bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group reminiscence therapy for cognitive and affective function of demented elderly in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jing‐Jy 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundElderly people with cognitive impairments are often associated with depressed mood and are heavy consumers in both medical services and need in caregivers. Reminiscence is believed to be effective in improving the cognition and mood of demented people.ObjectivesThis study tested the hypothesis that structured group reminiscence therapy can prevent the progression of cognitive impairment and enhance affective function in the cognitively impaired elderly.MethodsA randomized controlled trial (RCT) based on a two group pre‐ and post‐test design was used. The experimental subjects underwent eight group sessions, one session per week. The measurements were performed using Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale short form (GDS‐SF), and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD).ResultsThe sample consisted of 102 subjects, with 51 in the experimental group and 51 in the control group. Results demonstrated that the intervention significantly affected cognitive function and affective function as measured by MMSE and CSDD (p = 0.015 and 0.026), indicating that the cognitive function of the experimental subjects increased and their depressive symptoms diminished following intervention.ConclusionParticipation in reminiscence activities can be a positive and valuable experience for demented older persons. Consequently, the development of a structured care program for elderly persons with cognitive impairment and the need for long‐term care is essential. Thus, health providers in long‐term care facilities should be trained in reminiscence group therapy, and to be able to deliver such a program to the targeted group. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute stress disorder in older, middle‐aged and younger adults in reaction to the second Lebanon war
Authors: Cohen Miri 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo compare rate of acute stress disorder (ASD) and intensity of acute stress symptoms (ASS) in younger, middle‐aged and older Israeli citizens exposed to missile attacks during the second Lebanon war.MethodA telephone survey of a random sample of residents in the northern area of Israel was conducted in July 2006, during the third week of Lebanon war. Respondents were divided into groups aged 18–40, 41–69 and 70+. ASD and ASS were measured by the Acute Stress Interview questionnaire and by war‐related exposure variables and demographic data.ResultsExposure variables were similar in the three age groups. Older respondents reported lower intensity of ASS and obtained lower means for each of the symptoms criteria than the young adults, while the middle‐aged adults were in between the younger and the older group. ASD criteria were met by 13.2% of the younger, 4.7% of middle‐aged and 4.3% of older respondents (p > 0.05), and subsyndromal ASD was found in 20.5%, 14.1% and 4.4% (p < 0.05) respectively. Twenty‐two percent of ASS variance was explained by younger age, female gender and higher perceived proximity to missile falling.ConclusionsOlder adults reacted to the war situation with lower level of acute stress symptoms. Long‐term effects of war on different age groups should be further studied. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Runoff estimation for an ungauged catchment using geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) models
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Chatterjee C. , Singh R. D. , Lohani A. K. , Kumar Sanjay 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) is derived from the geomorphological characteristics of a catchment and it is related to the parameters of the Clark instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) model as well as the Nash IUH model for deriving its complete shape. The developed GIUH based Clark and Nash models are applied for simulation of the direct surface run‐off (DSRO) hydrographs for ten rainfall‐runoff events of the Ajay catchment up to the Sarath gauging site of eastern India. The geomorphological characteristics of the Ajay catchment are evaluated using the GIS package, Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS). The performances of the GIUH based Clark and Nash models in simulating the DSRO hydrographs are compared with the Clark IUH model option of HEC‐1 package and the Nash IUH model, using some commonly used objective functions. The DSRO hydrographs are computed with reasonable accuracy by the GIUH based Clark and Nash models, which simulate the DSRO hydrographs of the catchment considering it to be ungauged. Inter comparison of the performances of the GIUH based Clark and Nash models shows that the DSRO hydrographs are estimated with comparable accuracy by both the models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a simple real‐time control system for efficient management of furrow irrigation
Authors: Khatri Kanya L. , Smith R. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA simple real‐time control system for furrow irrigation is proposed that predicts the infiltration characteristic of the soil in real time using data measured during an irrigation event, simulates the irrigation, and determines the optimum time to cut‐off for that irrigation. The basis of the system is a new method for estimating the soil infiltration characteristic under furrow irrigation, previously developed by the authors, that uses a model infiltration curve, and a scaling process to predict the infiltration characteristic for each furrow and each irrigation event. Using the new method, infiltration parameters were calculated for two different fields. The SIRMOD simulation model was then used to simulate irrigation performance under different model strategies. These were framed to assess the feasibility of, and demonstrate the gains from, the real‐time control strategy. The simulation results showed that the system is feasible. The scaled infiltration gave predictions of the irrigation performance comparable to the measured performance, clearly establishing the suitability of this method for use in real‐time control. The results further indicated that under simple real‐time control the irrigation performance for the two fields could be greatly improved with reductions in the total volume of water applied to the two fields of 20 and 60% respectively, indicating the scale of benefits that can be achieved in the irrigation sector by implementing simple real‐time control. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Injectable, in situ forming poly(propylene fumarate)‐based ocular drug delivery systems
Authors: Ueda H. , Hacker M.C. , Haesslein A. , Jo S. , Ammon D.M. , Borazjani R.N. , Kunzler J.F. , Salamone J.C. , Mikos A.G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study sought to develop an injectable formulation for long‐term ocular delivery of fluocinolone acetonide (FA) by dissolving the anti‐inflammatory drug and the biodegradable polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) in the biocompatible, water‐miscible, organic solvent N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP). Upon injection of the solution into an aqueous environment, a FA‐loaded PPF matrix is precipitated in situ through the diffusion/extraction of NMP into surrounding aqueous fluids. Fabrication of the matrices and in vitro release studies were performed in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C. Drug loadings up to 5% were achieved. High performance liquid chromatography was employed to determine the released amount of FA. The effects of drug loading, PPF content of the injectable formulation, and additional photo‐crosslinking of the matrix surface were investigated. Overall, FA release was sustained in vitro over up to 400 days. After an initial burst release of 22 to 68% of initial FA loading, controlled drug release driven by diffusion and bulk erosion was observed. Drug release rates in a therapeutic range were demonstrated. Release kinetics were found to be dependent on drug loading, formulation PPF content, and extent of surface crosslinking. The results suggest that injectable, in situ formed PPF matrices are promising candidates for the formulation of long‐term, controlled delivery devices for intraocular drug delivery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Dynamical modeling of the electrochemical process to remove Cr (VI) from wastewaters in a tubular reactor
Authors: Martinez Sergio A , Rodriguez Miriam G 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis work is aimed at obtaining and calibrating a dynamical model of the electrochemical reduction of Cr(VI) in a tubular continuous reactor with a spiral wire shaped anode at different conditions of pH (1.0 to 2.0) and residence times. An industrial wastewater sampled from a Mexican electroplating industry with about 1000 mg dm−3 of Cr(VI) was used for the experiments. It was found that pH exerts a strong influence on the performance of electrochemical reduction of Cr(VI). Thus at a wastewater influent pH = 1.0 and a residence time in the reactor of 38.5 min it is possible to reduce the Cr(VI) concentration from 1000 to 0.37 mg dm−3. However at an influent pH higher than 1.5, an effluent Cr(VI) concentration lower than 0.5 mg dm−3 cannot be obtained. A more complete dynamic model was applied incorporating pH and the dispersion effects that affect the electrochemical Cr(VI) removal. The model, which adequately describes the performance of the electrochemical process, can be used to optimize the performance of this kind of reactor with more reliability. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Specific UV photodissociation of tyrosyl‐containing peptides in multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Joly Laure , Antoine Rodolphe , Broyer Michel , Dugourd Philippe , Lemoine Jérôme 
Published: May 2007

AbstractUV photodissociation (UVPD) at 262 nm has been carried out on protonated tyrosyl‐containing peptides formed by trypsin digestion of apo‐transferrin. Under UVPD, the main event is the fragmentation of the Cα–Cβ bond of the tyrosyl residues leading to a radical ion 107 Da below the precursor ion. The dissociation rate of this specific cleavage appears to be strongly dependent on the peptide sequence and is more prominent on the singly protonated species than on the doubly protonated state. The fragmentation spectra resulting from collisional activation of the protonated even‐electron native peptides and of the odd‐electron radical species prepared by UVPD are dominated by y‐type backbone cleavages. A comparison of their respective y‐ion pattern shows complementarities since the combination of both increases the sequence coverage of the peptide sequence. The specific detection of the neutral loss of 107 Da from peptides witnesses the content of at least one tyrosyl residue and, though preliminary, is proposed as a potential new filtering strategy during protein database searching. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holocene coastal environmental changes on the periphery of an area of glacio‐isostatic uplift: an example from Scapa Bay, Orkney, UK
Authors: de la Vega‐Leinert A. C. , Smith D. E. , Jones R. L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe first detailed investigation of a deep, coastal, sedimentary basin in Orkney reveals a complex Holocene history of back‐barrier morphodynamics. At Scapa Bay, the sea flooded a freshwater marsh after ca. 9400 yr BP at ca. −5.4 m OD. Before ca. 7800 BP, abundant sediment from nearby cliffs was mobilised inland into a series of gravel barriers across the valley mouth. By ca. 7500 BP, direct marine influence was restricted in the back‐barrier area, although saltmarsh persisted until ca. 5900 BP. By then, at least four gravel ridges had enclosed the backing lagoon, where freshwater inputs became dominant. As terrestrial sediments filled the basin, another freshwater marsh developed. The multiple barrier complex demonstrates progradation resulting from continuous sediment supply in a sheltered embayment. The progressively rising height of the barrier crests seawards probably resulted from a combination of factors such as barrier morphodynamics, increased storminess and long‐term rising relative sea levels. The dominant vegetation surrounding Scapa Bay changed from open grassland to scrub ca. 9400 BP, then to deciduous woodland ca. 7800 BP, and to dwarf‐shrub heath ca. 2600 BP, the latter probably a response to a combination of climate change and human activity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimum kinetic performance of open‐tubular separations in microfluidic devices
Authors: Eghbali Hamed , Desmet Gert 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA survey is made of the different factors contributing to the kinetic performance of open‐tubular separation channels. Being representative for most of the channels used in microfluidic devices, the main focus is on channels with a rectangular format. Kinetic plots of t0/N2 versus N are established to allow for a visual selection of the ideal channel format and dimensions. These plots for example show that in the pressure‐driven mode a channel with a flat‐rectangular crosssection (top and bottom wall covered by a retentive layer) can always yield slightly faster (some 15%) separations than a cylindrical capillary, provided the channel depth is optimized. If the channel depth is fixed, the optimal w/d‐ratio depends on the required plate number. In electrically driven flows, the situation is reversed and rectangular channels with a small width are to be preferred, and the cylindrical capillary format becomes the best format.
Analysing resilience in dryland agro‐ecosystems: a case study of the Makanya catchment in Tanzania over the past 50 years
Authors: Enfors E. I. , Gordon L. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDryland agro‐ecosystems in sub‐Saharan Africa provide the resource base for some of the fasted growing populations today. However, rainfall variability and poor soils make these systems inherently vulnerable, and land degradation reduces their capacity to cope with disturbances. In this paper we propose a theoretical framework for interpreting dynamics and resilience in such systems, where two aggregate variables, the agricultural soil water index and the ecosystem insurance capacity, are particularly important. We apply the framework to the case of the Makanya catchment in Tanzania and conclude that the studied area has moved towards an increasingly degraded state, where ecosystem services other than food have been lost, over the past 50 years. Three main drivers behind this are identified; a) institutional changes affecting strategies for natural resource management, b) increased dry‐spell frequency, and c) high population growth. We suggest that the reason for the dramatic effects is that these changes occurred simultaneously, reducing the adaptive capacity of the local population. However, several trends in the area today indicate that there is a window of opportunity for positive change. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meshless Modeling of pH‐Sensitive Hydrogels Subjected to Coupled pH and Electric Field Stimuli: Young Modulus Effects and Case Studies
Authors: Li Hua , Ng Teng Yong , Yew Yong Kin , Lam Khin Yong 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe effect of Young's modulus on the behavior of pH‐sensitive hydrogels is studied when subjected to coupled stimuli of solution pH and externally applied electric field. The study is the first instance for coupled stimuli numerical analysis of the hydrogels, in which a multieffect‐coupling pH‐stimulus (MECpH) model is presented. The model considers ionic diffusion, electric potential, and large mechanical deformation. A correlation between diffusive hydrogen ion and charge groups fixed onto the hydrogel polymeric chains by the Langmuir absorption isotherm is incorporated into the model. To validate the model, the computed results by the meshless Hermite‐Cloud technique are compared well with experimental data available from the literature. Then several case studies are conducted for the swelling hydrogel immersed in buffered solution subject to applied electric voltage, especially for the Young modulus effects on the volume variations of the hydrogels.magnified image
A Linearization Procedure for the Determination of the Radical Reactivity Ratios in Restricted Penultimate Copolymerization Systems
Authors: Hinkelmann Franz , Olaj Oskar Friedrich , Schnöll‐Bitai Irene 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA newly developed method for the determination of the radical reactivity ratios is presented. Two main equations are used and the parameters can be calculated from the ordinate and the slope of the linearization plots. Both equations yield identical values when applied to synthetic data which conforms to the ideal situation of no error in the input data. As experimental data are always subject to some kind of error, a sensitivity analysis was carried out which took into account a relatively pronounced error in the monomer reactivity ratios. It turned out that the new linearization method may even be indicative of the quality of the input data under favorable conditions.magnified image
Multilayer Shell Walls with Versatile Electron Transfer Properties
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Liu Shanshan , Liu Xinxing , Tong Zhen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCore‐shell microparticles with functional multilayer shell walls consisting layers of naphthalene‐labeled polyanion ANp10 and polyviologen (PV) were fabricated through layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly. Fluorescence emission from the naphthyl group in the ANp10 layer was found to be quenched by the viologen group in the PV layer regardless in inner or outer layer. This quenching was attributed to electron transfer from the excited naphthyl donor to the viologen acceptor. The quenching efficiency was simply tuned by changing numbers of the ALG/CHI bilayer spacer and PV layer. The resulting core‐shell microparticles will be served as a novel light‐harvesting antenna system.magnified image
Stokes' first problem for a Newtonian fluid in a non‐Darcian porous half‐space using a Laguerre–Galerkin method
Authors: Akyildiz F. Talay 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA Laguerre–Galerkin method is proposed and analysed for the Stokes' first problem of a Newtonian fluid in a non‐Darcian porous half‐space on a semi‐infinite interval. It is well known that Stokes' first problem has a jump discontinuity on boundary which is the main obstacle in numerical methods. By reformulating this equation with suitable functional transforms, it is shown that the Laguerre–Galerkin approximations are convergent on a semi‐infinite interval with spectral accuracy. An efficient and accurate algorithm based on the Laguerre–Galerkin approximations of the transformed equations is developed and implemented. Numerical results indicating the high accuracy and effectiveness of this algorithm are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pareto model for classical systems
Authors: Nadarajah Saralees 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA new Pareto distribution is introduced for pooling knowledge about classical systems. It takes the form of the product of two Pareto probability density functions (pdfs). Various structural properties of this distribution are derived, including its cumulative distribution function (cdf), moments, mean deviation about the mean, mean deviation about the median, entropy, asymptotic distribution of the extreme order statistics, maximum likelihood estimates and the Fisher information matrix. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urban‐rural cooperation in the 1990s
Authors: White Jesse L 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this adaptation of his plenary remarks to the 94th National Conference on Government, Jesse L. White, Jr., executive director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, identifies the unique economic development challenges of the South, projects the social, demographic and economic trends that will impact on that region's work force during the next decade, and calls for an urban agenda that will also address the needs of the rural, small town South into the next century.
Regional civic organizations
Authors: Gates Christopher T. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe 94th National Conference on Government, held last November in Charlotte, North Carolina, included a workshop on regional civic organizations and citizen associations. Such a meeting seemed particularly appropriate in view of the League's longtime commitment to 1) enhancing citizen knowledge of and involvement in their local institutions and 2) promoting cross‐sector, collaborative approaches to problem solving. The proliferation and growth of these regional civic organizations (RCOs) parallels the rise of the strategic, regional partnerships examined in this issue.It was clear from discussions at the Conference that the League should take formal steps to “get the word out” on these RCOs and the impact they are having across the country. In partnership with other nonprofits, the League will begin to generate profiles on the many organizations and associations that have arrived on the civic scene in recent years, track their progress, and make available profiles on their activities and programs. In keeping with the notion that organizations around the nation are well served through the sharing and exchange of information, this Regional Civic Organizations department has been established to report on the efforts of these creative and responsive groups.We launch this new department with an essay by Curtis Johnson, executive director of the Citizens League of Minneapolis/ St. Paul, which documents the rebirth of RCOs as a robust, independent and resourceful force in intercommunity problem solving. As this essay and others to fill this space in the future will show, the new RCOs are conscious of their interjurisdictional role, conscientious about their need for inclusiveness with independence, and aware of the potential of their networks of information, people, and resources to make a tangible difference.
Regional governance issues in california: Citizen and policy implications
Authors: Ward Doris M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn addition to the maintenance of their traditional database‐development and technical assistance roles, redesigned sub‐state regional entities must have formalized interjurisdictional coordination and mediation functions, with respect to both local governments and state and federal agencies. Any transition from strictly advisory to administrative roles for regional agencies must be sensitive to the needs and concerns of affected local governments. However, with authority comes accountability: Regional decision making and problem solving must be accompanied by formal review processes and provide for direct citizen participation.
Inter‐rural administrative cooperation: Issues and opportunities
Authors: Seroka Jim 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe scarcity of administrative capacity is a major problem in rural areas. The political impotence and economic weaknesses of America's countryside combine to prevent the adequate provision of public services to rural communities. The prevailing centralized/specialized models for the delivery of services in rural areas must be replaced with institutional arrangements that directly benefit and serve the citizens of rural communities.
Make no small plans: New jersey municipalities attempt to become achieving organizations
Authors: Cutchin Deborah A. , Epstein Paul D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Achieving Organization Model incorporates 1) a set of behaviors required to create the momentum of achievement within an organization; 2) an ongoing process that can be taught, monitored, evaluated, and modified in a dynamic environment; and 3) a philosophy that long‐term, high‐level, measurable results can be accomplished through actions that focus on people as the key component for achievement.
Building coalitions for the future in charlotte‐mecklenburg
Authors: McCoy William J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn mid‐1988 the Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Citizens Forum elected to launch an ambitious self‐evaluation/strategic planning process using the ten components of the Civic Index to orient the effort. For one year a diverse 60‐member Stakeholders Committee met at three‐ to four‐week intervals to build coalitions, evaluate local governance practices, and identify priority community projects.