bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the rose of directions from a digital microhologram of fibres
Authors: DENIS LOïC , FOURNEL THIERRY , FOURNIER CORINNE , JEULIN DOMINIQUE
Published: March 2007

Digital holography makes it possible to acquire quickly the interference patterns of objects spread in a volume. The digital processing of the fringes is still too slow to achieve on line analysis of the holograms. We describe a new approach to obtain information on the direction of illuminated objects. The key idea is to avoid reconstruction of the volume followed by classical three‐dimensional image processing. The hologram is processed using a global analysis based on autocorrelation. A fundamental property of diffraction patterns leads to an estimate of the mean geometric covariogram of the objects projections. The rose of directions is connected with the mean geometric covariogram through an inverse problem. In the general case, only the two‐dimensional rose of the object projections can be reconstructed. The further assumption of unique‐size objects gives access with the knowledge of this size to the three‐dimensional direction information. An iterative scheme is suggested to reconstruct the three‐dimensional rose in this special case. Results are provided on holograms of paper fibres.
Photo‐physical properties of Ca2+‐indicator dyes suitable for two‐photon fluorescence‐lifetime recordings
Authors: WILMS CHRISTIAN D. , EILERS JENS
Published: March 2007

We analyzed the suitability of various Ca2+‐indicator dyes for quantitative two‐photon fluorescence‐lifetime imaging. Although fura‐2, fluo‐3, BTC and calcein did not show useful Ca2+‐dependent lifetime changes, calcium orange, calcium green‐1, oregon green‐2 and ‐5N, as well as magnesium green allowed to quantify the Ca2+‐free and Ca2+‐bound dye fractions by a double‐exponential lifetime analysis. For the latter dyes, we derived calibration formalisms that correct for lifetime distortions by dye impurities and Ca2+‐dependent extinction coefficients.
Influence of implant bed preparation using an Er:YAG laser on the osseointegration of titanium implants: a histomorphometrical study in dogs
Authors: SCHWARZ F. , OLIVIER W. , HERTEN M. , SAGER M. , CHAKER A. , BECKER J.
Published: March 2007

summary  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of implant bed preparation using an Er:YAG laser on the osseointegration of titanium implants. A total of 24 implant channels were prepared in the lower jaws of four beagle dogs using (i) an Er:YAG laser device (ERL), or (ii) conventional drills (CD) according to a split‐mouth design (n = 6 implant channels per animal). Three screw‐type titanium implants of different manufacturers were randomly inserted in both groups to evaluate submerged healing at 2 and 12 weeks. Width of the peri‐implant gap (WPG) and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) were assessed histomorphometrically. There were no identifiable signs of any thermal side effects in both groups. ERL osteotomy frequently resulted in wide peri‐implant gaps particularly in the apical area of the implant supporting bone. The following mean scores were assessed (± s.d.): WPG (2 weeks): ERL: 0·89 ± 0·48 mm; CD: 0·27 ± 0·09 mm (P < 0·001 respectively); BIC (2 weeks): ERL: 34·5 ± 7·76%; CD: 48·5 ± 11·08% (P < 0·001 respectively); BIC (12 weeks): ERL: 64·1 ± 8·97%; CD: 68·94 ± 11·23% (P > 0·05 respectively). Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that ERL may represent a promising tool for implant bed preparation.
Molecular identification of mosquito species in the Anopheles annularis group in southern Asia
Authors: WALTON C. , SOMBOON P. , HARBACH R. E. , ZHANG S. , WEERASINGHE I. , O’LOUGHLIN S. M. , PHOMPIDA S. , SOCHANTHA T. , TUN‐LIN W. , CHEN B. , BUTLIN R. K.
Published: March 2007

Abstract The Anopheles annularis group of subgenus Cellia Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) includes five currently recognized species in southern Asia: An. annularis Van der Wulp, Anopheles nivipes (Theobald) and Anopheles philippinensis Ludlow, which are widespread in the region, Anopheles pallidus Theobald, which is known in Sri Lanka, India and Myanmar, and Anopheles schueffneri Stanton, which occurs in Java and Sumatra. Identification of the four mainland species based on morphology is problematic. In view of the fact that the three widespread species are variously involved in malaria transmission in different parts of the region, we developed a species‐specific polymerase chain reaction assay based on rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences to facilitate entomological and epidemiological studies of the four species. The method proved to be reliable when tested over a wide geographical area.
Contributions of Anopheles larval control to malaria suppression in tropical Africa: review of achievements and potential
Authors: WALKER K. , LYNCH M.
Published: March 2007

Abstract Malaria vector control targeting the larval stages of mosquitoes was applied successfully against many species of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in malarious countries until the mid‐20th Century. Since the introduction of DDT in the 1940s and the associated development of indoor residual spraying (IRS), which usually has a more powerful impact than larval control on vectorial capacity, the focus of malaria prevention programmes has shifted to the control of adult vectors. In the Afrotropical Region, where malaria is transmitted mainly by Anopheles funestus Giles and members of the Anopheles gambiae Giles complex, gaps in information on larval ecology and the ability of An. gambiae sensu lato to exploit a wide variety of larval habitats have discouraged efforts to develop and implement larval control strategies. Opportunities to complement adulticiding with other components of integrated vector management, along with concerns about insecticide resistance, environmental impacts, rising costs of IRS and logistical constraints, have stimulated renewed interest in larval control of malaria vectors. Techniques include environmental management, involving the temporary or permanent removal of anopheline larval habitats, as well as larviciding with chemical or biological agents. This present review covers large‐scale trials of anopheline larval control methods, focusing on field studies in Africa conducted within the past 15 years. Although such studies are limited in number and scope, their results suggest that targeting larvae, particularly in human‐made habitats, can significantly reduce malaria transmission in appropriate settings. These approaches are especially suitable for urban areas, where larval habitats are limited, particularly when applied in conjunction with IRS and other adulticidal measures, such as the use of insecticide treated bednets.
Heterologous microarray experiments used to identify the early gene response to heat stress in a coral reef fish
Authors: KASSAHN KARIN S. , CALEY M. JULIAN , WARD ALISTER C. , CONNOLLY ASHLEY R. , STONE GLENN , CROZIER ROSS H.
Published: March 2007

Coral reef fishes are expected to experience rising sea surface temperatures due to climate change. How well tropical reef fishes will respond to these increased temperatures and which genes are important in the response to elevated temperatures is not known. Microarray technology provides a powerful tool for gene discovery studies, but the development of microarrays for individual species can be expensive and time‐consuming. In this study, we tested the suitability of a Danio rerio oligonucleotide microarray for application in a species with few genomic resources, the coral reef fish Pomacentrus moluccensis. Results from a comparative genomic hybridization experiment and direct sequence comparisons indicate that for most genes there is considerable sequence similarity between the two species, suggesting that the D. rerio array is useful for genomic studies of P. moluccensis. We employed this heterologous microarray approach to characterize the early transcriptional response to heat stress in P. moluccensis. A total of 111 gene loci, many of which are involved in protein processing, transcription, and cell growth, showed significant changes in transcript abundance following exposure to elevated temperatures. Changes in transcript abundance were validated for a selection of candidate genes using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. This study demonstrates that heterologous microarrays can be successfully employed to study species for which specific microarrays have not yet been developed, and so have the potential to greatly enhance the utility of microarray technology to the field of environmental and functional genomics.
The strength of reproductive isolation in two hybridizing food‐deceptive orchid species
Authors: MOCCIA MARIA DOMENICA , WIDMER ALEX , COZZOLINO SALVATORE
Published: March 2007

Reproductive isolation is of fundamental importance for maintaining species boundaries in sympatry. In orchids, the wide variety of pollination systems and highly diverse floral traits have traditionally suggested a prominent role for pollinator isolation, and thus for prezygotic isolation, as an effective barrier to gene flow among species. Here, we examined the nature of reproductive isolation betweenAnacamptis morioandAnacamptis papilionacea, two sister species of Mediterranean food‐deceptive orchids, in two natural hybrid zones. Comparative analyses of the two hybrid zones that are located on soils with volcanic origin and have different and well‐dated ages consistently revealed that all hybrid individuals were morphologically and genetically intermediate between the parental species, but had strongly reduced fitness. Molecular analyses based on nuclear ITS1 and (amplified fragment length polymorphism) AFLP markers clearly showed that all examined hybrids were F1hybrids, and that no introgression occurred between parental species. The maternally inherited plastid DNA markers indicated that hybridization betweenA. morioandA. papilionaceawas bidirectional, as confirmed by the molecular analysis of seed families. The genetic architecture of the two hybrid zones suggests that the two parental species easily and frequently hybridize in sympatry as a consequence of partial pollinator overlap but that strong postzygotic barriers reduce hybrid fitness and prevent gene introgression. These results corroborate that chromosomal divergence is instrumental for reproductive isolation between these food‐deceptive orchids and suggest that hybridization is of limited importance for their diversification.
Host‐specificity and coevolution among pollinating and nonpollinating New World fig wasps
Authors: MARUSSICH WENDY A. , MACHADO CARLOS A.
Published: March 2007

Figs (Ficus spp., Moraceae) and their pollinating wasps (Hymenoptera, Agaonidae, Chalcidoidea) constitute a classic example of an obligate plant‐pollinator mutualism, and have become an ideal system for addressing questions on coevolution, speciation, and the maintenance of mutualisms. In addition to pollinating wasps, figs host several types of nonpollinating, parasitic wasps from a diverse array of Chalcid subfamilies with varied natural histories and ecological strategies (e.g. competitors, gallers, and parasitoids). Although a few recent studies have addressed the question of codivergence between specific genera of pollinating and nonpollinating fig wasps, no study has addressed the history of divergence of a fig wasp community comprised of multiple genera of wasps associated with a large number of sympatric fig hosts. Here, we conduct phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences (COI) using 411 individuals from 69 pollinating and nonpollinating fig wasp species to assess relationships within and between five genera of fig wasps (Pegoscapus, Idarnes, Heterandrium, Aepocerus, Physothorax) associated with 17 species of New World Urostigma figs from section Americana. We show that host‐switching and multiple wasp species per host are ubiquitous across Neotropical nonpollinating wasp genera. In spite of these findings, cophylogenetic analyses (treemap 1.0, treemap 2.02β, and parafit) reveal evidence of codivergence among fig wasps from different ecological guilds. Our findings further challenge the classical notion of strict‐sense coevolution between figs and their associated wasps, and mirror conclusions from detailed molecular studies of other mutualisms that have revealed common patterns of diffuse coevolution and asymmetric specialization among the participants.
The bidirectional polar and unidirectional lateral flagellar motors of Vibrio alginolyticus are controlled by a single CheY species
Authors: Kojima Masaru , Kubo Rumi , Yakushi Toshiharu , Homma Michio , Kawagishi Ikuro
Published: March 2007

The bacterial flagellar motor is an elaborate molecular machine that converts ion‐motive force into mechanical force (rotation). One of its remarkable features is its swift switching of the rotational direction or speed upon binding of the response regulator phospho‐CheY, which causes the changes in swimming that achieve chemotaxis. Vibrio alginolyticus has dual flagellar systems: the Na+‐driven polar flagellum (Pof) and the H+‐driven lateral flagella (Laf), which are used for swimming in liquid and swarming over surfaces respectively. Here we show that both swimming and surface‐swarming of V. alginolyticus involve chemotaxis and are regulated by a single CheY species. Some of the substitutions of CheY residues conserved in various bacteria have different effects on the Pof and Laf motors, implying that CheY interacts with the two motors differently. Furthermore, analyses of tethered cells revealed that their switching modes are different: the Laf motor rotates exclusively counterclockwise and is slowed down by CheY, whereas the Pof motor turns both counterclockwise and clockwise, and CheY controls its rotational direction.
Cryo‐electron microscopy of cell division in Staphylococcus aureus reveals a mid‐zone between nascent cross walls
Authors: Matias Valério R. F. , Beveridge Terry J.
Published: March 2007

Cryo‐electron microscopy of frozen‐hydrated thin sections permits the observation of the real distribution of mass in biological specimens allowing the native structure of bacteria to be seen, including the natural orientation of their surface layers. Here, we use this approach to study the fine ultrastructure of the division site, or septum, of Staphylococcus aureus D2C. Frozen‐hydrated sections revealed a differentiated cell wall at the septum, showing two high‐density regions sandwiched between three low‐density zones. The two zones adjacent to the membrane appeared as an extension of the periplasmic space seen in this organism's cell envelope and showed no distinguishing structures within them. Immediately next to these were higher‐density zones that corresponded to nascent cross walls of the septum. Unexpectedly, a rather broad low‐density zone was seen separating cross walls in the septum. This mid‐zone of low density appeared inflated and without visible structures in isolated cell walls, which showed only the high‐density zones of the septum. Here, we suggest that frozen‐hydrated thin sections have captured a highly fragile septal region, the mid‐zone, which results from the dynamic action of autolysis and actively separates daughter cells during division. The two zones next to the membranes are periplasmic spaces. Immediately next to these are the growing cross walls composed of peptidoglycan, teichoic acid and protein.
Regulation and role of a STE12‐like transcription factor from the plant pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Hoi Joanne Wong Sak , Herbert Corentin , Bacha Nafees , O'Connell Richard , Lafitte Claude , Borderies Gisèle , Rossignol Michel , Rougé Pierre , Dumas Bernard
Published: March 2007

In phytopathogenic fungi, STE12‐like genes encode transcription factors essential for appressorium‐mediated host penetration. However, their regulation and downstream targets are still unknown. In the present study, a STE12‐like gene (CLSTE12) from Colletotrichum lindemuthianum was isolated. We identified a spliced variant whose expression was negatively regulated during early stages of pathogenesis, whereas the correctly spliced mRNA remained expressed up to the penetration step, suggesting distinct roles for these two transcripts. Indeed, the full‐length sequence was able to complement a yeast STE12 mutant, whereas overexpression of the transcript variant had a dominant‐negative effect on yeast invasive growth and C. lindemuthianum pathogenicity. To further investigate the downstream genes that could be regulated by CLSTE12, disruption mutants were generated. Phenotypic analyses of the mutants revealed reduced pectinase activity and conidial adhesion to polystyrene. Analysis of cell surface proteins allowed the identification of a major protein, Clsp1p, which was absent from the mutants. Clsp1p belongs to a new family of wall‐associated proteins only found in euascomycetous fungi. Overall, these results suggest that the activity of CLSTE12 can be modulated by a regulated alternative splicing mechanism and that this factor is involved in the production of cell surface proteins and host cell wall degrading enzymes.
The two faces of Janus: virulence gene regulation by CovR/S in group A streptococci
Authors: Churchward Gordon
Published: March 2007

The group A streptococcus (GAS) causes a variety of human diseases, including toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis, which are both associated with significant mortality. Even the superficial self‐limiting diseases caused by GAS, such as pharyngitis, impose a significant economic burden on society. GAS can cause a wide spectrum of diseases because it elaborates virulence factors that enable it to spread and survive in different environmental niches within the human host. The production of many of these virulence factors is directly controlled by the activity of the CovR/S two‐component regulatory system. CovS acts in one direction as a kinase primarily to activate the response regulator CovR and repress the expression of major virulence factors and in the other direction as a phosphatase to permit gene expression in response to environmental changes that mimic conditions found during human infection. This Janus‐like behaviour of the CovR/S system is recapitulated in the binding of CovR to the promoters that it directly regulates. Interactions between different faces of the CovR DNA binding domain appear to depend upon DNA sequence, leading to the potential for differential regulation of virulence gene expression.
Middle promoters constitute the most abundant and diverse class of promoters in bacteriophage T4
Authors: Stoškiene Giedre , Truncaite Lidija , Zajančkauskaite Aurelija , Nivinskas Rimas
Published: March 2007

The temporally regulated transcription program of bacteriophage T4 relies upon the sequential utilization of three classes of promoters: early, middle and late. Here we show that middle promoters constitute perhaps the largest and the most diverse class of T4 promoters. In addition to 45 T4 middle promoters known to date, we mapped 13 new promoters, 10 of which deviate from the consensus MotA box, with some of them having no obvious match to it. So, 30 promoters of 58 identified now deviate from the consensus sequence deduced previously. In spite of the differences in their sequences, the in vivo activities of these T4 middle promoters were demonstrated to be dependent on both activators, MotA and AsiA. Traditionally, the MotA box was restricted to a 9 bp sequence with the highly conserved motif TGCTT. New logo based on the sequences of currently known middle promoters supports the conclusion that the consensus MotA box is comprised of 10 bp with the highly conserved central motif GCT. However, some apparently good matches to the consensus of middle promoters do not produce transcripts either in vivo or in vitro, indicating that the consensus sequence alone does not fully define a middle promoter.
Comparative functional analysis of the lac operons in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Loughman Jennifer A. , Caparon Michael G.
Published: March 2007

Having no known environmental reservoir, Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium responsible for a wider variety of human diseases than any other bacterial species, must rely on its host for metabolic substrates. Although a streptococcal aldolase, LacD.1, has been adapted to virulence gene regulation, both LacD.1 and a paralogous protein, LacD.2, are predicted to function in the tagatose 6‐phosphate pathway for lactose and galactose utilization. In order to gain insight into the mechanism of the LacD.1 regulatory pathway and the role of genome context in the emergence of LacD.1's novel regulatory functions, we compared the function and regulation of the Lac.1 and Lac.2 loci. The Lac.1 operon is not inducible, and regulation by LacD.1 is independent of a functional tagatose 6‐phosphate pathway and enhanced by the conserved truncation of upstream Lac.1 genes. In contrast, Lac.2 expression is sensitive to environmental carbohydrates, and LacD.2, not LacD.1, contributes to growth on galactose. Thus, we conclude that the Lac.1 locus has been specialized to participate in regulation, leaving efficient utilization of carbohydrate sources to the Lac.2 locus. The adaptation of LacD for transcription regulation may be an underappreciated strategy among prokaryotes, as homologues of this multifaceted enzyme are present in a broad range of species.
The utility of the C‐peptide in the phenotyping of patients candidates for pancreas transplantation
Authors: Esmatjes Enric , Fernández Cristian , Rueda Sergio , Nicolau Juana , Chiganer Gastón , Ricart María José , Junca Elizabet , Fernández‐Cruz Laureano
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  It is not unusual for simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) to be performed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), clinically classified as having type 1 diabetes (T1D). C‐peptide determination is useful to identify these patients. We describe the prevalence and characteristics of patients with C‐peptide levels >3 ng/mL, classified with T2D in 172 patients referred for SPK from 1998–2006. Nine patients (5.2%) fulfilled this criteria (mean free C‐peptide 9.08 ng/mL) and were older at diabetes onset (23.5 vs. 12 yr, p < 0.001) and at assessment (42.2 vs. 37.6 yr, p = 0.047) with shorter time between diabetes onset and renal failure (17.8 vs. 22.7 yr, p = 0.3) compared with T1D patients (mean free C‐peptide 0.24 ng/mL). In our experience the prevalence of T2D in candidates for SPK is not negligible. Despite some clinical differences with T1D these T2D patients can phenotypically be confounded with T1D in the absence of C‐peptide determination.
Epstein–Barr virus‐associated lymphoproliferative disease in oral cavity in a renal transplant recipient: A case report
Authors: Johnson J. , Kerecuk L. , Harrison M. , Taylor J. O. , Odell E.
Published: March 2007

Abstract: A 10‐yr‐old child on long‐term cyclosporin immunosuppression for a renal transplant presented with gingival swelling enlargement, in a background of gingival hyperplasia. It is tempting to assume that it is a drug‐related lesion; perhaps, an area of plaque‐related inflammation. An incisional biopsy revealed a monomorphic B‐cell post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). At this stage, high Epstein–Barrr virus (EBV) titres supported a diagnosis of EBV‐driven PTLD. Despite discontinuation of cyclosporin and reduction of EBV viral load to undetectable levels, there was considerable enlargement of the tumour. The patient underwent six courses of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone chemotherapy. This resulted in a dramatic reduction in the size of the right mandibular mass with complete mucosal healing intra‐orally. Her renal transplant still has good function and there is no evidence of PTLD recurrence 23 months after initial diagnosis.

This case illustrates that PTLD can manifest in unusual sites and in transplant recipients on cyclosporin immunosuppression it is easy to assume that any gingival hyperplasia is drug induced; however, the differential diagnosis of gingival hyperplasia should include PTLD.
The COUPLES‐project: a pooled analysis of patient and partner treatment satisfaction scale (TSS) outcomes following vardenafil treatment
Authors: Rosen Raymond C. , Fisher William A. , Beneke Manfred , Homering Martin , Evers Thomas
Published: March 2007

Associate Editor

Michael G. Wyllie

Editorial Board

Ian Eardley, UK

Jean Fourcroy, USA

Sidney Glina, Brazil

Julia Heiman, USA

Chris McMahon, Australia

Bob Millar, UK

Alvaro Morales, Canada

Michael Perelman, USA

Marcel Waldinger, Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of vardenafil on treatment satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and their female partners.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a pooled analysis of three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 12‐week studies of flexible‐dose vardenafil vs placebo, in men with ED for ≥6 months (n = 788) and their untreated female partners. Measures of efficacy included the Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS), International Index of Erectile Function, Erectile Function domain (IIEF‐EF), and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions 2 and 3 (SEP‐2, ‘Were you able to insert your penis into your partner’s vagina?’; and SEP‐3, ‘Did your erection last long enough for you to have sexual intercourse?’). In addition to the overall analysis, there was a subgroup analysis for potential moderators of response, e.g. whether patients who had undergone previous phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‐5) treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, least‐squares (LS) mean scores for all TSS domains were similar in the vardenafil and placebo groups. After 12  weeks of treatment, vardenafil significantly improved the LS mean score for all domains compared with placebo, among both patients and their female partners (P < 0.0001, ‘last’‐observation‐carried‐ forward analysis). Absolute between‐ group differences in LS mean TSS scores (vardenafil − placebo) were: ease of erection (patients 23.4, partners 24.9), erectile function satisfaction (36.7 and 32.9), pleasure from sexual activity (23.0, 23.7), satisfaction with orgasm (27.6, 21.8), confidence to complete sexual activity (28.2, 32.5), and satisfaction with medication (37.4, 35.6). The benefits of vardenafil were greater in men who had undergone previous PDE‐5‐inhibitor treatment and men aged <45 years, while the overall pattern of benefit was similar in all examined subgroups. There were significant benefits with vardenafil in all other variables (IIEF‐EF scores and positive response rates to SEP‐2 and SEP‐3).

ConClusions

Vardenafil significantly improved treatment satisfaction in men with ED, and in their partners. The results provide further evidence of the validity of the TSS.
Technical rationality in Schön’s reflective practice: dichotomous or non‐dualistic epistemological position
Authors: Kinsella Elizabeth Anne
Published: March 2007

Abstract  Donald Schön’s theory of reflective practice has received unprecedented attention as an approach to professional development in nursing and other health and social care professions. This paper examines technical rationality in Schön’s theory of reflective practice and argues that its critique is a broad and often overlooked epistemological underpinning in this work. This paper suggests that the popularity of Schön’s theory is tied in part to his critique of technical rationality, and to his acknowledgement of the significance of practitioner experience and indeterminate zones of practice in the development of expertise. Schön tapped into a growing disillusionment with technical rationality that coincided with a crisis of knowledge across a range of disciplines. The question is raised as to whether Schön’s critique sets up a dichotomy between technical rationality and experience, or overcomes it. The conclusions suggest that Schön is not discarding research‐based professional knowledge, but rather challenging conflated views of its practical significance. In this way, it is proposed that his critique of technical rationality can be interpreted as an attempt to overcome dualistic thinking as it pertains to professional knowledge.
Interaction of mixture of anionic surfactants with collagen
Authors: Krejčí J.
Published: March 2007

Synopsis

Study focused on interaction of collagen fibres of collagen I with anionic surfactants sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate (SDBS), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and their mixtures at pH = 6, at two ionic strengths (I = 0.06 mol L−1and I = 0.4 mol  L−1) and laboratory temperature. Surfactants and their mixtures were characterised by their critical micelle concentration (c.m.c.), composition of mixed micelles and interaction factor β according to Rubingh. Dependency of c.m.c. on mixture composition has an opposite tendency at both ionic strengths, which proves the greater influence of added electrolyte on behaviour of SDS than of SDBS. Interaction was evaluated by means of binding isotherms and mass swelling degree αm. The bound quantity partly depends on mixture composition, partly on ionic strength. SDS and mixtures containing its greater quantities are bound more than SDBS (approx. 150% related to SDBS). Increased ionic strength of the environment increases bound quantity in approximately same manner, heedless of adsorbate composition. Even composition of the mixture after interaction with fibres does not markedly alter from initial composition. Fibre swelling is affected by composition of swelling mixture similarly to binding – it increases with growing quantity of surfactants. Greater ionic strength acts against collagen swelling, and at given ionic strength (I = 0.4 mol  L−1) swelling attains half values compare to swelling at low ionic strength (I = 0.06 mol L−1). There are characteristic concentrations of both surfactants and their mixtures (cs ∼ 0.5 ‐ 1.0 mmol L−1) that do not produce swelling. It is assumed that this range of concentrations corresponds to amount of surfactants bound to collagen through electrostatic forces and thus to temporary increase in fibre hydrophobity.
Photostabilization of organic UV‐absorbing and anti‐oxidant cosmetic components in formulations containing micronized manganese‐doped titanium oxide
Authors: Wakefield G. , Stott J.
Published: March 2007

Micronized titanium oxide (TiO2) and manganese‐doped titanium oxide (TiO2:Mn) particles have been incorporated into a variety of oil‐in‐water (O/W) and water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) emulsions in conjunction with the UV‐absorbing organic compounds butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM) and octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) and with the anti‐oxidants vitamin E and vitamin C. The retention of the organics under solar exposure has been shown to be significantly enhanced by the addition of TiO2:Mn to the formulation. In the case of BMDM and OMC, the retention is increased from 20% and 24% to 63% and 83%, respectively, after 2 h of solar exposure. In this system, TiO2 particles are shown to provide only limited protection relative to BMDM and OMC. Vitamin E and vitamin C are actively degraded by the presence of TiO2 in the emulsion during solar exposure. This effect is reversed with TiO2:Mn, the use of which can protect >90% of anti‐oxidants in both the oil and water phases of the formulation. The absence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and surface scavenging of ROS by TiO2:Mn is responsible for a significantly reduced ROS load on the organic components and consequent photostabilization of the emulsion.
Use of image analysis techniques for objective quantification of the efficacy of different hair removal methods
Authors: Bielfeldt S. , Brandt M. , Wilhelm K.‐P.
Published: March 2007

In the field of consumer‐used cosmetics for hair removal and hair growth reduction, there is a need for improved quantitative methods to enable the evaluation of efficacy and claim support. Optimized study designs and investigated endpoints are lacking to compare the efficacy of standard methods, like shaving or plucking, with new methods and products, such as depilating instruments or hair‐growth‐reducing cosmetics. Non‐invasive image analysis, using a high‐performance microscope combined with an optimized image analysis tool, was investigated to assess hair growth. In one step, high‐resolution macrophotographs of the legs of female volunteers after shaving and plucking with cold wax were compared to observe short‐term hair regrowth. In a second step, images obtained after plucking with cold wax were taken over a long‐term period to assess the time, after which depilated hairs reappeared on the skin surface. Using image analysis, parameters like hair length, hair width, and hair projection area were investigated. The projection area was found to be the parameter most independent of possible image artifacts such as irregularities in skin or low contrast due to hair color. Therefore, the hair projection area was the most appropriate parameter to determine the time of hair regrowth. This point of time is suitable to assess the efficacy of different hair removal methods or hair growth reduction treatments by comparing the endpoint after use of the hair removal method to be investigated to the endpoint after simple shaving. The closeness of hair removal and visible signs of skin irritation can be assessed as additional quantitative parameters from the same images. Discomfort and pain rating by the volunteers complete the set of parameters, which are required to benchmark a new hair removal method or hair‐growth‐reduction treatment. Image analysis combined with high‐resolution imaging techniques is a powerful tool to objectively assess parameters like hair length, hair width, and projection area. To achieve reliable data and to reduce well known image‐analysis artifacts, it was important to optimize the technical equipment for use on human skin and to improve image analysis by adaptation of the image‐processing procedure to the different skin characteristics of individuals, like skin color, hair color, and skin structure.
A novel water‐repellent o/w emulsion using a new water‐soluble amphiphilic polymer
Authors: Akiyama E. , Kashimoto A. , Hotta H. , Kitsuki Tomohito
Published: March 2007

A novel O/W (oil‐in‐water) emulsion cosmetic that has strong water repellency and a »water‐splash feel« was prepared using the amphiphilic polymer hydrophilic‐hydrophobic modified polysaccharide (INCI/Sodium Stearoxy PG‐Hydroxyethylcellulose Sulfonate). This emulsion is composed of a hydrophobic–hydrophilic modified polysaccharide/water/oil system with a small amount of lipophilic non‐ionic surfactant (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance<5) added to obtain finely emulsified oil particles. Hydrophilic–hydrophobic modified polysaccharide was used as a thickener and polymer surfactant, and it produced a stable O/W emulsion without the addition of a hydrophilic surfactant. Several types of oil droplets decrease in size upon addition of various kinds of lipophilic surfactant due to the lowering of tension at the water/oil interface. Rheological measurements revealed that the strong network structure of hydrophilic–hydrophobic modified polysaccharide retained oil droplets without occurrence of phase inversion. Such an emulsion is very different from those made using conventional hydrophilic surfactants, and it is water repellent. This system was characterized by the presence of hydrophilic–hydrophobic modified polysaccharide, and the state of the emulsion could be controlled by the ratio of hydrophobic/hydrophilic moieties introduced into the polysaccharide.
How cosmetic science can contribute to the improvement of society
Authors: Jones M.
Published: March 2007

The only constant in life is change and living in South Africa I certainly have witnessed major change during my life, particularly as our country was transformed from being governed by the Apartheid regime to a democratically elected government. In order to share my ideas of how cosmetic science can contribute to the improvement of society, I would like to address three issues. The first part of my essay will discuss some of the recent changes in the society we live in and how these changes have affected our need for cosmetics. Secondly I will discuss the developments in cosmetic science that will be necessary to cope with these changes and finally, the kind of developments in cosmetic science will be necessary in order for them to improve our society. Of course, not all people in our world share the same norms and values and I will therefore consider a global acceptance of and adherence to the declaration of human rights as the ultimate improvement. On such a level, it should be realized from the beginning that the influence cosmetic science can have on society is very limited compared to that of, for instance, political leaders of our world. Cosmetic science, however, does make a contribution, although it is only a small step in the process of improving the world we live in, but according to Confucius the longest journey begins with the first step. Therefore, let the journey begin… This essay won the 2006 Maison G. de Navarre Young Scientist Prize that is awarded for either the first or second paper in cosmetic science or a specially written essay on a topic selected by the 2005–2006 IFSCC President for an author of 35 years or younger. This Prize was awarded to Megan Jones during the Openings Ceremony of the 24th IFSCC Congress »Integration of Cosmetic Sciences«, Osaka, Japan on 16 October 2006. The purpose of the Maison G. de Navarre Young Scientist Prize is to stimulate young cosmetic scientists to write scientific papers/essays. The prize covers all expenses to attend the first IFSCC Congress or Conference that is held after the prize was awarded.
The PorGrow project – an introduction and overview
Authors: Millstone E. , Lobstein T. ,   the PorGrow national teams
Published: March 2007

Obesity in Europe is reaching epidemic proportions, and Europe’s policymakers need more information on the approaches that stakeholders judge effective and consider acceptable. The Policy Options for Responding to the Growing Challenge of Obesity Research Project interviewed food producers, manufacturers and retailers, advertisers and caterers, life insurers, pharmaceutical companies, teachers, public health experts, town planners, advocacy organizations and consumer groups in nine countries: Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK. Interviews were conducted using innovative Multi‐Criteria Mapping software which provides reproducible and transparent structured information on the stakeholders’ perceptions, judgements and reasons. The results indicate that a comprehensive portfolio of policy measures, integrated into a coherent programme, would be well‐supported by a broad coalitions of stakeholders. The costs of such a programme were not considered as important as the potential costs of not taking action. Policymakers can be confident that the great majority of stakeholders recognize the need for action and are prepared to accept their costs, but that the ‘upstream’ interventions such as marketing controls, planning and transport controls and fiscal measures, will need to be justified in terms of their wider health and social benefits.
Stakeholder appraisal of policy options for responding to obesity in Hungary
Authors: Horváth Z. , Pankotai M. G. , Szabolcs I.
Published: March 2007

Overweight and obesity increases risks for many diseases, while treating them is expensive. Trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last two decades indicate the need for urgent interventions. Several different kinds of interventions could modify the obesogenic environment. The aim of this study was to map which policy options will be acceptable and effective in Hungary. Interviews were conducted with 21 stakeholders representing a wide range of viewpoints to evaluate seven core and 13 discretionary policy options under different criteria. The 21 Hungarian participants used 92 appraisal criteria covering a wide range of issues. Efficacy, practical feasibility, social acceptability and societal benefits were widely judged more important than the costs of measures. Significant additional social and health benefits were anticipated from changes in transport and planning policies, but the cost to the public sector was considered high and the implementation difficult. There was broad support for changes in patterns of food consumption and levels of physical activity. There was a consensus that without developing the attitudes of individuals to be more responsible for their health, environmental changes alone would not be enough to reverse the trend of the growing prevalence of obesity.
Mapping public policy options responding to obesity: the case of Spain
Authors: González‐Zapata L. I. , Ortiz‐Moncada R. , Alvarez‐Dardet C.
Published: March 2007

This study assesses the opinions of the main Spanish stakeholders from food and physical exercise policy networks on public policy options for responding to obesity. We followed the multi‐criteria mapping methodology in the framework of the European project ‘Policy options in responding to obesity’ (PorGrow), through a structured interview to 21 stakeholders. A four‐step approach was taken: options, criteria, scoring and weighting, obtaining in this way a measure of the performance of each option which integrates qualitative and quantitative information. In an overall analysis, the more popular policy options where those grouped as educational initiatives: include food and health in the school curriculum, improve health education to the general public, improve the training of health professionals in obesity care and prevention, incentives to caterers to provide healthier menus and improve community sports facilities. Fiscal measures as subsidies and taxes had the lowest support. The criteria assessed as priorities were grouped as efficacy and societal benefits. Obesity in Spain can be approached through public policies, although the process will not be easy or immediate. The feasibility of changes requires concerned public policymakers developing long‐term actions taking into account the map of prioritized options by the stakeholders.
The Effect of Socialization Mechanisms and Performance Measurement on Supplier Integration in New Product Development
Authors: Cousins Paul D. , Lawson Benn
Published: March 2007

This article examines the effect of socialization mechanisms and supplier performance measurement on the level of supplier integration in new product development and subsequent firm performance outcomes. Prior research has found socialization mechanisms and performance measures to be effective in managing supplier relationships, though research examining their impact within a product development context has been limited. Socialization mechanisms, such as supplier conferences and on‐site visits, help establish communication and information‐sharing routines necessary to achieve supplier integration in the product development process. Using performance measures to evaluate a supplier helps focus managerial attention on areas such as innovation and communication that are important to integration success. A structural equation model, using a sample of 142 manufacturing firms based in the United Kingdom, indicates that the level of supplier integration in new product development is positively influenced by socialization mechanisms and innovation‐focused measures of supplier performance, but not significantly associated with the use of communication measures. In turn, increased levels of supplier integration led to improvements in both collaboration outcomes and business performance. Socialization mechanisms were also found to have a direct effect on collaboration outcomes achieved by the firm. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Facial Composite Production by Eyewitnesses
Authors: Wells Gary L. , Hasel Lisa E.
Published: March 2007

The creation of facial images by eyewitnesses using composite-production systems can be important for the investigation of crimes when the identity of the perpetrator is at issue. Despite technological advances, research indicates that composite-production systems produce poor likenesses of intended faces, even familiar faces. Furthermore, producing a composite appears to harm later recognition performance. Although morphing composites from multiple witnesses helps, likeness is still limited. The problem might stem from a mismatch between how faces are represented in memory (holistically) and how composite systems attempt to retrieve the memories (at the feature level). New methods of face recall involving judgments of whole faces hold greater promise.
Influence of Gender on Parental Socialization of Children's Sadness Regulation
Authors: Cassano Michael , Perry‐Parrish Carisa , Zeman Janice
Published: March 2007

Mothers' (N = 60) and fathers' (N = 53) perceptions of and desire for change in their 6‐ to 11‐year‐old daughters' (N = 59) and sons' (N = 54) sadness regulation behaviors (i.e., inhibition, dysregulation, coping) were examined in addition to parental responses to children's hypothetical sadness displays. Results of multivariate analyses of variance and regression analyses suggest that parental perceptions of and desired change in children's sadness behavior differ as a function of parent gender, child gender and child age (younger (grades 1, 2), older (grades 4, 5)), and predict the likelihood of contingent responses to children's sadness behavior. Overall, fathers reported being likely to respond to sadness with minimization whereas mothers reported being likely to respond with expressive encouragement and problem‐focused strategies. These parent‐reported socialization response tendencies, however, were more fully explained by the interaction between perceptions of children's sadness regulation behaviors and satisfaction with these behaviors. These findings highlight the need to include parent gender and parental cognitions as important variables in emotion socialization research.
Maternal Meta‐emotion Philosophy and Adolescent Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Katz Lynn Fainsilber , Hunter Erin C.
Published: March 2007

The current study examined the relations between maternal meta‐emotion philosophy and adolescent depressive symptoms, as well as general adolescent adjustment and the quality of parent–child interaction. Consistent with previous findings on children in the preschool period and middle childhood, it was expected that an emotion coaching meta‐emotion philosophy would be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher levels of adjustment and lower frequencies and less reciprocity of aversive and dysphoric affect during mother–child interaction. Maternal meta‐emotion interviews, observations of mother–child interaction and assessments of adolescent adjustment were obtained. Results indicated that mothers of adolescents with high levels of depressive symptoms were less accepting and expressive of their own emotions than were mothers of adolescents with low levels of depressive symptoms. A mother's acceptance of her own emotion was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher self‐esteem and fewer externalizing problems in young adolescents. A mother's emotion coaching was associated with lower frequency and less likelihood of the reciprocity of aversive and dysphoric affect during mother–child interaction. Discussion highlights the role of maternal meta‐emotion philosophy in creating emotional closeness in families with high and low levels of depressive symptomatology.