bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of maternal smoking in pregnancy on prenatal brain development. The Generation R Study
Authors: Roza Sabine J. , Verburg Bero O. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Mackenbach Johan P. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Witteman Jacqueline C. M. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNicotine, as has been shown in animal studies, is a neuroteratogen, even in concentrations that do not cause growth retardation. In humans, there is only indirect evidence for negative influences of nicotine on brain development from studies on the association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and behavioural and cognitive development in the offspring. We investigated the associations of maternal smoking in pregnancy with foetal head growth characteristics in 7042 pregnant women. This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population‐based prospective cohort study from foetal life until adulthood. Maternal smoking was assessed by questionnaires in early, mid‐ and late pregnancy. Head circumference, biparietal diameter, transcerebellar diameter and atrial width of lateral ventricles were repeatedly measured by ultrasound. When mothers continued to smoke during pregnancy, foetal head circumference showed a growth reduction of 0.13 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.18, −0.09] per week compared to foetuses of mothers who never smoked during pregnancy. Biparietal diameter of foetuses with smoking mothers grew 0.04 mm (95% CI: −0.05, −0.02) less per week than that of foetuses of nonsmoking mothers. Atrial width of lateral ventricle was 0.12 mm (95% CI: −0.22, −0.02) smaller and transcerebellar diameter was 0.08 mm (95% CI: −0.15, −0.00) smaller if mothers smoked, but growth per week of these characteristics was not affected by maternal smoking in pregnancy. In conclusion, continuing to smoke during pregnancy leads to reduced growth of the foetal head. Further research should focus on the causal pathway from prenatal cigarette exposure via brain development to behavioural and cognitive functions.
Environmental predators as models for bacterial pathogenesis
Authors: Hilbi Hubert , Weber Stefan S. , Ragaz Curdin , Nyfeler Yves , Urwyler Simon 
Published: February 2007

SummaryEnvironmental bacteria are constantly threatened by bacterivorous predators such as free‐living protozoa and nematodes. In the course of their coevolution with environmental predators, some bacteria developed sophisticated defence mechanisms, including the secretion of toxins, or the capacity to avoid lysosomal killing and to replicate intracellularly within protozoa. To analyse the interactions with bacterial pathogens on a molecular, cellular or organismic level, protozoa and other non‐mammalian hosts are increasingly used. These include amoebae, as well as genetically tractable hosts, such as the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Using these hosts, the virulence mechanisms of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria such as Legionella, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas or Vibrio were found to be not only relevant for the interactions of the bacteria with protozoa, nematodes and insect phagocytes, but also with mammalian hosts including humans. Thus, non‐mammalian model hosts provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of environmental bacteria.
Modulation of activity of the adipocyte aquaglyceroporin channel by plant extracts
Authors: Cals‐Grierson M.‐M. 
Published: February 2007

SynopsisThe plasma membrane protein, aquaglyceroporin‐7 (AQP7) is exclusively expressed in adipocytes and appears to be a channel for glycerol entry and exit. It is possible that by facilitating the opening of these channels, the loss of intracellular glycerol could be encouraged and thus reduce the size of the lipid reservoir. Human preadipocytes and mouse 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were induced to develop an adipocytic phenotype by culture in a semi‐defined medium. After 7 days, the expression of AQP7 message had increased by 37‐fold, a level which could be further up‐regulated by troglitazone or retinoic acid or down‐regulated by insulin. The mature adipocytes also expressed immunoreactive aquaporin (AQP) channel protein as assessed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. The addition of adrenaline to the culture medium stimulated the release of glycerol (blockable by HgCl2). Plant extracts, with potential anti‐cellulite properties, were tested for their effect on glycerol elimination. These included wild yam root (Dioscorea opposita), cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao), horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed and bark and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Of these, D. opposita appeared to induce a dose‐dependent glycerol release. The results show that our assay can help to identify modulators of AQP7 channel expression and activation in adipocytes.
Formation of Lipid Emulsions and Clear Gels by Liquid Crystal Emulsification
Authors: Suzuki T. , Iwai H. 
Published: February 2007

Recently developed emulsion technologies for the formation of fine emulsions, lipid emulsions and clear gels by liquid crystal emulsification were reviewed. As a basic information on liquid crystal emulsification, the structures and characteristic behaviours of lyotropic liquid crystals were summarized. Formation of a liquid crystalline phase was often seen in emulsions and biological systems. The significance of liquid crystal formation during emulsification was analysed by comparing the states and stabilities of emulsions prepared by different processes. Then uses of liquid crystals for formation of the characteristic emulsions and gels were also discussed. In liquid crystal emulsification, an oil phase is dispersed directly into the lamellar liquid‐crystalline phase composed of surfactant, glycerol and water to prepare a gel‐like oil‐in‐liquid crystal emulsion. This is followed by dilution with the remaining water to produce an emulsion. From the phase behaviour during emulsification and analysis of the local motion of the liquid crystal membrane by fluorometry, it was confirmed that the interaction between surfactant and a polyol molecule such as glycerol promotes hydrogen bonding and enhances the strength of the lamellar liquid crystal membranes, which results in the formation of oil‐in‐liquid crystal emulsions. The interaction between the liquid crystal and oil was analysed from the changes in molecular motion of the membrane at the oil‐liquid crystal interface using the spin label technique of electron spin resonance (ESR). The fluidity of the liquid crystal membrane did not change when oil was added, and therefore oil‐in‐liquid crystal emulsions of various oils were prepared by the identical process. This lack of dependence of the liquid crystal membrane on oil results in the unique properties of liquid crystal emulsification, which can be used for oils of various polarity and different molecular constituents. When a self‐organizing artificial stratum corneum lipid containing pseudo‐ceramide was used as a principal component of the oil, a multilamellar emulsion of concentric lamellar structure was formed. The multilamellar emulsion supplements the physiological function of stratum corneum by the identical mechanism as natural intercellular lipids. High‐pressure treatment of the lipid emulsion produced a gel‐like emulsion crystal, in which the homogeneous nanoemulsion droplets were arranged in a hexagonal array.This review paper was presented at the Conference of the Asian Societies of Cosmetic Scientists 2005 in Bangkok.
Prebiotic Cosmetics: An Alternative to Antibacterial Products
Authors: Bockmühl D. , Jassoy C. , Nieveler S. , Scholtyssek R. , Wadle A. , Waldmann‐Laue M. 
Published: February 2007

The concept of prebiotics is well known from food products, where several ingredients are used to stimulate the beneficial gut microflora. However, prebiotic substances can in principle be applied to balance almost any microbial community to achieve advantageous effects. Since many cosmetic products target skin bacteria as a cause for undesirable conditions like inflammation or body odour, prebiotic actives can help to cope with these problems in a very effective way. To ensure a focused and successful mode of action we demonstrated that it is essential to analyse the microflora and the interactions between different bacterial species carefully. These analyses were made using a molecular method, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), allowing a precise determination of a bacterial community without the drawbacks of classical culture methods. In a further step it was then possible to identify new actives that inhibit harmful or unwanted bacterial species while protecting the beneficial flora. Using a quick and reliable in vitro screening method we found several plant extracts (e.g. Ginseng or Black currant) which inhibit the inflammation‐causing bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, but do not affect beneficial species like coagulase‐negative staphylococci. In addition, it could also be demonstrated that a prebiotic product line for treatment of inflamed (or acne prone) skin showed the predicted effects on the microflora composition in a first in vivo trial, i.e. decrease of Propionibacterium acnes at a constant level of total bacteria. After 3 weeks, the microflora of 91% of the volunteers had been rebalanced in this way. Furthermore, these formulations have been shown to exhibit excellent skin compatibility compared to an antibacterial product. Thus, prebiotic substances have the potential to provide a gentle and sustainable alternative to undirected antibacterial ingredients which can cause irritation, and frequently only show short time effects.Paper presented at the IFSCC Conference 2005, Florence, Italy.
Objective Evaluation of the Placebo Effect in Cosmetic Treatments. A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Distante F. , Pagani V. , Bonfigli A. , Rigano L. , Fluhr J. 
Published: February 2007

A product's packaging and claimed efficacy may stimulate pleasant emotions during the use of cosmetics, thus enhancing their perceived benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate if smart packaging and strongly claimed efficacy attributes can influence the objectively measured efficacy, allowing a true placebo effect to be associated with a given cosmetic treatment. A marketed anti‐aging gluconolactone‐based formulation was selected for the study and packaged both in a fancy sophisticated jar and in an unbranded plain container. Thirty‐six female volunteers (age range: 30‐‐55 years) with facial photoageing were selected for the study and randomly assigned to the fancy or plain packaged product. Pre‐agreed messages aimed at extolling the product's cosmetic effects accompanied delivery of the fancy‐packaged product to panellists. The given product was applied to the face twice a day for 8 weeks. Instrumental measurements of the skin colour (a* and L* parameter), skin capacitance, skin tensile properties (R0, R2, R6), skin thickness and skin microrelief parameters (Ra and Rz) were taken at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of use. Clinical and subjective evaluations were also carried out at each control visit. Moreover, the amount of cream consumed during usage was calculated by weighing the given jars at each visit. Statistical analysis of the data obtained showed a significant improvement in all instrumental parameters for both groups (‘fancy’ and ‘plain’ packaging), although no significant differences were detected between the two groups at any time. The improvement was higher in the ‘plain’ group for most instrumental parameters except for micro‐relief parameters where the outcome was better in the ‘fancy’ group. Promotion of facial muscle relaxation deriving from the application of the fancy‐packaged cream could be a possible explanation for this finding. Also the product's efficacy and sensory properties were perceived with a higher positive impact in the fancy group. The better performance of the plain packaging group could be related to daily application of the ‘proper’ amount of cream. In fact, this group consumed a larger amount of cream than the ‘fancy’ group. These results show that a true placebo effect cannot be induced by packaging characteristics, although they can slightly influence the degree of the expected skin benefits in different ways. Moreover, proper daily dosage of the product appears to be a key factor in improving the biophysical skin properties related to anti‐ageing and restoring effects.Paper presented at the IFSCC Conference 2005, Florence, Italy.
Impact of shaving and anti‐perspirant use on the axillary vault
Authors: Turner G. A. , Moore A. E. , Marti V. P. J. , Paterson S. E. , James A. G. 
Published: February 2007

SynopsisShaving the axilla is a regular part of the personal care regime for many women in Europe, North and South America. To assess the impact of shaving on underarm skin, a series of investigations were carried out, in which the thickness of the axillary vault and fossa were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and underarm shaving debris was collected for study. The response of the axilla to histamine iontophoresis was also investigated. Additionally, a study was carried out to investigate the impact of a novel anti‐perspirant roll‐on formulation on irritation and self‐perceived sensory properties of the axilla. The results clearly demonstrate that shaving the underarm consistently removes skin (stratum corneum) as well as axillary hair (with a mean value of 36.1% of the debris being skin). OCT measurements demonstrated that in shaved areas of the axilla, epidermal thickness is higher than in unshaved areas. In response to histamine, wheal and flare were both found to be greater in the shaved axilla, when compared with an unshaved control, but flare in the fossa was greater than that in the vault. On the basis of these results, we propose that the axillary vault has adapted to frequent shaving, notably by the development of a thickened epidermis. However, this adaptation is often not sufficient to fully protect the axilla from damage and irritation resulting from hair removal (shaving). In these instances, we have demonstrated that use of a novel anti‐perspirant roll‐on formulation containing glycerol and sunflower seed oil was able to reduce the impact of shaving‐induced irritation and improve self‐assessment of axillary condition.
Nanosystems for skin hydration: a comparative study
Authors: Esposito E. , Drechsler M. , Mariani P. , Sivieri E. , Bozzini R. , Montesi L. , Menegatti E. , Cortesi R. 
Published: February 2007

SynopsisThe present investigation describes a comparative study for the design of innovative topical formulation for skin hydration. In particular, different colloidal forms based on lipidic components have been produced and characterized. Morphology and dimensional distribution have been investigated by means of electron microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. Nanoparticulate systems characterized by different morphology and dimensions depending on production procedures have been obtained, namely cubosomes, nanovesicles, solid lipid nanoparticles and liposomes. Hydration power has been studied by means of a corneometer, measuring the skin electrical capacitance before and after the application of opportunely viscosized nanoparticulate systems. It has been demonstrated that nanovesicle gel displayed a pronounced hydration power with respect to the other nanostructured forms, its hydration effect on skin was 3.5‐fold higher, with respect to the untreated area, after 5 min from the application and 1.5‐fold higher after 2 h.
The German Greens in the 1980s: Short-term Cyclical Protest or Indicator of Transformation?
Authors: Müller-Rommel Ferdinand 
Published: February 2007

In the West German general election of 1983 the newly formed Green Party received 5.6 per cent of the popular vote and was (at only its second attempt) able to send 27 delegates to the federal Parliament (Bundestag). It was the first time since the 1950s that a new party had joined the three major parties (SPD, CDU-CSU, FDP) in the federal Parliament. In the 1987 federal election the Green Party achieved an even better result: it received 8.3 per cent of the popular vote and 42 seats in the federal Parliament. Because of this remarkable success the analysis of the Green Party in Germany has become a major research object in political science. Several studies have described the development of the Green Party, its social bases, its organizational structure and its ideology.1 However, these findings have not been related to the role as well as the function of the Green Party in the West German party system. This research note represents such an attempt. The debate on ‘realignment’ and ‘dealignment’ of West European party systems is the most useful in this respect.2 Is the Green Party vulnerable and consequently likely to disappear from the political scene or will it become a stable component of the party system? It is hypothesized that the Green Party will consolidate its position as the fourth party in the German party system because it is a ‘new type of party’ that differs significantly from the established parties and hence can mobilize its own voter clientele.
Rescue or Retreat? The Nation State in Western Europe, 1945–93
Authors: Wallace William 
Published: February 2007

‘My first guideline is this: willing and active cooperation between independent sovereign states is the best way to build a successful European Community. To try to suppress nationhood and concentrate power at the centre of a European conglomerate would be highly damaging. … Europe will be stronger precisely because it has France as France, Spain as Spain, Britain as Britain, each with its own customs, traditions and identity.’ Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, speech to College of Europe in Bruges, 20 September 1988. ‘The nation state was the twin of the industrial society, and like industrial society it is becoming outworn. … The evolution of Europe in the next decades will be shaped by the phasing in of the information society to replace the industrial culture and industrial technology which have served us so well for almost two hundred years. Poul Schluter, Danish Prime Minister, speech to the America–European Community Association, London, 20 September 1988. ‘Nations are not everlasting. They have a beginning, they will have an end. Probably a European confederation will replace them.’ Ernest Renan, Qu'est-ce qu'une nation? Lecture to Sorbonne, Paris, 11 March 1882. ‘Both the nation state and integration appear as fortunate accidents of the time, fundamentally contradictory tendencies, which nevertheless in promoting economic growth fortuitously complemented each other.’ Alan Milward, The European Rescue of the Nation State (London, Routledge, 1992), p. 24.
Explaining ‘Thatcherite’ Policies: Beyond Uni-Dimensional Explanation
Authors: Marsh David 
Published: February 2007

This paper provides an assessment of the relative importance of economic, political and ideological factors in the creation and development of ‘Thatcherite’ policies, not necessarily of ‘Thatcherism’ more broadly, through a detailed consideration of two key policy areas; privatization and industrial relations. Such detailed analysis is necessary to overcome a major weakness in the existing literature. There is no doubt that the accounts of ‘Thatcherism’ offered by Hall, Jessop et al., Taylor and Gamble are more convincing than those which concentrate almost exclusively on one explanatory variable. However, all these more inclusive explanations suffer from another problem; their treatment of some of the major areas of ‘Thatcherite’ policy change is superficial and not convincing. The detailed case studies indicate that Britain's continuing relative economic decline provided the crucial context within which both privatization and industrial relations policy were developed. However, the overall shape of the policies and, even more crucially, the detailed provisions, were strongly affected by strategic political judgements taken by politicians; most of them fairly short-term and concerned with the electoral consequences of actions. The Thatcher Cabinets were also responding to political events, like the ‘Winter of Discontent’, over which they had no control. ‘New Right’ ideology played a role, but it was hardly the driving force behind policy which the analysis of Wolfe and others suggests. New Right ideology was a tool rather than a blueprint. The article concludes that a full explanation of the origins and development of ‘Thatcherite’ policies should: acknowledge the dialectical nature of the relationship between structure and agency; recognize that any explanation must be multi-dimensional; but accept the necessity of specific case-by-case analysis.
Reviews
Authors: Smith Donald , Seex Laura , Potts John 
Published: February 2007

Smith, P. (1977). Developing Handwriting.McKenzie, Moira and Warlow, Aidan (editors) (1977). Reading Matters, Selecting and Using Books in the Classroom.Otto, W., Peters, C. W. and Peters, N. (1977). Reading Problems: A Multidisciplinary Perspective.
Shorter notices
Authors: Talbot Eileen , Rees Victor 
Published: February 2007

Thomas, Mike and Thomas, Sally (1981) On Our Own TWO Feet, Books 6 to 8 (Settling In, Safe and Secure, Around and About).Horton, M. (1980) The Second Reading and Writing Book. A Handbook for Teachers and Parents to Use with Children. Edwards Reading Test (1980) Heinemann Educational Books.
If they can speak, why can't they read? And spell? They may now!
Authors: Blau Harold , Loveless Eugene J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryFor the dyslexic and others with similar problems, it is suggested that the sequence of modalities known as VAKT be revised to achieve more effective and more rapid remediation. The new sequence is designated as TAK/v. The subordination of the visual modality is based on the recent identification of a visual processing deficiency in dyslexics, as well as on previous hypotheses, suggesting the desirability of substituting the tactile modality for the visual modality in the initial stages of remediation. The use of one hand is suggested for this tactile scanning of three‐dimensional letters to access the right hemisphere, and experimental data are reported.
C. S. E.: an examination of reading?
Authors: Williamson John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study examines the readability of a selection of C. S. E. papers taken from the areas of Humanities, the Sciences and practical subjects. The readability formula used was the Fry Graph, this being applied to the whole of each paper, thereby avoiding problems of sampling. In each subject, the papers for 1982 and 1983 were studied.The papers in English Literature, Mathematics, Needlecraft, Science and Woodwork all had a reading level considerably lower than the chronological age of the candidates for whom the examination is intended, only History having scores at or above that age level.The papers in the Sciences and practical subjects were found to be quite consistent in their readability levels, both internally and from year to year. The English Literature questions were consistent but those papers included passages from set books whose reading levels varied quite considerably. The History papers were rather less consistent than the others, although even there a fair measure of agreement was to be found.
An Approach to Writing Non‐fiction
Authors: Wray David , Lewis Maureen 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThere is plenty of evidence that non‐fiction writing tends to have been neglected until quite recently. David Wray and Maureen Lewis discuss the importance of extending the range of children's writing and go on to introduce the use of writing frames, a strategy for scaffolding children's non‐fiction writing. This strategy has been extensively trialled as part of the Exeter Extending Literacy Project and does seem to offer some worthwhile benefits in writing development.