bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro specificities of Arabidopsis co‐activator histone acetyltransferases: implications for histone hyperacetylation in gene activation
Authors: Earley Keith W. , Shook Molly S. , Brower‐Toland Brent , Hicks Leslie , Pikaard Craig S.
Published: September 2007

In genetic hybrids displaying nucleolar dominance, acetylation of lysines 5, 8, 12 and 16 of histone H4 (H4K5, H4K8, H4K12, H4K16) and acetylation of histone H3 on lysines 9 and 14 (H3K9, H3K14) occurs at the promoters of active ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, whereas silenced rRNA genes are deacetylated. Likewise, histone hyperacetylation correlates with the active state of transgenes and of endogenous plant genes involved in physiological processes, including cold tolerance, light‐responsiveness and flowering. To investigate histone hyperacetylation dynamics we used sodium butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor known to switch silent rRNA genes on, in order to enrich the pool of acetylated histones. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed unique mono‐ (K16Ac), di‐ (K12Ac, K16Ac), tri‐ (K8Ac, K12Ac, K16Ac), and tetra‐acetylated (K5Ac, K8Ac, K12Ac, K16Ac) histone H4 isoforms, suggesting that H4 hyperacetylation occurs in a processive fashion, beginning with lysine 16 and ending with lysine 5. Using a combination of molecular and mass spectrometric assays we then determined the specificities of seven of the nine functional co‐activator type histone acetyltransferases (HATs) in Arabidopsis thaliana: specifically HATs of the CBP (HAC1, HAC5, HAC12), GNAT (HAG1, HAG2), and MYST families (HAM1, HAM2). Specific HATs acetylate histone H4K5 (HAM1, HAM2), H4K12 (HAG2), and H3K14 (HAG1), suggesting that acetylation of these lysines may have special regulatory significance. Other acetylation events, including histone H3K9 acetylation, are likely to result from the activities of the broad‐specificity HAC1, HAC5, and HAC12 histone acetyltransferases.
Geranyl diphosphate synthase is required for biosynthesis of gibberellins
Authors: Van Schie Chris C. N. , Ament Kai , Schmidt Axel , Lange Theo , Haring Michel A. , Schuurink Robert C.
Published: September 2007

Geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPS) is generally considered to be responsible for the biosynthesis of monoterpene precursors only. However, reduction of LeGPS expression in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by virus‐induced gene silencing resulted in severely dwarfed plants. Further analysis of these dwarfed plants revealed a decreased gibberellin content, whereas carotenoid and chlorophyll levels were unaltered. Accordingly, the phenotype could be rescued by application of gibberellic acid. The dwarfed phenotype was also obtained in Arabidopsis thaliana plants transformed with RNAi constructs of AtGPS. These results link geranyl diphosphate (GPP) to the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway. They also demand a re‐evaluation of the role of GPS in precursor synthesis for other di‐, tri‐, tetra‐ and/or polyterpenes and their derivatives.
Lessons from local engagement in Latin American health systems
Authors: Meads Geoffrey D. , Griffiths Frances E. , Goode Sarah D. , Iwami Michiyo
Published: September 2007

Objectives  To examine the management of recent policies for stronger patient and public involvement in Latin American health systems, identifying common features and describing local practice examples of relevance to the UK.

Context  Participation is a core principle of many contemporary policies for health system reform. In Latin America, as in the UK, it is frequently associated with innovations in primary care services and their organizational developments. This shared interest in alternative models of local engagement offers new opportunities for collaborative research and policy development.

Design  Commissioned by UK policy makers, a 4‐year research programme was designed to promote exchanges with international counterparts focusing on how modern reform policies are being implemented. The selected countries possessed comparable principles and timeframes for their reforms. A series of individual country case studies were undertaken. Data were drawn from literature and documentary reviews; semi‐structured interviews with national policy makers and expert advisers; and with management representatives at local exemplar sites. The aggregate data were subjected to thematic analysis applying a model for sustainable development.

Results  Six common factors were identified in Latin American policies for stronger patient and public involvement. From these the most significant transferable learning for the UK relates to the position and status of professions and non‐governmental agencies. Illustrative case exemplars were located in each of the eight countries studied.
Development and characterization of SCAR markers associated with a dominant genic male sterility in rapeseed
Authors: Hong D. F. , Liu J. , Yang G. S. , He Q. B.
Published: September 2007

Rs1046AB is a dominant genic male sterility (DGMS) line in rapeseed, in which the sterility has always been thought to be conditioned by the interaction of a male sterility gene (Ms) and its non‐allelic restorer gene (Rf). This system provides not only a tool for assisting in recurrent selection but also a promising system for hybrid production. Based on previous studies, two amplified fragment length polymorphism markers linked with the Ms gene were converted into a dominant and a co‐dominant sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker, respectively. The putative linear order relationship of three dominant SCAR markers with the same genetic distance from the Rf gene, was also determined by an examination of whether the homologues of these markers are present or not in different lines carrying Rf. A bigger fragment generated by the closest marker linked to the Rf gene was observed in all lines carrying the recessive allele rf, suggesting that this marker is a co‐dominant marker, which was further confirmed by nucleotide sequence comparison of these fragments. SCAR markers specific for Ms and Rf will be especially valuable in marker‐assisted DGMS three‐line breeding.
Anaplastic astrocytoma with eosinophilic granular cells
Authors: Kinjo Sawako , Yokoo Hideaki , Hirato Junko , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: September 2007

A 68‐year‐old man, who had no remarkable past medical history, was referred to a hospital because of disorientation and right‐sided hemiparesis. On magnetic resonance imaging, a contrast‐enhanced tumor in the left frontal lobe with perifocal edema was noted. He underwent left frontal lobectomy. Microscopic examination revealed infiltrative atypical astrocytes showing increased cellularity, distinct nuclear atypia, and many mitotic figures, while microvascular proliferation and necrosis were absent. Thus, the tumor was histologically diagnosed as anaplastic astrocytoma. It was of note that cytoplasmic eosinophilic granules were observed in approximately 25% of neoplastic cells. The granules were positively immunostained with anti‐αB‐crystallin antibody, and the other histochemical and immunohistochemical results also corresponded to Rosenthal fibers. The MIB‐1 labeling index of the highest area of the tumor was 22%, while that of granular cells was 2.1%. An ultrastructural study revealed amorphous electron‐dense structures attached to intermediate filament bundles, compatible with Rosenthal fibers. Such structures are relatively common in oligodendroglial tumors; however, they are extremely rare in astrocytic tumors. Fluorescence in situ hybridization targeted against chromosome 1 failed to demonstrate allelic loss of the short arm. The present case should also be discriminated from granular cell astrocytoma. We review related literature and discuss the significance of granules in gliomas.
Low grade ganglioglioma rapidly progressing to a WHO grade IV tumor showing malignant transformation in both astroglial and neuronal cell components
Authors: Mittelbronn Michel , Schittenhelm Jens , Lemke Dieter , Ritz Rainer , Nägele Thomas , Weller Michael , Meyermann Richard , Beschorner Rudi
Published: September 2007

Gangliogliomas are rare CNS neoplasms mostly occuring in young adults and are usually assigned to WHO grade I. The few cases of WHO grade IV gangliogliomas were either primarily malignant glio‐neuronal tumors or underwent malignant progression from other WHO grades after radiotherapy. Herein, we present the case of a now 47‐year‐old female patient presenting with a benign ganglioglioma and showing a tumor recurrence 2 years later with an anaplastic ganglioglioma, assigned to WHO grade IV, with malignant transformation in both glial and neuronal components. The presented case is the first reported low‐grade ganglioglioma rapidly progressing to a WHO grade IV glio‐neuronal tumor not being associated with radiotherapy and showing malignant transformation in both astroglial and neuronal tumor cell components.
Amplified expression of uncoupling proteins in human brain ischemic lesions
Authors: Nakase Taizen , Yoshida Yasuji , Nagata Ken
Published: September 2007

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are reported to regulate mitochondrial respiration and energy metabolism during hibernation. Recently, it has been reported that UCP2 and UCP5 might reduce free radical stress in the ischemic condition in in vitro models, suggesting both as potential neuroprotective agents. We therefore investigated the levels of UCP2 and UCP5 expression in the lesion of human brain infarction. Brain slice sections were prepared from pathological samples collected at our hospital. Embolic stroke brains sectioned because of the stroke (n = 5) and multiple brain infarction with several stroke episodes (n = 4) were selected for this study. We observed the amount of UCP2 and UCP5 expression in both lesioned and intact areas, and compared them between embolic stroke and multiple infarcton cases. The results showed that the expression of UCP2 and UCP5 was significantly elevated in the ischemic lesions compared to the intact area. UCP5 expression in the lesions was higher in multiple infarction cases than in embolic stroke cases. In conclusion, brains may respond to neuroprotection through the increased expression of UCP2 and UCP5 under ischemic conditions. Moreover, UCP5 may respond to repetitive ischemic stresses or have a long‐term effect.
Secretory meningioma of the middle ear: A light microscopic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of one case
Authors: Cenacchi Giovanna , Ferri Gian Gaetano , Salfi Nunzio , Tarantino Lucia , Modugno Giovanni C. , Rinaldi Ceroni Alberto , Martinelli Giuseppe N.
Published: September 2007

A 66‐year‐old woman was referred with left hearing loss. A probable diagnosis of left secretory otitis media with effusion was formulated. A left myringotomy was performed to remove hyperplastic hard tissue from the tympanic cavity. A high resolution CT scan of the temporal bone disclosed a soft‐tissue mass completely involving the mastoid and tympanic cavity, surrounding the ossicular chain which appeared spared with no signs of infiltration. The histopathologic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural response was secretory meningioma, a rare variant of conventional meningothelial meningioma in atypical sites.
Animal models of Parkinson's disease: Similarities and differences between the disease and models
Authors: Hattori Nobutaka , Sato Shigeto
Published: September 2007

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, akinesia, and postural instability. In addition, PD is characterized by the appearance of Lewy bodies in the remaining neurons. The exact etiology for this disease is still unknown. However, genetic–environmental interaction could contribute to the pathomechanisms of PD. Indeed, seven causative genes responsible for familial PD have been identified. Since discovery of familial PD (FPD), genetic PD models have been developed. Moreover, new PD models using neurotoxins have been reported. In this review, the similarities between human PD and PD models such as genetic mice and Drosophila models are reviewed.
Anatomical study of perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy
Authors: Saito Seiichi , Murakami Gen
Published: September 2007

Aim:  One of the major disadvantages of radical perineal prostatectomy used to be that lymphadenectomy could not be conducted through the same incision. We anatomically evaluate perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy using cadavers.

Methods:  Three male specimens that had been subjected to pathological dissection were examined for perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy and the inside views were shown. Operation time, the number of lymph nodes and the inside views of cadavers were evaluated.

Results:  We can carry out obturator lymphadenectomy as well as partial internal iliac and external iliac lymphadenectomy between the obturator nerve and external iliac vein under direct vision or laparoscopy in about 20 min. The median number of lymph nodes removed from the three cadavers was eight. It may be easier after prostatectomy because there is then enough space.

Conclusion:  This method resolves one of the major disadvantages of perineal prostatectomy and makes possible a wide variety of perineal operations.
Three cases of urolithiasis associated with sarcoidosis: A review of Japanese cases
Authors: Kato Yuji , Taniguchi Narumi , Okuyama Mitsuhiko , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  We report three cases of urolithiasis associated with sarcoidosis and reviewed the Japanese published reports. All cases had hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, hypercalciuria and renal dysfunction. A serum level of 1,25‐(OH)2D3 was elevated and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) was decreased. Stone components were predominantly calcium oxalate. Abnormal calcium metabolism is a well‐known feature of sarcoidosis and the reported prevalence of urolithiasis in patients with sarcoidosis was 1.3–14.0% in the English published reports. However, urolithiasis associated with sarcoidosis is uncommon in Japan and we could find only 16 documented cases including ours. Abnormal calcium metabolism is caused by an increase in serum concentration of 1,25‐(OH)2D3, which is derived from endogenous overproduction in the pulmonary macrophages. If patients with urolithiasis have abnormal calcium metabolism, renal impairment and suppression of PTH, the possibility of sarcoidosis should be considered for a differential diagnosis. Also, it should be emphasized that the presence or developing of urolithiasis is to be monitored during follow up of patients with sarcoidosis.
Posterior approach for retroperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy in prone position: Initial experience with four cases
Authors: Tanaka Kazushi , Kawabata Gaku , Takeda Masashi , Takenaka Atsushi , Hara Isao , Fujisawa Masato
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is known to recur in some patients after renal transplantation. Recently, laparoscopic nephrectomy has been introduced as a minimally invasive surgery. We present our experience with our first four patients with FSGS who underwent simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy in the prone position by means of retroperitoneal laparoscopy before renal transplantation. This procedure provided adequate visualization and created enough working space for manipulation. The patients did not need to be repositioned. The mobilized specimens were removed through an incision extending from the first port or by means of morcellation within the sack. Mean operative time was 325 min and mean blood loss was 281 mL. The average time to resumption of oral intake was 1.3 days and all patients started ambulation on postoperative day 1. No major complications were observed. In conclusion, this procedure may become a useful option for native nephrectomy for FSGS patients before transplantation.
Molecular dynamics simulation of crack tip blunting in opposing directions along a symmetrical tilt grain boundary of copper bicrystal
Authors: LUQUE A. , ALDAZABAL J. , MARTÍNEZ‐ESNAOLA J. M. , GIL SEVILLANO J.
Published: September 2007

Mode I crack growth along some grain boundaries of copper embrittled by solute segregation shows strong anisotropy. For instance, growth along the direction on the symmetrical tilt boundary has been reported to occur by intergranular brittle fracture, whereas growth along the opposite sense occurs in a ductile manner. In this paper, we simulate such crack configurations using molecular dynamics (embedded atom method [EAM]) in 3‐dimensional perfect bicrystalline samples of pure copper of the aforementioned orientation at room temperature. In both cases the response is ductile, crack opening taking place by dislocation emission from the crack tip. The critical stress intensity factors (SIFs) for dislocation emission have been calculated by matching the displacement fields of the atoms in the tip neighbourhood with the continuum elastic fields. They are of the same order of magnitude for both growth senses despite the different morphology of their respective blunted crack tips and of the patterns of dislocations constituting their plastic zones. Thus, it seems that, in agreement with published results of continuum crystalline plasticity for the same problem, the plastic anisotropy associated with the different orientation of the slip systems with respect to the crack cannot in this case explain the experimental behaviour observed with solute embrittled bicrystals.
The interaction between personality, offspring fitness and food abundance in North American red squirrels
Authors: Boon Adrienne K. , Réale Denis , Boutin Stan
Published: September 2007

Animal personality is now frequently reported in wild and captive populations. It has been shown to be moderately heritable and to have potentially important fitness consequences. Variation in personality within a population may be maintained by balancing selection if different values of personality traits are favoured under different conditions. We measured personality in 98 female North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Erxleben), and examined whether its variation could be maintained by changing selection pressures acting via reproductive traits and yearly variation in food abundance. There was no effect of personality on parturition date or litter size, but a female’s activity was correlated to the growth rate of her offspring in the nest, and her aggressiveness was correlated to their survival in the nest and overwinter. The magnitude and direction of the effects changed among life history stages and years, possibly in association with food supply in some cases, and may indicate a role for balancing selection in the maintenance of personality.
Native bees provide insurance against ongoing honey bee losses
Authors: Winfree Rachael , Williams Neal M. , Dushoff Jonathan , Kremen Claire
Published: September 2007

One of the values of biodiversity is that it may provide ‘biological insurance’ for services currently rendered by domesticated species or technology. We used crop pollination as a model system, and investigated whether the loss of a domesticated pollinator (the honey bee) could be compensated for by native, wild bee species. We measured pollination provided to watermelon crops at 23 farms in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, USA, and used a simulation model to separate the pollen provided by honey bees and native bees. Simulation results predict that native bees alone provide sufficient pollination at > 90% of the farms studied. Furthermore, empirical total pollen deposition at flowers was strongly, significantly correlated with native bee visitation but not with honey bee visitation. The honey bee is currently undergoing extensive die‐offs because of Colony Collapse Disorder. We predict that in our region native bees will buffer potential declines in agricultural production because of honey bee losses.
The ‘Heuristics and Biases’ Bias in Expert Elicitation
Authors: Kynn Mary
Published: September 2007

In the early 1970s Tversky and Kahneman published a series of papers on ‘heuristics and biases’ describing human inadequacies in assessing probabilities, culminating in a highly popular article in Science. This seminal research has been heavily cited in many fields, including statistics, as the definitive research on probability assessment. Curiously, although this work was debated at the time and more recent work has largely refuted many of the claims, this apparent heuristics and biases bias in elicitation research has gone unremarked. Over a decade of research into the frequency effect, the importance of framing, and cognitive models more generally, has been almost completely ignored by the statistical literature on expert elicitation. To remedy this situation, this review offers a guide to the psychological research on assessing probabilities, both old and new, and gives concrete guidelines for eliciting expert knowledge.
Regulatory Choices: Analyzing State Policy Design
Authors: KOSKI CHRIS
Published: September 2007

Social regulatory policy designs are the outcomes of combinations of political decisions. This article addresses the factors that affect specific choices about regulatory provisions, which I term the scope, stringency, and prescription of policy design. These are investigated for American state efforts to regulate the water quality impacts of concentrated animal feeding operations. I find that Republican partisan control reduces the scope of a policy design; environmental groups work to increase design stringency, while trade groups work to reduce it; and governors use personal and formal powers to influence the prescription of regulatory provisions.
Developing Codes of Conduct: Regulatory Conversations as Means for Detecting Institutional Change
Authors: JONNERGÅRD KARIN , LARSSON ULF
Published: September 2007

The introduction of a new corporate governance code in Sweden, modeled after prevailing Anglo‐Saxon norms of corporate governance, offers the opportunity to investigate global regulatory convergence. Using the metaphor of regulatory space, this article analyzes the positions of the parties who submitted formal responses to the introduction of “The Swedish Code of Corporate Governance—A Proposal from the Code Group.” While the globalization of financial markets might forecast unconditional acceptance of the proposed code by business and financial interests, the analysis of who made comments, and what was said, reveals three categorically distinct groups: Swedish business “insiders” connected to the existing institutional framework who opposed changes that would erode traditional division of functions, including collective responsibility for the actions of company boards; “outsiders” (i.e., foreign investors and more marginal Swedish investors) aligned with Anglo‐Saxon internationalization of the markets who would change the system of corporate accountability; and the professions (i.e., auditors), who advocated for their professional interests. Of the three groups, Swedish business insiders were most successful in gaining support for their positions. Although international financial and political interests were key to the introduction of the Code in the first place, the article demonstrates how the dynamics of national (local) culture and power structures influence the transfer of regulatory law across jurisdictions.
Deep gray matter hyperperfusion with occipital hypoperfusion in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Sato T. , Hanyu H. , Hirao K. , Shimizu S. , Kanetaka H. , Iwamoto T.
Published: September 2007

Although decreased occipital perfusion is a characteristic feature of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), not all patients with DLB show a significant decreased perfusion in the occipital lobe. We explored characteristics of perfusion changes to improve the identification of DLB, in addition to occipital hypoperfusion. Statistical image analysis of single photon emission computed tomography data was performed on 22 patients with DLB and 25 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A significant decreased perfusion in the occipital lobe was found in 16 patients with DLB (72%) and three patients with AD (12%), while a significant increased perfusion in the deep gray matter (striatum and/or thalamus) was found in 18 patients with DLB (81%) and eight patients with AD (31%), respectively. Either occipital hypoperfusion or deep gray matter hyperperfusion was found in 21 patients with DLB (95%), while in nine patients with AD (35%), indicating a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 65% in discriminating DLB from AD. Our results suggest that the addition of deep gray matter hyperperfusion to occipital hypoperfusion may be useful in the clinical differentiation of DLB and AD.
Children Who Commit Sexual Offences: Some Legal Anomalies and Practical Approaches to the Law
Authors: JANES LAURA
Published: September 2007

Abstract: This article is concerned with the treatment of children who are convicted of sexual offences in the criminal justice system. It provides a brief survey of the prevalence of sexual offences committed by children. It reviews some of the key legislation that deals with children who commit sexual offences with a particular focus on some of the anomalies contained within it. Drawing on the experience of the work of the Howard League's legal department, it identifies a systematic failure to deal with these children in a constructive way and suggests some ways in which the law can be used to improve the chances of effective rehabilitation for children who are convicted of sexual offences.
The effect of immigration in the retirement age reforms: learning from a numerical example
Authors: Lacomba Juan A. , Lagos Francisco
Published: September 2007

This article examines the role played by the low‐skilled immigrant labour force in countries aiming to reform their public pension systems by postponing the pensionable age. With an overlapping‐generations model in continuous time and a fully redistributive pension system, the results of this article suggest that immigration could imply a delay in the pensionable retirement age. Further, we find that the preference for a delay in retirement age increases with the labour productivity of both immigrants and native population.
Morocco's Migration Experience: A Transitional Perspective1
Authors: De Haas Hein
Published: September 2007

Using a ‘transitional’ perspective on migration, which combines three theoretical approaches on dynamic development‐migration linkages, this paper interprets the evolution of migration within, from, and to Morocco over the twentieth century. Colonization and the incorporation of rural areas, along with a certain level of socio‐economic development, have spurred internal and international wage labour migration both within Morocco and from Morocco to Europe. Migration seems to be the result of development rather than the lack of development. Populations from highly marginalized regions were less likely to participate in migration than populations from the three, moderately enclosed “migration belts” which had established traditions of pre‐modern, largely circular migration. At the onset of large‐scale emigration in the 1960s, the spatial patterns of labour migration were significantly infuenced by colonial bonds with Spain and France, selective labour recruitment, and Moroccan selective passport issuance policies.

However, the influence of such policies rapidly decreased due to the effects of migration‐facilitating networks. Increasingly restrictive policies coincided with a growing reliance on family migration, permanent settlement, undocumented migration, and the exploration of new migration itineraries, and had no success in reducing migration levels.Alongside patterns of decentralizing internal migration, a spatial diffusion of international out‐migration has expanded beyond the historical migration belts in response to new labour opportunities in southern Europe. Persistent demand for migrant labour, along with demographic factors and increasing aspirations, suggest that migration over formally closed borders is likely to remain high in the near future. However, in the longer term, out‐migration might decrease and Morocco could increasingly develop into a migration destination for migrants from sub‐Saharan Africa, a transition process which may already have een set in motion.
What Makes an Entrepreneur and Does it Pay? Native Men, Turks, and Other Migrants in Germany
Authors: Constant Amelie , Shachmurove Yochanan , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: September 2007

This paper focuses on the entrepreneurial endeavours of immigrants' and natives in Germany, concentrating on Turks, Germany's largest immigrant group and one under‐studied in the literature. Self‐employed Turks in Germany represent about 70 per cent of all Turkish entrepreneurs in the European Union. We use data from the German Socio‐economic Panel to study patterns of self‐employment. First, we identify the characteristics of the self‐employed individuals and understand their underlying drive into self‐employment. Next we investigate how immigrant entrepreneurs fare in the labour market and compare their earnings to those of the natives. It is important for decision makers to understand entrepreneurial patterns so that they can shape policy that better fosters entrepreneurial activities.

This paper presents several findings that can inform better policymaking. First, our investigation indicates that education is not decisive in determining whether one will choose self‐employment over salaried work nor in explaining earnings. The estimated age‐earnings profiles are the same for natives and immigrants, while the proclivity to become self‐employed is concave with respect to age for both groups. Immigrants' start with a higher probability to work than natives but have a slower increase in the self‐employment probabilities thereafter. The earnings of self‐employed immigrants' are higher initially, but their earnings path crosses eventually that of the natives. Second, we find some suggestion of ethnic entrepreneurial spirit. Turks are 70 per cent more likely to be self‐employed than any other immigrant group, although they do not necessarily earn more. These patterns should be further explored.
In vitro stability of triclosan in dentifrice under simulated use condition
Authors: Hao Z. , Parker B. , Knapp M.
Published: September 2007

Synopsis

Triclosan has been formulated into a dentifrice at a 0.3% level to enhance the antibacterial function of the dentifrice, to improve oral health and to decrease the daily malodor inside the mouth cavity. The hypothesis that chloroform may be generated from triclosan when contacted with chlorinated drinking water has challenged our guarantee of safe use of triclosan in oral care products, especially in Colgate Total® toothpaste. Currently, there was no available analytical method to detect chloroform levels under the use conditions expected during daily tooth brushing. To fill this gap and to continue guaranteeing that our customers can safely use Colgate Total® toothpaste products, a gas chromatography–single ion monitoring–mass spectrometry method for detecting chloroform in artificial saliva media has been developed. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation are about 41 and 130 ppb, respectively. This LOD level is lower than the current Environmental Protection Agency trihalomethanes contamination limit, which is required for our daily drink water. Our in vitro study indicated that Colgate Total® does not form detectable chloroform levels (41 ppb) over the range of expected consumer‐brushing times while using normal chlorinated drinking water.
In vitro skin permeation and retention of parabens from cosmetic formulations
Authors: Pedersen S. , Marra F. , Nicoli S. , Santi P.
Published: September 2007

Synopsis

Parabens are antimicrobial agents widely used in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Although non‐mutagenic, non‐teratogenic and non‐carcinogenic, parabens can induce allergic contact dermatitis and posses estrogenic activity. The aim of this work was to assess the skin permeation and retention of methyl‐ (MP), ethyl‐ (EP) and propyl‐ (PP) paraben from three commercial cosmetic creams. The results obtained indicate that parabens are capable of permeating through and accumulating in the skin. The extent of penetration depends more on paraben characteristics (solubility, lipophilicity) than on the composition of the formulation. In particular, the percentage permeated across the skin was independent of the composition of the cream used and decreased in the order MP, EP and PP, in accordance with decreasing solubility. After 8 h of contact with the skin, 60% of MP, 40% of EP and 20% of PP were found across the skin. Concerning skin retention, the percentage remaining in the skin after 8 h depends on both paraben characteristics and on the composition of the formulation used. In conclusion, it appears that only the type of paraben, in particular its water solubility, affects skin penetration whereas the composition of the emulsion, which influences skin retention, plays a secondary role. Finally, excised rabbit ear skin can be considered as a good model for human skin for in vitro experiments.
Use of associating polymers as multifunctional thickeners: studies of Their structure in aqueous solutions via nmr, qels, fluorescence, And rheology measurements
Authors: Yoshida Katsunori , Nakamura Ayano , Nakajima Yuki , Fukuhara Tadao , Inoue Haruhiko , Kaneda Isamu
Published: September 2007

The solution properties of an associating polymer were studied by NMR, quasi‐elastic light scattering (QELS), fluorescence, and rheology measurements. An associative thickening (AT) polymer was designed having a nonionic poly(ethylene oxide) backbone with long alkyl chains at both ends to achieve high viscosity even at relatively high salt concentrations and over a wide pH range. This study focuses on the associative state of the polymer in aqueous solutions at various polymer concentrations. In a fluorescence probe study using pyrene a spectral change in the I3/I1 ratio was observed for pyrene at a polymer concentration (Cp) of 3 x 10‐4%, indicating an apparent critical concentration (cmc) of the amphiphilic polymer. The viscosity, self‐diffusion coefficient (Dsel), and hydrodynamic size (Rh) distribution measurements at various Cp all suggest that there is a second transition at Cp≅ 0.4%. Although we observed the discontinuity in viscosity, Dsel, and Rh at Cp≅ 0.4%, no changes in the relaxation times (T1 and T2) were recognized for either the alkyl chain or the ethylene oxide moiety of the polymer at C p= 0.1–1%. These data suggest that there are no structural changes or phase transitions at Cp≅ 0.4%, but that intermicellar networks are presumably formed by bridging of the end alkyl groups of the polymer, which is driven by hydrophobic forces. Because the polymer forms networks by hydrophobic interaction and the polymer itself is nonionic, the viscosity of the polymer solution was influenced very little by either the addition of salt or a pH change, as would be expected. The dynamic viscoelastic study revealed that the polymer solution exhibits a single mode Maxwell type relaxation behavior with a terminal relaxation time of about 0.61 s, which imparts a unique flow appearance to the polymer solutions. The time course measurements of the dynamic elastic modulus of the stratum corneum revealed that the polymer has excellent potential for skin softening. It was concluded that the associative thickening polymer not only is a useful thickener with a salt and pH tolerance but also has beneficial skincare effects.
Fragrance raw materials and essential oils can reduce prostaglandin E2 formation in keratinocytes and reconstituted human epidermis
Authors: Natsch Andreas , Wasescha Michael
Published: September 2007

Synopsis

Essential oils and certain perfumery raw materials exhibit a wide range of beneficial biological activities. Besides the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐irritant effects are most often cited. One specific mode of action is the reduction of the formation of the key mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). To study this activity in detail and to create cosmetically useful fragrances with the potential to reduce a key marker of skin irritancy in keratinocytes, an initial screening with pig blood platelets was conducted on 900 perfumery raw materials. Active compounds were then validated in a human keratinocyte cell line. Compounds which successfully reduced PGE2 formation in this assay were used for the creation of active fragrances. These final fragrances reduced PGE2 formation by >80% when dosed at 0.8 μg mL−1 to keratinocytes. Application of such a fragrance in a hydrogel allowed reduction of UVB‐induced PGE2 formation in reconstituted epidermis (MatTec EpiDermTM). Similarly, antiperspirant‐induced formation of PGE2 in reconstituted epidermis was reduced to background levels if these novel fragrances were used in the antiperspirant formulation. In conclusion, fragrances with this added cosmetic benefit can be created based on a database from a comprehensive screening. These fragrances may find use as a part of a formulation strategy optimizing each part of a cosmetic formulation for optimal product mildness.
Perfluoropolyether phosphate: skin exfoliation after a topical pre‐treatment, TEWL and skin elasticity, by in‐vivo non‐invasive methods
Authors: Ostacolo C. , Sacchi A. , Bernardi A. , Laneri S. , Brunetta A. , Pantini G.
Published: September 2007

Synopsis

Glycolic acid (GA) and other alpha‐hydroxyacids (AHAs) are common ingredients of products designed to accelerate exfoliation of the skin. It is known that acidic pHs are essential in order to increase the efficacy of AHA‐based products. The formulator is, therefore, obliged to achieve a difficult balance between performance (skin exfoliation) and risks (skin irritation). In order to overcome this problem, many common organic acids, and combinations of them, have been proposed, with marginal improvements. The need for a new chemistry, in order to achieve better results, was evident, particularly from the point of view of safety. We decided, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of perfluoropolyether (PFPE) phosphate, a new acidic material, already proposed for lowering the pH without increasing skin irritation. Two gels containing PFPE phosphate at different pH values (3 and 7), an acidic gel containing GA at pH 3, and a neutral gel, without an active compound, were applied on 20 healthy volunteers and evaluated with regard to effects on the skin:

Exfoliation after a topical pre‐treatment with these gels

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and elasticity

The main conclusion of the investigation was that PFPE phosphate has effects, particularly skin exfoliation rate, quite independent of the pH, and comparable to the gel containing GA at pH 3, apparently without the typical drawbacks of AHAs.
Trade‐off between resource seasonality and predation risk explains reproductive chronology in impala
Authors: Moe S. R. , Rutina L. P. , Du Toit J. T.
Published: September 2007

We investigated the variation in birth synchrony displayed by impalaAepyceros melampuspopulations across their distribution from southern to eastern Africa. Our analysis was based on field data from Chobe National Park in Botswana and Mala Mala Private Game Reserve in South Africa (4 and 13 years of monitoring, respectively). We compared our results with those from other studies conducted across the impala species range. Impala lambing was highly synchronized in Chobe with 90% of lambs born within 2 weeks in mid‐November. Variation in rainfall in the preceding wet season explained 74% of variation in the dates of the first lamb observation in Mala Mala. In Chobe, the earliest birth peak occurred after the highest rainfall and the body condition of lambs in that cohort was also best for both males and females. No association was found between the lunar cycle and the estimated onset of the conception period, despite previous studies having found an association between the lunar cycle and the rutting behaviour in males. On a regional scale, impalas in areas with a marked dry season (several months with no rain) tend to synchronize births with the onset of the rains, when grass quality is highest. Number of months with rain explained 78% of the regional variation in birth synchrony. Neither latitude nor total rainfall contributed significantly to a stepwise multiple regression model. These data support the theory that impalas synchronize births in areas with a highly seasonal food supply, and temporally space births in less seasonal (equatorial) areas to reduce predation risks.
Ontogenetic differences in the spatial ecology of immature Komodo dragons
Authors: Imansyah M. J. , Jessop T. S. , Ciofi C. , Akbar Z.
Published: September 2007

The early life‐history stages of reptiles are extremely important to an individual's fitness, but in an ecological sense, among the most difficult to observe. Here, we used radio‐tracking techniques to describe the differences in movement patterns, habitat use and home range between hatchling and juvenile Komodo dragons Varanus komodoensis on Komodo Island, Indonesia. The movement of hatchlings from their nests was largely linear and suggested a natal dispersal event. The movement patterns of juvenile Komodo dragons exhibited a greater spatial overlap than hatchlings, indicating greater site fidelity and thus use of a more defined activity area. The rates of daily movement were significantly less for hatchlings compared with juvenile dragons. The activity areas of hatchlings were significantly smaller than juvenile dragons. Both age classes preferred utilizing dry monsoon forest compared with other habitat types. Hatchlings were predominantly arboreal compared with juveniles and the degree of arboreal activity was strongly correlated with an individual's size. These distinct differences in spatial ecology between immature life‐history stages suggest that different selection pressures may affect different size classes of Komodo dragons.
SIRT1 transgenic mice show phenotypes resembling calorie restriction
Authors: Bordone Laura , Cohen Dena , Robinson Ashley , Motta Maria Carla , Van Veen Ed , Czopik Agnieszka , Steele Andrew D. , Crowe Hayley , Marmor Stephen , Luo Jianyuan , Gu Wei , Guarente Leonard
Published: September 2007

We generated mice that overexpress the sirtuin, SIRT1. Transgenic mice have been generated by knocking in SIRT1 cDNA into the β‐actin locus. Mice that are hemizygous for this transgene express normal levels of β‐actin and higher levels of SIRT1 protein in several tissues. Transgenic mice display some phenotypes similar to mice on a calorie‐restricted diet: they are leaner than littermate controls; are more metabolically active; display reductions in blood cholesterol, adipokines, insulin and fasted glucose; and are more glucose tolerant. Furthermore, transgenic mice perform better on a rotarod challenge and also show a delay in reproduction. Our findings suggest that increased expression of SIRT1 in mice elicits beneficial phenotypes that may be relevant to human health and longevity.
Unthinking subjects: Alain Badiou and the event of thought in thinking politics
Authors: Dewsbury J D
Published: September 2007

The paper introduces Alain Badiou's philosophy as a powerful resource for social science in rethinking the link between philosophy and politics. It argues the political imperative to unthink the subject as the key conceptual debate from which to array and define an alternative political agenda around which social science can effect and judge other potential points of transformative application upon the world. It highlights the spatiality of the event and the materialisation of counting politics in what Badiou calls the ‘situation’, situating these within geography's recent concerns over the ethics of anti‐foundational thought and the manifesto of thinking politics aside from structural normatives.
Electoral System Reviews in New Zealand, Britain and Canada: A Critical Comparison
Authors: Lundberg Thomas Carl
Published: September 2007

This article compares the use of people outside government to consider electoral reform in three countries using the single-member plurality electoral system. The composition of electoral reform bodies, ranging from commissions of experts (New Zealand) and ex-politicians (Britain) to assemblies of randomly selected citizens (British Columbia), appears to have influenced how well their recommendations were received by the public. Governments should be careful not to assume that they can retain control of the electoral reform process once they let it out of their hands, as the cases of New Zealand and British Columbia show, where majorities of the voters chose reform.
The New Social Contract and the Struggle for Sovereignty in the Netherlands
Authors: Ossewaarde Marinus R. R.
Published: September 2007

One of the recurring topics in the history of sovereign nation-states is the way in which national identity, and social and cultural differences are dealt with politically. In the Netherlands, that has always had a strong tradition of social citizenship, the government has recently responded to plural nationhood and its problems by turning to new concepts of citizenship. In this article, it is argued that notions of citizenship are, in the end, used to reinforce Dutch sovereignty by creating and maintaining national cohesion. The underlying assumption in public policy is that a strong sense of national citizenship that replaces the old model of social citizenship is the only way to reconcile differences and safeguard peace in contemporary post-industrial society. Three Dutch policy sectors – integration, welfare and child protection – are examined to see how these concepts have taken shape in public policy.
The Labor Legacy: Looking Back with the Australian Labor Party
Authors: Pierson Chris
Published: September 2007

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is sometimes taken to have been the real pioneer of many of the policies introduced by New Labour since 1997 under the general rubric of the ‘new social democracy’. This article considers the heritage of the ALP's 13 years in power (and its subsequent 10 years in opposition). The conclusion considers the lessons that may be learnt about the past (and the future) of Labour in the UK.
The Dark Side of Indigeneity?: Indigenous People, Rights and Development in India
Authors: Shah Alpa
Published: September 2007

In the last two decades transnational concerns over indigenous people, indigenous rights and indigenous development has reignited a history of heated debate shrouding indigeneity. This article analyses these debates in the context of the anthropology and historiography of indigeneity in India. From the production of ‘tribes of mind’ to the policies that have encouraged people to identify themselves as ‘Scheduled Tribes’, or ‘adivasis’, the article reviews the context that gave rise to the tensions between claims for protection and assimilation of India's indigenous peoples. Today these debates are shown to persist through the arguments of those that seek to build a support base from an adivasi constituency and are most acute with on the one hand, the work of the Marxists and indigenous activists, and on the other hand, the Hindu right‐wing. Inviting serious scholarly examination of the unintended effects of well meaning indigenous protection and development measures, the article seeks to move the debate beyond both the arguments that consider the concept of indigenous people anthropologically and historically problematic and those that consider indigeneity a useful political tool. In so doing, the article warns against a ‘dark side of indigeneity’ which might reveal how local appropriation and experiences of global discourses can maintain a class system that further marginalises the poorest.