (1, 2), sur dés produits commerciaux en provenance de différents fournisseurs. La série examinée comporte sept esters isopropyliques et cinq esters butyliques d'acides gras, assez couramment utilisés en cosmétologie. Les essais de tolérances oculaire et cutanée ont été effectués sur le lapin selon les méthodes officielles francaises, mais avec quelques compléments ou modifications. Les résultats montrent que pratiquement tous les produits, testés à l'état pur, ont provoqué des réactions d'intolérance plus ou moins marquées. Seul un stéarate d'isopropyle (sur deux) semble relativement bien tolére malgré un indice d'irritation cutanée primaire supérieur à 1. Deux esters ont été particulièrement agressifs, puisqu'il a fallu interrompre le traitement après cinq semaines d'applications, ce sont: l'isostéarate d'isopropyle et l'un des deux linoléates d'isopropyle. D'autre part, l'étude de ces matières premières en suspension aqueuse à 10% a permis de mettre en évidence une diminution notable des réactions observées à l'état pur, dans la plupart des cas.

Eye and skin irritation tests on the rabbit of several fatty acid esters

Continuing preceding work (1,2), a series of tests has been carried out on the toxicological evaluation of samples of different fatty esters obtained from several manufacturers.

Eye irritation tests and skin irritation and sensitisation tests were carried on the rabbit following the official French methods with minor modifications. When tested pure, nearly all the isopropyl and butyl esters used gave some adverse reactions. Only one sample (out of two tested) of isopropyl stearate appeared to be well tolerated although the primary irritation index on skin was greater than one. The two esters with the greatest adverse skin reactions were isopropyl isostearate and one of two isopropyl linoleates.

Ten per cent aqueous dispersion showed considerable diminution of the adverse reactions in the majority of the cases.

Considering the results obtained in this paper together with those published previously (1) being twenty‐seven samples covering fifteen different fatty esters, the worse reactions were obtained with the C8, C12, C14 saturated together with the oleate and linoleate esters. Isopropyl palmitate, stearyl heptonate and arachidyl propionate were the best tolerated as pure materials.

Other adverse reactions were obtained with the isopropyl, butyl and octyl stearates and isostearates (except for one of two isopropyl stearates) and from these results appears that the alcohol moiety plays little part in irritation when compared with the fatty acid chain.

Examination of peroxy values indicates that these have a significant adverse effect for oleates and linoleates.
Synthetic hectorite – a new toothpaste binder
Authors: MAYES BARRY J. R.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The use of the synthetic inorganic colloid ‘Laponite’ as a toothpaste binder is reviewed. Variables examined include the effect of polishing agent, humectant type and cellulosic co‐binder. Results indicate that stable pastes may be prepared using a blend of Laponite and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose with a small reduction in overall binder level. The maximum binder reduction is achieved using sorbitol as the sole humectant. A simple comparison test also indicates that flavour level may be reduced by up to 25%.

L'hectorite synthetique – un nouveau liant pour dentifrices
Etude toxicologique chez I'animal de différents échantillons de lanoline anhydre, de lanoline modifiée et de dérivés de lanoline
Authors: GUILLOT J.P. , GIAUFFRET J.Y. , MARTINI M.C. , GONNET J. F. , SOULÉ G.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Des tests ont été conduits pour l'évaluation toxicologique de différents éantillons de lanoline anhydre, de dérivés directs de la lanoline, d'acides de lanoline et dérivés, d'alcools de lanoline et dérivés et d'un substitutif de la lanoline. Les échantillons testés étaient des produits du commerce en provenance de différents fournisseurs. Les essais de tolérances oculaire et cutanée ont éte effectués sur le lapin selon les methodes officielles françaises mais avec quelques compléments ou modifications. Cette étude a été complétée, pour un certain nombre de produits, par une évaluation du pouvoir sensibilisant par applications topiques chez le cobaye selon une méthode inspirée de celle de Magnusson et Kligmann. Les résultats montrent que tous les échantillons de lanoline anhydre ont été bien tolérés aux niveaux oculaire et cutané et que les tests prophétiques de sensibilisation se sont révélés négatifs, y compris dans le cas d'un produit ayant trois années de stockage. Parmi les dérives, un échantillon d'alcools de lanoline polyoxyéthylénés (16 m. O.E) sur les deux testés s'est révélé très nettement toxique à l'état pur. La tolérance des autres dérivés a été variable selon le type et la provenance des substances. Le substitutif de lanoline étudié n'a provoqué aucune anomalie pathologique tant au niveau oculaire que cutané.

On 26 July 1976, the European Directive relating to cosmetics products added lanolin to the list of substances which cannot be used in these products beyond previously fixed restrictions and conditions (annexe III) with the obligation that labelling bears the wording ‘contains lanolin'. The French legislation laid down the term ‘Important’ with the above condition, thus drawing attention to the presence of one of the most used substances in the cosmetic industry. Without making an account of the comments which have led to that decision, it is admitted that some dermatologists have noticed for 20 years allergic reactions on few persons, after using ointments containing lanolin or lanolin derivatives. Two facts have been noted after a thorough survey of the observed cases: these reactions occurred first with persons suffering from leg ulcers or chronic eczema, and were caused by the free fatty alcohols fraction. On the other hand, literature does not mention any case of allergic reaction on a healthy skin, whether it is human or animal. As we are aware of the importance of the problem and as we have carried out a routine examination of local tolerance. of the main raw materials, already used in cosmetics, for 3 years (1–4), we considered it was of primary importance to study the results obtained from various samples of anhydrous lanolin and its derivatives. The ocular and cutaneous tolerance tests have been made on the rabbit following.
Physicochemical interactions in processing
Authors: GLADDEN G. P. , FINNERTY P. B. , ALEXANDER D. J.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The manufacturing of toiletries is a complex procedure and many process routes are possible for a given formulation. In the past, considerable attention has been given to the design of manufacturing equipment but there has been relatively little appreciation of the influence of physicochemical interactions during processing. These interactions are likely to be particularly important during the manufacture of dispersions such as emulsions and pastes where phase and interfacial behaviour or particle interactions can be affected by the introduction of electrolytes or surface active species. For emulsions consisting of cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride/long chain alcohol/water, the final rheological behaviour is governed by the formation of a ‘frozen’ lamellar structure in the continuous phase. The phase changes occurring during processing can significantly affect the degree of structure obtained. With powder dispersions, the rheology is affected by the introduction of surface active species due to deflocculation of the particles. Even in complex product systems such as toothpastes, these changes due to powder/detergent interactions are still apparent.

Les interactions physico‐chimiques dans les processus de fabrication
Hydrophilic properties of aromatics
Authors: BONADEO IGINO , LODI VERA , GHIDINI D.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The study of the behaviour of perfume ingredients in emulsions involves several technological problems.

Recently, the scientific and practical validity of the parameter known as ‘hydrophilic value’ Kd (according to Bonadeo) was recognised; it relates to the behaviour of fatty materials in emulsions. The purpose of this research was to verify the reliability of the above parameter as applied to perfume ingredients.

From the experimental results it is possible to establish a mathematical relationship between Kd and the ‘required emulsification value’ (HLBr) of the aromatics used in perfuming cosmetics and toiletries. From the Kd value it is possible to calculate the critical limit of the water phase (CLWP) concerning the single ingredients of a perfume compound.

These parameters are particularly important in predicting the optimal behaviour of perfumes in the chemical‐physical balance of emulsions, with which are connected the principal parameters of the chemical and olfactive stability.

Thus, in practice, it has been demonstrated that the perfumed substances behave as, and can be considered as, other fatty bodies forming the fatty phase of emulsions.

Hydrophilie des huiles essentielles
A new model for the assay of comedolytic activity
Authors: BONNE CLAUDE , ZEZIOLA FRANCE , SECCHI JEAN , SAURAT JEAN‐HICLAIRE
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

An experimental model using the ‘Rhino’ hairless mouse has been developed for screening comedolytic agents.

The skin of this animal presents a high density of spontaneous comedos which appear in histological slices as cystic formations with a large diameter (D) and an open narrow neck (d). The ratio d/D expresses the ‘comedo profile'. Statistical evaluation of this value by standardized measurement allows the quantification of comedolytic activity of pharmacological agents.

Un nouveau modèle pour la mesure de l'activité comédolytique
Studies on isolated corneocytes
Authors: MARKS R. , NICHOLLS S. , KING C.S.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The function of the stratum corneum is dependent on the functions of its constituent parts. This paper focusses on corneocyte dimensions and the implications of change in dimension for function. A technique in which it is possible to obtain a value for corneocyte thickness is described. The changes in corneocyte dimensions with age and site and after topical applications are documented.

Techniques which measure the rate of desquamation are also described. The rate of passive corneocyte loss has been estimated by counting the numbers of corneocytes shed into chambers fixed to the skin surface. In addition the corneocyte loss after a standardized rotational stimulus to the skin surface has been measured. Scanning and transmission electron microscope examination of corneocytes obtained by a scrub procedure is also described. A preliminary report on an immunological approach to the study of the biochemistry of corneocytes and stratum corneum is also included.

Etude de cornéocytes isolés
Occurrence of mercury‐resistant Pseudomonas in emulsion formulations preserved with phenylmercuric acetate
Authors: DIXON H. , DOLAN C. S.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The occurence of mercury‐resistant pseudomonads in a seemingly well‐preserved toiletry formulation is reported.

Microorganisms identified as presumptive Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been isolated from a water‐in‐oil emulsion despite the inclusion of 0.007%phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) as preservative and also from an emulsion containing 0.002% PMA. Pseudomonads were capable of surviving in these emulsions for up to 3 and 12 months respectively. Culture studies confirmed that the isolates were initially resistant to maximum levels of PMA permitted in shampoos and hair creams according to EEC regulations. Microbial resistance of this nature emphasises the importance of strict attention to plant hygiene and good manufacturing practice.

Présence de pseudomonas résistants au mercure dans les émulsions dont le conservateur est l'acétate de phényl mercure
Aspects of skin permeability
Authors: DYER A. , HAYES G. G. , WILSON J. G. , CATTERALL R.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The self‐diffusion of salicylic acid has been monitored radiochemically through pigskins (whole and dermal) and human skins (whole, dermal and epidermal).

The effects of pH, temperature and changing dimethyl formamide (DMF) concentration on the penetration of salicylic acid through the various skin membranes have been evaluated.

Conclusions have been drawn as to the mechanisms operating and some comparisons to zeolite/polystyrene membranes have been made.

Quelques aspects de la perméabilite cutanée
Women's use of cosmetics: psychosocial correlates and consequences
Authors: CASH THOMAS F. , CASH DIANE WALKER
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Few systematic studies have examined individual differences in women's use of facial make‐up or the possible psychosocial effects of such use. In the present investigation, the researchers developed several measures of the amount and the situational and temporal patterning of cosmetics use. Among forty‐two female college students, differential use was associated with a number of selected personality variables‐public self‐consciousness, public body‐consciousness, social anxiety, and various body‐image factors. Through the imagery‐induction of cosmetics use and non‐use conditions, cosmetics users’ self‐evaluative responses were studied. In a variety of imagined situations, subjects reported being more self‐confident and sociable when wearing as opposed to not wearing their customary cosmetics. Findings were discussed in the context of the role of cosmetics in self‐image enhancement and social impression management.

Aspects psycho‐sociaux de l'utilisation des produits cosmétiques par les femmes
Quantification of the skin's topography by skin profilometry
Authors: COOK THOMAS H. , CRAFT TRELIA J. , BRUNELLE ROCCO L. , NORRIS FRANK , GRIFFIN WILLIAM A.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

A method of skin profilometry is presented. The data generated using this method are used to (a) uncover sources of variation in skin profilometry, (b) provide information regarding the choice of roughness parameters best suited for characterizing the skin's topography, and (c) determine if skin profilometry is a valuable tool for quantitatively assessing changes in the skin's surface pattern.

The data show the roughness parameter values to be dependent on the orientation of the tracings with regard to the major grooves and ridges present in the surface patterns. Large variabilities of roughness parameter values obtained for multiple scans within small areas of replicas are indicative of the nonhomogeneity of the skin's surface. The number of peaks, mean peak size, mean depth of roughness, depth of smoothness, and residual profile length appear to be the most utile roughness parameters for quantifying changes in the skin's topography. The ability of skin profilometry to detect subtle changes in the skin's surface pattern due to hydration indicates the method is a sensitive means of quantifying the skin's topography.

Quantification de la topographie de la pedu par la profilométrie de la pedu
Consensus‐Performance Research: Theoretical and Empirical Extensions*
Authors: Dess Gregory G. , Priem Richard L.
Published: May 2007

Research on the consensus‐performance relationship has typically used correlational data to examine the simple, bivariate relationship between top management team consensus and firm performance. the results of this research are equivocal. Recent theoretical work, however, suggests a number of ‘third variables’ that may provide additional insight into the consensus‐performance relationship through the ‘process of elaboration’. This paper presents theoretical models, based on recent theory building, that may be appropriate for incorporating these additional variables in future research.
DEVELOPING A LAY MODEL OF MANAGERIAL EFFECTIVENESS: A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONIST PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Cammock Peter , Nilakant V. , Dakin Stephen
Published: May 2007

This study uses repertory grid interviews and a follow‐up questionnaire study to develop a ‘lay’ theory of managerial effectiveness in a large New Zealand public sector organization. the lay theory is presented as a model with seventeen scales and two factors descriptive of effective and ineffective managers in the organization. the two factors indicate that effective and ineffective managers in the department are differentiated in terms of their conceptual, and interpersonal abilities. the effectiveness model shows strong similarity to models of effective management which have emerged in research outside New Zealand. This similarity is of particular interest given the context‐specific nature of the study. the paper outlines the method used in the study, describes the key findings and discusses their implications for our understanding of managerial effectiveness.
RISK AVOIDANCE STRATEGIES IN VENTURE CAPITAL MARKETS
Authors: Fiet James O.
Published: May 2007

This research compares risk avoidance strategies employed by business angels and venture capital firm investors. It finds that differences in their approaches to evaluating risk lead them to hold predictably different views of the dangers of market and agency risk. the former tend to rely upon the entrepreneur to protect them from losses due to market risk. Consequently, they are more concerned with agency risk than market risk. the latter are more concerned with market risk because they have learned to protect themselves contractually from agency risk using boilerplate contractual terms and conditions. A likely result of their different approaches to avoiding risk is a segmentation of venture capital markets, which has important implications for both entrepreneurs and future research.
THE SHINING LIGHTS? PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS AS AN APPROACH TO SERVICE IMPROVEMENT
Authors: HARTLEY JEAN , DOWNE JAMES
Published: May 2007

Award schemes have proliferated in the public sector worldwide – yet there is little analysis of their role in improving public services through celebrating performance and sharing good practice. This paper theorizes this development, establishing a research agenda to examine the functioning, attractiveness and effectiveness of award schemes, which may be classified as being threshold or competitive schemes. The paper examines a major English competitive award, the Beacon Scheme, and focuses initially on its attractiveness to applicants. The research constructed a database of applications and awards of all English local authorities over six years as well as using interviews and observation. The analysis examined trends over a changing policy context, along with differences in application rates across eligible authorities and perceptions of the scheme. The analysis is used inductively to construct criteria by which the attractiveness of award schemes and their effectiveness in service improvement can be conceptualized.
Personality predicts prospective memory task performance: An adult lifespan study
Authors: CUTTLER CARRIE , GRAF PETER
Published: May 2007

Do interindividual differences in prospective memory task performance reflect individual differences in personality and lifestyle? Do the cognitive abilities known to change with age retain their power to predict episodic prospective memory task performance after controlling for personality and lifestyle variables, and do personality and lifestyle variables offer predictive power apart from that provided by cognitive ability measures? To answer these questions, we conducted a study with community‐living healthy individuals (n= 141) between 18 and 81 years of age. They completed three different episodic prospective memory tasks – two laboratory tasks and one field task – as well as various measures of personality, lifestyle, and cognitive ability. The results indicated that personality and lifestyle reliably predicted who will succeed and who will fail on all three episodic prospective memory tasks. Conscientiousness predicted performance on two of the prospective memory tasks; socially prescribed perfectionism and neuroticism each predicted performance on one of the prospective memory tasks. Cognitive ability predicted performance on one of the laboratory prospective memory tasks but not on the other two prospective memory tasks. After we controlled for individual differences in personality and lifestyle variables, cognitive ability was no longer able to predict performance on the laboratory prospective memory task. By contrast, controlling for cognitive ability had no influence on the predictive power of the personality and lifestyle variables.
The Effectiveness of Housing Management
Authors: Clapham David
Published: May 2007

This article examines the performance of different kinds of landlords in providing housing management services to their tenants by reviewing a number of recent studies on housing management effectiveness. In particular the performance of mass‐landlords (councils and larger housing associations) is contrasted with that of small‐scale, locally‐based, resident controlled landlords such as co‐operatives or community‐based housing associations. Although the evidence is not conclusive, it points to worse performance by large landlords. The paper then assesses the relevance of this evidence to current housing policies and argues that they are unlikely to lead to more effective housing management which is often held by the Government to be one of their major objectives.
Generalism v Specialism in Human Services Management
Authors: Schmidt Hillel
Published: May 2007

The paper focusses upon strategies of adaptation to changing environments adopted by human service organizations. It analyses the influence of the task environment and of the organization's ideology upon the choice of strategies in general, and upon the issue of generalism versus specialism in particular, with respect to two particular human service organizations in Israel — Youth Aliyah and Community Service Organizations. The principal conclusion reached is that specialism is more suitable than generalism for attaining a fit between the organization and its task environment under conditions of rapidly changing, fine‐grained environments.
Older peoples' experiences of Community Care
Authors: Barrett David
Published: May 2007

This exploration of the position of “poor older people”within the context of Community Care, analyses the evidence and identifies discriminatory features that affect their lives. There follows an examination of poverty and the Government's management of the changes in Social Security legislation around pensions and benefits, with special reference to the position of women and carers. Are “economically fragile”older people members of the newly emerging underclass? The consequent inequalities are further explored via the position of carers and retired women in relation to the Benefits System; both groups seem to miss the much heralded effects of the trickle‐down economic ideology. In the era of Citizen's Charters, so called choices for economically fragile service users appear to be little more than Hobson's Choice.
Franz Boas: cultural history for the present, or obsolete natural history?
Authors: Verdon Michel
Published: May 2007

Recently, some neo‐Boasian anthropologists have portrayed Boas as an anthropologist with a deep sense of history, of the individual, and of agency. Focusing on Boas's ethnographic practice rather than his theoretical and programmatic statements, I first find an ‘atomistic’ (opposite of holistic) ethnographer, and a deep convergence between this atomism and Linnaean‐type natural history. In Foucault and Jacob's interpretation of natural history, this means studying socio‐cultural phenomena through their external manifestations, and removes historicity, and even individual cultures, from Boas's ethnography. Reviewing possible counter‐evidence from the holistic Boas (his work on style, meaning, the ‘genius of a people,’ texts, secondary explanations, and psychology), I retrieve the same natural historian, and the same atomism. All these facets of his practice thus appear as surface manifestations of this underlying épistémè, which provides a single interpretative framework making it possible to integrate most of his ethnographic work. Overall, this worldview leaves little, or no, room for individuals and their agency.
Echoes from Kerizinen: pilgrimage, narrative, and the construction of sacred history at a Marian shrine in northwestern France
Authors: Badone Ellen
Published: May 2007

Drawing upon theoretical perspectives developed by Coleman and Elsner, this article contributes to the anthropological understanding of pilgrimage by presenting and interpreting oral narratives and published texts about Kerizinen, a Marian apparition shrine in Brittany, France. Since the Kerizinen apparitions have never been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, pilgrims and shrine promoters construct a corpus of narrative evidence that serves for them to validate the shrine's authenticity, despite the ambivalence and opposition of the institutional Church. Following William A. Christian, Jr, I show how the construction of sacred history at Kerizinen involves a process of selective editing privileging certain types of narratives and narrators.
Love by arrangement: the ambiguity of ‘spousal choice’ in a Turkish village
Authors: Hart Kimberly
Published: May 2007

Through an ethnographic story of a couple in a village in western Turkey who met by arrangement and created a romance before marriage, I explore the relationship between courtship and ideologies of modernity. Parents have absorbed the prejudice that arranged marriage is outmoded and claim they refuse to arrange marriages as a sign of enlightened modernity. In contrast to ideological claims, arranged marriage is not uncommon. Today, arranged marriage bridges the apparent gap between love‐match and arrangement, as parents allow children space for developing romance after engagement. This article shows how ideologies of modernity are modified to accommodate individual needs, and in the process parents are willing to expand the definition of arranged marriage to include romance.
An Adaptive Empirical Bayesian Thresholding Procedure for Analysing Microarray Experiments with Replication
Authors: Walls Rebecca E. , Barber Stuart , Kent John T. , Gilthorpe Mark S.
Published: May 2007

A typical microarray experiment attempts to ascertain which genes display differential expression in different samples. We model the data by using a two-component mixture model and develop an empirical Bayesian thresholding procedure, which was originally introduced for thresholding wavelet coefficients, as an alternative to the existing methods for determining differential expression across thousands of genes. The method is built on sound theoretical properties and has easy computer implementation in the R statistical package. Furthermore, we consider improvements to the standard empirical Bayesian procedure when replication is present, to increase the robustness and reliability of the method. We provide an introduction to microarrays for those who are unfamilar with the field and the proposed procedure is demonstrated with applications to two-channel complementary DNA microarray experiments.
Correlating Point-Referenced Radon and Areal Uranium Data Arising from a Common Spatial Process
Authors: Smith Brian J. , Cowles Mary Kathryn
Published: May 2007

Because exposure to radon gas in buildings is a likely risk factor for lung cancer, estimation of residential radon levels is an important public health endeavour. Radon originates from uranium, and therefore data on the geographical distribution of uranium in the Earth's surface may inform about radon levels. We fit a Bayesian geostatistical model that appropriately combines data on uranium with measurements of indoor home radon in the state of Iowa, thereby obtaining more accurate and precise estimation of the geographic distribution of average residential radon levels than would be possible by using radon data alone.
A Candidate-Set-Free Algorithm for Generating D-Optimal Split-Plot Designs
Authors: Jones Bradley , Goos Peter
Published: May 2007

We introduce a new method for generating optimal split-plot designs. These designs are optimal in the sense that they are efficient for estimating the fixed effects of the statistical model that is appropriate given the split-plot design structure. One advantage of the method is that it does not require the prior specification of a candidate set. This makes the production of split-plot designs computationally feasible in situations where the candidate set is too large to be tractable. The method allows for flexible choice of the sample size and supports inclusion of both continuous and categorical factors. The model can be any linear regression model and may include arbitrary polynomial terms in the continuous factors and interaction terms of any order. We demonstrate the usefulness of this flexibility with a 100-run polypropylene experiment involving 11 factors where we found a design that is substantially more efficient than designs that are produced by using other approaches.