bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy of Carbon Nanoparticles in SiO2, ZnO and NiO Matrices
Authors: Katumba G , Mwakikunga BW , Mothibinyane TR 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Coatings of carbon nanoparticles dispersed in SiO2, ZnO and NiO matrices on aluminium substrates have been fabricated by a sol–gel technique. Spectrophotometry was used to determine the solar absorptance and the thermal emittance of the composite coatings with a view to apply these as selective solar absorber surfaces in solar thermal collectors. Cross-sectional high resolution transmission electron microscopy (X-HRTEM) was used to study the fine structure of the samples. Raman spectroscopy was used to estimate the grain size and crystallite size of the carbon clusters of the composite coatings. X-HRTEM studies revealed a nanometric grain size for all types of samples. The C–SiO2, C–ZnO and C–NiO coatings contained amorphous carbon nanoparticles embedded in nanocrystalline SiO2, ZnO and NiO matrices, respectively. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) showed that a small amount of Ni grains of 30 nm diameter also existed in the NiO matrix. The thermal emittances of the samples were 10% for C–SiO2, 6% for the C–ZnO and 4% for the C–NiO samples. The solar absorptances were 95%, 71% and 84% for the C–SiO2, C–ZnO and C–NiO samples, respectively. Based on these results, C–NiO samples proved to have the best solar selectivity behaviour followed by the C–ZnO, and last were the C–SiO2samples. Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that both the C–ZnO and C–NiO samples have grain sizes for the carbon clusters in the range 55–62 nm and a crystallite size of 6 nm.
A short-term comparison of organicv. conventional agriculture in a silty loam soil using two organic amendments
Authors: HERENCIA J. F. , RUIZ J. C. , MELERO S. , GARCIA GALAVÍS P. A. , MAQUEDA C. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARYThe transition from conventional to organic farming is accompanied by changes in soil chemical properties and processes that could affect soil fertility. The organic system is very complex and the present work carries out a short-term comparison of the effects of organic and conventional agriculture on the chemical properties of a silty loam soil (Xerofluvent) located in the Guadalquivir River Valley, Seville, Spain, through a succession of five crop cycles over a 3-year period. Crop rotation and varieties were compared in a conventional system using inorganic fertilizer and two organic systems using either plant compost or manure. At the end of the study, organic farming management resulted in higher soil organic carbon (OC), N and available P, K, Fe and Zn. The available Mn and especially Cu values did not show significant differences. In general, treatment with manure resulted in more rapid increases in soil nutrient values than did plant compost, which had an effect on several crop cycles later. The present study demonstrated that the use of organic composts results in an increase in OC and the storage of nutrients, which can provide long-term fertility benefits. Nevertheless, at least 2–3 years of organic management are necessary, depending on compost characteristics, to observe significant differences. Average crop yields were 23% lower in organic crops. Nevertheless, only two crops showed statistically significant differences.
The Science and Practice of Case Conceptualization
Authors: Kuyken Willem , Padesky Christine A. , Dudley Robert 
Published: September 2008

AbstractCase conceptualization is a foundation of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) because it describes and explains clients' presentations in ways that inform interventions. Yet the evidence base challenges the claimed benefits of case conceptualization. This paper reviews the rationale and evidence base for case conceptualization and outlines a new approach that uses the metaphor of a case conceptualization crucible in which a client's particular history, experience and strengths are synthesized with theory and research to produce an original and unique account of clients' presenting issues. The crucible metaphor illustrates three key defining principles of case conceptualization. First, heat drives chemical reactions in a crucible. In our model, collaborative empiricism between therapist and client provides the heat. Second, like the chemical reaction in a crucible, conceptualization develops over time. Typically, it begins at more descriptive levels, later a conceptualization incorporates explanatory elements and, if necessary, it develops further to include a longitudinal explanation of how pre-disposing and protective factors influence client issues. Finally, new substances formed in a crucible are dependent on the chemical characteristics of the materials put into it. Rather than simply look at client problems, our model incorporates client strengths at every stage of the conceptualization process to more effectively alleviate client distress and promote resilience.
What maternal factors influence the diet of 2-year-old children living in deprived areas? A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Crombie Iain K , Kiezebrink Kirsty , Irvine Linda , Wrieden Wendy L , Swanson Vivien , Power Kevin , Slane Peter W 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the maternal factors associated with poor diet among disadvantaged children.DesignSurvey of 300 mothers of 2-year-old children from areas of high deprivation in Scotland (response rate 81 %). A diet quality score was derived from reported consumption of carbohydrates, protein, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and restriction of sugary fatty foods.ResultsMost children (85 %) were classified as having a poor quality diet (low diet quality score). Mothers’ general knowledge about healthy eating was high, but did not predict the quality of the children’s diet. Lower frequencies of food preparation and serving, such as cooking with raw ingredients, providing breakfast daily and the family eating together, were also associated with a poorer diet. Regression modelling identified five significant factors. An increased risk of a poor diet was associated with mothers being unlikely to restrict sweets (OR = 21·63, 95 % CI 2·70, 173·30) or finding it difficult to provide 2–3 portions of fruit daily (OR = 2·94, 95 % CI 1·09, 7·95). Concern that the child did not eat enough increased the risk of a poor diet (OR = 2·37, 95 % CI 1·09, 5·16). Believing a healthy diet would help the child eat more reduced the risk of having a poor diet (OR = 0·28, 95 % CI 0·11, 0·74), as did providing breakfast daily (OR = 0·22, 95 % CI 0·05, 0·99).ConclusionsInterventions to improve children’s diet could promote more positive intentions about preparing and serving of foods, particularly of specific meals at which the family eats together. The benefits of these behaviours to the child (improved diet, weight control) should be emphasised.
Injecting risk behaviour and related harm among men who use performance‐ and image‐enhancing drugs
Authors: LARANCE BRIONY , DEGENHARDT LOUISA , COPELAND JAN , DILLON PAUL 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. Performance‐ and image‐enhancing drugs have the potential to be a significant public health issue. Detailed data on PIEDs injection are difficult to obtain because of the illicit and unsupervised way in which many PIEDs are used, and the hidden nature of the group. Our study examines the patterns of use, risk behaviours and related harm associated with PIEDs injection. We also report the ways in which PIEDs users currently seek injecting equipment and harm‐reduction advice. Design and Method. Data were obtained via a structured questionnaire administered in face‐to‐face interviews with 60 men who used PIEDs (primarily anabolic androgenic steroids) for non‐medical purposes. Results. Although the rates of needle sharing were low (5%), the men more frequently reported re‐use of needles/equipment, injecting from a shared container (bladders, vials, etc.), injecting other illicit drugs, injecting insulin and targeting small muscle groups. Self‐reports of being hepatitis C antibody positive were associated with lifetime use of heroin and injection of other illicit drugs. All HIV positive participants were gay/bisexual men. Participants reported a range of other injection‐related injuries and diseases such as fevers, scarring and abscesses. ‘Risky’ injectors (38% of participants) were more likely to initiate PIEDs use at a younger age, use PIEDs in a larger number of cycles per year and report involvement in a violent/aggressive incident than ‘low risk’ injectors and report involvement in a violent/aggressive incident than ‘low risk’ injectors. Participants mainly reported seeking information about PIEDs from internet sites (62%) and friends (55%). Conclusions. An over‐reliance on personal networks and internet forums limits this groups' access to objective harm reduction advice and primary care services. Targeted, PIEDs‐specific interventions are needed.
Prolongation of Hospital Stay and Additional Costs Due to Nosocomial Bloodstream Infection in an Algerian Neonatal Care Unit
Authors: Atif Mohamed Lamine , Sadaoui Fetta , Bezzaoucha Abdeldjallil , Kaddache Chawki Ahmed , Boukari Rachida , Djelato Salima , Boubechou Nora 
Published: September 2008

Background.Previous studies from developed countries reported that nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI) in neonatal care units (NCUs) increases length of stay and costs. However, no such information is available for Algerian NCUs.Objective.To evaluate the influence of BSI in neonates on additional charges and length of hospital stay.Design.Prospective, nested case-control study.Setting.The 47-bed NCU of the University Hospital of Blida, Algeria.Patients and Methods.A total of 83 neonates with BSIs (case patients) and 166 neonates without BSIs (control patients), admitted to the NCU during the study period (April 2004 through December 2007), were matched for sex, birth weight, length of NCU stay, and year of hospital admission. Each patient's length of stay in the NCU was obtained prospectively on daily rounds. The estimated cost of each NCU-day was provided by the hospital's finance department. The cost of antibiotics prescribed was provided by the hospital's pharmacy department.Results.The mean additional length of NCU stay for case patients, compared with control patients, was 9.2 days (24.3 vs 15.1 days). The mean additional cost of antibiotics was $546. The mean cumulative additional cost was $1,315.Conclusion.This study highlights the effect of BSI on extra costs for NCU patients, especially costs due to prolongation of hospital stay and increased antibiotic use, and suggests that NCUs in Algeria have a financial interest in reducing the rate of BSI.
Ghrelin suppresses secretion of FSH in males
Authors: Kluge Michael , Uhr Manfred , Bleninger Philipp , Yassouridis Alexander , Steiger Axel 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Ghrelin decreases the secretion of LH probably by suppressing the release of hypothalamic GnRH. So far however, there is no evidence that ghrelin affects also the secretion of FSH in humans, the other gonadotrophin regulated by GnRH.Objective  Our objective was to study the effect of ghrelin on secretion of FSH in humans.Design/study subjects  Nocturnal (20:00–07:00 h) secretion profiles of FSH were measured in 10 healthy males (25·3 ± 3·2 years) twice, receiving 50 µg ghrelin or placebo at 22:00, 23:00, 24:00, and 01:00 h, in this single‐blind, randomized, cross‐over study.Results  Mean FSH plasma levels were significantly (P < 0·05) lower with ghrelin than placebo between 01:00 and 02:20. Consistently, a significant decrease from baseline was only observed in the ghrelin but not in the placebo condition.Conclusion  This study provides first evidence that ghrelin suppresses the secretion of FSH in humans.
F plasmid partition depends on interaction of SopA with non‐specific DNA
Authors: Castaing Jean‐Philippe , Bouet Jean‐Yves , Lane David 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBacterial ATPases belonging to the ParA family assure partition of their replicons by forming dynamic assemblies which move replicon copies into the new cell‐halves. The mechanism underlying partition is not understood for the Walker‐box ATPase class, which includes most plasmid and all chromosomal ParAs. The ATPases studied both polymerize and interact with non‐specific DNA in an ATP‐dependent manner. Previous work showed that in vitro, polymerization of one such ATPase, SopA of plasmid F, is inhibited by DNA, suggesting that interaction of SopA with the host nucleoid could regulate partition. In an attempt to identify amino acids in SopA that are needed for interaction with non‐specific DNA, we have found that mutation of codon 340 (lysine to alanine) reduces ATP‐dependent DNA binding > 100‐fold and correspondingly diminishes SopA activities that depend on it: inhibition of polymer formation and persistence, stimulation of basal‐level ATP hydrolysis and localization over the nucleoid. The K340A mutant retained all other SopA properties tested except plasmid stabilization; substitution of the mutant SopA for wild‐type nearly abolished mini‐F partition. The behaviour of this mutant indicates a causal link between interaction with the cell's non‐specific DNA and promotion of the dynamic behaviour that ensures F plasmid partition.
Effects of oleoresins and monoterpenes on in vitro growth of fungi associated with pine decline in the Southern United States
Authors: Eckhardt L. G. , Menard R. D. , Gray E. D. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAs a means of exploring pine resistance to root disease and declines, the effects of host plant secondary metabolites on the growth of root colonizing fungi associated with three diseases/declines of southern pines – loblolly pine decline, littleleaf disease and annosum root rot were tested. The associated fungi –Leptographium huntii, L. serpens, L. terebrantis, L. procerum, Heterobasidion annosum and Phytophthora cinnamomi– were grown in saturated atmospheres or in direct contact with, pure monoterpenes and crude oleoresin collected from the four southern pines (Pinus taeda, P. eschinata, P. palustris and P. elliotti) for 7 day. Fungal growth was measured at 3, 5 and 7 day. Root‐infecting fungi differed significantly in sensitivity to crude oleoresin and pure monoterpenes. All fungi tested were inhibited, to some extent, by the resins tested. H. annosum and P. cinnamomi were strongly inhibited by all the monoterpenes tested. The ophiostomatoid fungi were significantly less affected by the compounds tested. L. huntii and L. serpens were less inhibited by monoterpenes than either L. terebrantis or L. procerum. These fungal growth studies show that the kind and amount of secondary metabolite produced by the host plant have a profound effect on tree pathogens. Alterations of tree physiology may have implications for defenses against tree pathogens as well as to the ecology and management of forest ecosystems. Difference in incidence of root disease observed in the field may be explained by the ability of the fungus to tolerate these host defense mechanisms.
Relationship between saliva level of 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol and mental health in the elderly general population
Authors: Li Guang Y. , Watanabe Itaru , Kunitake Yutaka , Sugataka Kazuhiro , Muraoka Toshifumi , Kojima Naoki , Kawashima Toshiro , Yamada Shigeto 
Published: September 2008

Aims:  A large number of studies on the monoamine systems in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have found abnormalities of the noradrenergic system in the brain, but there has been no report concerning the relationship between noradrenergic activity and cognitive function in elderly living in a community. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between saliva level of 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (sMHPG) and mental health in this population.Methods:  The study was to examine the relationship between sMHPG and performance on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in 213 elderly people living in the local community.Results:  sMHPG in female subjects was positively correlated with age (r = 0.24, P = 0.003) and negatively correlated with scores on the MMSE (r = −0.26, P = 0.0016) and FAB (r = −0.19, P = 0.024), even after controlling for the effect of age (MMSE r = −0.20, P = 0.013). Notably, sMHPG was correlated with the pentagon drawing score (P = 0.0008) of MMSE. sMHPG was significantly correlated with BDI score in male subjects, but negatively correlated in female subjects. A gender difference was found in the relationship between the sMHPG and BDI score.Conclusion:  The measurement of sMHPG may be a useful marker of mental health in elderly community‐dwelling subjects.
Decrease in heart rate variability response to task is related to anxiety and depressiveness in normal subjects
Authors: Shinba Toshikazu , Kariya Nobutoshi , Matsui Yasue , Ozawa Nobuyuki , Matsuda Yoshiki , Yamamoto Ken‐ichi 
Published: September 2008

Aims:  Previous studies have shown that heart rate variability (HRV) measurement is useful in investigating the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders. The present study further examined its usefulness in evaluating the mental health of normal subjects with respect to anxiety and depressiveness.Methods:  Heart rate (HR) and HRV were measured tonometrically at the wrist in 43 normal subjects not only in the resting condition but also during a task (random number generation) to assess the responsiveness. For HRV measurement, high‐frequency (HF; 0.15–0.4 Hz) and low‐frequency (LF; 0.04–0.15 Hz) components of HRV were obtained using MemCalc, a time series analysis technique that combines a non‐linear least square method with maximum entropy method. For psychological evaluation of anxiety and depressiveness, two self‐report questionnaires were used: State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS).Results:  No significant relation was observed between HR and HRV indices, and the psychological scores both in the resting and task conditions. By task application, HF decreased, and LF/HF and HR increased, and significant correlation with psychological scores was found in the responsiveness to task measured by the ratio of HRV and HR indices during the task to that at rest (task/rest ratio). A positive relationship was found between task/rest ratio for HF, and STAI and SDS scores. Task/rest ratio of HR was negatively correlated with STAI‐state score.Conclusion:  Decreased HRV response to task application is related to anxiety and depressiveness. Decreased autonomic responsiveness could serve as a sign of psychological dysfunction.
FOREIGN CAPITAL AND EFFICIENCY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Mastromarco Camilla 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper uses stochastic frontier methodology to analyse foreign direct investment, imported capital goods and human capital as channels for increased efficiency in less‐developed countries. Empirical investigation reveals that developing countries differ with respect to the efficiency with which they use frontier technology. Foreign direct investment and human capital play a significant and quantitatively important role in explaining these differences.
Examining the Role of Race, NIMBY, and Local Politics in FEMA Trailer Park Placement*
Authors: Davis Belinda Creel , Bali Valentina A. 
Published: September 2008

Objective.In this article, we use the placement of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer parks as a vehicle for examining how siting agents and approving agents factor race, NIMBY obstacles, and local politics into the overall approval process for projects that are viewed as undesirable.Methods.Using data on where FEMA trailer parks were proposed and approved in South Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we test a range of hypotheses about the determinants of temporary housing siting.Results.Our results reveal the need to view the consideration of potential locations and the procedure of gaining approval as two distinct stages of a process. The findings suggest FEMA placed a great deal of emphasis on displaced residents' needs, but neglected to factor in the constituent pressures and the electoral calendar that local politicians would encounter when approving the site. In addition, the racial composition of a neighborhood had a substantial effect on both the consideration and approval stages.Conclusions.Beyond need, politics and race can shape the governmental allocation of disaster relief solutions.
Working Toward a Just, Equitable, and Local Food System: The Social Impact of Community‐Based Agriculture*
Authors: Macias Thomas 
Published: September 2008

Objective. This article serves as a pilot study of three central aspects of sociological research concerning the impact of local agriculture on local communities: food equity, social integration, and natural human capital.Methods. Four CSA farmers, four partners in a direct‐market organic farm, and four community garden site coordinators working in the Intervale, a local agriculture project in Burlington, Vermont, were interviewed in person for this research. Additionally, the author collected observational data in the Intervale, at two local farmers' markets, and as a member of a local community garden.Result. Different modes of local agricultural production have distinctive effects on the local population with regard to equitable access to healthy food, social inclusion, and experiential knowledge of the natural world.Conclusions. Given class‐based disparities in local agricultural participation, local food projects should consider promoting programs designed for broader social inclusion, including subsidized farmer‐to‐family coupons.
Social Movement Identity: Validating a Measure of Identification with the Environmental Movement*
Authors: Dunlap Riley E. , McCright Aaron M. 
Published: September 2008

Objective.We offer an empirical measure of “social movement identity” vis‐à‐vis the environmental movement. Our measure of environmental movement identity complements existing efforts to measure the ambiguous concept of “environmental identity.”Methods.We utilize data from a 2000 Gallup Poll of 1,004 adults to examine relationships between our measure of environmental movement identity and self‐reported membership in environmental organizations, assessments of the environmental movement, and self‐reported pro‐environmental behaviors.Results.The measure appears to have face validity, and our results suggest it also has construct and predictive validity since it is related to environmental organization memberships, assessments of the environmental movement, and self‐reported pro‐environmental behaviors—even when controlling for relevant sociopolitical characteristics.Conclusions.The measure is useful for analyses of the environmental movement, can be adapted for research on other movements, and can help social movement analysts respond to calls to investigate linkages between public opinion and movement dynamics.