bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Between Social Networks and Formal Social Services
Authors: Litwin Howard , Auslander Gail K. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis article reports a study of the social networks of recent applicants to the social welfare bureaux of Jerusalem. Beyond review of the relevant study variables as reflected in the literature, and an overview of Israeli social services for the aged, the article addresses why the social networks of the elderly claimants turned to formal assistance. The study revealed that networks were most likely to be the source of referral to social services when the applicant was frail, and the presenting problem was the need for institutional care. Multivariate analysis revealed that the degree of network-initiated contact with the social worker was significantly related to these same factors. Networks of the elderly seemed to turn to formal social services as a substitute for their own caregiving, rather than as a source for interweaving informal and formal care. The implications of the findings for social service policy are discussed.
Avoided Conversations: How Parents and Children delay talking about Widowhood and Dependency in Later life
Authors: Synge Jane 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper draws on a 1980 sample survey of middle-aged and elderly residents of a medium-sized Canadian city (N = 464). Few parents and grown-up children discussed in advance what might happen should parents become seriously ill or unable to look after themselves. However, most respondents did feel these matters should be discussed in advance, and most felt that parents should be the ones to raise these issues. This was true for both the middle-aged and the elderly. Elderly men rarely discussed their wives' futures with their children. Both the middle-aged and the elderly rarely talked with siblings or friends about the possibility of their own or their parents' dependency. Discussions that took place were often precipitated by illness. However, children expressed a great deal of concern for parents, especially for older parents. A variety of possible contributing explanations are suggested. These range from unwillingness to acknowledge changing family structure and mortality to parents' view on non-family-provided services.
The Construction of Meaning in Old Age: Possibilities and Constraints
Authors: Dittmann-Kohli Freya 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTHistorically, ageing processes have often been perceived as growing constraints to a good life, but proposals for a reorganization of positive meanings also date back at least to Roman times. In order to study age-related reorganization of meaning, self-descriptive statements of 300 young and 300 elderly adults were collected with a sentence completion test. A coding scheme was used to identify age-specific meaning patterns.In contrast to young adults, elderly people completed problem- and future-oriented sentence stems significantly more often by referring to negative aspects of their own ageing process. Nevertheless, their answers to self-referent sentence stems showed that they used significantly more positive and fewer negative or ambivalent statements about self and life. The analysis of the overall patterns of cognitions in both age groups suggested that, within the existential constraints of old age, positive meaning is created by elderly people through various cognitive-affective strategies. For instance, instead of maintaining high expectations for life realization and self-development, the elderly change their standards, becoming more self-accepting and value more highly what is already given and still available. Conclusions are drawn about life-span development and modifiability of meaning.
Staying Put: A New Development in Policy?
Authors: Wheeler Rose 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe ordinary housing in which most old people live is a subject of growing concern in many countries. The idea of ‘staying put’ which has emerged recently in the UK from this growing concern is thus timely for it focuses specifically on housing assistance for elderly people who remain in conventional domestic housing. This paper attempts to identify a number of cross-national trends which suggest the relevance of ‘staying put’ to other countries, and presents a detailed study of the factors shaping the development of such policy in the UK. The present legislative framework for ‘staying put’, and the extent to which it is exploited are also discussed.
Care Systems
Authors: Daatland Svein Olav 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis article deals with the interplay of care as practical tasks and as ways of constructing and reconstructing social relations. We maintain that the division of tasks in care reflects a social organisation, and that the ‘who’ and ‘what’ in care are inseparably linked. On this basis we suggest that care be studied as care systems. This perspective is developed through case studies and other data. Theoretical and practical implications are suggested.
Workhouse to Nursing Home: Residential Care of elderly people in England since 1840
Authors: Thomson David 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTStatistics of the movement of elderly people through institutions of care have attracted little attention from present-day researchers, and none at all from historians. The intention in this paper is to indicate some of the analyses which the historian can make, to explore the changes and continuities in the inmate populations of institutions over 120 years, and to speculate upon the reasons for the higher and lower incidences of residential care amongst the old in specific periods. The questions of interest here are how many and which groups amongst the old have been in care in different periods; how many people would ever find their way into institutions in old age: at what ages would they enter; for how long would they stay in care; would they die in care or leave for other reasons; what are the reasons for taking the elderly in to care; and what does all this tell us about the society in question.
An Overview of Research using the Time-budget Methodology to study Age-related Behaviour
Authors: Little Virginia C. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis article reviews the growing usage of time-budget methodology, until recently seldom applied to older people. Initial studies have demonstrated that it can be employed both for the young-old and the old-old. Wider utilisation seems to have been impeded by difficulty in operationalising the definitions of such key concepts as ‘time’ and ‘leisure’, ‘discretionary’ and ‘obligatory’ activities. Advances in modern computer technology have facilitated the handling of masses of data of the kind produced by studies such as the 12-nation project led by Szalai (N = 30,000). A recent study of four Philadelphia subgroups by Lawton and Moss (N = 535) was successful in introducing a qualitative dimension of ‘liking’, which opens the door to utilising this approach for arriving at more sophisticated measures of psychological wellbeing.
The Elderly in Classical Antiquity
Authors: Finley Moses I. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTFor evidence about the extent and experience of old age in classical antiquity, one must rely excessively on literature and mythology, with their heavy bias towards the leisured classes and their lack of quantitative data. Nevertheless, there are bases for some plausible inferences: both life expectancy and for most people the standard of living were low, with a consequence of an early commencement of ‘adult’ employment and the absence of any notion (or possibility) of retirement; those hardy and lucky enough to survive of ten appear to have retained a vigorous creativity into very old age; emotional relations (e.g. between parents and children) were coloured by such factors as high infant mortality and the relative early death of parents and grandparents. The absence of really large cities, other than Rome and one or two others, and of rural isolation (the homestead farm, for example) reduced the dangers of the kind of loneliness associated with the modern bed-sitter, though problems of old age fell solely on the family (rather than the community). Medical literature showed a surprising lack of interest in mental illness associated with old age or even in medical problems other than the obvious ones of debility, and there is no way for us to penetrate the silence.
Widowhood and Ageing in Traditional English Society
Authors: Smith James E. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe persistence of greater life expectancy among women than men means that widowhood on a large scale is a feature of both pre-industrial and subsequent societies. This paper examines the changing structure of widowhood along with the familial and economic support afforded to women in this category, in the 17th and 18th centuries by contrast with the present day. It indicates, by drawing on parish data for England, that the incidence of the widowed status is today lower in each age group than two hundred years previously, but higher as a proportion of total population. Current widows are however twice as likely to be over 55 and to be heads of households. Further comparisons over time are used to make observations about the relative effectiveness of the parish, kin, and the Welfare State in providing material support.
Ageing and Attitudes about Sexual Morality
Authors: Cutler Stephen J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis study analyses cohort changes in attitudes about sexual morality over the period 1972–1982. The attitudes of the older cohorts are significantly less permissive than those of the younger cohorts, but there is no evidence of a conservative shift. Further, the attitudinal stability displayed by the older cohorts might be construed as indicating rigidity or inflexibility were it not for the fact that the younger cohorts also display the same stable patterns.
An Inductive Approach to the Investigation of Elder Abuse
Authors: Zdorkowski R. Todd , Galbraith Michael W. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe findings of the elder abuse surveys conducted in the United States are not strictly comparable, although they may be combined to suggest a more organised approach to elder abuse research. This paper presents a model of elder abuse derived from those studies, and suggests that abuse is the predictable outcome of the interactions between and among elders' and abusers' characteristics. A list of the research hypotheses suggested by the model is presented, two forms of analysis that could be used to test them are described, and the implications of this model for scholars and practitioners are outlined.
Gender, Public Policy and the Oldest Old
Authors: Zones Jane Sprague , Estes Carroll L. , Binney* Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThose 85 years of age and older are the fastest growing subpopulation in the United States. Because they represent a very small proportion of the population (just 1% in 1980), the oldest old have not been studied until recently. Much of the interest in this group is related to their growth (over 50% per decade in the past 50 years) coupled with their disproportionate use of public resources, particularly health and social services. Women are strikingly overrepresented among the oldest old, with a gender ratio of approximately 44 males for every 100 females age 85 and older.
Network Variables as Determinants of the Elderly Entering Adult Residential Care Facilities
Authors: Bear Mary 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis research extends the study of social network analysis and labelling theory into the context of adult residential care facilities (ARCFs). Network density, reciprocity, and intensity are hypothesized to explain who labels the frail elderly ‘out of place’ in their homes and refers them to an adult residential care facility. Using data from interviews with 81 new, elderly ARCF residents and 75 of their closest others, logistic regression analyses indicate that network intensity is related to the differential involvement of professionals and informal network members in the ARCF entry process. Findings suggest further research on the networks of the elderly's relatives may explain the role of density in ARCF labelling and referral. Practice implications incorporating a network strategy are addressed.
A Comparative Examination of Perceived Income Adequacy Among Young and Old in Sweden and the United States
Authors: Sheppard Harold L. , Mullins Larry C. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis research examines the comparative perceived income adequacy among older Swedes and older Americans. The persisting issue of ‘poverty’ and income adequacy, and the use of monetary-unit income (dollars, kroner, etc.) as a basis for determining levels of poverty or of income adequacy has severe limitations. In an attempt to simplify the problem of developing standard measures for different monetary-unit systems, i.e. between nations, this study utilises a typology of perceived income adequacy to examine, among older persons in Sweden, the extent to which they believe their incomes support a satisfying standard of living. Additionally, the research examines differences in income adequacy between the U.S. and Sweden. Results from the 1981 NCOA/Harris survey data in the U.S. are compared with findings from a representative survey of older Swedes conducted by SIFO in 1986. Among other results, it is found that for older Swedes only 20% feel financially hard-strapped, compared to 35% of older Americans. Discussion of this and other findings is included. Income adequacy of the elderly in Sweden should be of particular interest to policymakers in the U.S. because of the widely held belief that Sweden has achieved a level of income security beyond the ‘safety net’.
Hospital Discharge of Frail Elderly People: Social and Ethical Considerations in the Discharge Decision-making Process
Authors: Chadwick Ruth , Russell Jill 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTUsing contributions from moral philosophy and sociology, this paper explores the decisions confronting care professionals when discharging frail elderly people from hospital. It is based on research into hospital discharge in South Glamorgan that has illuminated the nature of professional decision-making in multi-disciplinary ward meetings. Two key dilemmas are identified and examined in detail: first, the dilemma of discharging elderly people who, while thought by professionals to be incapable of looking after themselves and therefore ‘at risk’, nevertheless want to go home, and secondly, the dilemma of finding residential care for elderly people who are defined as being ‘partly sick and partly well’. Whilst the principle of autonomy may be used to support individual choice, it may also be interpreted as encouraging self-reliance, and as a way of denying a collective responsibility to elderly people's care needs. The dilemma of institutional care for the ‘partly sick and partly well’ is found to be a persisting problem, fraught with conceptual ambiguities and resource-boundary negotiations between ‘medical’ and ‘social’ care. An examination of both dilemmas serves to highlight the role of political ideology in discharge decisionmaking.
Changing Retirement Patterns: The Experience of a Cohort of Parisian Salaried Workers
Authors: Cribier Françoise 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe first part of this article summarises some results of a recent retirement study of newly retired people conducted in the Paris area in 1975. It examines the conditions under which a sample of salaried workers stopped working and compares their original anticipation with their reactions after two years.The second part analyses the rapid changes in French retirement patterns over the past decade. Throughout, the author exemplifies and argues for an approach which views retirement within a wider politico-economic framework.
Fuzzy wavelet neural network for prediction of electricity consumption
Authors: Abiyev Rahib H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe development of a fuzzy wavelet neural network (FWNN) for the prediction of electricity consumption is presented. The fuzzy rules that contain wavelets are constructed. Based on these rules, the structure of FWNN-based system is described. The FWNN system is applied for modeling and prediction of complex time series. The gradient algorithm and genetic algorithm are used for learning of FWNN parameters. The developed FWNN is applied for prediction of electricity consumption. This process has high-order nonlinearity. The statistical data for the last 10 years are used for the development of FWNN prediction model. The effectiveness of the proposed system is evaluated with the results obtained from the simulation of FWNN-based prediction system and with the comparative simulation results of previous related models.
The biofilm life cycle and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are dependent on a filamentous prophage
Authors: Rice Scott A , Tan Chuan Hao , Mikkelsen Per Jensen , Kung Vanderlene , Woo Jerry , Tay Martin , Hauser Alan , McDougald Diane , Webb Jeremy S , Kjelleberg Staffan 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Mature Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms undergo specific developmental events. Using a bacteriophage mutant, generated by deletion of the entire filamentous Pf4 prophage, we show that the phage is essential for several stages of the biofilm life cycle and that it significantly contributes to the virulence of P. aeruginosa in vivo. Here, we show for the first time that biofilms of the Pf4 phage-deficient mutant did not develop hollow centres or undergo cell death, typical of the differentiation process of wild-type (WT) P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. Furthermore, microcolonies of the Pf4 mutant were significantly smaller in size and less stable compared with the WT biofilm. Small colony variants (SCVs) were detectable in the dispersal population of the WT biofilm at the time of dispersal and cell death, whereas no SCVs were detected in the effluent of the Pf4 mutant biofilm. This study shows that at the time when cell death occurs in biofilms of the WT, the Pf4 phage converts into a superinfective form, which correlates with the appearance of variants in the dispersal population. Unexpectedly, mice infected with the Pf4 mutant survived significantly longer than those infected with its isogenic WT strain, showing that Pf4 contributes to the virulence of P. aeruginosa. Hence, a filamentous prophage is a major contributor to the life cycle and adaptive behaviour of P. aeruginosa and offers an explanation for the prevalence of phage in this organism.
Fungal diversity in the rhizosphere of endemic plant species of Tenerife (Canary Islands): relationship to vegetation zones and environmental factors
Authors: Zachow Christin , Berg Christian , Müller Henry , Meincke Remo , Komon-Zelazowska Monika , Druzhinina Irina S , Kubicek Christian P , Berg Gabriele 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Knowledge about fungal diversity scaling relationships relative to that of plants is important to understand ecosystem functioning. Tenerife Island, a natural laboratory to study terrestrial biodiversity, is represented by six different vegetation zones characterized by specific abiotic conditions and plant communities with a high proportion of endemic plants. Little is known about the biodiversity of associated fungi. To understand the relationship between plant and fungal communities, we analysed soil/rhizosphere fungi from all vegetation zones. From 12 sampling points dispersed on the whole island, molecular analysis of fungal communities was determined by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis using universal and specific primers for Trichoderma. The highly diverse fungal communities were mainly characterized by ectomycorrhiza-forming Basidiomycota and a high proportion of yet-unidentified species. Besides, Trichoderma-specific SSCP resulted in low diversity of mainly cosmopolitan species, for example Hypocrea lixii/T. harzianum. The dominance of T. harzianum was confirmed by cultivation. All Trichoderma isolates show an extraordinarily high antagonistic potential towards different groups of plant pathogens, supporting the hypothesis of extensive colonization by highly competitive Trichoderma species from the continent. In contrast, biodiversity patterns of the whole fungal and plant communities follow the same ecological rules. Furthermore, a high statistical correlation between fungal communities and the main environmental factors, temperature and precipitation, was found.
Real-time analysis of amyloid fibril formation of α-synuclein using a fibrillation-state-specific fluorescent probe of JC-1
Authors: Lee Jung-Ho , Lee In-Hwan , Choe Young-Jun , Kang Sungsoo , Kim Hui Young , Gai Wei-Ping , Hahn Ji-Sook , Paik Seung R. 
Published: November 2008

α-Synuclein is a pathological component of PD (Parkinson's disease) by participating in Lewy body formation. JC-1 (5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodide) has been shown to interact with α-synuclein at the acidic C-terminal region with a Kd of 2.6 μM. JC-1 can discriminated between the fibrillation states of α-synuclein (monomeric, oligomeric intermediate and fibrillar forms) by emitting the enhanced binding fluorescence of different colours at 590, 560 and 538 nm respectively with the common excitation at 490 nm. The fibrillation-state-specific interaction of JC-1 allowed us to perform real-time analyses of the α-synuclein fibrillation in the presence of iron as a fibrillation inducer, rifampicin as a fibrillation inhibitor, baicalein as a defibrillation agent and dequalinium as a protofibril inducer. In addition, various α-synuclein fibrils with different morphologies prepared with specific ligands such as metal ions, glutathione, eosin and lipids were monitored with their characteristic JC-1-binding fluorescence spectra. FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) between thioflavin-T and JC-1 was also employed to specifically identify the amyloid fibrils of α-synuclein. Taken together, we have introduced JC-1 as a powerful and versatile probe to explore the molecular mechanism of the fibrillation process of α-synuclein in vitro. It could be also useful in high-throughput drug screening. The specific α-synuclein interaction of JC-1 would therefore contribute to our complete understanding of the molecular aetiology of PD and eventual development of diagnostic/therapeutic strategies for various α-synucleinopathies.