bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine: a sample of healthy people in Turkey
Authors: Erci Behice
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed to investigate the attitude towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine of healthy people, and to evaluate the relationship between attitude towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine and the characteristics of the participants.

Background.  Complementary and alternative medicines are becoming more accepted.

Design.  This study used descriptive and correlational designs.

Methods.  The study included healthy individuals who attended or visited a primary care centre for healthcare services. The sample of the study consisted of 448 persons who responded to the questionnaire. The Attitude towards Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine scale consisted of 11 items on a six‐point, and two subscales. The mean score of holistic complementary and alternative medicine was studied in relation to attributes and holistic complementary and alternative medicine.

Results.  The mean score on the scale was 58.1 SD 4.1 point, and in terms of the mean score of the scale, the sample group showed a negative attitude towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine and one subscale. Demographic characteristics of the sample group affected attitudes towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine and both subscales.

Conclusion.  In light of these results, it is clear that healthy Turkish population have a tendency towards conventional medicine.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals caring for healthy people should provide comprehensive care that addresses the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the individual; they could provide the consultation regarding to different patterns of complementary therapies.
Self‐care agency and factors related to this agency among patients with hypertension
Authors: Akyol Asiye Durmaz , Çetinkaya Yurdanur , Bakan Gülcan , Yaralı Selda , Akkuş Sıttıka
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study is to assess the self‐care agency and factors regarding this agency among patients with hypertensions.

Design.  This study, descriptive, analytical and cross‐sectional in nature, was conducted to evaluate the self‐care agency of 120 hypertensive patients at the Cardiology and Internal Diseases Polyclinic of University of Ege, Faculty of Medicine; ızmir Atatürk State Hospital; University of Selçuk, Faculty of Medicine; and Karaman State Hospital between July and August 2003.

Methods.  The data were collected by using the self‐care agency scale and a questionnaire designed to determine the socio demographic features, and evaluated by means of percentage calculation and chi‐square tests.

Results.  The mean self‐care agency rate of the patients in general was moderate. It was determined that educational situation and social insurance affected self‐care.

Conclusion.  Self‐care agency and health are related to economic, social and educational factors.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Data obtained could be used for policy formulation, health planning, outcome evaluation of instruments, better health education strategies and, ultimately, to demonstrate the worth of nursing in the marketplace.
Esthetic abilities: a way to describe abilities of expert nurses in palliative home care
Authors: Bergdahl Elisabeth , Wikström Britt‐Maj , Andershed Birgitta
Published: March 2007

Aim. The aim of this paper is to focus on the abilities needed to create the caring relation in palliative home care and to find ways to describe these abilities and skills from an esthetic perspective.

Background. Nurses in Palliative home care have to create a functioning relationship between themselves the patient and the patient's next of kin, this puts special demands on the nurse. A number of abilities, such as creativity, intuition, empathy and self‐knowledge are mentioned in literature related to the caring relation. Many nursing theorists have referred to the art and esthetic of nursing when trying to describe these abilities.

Methods. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews with eight expert nurses in palliative home care. The transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative content analyses.

Findings. Three main categories where found: The will to do good, Knowledge and Perceptiveness. Subcategories that can be seen as abilities where found in the main categories knowledge and perceptiveness.

Conclusions. The main categories can be seen as expressions for abilities, personal qualities and skills needed to create the caring relation in palliative home care. We found interesting connections between the three main categories and the concepts of esthetics, ethics and science. We also found that nurses develop in a way, i.e. similar to an artist.

Relevance to clinical practice. The concepts brought forward in this paper could be used in clinical supervision and education as well as in clinical practice. If nurses think about the three aspects: Knowledge, the will to do good and perceptiveness, the chance for a positive relation between the nurse and the patient, and the patient's next of kin might increase. One could speculate that perceptiveness is a vital ability in order to achieve the expert level of nursing and that this perspective should be taken in consideration when recruiting nurses and in curriculum development.
Patient participation in nursing care: towards a concept clarification from a nurse perspective
Authors: Sahlsten Monika JM , Larsson Inga E , Sjöström Björn , Lindencrona Catharina SC , Plos Kaety AE
Published: March 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to investigate the meanings of the concept of patient participation in nursing care from a nurse perspective.

Background.  Participation is essential and increases patients’ motivation and satisfaction with received care. Studies of patient participation in nursing care are not congruent regarding definition, elements and processes. This lack of clarity is amplified by several terms used; patient/client/consumer involvement or collaboration, partnership and influence. Despite the fact that several nursing theories have emphasized the importance of patient participation, an empirically grounded theory has yet to be published.

Methods.  Seven focus group interviews were held with nurses providing inpatient physical care at five hospitals in West Sweden. The focus groups consisted of Registered Swedish nurses (n = 31) who described the meaning and implementation of patient participation in nursing care. A Grounded Theory approach has been applied to tape‐recorded data. Constant comparative analysis was used and saturation was achieved.

Results.  Mutuality in negotiation emerged as the core category for explaining nurses’ perspectives on patient participation in nursing care. It is characterized by four interrelated sub‐core categories: interpersonal procedure, therapeutic approach, focus on resources and opportunities for influence. Mutuality in negotiation constitutes the dynamic nurse–patient interaction process.

Conclusions.  The study clarifies that patient participation can be explained as an interactional process identified as mutuality in negotiation based on four components.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results are important and can be used in nursing practice and education. Application in a clinical context means nursing care organized to include all the components presented. The results can also be used in quality assurance to improve and evaluate patient participation.
The effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme on older patients with chronic pulmonary disease
Authors: Kyung Kim Ae , Chin Patricia A
Published: March 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to answer the question: is there an effect on the respiratory capacity and activity tolerance of older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme?

Background.  Pulmonary rehabilitation is now an integral part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. Evidence supports the positive effects of breath training and exercising training on quality of life, exercise tolerance and improved physical condition of individual with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Limited empirical documentation exists to support the effectiveness of a nurse managed rehabilitation programme for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study was done to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation provided by nurses on the pulmonary function, gas exchange and exercise tolerance in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design.  A one group pre‐test–post‐test design was used to evaluate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

Method.  The sample consisted of 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme including breathing exercises, upper‐limb exercises and inspiratory muscle training.

Results.  The findings indicated improvement in exercise performance and a decrease in dyspnea after participation in the pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The clinical nurse can make a significant impact on the illness trajectory and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse has a critical role in helping patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease learn to cope, adjust and adapt to life with a chronic illness. Active nurse involvement with a patient in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme can assist in the identification of factors that motivate the patient, help in establishing realistic out comes expectations and provide patient teaching opportunities. The nurse can assist the patient to develop skills of self‐awareness regarding particular symptoms, self‐monitoring and health status change identification.
Early postoperative 30° lateral positioning after coronary artery surgery: influence on cardiac output
Authors: De Laat Erik , Schoonhoven Lisette , Grypdonck Mieke , Verbeek André , De Graaf Ruurd , Pickkers Peter , Van Achterberg Theo
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  We investigated whether: (i) Early postoperative lateral position after coronary artery bypass surgery may have a negative influence on the cardiac output and (ii) Whether turning procedures cause practical problems.

Background.  Directly following surgery, coronary artery bypass patients are not receiving routine turning every two hours to prevent pressure ulcers, because a negative influence on hemodynamic parameters is assumed.

Design.  Clinical trial.

Methods.  Fifty‐five coronary artery bypass patients were randomly assigned to four intervention regimens and underwent a two‐hour period of 30° lateral position. Fourteen patients in supine position served as a reference group. We hypothesized that 30° lateral position does not cause a relevant change in the cardiac output.

Results.  Turning the patients did not have any significant influence on the cardiac index, not even in the patients in a poor hemodynamic condition. The cardiac index in 30° lateral position and supine position two to eight hours postoperatively after coronary artery bypass surgery is statistically bioequivalent. No clinically relevant deviations from preset ‘safe’ values for mean arterial pressure, right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure were observed, which would require ending the lateral position. There were no practical problems hindering the turning regimen, not even in the patients with an intra‐aortic balloon pump.

Conclusions.  Early postoperative turning of coronary artery bypass surgery patients in lateral position is an easy and feasible procedure that does not influence the cardiac index not even in patients receiving antihypertensive or inotropic/vasopressor therapy. Further research is needed to find out whether our findings are also valid in other patient groups and other position conditions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If there are no strict contra‐indications, lateral position has to be considered to prevent complications of continuous supine position within two hours after coronary artery bypass surgery patients have been admitted to the intensive care unit.
Exploring the contribution of the Clinical Librarian to facilitating evidence‐based nursing
Authors: Tod Angela M , Bond Beverly , Leonard Niamh , Gilsenan Irene J , Palfreyman Simon
Published: March 2007

Aim.  To examine the potential role of the Clinical Librarian in facilitating evidence‐based practice of nurses in acute hospital settings and develop a model for the role.

Background.  There is a growing policy and professional expectation that nurses will seek out and apply evidence in their clinical practice. Studies have demonstrated that nurses experience barriers in working with an evidence‐based approach. The role of Clinical Librarian has been used in other countries and within medicine to overcome some of the barriers to evidence‐based practice. There are limitations in the previous work in terms of rigour of evaluation, scope of the Clinical Librarian role and application to nursing in a UK setting.

Design.  A qualitative consultation of 72 nurses in acute care settings.

Methods.  Six consultation group interviews of between 4–19 participants. Written records were recorded by the scribe. Content analysis was undertaken to identify the range and frequency of comments.

Results.  Clinical questions currently go unanswered because of barriers of time, skills deficits and access to resources. Literature searching, skills training and evidence dissemination were the main areas of work the staff requested that a Clinical Librarian should undertake. It was anticipated that the Clinical Librarian could interact and work productively with nursing staff with a limited but regular presence on the ward. Interim communication could be via e‐mail, phone and written suggestions and requests for work. It was seen to be vital that the Clinical Librarian worked in partnership with staff to build evidence‐based practice capacity and ensure clinical relevance of the work.

Conclusions.  This study has generated the first model for the Clinical Librarian role with an emphasis on nursing. It is derived from the views of clinical nurses. Recommendations are made for the implementation and evaluation of such a role.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The Clinical Librarian could be an invaluable support to promoting evidence‐based nursing.
Knowledge, health beliefs and health‐related behaviours of first‐degree relatives of women suffering from osteoporosis in Taiwan: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Chang Shu‐Fang
Published: March 2007

Background.  No previous study has examined knowledge, health beliefs and health‐related behaviours in first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of osteoporosis sufferers, especially focusing on Asian women.

Aim.  This study explored osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs and behaviours of women with a family history of osteoporosis, and drew a comparison with women with no such history.

Design.  This study recruited women at a large public health centre in northern Taiwan. A questionnaire was applied on FDRs and non‐FDRs women with a focus on osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs and behaviours. Descriptive analysis was initially conducted. Differences between FDRs and non‐FDRs were rated via Student's t‐tests for continuous variables and the chi‐squared test for categorical variables.

Results.  Overall, most of the participants were aware of some osteoporosis‐related information but the proportions of correct responses to the questions that tested knowledge between FDRs and non‐FDRs were only 44·0% and 42%, respectively. Meanwhile, participants in the FDRs group not only reported higher concern in developing the disease, but also perceived higher barriers compared with the non‐FDRs group. As the study demonstrates, for health‐related behaviours, the FDRs group did not undertake actual preventive behaviours, and only bone mineral density screening behaviour differed significantly from the non‐FDRs group.

Conclusions.  This study highlights the inadequate information on osteoporosis and constraining beliefs of FDRs women. Additionally, as preventative behaviours for osteoporosis were not noted in FDRs group, community health nurses and researchers should make efforts to assist and encourage women to take practical preventative behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This investigation reviews the knowledge, beliefs and behaviours of the FDRs group for Taiwanese women with osteoporosis. The results of this work can be used to provide effective implementation guidelines for preventing osteoporosis especially for women with a family history of the disease.
Lifestyle and health behaviours of adults with an intellectual disability
Authors: McGuire B. E. , Daly P. , Smyth F.
Published: March 2007

Background  There is currently no published research in Ireland on the health behaviours of adults with an intellectual disability (ID). With an increasing age profile and similar patterns of morbidity to the general population, the ID population would benefit from baseline data from which to establish risk factors.

Methods  A questionnaire survey was carried out with 157 carers of people with an ID in the west of Ireland.

Results  The results of this survey were compared with results of a health survey for the general population in the same region. The present survey found that 68% of the ID sample was overweight or obese. Levels of smoking (2.6%) and regular alcohol consumption (10.3%) were relatively low in comparison with the general population. However, participation in exercise and adherence to a healthy diet were poor. The level of resident choice and decision‐making did not have any relationship to health behaviours nor did residential setting. Finally, there were no gender differences in health and lifestyle profiles.

Conclusion  The results of this study have important implications for health promotion interventions for people with an ID.
The relationship between compulsive behaviour and academic achievement across the three genetic subtypes of Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Zarcone J. , Napolitano D. , Peterson C. , Breidbord J. , Ferraioli S. , Caruso‐Anderson M. , Holsen L. , Butler M. G. , Thompson T.
Published: March 2007

Background  Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic syndrome associated with several physical, cognitive and behavioural characteristics. For many individuals with this syndrome, compulsive behaviour is often noted in both food and non‐food situations. The focus of this paper is on the non‐food‐related compulsions in individuals with PWS and comparing differences across the three genetic subtypes of the syndrome.

Methods  Compulsive behaviours in 73 people with PWS were assessed using the Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and the Compulsive Behavior Checklist. Compulsive behaviour and its relation to IQ and academic achievement also were evaluated. Phenotypic differences were characterized for the three most common genetic subtypes of the disorder: 16 individuals with the long Type I (TI) 15q deletion, 26 individuals with the short Type II (TII) 15q deletion and 31 individuals with maternal disomy 15.

Results  There appeared to be important differences between the two deletion subtypes. Specifically, individuals with the TI deletion had more compulsions regarding personal cleanliness (i.e. excessive bathing/grooming), and their compulsions were more difficult to interrupt and interfered with social activities more than the other subtypes. Individuals with the TII deletion were more likely to have compulsions related to specific academic areas (i.e. rereading, erasing answers and counting objects or numbers).

Conclusions  These findings may help clinicians and researchers identify possible intervention strategies and supports based on the behavioural phenotype associated with genetic subtype in individuals with PWS.
Prevalence of people with intellectual disability in the Netherlands
Authors: Wullink M. , Van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H. M. J. , Dinant G. J. , Metsemakers J. F. M.
Published: March 2007

Background  Since the 1990s, people with intellectual disability (ID) in the Netherlands have been moving from institutions to supported accommodation in the community. The Government is in need of recent data on the numbers of these people, to ensure adequate care provision and funding. This paper reports on the prevalence of people with ID in the Netherlands. The research question was: what is the lowest and highest estimation of prevalence of people with ID in the Netherlands?

Methods  Two extrapolation methods were used, each consisting of a number of stages, using general practice databases and ID care services records.

Results  The prevalence of people with ID in the Netherlands was 0.7% (111 750 persons). Other assumptions yielded 0.54–0.64%. Arguments for the two extrapolation methods and the lowest and highest estimation of prevalence are discussed.

Conclusions  Compared with 1988, there has been a slight decrease in the prevalence of people with ID in the Netherlands, even though we included all age groups and even people with ID of who were not included in ID care services records. By using general practitioner databases it was possible to identify these not registered people with ID.
Feeding behaviour of the black pine beetle, Hylastes ater (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: Leahy Miles J. A. , Oliver Thomas H. , Leather Simon R.
Published: March 2007

1 The feeding behaviour of Hylastes ater was investigated at 15 °C and 20 °C on a range of tree species. The role of an aggregation pheromone and the part played by olfactory cues in food selection was also investigated.

2 A distinct hierarchical preference at both 15 °C and 20 °C such that Pinus radiata > Pinus sylvestris > > Picea abies > > Rubus fruticosus=Betula pendula was shown.

3 Feeding on P. sylvestris led to the highest weight gain, closely followed by P. radiata and P. abies. Slightly elevated feeding was observed at 20 °C compared with 15 °C.

4 Reduced feeding in the presence of B. pendula suggests the possibility of an antifeedant effect and predamaged wood was found to be less nutritious, possibly due to greater plant defences.

5 The role of an aggregation pheromone was not supported. Olfactory cues enabled the detection of woody hosts, although differentiation between host was not observed.

6 These results are likely to be important in helping to design an effective integrated control approach against this pest.
An evaluation of computerised essay marking for national curriculum assessment in the UK for 11‐year‐olds
Authors: Hutchison Dougal
Published: March 2007

This paper reports a comparison of human and computer marking of approximately 600 essays produced by 11‐year‐olds in the UK. Each essay script was scored by three human markers. Scripts were also scored by the e‐rater program. There was a good agreement between human and machine marking. Scripts with highly discrepant scores were flagged and assessed blind by expert markers for characteristics considered likely to produce human–machine discrepancies. As hypothesised, essays marked higher by humans exhibited more abstract qualities such as interest and relevance, while there was little, if any, difference on more mechanical factors such as paragraph demarcation.
Dynamic MRI signals in the second week of radiotherapy relate to treatment outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary result
Authors: Liang Po‐Chin , Ch'ang Hui‐Ju , Hsu Chiun , Tseng Shuo Shuo , Shih Tiffany T. F. , Wu Liu Tsang
Published: March 2007

Aim: Radiotherapy (RT) has been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years. Despite its good local control, slow tumoral shrinkage and rapid recurrence compromise treatment outcomes. We evaluated the signal intensity of the hepatic parenchyma and tumours by using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlated the findings with clinical outcomes. Nineteen patients with advanced HCC received 50 Gy in 25 fractions. They underwent a dynamic contrast‐enhanced, turbo fast low‐angle shot MR sequence at 1.5 T before therapy, at 2 weeks of therapy, and 1 month (week 9) later. Initial first‐pass enhancement slopes (slope) and peak enhancement ratios (peak) were measured.

Results: Initial signal intensities were not associated with RT outcomes. An increased slope and peak of the tumour at week 2 was associated with an improved local response (P<0.05). In the parenchyma, an increased slope at week 2 was associated with recurrence outside the radiation fields or with progression over distant sites (P<0.05). The differences in signal changes at week 2 during RT were not persistent at a statistically significant level at 1 month after RT.

Conclusion: Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI signals may act as biomarkers for early prediction of responses to RT in patients with HCC. Signal intensities at week 2 are important in evaluating treatment outcomes.
Ideas and Institutional Change in Social Security: Conversion, Layering, and Policy Drift*
Authors: Béland Daniel
Published: March 2007

Objectives.In recent years, social scientists such as Kathleen Thelen and Jacob Hacker have introduced new concepts to assist in the understanding of institutional change. Fostering some of these concepts, this article proceeds to augment the theoretical debate on institutional change in social science and policy research. A discussion of Social Security development in the United States advances the article's main objective: to uncover the relationship between ideational processes and policy development.

Methods.Qualitative and historical analysis is offered to examine three major policy episodes: the enactment of the 1939 amendments, the first mandate of the Nixon Administration (1969–1972), and the push for Social Security privatization that emerged in the 1990s.

Results.First, the analysis suggests that, through the process of institutional conversion, the 1939 amendments and the Nixon‐era reforms altered the nature of Social Security. Second, the discussion on Social Security privatization stresses the impact of layering and policy drift on public and private pensions.

Conclusions.The concepts of conversion, layering, and policy drift receive further empirical support through the presented analysis. Moreover, this article suggests that, for a full understanding of institutional change, a systematic analysis of ideational processes is necessary.
Beyond Women, Children, and Families: Gender, Representation, and Public Funding for the Arts*
Authors: Boles Janet K. , Scheurer Katherine
Published: March 2007

Objectives.Research on the impact of female legislators has found that in their voting records women in elective office tend to be more liberal and more supportive of issues of concern to women, children, and families than are men, differences that conform to gender stereotypes held by voters. This article examines another well‐established gender stereotype that is not linked to the traditional concerns of women as conventionally defined by scholars: that women in public office will be more supportive of the arts.

Method.The 40 votes taken on arts legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1983–2002, are examined using negative binomial regression in a model that includes district and personal characteristics.

Results.Democratic Party membership and support, citizen ideology, urban residence, and gender are significant factors in explaining support for public funding for the arts. Female representatives are more likely than their male colleagues to support the arts, a finding that primarily reflects the greater support of Republican women for the arts in comparison with their male counterparts.

Conclusion.This study suggests that substantive representation of women by female elected officials may extend to more policy issues than previous research has documented. Research on issues that are recognized as gendered (e.g., arts policy) but are not traditionally defined as women's issues is an area for further exploration.
Campaign Fundraising in State Supreme Court Elections*
Authors: Bonneau Chris W.
Published: March 2007

Objective. What factors affect the ability of candidates for state supreme courts to raise money? In this article, I test (and expand) existing theories of political fundraising (taken largely from legislative studies) in the context of judicial elections.

Methods. I examine the determinants of campaign contributions to all candidates running for the state supreme court from 1990–2000 in states that have competitive judicial elections. Most basically, I hypothesize that a candidate's ability to raise money is dependent on characteristics of the candidate, the state electoral and supreme court context, and institutional arrangements.

Results. The results suggest that candidates who have a greater probability of success than their opponents are better able to raise money. Yet, all is not within the control of the candidates, as the electoral context of the state and the court as well as the institutional arrangements of the election and the court are also relevant.

Conclusions. Campaign fundraising by state supreme court candidates, much like fundraising by legislative candidates, can be understood in systematic and predictable ways. Candidates have some control over the amount of money that they are able to raise (and thus their electoral viability), although there is little they can do about the electoral and supreme court context. Additionally, institutional arrangements play a large role in raising campaign funds, suggesting that there is not much reformers can do to limit the amount of money involved in elections short of eradicating elections altogether.
When Do States Pursue Targeted Economic Development Policies? The Adoption and Expansion of State Enterprise Zone Programs*
Authors: Turner Robert C. , Cassell Mark K.
Published: March 2007

Objective. The objective of this article is twofold. First, why did states adopt enterprise zones, which allow designated economically distressed areas to provide significant financial incentives to attract firms? Second, why did some states significantly increase the number of zones within the state and transform what began as a spatially targeted program aimed at helping poor places into a state‐wide incentive program aimed at improving the state's competitive position? We also demonstrate the value of examining how changes in a state's policy environment can undermine a policy innovation, namely, the adoption of place‐based economic development policies.

Methods. We use event history analysis to model when states adopt enterprise zones and an event‐count model to estimate when states increase the number of enterprise zones, and thereby undermine the original intent of the program.

Results. States with larger urban populations and neighboring states with enterprise zone programs are more likely to adopt enterprise zone programs. States are more likely to increase the number of enterprise zones when they have larger urban populations, more neighboring states with enterprise zone programs, professional legislatures, more centrist elected officials, and as the program ages.

Conclusions. Although the adoption of enterprise zones signaled states' commitment to improve conditions in the most distressed areas of the states, that commitment gradually wanes in the face of internal political demands and external competition for investment and jobs. By extending our analysis to examine what happens after the adoption of enterprise zones, we develop a more pessimistic assessment of states' capacity to pursue spatially targeted economic development policies to help economically distressed areas.
Business Interest Group Power and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families*
Authors: Klarner Carl , Mao Xiaotong , Buchanan Stan
Published: March 2007

Objectives. Our aim is to test the influence of business interest groups on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) policy at the state level.

Methods. We use the state TANF guarantee, the length of time recipients have before they lose their benefits, and the existence of a “family cap” as dependent variables in three models. Each of the models tests business interest group power and several other measures that represent possible influences on the dependent variable.

Results. We find that business interest group power is significantly related to both the generosity of the TANF guarantee and to TANF time limits. However, it is not related to the presence of the family cap in state TANF policy.

Conclusions. The evidence we found is consistent with the idea that those state TANF policies that are most intimately related to business interests are just those policies that are most affected by business group influence. States' TANF policies regarding maximum benefit and time limits both have a direct impact on wealth redistribution and labor‐market behavior. On the other hand, business interest groups do not seem to have much influence on the presence of TANF family caps, policies that are arguably less the concern of business interest groups, and more connected to public attitudes toward families and children.
Black Voters, Black Candidates, and Social Issues: Does Party Identification Matter?*
Authors: Kidd Quentin , Diggs Herman , Farooq Mehreen , Murray Megan
Published: March 2007

Objective. Much is known about voting behavior generally; less is known about voting behavior of African Americans in particular due in part to the overwhelming support of black voters for Democratic candidates. However, some argue that black conservatism on social issues could lead to more Republican voting.

Methods. We test this question with a set of data on black voting behavior in a 2004 congressional race where two black candidates ran against each other. We thus hold race of candidate constant and look at the influence of social issues and party identification on black vote choice.

Results. We find evidence to suggest that evangelicalism and support for the war in Iraq is related to being Republican, but that Democratic Party identification plays the dominant role in black voter decision making.

Conclusions. Black conservatism on at least certain social issues is real and has the potential to influence vote choice, but the influence of Democratic Party allegiance is still a very powerful cue for black voters.
Buying into the American Dream? Mexican Immigrants, Legal Status, and Homeownership in Los Angeles County*
Authors: McConnell Eileen Diaz , Marcelli Enrico A.
Published: March 2007

Objectives. Contemporary patterns of homeownership reflect the continuing racial and ethnic stratification that exists in nearly all areas of American society. Of particular interest, especially within the context of recent immigration legislation, are the homeownership experiences of Mexican immigrants in the United States.

Methods. The current study employs unique data from the 2001 Los Angeles County Mexican Immigrant Residency Status Survey (LAC‐MIRSS) to examine the association between diverse forms of legal status and homeownership for Mexican immigrants.

Results. Analyses indicate that the relationship between legal status and housing tenure is not statistically significant, after accounting for economic, life‐course/life‐cycle, and assimilation/social capital characteristics.

Conclusions. The lack of a significant relationship is contrary to past research, perhaps explained by the explosive growth of the subprime mortgage market in the United States; the increasing recognition by financial institutions of Latino immigrants as a largely untapped, yet emerging, market in the mortgage industry; the availability of alternative forms of identification; and the institutionalization of unauthorized immigration in Los Angeles.
Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Dispersed Antimony‐Doped Stannic Hydroxide Nanoparticles: Effects of the Azeotropic Solvents to Remove Water on the Properties and Microstructures of the Nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Fen , Zhang Xuejun , Mao Xuhui , Gan Fuxing
Published: March 2007

Highly dispersed antimony (Sb)‐doped stannic hydroxide nanoparticles have been successfully prepared using the solution chemistry method. The properties and microstructures of the nanoparticles are investigated in detail by means of infrared, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffractometer, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller nitrogen surface area measurements. The results indicate that the properties and microstructures of the nanoparticles strongly depend on the azeotropic solvents used to remove water at the drying stage. Various azeotropic solvents are screened to investigate their effects on the size and dispersivity of dried Sb‐doped stannic hydroxide. Three empirical rules are drawn for selecting an effective azeotropic solvent: (1) the solvent molecule should contain at least one atom such as oxygen as the hydrogen (H)‐bond acceptor to form H bonds with the surface –OH (acting as an H‐bond donor) of polymer particle; (2) the H‐bond acceptor should locate in the middle of the alkane chain rather than on the terminal so that the alkane chain can stretch out and cover more surface area, improving the dispersivity of the dried product; and (3) the solvent should have a higher boiling point (∼140°C) to reduce the time of azeotropic distillation for removing water and maintain a lower residual amount of azeotropic agent. Based on the empirical rules, it is discovered that iso‐amyl acetate is the most effective azeotropic solvent.
Nano‐Domain Twin Structure Formed by Phase Transition in New Perovskite Oxide (Sr0.67Sm0.33)(Mn0.33Ti0.67)O3
Authors: Nakano Hiromi , Kobayashi Migaku , Kamegashira Nakoi
Published: March 2007

A new perovskite oxide, (Sr0.67Sm0.33)(Mn0.33Ti0.67)O3, was synthesized at 1573 K in an Ar flow. The structure of the oxide was determined to be orthorhombic with the space group of Pnma using X‐ray diffraction and electron diffraction. High‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images of the oxide revealed that nano‐domain structures were formed by twinning due to a phase transition. This is the first time that phase transition of the oxide has been observed in situ using a heating stage in a TEM. The high‐temperature phase possessed an orthorhombic structure with the space group of Imma, which appeared above 723 K.
Preparation of Matrix‐Type Nickel Oxide/Samarium‐Doped Ceria Composite Particles by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Suda Seiichi , Kawahara Koichi , Kawano Mitsunobu , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Inagaki Toru
Published: March 2007

Matrix‐type nickel oxide (NiO)/samarium‐doped ceria (SDC) composite particles, in which NiO and SDC nano‐particles were homogeneously dispersed, were synthesized by spray pyrolysis (SP) for an anode precursor of intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs). SP of an aqueous solution containing Ni, Ce, and Sm salts resulted in capsule‐type composite particles that had NiO enveloped with SDC. The capsule‐type composite particles actually prevent Ni aggregation between particles, but they cannot have a large contact area between nickel (Ni) and SDC. A matrix‐type composite particle is expected to have a large contact area because the matrix‐type composite is comprised of nanometer‐sized Ni and SDC particles. An adequate addition of ethylene glycol successfully resulted in matrix‐type NiO/SDC composite particles. The matrix‐type composite particles also showed higher anode performance than the capsule‐type composite particles in these experiments and they were effective as precursors of high‐performance IT‐SOFC anodes.
PMN–PT Ceramics Prepared By Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zuo Ruzhong , Granzow Torsten , Lupascu Doru C. , Rödel Jürgen
Published: March 2007

(1−x)Pb(Mg1/2Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 (PMN–PT) ceramics of stoichiometric composition were fabricated by conventional pressureless sintering (CS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The CS ceramics exhibited a change from relaxor to normal ferroelectric behavior (FE) with increasing PT content. However, low dielectric constants, frequency dispersion, and diffuse phase transition behavior typical for relaxors were obtained for all SPS ceramics. FE and piezoelectric measurements further demonstrated low remanent polarization and strain, high coercive field, and low electromechanical response from SPS materials. Normal dielectric and enhanced FE performance appeared following high‐temperature heat treatment after SPS. The effects of grain size, microstructure, and chemical heterogeneity formed during fast sintering are considered.
Characteristics of Hollow TiO2 Fibers Via Replication of Sisal Fiber
Authors: Li Guangqin , Liu Chunyan , Liu Yun
Published: March 2007

Here we report a facile method to fabricate hollow TiO2 fibers in micro‐scale via faithfully replication of sisal fiber. The length of the as‐synthesized fibers could reach several millimeters and consist of a bundle of hollow sub‐fibers. The fibers have node, pits, and crevices on their surface, which faithfully sustain the characteristics of the template. The phase transformation and photocatalytic activity of the fibers were also studied.
Depletion of Grain‐Boundary Phase and Elastic Creep Deformation Upon Ultra‐Long Flexural Stress Rupture Experiments of NC‐132 Silicon Nitride
Authors: Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Braue Wolfgang , Quinn George D.
Published: March 2007

A unique grain‐boundary structure evolution was observed in two MgO‐doped silicon nitride specimens (Norton, NC‐132) that were tested in ultra‐long flexure stress rupture experiments with an applied stress of 266 MPa and fractured at 14 941 and 17 376 h. Transmission electron microscopy showed that, although the starting material had a secondary glass phase both at multi‐grain junctions and along grain boundaries, the tested specimens contained no residual glass phase. Concurrent with the elimination of the secondary glass phase, a continuous network of cracked grain boundaries was observed after long‐term flexure testing consistent with the concept of elastic creep. It is, therefore, concluded that at ultra‐long annealing times, this material is affected by creep deformation via microcrack nucleation and growth due to the depletion of the amorphous siliceous grain‐boundary phase, which is seen as a truly transient, fugitive secondary phase.
Energetics of Defect Fluorite and Pyrochlore Phases in Lanthanum and Gadolinium Hafnates
Authors: Ushakov Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra , Tangeman Jean A. , Helean Katheryn B.
Published: March 2007

Aerodynamic levitation combined with laser heating was used to prepare melts in the HfO2–La2O3 (–Gd2O3) systems. All melts crystallized upon quenching in oxygen. Hf2La2O7 pyrochlore and Gd0.5Hf0.5O1.75 fluorite phases were identified. Gd0.5Hf0.5O1.75 fluorite was transformed into the pyrochlore structure by annealing at 1450°C. Pyrochlore that crystallized from HfO2‐ La2O3 melts contained 31.6–34.2 mol% La2O3. The unit cell parameter increased linearly with La content from 10.736 to 10.789 Å. Drop solution calorimetric experiments were performed in 3Na2O·4MoO3 melt at 702°C. The enthalpies of formation from the oxides for pyrochlore phases are −107.0±5.0 kJ/mol for Hf2La2O7 and −48.8±4.7 kJ/mol for Hf2Gd2O7. The enthalpy of the pyrochlore–fluorite phase transition in Hf2Gd2O7 is 23.6±3.1 kJ/mol.
Yield Stress of Multimodal Powder Suspensions: An Extension of the YODEL (Yield Stress mODEL)
Authors: Flatt Robert J. , Bowen Paul
Published: March 2007

The prediction of the rheological properties of concentrated suspensions is of great importance both in industrial processes (ceramics, cements, and pharmaceutics) and natural phenomena (debris flow, soil erosion). In a previous paper, we presented a new model (YODEL) that can predict the yield stress of concentrated particulate suspensions. The model is based on first principles and takes into account particle size distribution, interparticle forces, and microstructural features. It was validated using data from the literature on four different alumina powder suspensions. The current paper extends the application field of the YODEL, successfully, to multimodal distributions of much interest in the cement and concrete field. The key parameter governing the predictive capacity of the YODEL for multimodal distributions was shown to be the maximum packing fraction of the powder mixtures. The de Larrad compressive packing model was used to provide a maximum packing fraction for mixtures from their particle size distributions. The YODEL can predict yield stresses of multimodal suspensions within 10% of the experimental results. Further improvement of the maximum packing fraction prediction should help in our goal of yield stress prediction from basic powder and suspension characteristics.
Piezo‐Spectroscopic Coefficients of Tetragonal‐Prime Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Limarga Andi M. , Clarke David R.
Published: March 2007

The Raman piezo‐spectroscopic constants of tetragonal prime yttria‐stabilized zirconia under uniaxial compression have been determined. Although the Raman band at 461 cm−1 is not the most intense, it is the most appropriate peak for stress measurement because of its large stress‐induced peak shift and the minimum overlap with the other Raman peaks. The peak separation between bands at 258 and 461 cm−1 or 258 and 638 cm−1 can also be used to measure stress.
Effect of γ‐immunoglobulin on the asaccharolytic growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Oda H. , Saiki K. , Numabe Y. , Konishi K.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objectives:  A minimal medium is indispensable for examining the growth properties of the asaccharolytic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis. The purpose of the present study was to improve the widely used KGB medium to support good growth of P. gingivalis.

Material and Methods:  Growth of P. gingivalis (W50, W83, and ATCC33277) in a minimal medium was monitored by measuring the optical density of the culture during incubation.

Results:  W50, W83, and ATCC33277 grew poorly with bovine serum albumin as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, and α‐ketoglutarate had little or no effect on this poor growth. In contrast, FeCl3 improved the growth of W83 and ATCC33277; however, the use of a high concentration of FeCl3 elicited black pigmentation of the cells. Bovine γ‐immunoglobulin greatly recovered the growth defect. None of α‐ketoglutarate, citrate, or trace metal ions, when used to supplement KGB medium, was required for growth. We determined the optimal conditions for growth, and developed a new simple minimal medium for P. gingivalis (GA medium). Growth of ATCC33277 in GA medium was dependent on gingipains; Arg‐gingipains and Lys‐gingipain contributed comparably to proliferation of the bacterium.

Conclusion:  These data indicate that GA medium is currently the most reliable minimal medium for examining the growth properties of P. gingivalis.