bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Support on the Economic Well-Being of Young Fathers
Authors: Kost Kathleen A.
Published: April 2013

The author presents the results of a study examining the effects of educational, employment, and psychosocial support services for young fathers who participated in a college-based program in Buffalo, New York. Findings suggest that men who receive paid internships are more likely to complete a program and that those who complete the program have an 83% probability of either working or being in school 90 days after completion. Implications for practice and policy are discussed, and recommendations for research are offered.
The Impact of Sexual Activity and Fertility Timing on African American High School Graduates' Later Life Experiences
Authors: Murry Velma McBride
Published: April 2013

Results from this study of 1,666 African American high school graduates' life experiences showed that a significant proportion of adolescent mothers were more successful than conventional stereotypes suggest Several had obtained professional jobs, had middle-income status, and were pursuing additional educational training. The author used data from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle IV to examine a sample stratified by sexual activity and fertility timing: 474 virgins (28.5%), 570 never-pregnants (34.1%), 65 ever-pregnants (4%), and 557 adolescent mothers (33.4%). Across groups, most of the women had never married, with virgins and adolescent mothers the least likely to be in marital relationships. Of the four groups, virgins reported higher educational, financial, and occupational advancement. Implications for future research, education, and policy are discussed.
Closeting and the Quality of Lesbian Relationships
Authors: Caron Sandra L. , Ulin Marjorie
Published: April 2013

Analysis of data collected from 124 lesbians currently Involved in a couple relationship indicated that closeting is related to the couple's relationship quality. Openness vs. secrecy with family and friends is most highly associated with the quality of their relationship. Further analyses suggested that particular family behaviors–inviting a member's lesbian partner to family events and accepting demonstrations of affection between the couple–can influence their relationship. These findings underscore the importance of support from family members and indicate the need for future studies to include multiple measures of closeting.
Independent-Living Services: The Views of Former Foster Youth
Authors: McMillen J. Curtis , Rideout Gregory B. , Fisher Rachel H. , Tucker Jayne
Published: April 2013

Former consumers of independent-living programs for youth in out-of-home care present their views of the services they received. The youth found that skills classes and stipends for independent living were helpful, that instruction in managing a budget was particularly valuable, and that the services lessened the stigmatization and isolation of being in care. Foster parents and specialized independent-living workers eased the transition out of care, but regular public child welfare caseworkers were not helpful in this regard. The young people report that being in care was difficult to tolerate and that the transition out of care was often abrupt and difficult to manage.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in the Inner City
Authors: Burnette Denise
Published: April 2013

Increasingly, middle-aged and older adults are parenting grandchildren and other young kin in ‘skipped generation’ families. Changes in the multigenerational family structure, devastating social problems in our inner cities, notably the substance-abuse and HIV/AIDS epidemics of the 1980s, and public policy and ethnocultural norms that govern kin care are discussed as contributing factors to this phenomenon. Recent studies focusing on grandparent caregivers of color, as well as policy and programmatic responses to the rapid growth of this family configuration, are discussed. The author offers recommendations for assessing and building on existing strengths and addressing the service needs of grandparent caregivers and their families through direct practice and public policy.
The Impact of Secrecy and Denial in Adoption: Practice and Treatment Issues
Authors: Rosenberg Karen F. , Groze Victor
Published: April 2013

During the past five decades, adoption practice has been characterized by secrecy and denial. This closed system of adoption has its roots in the assumption that adoption is a one-time legal event. More recently, professionals are recognizing that adoption is a lifelong process with profound effects for adoption triad members throughout their lives. The authors present practice and treatment issues and outline interventions for this specialized population. These issues are reviewed in the context of the experience of adoptees, birth mothers, and adoptive parents. Case anecdotes are used to elucidate points.
Coupled Gay Men, Parents, and In-Laws: Intergenerational Disapproval and the Need for a Thick Skin
Authors: LaSala Michael C.
Published: April 2013

This exploratory study applied grounded theory methodology to examine the impacts of parental and in-law disapproval on gay men's relationships. Data were collected from an accidental sample of forty men in twenty homosexual couples using a standardized, open-ended interview. The findings suggest that partnered gay men are almost certain to face antagonism from their parents and in-laws. However, most respondents denied adverse impacts of family of origin hostility. Participants described the deployment of a variety of boundary-setting coping mechanisms to protect their relationships from intergenerational antipathy. According to the results of this research clinicians may want to prepare gay men for the family crisis that is almost sure to result when they come out to their parents. Practitioners would also be advised to assess and, if necessary, help gay male couples strengthen the intergenerational, emotional boundaries around their relationships.
The New Welfare Law: “Tough on Work”
Authors: Hagen Jan L.
Published: April 2013

The passage of the new welfare law and its provisions for a new program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), continues a thirty-year tradition of attempting to replace welfare with work. Within the context of increased flexibility for states to administer welfare programs, TANF includes a goal of in-ceasing work efforts by welfare recipients and imposes new work requirements on both recipients and states. These work requirements are expected to apply to 70% of all adults receiving welfare by 2002. This article analyzes the work requirements imposed on both recipients and states by TANF and evaluates the states' capacity to serve increasing numbers of welfare recipients. The options available to states are outlined and their feasibility is reviewed in light of experience under prior welfare employment programs. The article concludes with an assessment of job availability for welfare recipients and the prospects of employment for alleviating poverty for lesser-skilled women workers.
Social Work with American Indian Youth Using the Orthogonal Model of Cultural Identification
Authors: Weaver Hilary N.
Published: April 2013

Cultural traditions among American Indians are important strengths that have often been overlooked. This study tested orthogonal cultural-identification theory—the belief that it is possible simultaneously to identify with more than one culture and that identification with any culture has positive implications for health and social issues. Data were collected on the cultural identification and health status of 103 American Indian youth 8 to 12 years of age in the Northeastern United States. The finding that people can and do identify strongly with more than one culture supports the orthogonal model of cultural identification. However, the implications of cultural identification for health were less clear.
The Adoption of African American Children by Whites: A Renewed Conflict
Authors: Curtis Carla M.
Published: April 2013

During the turbulent 1960s and the civil-rights movement, African Americans called for the reexamination of major institutional policies. One of the policy changes demanded by African American social workers was the cessation of Whites adopting African American children. The view of the fledgling Association of Black Social Workers was that such practices would result in cultural genocide. This view influenced policy as family-court judges and child advocates pursued same-race adoption with respect to African American children. Some child advocates called the policy of excluding Whites from adopting African American children imprudent and discriminatory, and in the 1980s, judges began to rule in favor of White parents who wanted to adopt Black children. Legislation was introduced and signed into law that makes it illegal for states or agencies receiving federal funding to consider race in the adoption of children. This shift in policy has enraged many African American social workers and resulted in major disagreements between them and individuals who advocate for transracial adoptions. The author explores the arguments of each side and suggests policy recommendations.
Parent Care as a Developmental Task
Authors: Sherrell Kathleen , Newton Nancy
Published: April 2013

People in midlife face their own aging as well as the fact that their parents are old and need more care. Confronting these two issues is both a significant developmental task and a presocialization experience for their own old age. The authors report on a support group for midlife adults who needed help relating to aging parents, particularly with regard to caregiving. The study addressed the following questions: How can the group experience enable participants to discuss fears about their own aging? Does it change group members' attitudes toward aging? Does discussion of interactions with aging parents provide new behavioral options for group members? How does caring for aging parents assist in midlife developmental tasks? Misconceptions and fears about participants' own aging were reduced. They experimented with new behaviors in relating to aging parents. Dormant relationship issues with parents reemerged during this period when they had more frequent contact with their aging parents.
Comparison between American Indian and Non-Indian Out-of-Home Placements
Authors: Donald Karen L. , Bradley Linda K. , Day Priscilla , Critchley Ray , Nuccio Kathleen E.
Published: April 2013

American Indian children are overrepresented in out-of-home placements, yet research into this phenomenon is limited. We explored all first-time placements of American Indian children in 1996 and a comparison group of non-Indian children in a Minnesota county and found significant differences between the two groups. In this study, American Indian families are for the most part single-parent households and the vast majority live in poverty. American Indian children are younger and more likely to be exposed to physical neglect than their non-Indian counterparts. For both populations, alcohol use is a significant problem, yet rates are statistically higher among the American Indian families. Clearly, early prevention and intervention programs must include chemical assessment and concrete services to preserve the cultural integrity of families. To this end, emphasis must be placed on adequate funding of tribal human services, as well as collaboration among tribal, county, and state human services.
Maternal Support and Cultural Influences among Mexican Immigrant Mothers
Authors: Sherraden Margaret S. , Barrera Rossana E.
Published: April 2013

The proportion of low-birth-weight infants born to women of Mexican descent is consistently low despite adverse social and economic conditions. This is particularly true among immigrant Mexican women, who have better birth outcomes than do women of Mexican descent bom in the United States. This qualitative study explores pregnancy and childbearing among a sample of 41 Mexican immigrants in Chicago, including women with low-birth-weight babies and women with normal-birth-weight babies. In-depth interviews focused on social, economic, and cultural contexts of childbearing. Family support, especially support of a woman's mother, may help explain why women of Mexican descent have relatively few low-birth-weight infants compared with other groups. Implications for future research and policy development are suggested.
Constructivist Psychotherapy
Authors: Granvold Donald K.
Published: April 2013

Constructivism represents a profound development within cognitivism, posing challenges to many traditional treatment assumptions. The author addresses the remarkable difference between traditional cognitive therapy and constructivism, including the nature of reality, the nature of knowledge, problem definition, treatment goals, assessment, treatment of emotion, and therapist style of intervention. Constructivist metatheory is briefly discussed along with the conceptual bases of the orientation. Constructivist therapy is contrasted with traditional cognitive therapy, and constructivist intervention methods are identified. The article concludes with several case examples in which constructivist methods are applied to clinical problems.
Solution-Building Conversations: Co-Constructing a Sense of Competence with Clients
Authors: Berg Insoo Kim , De Jong Peter
Published: April 2013

The authors examine the social constructionist nature of solution-focused therapy. The therapy's components are illustrated through the presentation of a first-session conversation between Insoo Kim Berg as therapist and a 19-year-old mother, who states that she is “stressed out and depressed.” As the conversation develops, the young mother's sense of herself changes and the integration of the therapy's components become apparent. Next, existing outcome research is reviewed. Although descriptive in nature and limited in scope, research suggests positive outcomes for diverse clients and presenting problems. Finally, several connections are made between solution-focused procedures and social constructionist theory: the social construction of reality, language as the medium and substance of meaning, client change through the construction of new meanings, the client as expert, taking a collaborative stance, reflexivity, drawing on client strengths, and solutions as co-constructions.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Client Violence toward Social Workers
Authors: Newhill Christina E.
Published: April 2013

The author reports findings from a random survey of National Association of Social Workers members from two states examining the prevalence, nature, and risk factors of client violence toward social workers. A majority of persons surveyed experienced client violence, with gender and setting as significant variables in determining risk. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Residential Crisis Services as an Alternative to Inpatient Care
Authors: Hartmann David J. , Sullivan W. Patrick
Published: April 2013

The authors report the results from a study of a residential crisis program house in Missouri. Like other programs of its kind, the program is designed to provide a home-like atmosphere for consumers experiencing acute episodes. The study contributes to a quantitative comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of such programs; it suggests that a residential crisis program is a less expensive alternative to hospitalization and appears to serve the short-term stabilization needs of its clientele. Client self- reports confirm return to preadmission functioning and high levels of satisfaction.
Migration and Resettlement Experiences of Dominican and Korean Families
Authors: Drachman Diane , Kwon-Ahn Young Hee , Paulino Ana
Published: April 2013

The migration experiences of Dominican and Korean immigrants are analyzed through a conceptual tool applicable to immigrants from different nations, global regions, and cultures. Experiences in the country of origin and destination are highlighted. Discussion includes reasons for migration and premigration experiences and resettlement experiences relating to marital and intergenerational conflict, employment, language, culture, belief systems, help-seeking behavior, and reception in the United States. Implications for services are presented.
What Helps in Help? A New Look at Help for Women in Deep, Long-Term Economic and Social Deprivation
Authors: Krumer-Nevo Michal
Published: April 2013

The capacity of women who live in deep and long-term economic and social deprivation to be helped has rarely been examined from the point of view of the women. This paper describes narrative research on the experience of receiving assistance as it is perceived by women who participated in the Yachdav program and were helped by it. Fourteen interviews were analyzed according to the narrative approach and grounded theory. Three patterns of help reception were revealed: (a) The Calming Pattern, in which help is perceived as the possibility to escape—to relax and calm down, (b) The Empowerment Pattern, in which help is perceived as enabling the women to learn, to receive, and strengthen, and (c) The Re-Biography Pattern, in which assistance is perceived as bringing about a new self-awareness. These findings suggest the desirability of reconsidering presuppositions concerning the needs of this population and its capacity to be helped. The results also point to implications for practice and further research.
Children Living in Poverty: Their Perception of Career Opportunities
Authors: Weinger Susan
Published: April 2013

Growing up in poverty often diminishes a child's opportunity to pursue a rewarding career path. This qualitative study explored whether poor children are aware that their wealthier peers' chances for success may be greater than their own. Projective techniques employing photographs of two houses representing poor and middle-income families were used to interview twenty-four children between the ages of five and thirteen years, divided equally between white and African Americans. These respondents perceived that society provides better future job opportunities to nonpoor children while limiting those of the poor. Although respondents suggested that they and their friends could be exceptions to these limitations, indications of their beginning feelings of hopelessness were revealed. The author proposes strategies to assist in strengthening poor children's belief in themselves and their future.
No Win… Facing the Ethical Perils of Welfare Reform
Authors: Withorn Ann
Published: April 2013

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Art of 1996, or “welfare reform,” is highly controversial public policy. In every state the ‘devolution’ of federal entitlements has created intense debate and new legislation, either presaging the national changes or in response to them. In addition to being a source of deep political conflict, welfare reform has also created immediate and continuing dilemmas for the people who try to work within the new rules and for those struggling to change them.

The author reviews the context for understanding welfare reform as an ethical problem for the whole society, and uses examples drawn from her work as a teacher and welfare rights activist to illustrate the day-to-day problems that welfare reform forces upon women who use the system and workers whose job it is to help them. Finally, possibilities for responding at different levels are presented.
Efficacy and Safety of Busulfan-Based Conditioning Regimens for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Reece Donna , Song Kevin , LeBlanc Richard , Mezzi Khalid , Olujohungbe Ade , White Darrell , Zaman Faraz , Belch Andrew
Published: April 2013

Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of B cells characterized by accumulation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. In the past 20 years, the use of high-dose therapies and novel agents has resulted in significant and meaningful improvements in survival. Autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) following a high-dose melphalan-conditioning regimen represents the standard of care for younger patients as well as older patients with a good performance status. A number of strategies have been proposed to improve the outcome of auto-SCTs, including the incorporation of new agents such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib into the induction regimen administered before auto-SCT; the administration of maintenance therapy after auto-SCT; the incorporation of novel agents into chemotherapeutic regimens after transplantation as consolidation therapy; and the use of reduced-intensity allogeneic transplantation after an initial autograft. Although these approaches have demonstrated some success in improving responses after auto-SCT, none of these strategies are curative. An additional strategy to improve outcomes after auto-SCT is to enhance the immediate pretransplant conditioning regimens by either increasing the dose of melphalan or by incorporating novel agents, such as busulfan. This literature review focuses on the efficacy and safety of busulfan-based conditioning regimens for auto-SCT in patients with multiple myeloma.
Ca2+ and Cu2+ Induced Aggregation of Variably Charged Soil Particles: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tian Rui , Li Hang , Zhu Hualing , Liu Xinmin , Gao Xiaodan
Published: April 2013

The different surface reactions of metal ions with variably charged soil particles can considerably influence the particle interactions, which will further influence soil particle aggregation, sedimentation, dispersion, and transportation. This paper presents a study of the aggregation kinetics of variably charged soil colloidal particles at different Ca2+ and Cu2+ concentrations by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and then investigating the formed aggregates structures by static light scattering (SLS). From the comparison of the experimental results, we found Cu2+ adsorption‐induced aggregation was much faster than Ca2+ adsorption‐induced aggregation. An aggregation process referred to as “attraction‐diffusion‐limited cluster aggregation” (ADLCA) was observed in the Cu2+ adsorption‐induced aggregation of the soil particles, resulting from electrostatic attraction forces between oppositely charged particles. The fractal dimensions of the Cu2+ specific adsorption‐induced aggregation were much higher than those of the Ca2+ electrostatic adsorption‐induced aggregation, irrespective of whether aggregation for the former was by the ADLCA, diffusion‐limited cluster aggregation (DLCA), or an ADLCA + DLCA process. Also, the ADLCA process led to the lowest fractal dimension, the DLCA process led to the highest fractal dimension, and the ADLCA + DLCA process led to an intermediate moderate fractal dimension, which shows the complexity of interactions between variably charged particles interactions when specific adsorption occurs at a particle surface. The above observations were well explained by analysis of the net interaction forces between particles in suspension.
Arsenate Adsorption by Unsaturated Alluvial Sediments
Authors: Goldberg Sabine , Suarez Donald L.
Published: April 2013

Arsenic can occur naturally in excess of drinking water standards. Earlier a field‐scale recharge pond experiment in the Antelope Valley ground water basin, Mohave Desert, California, was performed to determine the effectiveness of naturally occurring minerals in the unsaturated zone to treat high As water. The extent to which the remediation can be continued on any site is unknown and depends on the As adsorption properties and capacity of the sediments. Therefore, arsenate adsorption reactions as a function of solution As concentration and solution pH were investigated on five alluvial sediments obtained from various depths of a borehole adjacent to the recharge pond. Arsenate adsorption increased with increasing solution pH, exhibited a maximum around pH 4 to 5, and then decreased with increasing pH. The constant capacitance model was able to fit arsenate adsorption on the sediments as a function of solution As concentration and solution pH. A general regression model was used to predict arsenate surface complexation constants from routinely measured chemical parameters. The predicted arsenate constants were used to predict adsorption on the sediments, thereby providing a completely independent evaluation of the ability of the model to describe arsenate adsorption. The prediction equations were able to satisfactorily predict arsenate adsorption on one of the five sediments whose chemical properties fell into the range for the set of soils used to develop the prediction equations. Equimolar phosphate concentrations did not affect the extent of arsenate adsorption indicating that the extent of arsenate remediation by the sediments will be unaffected by the low amounts of native phosphate.
Kinetics of saccharose fermentation by Kombucha
Authors: Loncar Eva , Kanuric Katarina , Malbasa Radomir , Djuric Mirjana , Milanovic Spasenija
Published: April 2013

Kinetics of saccharose fermentation by Kombucha is not yet well defined due
to lack of knowledge of reaction mechanisms taking place during this process.
In this research kinetics of saccharose fermentation by Kombucha was analysed
using the suggested empirical model. The data were obtained on 1.5 g L-1 of
black tea, with 66.47 g L-1 of saccharose and using 10% (v/v) or 15% (v/v) of
Kombucha. Total number of viable cells was as follows: approximately 5x105 of
yeast cells per mL of the inoculum and approximately 2x106 of bacteria cells
per mL of the inoculum. The samples were analysed after 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and
10 days. Their pH values and contents of saccharose, glucose, fructose, total
acids and ethanol were determined. A saccharose concentration model was
defined as sigmoidal function at 22oC and 30oC, and with 10% (v/v) and 15%
(v/v) of inoculum quantity. Determination coefficients of the functions were
very high (R2>0.99). Reaction rates were calculated as first derivatives of
Boltzmann?s functions. No simple correlation between rate of reaction and
independent variables (temperature and inoculum concentration) was found.
Analysis of empirical model indicated that saccharose fermentation by
Kombucha occurred according to very complex kinetics.
Spolia from the Church of St. Nicholas in Nikoljac
Authors: Pejic Svetlana
Published: April 2013

Two, so far unknown, spolia with carved interlace ornaments, built into the
wall of the Church of St. Nicholas in Nikoljac are analyzed. These spolia are
a part of the collection of fragments discovered earlier in the Church of St.
Peter in Bijelo Polje. A comparative analysis was performed on a multitude of
pre-Romanic material, in order to determine the time when they were made and
whether they originated from any specific circle of stonemasons, and also to
identify the initial position of the fragments in the liturgical church
furniture for which they had been carved.
On the donor’s inscription of Prince Miroslav in the Church of St. Peter on the Lim
Authors: Markovic Miodrag
Published: April 2013

The Old Slavonic Cyrillic letters ?o? and ?h? written at the end of Prince
Miroslav?s inscription in the church of St. Peter in Bijelo Polje are not, as
was earlier thought, an abridged invocation or an acronym. One should not
interpret them either as an abbreviation for some word or personal name. It
is much more likely that in the said position, these letters were written out
as alphabetic numerals and that as a part of the iscription?s date, they
testify that the church of St. Peter was built in the 6670th year from the
creation of the world, i.e.1161/1162 AD.
Les peintures murales du catholicon du monastère de Gradac: Répertoire des fresques et observations sur les particularités de certaines représentations
Authors: Pavlovic Dragana
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the iconographic program of frescoes in the Church of the
Annunciation in the monastery of Gradac, in which there were a number of
hitherto unrecognized sections that have now been identified. It publishes
the pre served inscriptions on the frescoes, as well as the texts on the
scrolls of the hierarchs in the altar space. Finally, it presents
observations about the typical program features of the wall painting in the
Gradac church, which have not been previously considered in research.
Comments on the artistic interchange between conquered Byzantium and Venice as well as on its political background
Authors: Drakopoulou Eugenia
Published: April 2013

Political choices and historical imperatives dictated a rapprochement of the
Eastern and Western Churches in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The
Venetian state, attracted by the superiority of Byzantine culture, always
coveted a seat among its beneficiaries, while renowned Byzantine exiles
sought Venetian assistance against the Ottomans. The Orthodox artworks they
brought with them, gave the artists of Renaissance Venice the opportunity to
commune with the art of Constantinople, creating new cultural contributions.
In the first decades of the sixteenth century, the political and religious
alliances of Ohrid and the West were associated with a Venetian-inspired
artistic revival in painting on the territory of the Archbishop of Ohrid.
Unknown and less known icons from Praskvica monastery: Works by painter Radul, Dimitrije Daskal and Maksim Tujkovic
Authors: Zivkovic Milos
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the attribution of several icons from the treasury of
the Praskvica monastery in Pastrovici. The earliest is the icon of Great
Deesis, painted in 1680 by the painter Radul, for the iconostasis of the
monastery Church of the Holy Trinity. The works by his apprentice, Dimitrije
of Risan - the Great Deesis, the Deesis icon, and the icon of St. Demetrius
with an unknown holy woman - we repainted in 1693 and in tended for the
earlier monastery church dedicated to St. Nicholas. The same painter was the
author of the icon of the Mother of God with Christ and the Royal Deesis, in
Praskvica to day, which were painted for the iconostasis of the Church of St.
Nicholas in Podostrog. The monastery of Praskvica also houses the icons
painted by Maksim Tujkovic in 1714, the Hospitality of Abraham and the
Crucifixion, preserved in fragments, which were initially positioned on the
iconostasis in the Church of St. Nicholas.
Pancreatic Islet Vasculature Adapts to Insulin Resistance Through Dilation and Not Angiogenesis
Authors: Dai Chunhua , Brissova Marcela , Reinert Rachel B. , Nyman Lara , Liu Eric H. , Thompson Courtney , Shostak Alena , Shiota Masakazu , Takahashi Takamune , Powers Alvin C.
Published: April 2013

Pancreatic islets adapt to insulin resistance through a complex set of changes, including β-cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. To determine if islet vascularization changes in response to insulin resistance, we investigated three independent models of insulin resistance: ob/ob, GLUT4+/−, and mice with high-fat diet–induced obesity. Intravital blood vessel labeling and immunocytochemistry revealed a vascular plasticity in which islet vessel area was significantly increased, but intraislet vessel density was decreased as the result of insulin resistance. These vascular changes were independent of islet size and were only observed within the β-cell core but not in the islet periphery. Intraislet endothelial cell fenestration, proliferation, and islet angiogenic factor/receptor expression were unchanged in insulin-resistant compared with control mice, indicating that islet capillary expansion is mediated by dilation of preexisting vessels and not by angiogenesis. We propose that the islet capillary dilation is modulated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase via complementary signals derived from β-cells, parasympathetic nerves, and increased islet blood flow. These compensatory changes in islet vascularization may influence whether β-cells can adequately respond to insulin resistance and prevent the development of diabetes.
Synthesis, morphology and specific magnetization of the electrodeposited Zn-Ni-P thin films on copper substrate from non-cyanide electrolyte
Authors: Popescu Ana , Yanuskevich Kazimir , Demidenko Olga , Calderon Moreno Jose , Neacşu Elena , Constantin Virgil
Published: April 2013

Thin films of Zn-Ni-P on a copper substrate were synthesized by electrodeposition from chloride baths. It was found that the diffraction reflections of the crystal structure of Zn-Ni-P thin layers occur at thicknesses d ≥ 5 µm. The X-ray diffraction studies results confirm the formation in the Zn-Ni-P films of ZnNi10P3 compound. The morphology of the obtained films was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS). The films are continuous and have a typical topography with many homogeneous globular features. EDS confirmed the formation of Zn-Ni-P coating only in 2 samples with Zn:Ni:P atomic ratios of 1:8:4 and 4:8:3, respectively. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the chemistry and the thickness of the studied thin films. At room temperature and thickness d ≥ 5 µm the investigated thin layers exhibit high values of the specific magnetizations in the range (25–37) A m2 kg−1, leading to the potential use in devices, appliances and electronics. The Curie temperature values of the synthesized Zn-Ni-P films were determined. It was found that by heating Zn-Ni-P thin layers of thicknesses d ≥ 5 µm up to a temperature T=900 K an interaction was detected with the copper substrate leading to a lower specific magnetization.
The application of oscillating chemical reactions to analytical determinations
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Xiaoyan , Gao Jinzhang , Yang Wu
Published: April 2013

Oscillating chemical reactions, which are far from equilibrium, are extremely sensitive to certain species and may provide new analytical methods using the regular oscillations as well as the non-equilibrium stationary state after system bifurcation. This review of their application to analytical chemistry from 2005 to 2012 includes other appropriate references. Both organic and inorganic analytes are included.
Reliability of protonation constants of vildagliptin dimers by the regression analysis of pH-titration data
Authors: Meloun Milan , Ferenčíková Zuzana , Niesnerová Irena , Pekárek Tomáš
Published: April 2013

Protonation constants of protonated monomers and dimers of the vildagliptin are determined potentiometrically. For the low concentration c L = 3.3 mmol dm−3 the monomers L and LH dominate, while for a higher concentration c L = 6.3 mmol dm−3 the dimers L2H2, L2H3, L2H4 and L2H are mainly present. The algorithm used has little influence on the precision of the formation constants in comparison with the reproducibility of the titration. The mixed protonation constants of vildagliptin dimers Lq Hr at various temperatures are determined using FBSTAC4 and HYPERQUAD regression analysis of the potentiometric titration data. The accuracy of the protonation constants log10 βqr depends on the accuracy of the group parameters. As two group parameters L 0, H T are ill conditioned in a model, their determination is therefore uncertain; both can significantly cause a systematic error in the estimated common parameters log10 βqr . Using various regression diagnostics the goodness-of-fit proves the reliability of all parameter estimates. A rough estimation of thermodynamic enthalpies ΔH 0 (kJ mol−1) and entropies ΔS 0 (J K−1 mol−1) is determined from the temperature variation of protonation constants. The enthalpy shows the protonation process is exothermic, and the entropy indicates that it is spontaneous.
Catalysis and compensation effect of K2CO3 in low-rank coal — CO2 gasification
Authors: Skodras George
Published: April 2013

The CO2 gasification of a low rank coal catalysed by K2CO3 was studied, at 700–950°C and 1 atm. A two level full factorial design revealed that the gasification reaction was sensitive to the solid residence time, reaction temperature, CO2 partial pressure and catalyst load. K2CO3 was an efficient catalyst at all temperatures studied, particularly during the second stage when the Boudouard reaction dominates. The gasification rate was increased continuously with increasing catalyst load up to a load of ∼20% w/w K2CO3 concentration, following a sigmoid curve. Above this point, limited catalytic effect was observed, possibly due to the saturation of the lignite surface by K+. A correlation was found to exist between the catalytic gasification rate and the Alkali Index, which increased with the impregnation of the inorganic K2CO3 salt. When K2CO3 load increased, the Arrhenius parameters, E and k 0, increased simultaneously exhibiting a compensation effect. The isokinetic temperature was found about 600 to 650°C corresponding to the minimum temperature required for the formation of catalytic active intermediates. At temperatures studied, the catalytic active intermediates seemed to be always present and the catalysis progresses unhindered due to the redox cycle, resulting in high rates and conversion.
Synthesis and spectral characterization of stannocanes of the type [O(CH2CH2S)2SnR2](R=Me1,Bun2,Ph3)
Authors: Tarassoli Abbas , Kord Adibeh
Published: April 2013

The stannocanes of the type [O(CH2CH2S)2SnR2](R=Me1,Bun2,Ph3) have been synthesized in an improved method by the reaction of R2SnCl2 with 2, 2′-oxydiethanethiol O(CH2CH2SH)2 in molar ratio of 1:1 at the presence of sodium ethoxide in anhydrous ethanol. The reactions are carried out under inert atmosphere. These compounds have been extensively characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, multi-nuclear (1H, 13C, 119Sn) NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. The obtained data clearly indicates that, there is a strong interaction between oxygen atom of the ligand as a donor and Sn atom of the organotin species as a Lewis acid acceptor. Therefore, the resulted dithiostannocanes possess a transannular secondary bonding and hypervalency at the central Sn atom which leads to an increase in the coordination number of tin from four to five-coordinated tin.
On the calculation of the Dunkl-Williams constant of normed linear spaces
Authors: Mizuguchi Hiroyasu , Saito Kichi-Suke , Tanaka Ryotaro
Published: April 2013

Recently, Jiménez-Melado et al. [Jiménez-Melado A., Llorens-Fuster E., Mazcuñán-Navarro E.M., The Dunkl-Williams constant, convexity, smoothness and normal structure, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 2008, 342(1), 298–310] defined the Dunkl-Williams constant DW(X) of a normed linear space X. In this paper we present some characterizations of this constant. As an application, we calculate DW(ℓ2-ℓ∞) in the Day-James space ℓ2-ℓ∞.
On Hall subgroups of a finite group
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Skiba Alexander
Published: April 2013

New criteria of existence and conjugacy of Hall subgroups of finite groups are given.
On locally graded barely transitive groups
Authors: Betin Cansu , Kuzucuoğlu Mahmut
Published: April 2013

We show that a barely transitive group is totally imprimitive if and only if it is locally graded. Moreover, we obtain the description of a barely transitive group G for the case G has a cyclic subgroup 〈x〉 which intersects non-trivially with all subgroups and for the case a point stabilizer H of G has a subgroup H
1 of finite index in H satisfying the identity χ(H
1) = 1, where χ is a multi-linear commutator of weight w.
On the dimension of the attractor for a perturbed 3d Ladyzhenskaya model
Authors: Pražák Dalibor , Žabenský Josef
Published: April 2013

We consider the so-called Ladyzhenskaya model of incompressible fluid, with an additional artificial smoothing term ɛΔ3. We establish the global existence, uniqueness, and regularity of solutions. Finally, we show that there exists an exponential attractor, whose dimension we estimate in terms of the relevant physical quantities, independently of ɛ > 0.
A Perron-type theorem for nonautonomous delay equations
Authors: Barreira Luis , Valls Claudia
Published: April 2013

We show that if the Lyapunov exponents of a linear delay equation x′ = L(t)x
t are limits, then the same happens with the exponential growth rates of the solutions to the equation x′ = L(t)x
t + f(t, x
t) for any sufficiently small perturbation f.
Prediction for a planned relaparotomy in secondary peritonitis
Authors: Sileikis A. , Kazanavicius D. , Skrebunas A. , Ostapenko A. , Strupas K.
Published: April 2013

Aims. To devise a scoring system for clinical variables related to positive findings at relaparotomy in secondary peritonitis. Methods. We have retrospectively studied 195 cases of patients after relaparotomy. According to the operation’s findings, the patients were divided into two groups: ‘relaparatomy unnecessary’ group A, ‘relaparotomy necessary’ group B. 6 factors (age, sex, leukocyte count, C reactive protein, time of symptoms to index operation, Mannheim Peritonitis Index) were evaluated in respect to their significance in decision making for relaparotomy. The predictive value for positive operation`s findings of these factors was evaluated by logistic multivariate regression analysis. According to this model a risk scoring system was created to support the decision whether to perform a relaparotomy. Results. Relaparotomy was unnecessary (Group A) for 154 (79,0%) patients, for 41 (21,0%) it was necessary (Group B). Comparing the groups A and B, we found a significant difference in patients’ mean age (54 v. 63 years, p=0,002), mean CRP level (133,2 v. 182,8 mg/L, p=0,025), mean time of symptoms to index operation (38,1 v. 67,1 hours, p=0,006) and mean MPI value (22,4 v. 29,4, p<0,0001). According to the above-mentioned predictors, a scoring system was devised: −0,17-(0,003×patient’s age years)+(0.153×time of symptoms to index operation hours)-(0,297×MPI)+(0,192×CRP mg/l). The score was 24,798±25,593 in group A and 36,572±32,543 in group B(p=0,028). Conclusions: Scoring system was devised to assist in creating treatment strategy after secondary peritonitis. If the score is ≥37, a planned relaparotomy should be performed. If the score is ≤24, other diagnostic and therapeutic tactics should be applied.
Size and Symmetry of Trunk Muscles in Ballet Dancers With and Without Low Back Pain
Authors: Gildea Jan E. , Hides Julie A. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: April 2013

Study Design

Cross-sectional, observational study.

Objectives

To investigate the cross-sectional area (CSA) of trunk muscles in professional ballet dancers with and without low back pain (LBP).

Background

LBP is the most prevalent chronic injury in classical ballet dancers. Research on nondancers has found changes in trunk muscle size and symmetry to be associated with LBP. There are no studies that examine these changes in ballet dancers.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 14 male and 17 female dancers. The CSAs of 4 muscles (multifidus, lumbar erector spinae, psoas, and quadratus lumborum) were measured and compared among 3 groups of dancers: those without LBP or hip pain (n = 8), those with LBP only (n = 13), and those with both hip-region pain and LBP (n = 10).

Results

Dancers with no pain had larger multifidus muscles compared to those with LBP at L3–5 (P<.024) and those with both hip-region pain and LBP at L3 and L4 on the right side (P<.027). Multifidus CSA was larger on the left side at L4 and L5 in dancers with hip-region pain and LBP compared to those with LBP only (P<.033). Changes in CSA were not related to the side of pain (all, P>.05). The CSAs of the other muscles did not differ between groups. The psoas (P<.0001) and quadratus lumborum (P<.01) muscles were larger in male dancers compared to female dancers. There was a positive correlation between the size of the psoas muscles and the number of years of professional dancing (P = .03).

Conclusion

In classical ballet dancers, LBP and hip-region pain and LBP are associated with a smaller CSA of the multifidus but not the erector spinae, psoas, or quadratus lumborum muscles. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(8):525–533. Epub 30 April 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4523
Status of Heavy Metal Contaminations of Drain Water of Dhaka Metropolitan City
Authors: Mokaddes MAA , Nahar BS , Baten MA
Published: April 2013

A study was conducted to evaluate the status of heavy metal contaminations of drainage water of Dhaka Metropolitan City. The water samples were collected from four major drains of Dhaka metropolitan city during February to March, 2008. The chemical analysis of water samples (pH, EC, As, Cu, Mn, 'ln. Pb and Cd) was conducted at the Central Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The chemical concentrations of drain water were: in case of pH = 5.13, in case of EC = 33.36 (?scm-1), in case of Cu = 0.129 ppm, in case of Zn = 1.276 ppm, in case of Mn = 0.109 ppm, in case of As = 0.036 ppb, in case of = Pb 0.004 ppm, and in case of Cd = 0.228 ppm. The average pH value of drain water ranged from 4.96 to 5.34 and the mean was 5.138, which was an indicating of strong acidic in nature. The mean EC value of drainage water was recorded 33.363 ?Scm-1, all the water samples indicated low to medium salinity. According to drinking water (Potable water) and public water standard, Mn, and Cd toxicity were detected in drain water. According to WHO for aquaculture standard Mn and Cd were harmful level for all living organism. Some water were found unsuitable due to higher concentration of Mn over the recommended limit but other ions like Zn, As, and Pb were within the safe limit.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14566 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 11-14 2012
Soil Organic Matter, Mineral Nutrients and Heavy Metals Status of Some Selected Regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter M , Chowdhury AK , Chowdhury MAH
Published: April 2013

A study was undertaken to evaluate the status of organic matter, mineral nutrients and heavy metals content in seven differentsoils from fourteen selected regions of Bangladesh. The location were BAU farm, Sutiakhali, Ishardi, Lalpur, Dumuria,Kotalipara, Asasuni, Chorfasion, Kaligonj, Botiaghata, Madhupur, Tangail sadar, Chakaria and Moheskhali. Forty two surfacesoils (0-15 cm depth) were collected from 14 regions (3 samples from each region) of Bangladesh during November-December,2009. The results obtained from this study showed that the organic matter of these soils very low to very high (0.65% inMadhupur to 28.24% in Dumuria) and the total N content of soil followed the same trend of organic matter ranging 0.056 to1.638% in Madhupur and Dumuria region, respectively. The available P and S in the top of soils ranged from 3.77 ?g g-1 in Moheskhali to 17.28 ?g g-1 in BAU farm and 13.40 ?g g-1 in Madhupur to 420.32 ?g g-1 in Moheskhali, respectively. In the contextof micro nutrients, the maximum available Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were found 6.43 ?g g-1 in Dumuria, 8.06 ?g g-1 in Chakaria, 346.12?g g-1 in Madhupur and 83.5 ?g g-1 in Madhupur, respectively. whereas the lowest amount of these micronutrients were found 1.22?g g-1 in Botiaghata, 0.2 ?g g-1 in Dumuria, 7.62 ?g g-1 in Ishardi and 2.39 ?g g-1 in Lalpur, respectively. Possible contamination ofthe studied soils by heavy metals was not significantly observed. The OM, total N and other nutrients were found to be the dominantfactors influencing not only the availability of macro and micro nutrients and heavy metals but also the quality of soil.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14570 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 01-09 2012