bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Media presentation of the mental health bill and representations of mental health problems
Authors: Foster Juliet L. H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper discusses the findings of a study that examined the way in which the Mental Health Bill of June 2002 was presented in the British national and local media over a 3‐year period. A Lexis Nexis search yielded 256 articles, which were then analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Overall, and perhaps contrary to what might have been expected given previous studies' conclusions regarding the media's negative portrayal of mental ill health, most articles tended to present a negative view of the Bill as unnecessarily repressive, and consequently were more sympathetic towards mental heath service clients, although this was not the case for tabloid articles. However, this paper then considers the more implicit representations found within the articles. It focuses particularly on the continued linking of mental ill health and violence, and also on the way in which the mental health service user might be portrayed as passive and rather pitiful as an alternative to violent and dangerous. It is suggested that the continued use of such images may stem from the fact that mental health problems have long been constructed as ‘Other’, and are therefore deeply engrained in our society. The implications of this for anti‐stigma campaigns are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying social psychology to the study of environmental concern and environmental worldviews: contributions from the social representations approach
Authors: Castro Paula 
Published: June 2006

AbstractRecently some social psychological approaches have intensified their contributions to research in the environmental domain, helping it to focus more consistently on the shared aspects of all environment related experiences. The goal of this paper is that of joining these efforts, exploring the contributions of the social representations approach to research on environmental concern and environmental thought, as another area for applying social psychological knowledge. The paper first sketches how the environmental concern of the publics emerged in the 70s as a problem for the social sciences and proceeds to summarizing the main characteristics of this research, focusing on three problematic areas: (1) incipient theoretical integration among the frameworks dominating research; (2) insufficient reflection about the assumptions and measurement of the concepts employed; (3) a need for new research questions that push studies beyond the analysis of the socio‐demographical correlates of beliefs. Afterwards a presentation of social representations theory will be undertaken and the usefulness of the approach to deal with some aspects of the problematic areas identified will be explored, with examples from recent research, and highlighting the importance of focusing on contradiction, polyphasia, and the articulation of the local and the global. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived discrimination and well‐being: a victim study of different immigrant groups
Authors: Jasinskaja‐Lahti, Inga , Liebkind Karmela , Perhoniemi Riku 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this study, we compared perceived discrimination and its influence on psychological stress symptoms, and general health status in a nation‐wide probability sample of immigrants in Finland (N = 3595, 42% males, 58% females). The study represents an expansion of a previous work (Liebkind, K., & Jasinskaja‐Lahti, I. (2000a). Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 10, 1–16) by drawing on a representative sample of the adult immigrant population (age group 18–65), and by assessing not only perceived ethnic discrimination but also experiences of racist crimes. The results obtained regarding group differences in perceived discrimination were consistent with previous studies, with results from attitude surveys indicating the hierarchy among the host population regarding preferred immigrant groups, and with our predictions based on the length of residence, cultural distance and visibility of the different immigrant groups studied. Perceived racism and discrimination, especially everyday racism, was highly predictive of the psychological well‐being and general health status of the immigrants. The differences between grouping are discussed in the light of additional factors potentially mediating and moderating the effects of perceived discrimination on well‐being and general health. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘I think motherhood for me was a bit like a double‐edged sword’: the narratives of older mothers
Authors: Shelton Nikki , Johnson Sally 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIt is assumed in Western society that women want to become mothers. This desire is situated within the ideology of the ‘perfect mother’. However, feminists have highlighted contradictions between this ideology and the reality of mothering. A trend towards later motherhood has recently been identified. Delayed motherhood has been associated with a number of advantages such as a sense of psychological readiness, however this may mask some of its negative aspects. The aim of the study reported here was to explore the transition to, and lived experience of, delayed motherhood. Five women who were over 30 prior to the birth of their first child were interviewed. A narrative analysis at the personal, interpersonal and societal levels was conducted. At the personal level, diverse stories which contained both problems in adapting to motherhood and also progressive aspects of positive experiences and integration of maternal identities were told. At the interpersonal level, the prominence of the ‘double‐edged’ tone conveyed maternal ambivalence. At the societal level, dominant ideologies of the ‘good mother’ and normative development were identified. Though the women actively constructed their stories and attempted to resist dominant representations, this analysis emphasises the need for more realistic portrayals of delayed motherhood. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Layered Double Hydroxides Containing Intercalated Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Wu Guoqing , Wang Lianying , Evans David G. , Duan Xue 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNanosized ZnS has been synthesized in the interlayer galleries of Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by a process involving ion exchange of a Mg2Al‐NO3 LDH precursor with a zinc–citrate complex {Na2[Zn(C6H4O7)]·3 H2O} followed by reaction between the intercalated [Zn(C6H4O7)]2– anions and H2S. The materials have been characterized by elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy, and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and structural models have been proposed. The XRD diffraction patterns indicate that the layered structure is maintained and that the basal spacing in the intercalated materials depends on the orientation of the citrate moiety. The results confirm that cubic ZnS (sphalerite) is formed in the interlamellar domain rather than on the external surfaces and is co‐intercalated with citrate dianions. The growth of ZnS particles is constrained by the layers of the LDH resulting in a large blue shift in the bandgap compared with the bulk material. The thermal decomposition process of the hybrid material has been characterized by in situ high‐temperature powder XRD and thermogravimetry‐differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) coupled with mass spectrometry. The thermal stability of the zinc–citrate complex anions intercalated in LDHs is lower than that in the sodium salt. Thermal treatment below 270 °C leads to a reorientation of the citrate anions in the interlayer galleries associated with a significant interlayer contraction. No obvious changes in the XRD peaks corresponding to ZnS are apparent below 400 °C, indicating that sintering to form larger particles is successfully inhibited by the layered host; at higher temperatures the ZnS is oxidized with evolution of SO2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Real Time Insights into Bioprocesses Using Calorimetry: State of the Art and Potential
Authors: Maskow T. , Harms H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe potential of calorimetry is analyzed to give insights into dynamic biological processes and to use this information to control technical and natural systems. The first part explains how calorimetry provides information of the stoichiometry and metabolic fluxes of microbial processes. Changing heat production reflects metabolic shifts in real time while being measurably non‐invasive. Applying the first law of thermodynamics, calorimetry permits to test whether process heat is in accordance with assumed metabolic pathways and to detect unknown reactions. Possible reasons for the negligence of this powerful technique by those being involved in biochemical research or those dealing with controlling processes are discussed and optimal measurement principles for different purposes are proposed. The second part introduces technically applicable measurement principles, their peculiarities and consequences for the elucidation of stoichiometry and bioprocess control. The paper concludes with an outlook to the future of calorimetry as a scientific tool and in technical applications.
Microbial Fuel Cells in Relation to Conventional Anaerobic Digestion Technology
Authors: Pham T. H. , Rabaey K. , Aelterman P. , Clauwaert P. , De Schamphelaire L. , Boon N. , Verstraete W. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractConventional anaerobic digestion based bioconversion processes produce biogas and have as such been widely applied for the production of renewable energy so far. An innovative technology, based on the use of microbial fuel cells, is considered as a new pathway for bioconversion processes towards electricity. In comparison with conventional anaerobic digestion, the microbial fuel cell technology holds some specific advantages, such as its applicability for the treatment of low concentration substrates at temperatures below 20 °C, where anaerobic digestion generally fails to function. This provides some specific application niches of the microbial fuel cell technology where it does not compete with but complements the anaerobic digestion technology. However, microbial fuel cells still face important limitations in terms of large‐scale application. The limitations involve the investment costs, upscale technical issues and the factors limiting the performance, both in terms of anodic and cathodic electron transfer. Research to render the microbial fuel cell technology more economically feasible and applicable should focus on reactor configuration, power density and the material costs.
Development of a New Biotechnological Basis for Improving Industrial Sustainability in Japan
Authors: Ohtake H. , Yamashita S. , Kato J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractHuman activities have profound impacts on the world's environment as well as on the quality of life. There is a growing awareness that industrial sustainability is a key means of bringing about a reduction of environmental impacts and an improvement of the quality of our life. The integration of biotechnology into chemical manufacturing has the potential to reduce material and energy consumption as well as the emission of substances hazardous to health and the environment. In 2000, the Japanese government launched a new research and development project “Development of a Technological Infrastructure for Industrial Bioprocesses”. This national project aimed at creating a new biotechnological basis for making a contribution to lowering energy consumption in production, primarily in chemical production, expanded use of renewable biomass resources, and a decrease of waste and pollution. This paper describes an overview of this national project, focusing on the development of basic technologies for environmentally friendly industrial bioprocesses.
Earthworms as a Transient Heaven for Terrestrial Denitrifying Microbes: a Review
Authors: Drake H. L. , Horn M. A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe state‐of‐the‐art on processes by which earthworms emit nitrous oxide (N2O) and dinitrogen (N2) are presented by this review. The emission of these nitrogenous gases appears to be primarily due to soil‐derived denitrifying bacteria when they are subjected to the unique in situ conditions of the earthworm gut. The in situ factors of the earthworm gut that contribute to the stimulation of ingested denitrifiers include anoxia, high quality organic carbon, and nitrate or nitrite. Functional gene analyses corroborate cultivation‐based studies that indicate denitrifiers of soil and gut microbial biomes are phylogenetically similar. In addition to effecting the in vivo emission of nitrogenous gases, the unique microenvironment of the earthworm gut might also affect the fitness and diversity of certain members of the soil microbial biome.
Microbially Driven Redox Reactions in Anoxic Environments: Pathways, Energetics, and Biochemical Consequences
Authors: Schink B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAfter consumption of molecular oxygen, anaerobic microbial communities can use a continuum of alternative electron acceptors such as nitrate, manganese oxides, iron oxides, sulfate or CO2, with decreasing spans of available free energy. The electron transfer to insoluble metal oxides or to partner organisms such as methanogens may require the employment of electron carrier systems such as soil organic matter or sulfur compounds, with consequences for the reaction kinetics. The redox potentials of the electron acceptor systems do not only influence the reaction energetics but may also determine the pathways of degradation, especially in the degradation of organic contaminants. These aspects are discussed with examples of aromatic compounds, in particular phenols and cresols. The results demonstrate that beyond the mere lack of oxygen availability also the redox potential of the electron acceptor system in play determines to a large extent the kinetics, energetics and biochemistry of anaerobic transformation processes.
A Dual‐Color Bacterial Reporter Strain for the Detection of Toxic and Genotoxic Effects
Authors: Hever N. , Belkin S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTo genetically engineer a bacterial whole cell dual‐function toxicity/genotoxicity bioreporter system, a plasmid was constructed containing two independent fusions of stress‐responsive promoters (of the recA and grpE genes) to green and red fluorescent protein reporter genes, respectively. An Escherichia coli strain harboring this plasmid exhibited distinct green fluorescence in response to the presence of the SOS inducing agent nalidixic acid, and red fluorescence in reaction to ethanol. The different fluorescent responses, which exhibited little or no overlap, were quantified by microtiter plate fluorometry, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Mutations in lexA and rpoH, which affected the E. coli SOS and heat shock systems, respectively, abolished the green and red fluorescence. Similar constructs may serve as biological entities in future whole‐cell toxicity/genotoxicity biosensor systems.
Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of several populations of Algerian Origanum glandulosum Desf.
Authors: Sari Madani , Biondi Daniela M. , Kaâbeche Mohamed , Mandalari Giuseppina , D'Arrigo Manuela , Bisignano Giuseppe , Saija Antonella , Daquino Carmelo , Ruberto Giuseppe 
Published: June 2006

AbstractEssential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of 23 samples of Algerian Origanum glandulosum Desf. were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (MS). Overall, 30 components have been fully characterized. However, all the oils were characterized by the predominance of four components, thymol (18.5–73.1%), carvacrol (7.6–72.6%), p‐cymene (1.7–18.5%) and γ‐terpinene (1.1–18.7%). Cluster analysis of the identified components allowed us to establish the presence of three main groups, characterized by carvacrol, thymol and comparable amounts of both compounds, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of essential oils was determined by the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) model system. The SC50 (scavenging concentration) values were in the range 16.2–26.7 µg/ml, representing a good antioxidant effectiveness. The roles of thymol and carvacrol, the main components of all oils, were estimated by measuring their stoichiometric factors. The essential oils were also evaluated for their antimicrobial activity by the agar disc diffusion method and the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against six standard strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis). All microbial strains employed (Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and yeasts) showed a fairly similar degree of susceptibility to the essential oils under investigation, although no evident difference was observed in their sensitivity. Furthermore, a similar level of toxicity was observed for all oils examined, with MIC values of 31.25–125.00 µg/ml. Finally, the addition of the emulsifier Tween 80 to the oil or to the agar markedly decreases the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils against all microbial strains employed, thus suggesting that the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils is dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of their components and also on the microbial strains employed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) serotypes 2, 4 and 5 display similar transduction profiles and penetrate solid tumor tissue in models of human glioma
Authors: Thorsen Frits , Afione Sandra , Huszthy Peter C. , Tysnes Berit B. , Svendsen Agnete , Bjerkvig Rolf , Kotin Robert M. , Lønning Per Eystein , Hoover Frank 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundAdeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors are potent delivery vehicles for gene transfer strategies directed at the central nervous system (CNS), muscle and liver. However, comparatively few studies have described AAV‐mediated gene transfer to tumor tissues. We have previously demonstrated that while AAV2 and Adenoviral (Ad) 5 vectors have similar broad host ranges in tumor‐derived cell lines, AAV2 was able to penetrate human glioblastoma biopsy spheroids and xenografts more efficiently than Ad 5 vectors. These results suggested that AAV vectors could be suitable for therapeutic gene delivery to solid tumor tissue. In the present work, the transduction efficacy of AAV serotypes 4 and 5 were compared to AAV2, both in vitro and in intracranial GBM xenografts derived from patient biopsies implanted into nude rats.MethodsAAV vector serotypes 2, 4, and 5 containing either the green fluorescent protein (GFP) or the bacterial β‐galactosidase (lacZ) reporter gene were added to five different human glioma cell lines, to multicellular spheroids generated from glioblastoma patient biopsies, and to spheroids xenografted intracranially in nude rats. Transduction efficiency was assessed by fluorescence imaging, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.ResultsWhile all three AAV serotypes were able to transduce the glioma cell lines when added individually or when they were administered in concert, AAV2 transduced the glioma cells most effectively compared to AAV4 or AAV5. Upon infecting glioblastoma spheroids in vitro, all three AAV serotypes efficiently transduced cells located at the surface as well as within deeper layers of the spheroids. In addition, similarly to what was observed for AAV2 16, both AAV4 and AAV5 were able to transduce human glioblastoma xenografts implanted intracranially.ConclusionsIn addition to the widely used AAV2 serotype, AAV4 and AAV5 serotypes may also be used to transduce biologically diverse glioma cell lines. They also penetrate and transduce solid human tumor tissue derived from patient biopsies. Therefore, the data presented here provide a proof of principle for developing AAV4 and AAV5 as treatment vehicles for human malignant gliomas. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimising non‐viral gene delivery in a tumour spheroid model
Authors: Mellor H. R. , Davies L. A. , Caspar H. , Pringle C. R. , Hyde S. C. , Gill D. R. , Callaghan R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundOur current understanding of how the unique tumour microenvironment influences the efficacy of gene delivery is limited. The current investigation systematically examines the efficiency of several non‐viral gene transfer agents to transfect multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTS), an in vitro model that displays a faithful three‐dimensional (3D) representation of solid tumour tissue.MethodsUsing a luciferase reporter assay, gene transfer to MCTS was optimised for 22 kDa linear and 25 kDa branched polyethyleneimine (PEI), the cationic lipids Lipofectamine™ and DCChol : DOPE, and the physical approach of tissue electroporation. Confocal microscopy was used to take optical tissue slices to identify the tissue localisation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene expression and the distribution of fluorescently labelled complexes. A MCTS model of quiescent tumour regions was used to establish the influence of cellular proliferation status on gene transfer efficiency.ResultsOf the polyplexes tested, 22 kDa linear PEI provided optimal gene delivery, with gene expression peaking at 46 h. Despite being the optimal vector tested, PEI‐mediated transfection was limited to cells at the MCTS periphery. Using fluorescent PEI, it was found that complexes could only penetrate the outer 3–5 proliferating cell layers of the MCTS, sparing the deeper quiescent cells. Gene delivery in an MCTS model comprised entirely of quiescent cells demonstrated that in addition to being inaccessible to the vector, quiescent tumour regions are inherently less susceptible to PEI‐mediated transfection than proliferating regions. This ‘resistance’ to transfection observed in quiescent cells was overcome through the use of electroporation. Despite the improved efficacy of electroporation in quiescent tissue, the gene expression was still confined to the outer regions of MCTS. The results suggest that limited access to central regions of an MCTS remain a significant barrier to gene delivery.ConclusionsThis data provides new insights into tumour‐specific factors affecting non‐viral gene transfer and highlights the difficulties in delivering genes to avascular tumour regions. The MCTS model is a useful system for the initial screening of future gene therapy strategies for solid tumours. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AMS radiocarbon dating of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic bone in the British Isles: improved reliability using ultrafiltration
Authors: Jacobi R. M. , Higham T. F. G. , Ramsey C. Bronk 
Published: June 2006

AbstractRecent research at the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU) has shown that ultrafiltration of gelatin from archaeological bone can, in many instances, remove low molecular weight contaminants. These can sometimes be of a different radiocarbon age and, unless removed, may severely influence results, particularly when dating bones greater than two to three half‐lives of 14C. In this study this methodology is applied to samples of Late Middle and Early Upper Palaeolithic age from the British Isles. In many instances the results of redating invite serious reconsideration of the chronology for these periods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.