bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel phosphorus‐containing hardeners with tailored chemical structures for epoxy resins: Synthesis and cured resin properties
Authors: Perez R. M. , Sandler J. K. W. , Altstädt V. , Hoffmann T. , Pospiech D. , Artner J. , Ciesielski M. , Döring M. , Balabanovich A. I. , Knoll U. , Braun U. , Schartel B.
Published: May 2007

A comparative evaluation of systematically tailored chemical structures of various phosphorus‐containing aminic hardeners for epoxy resins was carried out. In particular, the effect of the oxidation state of the phosphorus in the hardener molecule on the curing behavior, the mechanical, thermomechanical, and hot‐wet properties of a cured bifunctional bisphenol‐A based thermoset is discussed. Particular attention is paid to the comparative pyrolysis of neat cured epoxy resins containing phosphine oxide, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate (with a phosphorus content of about 2.6 wt %) and of the fire behavior of their corresponding carbon fiber‐reinforced composites. Comparatively faster curing thermosetting system with an enhanced flame retardancy and adequate processing behavior can be formulated by taking advantage of the higher reactivity of the phosphorus‐modified hardeners. For example, a combination of the high reactivity and of induced secondary crosslinking reactions leads to a comparatively high Tg when curing the epoxy using a substoichiometric amount of the phosphinate‐based hardener. The overall mechanical performance of the materials cured with the phosphorus‐containing hardeners is comparable to that of a 4,4′‐DDS‐cured reference system. While the various phosphorus‐containing hardeners in general provide the epoxy‐based matrix with enhanced flame retardancy properties, it is the flame inhibition in the gas phase especially that determines the improvement in fire retardancy of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites. In summary, the present study provides an important contribution towards developing a better understanding of the potential use of such phosphorus‐containing compounds to provide the composite matrix with sufficient flame retardancy while simultaneously maintaining its overall mechanical performance on a suitable level. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
On suicide bombing
Authors: Altman Neil
Published: May 2007

In this paper I aim to bring a psychoanalytic perspective to bear on suicide bombing. I argue that our response to suicide bombing, along with horror and condemnation, should include regarding the act as, among other things, a potential communication. I try to look at all sides of the question of whether we should try to understand suicide bombing and suicide bombers. Addressing this question will bring up issues of humanization and dehumanization, how vicious circles of dehumanization develop, and the psychological perils of humanizing, in our minds, suicide bombers. Next, I take up questions of humiliation, to which I believe suicide bombing is a response, with respect to both the oppressed and the oppressors. I will take up the question of what might be communicated by suicide bombing and, finally, I address some of the implications of the line of thinking I develop in this paper. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avidin Decorated Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Biorecognition Studies by Elastic Light Scattering
Authors: Prosperi Davide , Morasso Carlo , Tortora Paolo , Monti Diego , Bellini Tommaso
Published: May 2007

In this paper, a straightforward method based on elastic light scattering is shown to provide a sensitive and reliable tool for the quantitative determination of protein–ligand interactions that occur at the surface of suitably designed core–shell nanoparticles. The assay makes use of monodisperse nanocolloids that have minimal optical contrast with the aqueous environment. By properly coating the particles with avidin and oligo(ethylene glycol)‐based amphiphiles, we developed a hybrid system that combines the availability of standard ligands with the necessary bioinvisibility towards the accidental adsorption of nonspecific macromolecules. This probe was employed to detect interactions between different kinds of biotinylated proteins, and it revealed high specificity and affinities in the low nanomolar range. In particular, we obtained an efficient avidin anchorage of biotinylated protein A on the surface of the nanoparticles, which we exploited as a functional probe for the rapid, quantitative, picomolar detection of human IgG antibodies. Overall, these light‐scattering‐based nanosensors appear as a simple and highly informative tool for proteomics studies.
The Anchor‐Tornus technique: A novel approach to “uncrossable” chronic total occlusions
Authors: Kirtane Ajay J. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: May 2007

Following successful guidewire passage, inability to cross a chronic total occlusion is the most frequent cause of procedural failure. While low‐profile balloons, microcatheters, and specialty catheters such as the Tornus have been designed to facilitate lesion crossing, these devices require adequate guiding catheter support. We describe a novel application of the Tornus catheter combined with a balloon‐anchored guide technique to successfully recanalize an otherwise difficult to cross chronic total occlusion. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Normal coronary arteries are rare in young patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Valika Ali A. , Pica Mark , Goldstein James
Published: May 2007

Objective:

To delineate the angiographic extent of coronary atherosclerosis in young patients (<45 years) with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Background:

Prior studies suggest 20% of young patients with acute MI have normal coronary arteries. However, most such studies defined “normal” as absence of stenoses >50% luminal diameter, ignoring the presence of nonflow limiting disease that may harbor culprit plaques.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 131 patients <45 years old with ST‐segment elevation MI undergoing emergency catheterization. Angiograms were analyzed for the presence and extent of disease, including lesion “complexity” indicative of plaque instability. “Normal” vessels were defined as absence of any disease.

Results:

Mean patient age was 40 ± 7 years. The infarct related artery and an obvious complex culprit lesion was identified in all (100%) cases (left anterior descending 44%, right coronary 38%, and circumflex 18%). Single vessel disease involving the culprit vessel only was identified in 60% of cases, whereas additional disease was found in 40% of others (two‐vessel in 29% and three‐vessel disease in 11% of patients).

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that young patients with acute MI typically manifest an identifiable complex culprit atherosclerotic coronary lesion. Furthermore, they often have multivessel atherosclerosis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highly Diastereoselective Lithiation and Substitution of an (S)‐Prolinyl Thiocarbamate via Sterically Homogeneous Lithio(thiocarbamate): Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Prolinethiols
Authors: Sonawane Ravindra P. , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Fröhlich Roland , Bergander Klaus , Hoppe Dieter
Published: May 2007

Highly diastereoselective lithiation–substitution reactions of an (S)‐proline derived S‐alkyl thiocarbamate was accomplished. The configuration of the predominant alkyllithium species and the stereochemical course of the electrophilic substitution reactions are deduced by a combination of X‐ray crystal structure analysis, NMR spectroscopic studies, deuteration/dedeuteration experiments, and quantum chemical calculations. The lithium intermediate (S,S)‐9 was found to be kinetically and thermodynamically favoured, whereas (S,R)‐9 rapidly epimerizes.
Lymphadenectomy in endometrioid uterine cancer staging
Authors: Chan John K. , Urban Renata , Cheung Michael K. , Shin Jacob Y. , Husain Amreen , Teng Nelson N. , Berek Jonathan S. , Walker Joan L. , Kapp Daniel S. , Osann Kathryn
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND.

The purpose of the current study was investigate the association between the number of lymph nodes examined and the probability of detecting at least a single lymph node involved by metastatic disease in patients with endometrioid corpus cancer.

METHODS.

Demographic, clinicopathologic, and surgical information were obtained from the National Cancer Institute between 1990 and 2001. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the relation between the number of lymph nodes identified and the probability of detecting at least a single positive lymph node.

RESULTS.

Of 11,443 patients, the median age was 64 years (range, 22–74 years). In all, 78.7% had stage I disease, 10.3% had stage II disease, and 11.0% had stage III disease; 31.5% had grade 1 histology, 40.6% had grade 2 histology, and 24.3% had grade 3 histology. The median number of lymph nodes reported was 9 (range, 1–90 lymph nodes). The median number of lymph nodes and the percent of patients with positive lymph nodes have increased from 1988 to 2001. An increasing number of lymph nodes removed was associated with a higher likelihood of identifying those with lymph node metastases. Based on the logistic regression model, the largest increase in probability of detecting at least a single positive lymph node was observed when 21 to 25 lymph nodes were resected (odds ratio [OR] of 1.45; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.08–1.94 [P < .01]). Removing greater than 25 lymph nodes did not improve the statistical probability (OR of 1.23; 95% CI, 0.94–1.61 [P = .13]).

CONCLUSIONS.

The current study data suggest that the removal of 21 to 25 lymph nodes significantly increases the probability of detecting at least 1 positive lymph node in endometrioid uterine cancer. The definition of an adequate lymphadenectomy deserves further investigation. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Changes in vesicular transporters for γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutamate reveal vulnerability and reorganization of hippocampal neurons following pilocarpine‐induced seizures
Authors: Boulland Jean‐Luc , Ferhat Lotfi , Tallak Solbu Tom , Ferrand Nadine , Chaudhry Farrukh Abbas , Storm‐Mathisen Jon , Esclapez Monique
Published: May 2007

The reorganizations of the overall intrinsic glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic hippocampal networks as well as the time course of these reorganizations during development of pilocarpine‐induced temporal lobe epilepsy were studied with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry experiments for the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT). These transporters are particularly interesting as specific markers for glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, respectively, whose expression levels could reflect the demand for synaptic transmission and their average activity. We report that 1) concomitantly with the loss of some subpopulations of VGAT‐containing neurons, there was an up‐regulation of VGAT synthesis in all remaining GABA neurons as early as 1 week after pilocarpine injection. This enhanced synthesis is characterized by marked increases in the relative amount of VGAT mRNAs in interneurons associated with increased intensity of axon terminal labeling for VGAT in all hippocampal layers. 2) There was a striking loss of mossy cells during the latent period, demonstrated by a long‐term decrease of VGLUT1 mRNA‐containing hilar neurons and associated loss of VGLUT1‐containing terminals in the dentate gyrus inner molecular layer. 3) There were aberrant VGLUT1‐containing terminals at the chronic stage resulting from axonal sprouting of granule and pyramidal cells. This is illustrated by a recovery of VGLUT1 immunoreactivity in the inner molecular layer and an increased VGLUT1 immunolabeling in the CA1–CA3 dendritic layers. These data indicate that an increased activity of remaining GABAergic interneurons occurs during the latent period, in parallel with the loss of vulnerable glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons preceding the reorganization of glutamatergic networks. J. Comp. Neurol. 503:466–485, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defects in reciprocal projections between the thalamus and cerebral cortex in the early development of Fezl‐deficient mice
Authors: Komuta Yukari , Hibi Masahiko , Arai Takao , Nakamura Shun , Kawano Hitoshi
Published: May 2007

Fez‐like (Fezl), the forebrain embryonic zinc finger‐like protein, is a transcriptional repressor selectively expressed in the deep layers of the developing cortex. We examined the thalamocortical and corticofugal pathways in Fezl‐deficient fetal mice by using immunohistochemistry and by axonal labeling with the lipophilic dyes DiI and DiA, with special attention to the spatiotemporal relation between thalamocortical and corticofugal axons. In normal mice, thalamic and cortical axons meet in the internal capsule between embryonic day (E) 13.5 and E14.5 and fasciculate with each other as they extend to their targets, the cortex and thalamus, respectively. In Fezl‐deficient mice, most of the thalamic and cortical axons stop in the internal capsule and at the pallial‐subpallial boundary at E14.5, respectively. This abnormality is transient, and the thalamic and cortical axons reach their targets at E15.5, although the number of thalamic axons is remarkably reduced in the cortical anlage. Double labeling with DiI and DiA demonstrated close apposition of the thalamic and cortical axons in the subpallium and pallium as well as in the external capsule of this mutant after E15.5. Because the expression of genes that define the pallial‐subpallial boundary and guidance molecules of thalamocortical axons did not show remarkable changes in Fezl‐deficient mice, abnormal formation of thalamocortical pathway in this mutant may be caused by the defect of axons of cortical efferent neurons that express Fezl. J. Comp. Neurol. 503:454–465, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laminins in the developing and adult human small intestine: Relation with the functional absorptive unit
Authors: Teller Inga C. , Auclair Joëlle , Herring Elizabeth , Gauthier Rémy , Ménard Daniel , Beaulieu Jean‐François
Published: May 2007

The expression of the five laminin α‐chains was analyzed in the developing and mature human small intestine at the protein and transcript levels in order to further delineate specific involvement of individual laminins in relation to the epithelial cell state as defined along the functional crypt‐villus axis. The results show that all of the α‐laminin transcripts are expressed in significant amounts in the small intestine relative to a panel of other tissues and organs. Further analysis of their expression by indirect immunofluorescence and semi‐quantitative and quantitative RT‐PCR demonstrates a close correlation between transcript and protein expression, distinct epithelial and mesenchymal origins, as well as differential occurrence in intestinal basement membranes according to developmental stage, along the crypt‐villus axis and in compartment‐related experimental intestinal cell models. Taken together, the data point out the prime importance of α2‐, α3‐, and α5‐containing laminins for the development and maintenance of the functional human intestinal epithelium. Developmental Dynamics 236:1980–1990, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attractiveness and cost as mediating variables in the performer‐judge relation: An extension of the reward‐cost model
Authors: Lefebvre Luc M. , McNeel Steven P.
Published: May 2007

An attempt was made to extend social exchange theory to a situation in which the outcomes available for exchanges were of qualitatively different sorts. Male Ss judged the creativity of sentences constructed by female accomplices under conditions of high versus low ‘attractiveness’ (presence or absence of smiling and eye contact) of the accomplice and high versus low cost of judgemental accuracy to the S. An interaction between Attractiveness × Cost was predicted and found in experiment 1. Experiment 2 replicated that finding and added two control conditions. The results indicated that for the high attractiveness manipulation the positive reciprocity tendency which occurred under low cost was not found under higher cost. In addition, both studies showed a non‐significant negative reciprocity tendency under high attractiveness and high cost. Jones' theory of ingratiation was examined for its relevancy, but it does not appear to be more appropriate in this situation than the reward‐cost model.
Intergroup competition and its effect on intragroup and intergroup relations
Authors: Rabbie Jacob M. , Wilkens Gerard
Published: May 2007

Seventy‐two male subjects from lower technical schools were divided into groups of three and assigned to three conditions in which they expected to work together in competition with another group, to work together but independently of the other group, or did not anticipate to work together at all.

Subjects who anticipated working together showed a more favorable attitude toward their group and its members than subjects who did not. Moreover, actual social interaction increased in‐group attractiveness.

Intergroup competition led to a more differentiated leadership structure and a greater consensus about the distribution of influence in the group.

Contrary to our predictions, intergroup competition produced no greater in‐group solidarity, nor any over‐evaluation of the group's product.

Low influence persons felt comparatively more positive about their group even before they actually had the opportunity to work together. An attempt was made to relate this finding to the ordinal position of the low status figure, his affiliative tendencies under stress, and his greater social dependence.
Adolescent and adult authoritarianism reexamined: Its organisation and stability over time
Authors: Himmelweit Hilde T. , Swift Betty
Published: May 2007

This paper, which draws on follow‐up data collected from English subjects first tested as adolescents and then, 1I years later, as young inen of 24–25, falls into three parts.

Part I examines the structuring of responses to authoritarian statements. No general authoritarian factor could be isolated in either adolescence or in adult life. Instead, four separate authoritarian response tendencies, each with its own antecedents, significance and predictive value, were obtained. Only the adolescent measures correlated significantly with ability level. This, together with the greater stability across time of the responses of the more able 13–14 year olds, led us to hypothesize that some of the variance in adolescent scores was cognitively, not motivationally, determined.

Part II reports a series of experimental studies (using additional data from the follow‐up investigation) testing the cognitive and developmental hypothesis, which received support.

Part III proposes a general model for the consideration of attitudes, in which any given attitudinal response is located in a three‐dimensional space of cognitive complexity, personality needs and social structure.
The communication of friendly and hostile attitudes by verbal and non‐verbal signals
Authors: Argyle Michael , Alkema Florisse , Gilmour Robin
Published: May 2007

Two experiments are reported here in which Ss were asked to rate videotapes of a performer reading friendly, neutral and hostile messages in a friendly, neutral or hostile non‐verbal style. These messages and non‐verbal styles had previously been presented independently to a separate group of Ss jor rating, in order to obtain an estimate of their individual strengths in terms of six rating scales, and thus permit a matching of verbal (messages) and non‐verbal (styles) cues in the experiment where both types of cues were presented in combination. The results of both experiments indicate that non‐verbal cues had a greater effect on ratings made on 7‐point scales, such as hostile‐friendly, than verbal cues. The magnitude of this greater effect of non‐verbal cues, however, was dependent on the relative strength of non‐verbal as opposed to verbal cues. In the first experiment, both types of cues were approximately equal in strength when ruted alone; here non‐verbal cues accounted for 12.5 times us much variance us verbal cues, and produced 5.7 times as much shift on the ratitig scales. In the second experiment the verbal cues were much stronger than the non‐verbal cues when rated alone. Here the relative effect of non‐verbal cues in the second experiment was diminished; the ratio of non‐verbal : verbal variance was now 1.67:1. When verbal and non‐verbal signals were inconsistent, the performance was rated as insincere, unstable and confusing ‐ which was not found in earlier experiments on the superior‐inferior dimension.
Categorization, cognitive consistency and the concept of dimensional salience
Authors: Eiser J. Richard
Published: May 2007

Cognitive consistency theories predict changes in evaluation within an existing frame of reference. This frame of reference must be defined in terms of those dimensions or aspects of the situation that appear most salient to the individual concerned.

The same siuation may appear balanced or unbalanced, depending on which dimensions are seen as salient. The tendency to maintain balance may therefore reveal itself in a tendency to see as salient those dimensions in terms of which a given situation will appear most balanced. This is consistent with evidence from the judgment of attitude statements, which suggests that individuals will regard as most salient those dimensions along which their own evaluations of a set of statements will be most congruent with the value connotations of the terms by which the judgment scale is labelled.
The role of a positive model, a frustrating situation and aggressive context on imitation
Authors: Leyens Jacques‐Philippe
Published: May 2007

Thirty‐two groups of four naive Ss and one accomplice participated in this 2 × 2 × 2 experiment designed to test conditions facilitating imitation of a competent model played by the accomplice. It was assumed that the psychological distance between the competent model and the Ss would be lessened so that imitation would increase: 1. if the model was friendly rather than hostile, 2. if the situation was non‐frustrating rather than frustrating, and 3. if aggression was permitted rather than forbidden. Imitation was measured by the Ss' reproduction of the model's two mannerisms, and was found to be significantly influenced in the predicted way by the three variables. However, the freedom to aggress did not lessen psychological distance. Alternative explanations are provided for these results.
Processes of learning in the recognition of eye‐signals
Authors: Ellgring J. H. , Cranach M. Von
Published: May 2007

In a learning experiment 10 Ss as receivers judged looking signals of a sender. Providing feedback about the real direction of gaze produced learning in the direction of an improvement of discrimination performance; the improvement was independent of visual acuity of receivers and was not correlated to extraversion and neuroticism. Performance at the beginning was poorer and learning progress better for fixation points which were further away from the face. Results are discussed with reference to improving accuracy of observers on the variable ‘looking behavior’, important in studies on nonverbal communication. A pre‐training of observers which allows explicit feedback about the real direction of gaze is proposed.
Some conditions to produce a dissonance and an incentive effect in a ‘forced‐compliance’ situationx
Authors: Frey Dieter , Irle Martin
Published: May 2007

Dissonance theory and incentive theory call for different predictions concerning the relation of reward and attitude change after a person has performed some counter‐attitudinal behavior. According to dissonance theory a negative, and according to incentive theory a positive relationship is expected. An experiment was conducted in West Germany testing the interactions of choice versus no choice and public versus anonymus (private) essay‐writing. A dissonance effect was predicted for the choice/public condition and an incentive effect for the no choice/anonymus condition. The results support these predictions.
The effects of representations and behavior in experimental games
Authors: Abric J. C. , Kahan J. P.
Published: May 2007

This research shows that in an experimental game it is the perception of an actual relationship, of an interaction with the other person more than the nature of the game which creates a climate in which cooperative responses can be established. Cooperative sets can be induced through the Representation of the partner: a reactive partner promoting cooperation, and a rigid one promoting competition. In addition it is noted that in order to understand the reactions induced by the partner's behavior, the behavior in itself it not sufficient. Indeed it is interpreted and understood in terms of the initial representation. The analysis of a person's behavior when in relation with another, should be based on a joint study of the existing representations and of the actual behavior observed.
Mediating interpersonal expectancies via vocal cues: Differential speech intensity as a means of social influence
Authors: Scherer Klaus R. , Rosenthal Robert , Koivumaki Judy
Published: May 2007

Differential vocal emphasis in the tape‐recorded instruction reading for a standard person perception task was manipulated by mechanically raising or lowering the volume of the key words describing the success or failure response alternatives on the rating scale. In a series of three experiments, Ss exposed to success emphasis in the instructions rated the stimulus persons as more successful than did Ss exposed to failure emphasis. This trend was reversed for Ss who listened twice to the instructions. None of the Ss reported awareness of the influence attempt.
Overpayment: Perceived qualifications and financial compensation
Authors: Wilke Henk , Steur Theo
Published: May 2007

In this study expectancy and equity theory were compared.

An experiment was carried out on the effect of overpayment. Overpayment was manipulated by varying perceived input (perceived qualifications) and received outcome (financial compensation). The experiment consisted of a 2 × 3 design: two levels of payment (4 guilders p.h. and 8 guilders p.h.) and three levels of perceived qualifications (high, medium, low). Sixty‐six subjects were hired through the students placement service to decode personality questionnaires.

Overpayment by manipulation of monetary rewards did not lead to greater production, as was hypothesized by Adams' equity theory (1965). As far m overpayment has been manipulated by perceived qualifications for the job the data confirmed equity theory. Several other theories (e.g. expectancy theory: Lawler, 1968b) can explain both results.
Bargaining strength and group polarization in intergroup negotiations
Authors: Rabbie Jacob M. , Visser Lieuwe
Published: May 2007

In the context of a labour‐management simulation study, three‐man union teams were made to believe that they had either a very strong or a very weak bargaining position vis‐à‐vis the other party. In half of each of these conditions, a cooperative and a competitive orientation toward the other group was induced. In preparation for the intergroup negotiations, the subjects were first asked to indicate their individual aspirations for three negotiation issues. After a group discussion, their collective aspirations were obtained.

Regardless of the experimental conditions. groups set significantly higher aspiration levels than individuals on the most important issue but were more conservative and cautious on less important issues. In general, for all three topics, significant or near‐significant interactions were found between bargaining strength and the direction of the group‐induced shift. In the strong bargaining condition, groups set higher aspiration levels than the average of prior individual judgments; in the weak bargaining condition the opposite trend occurred. An effort was made to relate these findings to the various theories developed in the ‘risky‐shift’ literature.
Extremity shifts, risk shifts and attitude shifts after group discussion
Authors: McCauley Clark R.
Published: May 2007

Moscovici and Zavalloni (1969) suggest that both risk shifts and attitude shifts after group discussion are examples of a general group tendency to polarize opinions. In the present experiment, using both attitude and risk items, group discussion did not make individual opinions more extreme; only the group average became more extreme. This group extremity increase was not simply a more general way of conceptualizing the directional shifts in attitude and risk; group extremity increase appeared to be an effect of discussion that was independent of the risk and attitude shifts.

Also, subjects in the co‐working pretest of the standard risk‐shift paradigm were found to be less extreme and more ‘agreeing’ than pretest subjects who were truly alone. This co‐working/alone difference persisted after discussion and was not related to group extremity increase. On both attitude and risk items, group extremity increase was strongly correlated with group opinion convergence. It is argued from this correlation that group extremity increase may be an effect of some aspect of conformity influence.
Favouritism as a function of assumed similarity and anticipated interaction
Authors: Eiser J. Richard , Taylor Sarah J.
Published: May 2007

Discussions of intergroup behavior (e.g., Rabbie and Wilkens, 1971; Tajfel, Flament, Billig and Bundy, 1971) have drawn attention to the influence of both assumed similarity and anticipated future interaction between an individual and other members of his group on his tendency to assign more favourable outcomes to members of his own group than to members of another group. This note examines whether similar processes may also affect an individual's tendency to make intragroup discriminations between different members of a group to which he himself does not belong, in a situation where the variables of similarity and anticipated interaction may be treated as independent factors.
Social categorization and similarity in intergroup behaviour
Authors: Billig Michael , Tajfel Henri
Published: May 2007

The present study is one of a series exploring the role of social categorization in intergroup behaviour. It has been found in our previous studies that in ‚minimal' situations, in which the subjects were categorized into groups on the basis of visual judgments they had made or of their esthetic preferences, they clearly discriminated against members of an outgroup although this gave them no personal advantage. However, in these previous studies division into groups was still made on the basis of certain criteria of ‚real' similarity between subjects who were assigned to the same category. Therefore, the present study established social categories on an explicitly random basis without any reference to any such real similarity.

It was found that, as soon as the notion of ‚group' was introduced into the situation, the subjects still discriminated against those assigned to another random category. This discrimination was considerably more marked than the one based on a division of subjects in terms of interindividual similarities in which the notion of ‚group' was never explicitly introduced. In addition, it was found that fairness was also a determinant of the subjects' decisions.

The results are discussed from the point of view of their relevance to a social‐cognitive theory of intergroup behaviour.
Relative competence, reinforcement and conformity
Authors: Endler Norman S. , Hartley Susan
Published: May 2007

Forty male inmates from an adult correctional training centre participated in a 2 × 2 factorial design with subject correctness‐incorrectness and group agreement‐disagreement constituting the classification factors. A modified Asch procedure was used to manipulate a S's prior experience of correctness and agreement (Part 1) and to assess subsequent conformity to 3 male confederates (Part 2). The female experimenter served as the source of reinforcement and group correctness. Ss responded to a (two part) 26 verbal and perceptual item scale, including 11 conformity items.

Subject correctness and group agreement interacted, for perceptual items only, so that subjects who were more competent than the group or equally incompetent to the group conformed less than those who were less competent than the group, who in turn conformed less than those who were equally competent to the group, where both the subjects and the group were correct. Subjects conformed more to difficult verbal items than to perceptual items, and unsuspicious subjects conformed more than suspicious subjects. Both relative competence, mediating the effects of prior experience, and the situational factor of reinforcement affect conformity to perceptual tasks.
Communication accuracy as a function of information about the communicator
Authors: Eiser J. Richard , Bhavnani Reena
Published: May 2007

The accuracy with which Ss could identify the national governments referred to by a set of semantic‐differential profiles was found to be significantly related to whether they were given true, false, or unspecific information concerning the source of the profiles. Contrary to hypothesis, attitude similarity between the Ss who constructed the profiles and those who interpreted them failed to enhance communication accuracy.
Attitude polarization, familiarization and group process
Authors: Paicheler Genevieve , Bouchet Jean
Published: May 2007

Our purpose was to gain insight into the processes linking interaction and attitude polarization. We wished to determine whether polarization might occur in an individual situation, during the task of familiarization with the object. Two experiments were undertaken, one relating to an individual situation and the other involving a group situation. No polarization took place in the individual situation. In addition as a result of the coercive normative pressure induced in the course of the group discussion, we were able to observe unwilling agreement by individuals, provoking in turn a noticeable regression during the post‐consensus.
Frustration and instrumentality of aggression
Authors: Lange Alfred , Van De Nes Ad
Published: May 2007

The influence of two different reinforcers of aggression was investigated: Frustration (intrinsic primary reinforcement) and instrumental value of aggression (extrinsic primary reinforcement). In the first part of the experiment frustration was manipulated on two levels by having the stooge interfere very often or seldom in the ‚building a village' task of the subject. In the second part of the study the stooge had to judge distances in traffic while the subject was allowed to give him electrical shocks in order to startle and hinder the stooge in his estimation task. The aggression score of the subject was formed by the number and the intensity of the shocks delivered. Instrumentality of aggression was manipulated on two levels by indicating or not that the subjects could earn more money the more and stronger they shocked their partner. Confirming the predictions, significantly more aggression was expressed when this could lead to earning more money than in those conditions where this was not the case. Also confirming predictions, the impact of instrumentality on aggression was stronger than the influence of frustration. Frustration did not lead to a significant increase in the level of aggression.
Dogmatism in relation to sub‐types of conservatism: Some Australian data
Authors: Ray John J.
Published: May 2007

An examination of the relation between authoritarianism and conservatism is made using newly developed balanced forms of the ‘D’ and ‘F’ scales together with scales to measure political, social, moral and economic conservatism. Neither ‘BD’ nor ‘BF’ scales predicted voting preference. The ‘BD’ scale was significantly, positively related to the political, social and moral conservatism scales but was non‐significantly, negatively related to economic conservatism. It was concluded that both the ‘BD’ and ‘BF’ scales are equally good measures of general authoritarianism among supporters of Australian political parties and that while it is in general true that dogmatic people tend to be ideologically conservative, an exception must be made for economic conservatism. This exception is seen to be inferable from the theory of ‘working class authoritarianism’ advanced by Lipset (1960).
British semantic differential responses on world powers
Authors: Lawson E. D. , Giles Howard
Published: May 2007

Investigating stereotypes associated with world powers, 28 men and 28 women at a British university rated 24 world powers using the semantic differential. Significance tests show the relationship of the powers to concepts assumed to measure the Evaluative, Potency, and Activity factors. Three‐dimensional models show the relative positioning by men and by women. Results indicate (1) general agreement between men and women; (2) superpowers close to BAD and STRONG; (3) countries associated with war and strife closer to BAD, WEAK, and PASSIVE. Comparisons were made with an American sample. The need for doing further stereotype studies over time was stressed.
Person perception and scientific objectivity
Authors: Glouberman Dina
Published: May 2007

The perception of other people is shown to require a different set of scientific assumptions than that used in traditional psychology. Mind‐body dualism, subject‐object dichotomy and traditional notions of scientific causality are shown to be inapplicable to the perception of people, except where people are being seen as objects. The ‚predict and control' model of psychology, and the ‚medical model' of psychiatry both involve the perception of people as objects. The ‚participant observer' model is seen to be the optimal one for the study of human beings.
Small‐group effectiveness on an administrative task as influenced by knowledge of results and sex composition of the group
Authors: Spoelders‐Claes Rita , Coetsier P.
Published: May 2007

Two experiments were designed to investigate some possible extensions to Locke's theory of task motivation and incentives. In experiment 1 (192 Ss) the effect of KR on small‐group effectiveness (SGE) was analyzed. The SGE‐measurements (productivity and group atmosphere) were based on a subjective operationalization of the concept ‚small‐group effectiveness'. Five one‐way analyses of variance revealed no significant influence of KR on SGE thus supporting Locke's findings. In experiment 2 (64 Ss) homogeneous male groups were compared to homogeneous female groups to find out whether sex composition of the group would have a significant influence on SGE. Five Fisher t‐tests revealed no differences between the means of male and female groups. In this case, too, Locke's theory was supported. Limitations and implications of these results are discussed.
Language as a determinant of Welsh identity
Authors: Bourhis Richard Y. , Giles Howard , Tajfel Henri
Published: May 2007

The study was designed, using the ‚matched‐guise' technique, to determine how different groups of Welshmen perceive members of their own national group who use various linguistic codes. Three matched groups of adult Welsh Ss were used: Bilinguals, those who were learning Welsh and those who could not speak Welsh and were not learning it either. These Ss were asked to evaluate on 22 scales the personalities of various Welsh speakers they heard reading the same passage of prose on tape. Essentially, the stimulus tape consisted of two male bilinguals reading the passage once each in Welsh, in English with a Welsh accent and in English with an RP accent. It was found, despite the fact that the groups differed in their language skills and self‐perceived Welshness, that Ss as a whole upgraded the bilingual speakers on most traits. Indeed, the RP speakers were evaluated most favourably on only one trait ‐ self‐confidence. It was suggested that language to a large extent serves as a symbol of Welsh identity, and the results were discussed in relation to how other ethnic groups appear to view their own linguistic codes.
The importance of status congruency in interaction processes
Authors: van Kreveld David , Willigers Ferd J. M. , Gloudemans Theo , Rancuret Frans , van der Wiel Kiek , Poot Ruud
Published: May 2007

The literature on status congruency is summarized in two statements: 1) Individuals strive after status congruency, and 2) status congruency involves favorable state for individuals, groups and the society. The two reported experiments throw serious doubts on the generality of these statements.

Experiment I is a variation of Burnstein and Zajonc's (1965) experiment. It is hypothesized and shown that the striving after congruency is weakened under condition of a competitive reward structure, the Ss giving incongruent self‐rankings. Moreover it is found that nominations for a different task are not congruent at all.

Experiment II was designed to replicate and extend Exline and Ziller's (1959) experiment, in which it was shown that status congruency in small groups causes interpersonal conflict. On none of the several measures was clear support obtained.

In the discussion it is argued that there is hardly any experimental evidence for the two statements formulated above. It is pointed out that the correlational relationships between status congruency and other variables may be attributed to some internal cognitive link in the person, serving as an intermediate variable, the forces of it perhaps being self‐interest (as supported by Experiment I), a need for clarity and a need for justice.
The cognitive structure of choice dilemma decisions
Authors: Witte Erich H. , Arez Antonio J.
Published: May 2007

We tried to find out why Ss chose a specific risk level. We, therefore, constructed a questionnaire with 30 statements about aspects of the contents of the choice dilemmas. A factor analysis of the 30 statements over ten choice dilemmas and 61 field‐officers led to a structure of four cognitive elements. With these four factors as predictors we could explain a main part of the variance of the individual risk level of each choice dilemma. This regression analysis was done with normal product‐moment‐correlations and with scalar‐products. Both analyses show great similarity, although it seemed to be better to use scalar‐products because one can use the information of the means. The four cognitive elements could be interpreted as: (1) Decision‐making strategy; (2) Responsibility for others; (3) Reputation; (4) Socially valued riskiness.
On the system of representations in a group situation
Authors: Codol Jean Paul
Published: May 2007

Relations between the representations of group members with respect to different elements in the group set‐up: The task, the others, the self and the group as a whole are analyzed from data collected in four experiments. Results show that the interrelations between these representations in the subjects' cognitive universe are determined by a combination of three separate principles which deal respectively with: 1) the degree of generality, complexity or semantic ‘globality’ of each element of the situation in the subjects' representation thereof; 2) the functional importance (particularly in determining behaviours in the situation) of each representation, as well as its centrality within the subjects' representational system. The functional importance and centrality of a given representation seem to be directly related in turn to the perceived normative character of the represented objects in terms of the group's objectives; 3) a process of social comparison between the self and others, according to which each group member tends to perceive himself as being more in harmony than the others with the norms and requirements of the situation as he perceives them. The discussion deals with the generality of the above results.
Checkmate? The role of gender stereotypes in the ultimate intellectual sport
Authors: Maass Anne , D'Ettole Claudio , Cadinu Mara
Published: May 2007

Women are surprisingly underrepresented in the chess world, representing less that 5% of registered tournament players worldwide and only 1% of the world's grand masters. In this paper it is argued that gender stereotypes are mainly responsible for the underperformance of women in chess. Forty‐two male–female pairs, matched for ability, played two chess games via Internet. When players were unaware of the sex of opponent (control condition), females played approximately as well as males. When the gender stereotype was activated (experimental condition), women showed a drastic performance drop, but only when they were aware that they were playing against a male opponent. When they (falsely) believed to be playing against a woman, they performed as well as their male opponents. In addition, our findings suggest that women show lower chess‐specific self‐esteem and a weaker promotion focus, which are predictive of poorer chess performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ammonia uptake by natural zeolite in municipal solid waste compost
Authors: Gamze Turan N. , Nuri Ergun Osman
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the ammonia uptake by natural zeolite when used as an ingredient during the composting process. The amounts of 5 and 10% of natural zeolite were applied to organic fraction of municipal solid waste as volume and compared with the system of nonadded. The results clearly showed that the ammonia releases during the composting processes reached to higher levels in the nonadded composting system of the organic debris derived from municipal solid waste of Samsun. The natural zeolite readily trapped excess nitrogen during the processes and reduced ammonia odors. It was found that the ammonia concentration in the final compost decreases with increasing the amount of natural zeolite used. Ammonia uptake efficiencies were 74.94 and 87.98% for end product containing 5 and 10% natural zeolite, respectively. Significantly, the addition of natural zeolite to municipal solid waste compost was found to have a beneficial effect on the characteristics of the end product. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2007
The organophosphate‐induced acute‐phase response is characterized by synthesis of α1‐acid glycoprotein that exhibits an immunomodulatory effect
Authors: Ivanović‐Matić Svetlana , Poznanović Goran , Grigorov Ilijana , Dinić Svetlana , Mihailović Mirjana , Grdović Nevena , Uskoković Aleksandra , Martinović Vesna , Arambašić Jelena , Petrović Miodrag , Bogojević Desanka
Published: May 2007

The organophosphorus compounds soman and paraoxon induce the acute‐phase (AP) response. All phases of the AP response, from macrophage activation and stimulation of glucocorticoid secretion to AP protein expression appear to be under the control of similar molecular mechanisms to those during the turpentine‐induced AP response. The AP protein content in the circulation 24 h after either soman, paraoxon or turpentine administration was injury‐specific. Both soman and paraoxon poisoning were characterized by significantly increased synthesis of α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) that displayed an immunomodulatory effect in vitro. This result suggests that after organophosphate poisoning AGP participates in vivo in a negative feedback mechanism that prevents over‐activity of the immune system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.