bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged effects of antidandruff shampoos ‐ time to recurrence of Malassezia ovalis colonization of skin
Authors: PIERARD G.E. , ARRESE J.E. , PIERARD‐FRANCHIMONT C. , DE DONCKER P.
Published: May 2007

Most active antidandruff shampoos exhibit a strong activity against the yeast Malassezia ovalis. The present study was undertaken to compare the prolonged antifungal effect of three proprietary shampoos containing either 2% ketoconazole, 1.5% zinc pyrithione or 2.5% selenium sulphide. Superficial squames were harvested from the scalp in the days following a 6‐week antifungal shampoo treatment. Counts of yeasts highlighted by a fluorochrome were made using computerized image analysis. Data show the increased duration of yeast reduction for the ketoconazole shampoo over the two other formulations. The lingering effect of ketoconazole is explained by the combination of its antifungal and pharmacokinetic properties. Resume. La plupart des shampooings anti‐pelliculaires exercent une activite importante a l'encontre de la levure Malassezia ovalis. La presente etude a ete entreprise pour comparer l'effet antifongique remanent de trois shampooings commerciaux contenant 2% de ketoconazole, 1.5% de pyrithione de zinc ou 2.5% de sulfure de selenium. Des comptes de levures revelees par un fluorochrome furent realises par analyse informatisee d'images a partir d'echantillons collectes sur le cuir chevelu dans les jours suivant l'arret de 6 semaines de traitement par l'un des shampooings antifongiques. Les resultats montrent que le temps necessaire pour la recolonisation par les levures est plus long apres utilisation du shampooing contenant le ketoconazole par rapport aux autres formulations. L'effet remanent du ketoconazole est explique par la combinaison de ses proprietes antifongiques et pharmacocinetiques.
Influence of topically applied ceramide/phospholipid mixture on the barrier function of intact skin, atopic skin and experimentally induced barrier damage
Authors: GEHRING W. , WENZ J. , GLOOR M.
Published: May 2007

The influence of a liposomal formulation of a ceramide/phospholipid mixture on the barrier function of the skin in atopic tests, in subjects with healthy skin, and after lipid extraction was tested. The transepidermal water loss and the stratum corneum hydration served as parameters for the evaluation of the influence of the ceramide/phospholipid‐mixture treatment on the barrier function. Additionally a barrier‐function test with nicotinic acid ester was performed after ceramide/phospholipid‐mixture application. Stabilizing effects on the barrier function after application of ceramide/phospholipid‐mixture were found only in atopic skin and after lipid extraction but not in healthy skin. The results lead us to expect positive effects of ceramide/phospholipid‐mixture only if barrier damage is present. On a teste l'influence d'une formulation aux liposomes d'un melange ceramide/phospholipide sur la fonction protectrice de la peau de personnes lors d'un test atopique, sur une peau saine, et apres extraction lipidique. On a utilise la perte d'eau transepidermique et l'hydratation de la couche cornee comme parametres d'evaluation de l'influence du traitement sur la fonction protectrice. On a en outre effectue apres application un test de la fonction protectrice avec un ester d'acide nicotinique. On a constate des effets stabilisateurs de la fonction protectrice apres application seulement sur peau atopique et apres extraction lipidique mais pas sur peau saine. Les resultats nous conduisent a esperer des effets positifs uniquement en cas d'alteration de la fonction protectrice de la peau.
Cold pearl surfactant‐based blends
Authors: CROMBIE R.L.
Published: May 2007

Pearlizing agents have been used for many years in cosmetic formulations to add a pearlescent effect. Cold pearl surfactant‐based blends are mixtures of glycol stearates and surfactants which can be blended in the cold into a wide range of personal‐care formulations to create a pearlescent lustre effect. Under controlled manufacturing conditions constant viscosities and crystalline characteristics can be obtained. The development of these blends has been driven by efforts to improve the economics of adding solid pearlizing agents directly into a hot mix formulation. This paper summarizes the history of pearlizers, describes their advantages and physical chemistry of the manufacturing process. Finally some suggestions for applications are given. Les agents nacrants sont utilises depuis de nombreuses annees dans les formulations cosmetiques pour ajouter un effet nacre. Les melanges a froid a base de tensioactif nacre sont des melanges de stearates de glycol et de tensioactifs qui peuvent etre melanges a froid dans une large gamme de formulations d'hygiene personnelle pour creer un effet de lustre nacre. On peut obtenir des viscosites et des proprietes cristallines constantes avec des conditions de fabrication maitrisees. Le developpement de ces melanges a ete porte par les efforts pour ameliorer les couts de l'ajout d'agents nacrants solides directement dans une formulation melangee de l'ajout d'agents nacrants solides directement dans une formulation melangee a chaud. Cet article resume l'histoire des agents nacrants, decrit leurs avantages et al physico‐chimie du procede de fabrication. On emet a la fin cetaines suggestions d'applications.
Environmentally compatible surfactants for the cosmetic industry
Authors: BERGER H.
Published: May 2007

From the application pattern of surfactant‐containing cosmetic products, it is inevitable that the major part of the chemicals will be discharged into waste water and eventually will enter the environment. Because the environmental compatibility of the products is based on the ecological properties of their raw meterials, the biodegradability and ecotoxicological behaviour of the product components and particularly the surfactants, form the central elements of the environmental compatibility assessment. The tools for this evaluation are standardized test systems, which are described and discussed on the basis of the ecological data of selected surfactants. De par le type d'application des produits cosmetiques contenant des tensioactifs, il est inevitable que la plus grande partie des substances chimiques soit evacuee dans les eaux usees et finisse par arriver dans l'environnement. Puisque la compatibilite environnementale des produits est basee sur les proprietes ecologiques de leurs matieres premieres, la biodegradabilite et le comportement ecotoxicologique des composants des produits, et en particulier des tensioactifs, forment les elements majeurs de l'evaluation de la compatibilite environnementale. Les outils de cette evaluation sont des systemes d'essai normalises, qui sont decrits et commentes d'apres les donnees ecologiques de tensioactifs choisis.
Vapour pressure of a fragrance ingredient during evaporation in a simple emulsion
Authors: FRIBERG S.E. , SZYMULA M. , FEI L. , BARBER J. , AL‐BAWAB A. , AIKENS P.A.
Published: May 2007

The phase diagram water, phenethyl alcohol and laureth 4 was determined and the variation of the vapour pressure of the alcohol was determined during evaporation using gas chromatographic head‐space analysis. The phase changes during evaporation were estimated from the phase diagram and compared to the appearance of the emulsion using optical microscopy. The transfer of the fragrance ingredient between different phases during the process was estimated and its measured vapour pressures compared to those calculated from values of earlier determination in different phases in the system. The agreement was good. On a elabore le diagramme de phase eau, alcool phenethylique et laureth 4 et on a determine la variation de la tension de vapeur de l'alcool durant l'evaporation en utilisant l'analyse par chromatographie gazeuse a injection directe en tete de colonne. Les changements de phase durant l'evaporation sont estimes a partir du diagramme de phase et compares a l'aspect de l'emulsion par microscopie optique. On a estime le transfert de l'ingredient parfume entre les differentes phases durant le processus et ses tensions de vapeur mesurees ont ete comparees a celles calculees a partir de valeurs determinees anterieurement dans differentes phases du systeme. La concordance est satisfaisante.
Aging and Visual Attention
Authors: Madden David J.
Published: May 2007

Older adults are often slower and less accurate than are younger adults in performing visual-search tasks, suggesting an age-related decline in attentional functioning. Age-related decline in attention, however, is not entirely pervasive. Visual search that is based on the observer's expectations (i.e., top-down attention) is relatively preserved as a function of adult age. Neuroimaging research suggests that age-related decline occurs in the structure and function of brain regions mediating the visual sensory input, whereas activation of regions in the frontal and parietal lobes is often greater for older adults than for younger adults. This increased activation may represent an age-related increase in the role of top-down attention during visual tasks. To obtain a more complete account of age-related decline and preservation of visual attention, current research is beginning to explore the relation of neuroimaging measures of brain structure and function to behavioral measures of visual attention.
Involving Family in Psychosocial Interventions for Chronic Illness
Authors: Martire Lynn M. , Schulz Richard
Published: May 2007

Interactions with close family members have consequences for the emotional and physical well-being of individuals who are dealing with a chronic physical illness. Therefore, inclusion of a close family member in psychosocial interventions for chronic illnesses is a logical treatment approach that has the potential to boost the effects of intervention on the patient and also benefit the family member. However, randomized, controlled studies indicate that such family-oriented interventions generally have small effects. The efficacy of these treatment approaches might be enhanced by targeting specific interactions that emerging research identifies as promoting or derailing healthy behaviors and by better incorporating strategies from family caregiver interventions. In addition, family-oriented interventions should be more fully evaluated, by assessing the benefits for both patients and family members. Future research in this area can tell us much about how and when to involve family in treatment of specific chronic illnesses and, in turn, may inform conceptual models of the impact of family interactions on health.
Republicanism and Liberalism
Authors: Langlois Anthony J.
Published: May 2007

Republicanism has recently been defended by a variety of authors as a desirable alternative to liberalism. John W. Maynor is one of these. In his recent book, he has argued that republicanism is superior to liberalism, both in that its objectives are normatively preferable and because it is not beset with the same constitutive deficiencies as liberalism. However, his argument fails because the deficiencies he identifies in liberalism only apply to one class of liberals, and many of the normative aspects of his republicanism can be found in other forms of liberalism.
Polyamory, Social Conservatism and the Same-Sex Marriage Debate in the US
Authors: Ashbee Edward
Published: May 2007

The arguments against same-sex marriage used by the Christian right and other social conservatives in the US have shifted in character. Drawing upon the work of Stanley Kurtz, they have increasingly suggested that same-sex marriage will necessarily lead to the legal recognition of polygamous and polyamorous relationships. From this perspective, the Supreme Court's ruling in Lawrence v. Texas (2003) had, by expanding notions of ‘sexual liberty’, paved the way for the legalisation and recognition of all consenting adult relationships. The article suggests that the Christian right's increased use of consequentialist arguments rather than claims structured around biblical authority or opposition to homosexuality per se is a form of adaptation to long-term shifts in the character of US popular attitudes.
Comment on Moran's ‘Interdisciplinarity and Political Science’
Authors: McKenzie Kenneth
Published: May 2007

In his recent article on the reasoning behind interdisciplinary political science, Michael Moran examines both external factors (such as funding), as well as internal motives (the desire to keep a discipline alive). He does not acknowledge, however, that political science is in fact likely to be a poor candidate for interdisciplinary work. In this article, I outline three reasons – training, career advancement and the self-regulation of the profession – why political science has not adopted an interdisciplinary direction.
Young Children Learning Spanish Make Rapid Use of Grammatical Gender in Spoken Word Recognition
Authors: Lew-Williams Casey , Fernald Anne
Published: May 2007

All nouns in Spanish have grammatical gender, with obligatory gender marking on preceding articles (e.g., la and el, the feminine and masculine forms of “the,” respectively). Adult native speakers of languages with grammatical gender exploit this cue in on-line sentence interpretation. In a study investigating the early development of this ability, Spanish-learning children (34–42 months) were tested in an eye-tracking procedure. Presented with pairs of pictures with names of either the same grammatical gender (la pelota, “ball [feminine]”; la galleta, “cookie [feminine]”) or different grammatical gender (la pelota; el zapato, “shoe [masculine]”), they heard sentences referring to one picture (Encuentra la pelota, “Find the ball”). The children were faster to orient to the referent on different-gender trials, when the article was potentially informative, than on same-gender trials, when it was not, and this ability was correlated with productive measures of lexical and grammatical competence. Spanish-learning children who can speak only 500 words already use gender-marked articles in establishing reference, a processing advantage characteristic of native Spanish-speaking adults.
When God Sanctions Killing
Authors: Bushman Brad J. , Ridge Robert D. , Das Enny , Key Colin W. , Busath Gregory L.
Published: May 2007

Violent people often claim that God sanctions their actions. In two studies, participants read a violent passage said to come from either the Bible or an ancient scroll. For half the participants, the passage said that God sanctioned the violence. Next, participants competed with an ostensible partner on a task in which the winner could blast the loser with loud noise through headphones (the aggression measure). Study 1 involved Brigham Young University students; 99% believed in God and in the Bible. Study 2 involved Vrije Universiteit–Amsterdam students; 50% believed in God, and 27% believed in the Bible. In Study 1, aggression increased when the passage was from the Bible or mentioned God. In Study 2, aggression increased when the passage mentioned God, especially among participants who believed in God and in the Bible. These results suggest that scriptural violence sanctioned by God can increase aggression, especially in believers.
Emotions and False Memories
Authors: Corson Yves , Verrier Nadège
Published: May 2007

The effects of mood on false memories have not been studied systematically until recently. Some results seem to indicate that negative mood may reduce false recall and thus suggest an influence of emotional valence on false memory. The present research tested the effects of both valence and arousal on recall and recognition and indicates that the effect is actually due to arousal. In fact, whether participants∗ mood is positive, negative, or neutral, false memories are significantly more frequent under conditions of high arousal than under conditions of low arousal.
Dissociative Tendencies and Memory Performance on Directed-Forgetting Tasks
Authors: Devilly Grant J. , Ciorciari Joseph , Piesse Amy , Sherwell Sarah , Zammit Sonia , Cook Fallon , Turton Christie
Published: May 2007

The current article presents two studies that aimed to replicate DePrince and Freyd's (2001, 2004) studies demonstrating that high and low dissociators differentially recall neutral and trauma words under conditions of varying cognitive load. We did not find this effect. This lack of replication was apparent for both free recall and word recognition memory and in both studies. In effect, we found little evidence to support betrayal trauma theory, yet observed increased memory fallibility, as demonstrated by lower general recall and (in one study) commission errors, in high dissociators.
Required Sample Size to Detect the Mediated Effect
Authors: Fritz Matthew S. , MacKinnon David P.
Published: May 2007

Mediation models are widely used, and there are many tests of the mediated effect. One of the most common questions that researchers have when planning mediation studies is, “How many subjects do I need to achieve adequate power when testing for mediation?” This article presents the necessary sample sizes for six of the most common and the most recommended tests of mediation for various combinations of parameters, to provide a guide for researchers when designing studies or applying for grants.
Throwing a Bomb on a Person Versus Throwing a Person on a Bomb
Authors: Waldmann Michael R. , Dieterich Jörn H.
Published: May 2007

Most people consider it morally acceptable to redirect a trolley that is about to kill five people to a track where the trolley would kill only one person. In this situation, people seem to follow the guidelines of utilitarianism by preferring to minimize the number of victims. However, most people would not consider it moral to have a visitor in a hospital killed to save the lives of five patients who were otherwise going to die. We conducted two experiments in which we pinpointed a novel factor behind these conflicting intuitions. We show that moral intuitions are influenced by the locus of the intervention in the underlying causal model. In moral dilemmas, judgments conforming to the prescriptions of utilitarianism are more likely when the intervention influences the path of the agent of harm (e.g., the trolley) than when the intervention influences the path of the potential patient (i.e., victim).
Negotiating the 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement: Theoretical and Empirical Aspects
Authors: Petersen Nikolaj
Published: May 2007

Since 1951 a Danish‐American defense agreement on Greenland has regulated US military activities there. The article gives a detailed empirical‐theoretical analysis of the negotiation of the Agreement under five perspectives: bargaining power, agenda setting, negotiating positions, strategies and outcomes. An important parameter was the fact that negotiations took place in a cooperative setting with a long shadow of the future. This made for a skewed, though regular negotiation process with a give‐and‐take of positions, counter‐positions and concessions. Negotiating strategies varied, with the US side concentrating on an “authority” strategy, while the Danes relied on a mixture of off‐setting “moral” and “tied hands” strategies. Although the US got the best outcome, it was not a dictate, because the ground was leveled by the negotiations taking place as part of the build‐up of a long‐term security relationship and the fact that the United States was the demandeur vis‐à‐vis Denmark.
State Building and Capitalism: The Rise of the Swedish Bureaucracy
Authors: Rothstein Bo
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this article is to answer the following question: When did Swedish bureaucracy arise? That is, to determine a point in time when the organizational technology that Weber called bureaucracy became dominant in the process of Swedish state formation, as well as when bureaucracy finally replaced the feudal form of government based on the authority of nobility and the hierarchical ties of individual loyalties. The importance of this question relates to the debate on the sequential logic of economic and political development. The change from an aristocratic/particularistic to a bureaucratic/universal state apparatus can be understood as a change from despotic to infrastructural state power. Most empirical material indicates that, in terms of institutional structure, the transition to a bureaucratic administration started in the 1850s. Contrary to what most Swedish historians have argued, the Swedish state remained feudal and particularistic all they way up to the mid‐19th century. If any particular decade is key to this transformation, it would be the 1870s. By then the last of the noble privileges had disappeared, a uniform salary system had been introduced, and the various state apparatuses had begun reorganizing toward a higher level of efficiency and rationality.
Impact of National Politics on Local Elections in Scandinavia
Authors: Thomsen Søren Risbjerg
Published: May 2007

The impact of national politics on local county and municipal elections since about 1970 is studied at the aggregate national level in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. At this level, the local politics swing, i.e., the change in party support from one local election to the next, can to a high degree be predicted by the swing in national politics support. In Sweden, the national politics support is simply the party support at the national election held on the same day as the local elections, while opinion polls are used for Denmark and Norway. With the swing model for proportional impact from national to local politics, it appears that the national impact is stronger in Norway and Sweden than in Denmark. The swing model can be improved by including feedback from the difference between local politics and national politics support at the previous election. The feedback force from national to local politics estimated by the feedback model is also stronger in Norway and Sweden than in Denmark. Further, a preliminary analysis of Danish data indicates that the feedback model is especially relevant for analysis of data from the individual municipalities.
Peri‐Urban Rural Areas in Greece: The Case of Attica
Authors: Moissidis Antonis , Duquenne Marie‐Noelle
Published: May 2007

This paper examines the competition between traditional and modern farms in peri‐urban areas, focusing on the peri‐urban region of Athens, by means of a sample survey carried out in that region. On the basis of geographical, social and cultural factors, seven zones have been delimited, allowing a typology of peri‐urban farms to be established. The three types of farms are specified: 1) The purely traditional farm which adopts extensive production systems and is in long‐term decline. 2) The farm adapted to the peri‐urban area. 3) The intensive farm, corresponding to a productionist system of production (mainly greenhouse cultivation). Despite the fact that urban sprawl and high demand for land for non‐agricultural uses have caused traditional farms to gradually disappear, in some particular peri‐urban areas, such farms have been able to survive intense competition due to certain cultural and social factors. Moreover, the specific geomorphological features of the region explain, to a great extent, why most peri‐urban farms in Attica operate in a clearly different way from their northern and western European counterparts.
Farmers and Agricultural Policy in Greece since the Accession to the European Union
Authors: Louloudis Leonidas , Maraveyas Napoleon
Published: May 2007

This paper seeks to interpret the demands and forms of organization of the big farmer union protests through an analysis of agricultural policy. Here, it is assumed that the current crisis in relations between farmers and the government is not fortuitous, but it is rather related to the way in which agricultural policy has been implemented since Greece joined the European Union. Therefore, this study focuses on two issues. The first refers to the relationship between farmers and the state following the construction of an all‐powerful system of state corporatism, via the ‘pro‐agricultural’ policy adopted from 1981 until 1989. This system went through a crisis between 1993 and 1996, when application of the ‘pro‐agricultural’ policy became increasingly difficult. The second part of this paper, attempts to approach the ideological content of the ‘pro‐agricultural’ policy, an issue closely linked with the populist phenomenon which dominated Greece after 1981 and began to lose ground in 1993.
Side Effects of Bureaucratic Formalism: Some Administrative Aspects of CAP Implementation in Greece
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitris A.
Published: May 2007

Bureaucratic formalism is widely sanctioned among Greek administrators as the ultimate means for the ‘protection’ of a public agency from extra‐institutional interferences. This paper aims at challenging this position by drawing on the way certain CAP measures are implemented by a public agency at regional and local level. On the basis of an analysis of the diversified institutional discretion provided to bureaucrats in charge of CAP measures' implementation, it is concluded that in certain, particularly high, discretion administrative areas, bureaucratic formalism cannot actually ‘protect’ the public agency. Moreover it triggers off the mobilization of extra‐institutional social networks surrounding the public agency. In these terms, the particularly high‐discretion administrative areas represent the most ‘administratively sensitive areas’ of its regulatory apparatus.
Greece and the Enlargement of the European Union
Authors: Damianos Dimitris , Hassapoyannes Katerina
Published: May 2007

Greece is witnessing a series of international developments which necessitate an adjustment process, but also offer a new perspective for development. CAP reform, the Uruguay Round Final Act, market liberalization and the prospect of European Union enlargement by Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) imply new problems, but also new opportunities. In order for Greece to confront adjustment problems successfully, it is necessary that an integrated strategy for sustainable rural development be developed. National regional and inter‐sectoral policies for rural sustainable development should be supplemented by increased, mutually beneficial economic co‐operation in the CEEC and in the wider Black Sea region. This paper examines and identifies patterns of trade, production and investment that Greece should adopt, in order to establish fruitful and mutually beneficial economic co‐operation with the CEEC.
Reregulating the UK Dairy Industry: The Changing Nature of Competitive Space
Authors: Banks Jo , Marsden Terry
Published: May 2007

In November 1994 the statutory Milk Marketing Board within England and Wales was disbanded, ending over sixty years of structured formal involvement by the state in the operation of the dairy market. This paper examines the changing form and function of regulation in the UK dairy sector as actors, both new and old, renegotiate internal and external sectoral relations. The process of reregulation is set within the context of a food system in which producer‐dominated corporatism has been challenged by retailer‐based regulation through the supply chain. Through studying this example of agri‐food restructuring, the paper investigates how new state/market configurations are being played out, and how new ideological approaches to agricultural and economic policy may in turn impact on rural space. Viewing rural space as an area of contest and challenge within which reregulation occurs, the role of food quality in driving new processes of differentiation is seen as particularly important.

Im November 1994 wurde der offizielle Milchmarkt‐Ausschuß in England und Wales aufgelöst. Damit gingen 60 Jahre formeller Beteiligung des Staates an der Gestaltung des Milchmarktes zuende. In dem Artikel wird untersucht, wie sich Form und Funktion der Regulierung des Milchsektors in Großbritannien verändern, wenn die Akteure von gestern und heute die internen und externen sektoralen Beziehungen neu aushandeln. Der Reregulationsprozeß findet im Rahmen eines Nahrungsmittelsystems statt, innerhalb dessen ein erzeugerzentrierter Korporatismus durch eine einzelhandelsorientierte Regulation via Versorgungskette herausgefordert wurde. Anhand dieses Beispiels einer Restrukturierung im Bereich landwirtschaftlicher Nahrungsmittel untersucht der Artikel, wie sich neue Konstellationen von Staat und Markt darstellen und wie stattdessen neue ideologische Ansätze in der Landwirtschafts‐ und Wirtschaftpolitik Einfluß auf den ländlichen Raum gewinnen. Indem wir den ländlichen Raum als Sphäre für Wettbewerb und Herausforderung betrachten, in der Reregulierungen stattfinden, wird der Lebensmittelqualität für den Anstoß zu neuen Differenzierungsprozessen besondere Bedeutung zugewiesen.
Changing Patterns of State Intervention in the Brazilian Agro‐industrial Complex
Authors: Belik Walter
Published: May 2007

This paper analyses recent changes in Brazilian agricultural policies, which are seen as linked to new forms of market intervention emerging at the end of the 1980s. Using an institutionalist approach, particularly with regard to forms of governance, we identify three distinct phases that characterize the development of Brazilian agricultural policy over the last thirty years. First, with the formation and constitution of sectorial interests, the state engaged in a sort of ‘regulatory fury,’ from which modern Brazilian agriculture springs. Later, under the pressure of budgetary difficulties and with the emancipation of relevant social actors, we enter a period of ‘controlled autonomy’ in the different sectors of the agro‐industrial complex. Finally, under the conditions of ‘commercial opening,’ the fiscal crisis of the state and the increasing role of foreign capital, decision‐making arenas multiply and the state's role in the management of agricultural policy diminishes.

Der Artikel analysiert neuere Veränderungen in der brasilianischen Agrarpolitik, die in Verbindung mit neuen Formen der Marktintervention Ende der 80er Jahre auftauchten. Auf der Basis eines Institutionalismus‐Ansatzes und mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Herrschaftsformen identifizieren wir für die letzten 30 Jahre drei verschiedene Phasen der brasilianischen Agrarpolitik: Zunächst engagiert sich der Staat im Zusammenhang der Bildung und Konstituierung sektoraler Interessen mit einer Art ‘regulatorischem Fieber,’ aus dem die moderne brasilianische Landwirtschaft hervorgeht. Sodann tritt—unter dem Druck von Haushaltsproblemen und im Gefolge der Emanzipation wichtiger sozialer Akteure ‐ eine Phase ‘kontrollierter Autonomie’ in den verschiedenen Sektoren der Agroindustrie ein. Schließlich nehmen im Rahmen der Marktöffnung, der Finanzkrise des Staates und der wachsenden Rolle des ausländischen Kapitals, die Ebenen der Entscheidungsfindung zu und die staatliche Rolle bei der Gestaltung der Landwirtschaftspolitik ab.
A Systematic Review of Measures of End‐of‐Life Care and Its Outcomes
Authors: Mularski Richard A. , Dy Sydney M. , Shugarman Lisa R. , Wilkinson Anne M. , Lynn Joanne , Shekelle Paul G. , Morton Sally C. , Sun Virginia C. , Hughes Ronda G. , Hilton Lara K. , Maglione Margaret , Rhodes Shannon L. , Rolon Cony , Lorenz Karl A.
Published: April 2007

Objective. To identify psychometrically sound measures of outcomes in end‐of‐life care and to characterize their use in intervention studies.

Data Sources. English language articles from 1990 to November 2005 describing measures with published psychometric data and intervention studies of end‐of‐life care.

Study Design. Systematic review of end‐of‐life care literature.

Extraction Methods. Two reviewers organized identified measures into 10 major domains. Eight reviewers extracted and characterized measures from intervention studies.

Principal Findings. Of 24,423 citations, we extracted 200 articles that described 261 measures, accepting 99 measures. In addition to 35 measures recommended in a prior systematic review, we identified an additional 64 measures of the end‐of‐life experience. The most robust measures were in the areas of symptoms, quality of life, and satisfaction; significant gaps existed in continuity of care, advance care planning, spirituality, and caregiver well‐being. We also reviewed 84 intervention studies in which 135 patient‐centered outcomes were assessed by 97 separate measures. Of these, 80 were used only once and only eight measures were used in more than two studies.

Conclusions. In general, most measures have not undergone rigorous development and testing. Measure development in end‐of‐life care should focus on areas with identified gaps, and testing should be done to facilitate comparability across the care settings, populations, and clinical conditions. Intervention research should use robust measures that adhere to these standards.
Differences in the Implementation of Diagnosis‐Related Groups across Clinical Departments: A German Hospital Case Study
Authors: Ridder Hans‐Gerd , Doege Vanessa , Martini Susanne
Published: April 2007

Objective. This article aims to examine the implementation process of diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) in the clinical departments of a German hospital group and to explain why some gain competitive advantage while others do not.

Study Setting. To investigate this research question, we conducted a qualitative study based on primary data obtained in six clinical departments in a German hospital group between 2003 and 2005.

Study Design. We chose the case study method in order to gain deep insights into the process dynamics of the implementation of DRGs in the six clinical departments. The dynamic capability approach is used as a theoretical foundation. Employing theory‐driven categories we focused on idiosyncratic and common patterns of “successful coders” and “unsuccessful coders.”

Data Collection. To observe the implementation process of DRGs, we conducted 43 semistructured interviews with key persons, carried out direct observations of the monthly meetings of the DRG project group, and sampled written materials.

Principal Findings. “Successful coders” invest into change resources, demonstrate a high level of acceptance of innovations, and organize effective processes of coordination and learning.

Conclusions. All clinical departments only put an emphasis on the coding aspects of the DRGs. There is a lack of vision regarding the optimization of patient treatment processes and specialization. Physicians are the most important key actors, rather than the main barriers.
Marital Status, Gender, and Parents’ Psychological Well‐Being*
Authors: Cunningham Anna‐Marie , Knoester Chris
Published: April 2007

This study analyzes the associations between marital status, gender, and depressive symptoms among parents. The regression results indicate that married parents report fewer traditional depressive symptoms and lower rates of alcohol abuse than do single parents. Mothers and fathers also appear to be more likely to exhibit different depressive symptoms: Mothers are more likely than fathers to report traditional depressive symptoms and fathers are more likely to report the abuse of alcohol. Finally, we find evidence that indicators of parenting burdens such as economic strain, household labor, childcare, social support, and religious involvement mediate and moderate these relationships.
Public Perceptions About Sex Offenders and Community Protection Policies
Authors: Levenson Jill S. , Brannon Yolanda N. , Fortney Timothy , Baker Juanita
Published: April 2007

Sex offenders and sex crimes provoke a great deal of anxiety in our society, and over the past decade, lawmakers have passed a variety of social policies designed to protect the public from sexual victimization. The purpose of this study was to examine public perceptions about sex offenders and community protection policies. Data were obtained from a sample of 193 residents in Melbourne, Florida. It was hypothesized that the public holds some inaccurate beliefs about sex offenders, and that there is strong public support for community protection policies. It was found that community members believe that sex offenders have very high recidivism rates, view sex offenders as a homogeneous group with regard to risk, and are skeptical about the benefits of sex offender treatment. The hypothesis that public perceptions contradict empirical research was supported. Community members were overwhelmingly in favor of public disclosure of information about registered sex offenders, although they did not express as much support for residence restrictions. Implications for public policy, and for the media's role in shaping public perceptions, are discussed.
Mediation Ethics: A Grounded Approach
Authors: Honoroff Brad , Opotow Susan
Published: April 2007

Using insights drawn from mediation practice, social justice scholarship, and debates on ethical thinking in other professional fields, the authors argue that prevailing ethical codes for mediators in the United States stunt the development of ethical thinking in the field. Current codes and even their critiques take a “top‐down” approach that proceeds from the perspective of the mediator and gives primacy to abstract principles rather than to the particulars and contexts of disputes. This approach ignores a much richer practice on the ground, depends on an artificial division of procedural and substantive justice, and constricts the scope of ethical questions raised, inhibiting effective systemic solutions. The authors argue for ethics grounded in the context of particular substantive areas, which do not focus on the mediator alone and which remain open to a wider set of social justice considerations.
A New Use for Practitioners in Teaching Negotiation
Authors: Groth Brian Ibbotson , Glevoll Sølvi
Published: April 2007

This article examines the role that practitioners as guest lecturers have traditionally played in the teaching of negotiation. The authors argue that, as seen from the perspective of student learning, this traditional role has not utilized the practitioner's expertise and experience to an optimal degree. Because of this, they have redesigned the role of the practitioner as guest lecturer in their negotiation course. They describe this new role in some detail. Their goal is to encourage students to understand how and why integrative negotiation techniques can work beyond the classroom in what students call the “real world.”
Comprehensive genetic analysis of cancer cells
Authors: Popescu Nicholas C.
Published: May 2007

Human cancer is viewed as a disorder of genes originating from the progeny of a single cell that has accumulated multiple genetic alterations. The genetic alterations include point mutation, chromosomal rearrangements and imbalances. Amplifications primarily involve oncogenes whose overexpression leads to growth deregulation, while deletions commonly target tumor suppressor genes that control cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair mechanisms. With the advent of molecular cytogenetics procedures for global detection of genomic imbalances and for multicolor visualization of structural chromosome changes, as well as the completion of human genome mapping and the development of microarray technology for serial gene expression analysis of the entire genomes, a significant progress has been made in uncovering the molecular basis of cancer. The major challenge in cancer biology is to decipher the molecular anatomy of various cancers and to identify cancer‐related genes that now comprise only a fraction of human genes. The complete genetic anatomy of specific cancers would allow a better understanding of the role of genetic alterations in carcinogenesis, provide diagnostic and prognostic markers and discriminate between cells at different stages of progression toward malignancy. This review highlights current technologies that are available to explore cancer cells and outlines their application to investigations in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Messenger molecules of the phospholipase signaling system have dual effects on vascular smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Vidulescu Cristina , Mironneau J. , Mironneau Chantal , Popescu L.M.
Published: May 2007

Background and methods. In order to investigate the role of phospholipases and their immediately derived messengers in agonist‐induced contraction of portal vein smooth muscle, we used the addition in the organ bath of exogenous molecules such as: phospholipases C, A2, and D, diacylglycerol, arachidonic acid, phosphatidic acid, choline. We also used substances modulating activity of downstream molecules like protein kinase C, phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase, or cyclooxygenase. Results. a) Exogenous phospholipases C or A2, respectively, induced small agonist‐like contractions, while exogenous phospholipase D did not. Moreover, phospholipase D inhibited spontaneous contractions. However, when added during noradrenaline‐induced plateau, phospholipase D shortly potentiated it. b) The protein kinase C activator, phorbol dibutyrate potentiated both the exogenous phospholipase C‐induced contraction and the noradrenaline‐induced plateau, while the protein kinase C inhibitor 1‐(‐5‐isoquinolinesulfonyl)‐2‐methyl‐piperazine relaxed the plateau. c) When added before noradrenaline, indomethacin inhibited both phasic and tonic contractions, but when added during the tonic contraction shortly potentiated it. Arachidonic acid strongly potentiated both spontaneous and noradrenaline‐induced contractions, irrespective of the moment of its addition. d) In contrast, phosphatidic acid inhibited spontaneous contractile activity, nevertheless it was occasionally capable of inducing small contractions, and when repetitively added during the agonist‐induced tonic contraction, produced short potentiations of the plateau. Pretreatment with propranolol inhibited noradrenaline‐induced contractions and further addition of phosphatidic acid augmented this inhibition. Choline augmented the duration and amplitude of noradrenaline‐induced tonic contraction and final contractile oscillations. Conclusions. These data suggest that messengers produced by phospholipase C and phospholipase A2 contribute to achieve the onset and maintenance of contraction, while phospholipase D‐yielded messengers appear to provide a delayed “on/off switch” that ultimately brings relaxation.
Stem cell generation and choice of fate: role of cytokines and cellular microenvironment
Authors: Constantinescu S.N.
Published: May 2007

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) have provided a model for the isolation, enrichment and transplantation of stem cells. Gene targeting studies in mice have shown that expression of the thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) is linked to the accumulation of HSCs capable to generate long‐term blood repopulation when injected into irradiated mice. The powerful increase in vivo in HSC numbers by retrovirally transduced HOX4B, a homeotic gene, along with the role of the TpoR, suggested that stem cell fate, renewal, differentiation and number can be controlled. The discovery of the precise region of the mouse embryo where HSCs originate and the isolation of supporting stromal cell lines open the possibility of identifying the precise signals required for HSC choice of fate. The completion of human genome sequencing coupled with advances in gene expression profiling using DNA microarrays will enable the identification of key genes deciding the fate of stem cells. Downstream from HSCs, multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells appear to co‐express a multiplicity of genes characteristic of different blood lineages. Genomic approaches will permit the identification of the select group of genes consolidated by the commitment of these multipotent progenitors towards one or the other of the blood lineages. Studies with neural stem cells pointed to the unexpected plastic nature of these cells. Isolation of stem cells from multiple tissues may suggest that, providing the appropriate environment/signal, tissues could be regenerated in the laboratory and used for transplantation. A spectacular example of influence of the environment on cell fate was revealed decades ago by using mouse embryonic stem cells (ES). Injected into blastocysts, ES cells contribute to the formation of all adult tissues. Injected into adult mice, ES cells become cancer cells. After multiple passages as ascites, when injected back into the blastocyst environment, ES‐ derived cancer cells behaved again as ES cells. More recently, the successful cloning of mammals and reprogramming of transferred nuclei by factors in the cytoplasm of oocytes turned back the clock by showing that differentiated nuclei can be “re‐booted” to generate again the stem cells for different tissues.
Neurons bearing presenilins: weapons for defense or suicide?
Authors: Popescu B.O. , Ankarcrona Maria
Published: May 2007

Apoptotic machinery designed for cell's organized self‐destruction involve different systems of proteases which cleave vital proteins and disassemble nuclear and cytoplasmic structures, committing the cell to death. The most studied apoptotic proteolytic system is the caspase family, but calpains and the proteasome could play important roles as well. Alzheimer's disease associated presenilins showed to be a substrate for such proteolytic systems, being processed early in several apoptotic models, and recent data suggest that alternative presenilin fragments could regulate cell survival. Mutations in genes encoding presenilins proved to sensitize neurons to apoptosis by different mechanisms e.g. increased caspase‐3 activation, oxyradicals production and calcium signaling dysregulation. Here we review the data involving presenilins in apoptosis and discuss a possible role of presenilins in the regulation of apoptotic biochemical machinery.
Cell death mechanisms in neurodegeneration
Authors: Jellinger K. A.
Published: May 2007

Progressive cell loss in specific neuronal populations often associated with typical cytoskeletal protein aggregations is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders, but the nature, time course and molecular causes of cell death and their relation to cytoskeletal pathologies are still unresolved. Apoptosis or alternative pathways of cell death have been discussed in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Apoptotic DNA fragmentation in human brain as a sign of neuronal injury is found too frequent as to account for continous neuron loss in these slowly progressive processes. Morphological studies revealed extremely rare apoptotic neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease but yielded mixed results for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Based on recent data in human brain, as well as in animal and cell culture models, a picture is beginning to emerge suggesting that, in addition to apoptosis, other forms of programmed cell death may participate in neurodegeneration. Better understanding of the molecular players will further elucidate the mechanisms of cell death in these disorders and their relations to cytoskeletal abnormalities. Susceptible cell populations in a proapoptotic environment show increased vulnerability towards multiple noxious factors discussed in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. In conclusion, although many in vivo and in vitro data are in favor of apoptosis involvement in neurodegenerative processes, there is considerable evidence that very complex events may contribute to neuronal death with possible repair mechanisms, the elucidation of which may prove useful for future prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.