bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of weight loss with or without exercise on abdominal fat and insulin resistance in obese individuals: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Trussardi Fayh Ana Paula , Lopes André Luiz , Fernandes Pablo Rober , Reischak-Oliveira Alvaro , Friedman Rogério
Published: January 2013

Evidence supports an important contribution of abdominal obesity and inflammation to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and CVD. Weight loss in obese individuals can reduce inflammation and, consequently, IR, but the role of training remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of body weight reduction with and without exercise over abdominal fat tissue (primary outcome) and IR. In this randomised clinical trial, forty-eight obese individuals (age 31·8 (sd 6·0) years, BMI 34·8 (sd 2·7) kg/m2) were randomised to either a diet-only group (DI) or a diet and exercise group (DI+EXE). Treatment was maintained until 5 % of the initial body weight was lost. At baseline and upon completion, the following parameters were analysed: biochemical parameters such as glycaemia and insulin for the determination of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and abdominal computed tomography for the determination of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. A total of thirteen individuals dropped out before completing the weight-loss intervention and did not repeat the tests. In both the DI (n 18) and DI+EXE (n 17) groups, we observed significant and similar decreases of visceral adipose tissue (difference between means: 7·9 (95 % CI − 9·5, 25·2) cm2, P= 0·36), hs-CRP (difference between means: − 0·06 (95 % CI − 0·19, 0·03) mg/l, P= 0·39) and HOMA (difference between means: − 0·04 (95 % CI − 0·17, 0·08), P= 0·53). In the present study, 5 % weight loss reduced abdominal fat and IR in obese individuals and exercise did not add to the effect of weight loss on the outcome variables.
Changes in gut microbiota due to supplemented fatty acids in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Mujico Jorge R. , Baccan Gyselle C. , Gheorghe Alina , Díaz Ligia E. , Marcos Ascensión
Published: January 2013

Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD), which is associated with chronic ‘low-grade’ systemic inflammation, alters the gut microbiota (GM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of an oleic acid-derived compound (S1) and a combination of n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA, S2) to modulate both body weight and the GM in HFD-induced obese mice. A total of eighty mice were fed either a control diet or a HFD, non-supplemented or supplemented with S1 or S2. At week 19, faeces were collected in order to analyse the GM. Group-specific primers for accurate quantification of several major bacterial groups from faecal samples were assayed using quantitative PCR. The HFD induced an increase in body weight, which was reduced by supplementation with S1. Furthermore, S1 supplementation markedly increased total bacterial density and restored the proportions of bacteria that were increased (i.e. clostridial cluster XIVa and Enterobacteriales) or decreased (i.e. Bifidobacterium spp.) during HFD feeding. S2 supplementation significantly increased the quantities of Firmicutes (especially the Lactobacillus group). Correlation analysis revealed that body weight correlated positively with the phylum Firmicutes and clostridial cluster XIVa, and negatively with the phylum Bacteroidetes. In conclusion, the consumption of a HFD induced changes in the faecal microbiota, which were associated with the appearance of an obese phenotype. Supplementation of the HFD with S1 counteracted HFD-induced gut dysbiosis, together with an improvement in body weight. These data support a role for certain fatty acids as interesting nutrients related to obesity prevention.
Dietary patterns and risk of elevated C-reactive protein concentrations 12 years later
Authors: Julia Chantal , Meunier Nathalie , Touvier Mathilde , Ahluwalia Namanjeet , Sapin Vincent , Papet Isabelle , Cano Noël , Hercberg Serge , Galan Pilar , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle
Published: January 2013

Inflammation mediates several chronic diseases. Micronutrients can act on inflammation, either through modulating cytokine production or by scavenging by-products of activated white cells. Identifying dietary patterns (DP) reflecting these mechanisms and relating them to inflammation is of interest. The objective of the study was to identify DP specifically associated with intakes of nutrients potentially involved in inflammatory processes in a middle-aged population and investigate long-term associations between these DP and C-reactive protein (CRP) status assessed several years later. Subjects included in the Supplementation in Vitamins and Mineral Antioxidants 2 cohort study, having available data on dietary assessment carried out in 1994–5 and CRP measurement in 2007–9, were included in the analysis. DP were extracted with reduced rank regression (RRR), using antioxidant micronutrients and PUFA as response variables. Associations between CRP measurements >3 mg/l and extracted DP were then examined with logistic regression models providing OR and 95 % CI. A total of 2031 subjects (53·2 % women, mean follow-up duration: 12·5 years) were included in the analyses. Of the four extracted DP, a DP with high loading values of vegetables and vegetable oils, leading to high intakes of antioxidant micronutrients and essential fatty acids, was significantly and negatively associated with risk of elevated CRP (OR 0·88; 95 % CI 0·78, 0·98). Conversely, a DP reflecting a high n-6:n-3 fatty acid intake ratio was positively and significantly associated with elevated CRP (adjusted OR 1·15; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·32). DP extracted with RRR provide support for further exploration of relationships between dietary behaviour and inflammation.
Filth flies associated with municipal solid waste and impact of delay in cover soil application on adult filth fly emergence in a sanitary landfill in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Authors: Nurita A.T. , Hassan A. Abu
Published: January 2013

Two types of municipal solid waste (MSW), newly arrived and 2 weeks old, were sampled from a sanitary landfill in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia at a fortnightly interval and kept under field conditions for 2 weeks. A total of 480 kg of each type of MSW was sampled to study species composition and impact of delays in cover soil applications on filth fly emergence. Out of 960 kg of MSW sampled, 9.2 ± 0.5 flies emerged per kilogram. Weekly adult fly emergence rates of newly arrived and 2-week-old waste did not differ significantly and MSW remained suitable for fly breeding for up to 1 month. Eight species of flies emerged from the MSW: namely, Musca domestica, Musca sorbens, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, Hydrotaea chalcogaster, Chrysomya megacephala, Lucilia cuprina, Hemipyrellia ligurriens and Sarcophaga sp. Newly arrived waste was determined to be the main source for M. domestica, C. megacephala and L. cuprina in the landfill owing to significantly higher mean emergence compared with 2-week-old waste. Musca sorbens was found in newly arrived waste but not in 2-week-old waste, suggesting that the species was able to survive transportation to landfill but unable to survive landfill conditions. Hemipyrellia ligurriens, H. chalcogaster and S. nudiseta were not imported into the landfill with MSW and pre-existing flies in and around the landfill itself may be their source. The results show that landfills can be a major source of fly breeding if cover soil or temporary cover is not applied daily or on a regular schedule.
The courtship song of fanning males in the fruit fly parasitoidPsyttalia concolor(Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Canale A. , Benelli G. , Lanzo F. , Giannotti P. , Mazzoni V. , Lucchi A.
Published: January 2013

In this paper we describe acoustically the wing-fanning behaviour showed by the male of the braconidPsyttalia concolortowards females and other conspecific males.Psyttalia concoloris a synovigenic koinobiont larval–pupal endoparasitoid of many Tephritidae, used in olive crops to control the olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae. In this braconid male wing fanning produces a courtship song characterised by sequences of homogenous pulses with harmonic structure and a fundamental frequency of about 180 Hz. Song parameters can vary according to the behavioural context. Statistically significant differences, both in terms of pulse frequency and duration, characterise fanning towards females in comparison with male–male approaches. Moreover, the pulse duration is associated with the fanning song displayed before a successful courtship. Our observations allowed us to define the airborne component of the sound and to definitely confirm the exclusive role of the wings in signal production within sexual communication inP. concolor.
Canadian and American Voting Strategies: Does Institutional Socialization Matter?
Authors: Roy Jason , Singh Shane
Published: January 2013

Abstract.This paper uses data from an online voting experiment to examine the impact of institutional socialization on the vote decision process. More specifically, we examine how Canadian and American voters differ in their vote decision processes in two- and four-party elections. Our expectation is that Canadian voters, who are more familiar with multiparty electoral context, will adjust to the increased complexity of the four-party competition by engaging in a more detailed decision process. Alternatively, we expect US voters, who are less familiar with multiparty competitions, will not undertake such an adjustment, perhaps even engaging in a less detailed vote calculus under more complex conditions. Results lend support to our expectations, offering insight into how institutional design and socialization can affect voter decision processes.

Résumé.Cet article utilise des données tirées d'une expérience de vote en ligne pour examiner l'impact de la socialisation institutionnelle sur le processus décisionnel menant au vote. Nous examinons en particulier comment les électeurs canadiens et américains diffèrent dans leur processus décisionnel lors d'élections à deux et à quatre partis. Nos attentes sont les suivantes : Les électeurs canadiens, plus familiers avec le multipartisme, s'ajusteront à la plus grande complexité d'une élection à quatre partis en s'engageant dans un processus décisionnel plus sophistiqué. Les électeurs américains, quant à eux habitués davantage au bipartisme, ne feront pas de tels ajustements lorsque le contexte électoral se complexifiera et auront peut-être même tendance à simplifier leur processus décisionnel. Nos résultats tendent à confirmer nos attentes, offrant ainsi un aperçu de la façon dont le contexte institutionnel et la socialisation qui en résulte peuvent influencer le processus décisionnel des électeurs.
The Complexity Conundrum: Why Hasn't the Gender Gap in Subjective Political Competence Closed?
Authors: Thomas Melanee
Published: January 2013

Abstract.In the 1960s, the gender gap in subjective political competence was assumed to reflect women's lack of socioeconomic resources, their confinement to the domestic sphere and their gender role socialization. Since then, women have moved into the labour force in vast numbers and conceptions of gender roles have been radically altered under the influence of the feminist movement. Yet, the gender gap in subjective political competence persists. This paper uses the Canadian Election Studies (1965–2008) to analyze gender differences in subjective political competence across time. Not only is the association between affluence and subjective political competence weaker for women, but the effect of affluence has weakened over time for women but not for men. Few generational effects are found; this suggests that the politicizing role of feminist socialization is much weaker than had been anticipated.

Résumé.Depuis les années 1960, la littérature en science politique assume que l'écart entre les hommes et les femmes en matière de compétence politique subjective était dû au manque de ressources financières des femmes, à leur confinement à la sphère domestique et au rôle traditionnel que la société leur accordait. Depuis, les femmes ont intégré le marché du travail en masse et le contexte social a changé sous l'influence du mouvement féministe. Pourtant, l'écart entre les hommes et les femmes en matière de compétence politique subjective persiste. À l'aide des Études Électorales Canadiennes (1965–2008), cet article analyse les différences entre hommes et femmes en matière de compétence politique subjective à travers le temps. Les résultats montrent que non seulement le lien entre l'affluence économique et la compétence politique subjective est plus faible chez les femmes que chez les hommes mais que ce lien s'est affaibli au cours des années chez les femmes. De plus, peu d'effets générationnels sont constatés. Cela suggère que l'effet sur les attitudes politiques de la socialisation féministe s'avère beaucoup plus faible qu'anticipé.
Tories and Paupers: Christian Political Economy and the Making of the New Poor Law
Authors: Mandler Peter
Published: January 2013

Everyone knows that Edwin Chadwick wrote the New Poor Law; or, rather, that he wrote the report – issued in 1834 by the royal commission appointed two years earlier to inquire into the poor laws – which formed the basis for the New Poor Law. The well-informed among us might add the name of the political economist Nassau Senior as Chadwick's co-author. But few would be able to supply any of the further seven names which stood with Chadwick's and Senior's as co-signatories to the report. These seven royal commissioners were Bishop Blomfield of London, Bishop Sumner of Chester, William Sturges Bourne, M.P., the Rev. Henry Bishop, Henry Gawler, Walter Coulson, and James Traill.
Degradation of dry matter, crude protein, fat, crude fibre and nitrogen-free-extract in milled barley and lupin grains incubated in nylon bags in the rumen of dairy cows
Authors: Valentine S. C. , Bartsch B. D.
Published: January 2013

Incubation of feed samples in nylon bags in the rumen has been used extensively to evaluate the rate and extent of dry matter, protein, starch and cellulose degradation (Mehrez & Ø0rskov, 1977; Mehrez, Ørskov & McDonald, 1977; Ganev, Ørskov & Smart, 1979; Weakley, Stern & Satler, 1983) and to predict the energy values of ruminant feeding-stuffs (Cottyn et al. 1984).
Use of fluorescence-based sensors to determine the nitrogen status of paddy rice
Authors: LI J. W. , ZHANG J. X. , ZHAO Z. , LEI X. D. , XU X. L. , LU X. X. , WENG D. L. , GAO Y. , CAO L. K.
Published: January 2013

The environmental concern about diffuse pollution from nitrogen (N) fertilizers has led to increased research on the diagnosis of crop N status. The SPAD chlorophyll (Chl) meter is the most commonly used tool for rice (Oryza sativa L.) N status diagnosis, but measurements are conducted at a specific point and readings are affected by different leaf positions. Many measurements per plant must be taken in order to increase the accuracy of N status diagnosis, which limits its application. The present paper attempts to determine rice N status at the canopy level using Multiplex®, a new hand-held optical fluorescence sensor. The fluorescence emission of rice leaves under light excitation was utilized by Multiplex® to non-destructively assess rice leaf Chl and phenolic compound content. A field experiment was conducted in 2011 using a completely randomized split-plot design, with main-plot treatments being six N fertilizer application rates and subplot treatments being different plant densities. Leaf Chl and phenolic compounds were evaluated using the ratio of far-red fluorescence (FRF) to red fluorescence (RF) emission under red light excitation (simple fluorescence ratio, SFR_R) (R2 = 0·35, P < 0·01) and the ratio of decadic logarithm of red to ultra-violet (UV) fluorescence emission (R2 = 0·30, P < 0·01), respectively. Both SPAD reading and fluorescence-based indices including flavonoids (FLAV), nitrogen balance index (NBI_R) and SFR_R could be used to predict rice leaf N contents. The canopy FLAV, SFR_R and NBI_R were all highly correlated to average SPAD readings (R2 > 0·70 in most cases, P < 0·01). Therefore, Multiplex® can be used as an alternative to SPAD to determine rice N status in paddy fields.
SEX- AND AGE-RELATED MORTALITY PROFILES DURING FAMINE: TESTING THE ‘BODY FAT’ HYPOTHESIS
Authors: SPEAKMAN JOHN R.
Published: January 2013

During famines females generally have a mortality advantage relative to males, and the highest levels of mortality occur in the very young and the elderly. One popular hypothesis is that the sex differential in mortality may reflect the greater body fatness combined with lower metabolism of females, which may also underpin the age-related patterns of mortality among adults. This study evaluated the ‘body fat’ hypothesis using a previously published and validated mathematical model of survival during total starvation. The model shows that at a given body weight females would indeed be expected to survive considerably longer than males in the absence of food. At a mass of 70 kg for example a female aged 30 would survive for 144 days compared with life expectancy of only 95 days for a male of the same age and weight. This effect is contributed to by both the higher body fatness and lower metabolism of the females at a given body weight. However, females are generally smaller than males and in addition to a sex effect there was also a major effect of body size – heavier individuals survive longer. When this body size effect was removed by considering survival in relation to BMI the sex effect was much reduced, and could be offset by a relatively small difference in pre-famine BMI between the sexes. Nevertheless, combining these predictions with observed mean BMIs of males and females across 48 countries at the low end of the obesity spectrum suggests that in the complete absence of food females would survive on average about 40% longer (range 6 to 64.5%) than males. The energy balance model also predicted that older adult individuals should survive much longer than younger adult individuals, by virtue of their lower resting metabolic rates and lower activity levels. Observations of the female survival advantage in multiple famines span a much wider range than the model prediction (5% to 210%). This suggests in some famines body fatness may be a significant factor influencing the mortality differential between the sexes, but in other famines other factors are likely to be more important. Moreover, the pattern of mortality in relation to age is completely opposite that predicted. These data emphasize the complex nature of famine mortality and suggest that a simple model of energy utilization alone is inadequate to explain the major aspects of this phenomenon.
PREVALENCE OF CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES AMONG SHI'A POPULATIONS OF LEBANON
Authors: EL-KHESHEN GHADIR , SAADAT MOSTAFA
Published: January 2013

In genetics, a consanguineous marriage means union between couples who are related as second cousins or closer. The present cross-sectional study was carried out in order to illustrate the prevalence and types of consanguineous marriages in the Shi'a population living in widespread territories in Lebanon including the Bekaa Valley, the south of Lebanon and the southern suburb of Beirut. Data on types of marriages were collected using a simple questionnaire. The total number of couples in the study was 1203. Consanguineous marriage was classified by the degree of relationship between couples. The overall frequency of consanguinity was found to be 28.4%, with first cousin marriages (21.3%) being the most common type followed by first cousins once removed (5.5%), then double first cousins (0.8%). The frequencies of second cousin and beyond second cousin marriages were the same at 0.4% of all the marriages. The mean inbreeding coefficient (α) was estimated at about 0.0161 for the population. There were no significant differences between the three studied territories for frequencies of different types of marriages (p>0.1), nor were there significant differences between the rural and urban areas (p>0.1).
Specificity of childhood psychotic symptoms for predicting schizophrenia by 38 years of age: a birth cohort study
Authors: Fisher H. L. , Caspi A. , Poulton R. , Meier M. H. , Houts R. , Harrington H. , Arseneault L. , Moffitt T. E.
Published: January 2013

Background

Childhood psychotic symptoms have been used as a subclinical phenotype of schizophrenia in etiological research and as a target for preventative interventions. However, recent studies have cast doubt on the specificity of these symptoms for schizophrenia, suggesting alternative outcomes such as anxiety and depression. Using a prospective longitudinal birth cohort we investigated whether childhood psychotic symptoms predicted a diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders by 38 years of age.

Method

Participants were drawn from a birth cohort of 1037 children from Dunedin, New Zealand, who were followed prospectively to 38 years of age (96% retention rate). Structured clinical interviews were administered at age 11 to assess psychotic symptoms and study members underwent psychiatric assessments at ages 18, 21, 26, 32 and 38 to obtain past-year DSM-III-R/IV diagnoses and self-reports of attempted suicides since adolescence.

Results

Psychotic symptoms at age 11 predicted elevated rates of research diagnoses of schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and also suicide attempts by age 38, even when controlling for gender, social class and childhood psychopathology. No significant associations were found for persistent anxiety, persistent depression, mania or persistent substance dependence. Very few of the children presenting with age-11 psychotic symptoms were free from disorder by age 38.

Conclusions

Childhood psychotic symptoms were not specific to a diagnosis of schizophrenia in adulthood and thus future studies of early symptoms should be cautious in extrapolating findings only to this clinical disorder. However, these symptoms may be useful as a marker of adult mental health problems more broadly.
Los Impactos Fiscales De Una Guerra Distante: Crisis y Restauración De La Real Hacienda En La Provincia De Yucatán (1801–1821)
Authors: Santiró Ernest Sánchez
Published: January 2013

Starting from the quantitative reconstruction of revenues and expenses of the Royal Treasury in the Yucatan province during the period 1801-1821, the paper shows the transition from an unbalanced regional fiscal structure that depended on colonial transfers (situados) to offset the deficit, to one self-sufficient structure in the context of the Independence War and the liberalism of the Cortes de Cadiz. An autonomy based on the indigenous capitation tax and the fiscal control of foreign trade that was made in the ports of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Total quality management in the food compound industry
Authors: Cooke B. C.
Published: January 2013

Recent media and consumer interest in the quality of food purchased in supermarkets and other outlets, is placing pressure on the agricultural industry to improve the quality of the product produced. The farmer has in the past been encouraged to produce quantity irrespective of quality, whereas today the emphasis is very much on the latter, with pressure to reduce quantity. Companies supplying the farming community must react to this changed situation, particularly if they are to be able to administer due diligence under the Food Safety Act.

Dalgety Agriculture has thus embarked upon a quality initiative throughout the company involving training of staff on total quality management, registration of premises with the British Standards Institute under BS 5750 scheme and the adoption of the hazard analysis using critical control points (HACCP) technique to evaluate the areas of the company's operations where faults could most easily occur. The company has concluded that an approach to quality must be all-embracing involving all facets of our operations. The aim is to aid the company's farming customers in the attainment of a quality product for the customer of that farm.
Consumerism and the Liturgical Act of Worship
Authors: Brunk Timothy
Published: January 2013

This paper selects three aspects of consumerism (individualism, the chronically reinvented self, and viewing nearly everything as a product or commodity) and assesses how they pose a challenge to liturgical worship, which is properly grounded in a Christian indentity that is fundamentally communal. When consumerism takes the form of shopping for a parish, it threatens to undermine this communal identity. At the same time, parish-shopping may well be an expression of a sincere search for a vital Christian community. This paper thus neither condemns nor condones parish shopping but stresses rather that there is work to be done to build up the sense of community in Roman Catholic parishes. Liturgical worship is an essential element in that process, but liturgy by itself cannot build or sustain community.
Academic Freedom and the Service Theologians Must Render the Academy
Authors: Garcia Kenneth N.
Published: January 2013

Theologians are called upon to carry out many responsibilities, including calls from church and academic leaders to “stimulate the internal development” of other academic disciplines and to help students arrive at an “organic vision of reality.” How might theologians do so without infringing academic freedom and autonomy, or resorting to a heteronomous dominance of other disciplines? To answer these questions I propose a theologically-grounded definition of academic freedom, then show the implications of that definition for how theology might stimulate disciplines to look beyond their limited domains. This theological definition is founded in the desire of the mind for God—a dynamicerosfor God that moves the mind from knowledge within any particular discipline toward completeness of understanding within an ultimate horizons. Fostering this movement from finite disciplines to theological understanding is the service theologians must render.
“All Will Be Well”: Julian of Norwich's Counter-Apocalyptic Revelations
Authors: Denny Christopher
Published: January 2013

To resolve the impasse between various competing apocalypticisms, I suggest the writings of Julian of Norwich exemplify an eschatology that incorporates features of what Catherine Keller calls counter-apocalyptic while avoiding the risks of deconstructionist theology. Julian faced an impasse as she struggled to reconcile the traditional apocalyptic claim of the church that some human beings were damned with her own revelatory experience that “all would be well.” According to the long text of the Revelation of Divine Love, in facing this crisis Julian did not abandon the belief in divine omnipotence. Like Keller's position, Julian's apophatic counter-apocalyptices chews understandings of Christiane eschatology as the simple disclosure of divine power and justice. Instead, Julian's counter-apocalyptic is founded upon the vulnerability of Christ's body. Julian's vision of Christ's kenotic love transcends the impasse between eschatological determinism and Keller's process theology, and his love establishes a stronger foundation for a truly liberating eschatology.
On Presuppositions of Theological Ethics
Authors: Rigali Norbert J.
Published: January 2013

Once the need to reform Catholic ethics became manifest with the Second Vatican Council, revision and adaptation of moral theology, the science that had served since the Council of Trent as official Catholic ethics, was often presented as the theological path to renewal. Scrutiny of philosophical, ethical, and theological presuppositions, however, discloses that the foundations of moral theology differ radically from those on which contemporary theological ethics must be based and that, accordingly, the way to true reform is not revision and adaptation of moral theology but the replacement of this self-contained science through construction of a fundamentally different kind of ethics, theological relational ethics as an essential, integral part of a reconstituted holistic theology.
The Hermeneutics of Vatican II: Reception, Authority, and the Debate Over the Council's Interpretation
Authors: Colberg Kristin
Published: January 2013

This article engages the on-going debate over the interpretation of Vatican II's documents. It argues that a careful examination of this dispute reveals that it is not primarily concerned with the existence of “rupture” or “continuity” in the council's texts, but instead is driven by fundamental questions regarding the nature of reception and the character of ecclesial authority. The article outlines the distinctive notions of reception operative in the debate over Vatican II and the way in which such views shape their proponents' hermeneutics of interpretation. To that end, it illumines a determinative link between larger paradigms of ecclesiological structure and related approaches to reception. The final section explores Vatican II's own documents for the ways that they address the authentic nature of reception and the character of legitimate authority. Ultimately, this study argues that Vatican II's affirmation of a dynamic notion of reception points a way forward for its own interpretation and, more broadly, for advancing the Church's overall self-understanding.
Interpersonal and Social Reconciliation: Finding Congruence in African Theological Anthropology
Authors: Scheid Anna Floerke
Published: January 2013

Western scholars studying post-conflict truth and reconciliation commissions often presuppose a sharp divide between interpersonal and social forgiveness and reconciliation. This leads some to question and critique commissions that seek to promote forgiveness and reconciliation at both the interpersonal and the social levels. This project contends that the problem these scholars perceive may be based upon a dichotomy between the individual and the community that is absent in communitarian cultures. African theological anthropologies based on the notions ofpalaverandubuntuillustrate that the human person is profoundly formed and preserved by the community, which sustains the individual through the promotion of certain ethical standards. In this context, expressions of interpersonal forgiveness and reconciliation have social ramifications. Cross-cultural discussion with African theologians thus re-situates this debate. African theological anthropology demonstrates the congruence among interpersonal and social expressions of forgiveness and reconciliation based in the community's commitment to the common good.
Thomism and the Renewal of Theology. Chenu, Charlier, and theirRessourcement
Authors: Mettepenningen Jürgen , De Pril Ward
Published: January 2013

La nouvelle théologieis often associated with a certain disapprobation of Thomism. Yet in its “first phase,” the theological renewal of the Dominicans M.-D. Chenu (Le Saulchoir) and Louis Charlier (Leuven) was founded and justified upon a historical hermeneutics of Thomas' conception of theology. Against neo-Thomism's excessive rationalism, both Chenu and Charlier strove to recover Thomas's reciprocal immanence of faith and theology by reorienting theology towards the revealed Given. Their concrete elaborations of this fundamental aim, however, ran along different lines. For Charlier, actual theology should be positive theology, regulated by collective faith as expressed in the official teaching of the Magisterium. Chenu on the other hand upholds a theology—both positive and speculative—animated by the theologian's subjective perception of faith. These differences reveal that Chenu and Charlier belong to different theological schools with their own theological traditions: the speculative-theological tradition of Le Sauchoir (A. Gardeil) versus the positive-theological tradition of Leuven (R. Draguet).
Thomas Aquinas' Eco-Theological Ethics of Anthropocentric Conservation
Authors: McLaughlin Ryan Patrick
Published: January 2013

This essay explores the much-debated question regarding the extent and viability of Thomas Aquinas as a theological source for expanding Christian ethical concern for the nonhuman creation, particularly nonhuman animals. This exploration focuses on the intersection of two foundational issues in Aquinas' theological framework, nature and teleology, as well as the effects of this intersection in Aquinas' work concerning nonhuman creation. From these examinations, I suggest that Aquinas can provide significant contributions for augmenting concern for the welfare of nonhuman animals because his theological framework demands that humans preserve the natural order through conservation. However, Aquinas' ecotheological ethics of conservation is foundationally anthropocentric and only permits indirect moral concern for the nonhuman world.
X-ray diffraction patterns for BaR2PdO5 (R=Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd)
Authors: Wong-Ng W.
Published: January 2013

Calculated patterns for the BaR2PdO5 series, in which X is Pd and R=Nd, Sm, Eu, or Gd, have been prepared for materials characterization until experimental patterns can be determined. These compounds are isostructural to the superconductor related “brown phases” BaLa2CuO5 and BaNd2CuO5, which are tetragonal with space group P4/mbm, Z=4. The cell parameters of the Eu and Gd compounds were derived from the La and Nd analogs. The calculated patterns of these four compounds compared well to an experimental pattern of BaNd2CuO5.
Divergence slit corrections for Bragg–Brentano diffractometers with rectangular sample surface
Authors: Fischer Reinhard X.
Published: January 2013

Algorithms are presented to correct intensities affected by divergence slit attenuation in the low 2θ region of Bragg–Brentano powder diffractometers with rectangular sample holders. The intensity loss below a limiting angle 2θ1 occurs when the X-ray beam cross section exceeds the sample surface at decreasing angles. For identification purposes, the observed intensities can be scaled up to values comparable with intensities unaffected by divergence slit effects.
Crystal data and X-ray powder diffraction data of lobenzarit acid and lobenzarit disodium
Authors: de Armas H. Novoa , Pellón Comdom R. , Pomés Hernández R. , Duque Rodríguez J.
Published: January 2013

Lobenzarit acid, C14H10ClNO4, and lobenzarit disodium (CCA), C14H8ClNNa2O4, have been investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction. The unit cell dimensions were determined from diffractometer methods, using strictly monochromatized CuKα1 radiation, and evaluated by indexing programs. The triclinic cell found for lobenzarit acid was a=16.580(1) Å, b=16.389(1) Å, c=4.9023(3) Å, α=71.674(6)°, β=92.609(6)°, γ=97.127(6)°, Z=4, Dx=1.544 Mg/m3. The triclinic cell found for CCA was a=18.041(5) Å, b=11.461(4) Å, c=5.936(2) Å, α=66.80(3)°, β=103.61(3)°, γ=113.13(3)°, Z=4, Dx=2.159 Mg/m3.
Powder diffraction of Pb0.95Mg0.26Nb0.60Zr0.03O2.78
Authors: Nijmeijer Arian , Boeijsma Jaap , Kruidhof Henk
Published: January 2013

The powder diffraction pattern of the new lead-based relaxor material Pb0.95Mg0.26Nb0.60Zr0.03O2.78 is described. The compound has a unit cell of a=4.0508(1) Å. The space group of the material is most probably Pm3m, with Z=1 and Dx=7.657 g/cm3.
Review of X-ray powder diffraction data of rhombohedral bismuth tri-iodide
Authors: Keller L. , Nason D.
Published: January 2013

Single crystals of rhombohedral bismuth tri-iodide grown by physical vapor transport are possible candidates for room-temperature detectors. Previously reported, low angle reflections in X-ray diffraction patterns of various BiI3 starting powders are attributed to the BiI3 structure from Rietveld analysis. Accordingly, the lattice parameters of stoichiometric BiI3 are determined as a0=7.5192±0.0003 Å and c0=20.721±0.004 Å at room temperature. It also appears that lattice parameter determination using Rietveld refinement can lead to significant errors if experimental aberrations are present and their nature and magnitude are unknown. A modified internal standard technique is applied to the data set prior to Rietveld refinement for more reliable lattice parameter determination.
Modal analysis of pyroclastic rocks by combined Rietveld and RIR methods
Authors: Gualtieri A.
Published: January 2013

The modal analysis of samples belonging to the zeolite-rich pyroclastic formation named “Neapolitan yellow tuff” (Central and Southern Italy) has been determined by full-profile refinement of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data using a combined Rietveld–RIR method. The quantitative analysis and especially the zeolite content is a profitable source for geo-petrographic and genetic considerations and as well an essential source to assess the physical and chemical properties of the bulk material for a feasible use in industrial applications. Albeit a wealth of methods are used for the quantitative determination of zeolite content in pyroclastites they all fail for lack of accuracy as far as concerns the absolute standard deviation of the quantitative data. The outstanding outcomes achievable by using the Rietveld method make it as the most promising technique to fulfill this lack. The glass content in each sample is calculated by a combined Rietveld–RIR method in which a known amount of an internal standard is added to the mixture to rescale the Rietveld refined weight fractions into absolute values. Then, it is reasonable to designate this method as an external method according to the definition given by Hill and Howard (1987). Its counterpart is the internal method developed by Riello etal. (1995a,b). Other techniques such as the addition method and the background scattering volume calculation are developed to accomplish a further determination of the glass content. The results are compared to the values obtained from the Rietveld–RIR analysis. These experimental methods yield an over-estimation of the amorphous phase because the incoherent scattering contribution (air, absorption, sample holder, Compton scattering) is accounted for as the amorphous fraction itself. The glass content of each sample acquired from the Rietveld–RIR refinement on the “raw data” is compared to that accomplished from the refinement of incoherent scattering subtracted data. In addition, some largely used XRPD quantitative techniques such as the external standard and RIR (reference intensity ratio) and the influence of the sample loading method are accounted for in an internally consistent comparison among different procedures of analysis.
Effects of sample transparency in powder diffraction
Authors: Reefman Derk
Published: January 2013

The effects of sample transparency in a powder diffraction experiment are discussed, and formulas including effects from horizontal divergence are derived. It is shown that the classical formula by Alexander [L. E. Alexander J. Appl. Phys. 21, 126 (1950)] is only a limiting case for zero horizontal divergence. It is also shown that in some cases extinction effects can play a role. The impact of these effects on both the line profile as well as the integrated intensity and experiments illustrating these phenomena, are discussed.
X-ray powder diffraction study of the stability of solid solutions in (La1−xGdx)OCl
Authors: Hölsä Jorma , Säilynoja Eija , Koski Kari , Rahiala Hanna , Valkonen Jussi
Published: January 2013

The formation of the solid solutions in the (La1−xGdx)OCl series was studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XPD) at room temperature in the 2θ region between 6.5 and 120°. The Rietveld profile refinement analyses of the XPD patterns were carried out with the background, unit cell, atomic position, isotropic temperature, and Gaussian profile form parameters refined freely. All (La1−xGdx)OCl samples possessed the tetragonal PbFCl-type structure with P4/nmm as the space group (Z=2). The unit cell parameters a and c evolve smoothly through the series and no clustering of the Gd3+ ions was observed according to Vegard's law. The solid solubility exists throughout the whole series. The valence bond model was used to estimate the relative stabilities of the different (La1−xGdx)OCl solid solutions. The global instability index (GII) which equals to the deviation between the formal valence and the sum of the calculated valence bonds of each atom in the asymmetric unit was used as a tool in the assessment. In the (La1−xGdx)OCl series, GII increases both from the end and the beginning of the series toward the middle indicating diminishing stability. No breakdown of the La–Gd solid solution could be verified experimentally although the GII value for the (La0.4Gd0.6)OCl composition exceeds the limit of 0.2 which should mean the collapse of the structure. However, the diffraction reflections were found somewhat broader in the middle of the series indicating possible local distortion or disorder.
An X-ray diffraction study of Tm-doped BaYYbF8 thin films
Authors: Blanton T. N. , Hung L. S.
Published: January 2013

Thulium (Tm) doped barium yttrium ytterbium fluoride (BaYYbF8:Tm) thin films have been deposited on (100) silicon (Si) or (100) and (111) gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates. When deposited on (100) Si, with an intermediate amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer, the BaYYbF8:Tm film was found to be polycrystalline, crystallizing in a previously unobserved cubic phase with a lattice constant a = 11.4208 (9) Å . Films deposited on GaAs, with an intermediate calcium fluoride (CaF2) layer, showed a high degree of planar orientation. Pole figure analysis revealed that the BaYYbF8:Tm films deposited on CaF2/GaAs are in-plane aligned dependent upon the substrate orientation.
A probability criterion for correct indexing of powder diffraction diagrams on the basis of preferred orientation
Authors: Bunge H. J. , Park N. J.
Published: January 2013

Error quantities, defined earlier to estimate the accuracy of texture measurement, are used to define a probability criterion for correct indexing of powder diffraction diagrams. The criterion is based on the compatibility of pole density distribution functions of different (hkl) depending on the directions {θ,γ}(hkl) of the reciprocal lattice vectors r*(hkl). The criterion was applied to permutation of the indices and variation of the angles {θ,γ}(hkl) in the vicinity of the correct values. In fortunate case, these angles can be determined within a few degrees by minimizing the error quantities. The method works very well with strong textures but it is still applicable if only weak textures can be achieved. The method was tested with different crystal symmetries including cubic, hexagonal, orthorhombic, and monoclinic. It is concluded that the criterion can be successfully applied to all crystal symmetries. If a measuring technique based on a position sensitive detector is used, even multifold peak superpositions in tilted sample orientations can be resolved. The method can also be applied if some (hkl) cannot be separated experimentally.
Particle statistics in quantitative X-ray diffractometry
Authors: Elton N. J. , Salt P. D.
Published: January 2013

Particle statistics in quantitative X-ray diffractometry relates to the number of particles (crystallites) contributing to the diffracted intensity for a given line. Variations in line intensity between replicate preparations of the same sample arise from statistical variations in the number of diffracting particles. The uncertainty in line intensity, and hence in quantitative estimates of analyte concentration, is termed the particle statistics error. A theoretical estimate of the error for stationary samples qives σPS=ξ[μ*〈v〉/c]1/2, where μ* is the mass absorption coefficient of the mixture, and 〈v〉 and c are the mean particle volume and mass concentration respectively of the analyte. The factor ξ is a function mainly of diffractometer geometry, but also contains contributions from rocking angle and reflection multiplicity. For measurements of the (112) quartz line with a Philips PW1050 vertical goniometer with 2o divergence slit and 0.3 mm receiving slit, ξ was calculated to be 116 g1/2 cm−5/2 for stationary samples. Three close-cut size fractions of quartz were prepared at various concentrations in a calcium carbonate matrix. Replicate preparations were measured and the standard deviation obtained as a function of particle volume and concentration. After correction for other contributing errors, including counting statistics and thermal fluctuations, the experimental value ξ=122±10 g1/2 cm−5/2 was obtained. The effect of sample spinning is considered briefly and predicted to reduce σPS by a factor of about 5. Experimentally, a reduction in σPS of about this order is observed, but the effect is rather variable.
An X-ray diffraction system with controlled relative humidity and temperature
Authors: Hashizume H. , Shimomura S. , Yamada H. , Fujita T. , Nakazawa H. , Akutsu O.
Published: January 2013

A system enabling X-ray diffraction patterns under controlled conditions of relative humidity and temperature has been devised and combined with an X-ray powder diffractometer. Relative humidity in the sample space is controlled by mixing dry N2 gas with saturated water vapor. Temperatures of the sample and inner wall of the sample chamber are monitored by two attached thermocouples and the information was fed back to the control unit. Relative humidity between 0% and the 95%, and temperature between room temperature and 60 °C can be controlled. All parameters including those for XRD are programmable and the system runs automatically. The function of the system was checked by recording the XRD patterns of montmorillonite (a clay mineral) and NaCl under increasing and decreasing relative humidity.
X-ray powder diffraction data for [Co(NH3)5Br]Br2
Authors: Wu Hongxiang , Ma Lidun , Shen Xiaoliang , Shi Guoshun
Published: January 2013

The X-ray powder diffraction pattern for the title compound is reported in the range 10<2θ<60°. The sample was purified by recrystallization and was indexed using the program DICVOL91 and TREOR90. Refined unit parameters for the orthorhombic system (Pnma or Pn21a) are: a=13.7098(8) Å, b=10.7153(7) Å, c=6.9473(4) Å, V=1020.59 Å3, Z=4, Dx=2.50 g cm−3. M20=49, F30=93(0.0075, 43).
Powder X-ray diffraction data for UAl4
Authors: Chandra Shekar N. V. , Sahu P. Ch. , Sekar M. , Yousuf Mohammad , Govinda Rajan K.
Published: January 2013

The X-ray diffraction data for the single phase UAl4 are reported. The data were obtained with a Huber–Guinier diffractometer with MoKα1 radiation. The unit cell of UAl4 is orthorhombic (space group Imma) with lattice parameters a=4.396 Å, b=6.251 Å, and c=13.699 Å.
X-ray diffraction study of BaLu2CuO5 and BaNd2CuO5 at high pressures
Authors: Wong-Ng Winnie , Piermarini Gasper J. , Gallas Marcia R.
Published: January 2013

The volume compression of BaNd2CuO5 (brown phase) and BaLu2CuO5 (green phase) have been measured to 8.67 and 9.23 GPa, respectively, utilizing a diamond anvil high-pressure cell and energy dispersive X-ray powder diffraction. The pressure dependence of the volume of the orthorhombic BaLu2CuO5 and tetragonal BaNd2CuO5 unit cell, as determined by a least-squares fit of the data, are both linear and follow the equations of V=−1.615P+260.62 Å3, and V=−1.9001P+476.92 Å3, respectively. While linear compressions of the unit cell parameters of BaNd2CuO5 exhibit isotropic compressive behavior within our experimental error, BaLu2CuO5 shows somewhat anisotropic compressibility behavior. From the observed data, the bulk modulus of BaNd2CuO5 is determined to be 161±8 GPa and the Young's modulus is estimated to be 193 ±9 GPa. For BaLu2CuO5, the corresponding bulk modulus and the Young's modulus are estimated to be 251±13 GPa and 301±16 GPa, which are significantly greater than those of the brown phase and the high-Tc superconductor Ba2YCu3O6+x. No evidence of a pressure-induced phase transformation was found in either compound in the pressure range studied.