bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific in vitro toxicity of crude and refined petroleum products: 3. Estrogenic responses in mammalian assays
Authors: Vrabie Cozmina M , Candido Angelica , van den Berg Hans , Murk Albertinka J , van Duursen Majorie B.M , Jonker Michiel T.O
Published: January 2011

Current petroleum risk assessment considers only narcosis as the mode of action, but several studies have demonstrated that oils contain compounds with dioxin-like, estrogenic or antiestrogenic, and androgenic or antiandrogenic activities. The present study is the third in a series investigating the specific toxic effects of 11 crude oils and refined products. By employing recombinant mammalian cells stably transfected with the human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) or beta (ERβ), and expressing the luciferase protein (ERα-U2OS-Luc and ERβ-U2OS-Luc assay), the estrogenicity or antiestrogenicity of oils was studied. All oils, except for two refined oils and one crude oil, induced estrogenic responses. The calculated estrogenic potencies of the oils were six to nine orders of magnitude lower than the potency of 17β-estradiol (E2). Upon coexposure to a fixed concentration of E2 and increasing concentrations of oils, additive, antagonistic, and synergistic effects were revealed. One nautical fuel oil was tested in the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7, in which it induced cell proliferation up to 70% relative to the maximal induction by E2. At its minimum effect concentration of 25 mg/L, the oil was also capable of inducing mRNA expression of the estrogen-dependent protein pS2 by a factor of two. The present results indicate that oils naturally contain potentially endocrine-disrupting compounds that are able to influence the estrogenicity of other compounds and may cause biological responses beyond receptor binding. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:973–980. © 2010 SETAC
Influence of historical industrial epochs on pore water and partitioning profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in Oslo Harbor, Norway, sediment cores
Authors: Arp Hans Peter H , Villers Frederic , Lepland Aivo , Kalaitzidis Stavros , Christanis Kimon , Oen Amy M.P , Breedveld Gijs D , Cornelissen Gerard
Published: January 2011

Contaminant levels in urban harbor sediments vary with contaminant emission levels, sedimentation rates, and sediment resuspension processes such as propeller wash. Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are decreasing in many urban harbors, as heavily contaminated sediments that accumulated during past decades are being buried by less-contaminated sediments. However, PAHs and PCBs remain a concern in areas where burial is slow or resuspension processes re-expose heavily contaminated older layers. Chronostratigraphic sediment core studies typically characterize contaminant level histories by using total sediment concentrations, Csed, and do not determine the freely dissolved porewater concentrations, Cpw, which provide a better measure of bioavailability. Here both Csed and Cpw profiles were established for PAHs and PCBs in dated sediment cores from diverse areas of Oslo Harbor, Norway. Sediment–porewater partitioning profiles were established alongside profiles of various sorbing carbonaceous phases, including total organic carbon (TOC), black carbon, and diverse carbonaceous geosorbents identified by petrographic analysis. Stratigraphic trends in carbonaceous phases and Csed could be associated with different industrial epochs: hydropower (post-1960, approximately), manufactured gas (∼1925–1960), coal (∼1910–1925), and early industry (∼1860–1910). Partitioning was highly variable and correlated best with the TOC. Hydropower-epoch sediments exhibit decreasing Csed with time and a relatively strong sorption capacity compared with the manufactured-gas epoch. Sediments from the manufactured-gas epoch exhibit substantial PAH and metal contamination, large amounts of coke and char, and a low sorption capacity. Reexposure of sediments of this epoch increases risks to local benthic species. Implications on natural recovery as a sediment management strategy are discussed. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:843–851. © 2010 SETAC
Seedling morphology of some mangroves of sundarbans, India: A taxonomic approach: With 4 figures and one table
Authors: Das S. , Ghose M. , Paria N.
Published: January 2011

Germination type and seedling morphology of 16 true mangrove species under ten families were studied. Seedlings were either raised in vitro or collected from natural habitat. True viviparous type of germination occurs in the members of Rhizophoraceae, cryptocotylar hypogeal in Excoecaria, Heritiera, Phoenix and Xylocarpus, phanerocotylar geal type in Aegiceras and Aegialitis, and phanerocotylar epigeal type in the rest of the taxa. Viviparous germination is considered to be the most complex phenomenon in evolutionary line. An intermediate incipient vivipary is prominent in Aegiceras, Aegialitis and Avicennia, which may be, included in a separate group namely cryptoviviparous type. The germination types have been discussed in the light of their habitat. An identification key to the genera has been provided on the basis of germination type and seedling morphology.
The grammitidaceae, pteridophyta, of macaronesia
Authors: Schäfer H.
Published: January 2011

Grammitis marginella (Sw.) Sw. is reported from the Azores, Portugal, and thus for the first time from Europe. The Azorean plants are described as subsp. azorica subsp. nova. A key for the three Macaronesian species of the family Grammitidaceae (C.PRESL) CHING is presented. Studies on the ecology of G. marginella and the related Ceradenia junger‐mannioides (KLOTZSCH) L.E.BISHOP on Ilha das Flores, Azores are reported.
Beiträge zur Pilzflora von Vorpommern (II), Deutschland
Authors: Kreisel H.
Published: January 2011

Contributions to the Fungus Flora of Vorpommern (II), Deutschland

From the region Vorpommern and adjacent parts of Mecklenburg (north eastern Germany) records of 82 species of macromycetes are communicated. The distribution of six of the mentioned species in north eastern Germany is shown on grid maps.
Propensity score‐based nonparametric test revealing genetic variants underlying bipolar disorder
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Zhang Heping
Published: January 2011

Association analysis has led to the identification of many genetic variants for complex diseases. While assessing the association between genes and a disease, other factors can play an important role. The consequence of not considering covariates (such as population stratification and environmental factors) is well‐documented in genetic studies. We introduce a nonparametric test of association that adjusts for covariate effects. Specifically, the adjustment is realized through weights that are constructed from genomic propensity scores that summarize the contribution of all covariates. The benefit of our test is demonstrated through an important data set on bipolar disorder (BD) collected by the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium. When compared to other tests, our test identified an unreported region with three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 16 that show strong evidence of association (P‐value <5 × 10−7). This region is near the RPGRIP1L gene known to be associated with BD. A haplotype block including these three SNPs was further discovered to be strongly associated with BD. It is also interesting to note that our nonparametric test did not reveal strong signals at two SNPs that were detected by a covariate‐adjusted parametric test. This suggests that different methods of covariate adjustment can complement each other. Thus, we recommend using both parametric and nonparametric testing. Additionally, we performed simulation studies to compare our proposed test with the unadjusted test and an adjusted parametric test. Our finding underscores the importance of accommodating and controlling for covariate effects in discovering genetic variants associated with complex disorders. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:125–132, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of self‐identified race on epidemiologic studies of gene expression
Authors: Sharma Sunita , Murphy Amy , Howrylak Judie , Himes Blanca , Cho Michael H. , Chu Jen‐Hwa , Hunninghake Gary M. , Fuhlbrigge Anne , Klanderman Barbara , Ziniti John , Senter‐Sylvia Jody , Liu Andy , Szefler Stanley J. , Strunk Robert , Castro Mario , Hansel Nadia N. , Diette Gregory B. , Vonakis Becky M. , Adkinson N. Franklin , Carey Vincent J. , Raby Benjamin A.
Published: January 2011

Although population differences in gene expression have been established, the impact on differential gene expression studies in large populations is not well understood. We describe the effect of self‐reported race on a gene expression study of lung function in asthma. We generated gene expression profiles for 254 young adults (205 non‐Hispanic whites and 49 African Americans) with asthma on whom concurrent total RNA derived from peripheral blood CD4+lymphocytes and lung function measurements were obtained. We identified four principal components that explained 62% of the variance in gene expression. The dominant principal component, which explained 29% of the total variance in gene expression, was strongly associated with self‐identified race (P<10−16). The impact of these racial differences was observed when we performed differential gene expression analysis of lung function. Using multivariate linear models, we tested whether gene expression was associated with a quantitative measure of lung function: pre‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Though unadjusted linear models of FEV1identified several genes strongly correlated with lung function, these correlations were due to racial differences in the distribution of both FEV1and gene expression, and were no longer statistically significant following adjustment for self‐identified race. These results suggest that self‐identified race is a critical confounding covariate in epidemiologic studies of gene expression and that, similar to genetic studies, careful consideration of self‐identified race in gene expression profiling studies is needed to avoid spurious association.Genet. Epidemiol. 32:93–101, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoscopic‐assisted management of chronic sialadenitis
Authors: Gillespie M. Boyd , Intaphan Jared , Nguyen Shaun A.
Published: January 2011

Background

Chronic sialadenitis is a relatively common disorder that is frequently referred to head and neck surgeons for diagnosis and management. The management of the disorder is rapidly evolving with the introduction of salivary endoscopy. The purpose of the present study was a review of the indications and techniques of endoscopic‐assisted management of chronic sialadenitis at a single U.S. institution.

Methods

This study is a retrospective case series of patients undergoing salivary endoscopy for chronic sialadenitis. Patient clinical information was reviewed to determine endoscopic findings, associated procedures, complications, rate of gland preservation, and early symptom control.

Results

A total of 51 patients underwent endoscopic‐assisted salivary surgery over a 24‐month period. Treatment indications included sialadenitis of unclear etiology (49%), sialadenitis with sialolithiasis (47%), and Sjögren syndrome (4%). Findings included obstructive stricture formation in 22 patients (43%). Associated procedures included sialodochoplasty (41%), steroid infusion (39%), and ductal stenting (8%). Gland preservation was achieved in 40 patients (78%). Of those who were treated with endoscopic‐assisted techniques alone, 38 patients (84%) had symptomatic improvement whereas 7 patients (16%) did not improve. Minor complications were observed in 12% of the patients.

Conclusion

Endoscopic‐assisted management of chronic sialadenitis is both safe and effective and allows gland preservation with symptom control in the majority of patients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Endoscope‐assisted intraoral resection of external dermoid cyst
Authors: Kim Jin Pyeong , Park Jung Je , Jeon Sea‐Yuong , Ahn Seong‐Ki , Hur Dong Gu , Kim Dae‐Woo , Park Hyun Woo , Woo Seung Hoon
Published: January 2011

Background

Surgical removal of a dermoid cyst is usually accomplished through an external neck incision. However, this procedure inevitably results in a neck scar.

Methods

We report the case of a 17‐year‐old woman with a submental mass. We implemented a modified approach to dermoid cyst removal through the floor of the mouth using an endoscope system.

Results

The patient received a modified approach to dermoid cyst removal and remains free of disease 6 months after excision.

Conclusion

Resection of the submental type dermoid cyst can be performed by an intraoral endoscope‐assisted approach through the floor of the mouth. We describe the procedure of the endoscope‐assisted intraoral resection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Adrenergic modulation of sharp wave‐ripple activity in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Ul Haq R. , Liotta A. , Kovacs R. , Rösler A. , Jarosch M.J. , Heinemann U. , Behrens C.J.
Published: January 2011

Norepinephrine (NE) has been shown to facilitate learning and memory by modulating synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus in vivo. During memory consolidation, transiently stored information is transferred from the hippocampus into the cortical mantle. This process is believed to depend on the generation of sharp wave‐ripple complexes (SPW‐Rs), during which previously stored information might be replayed. Here, we used rat hippocampal slices to investigate neuromodulatory effects of NE on SPW‐Rs, induced by a standard long‐term potentiation (LTP) protocol, in the CA3 and CA1. NE (10–50 μM) dose‐dependently and reversibly suppressed the generation of SPW‐Rs via activation of α1 adrenoreceptors, as indicated by the similar effects of phenylephrine (100 μM). In contrast, the unspecific β adrenoreceptor agonist isoproterenol (2 μM) significantly increased the incidence of SPW‐Rs. Furthermore, β adrenoreceptor activation significantly facilitated induction of both LTP and SPW‐Rs within the CA3 network. Suppression of SPW‐Rs by NE was associated with a moderate hyperpolarization in the majority of CA3 pyramidal cells and with a reduction of presynaptic Ca2+ uptake in the stratum radiatum. This was indicated by activity‐dependent changes in [Ca2+]o and Ca2+fluorescence signals, by changes in the paired pulse ratio of evoked EPSPs and by analysis of the coefficient of variance. In the presence of NE, repeated high frequency stimulation (high‐frequency stimulation (HFS)) failed to induce SPW‐Rs, although SPW‐Rs appeared following washout of NE. Together, our data indicate that the NE‐mediated suppression of hippocampal SPW‐Rs depends on α1 adrenoreceptor activation, while their expression and activity‐dependent induction is facilitated via β1‐adrenoreceptors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implication of human nonmetastatic clone 23 Type 1 and its downstream gene lipocalin 2 in metastasis and patient's survival of cancer of uterine cervix
Authors: Wang Po‐Hui , Ko Jiunn‐Liang , Yang Shun‐Fa , Lin Long‐Yau
Published: January 2011

Human nonmetastatic clone 23 Type 1 (nm23‐H1) is demonstrated to have diverse roles in metastasis and survival for many cancers, which are probably caused via different impacts on its downstream genes. Our preliminary study using cDNA genechip found that lipocalin 2 seems to be a significant downstream gene of nm23‐H1 in SiHa cancer cells of uterine cervix. Therefore, we investigated the expression and correlation of nm23‐H1 and lipocalin 2 in cancer metastasis and their implication in recurrence and survival of cervical cancer patients. In our study, we knocked down SiHa cancer cells by short hairpin RNA for nm23‐H to detect its impact on the promoter activity and gene expression of lipocalin 2. In addition to nm23‐H1 knockdown, lipocalin 2 gene was overexpressed to detect their implication in metastatic phenotypes. We further used immunohistochemical methods for 100 cancer tissue cores of cervical tissue microarrays to correlate the expression of nm23‐H1 and lipocalin 2 with recurrence and survival of cancer patients. Our findings showed that nm23‐H1 knockdown SiHa cancer cells increased lipocalin 2 promoter activity and gene expression, then decreased cells migration and invasion. They displayed cobblestone‐like appearance and decreased interior fibers. Cervical cancer patients with positive nm23‐H1 and negative lipocalin 2 expression had the worst recurrence probability and overall survival. In conclusion, when nm23‐H1 gene is knocked down in SiHa cervical cancer cells, cells migration and invasion decrease through elevated expression of lipocalin 2. Cervical cancer patients with positive nm23‐H1 and negative lipocalin 2 should be followed and treated intensely.
Impact of an HPV6/11/16/18 L1 virus‐like particle vaccine on progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in seropositive women with HPV16/18 infection
Authors: Haupt Richard M. , Wheeler Cosette M. , Brown Darron R. , Garland Suzanne M. , Ferris Daron G. , Paavonen Jorma A. , Lehtinen Matti O. , Steben Marc , Joura Elmar A. , Giacoletti Katherine E. D. , Radley David R. , James Margaret K. , Saah Alfred J. , Sings Heather L. ,   for the FUTURE I and II Investigators
Published: January 2011

The impact of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2‐3 or adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN2‐3/AIS) in women with ongoing HPV16 or 18 infections prevaccination is reported. Seventeen thousand six‐hundred and twenty‐two women aged 16–26 were enrolled in 1 of 2 randomized, placebo‐controlled, efficacy trials (Protocols 013 and 015). Vaccine or placebo was given at day 1, month 2 and 6. Women were tested for HPV6/11/16/18 DNA and antibodies at day 1. We focus on the subset of women who were seropositive and DNA positive to HPV16 or HPV18 prevaccination. Incidence is expressed as the number of women with an endpoint per 100 person‐years‐at‐risk. In total, 419 vaccine and 446 placebo recipients were both seropositive and DNA positive to HPV16 or HPV18 prevaccination and had at least one follow‐up visit. In Protocol 013, the incidence of HPV16/18‐related CIN2‐3/AIS among these women was 10.9 in the vaccine arm and 7.0 in the placebo arm (vaccine efficacy = −54.9; 95% CI: −181.7, 13.0). In Protocol 015, the incidence of HPV16/18‐related CIN2‐3/AIS was 5.5 in the vaccine arm and 6.2 in the placebo arm (vaccine efficacy = 12.2%; 95% CI: −29.8, 40.9). These data suggest HPV vaccination neither reduces nor enhances progression to HPV16/18‐related high grade cervical lesions, and cervical cytology screening and corresponding management should continue as per local recommendations. Ultimately, population‐based surveillance of vaccinated individuals beyond these clinical trials will be required to further address questions regarding the impact of vaccination in women exposed to vaccine HPV types before vaccination.
Risk of metachronous contralateral testicular germ cell tumors: A population‐based study of 7,102 Norwegian patients (1953–2007)
Authors: Andreassen Kristine E. , Grotmol Tom , Cvancarova Milada S. , Johannesen Tom B. , Fosså Sophie D.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of the study was to identify overall incidence and risk of developing a metachronous contralateral testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) and compare the risk for patients treated before and after 1980 (cisplatin became available for patients with metastatic TGCT). Our hypothesis was that the risk of metachronous TCGT would be reduced for patients with metastatic disease diagnosed after 1980. We included 7,102 men with unilateral TGCT, recorded in the Cancer Registry of Norway. Allowing for competing risk, cumulative incidence and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) were estimated for different subgroups, and the diagnostic periods 1953–1979 (I) and 1980–2007 (II). Relative risks were assessed by standardized incidence ratio (SIR). In Period I and Period II, 38 and 137 males, respectively, were diagnosed with metachronous contralateral TGCT. Corresponding 20‐year cumulative incidences were 1.9% and 3.9%. In Period II, risk of a second TGCT was halved [HR = 0.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.33–0.77] for patients with metastatic compared to localized disease. For patients presenting with localized and metastatic disease, the SIRs for Period I were 14.6 (95% CI = 9.6–21.2) and 25.3 (95% CI = 12.1–46.5), respectively. In Period II, the corresponding numbers were 19.0 (95% CI = 15.6–22.9) and 9.8 (95% CI = 6.4–14.5). In conclusion, the risk of metachronous contralateral TGCT was halved for patients with metastatic compared to localized disease in Period II, whereas this protective effect of extent of disease lacked significance for Period I. These findings support our hypothesis that cisplatin‐based chemotherapy reduced the risk of a second TGCT for patients with metastatic TGCT diagnosed after 1980.
Mitochondrial and energy metabolism‐related properties as novel indicators of lung cancer stem cells
Authors: Ye Xiao‐Qun , Li Qi , Wang Guang‐Hui , Sun Fen‐Fen , Huang Gui‐Jun , Bian Xiu‐Wu , Yu Shi‐Cang , Qian Gui‐Sheng
Published: January 2011

Energy metabolism is the foundation of survival for all organisms, and mitochondria are the most important energy‐supplying organelles in eukaryotic cells. However, the mitochondrial and energy/metabolism‐related properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), the stem cell‐like subpopulation in tumor masses, remain unknown. In our study, we compared the masses of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), oxygen/glucose consumption, and the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP between lung CSCs (LCSCs) and non‐LCSCs. In addition, the change in features during differentiation was examined. Some mitochondrial and energy metabolism‐related properties, such as perinuclear mitochondrial distribution, a lower quantity of mtDNA, higher Δψm, lower oxygen/glucose consumption, and lower intracellular concentrations of ROS and ATP, can be used as indicators of LCSCs.
Bfl‐1 is a crucial pro‐survival nuclear factor‐κB target gene in Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg cells
Authors: Loughran Sinéad T. , Campion Eva M. , D'Souza Brendan N. , Smith Sinéad M. , Vrzalikova Katerina , Wen Kaisheng , Murray Paul G. , Walls Dermot
Published: January 2011

Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg (H/RS) cells are believed to represent clonal progeny of Germinal Centre B cells that have escaped negative selection by evading apoptosis. Aberrant constitutive activity of the transcription factor NF‐κB plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL), conferring a survival advantage on H/RS cells. Bfl‐1 is a pro‐survival NF‐κB target gene from the Bcl‐2 family of apoptosis‐regulating proteins. Here, we report that bfl‐1 (also known as A1 or GRS) is frequently expressed in primary H/RS cells from HL tumor biopsies and that elevated bfl‐1 expression is a feature of H/RS derived cell lines. We show that bfl‐1 is an NF‐κB target gene in this cell context and that this regulation is effected through a p65‐binding DNA element located in its promoter. We demonstrate that ectopic Bfl‐1 can rescue cultured H/RS cells from apoptosis induced by pharmacological inhibitors of NF‐κB, and that knockdown of bfl‐1 potentiates the pro‐apoptotic effect of these agents. These findings are the first indication that Bfl‐1 plays a crucial role in setting the elevated threshold of resistance of this malignant cell type to apoptosis.
Le système de partis italien: entre changement structurel et “néo‐transformisme”
Authors: D'Alimonte Roberto , Bartolini Stefano
Published: January 2011

De 1992 à 1994, la concrétisation de tendances durables ‐ l'importance décroissante des identités politiques et sous‐cultures communistes et catholiques ‐ l'impact immédiat de scandales politiques majeurs, et le succès concomitant d'un mouvement multi‐partisan en faveur de réformes électorales et institutionnelles ont mené à une réforme drastique du système électoral parlementaire italien en direction d'un scrutin majoritaire. Cet article a pour but d'évaluer dans quelle mesure le nouveau cadre politique et institutionnel a modifié la structure et les rouages du système de partis. Dans cette perspective, les auteurs prennent en considération: la fragmentation du système quant au nombre d'unités en compétition (partis, cartels électoraux et groupes parlementaires); la concentration des votes en faveur des principaux partis; les moteurs de la compétition en termes d'échanges de votes entre les différentes sphères politiques; le niveau de polarisation de l'électorat et la performance des différents cartels électoraux. Cette analyse permet de révéler qu'au‐delà d'une grande effervescence politique, la structure du système de partis n'a été que partiellement modifiée par le changement de système électoral. Les tendances bipolaires sont toujours contrecarrées par d'importances forces et la possibilité d'un retour à une politique de coalition centriste reste d'actualité.
Die EWR‐Information der Bundesbehörden
Authors: Goetschel Laurent
Published: January 2011

Die Volksabstimmung über den EWR‐Vertrag vom 6. Dezember 1992 hat Anlass zur bis anhin grössten öffentlichen Kontroverse zur schweizerischen Integrationspolitik geboten. In diesem Umfeld griffen die Bundesbehörden in einem zuvor nicht gekannten Ausmass in den Meinungsbildungsprozess im Hinblick auf eine Volksabstimmung ein. Der Beitrag analysiert zunächst das Konzept der staatlichen Information in Funktion der Ausgangslage und der Informationsziele. Anschliessend wird die eigentliche Informationskampagne in Anbetracht derselben Ziele und des äusseren Umfelds untersucht. Dabei gelangt der Autor zum Schluss, dass die hoch gesteckten Informationsziele der Behörden durch das ungünstige Umfeld, indem die Kampagne abgewickelt wurde, ausser Reichweite gerieten. Zuletzt folgt ein Ausblick auf die heutige Situation im Bereich der staatlichen Europainformation.
The “Project on Comparative European Electoral History: 1830‐1995”. A computerized data handbook
Authors: Caramani Daniele
Published: January 2011

The article describes a research program aimed at building a computerized data collection on Western European electoral history since the beginning of competitive elections. This data collection will be used by the author to study the process of nationalization at the electoral level. It comprises three parts. First, a systematic collection of results of the general elections at the constituency level has been carried out. Second, a coding work has been achieved to give a quantitative and analytical form to electoral system features: processes of enfranchisement, characteristics of representation systems and levels of equality of voting conditions. Finally, the program devoted attention to the documentation of the data: code book, sources, redistricting, election dates, history of parties and so forth.
Die Wirkung von institutionellen Reformen dargestellt am Beispiel der Reform des Kommissionensystems der Schweizerischen Bundesversammlung von 1991
Authors: Lüthi Ruth
Published: January 2011

Am 4. Oktober 1991 verabschiedeten die Eidgenössischen Räte eine Reform ihres Kommissionensystems. Die parlamentarischen Geschäfte werden seither von ständigen, thematisch spezialisierten Kommissionen vorberaten. Diese Reform stellt einen interessanten empirischen Fall dar, an dem sich in einem “Vorher‐nachher‐Vergleich” der Einfluss des institutionellen Faktors in der Politik aufzeigen lässt. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass die Parlamentskommissionen insbesondere im Verhältnis zur Regierung ihre Position stärken konnten. Aufgrund der kontinuierlichen Verfolgung bestimmter Politikbereiche werden die Kommissionsmitglieder zu immer wichtigeren Ansprechpartnern für den Bundesrat, was eines der zentralen Anliegen der Reformer war. Die Reform hatte aber auch Einfluss auf das Verhalten der Abgeordneten. Eine Reihe von Interviews ergab, dass sich diese seit der Reform vermehrt mit ihren Kommissionen identifizieren, was Auswirkungen auf ihr Verhalten in den Fraktionen und im Plenum hat. Dies stützt eine wichtige Annahme der Vertreter des neo‐institutionellen Ansatzes, wonach Institutionen das Verhalten der politischen Akteure beeinflussen.
Politics Against Convergence? Current Trends in European Social Policy
Authors: Bonoli Giuliano , George Vic , Taylor‐Gooby Peter
Published: January 2011

In this article, we look at the issue of convergence in social policymaking within EU member‐states. Proponents of the convergence thesis argue that since European welfare states are facing similar socioeconomic challenges, they are likely to develop common response strategies. Our analysis, based on a survey carried out among policymakers, looks at political debates on the future of social protection in four EU member states. The main focus is on the different institutional structures which characterise European welfare states, and on their impact on political debates in terms of coalition formation. The analysis shows that the influence of socio‐economic change on political debates is important, but that it is significantly mediated by the different institutional arrangements which distinguish European welfare states. We conclude that the presence of common socio‐economic problems does not necessarily imply a convergence in policy‐making.
La Communauté Européenne, Entre Etat FéDéral et FéDération D'Etats
Authors: Ferry Jean‐Marc
Published: January 2011

Du traité de Rome au traité d'Amsterdam, la construction européenne a élaboré sa Constitution politique latente. Entre Etat fédéral et Fédération d'Etats, il s'agit de la quête d'un concept. Deux paradigmes juridiques sont mis à l'épreuve: l'idée d'un droit des citoyens du monde qui se voit aujourd'hui réactualisée dans la perspective d'une démocratie cosmopolitique supposant un véritable Etat (Habermas, Held), et le droit des peuples, réinvesti dans la perspective constructiviste d'une "société politique des nations bien ordonnés" (Rawls). Paradigme "supranational" des droits de l'homme, ou paradigme "international" du droit des gens. La Constitution implicite de l'Union européenne ne se réduit pas à celle d'une Société des nations. Son originalité consisterait plutôt à consacrer, sur le plan d'un droit des gens, les valeurs transposées des droits de l'homme, ceci sur un spectre large qui comprendra sans doute les droits d'intégrité (ou droits civils fondamentaux), de par‐ticipation (droits civiques fondamentaux), de solidarité (droits sociaux fondamentaux), de personnalité (droits moraux fondamentaux).
Demokratie und Wohlfahrtsstaat: eine europäische Regimeform unter dem Stress der europäischen Integration
Authors: Offe Klaus
Published: January 2011

Staaten sind nicht nur "vertikale" Organisationen politischer Herrschaft. Vielmehr basiert die staatliche Herrschaftsordnung auf Strukturen der Binnenintegration ("Vergemeinschaftung"), die über alle Konflikte und Besonderheiten hinweg das horizontale Verhältnis der Bürger zueinander bestimmen. Diese Binnenintegration muss nicht "ethnischer", sondern kann sehr wohl republikanischer Natur sein und dann als sozialintegrative Voraussetzung für Demokratie und Wohlfahrtsstaat dienen. Wenn das zutrifft, stellt sich die Frage nach dem möglichen Modus politischer Integration im europäischen Massstab. Gibt es Traditionen, Identitäten und Zielbestimmungen ("finalité"), die zwischen allen Europäern Vertrauen und Solidarität begründen können? Der Verfasser prüft die in Betracht kommenden Antworten auf diese Frage und kommt zu dem skeptischen Ergebnis, dass die sozialmoralischen Grundlagen einer europaweiten Demokratie und eines kontinentalen Wohlfahrtsregimes keineswegs evident sind.
Etat européen ou Union européenne à vocation fédérale?
Authors: Sidjanski Dusan
Published: January 2011

Le concept d'Etat européen appliqué à l'Union européenne est inappro‐prié. Celui d'une Fédération européenne est plus adéquat. Ce choix est fondé sur l'analyse de la Communauté européenne depuis ses origines, puis de l'actuelle Union européenne issue de l'Acte unique européen et des traités de Maastricht et d'Amsterdam: la Fédération des Nations eu‐ropéennes reflète bien mieux la réalité de l'intégration européenne. Le but de cet article est de faire la démonstration systématique de la vali‐dité de ce choix en procédant de la façon suivante: Le pourquoi de l'inadéquation du concept d'Etat européen suivi de l'analyse des traits caractéristiques de l'Union européenne: institutions, acteurs et proces‐sus de décision. La quête du Gral: l'innovation politique et le potentiel original de l'Union européenne tels qu'ils se dessinent dans les traités de Maastricht et d'Amsterdam.
Konkordanz gleich Konvergenz? Die Links–rechts–Positionierung der Schweizer Bundesratsparteien, 1947 – 1995
Authors: Brändle Michael
Published: January 2011

Mit einer Inhaltsanalyse der Wahlprogramme der letzten 50 Jahre lassen sich die Schweizer Bundesratsparteien auf einer Links‐rechts‐Skala positionieren und erstmals vergleichend analysieren. Eine erste deskriptive Auswertung geht der Frage nach, ob die Institutionalisierung des Konkordanzsystems mit der Zauberformel 1959 eine konvergente Entwicklung im Sinne einer Annäherung der Parteipositionen von FDP, CVP, SVP und SPS auf der Links‐rechts‐Dimension nach sich zog. Nach Einführung der Zauberformel 1959 zeigt sich zwar eine längere Phase der Konvergenz, in der sich die rechts positionierten Parteien FDP, CVP und SVP gemeinsam in die Mitte bewegen; die SPS bleibt klar links verortet. Die erhöhte Polarisierung in den 1980er und anfangs der 1990er Jahre spricht allerdings gegen einen nivellierenden Effekt der stabilen Vier‐Parteien‐Koalition. Vielmehr entwickelt sich ein dreipoliges System, dessen rechter Pol 1995 verstärkt wird. Nach der Institutionalisierung des Konkordanzsystems lassen sich demnach nur phasenweise konvergierende Parteipositionen nachzeichnen.
Reziproker Interessenausgleich in internationalen Verhandlungssystemen und Konkordanzdemokratien
Authors: Manow Philip
Published: January 2011

Der Aufsatz bietet in seinem ersten Teil eine spieltheoretische Erklärung für jenes Muster der “zeitverschobenen gegenseitigen Kompensationen” (Sartori 1992), das sich als häufiges Einigungsmuster sowohl in nationalen Verhandlungsdemokratien beziehungsweise Konkordanzdemokratien als auch in zwischenstaatlichen Verhandlungssystemen findet. In seinem zweiten Teil diskutiert der Aufsatz die Rationalität von "zeitverschobenen Kompensationen" im Kontext der Mehr‐Ebenen‐Problematik, die für das Verständnis von politischen Verhandlungen zentral ist – seien es Verhandlungen innerhalb des Nationalstaats zwischen wichtigen gesellschaftlichen Gruppen, oder seien es Verhandlungen zwischen den souveränen Nationalstaaten. Der Aufsatz bietet auch für den Mehr‐Ebenen‐Charakter nationaler oder supranationaler Verhandlungssysteme eine einheitliche spieltheoretische Formulierung. Mit ihr lässt sich insbesondere die Frage nach demokratischer Authentizität und wohlfahrtstheoretischer Effektivität von Verhandlungssystemen (Scharpf 1970) diskutieren.
La Lega dei Ticinesi: Vers l'intégration?
Authors: Mazzoleni Oscar
Published: January 2011

L'objectif de cet article est de rendre compte du processus d'intégration de la Lega dei Ticinesi dans la démocratie de concordance. Le processus d'intégration de ce mouvement populiste se manifeste au niveau organisationnel, des formes d'action, mais aussi sur le plan de la participation au système politique et des rapports qu'elle établit avec le premier parti du canton. Ainsi, à l'intérieur de la Ligue, une aile pragmatique s'est développée à côté de l'aile radicale originaire. Toutefois, ce processus d'intégration présente ses limites dans la structure du parti qui laisse toujours beaucoup de marge d'action au président de la Lega, dans la nature de la coalition gouvernementale et dans les incertitudes liées à perception de la crise économique du canton.
Reformulating the Commons
Authors: Ostrom Elinor
Published: January 2011

The western hemisphere is richly endowed with a diversity of natural resource systems that are governed by complex local and national institutional arrangements that have not, until recently, been well understood. While many local communities that possess a high degree of autonomy to govern local resources have been highly successful over long periods of time, others fail to take action to prevent overuse and degradation of forests, inshore fisheries, and other natural resources. The conventional theory used to predict and explain how local users will relate to resources that they share makes a uniform prediction that users themselves will be unable to extricate themselves from the tragedy of the commons. Using this theoretical view of the world, there is no variance in the performance of self‐organized groups. In theory, there are no self‐organized groups. Empirical evidence tells us, however, that considerable variance in performance exists and many more local users self‐organize and are successful than is consistent with the conventional theory. Parts of a new theory are presented here.
“Boundary Delineation” in grenzüberschreitenden Policy‐Netzwerken: Primat der “Policies” oder der “Polity”? Das Fallbeispiel des Policy‐Netzwerks zur 28‐Tonnen‐Limite
Authors: Sager Fritz , Meyrat Michael , Imbach Markus
Published: January 2011

Zur Analyse neuer Verhandlungssysteme der Politikformulierung hat sich seit Mitte der 1980er Jahre das Konzept der Policy‐Netzwerke herausge‐bildet. Verschiedentlich wurde diesen Netzwerkkonzepten in der Literatur vorgeworfen, dass bei dynamischen networking‐Prozessen nicht zwischen inhaltlichen und institutionell geprägten Aktivitäten unterschieden werden kann. Inwiefern sich diese These aufrecht erhalten lässt und welche Implikationen sie für die Ausdifferenzierung von grenzüberschreitenden Netzwerken birgt, ist Gegenstand des vorliegenden Beitrags. Die quantitative Netzwerkanalyse der schweizerischen Schwerverkehrspolitik im europäischen Umfeld über drei Phasen hinweg stützt die Institutionalismus‐These, wonach sich das grenzüberschreitende Netzwerk entlang der staatsrechtlich‐institutionellen Dimensionen Schweiz‐EU sowie staatlich‐parastaatlich/privat ausdifferenzierte. Die Sektorzugehörigkeit dagegen wirkte in dieser Konstellation erst innerhalb formal‐institutionell definierter Strukturen differenzierend.
Edmund Burke's Moral Traditionalism
Authors: Haller Markus
Published: January 2011

Edmund Burke's defense of moral traditionalism is shown to rest upon two controversial premises regarding the effects of cultural and legal traditions: first, that the observation of traditions is necessary in order to preserve civil peace and freedom, and second, that the observation of traditions is necessary if political or institutional changes are to be made according to the common interest of citizens. A critical examination of the evidence in support of these premises suggests, however, that the observation of traditions is not morally required though it may sometimes be recommended by prudence.
Regional Dynamics and Globalization: the Case of the PDO‐PGI Policy in Switzerland
Authors: Boisseaux Stéphane , Leresche Jean‐Philippe
Published: January 2011

This paper examines the regional dynamics emerging in Switzerland through Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) devices, in which a large number of typical agricultural products get involved. Extending R. Balme's works on neo‐regionalisms, we approach those dynamics as a new, globalization‐oriented way of regional mobilization. Our empirical research shows how professional bodies together with regional authorities (“cantons”), through a relevant use of the PDO‐PGI device, enact a clear, legitimate presence of rural territories in globalization. The PDO‐PGI device can thus be analyzed as a negotiated way of connecting local and global, especially favored by the successful adaptation of neo‐regionalism to federalism logics in the Swiss context.
Die Bildungsfinanzen der Schweizer Kantone. Der Einfluss sozioökonomischer Bedingungen, organisierter Interessen und politischer Institutionen auf die Bildungsausgaben im kantonalen Vergleich
Authors: Freitag Markus , Bühlmann Marc
Published: January 2011

This article seeks to explain cross‐cantonal variation in public education expenditure between 1985 and 1998. Four possible explanations are located: socio‐demographic and socio‐economic pressures, the impact of political institutions, the partisan theory, and the power resources of organized interests. Taking the research advantage of Swiss federalism our findings provide strong evidence that educational expenditure is systematically related to the socio‐demographic and socio‐economic pressures in a given canton. Furthermore, consensus democracy promotes educational finance, while the decentralization of the cantonal polity lessens the educational policy output. Finally, the instruments of direct democracy as well as partisan variables do not seem to account for differences regarding the budget expenditures on education in the Swiss cantons.
La vie à l'assemblée, angle mort de la science politique française
Authors: Nay Olivier
Published: January 2011

Legislative studies are an important branch of political science in the United States and most European countries, but French scholars, during the past twenty years, have somewhat neglected the analysis of parliamentary behaviour. This research note argues that this low interest in the life of national and local assemblies can be explained by the conjunction of two factors: on the one hand, the weakness of parliamentary intervention in France, which results from the increasing importance of the executive branch, at the expenses of assemblies, in the formulation of public policy; on the other, the emancipation of political science from law as well as its openness to the sociological approach during the 1980s and 1990s.
From Divergence to Convergence: Shifts in the Science and Technology Policy of Japan and Switzerland
Authors: Braun Dietmar
Published: January 2011

This contribution analyses recent developments in science and technology policy in two countries ‐ Japan and Switzerland ‐ that are often assumed to be of very different traditions and structures: politically, economically and culturally. The main argument is to demonstrate that despite of these differences we find an astonishing convergence of science and technology policies since the 90s, though their basic organisational features remain, of course, very different. This is due to major changes in the perception of how innovation comes about, to the rise of generic technologies and a new philosophy in state action. The article elucidates how the two countries have changed their structure of guidance and implementation in research.
Staatsbürgerverständnis und politische Mobilisierung: Einbürgerungen in Schweizer Gemeinden
Authors: Helbling Marc , Kriesi Hanspeter
Published: January 2011

Seit längerer Zeit kommt es in der Schweiz immer wieder zu heftigen Debatten über das schweizerische Einbürgerungsverfahren und die Diskriminierung gegenüber Gesuchstellern aus gewissen Herkunftsländern. Dieser Artikel präsentiert erste Resultate einer Umfrage in 207 Schweizer Gemeinden zu den Ursachen unterschiedlicher Ablehnungsquoten von Ein­bürgerungsgesuchen auf lokaler Ebene. In der Schweiz spielen die Gemeinden eine zentrale Rolle im Einbürgerungswesen. Es soll aufgezeigt werden, dass die jeweils verfolgte lokale Einbürgerungspolitik auf kulturelle und politische Faktoren zurückgeführt werden kann. Die zentralen Hypothesen besagen, dass Einbürgerungsverfahren politische Entscheidungspro­zesse darstellen und sowohl von kulturellen und institutionellen Strukturen wie dem vorherr­schenden Staatsbürgerverständnis und den Entscheidungsmodi wie auch von mobilisierenden politischen Akteuren abhängt. Die Erteilung der Staatsbürgerschaft soll dabei als Instrument sozialer Schliessung betrachtet werden, welches in den Gemeinden unterschiedlich eingesetzt wird und das dominierende Verständnis der Staatsbürgerschaft sowie aktuelle politische Kräfteverhältnisse widerspiegelt
Institution Building and Spillovers
Authors: Lane Jan‐Erik , Rohner Dominic
Published: January 2011

This paper investigates the importance of institution building for economic growth in transition economies of Eastern Europe and CIS‐States. Using recent data, it shows that even in a Guardian State, institutions like property rights protection, administration efficiency, and general rule of low matter. They appear to be even more crucial for economic take‐off than standard economic factors like for example macroeconomic policy. Moreover, this paper finds that there are important spillover effects in institution building, and that countries which get one specific institution right, have also better chances to succeed in making other specific institutions work properly.
Homo– et hétérogamie dans les attitudes et le comportement politique en Suisse
Authors: Wernli Boris
Published: January 2011

Ce texte est consacré au comportement politique de partenaires hétérosexuels vivant en couple, interrogés durant la première vague d'en quête du Panel suisse de ménages (www.swisspanel.ch). L'hypothèse générale défendue est que le comportement politique est influencé par une multitude de flux et d'interactions personnelles, notamment au sein du foyer. Considérant les caractéristiques des deux partenaires d'un couple, plutôt que d'interroger un individu isolé de son contexte familial, comme c'est généralement le cas dans les études électorales, on peut raffiner l'analyse et l'interprétation du comportement politique. Les résultats présentés montrent notamment que les comportements politiques sont indubitablement convergents au sein des couples, mais qu'il existe aussi une large part d'autonomie pour chacun des partenaires. Ils mettent en évidence l'influence prééminente de l'homme dans les foyers, ainsi que le faible impact des variables socio‐démographiques quant à l'explication du comportement politique.
Neue Indikatoren zur Bestimmung der arithmetischen Regierungskonkordanz
Authors: Bochsler Daniel , Sciarini Pascal
Published: January 2011

Sowohl in der Schweizer Bundespolitik als auch in den Kantonen ist die Regierungskonkordanz ein wichtiges Merkmal der Organisation der politischen Institutionen. Sie wird in etlichen Studien sowohl zur Charakterisierung der Regierungen wie auch als Erklärungsvariable verwendet. Ziel unseres Beitrages ist es, erstens die politische und die arithmetische Konkordanz konzeptionell zu unterscheiden, und zweitens eine Messung der arithmetischen Konkordanz vorzuschlagen, die die Probleme des gebräuchlichen Indikators (Sitzanteil der Regierungsparteien im Parlament) vermeidet. Der erste Indikator (“absoluter Konkordanzgrad”) berücksichtigt namentlich Konkordanzdefizite, wo Parteien weit unter oder über ihrer Parteienstärke in der Regierung vertreten sind. Der zweite Indikator (“standardisierter Konkordanzgrad”) bezieht ferner institutionelle Gegebenheiten (kleine Regierungsgrösse, hohe Parteienzahl) ein. Werden die beiden Messungen der arithmetischen Regierungskonkordanz verwendet, um beispielsweise die Nutzung der direkten Demokratie zu erklären, zeigt sich ihre Stärke im Vergleich zum bisherigen Indikator.
Traditionelle, modernisierte und liberalisierte Sozialdemokratie: Eine Typologie sozialdemokratischer Regierungspolitik in Westeuropa
Authors: Petring Alexander , Henkes Christian , Egle Christoph
Published: January 2011

Ausgehend von der Debatte um einen “Dritten Weg“ der Sozialdemokratie gibt der vorliegende Artikel eine empirisch fundierte Antwort auf die Frage, inwiefern sozialdemokratische Regierungen ihre klassischen politischen Ziele und Instrumente angesichts der Veränderungen durch globale und europäische Marktintegration und den sozialen Wandel einer Revision unterzogen haben. Ein qualitativer Vergleich der Fiskal‐, Beschäftigungs‐ und Sozialpolitik von sechs sozialdemokratischen Regierungen in Grossbritannien, Frankreich, Deutschland, Niederlande, Schweden und Dänemark zeigt, dass sich drei Typen sozialdemokratischer Regierungspolitik identifizieren lassen, die mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Leistungsbilanzen einhergehen. Die erklärungskräftigsten Variablen für die unterschiedlichen Politikmuster sind Parteienwettbewerb, Koalitionskonstellationen sowie Sozialstaatsstrukturen.