bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESCRIPTIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSES OF POTENTIAL PRECURSORS TO PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Borrero Carrie S. W. , Borrero John C.
Published: September 2008

We conducted descriptive observations of severe problem behavior for 2 individuals with autism to identify precursors to problem behavior. Several comparative probability analyses were conducted in addition to lag‐sequential analyses using the descriptive data. Results of the descriptive analyses showed that the probability of the potential precursor was greater given problem behavior compared to the unconditional probability of the potential precursor. Results of the lag‐sequential analyses showed a marked increase in the probability of a potential precursor in the 1‐s intervals immediately preceding an instance of problem behavior, and that the probability of problem behavior was highest in the 1‐s intervals immediately following an instance of the precursor. We then conducted separate functional analyses of problem behavior and the precursor to identify respective operant functions. Results of the functional analyses showed that both problem behavior and the precursor served the same operant functions. These results replicate prior experimental analyses on the relation between problem behavior and precursors and extend prior research by illustrating a quantitative method to identify precursors to more severe problem behavior.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSES AND TREATMENT OF PRECURSOR BEHAVIOR
Authors: Najdowski Adel C. , Wallace Michele D. , Ellsworth Carrie L. , MacAleese Alicia N. , Cleveland Jackie M.
Published: September 2008

Functional analysis has been demonstrated to be an effective method to identify environmental variables that maintain problem behavior. However, there are cases when conducting functional analyses of severe problem behavior may be contraindicated. The current study applied functional analysis procedures to a class of behavior that preceded severe problem behavior (precursor behavior) and evaluated treatments based on the outcomes of the functional analyses of precursor behavior. Responding for all participants was differentiated during the functional analyses, and individualized treatments eliminated precursor behavior. These results suggest that functional analysis of precursor behavior may offer an alternative, indirect method to assess the operant function of severe problem behavior.
TDNN with logical values for hydrologic modeling in a cold and snowy climate
Authors: Dibike Yonas B. , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: September 2008

Watershed runoff in areas with heavy seasonal snow cover is usually estimated using physically based conceptual hydrologic models. Such simulation models normally require a snowmelt algorithm consisting of a surface energy balance and some accounting of internal snowpack processes to be part of the modeling system. On the other hand, artificial neural networks are flexible mathematical structures that are capable of identifying such complex nonlinear relationships between input and output datasets from historical precipitation, temperature and streamflow records. This paper presents the findings of a study on using a form of time-delayed neural network, namely time-lagged feedforward neural network (TLFN), that implicitly accounts for snow accumulation and snowmelt processes through the use of logical values and tapped delay lines. The logical values (in the form of symbolic inputs) are used to implicitly include seasonal information in the TLFN model. The proposed method has been successfully applied for improved precipitation–runoff modeling of both the Chute-du-Diable reservoir inflows and the Serpent River flows in northeastern Canada where river flows and reservoir inflows are highly influenced by seasonal snowmelt effects. The study demonstrates that the TLFN with logical values is capable of modeling the precipitation–runoff process in a cold and snowy climate by relying on ‘logical input values’ and tapped delay lines to implicitly recognize the temporal input–output patterns in the historical data. The study results also show that, once the appropriate input patterns are identified, the time-lagged neural network based models performed quite well, especially for spring peak flows, and demonstrated comparable performance in simulating the precipitation–runoff processes to that of a physically based hydrological model, namely HBV.
Attribution of flood risk in urban areas
Authors: Dawson R. J. , Speight L. , Hall J. W. , Djordjevic S. , Savic D. , Leandro J.
Published: September 2008

Flooding in urban areas represents a particular challenge to modellers and flood risk managers because of the complex interactions of surface and sewer flows. Quantified flood risk estimates provide a common metric that can be used to compare risks from different sources. In situations where there are several organisations responsible for flood risk management we wish to be able to disaggregate the total risk and attribute it to different components in the system and/or agents with responsibility for risk reduction in order to target management actions. Two approaches to risk attribution are discussed: Standards-based attribution, which is a deterministic approach, based upon the performance of different engineering components in the system at their “design standard”. Sensitivity-based attribution, which apportions risk between the variables that influence the total flood risk.

Whilst both these approaches are feasible for the small system considered here, in practice urban flooding systems involve tens of thousands of variables. The only feasible approach to tackling this problem for large urban systems is therefore by hierarchical simplification of the system, with the attribution analysis being applied in several tiers of detail. In this paper, the applicability of a hierarchical approach is demonstrated in the context of sewer pipe blockages. The results demonstrate the potential of attribution methods to support the development of integrated urban flood risk management strategies, as they can identify the forcing variables and infrastructure components that have the most influence upon flood risk.
Neural-network-based simulation-optimization model for water allocation planning at basin scale
Authors: Shourian M. , Mousavi S. Jamshid , Menhaj M. B. , Jabbari E.
Published: September 2008

Heuristic search techniques are highly flexible, though they represent computationally intensive optimization methods that may require thousands of evaluations of expensive objective functions. This paper integrates MODSIM, a generalized river basin network flow model, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and artificial neural networks into a modeling framework for optimum water allocations at basin scale. MODSIM is called in the PSO model to simulate a river basin system operation and to evaluate the fitness of each set of selected design and operational variables with respect to the model's objective function, which is the minimization of the system's design and operational cost. Since the direct incorporation of MODSIM into a PSO algorithm is computationally prohibitive, an ANN model as a meta-model is trained to approximate the MODSIM modeling tool. The resulting model is used in the problem of optimal design and operation of the upstream Sirvan river basin in Iran as a case study. The computational efficiency of the model makes it possible to analyze the model performance through changing its parameters so that better solutions are obtained compared to those of the original PSO–MODSIM model.
Multiobjective contaminant response modeling for water distribution systems security
Authors: Preis Ami , Ostfeld Avi
Published: September 2008

Following the events of 9/11/2001 in the US, the world public awareness to possible terrorist attacks on water supply systems has increased significantly. The security of drinking water distribution systems has become a foremost concern around the globe. Water distribution systems are spatially diverse and thus are inherently vulnerable to intentional contamination intrusions. In this study, a multiobjective optimization evolutionary model for enhancing the response against deliberate contamination intrusions into water distribution systems is developed and demonstrated. Two conflicting objectives are explored: (1) minimization of the contaminant mass consumed following detection, versus (2) minimization of the number of operational activities required to contain and flush the contaminant out of the system (i.e. number of valves closure and hydrants opening). Such a model is aimed at directing quantitative response actions in opposition to the conservative approach of entire shutdown of the system until flushing and cleaning is completed. The developed model employs the multiobjective Non-Dominated Sorted Genetic Algorithm–II (NSGA-II) scheme, and is demonstrated using two example applications.
Comparison and Validation of Plug and Boundary Layer Flow Models of Monolithic Reactors: Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane on Rh Coated Monoliths
Authors: Sari Ataallah , Safekordi Aliakbar , Farhadpour Farhad A
Published: September 2008

Catalytic partial oxidation of methane in short residence time rhodium coated monolithic reactors offers an attractive route for syngas production. The plug flow and boundary layer flow approximations are considered as computationally efficient substitutes for the full Navier-Stokes model of the reactor while including detailed heterogeneous and homogeneous chemistry. The one dimensional plug flow model has trivial computational demands but only a limited range of application. The boundary layer model provides an excellent, computationally manageable substitute for the full Navier-Stokes model over a wide range of operating conditions. Using the 38-step elementary surface reaction mechanism of Deutschmann et al. (2001a) and the full GRI 3.0 mechanism for gas phase oxidation of methane, the boundary layer model can predict the experimental data of Hickman et al. (1993a) and Horn et al. (2007) with high accuracy. Sensitivity analyses with the boundary layer model delineate the complex surface phenomena responsible for the sharp transitions in reactor performance observed experimentally on increasing the feed methane to oxygen ratio. The detrimental influence of gas phase reactions on increasing the pressure to industrial levels (>20 bars) is also clearly demonstrated.
Left-handed chiral metamaterials
Authors: Sabah Cumali
Published: September 2008

In this work, the concept of left-handed chiral metamaterials is analyzed by emphasizing their optical ability on the rotation of the plane of polarization of a wave. The possibilities of a negative phase velocity, negative and positive propagation constants, and basic electromagnetic properties of this novel medium are also presented. After the characterization of left-handed chiral metamaterial, we provide a reflection and transmission study for two planar boundaries of nonchiral-left-handed chiral metamaterial for normal angles of incidence. Some numerical results are also provided to validate the formulation found in the analysis and to show the role of the chirality in the propagation constants, phase velocities, reflection and transmission.
Onset of local ordering in some copper-based alloys: critical solute concentration vis-a-vis various solutionhardening parameters
Authors: Butt Muhammad , Noshi Mozina , Bashir Farooq
Published: September 2008

The mode of planar distribution of solute atoms in Cu single crystals alloyed with 0.5 to 8.0 at.%Ge has been investigated via the temperature dependence of the critical resolved shear stress of these alloys. It is found that there exists a critical solute concentration c
m ≈ 5 at.%Ge below which the distribution of solute atoms in the crystal is random, and above which some local ordering occurs. This together with such data available in the literature for Cu-Zn, Cu-Al and Cu-Mn alloys, i.e. c
m ≈7 at. %Zn, 7 at.%Al and 1 at.%Mn, when examined as a function of the size-misfit factor δ = (1/b)(db/dc)of a given binary alloy system, shows that the value of c
m strongly depends on δ; the smaller the magnitude of δ, the greater the value of c
m and vice versa. Also, the value of c
m is found to correlate well with the electron-to-atom ratio (e/a)of the Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Ge and Cu-Mn alloys with the solute concentration c = c
m. However, no systematic correlation exists between the critical solute concentration c
m for the onset of local ordering and the modulus-mismatch parameter η = (1/G)(dG/dc).
Structural, dielectric, electrical and piezoelectric properties of Ba4SrRTi3V7O30 (R=Sm, Dy) ceramics
Authors: Sahoo Priyadarshini , Panigrahi Anuradha , Patri Sunanda , Choudhary Ram
Published: September 2008

Polycrystalline samples of Ba4SrRTi3V7O30 (R=Sm and Dy), members of the tungsten-bronze family, were prepared using a high-temperature, solid-state reaction technique and studied their electrical properties (using complex impedance spectroscopy) in a wide range of temperature (31–500°C) and frequency (1 kHz-1 MHz). Preliminary structural (XRD) analyses of these compounds show the formation of single-phase, orthorhombic structures at room temperature. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) provided information on the quality of the samples and uniform distribution of grains over the entire surface of the samples. Detailed studies of the dielectric properties suggest that they have undergone ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition well above the room temperatures (i.e., 432 and 355°C for R= Sm and Dy, respectively, at frequency 100 kHz). Measurements of electrical conductivity (ac and dc) as a function of temperature suggest that the compounds have semiconducting properties much above the room temperature, with negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior. The existence of ferroelectricity in these compounds was confirmed from a polarization study.
In situ study of the 41Ar plume released from the Ignalina NPP
Authors: Jasiulionis Rimvydas , Vyčinas Linas , Rožkov Andrej
Published: September 2008

The 41Ar gamma ray radiation was registered using the in situ method in the vicinity of the Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP). The sum of gamma rays, that are reaching the HPGe detector, situated along the wind direction, from a number of plume segments and which are registered in the energy range of about 1.29 MeV, is calculated. An independent technological regime of the operating reactor method of the determination of the 41Ar emission rate from NPP stack is introduced.
Application of asymptotic iteration method to the Khare-Mandal and its PT-symmetric QES partner potential
Authors: Özer Okan , Aslan Vedat
Published: September 2008

We study the application of the asymptotic iteration method to the Khare-Mandal potential and its PT-symmetric partner. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for both potentials are obtained analytically. We have shown that although the quasi-exactly solvable energy eigenvalues of the Khare-Mandal potential are found to be in complex conjugate pairs for certain values of potential parameters, its PT-symmetric partner exhibits real energy eigenvalues in all cases.
The Benefits of Structural Marginality to British Social Anthropology
Authors: Harvey Penny
Published: September 2008

• What is the status of anthropology in Britain?
• What does the general non-academic public know about anthropology?
• What is the ‘stereotype’ of the anthropologist?
• Does anthropological knowledge travel beyond academia to broader publics?
• What is the status of anthropology within the University?
Changing Contents in Shifting Contexts
Authors: Gingrich Andre
Published: September 2008

In response to the fine initiative by Alexei Elfimov, the present essay discusses the status of socio-cultural anthropology in the German-speaking countries in shifting contexts of past and present. I will focus here on three main themes, namely, socio-cultural anthropology as seen by a wider non-academic public, its status and terminology within wider academic contexts, and the internal differentiations among anthropologists in the German language zone with their unequal access to the public.
The Passion of Anthropology in the U.S., circa 2007
Authors: Marcus George E.
Published: September 2008

For me, since the 1980s, the distinctive event in the recent history of social and cultural anthropology in the United States has been a profound cutting of the discipline (or rather of this influential component of the four-field disciplinary organisation of general anthropology) from moorings that defined it through much of the twentieth century. Certainly the discipline is still wedded functionally to certain aspects of the institutional model which has shaped the identity of social and cultural anthropologists, as pioneered through the works of such figures as Bronislaw Malinowski in England and Franz Boas in the United States. Most anthropologists still begin their careers with a geographical area specialisation outside the U.S. However, few receive the intensive areas studies education that was available and encouraged in the U.S. during the 1950s through to the 1970s when, in the atmosphere of the Cold War and development studies, there was a huge investment in such interdisciplinary programmes that has since waned.
Russian Ethnography
Authors: Elfimov Alexei
Published: September 2008

An honest statement to begin with would be that the place of anthropology in Russian society is something of a relativity puzzle. Some can define its place but are not sure what exactly anthropology is. Others can define what anthropology is but are not quite sure what place it occupies. A few suppose they know both. The majority are not aware that either exists.

The issue is a complex one, and I do not have a handy equation to reduce it to a single meaningful set of answers, but I will try to delineate some of the facets that shape its general contours.
Anthropology in the Netherlands
Authors: Vermeulen Han F.
Published: September 2008

Dutch anthropology is a rich field of studies of culture and society in Europe and beyond, with hundreds of participants, today and for the past two centuries.1 It is the result of a complex interaction between scholarly interests in distant peoples, several centuries of colonialism and international trade, and political decisions on the structuring of higher education and research in the Netherlands and its former colonies.2 To a large extent, this historical background has shaped the way research is organised and funded nowadays.
Troubles with Identity
Authors: Boskovic Aleksandar , van Wyk Ilana
Published: September 2008

Anthropology began in South Africa with the work of nineteenth century missionaries like Alexandre Junod (Hammond-Tooke 1997; Thornton 1998) and as such it fits nicely into the cliche´ of a ‘colonial’ science. However, even at its humble beginnings in the former British colony, anthropology was much more than that (Thornton 1983; Cocks 2001); it served as an important field where different points of opinion collided or converged, but also as an important laboratory for different political experiments – some of which had lasting and devastating effects on South African societies.
Standardising Europe: The Bologna Process and new modes of governing
Authors: Fejes Andreas
Published: September 2008

This article explores how the discourses of the Bologna Process have been accepted and adopted as the dominating ones in European higher education. It consists of a governmentality and discourse analysis inspired by Foucault and based on selected European and Swedish policy documents. The aims of the analysis are to illustrate how governing operates discursively and how it is legitimized, to identify what subjectivities are being shaped and fostered and to de-stabilise the taken-for-granted ideas of the present and so contribute to a space for reflection on how governing and power operate in higher education today.
Book Reviews
Authors: Rodeck Elsa , Kimura Maki , Ainley Patrick
Published: September 2008

Rebekah Nathan (2005) My Freshman Year: What a Professor Learned by Becoming a Student

Review by Elsa Rodeck

Steve Spencer and Malcolm Todd (eds) (2006) Reflections on Practice: Teaching ‘Race’ and Ethnicity in Further and Higher Education

Review by Maki Kimura

James Avis (2007) Education, Policy and Social Justice, Learning and Skills

Review by Patrick Ainley
Sinn und Unsinn der Anrechnung von Waldsenken im Kyoto-Protokoll (Essay) | Sense and nonsense of using forests as carbon sinks in the Kyoto Protocol (essay)
Authors: Bugmann Harald
Published: September 2008

According to the Kyoto Protocol, biological carbon sinks can be used as a means of partially achieving national emission reduction targets. In this paper, I evaluate 1) the historical development of human impacts on the terrestrial carbon balance, 2) the resulting differences in baseline conditions in different parts of the world and for different nations, and 3) key aspects of the sustainability of accounting biological carbon sinks regarding the long-term development of the greenhouse effect.

Humankind has been influencing the greenhouse gas balance of the Earth for much longer than the past 100 to 150 years in a regionally highly differentiated manner. Forests play an important role as C sinks in most temperate zone countries today, but their sink strength results mainly from historical over-exploitation and thus should be regarded as “compensation” rather than a generic achievement of humankind in general, or forest management in particular.

Although accounting for biological C sinks for achieving national emission reduction targets appears positive at first sight, I conclude that this practice tends to obstruct problem solving, rather than fostering it. Considerations on the sustainability, ethics and efficiency and on the equitability of this accounting suggest that the two issues should be considered separately, without implying that forest protection would be of lesser importance, nor that biological C sinks would be of a marginal value.
Moderators of the association between relational aggression and perceived popularity
Authors: Puckett Marissa B. , Aikins Julie Wargo , Cillessen Antonius H.N.
Published: September 2008

This study, which involved two waves of measurement over a period of 12 months, examined first whether the positive association between relational aggression and two types of high status was moderated by social self‐efficacy, leadership, cooperation, and peer sociability. It was expected that relational aggressors are most likely to gain high peer group status when they are also self‐efficacious or prosocial. Second, this study examined the reciprocal association between relational aggression and high peer status. It was anticipated that relational aggression would contribute to higher perceived popularity and vice versa. Third, we also examined and hypothesized reciprocal effects between social self‐efficacy, leadership, cooperation, and peer sociability and perceived popularity. Youth were 540 13–15 year olds participating in Grade 7 (Time 1) and again 1 year later in Grade 8 (Time 2). Data were collected from peers, teachers, and the adolescents themselves. Consistent with expectations, relationally aggressive adolescents high in social self‐efficacy, leadership, cooperation, and peer sociability were higher in status than relationally aggressive individuals with low levels of these characteristics. In addition, relational aggression and perceived popularity reciprocally influenced each other. Finally, social self‐efficacy, leadership, cooperation, and peer sociability reciprocally influenced and were influenced by perceived popularity. Aggr. Behav. 34:563–576, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A transient permeation‐based method for composite zeolite membranes characterization
Authors: Courthial L. , Baudot A. , Tayakout‐Fayolle M. , Jallut C.
Published: September 2008

An in situ nondestructive characterization method for zeolite composite membranes, based on transient permeation experiments, is proposed in the present article. This technique allows an accurate evaluation of the zeolite selective layer thickness as well as the thermodynamic and transport properties of sorbing hydrocarbons. To this end, a dynamic model representing mass transport phenomena within the whole permeating module is derived. In order to get the crystal layer properties, a two‐step experimental approach is required. The zeolite layer effective thickness is first estimated with the permeation of a nonadsorbing species like hydrogen. Then, the adsorption equilibrium constants and the diffusion coefficients of butane isomers are determined. Three membranes obtained by different synthesis procedures are studied in the Henry domain. The estimated values of the equilibrium constants and diffusion coefficients for normal butane and isobutane are favorably compared with existing literature data. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Experimental study of SnO2/SnO/Sn thermochemical systems for solar production of hydrogen
Authors: Charvin Patrice , Abanades Stéphane , Lemont Florent , Flamant Gilles
Published: September 2008

A novel two‐step thermochemical water‐splitting cycle based on SnO2/SnO is proposed from the detailed study of the whole tin oxide systems involving three redox pairs. The thermal reduction of tin(IV) oxide occurs in the temperature range 1400–1600°C following a zero order kinetic law of Arrhenius with an activation energy of 394.8 kJ mol−1 and a pre‐exponential factor of 8.32 × 108 g s−1 at atmospheric pressure. The operating conditions that prevent gaseous stannous oxide (SnO) from recombining with O2 are defined. The effect of a quenching device (water‐cooled finger) is negligible whereas operation at low total pressure or low O2 and SnO partial pressures leads to nearly pure SnO product. The comparison of SnO and metallic tin hydrolysis in a fixed bed reactor reveals a higher reaction rate in the case of SnO. Hydrolysis of these reduced compounds shows nearly complete conversion producing hydrogen by a solid/gas reaction proceeding at moderate temperature, thus easy to implement in a common reactor technology. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Genetic predictors of depressive symptoms in cardiac patients
Authors: McCaffery Jeanne M. , Duan Qing Ling , Frasure‐Smith Nancy , Barhdadi Amina , Lespérance Francois , Théroux Pierre , Rouleau Guy A. , Dubé Marie‐Pierre
Published: September 2008

Numerous studies suggest that the prevalence of depression is greater among cardiac patients than in the general population. However, little attention has been paid to the possibility of genetic contributions to depressive symptoms in cardiac patients. We conducted a candidate gene study focusing on genes related to inflammation, platelet aggregation, endothelial function and omega‐3 fatty acid metabolism as predictors of depressive symptoms among 977 participants with established cardiovascular disease. Results suggested that genetic variation related to endothelial dysfunction is predictive of depressive symptoms and that endothelial dysfunction may be a novel mechanism contributing to depressive symptoms among cardiac patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure to confirm genetic association of the CHI3L1 gene with schizophrenia in Japanese and Chinese populations
Authors: Yamada Kazuo , Hattori Eiji , Iwayama Yoshimi , Toyota Tomoko , Ohnishi Tetsuo , Iwata Yasuhide , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Sugihara Genichi , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Okazaki Yuji , Yoshikawa Takeo
Published: September 2008

Recently, three common polymorphisms in the promoter region of the Chitinase 3‐Like 1 (CHI3L1) gene, rs6691378, rs10399805 and rs4950928, have been identified as schizophrenia predisposing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Han Chinese population. The at‐risk haplotype comprising these SNPs was also related to decreased expression of CHI3L1 in peripheral blood cells. In contrast, two independent postmortem brain studies have reported elevated expression of the transcript in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, from schizophrenic patients. The gene encodes a secreted glycoprotein (HC‐gp39 or YKL40), which is deemed to be involved in the inflammatory process. These pieces of evidence signify the potential importance of CHI3L1 in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to replicate the prior genetic association findings using two sample sets, one set of Chinese samples (293 pedigrees consisting of 1,163 subjects) that are ethnically identical to those used in the original report and a second set from the relatively close Japanese population (570 schizophrenic patients and 570 matched controls). We analyzed the same five SNPs as in the original study, including the three promoter SNPs. None of these SNPs showed association signals with schizophrenia (P values >0.108) in our sample sets. These results suggest that the genetic contribution of CHI3L1 to schizophrenia is variable, even though it is mechanistically involved in the disease process. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geographic distribution and possible taxonomic distinction ofCallicebus torquatuspopulations (Pitheciidae: Primates) in Peruvian Amazonia
Authors: Aquino Rolando , Terrones Wagner , Cornejo Fanny , Heymann Eckhard W.
Published: September 2008

Population densities of yellow‐handed titi monkey (Callicebus torquatus) were estimated using transect census methods. Densities were 2.8 individuals/km2in the upper Rio Itaya basin and 2.5 individuals/km2in the lower Rio Algodón basin. Group size varied from two to five individuals, with an average of 2.9 individuals per group at the Rio Itaya. Groups were generally composed of two adults, probably the reproductive pair, with progeny from one to three previous birth seasons. Although the Rio Itaya population is phenotypically identical to populations from the rivers Nanay and Tigre, it differs from population on the rivers Napo and Putumayo. This suggests the existence of two disjunct populations ofC. torquatusin Peruvian Amazonia whose taxonomic status warrants further examination. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1181–1186, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reconciliation, consolation and postconflict behavioral specificity in chimpanzees
Authors: Fraser Orlaith N. , Aureli Filippo
Published: September 2008

Conflicts of interest arise regularly in the lives of all group‐living animals and may escalate into aggressive conflicts. The costs of aggressive escalation can be reduced through peaceful postconflict interactions. This study investigated the postconflict behavior of 22 adult chimpanzees at Chester Zoo. The occurrence of reconciliation, i.e. the postconflict affiliative reunion between conflict opponents, and consolation, i.e. a postconflict affiliative interaction directed from a third party to the recipient of aggression, were demonstrated. Consolation was more likely to occur in the absence of reconciliation than after reconciliation, and reconciliation was more likely to occur in the absence of consolation than after consolation, supporting the hypothesis that consolation acts as a substitute for reconciliation when the latter fails to occur. Evidence for behavioral specificity, i.e. context‐specific use of certain behaviors, was found for both reconciliation and consolation, which, along with high conciliatory tendencies, suggests an explicit style of postconflict behavior in the study subjects. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1114–1123, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of stone handling behavior in two macaque species: implications for the role of phylogeny and environment in primate cultural variation
Authors: Nahallage Charmalie AD , Huffman Michael A
Published: September 2008

This study describes the stone handling (SH) behavior of captive rhesus macaques and compares it with that of a captive troop of Japanese macaques with reference to the relative contributions of phylogeny‐driven behavioral propensities, environmental differences and socially facilitated learning to the formation of culture. These systematically collected data demonstrate for the first time that two closely related macaque species might share a common cultural behavior, SH. The rhesus troop displayed SH behavioral patterns that was already described in Japanese macaque troops. The one exception was a new pattern not yet seen in any Japanese macaque troop. Differences in the physical environment of the two study enclosures may be responsible for some of the variation in observed SH behavioral patterns in these two troops. These data support the idea that environmental factors can be important for the formation of cultural variation, when the key materials needed to perform the behavior are present in both habitats (stones). Our results are consistent with the prediction made by Huffman and Hirata [The biology of tradition: Models and evidence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p 267–296] that an interactive triad of phylogenetic, environmental and social factors can be responsible for the formation of cultural variation in primates. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1124–1132, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring physical traits of primates remotely: the use of parallel lasers
Authors: Rothman Jessica M. , Chapman Colin A. , Twinomugisha Dennis , Wasserman Michael D. , Lambert Joanna E. , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: September 2008

Physical traits, such as body size, and processes like growth can be used as indices of primate health and can add to our understanding of life history and behavior. Accurately measuring physical traits in the wild can be challenging because capture is difficult, disrupts animals, and may cause injury. To measure physical traits of arboreal primates remotely, we adapted a parallel laser technique that has been used with terrestrial and marine mammals. Two parallel lasers separated by a known distance (4 cm) and mounted onto a digital camera are projected onto an animal. When a photograph is taken, the laser projections on the target provide a scale bar. We validated the technique for measuring the physical traits of identifiable red colobus monkeys (Procolobus rufomitratus) in Kibale National Park, Uganda. First, we photographed the tails of monkeys with laser projections and compared these with measurements previously obtained when the animals were captured. Second, we manually measured the distance between two markers placed on tree branches at similar heights to those used by monkeys, and compared them with the measurements obtained through digital photographs of the markers with parallel laser projections. The mean tail length of the monkeys via manual measurements was 63.3±4.4 cm, and via remote measurements was 63.0±4.1 cm. The mean distance between the markers on tree branches via manual measurements was 13.8±3.59 cm, and via remote measurements was 13.9±3.58 cm. The mean error using parallel lasers was 1.7% in both cases. Although the needed precision will depend on the question asked, our results suggest that sufficiently precise measurements of physical traits or substrates of arboreal primates can be obtained remotely using parallel lasers. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1191–1195, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bifurkationen auf den Potentialenergiehyperflächen organischer Reaktionen
Authors: Ess Daniel H. , Wheeler Steven E. , Iafe Robert G. , Xu Lai , Çelebi‐Ölçüm Nihan , Houk Kendall N.
Published: September 2008

Ein einziger Übergangszustand kann zu mehreren Zwischenstufen oder Produkten führen, wenn sich der Reaktionsweg nach dem Übergangszustand gabelt. Solche Gabelungen (Bifurkationen) entstehen beim Vorliegen sequenzieller Übergangszustände ohne dazwischenliegendem Energieminimum. Die Selektivität dieser Reaktionen wird nicht von der Energetik des Übergangszustands, sondern von der Form der Potentialenergiehyperfläche und von dynamischen Effekten gesteuert. In diesem Kurzaufsatz werden jüngste Untersuchungen von organischen Reaktionen mit Reaktionswegbifurkationen vorgestellt. Diese Bifurkationen sind überraschend häufig und wirken sich auf experimentell bestimmbare Größen wie kinetische Isotopeneffekte und Produktverteilungen aus.
Surface plasmon resonance studies on molecularly imprinted films
Authors: Yoshikawa Masakazu , Guiver Michael D. , Robertson Gilles P.
Published: September 2008

Novel molecular recognition films were prepared from modified polysulfone having perillaldehyde moiety as a side group. The molecular recognition films were obtained from perillaldehyde polysulfone by adopting 9‐ethyladenine as a print molecule. The molecular recognition phenomena were studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. Adsorption of adenosine (As) and guanosine (Gs) in the molecularly imprinted film was studied. Dual adsorption isotherms were observed for As in 9‐EA imprinted films, while nonspecific adsorption isotherms for Gs in those films. This revealed that the molecular recognition sites toward As were constructed in the films thus prepared. The apparent affinity constant toward As determined by using apparent adsorption isotherms ranged from 7.90 × 103 to 3.31 × 104 mol−1 dm3. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Mixed morphology by the extrusion of phase‐separated blends of a melt‐processed polymer and polymer solution
Authors: Drew Christopher , Bosselman Suzanne , Ziegler David
Published: September 2008

The phase behavior and structure development in immiscible blends of melt‐extruded polycaprolactone and a viscous aqueous poly(ethylene oxide) solution were investigated. The coextrusion of an aqueous polymer solution and a molten polymer is a largely unexplored technique and offers exciting potential for creating new materials via the execution of chemical reactions in the aqueous phase. Samples were prepared both with and without a block copolymer acting as a surface‐active agent. The resulting morphology was characterized with scanning electron microscopy after the removal of the water‐soluble phase. Spheres, rods, fibers, and cocontinuous gyroidal structures were observed, yet the exact phase inversion was not observed, and the changes in the feature shape depended on which component composed the major phase. Significant orientation in the flow direction was observed when the less viscous poly(ethylene oxide) was the major phase, whereas orientation was minimal when polycaprolactone was the major phase. These observations indicate that control of the feature shape and orientation may be accomplished through the control of the viscosity. The spontaneous formation of an outer layer of polycaprolactone in all samples was observed, suggesting that the morphology could be induced by control of the material interaction with the extruder die wall. The inclusion of a diblock copolymer significantly reduced the feature size but did not alter the morphology type. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and study of cellulose acetate membranes modified with linear polymers covalently bonded to Starburst polyamidoamine dendrimers
Authors: Ledesma‐García J. , Orozco Germán , Antaño René , Godínez Luis A.
Published: September 2008

Novel ion‐selective membranes were prepared by means of the noncovalent modification of a cellulose acetate (CA) polymer with either poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) chains covalently linked to Starburst amine‐terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers generations 4 and 3.5, respectively. Linear polymer incorporation within the porous CA membrane was performed with mechanical forces, which resulted in modified substrates susceptible to covalent adsorption of the relevant dendritic materials via the formation of amide bonds with a carbodiimide activation agent. The membranes thus prepared were characterized by chemical, physical, and spectroscopic measurements, and the results indicate that the dendrimer peripheral functional groups were the species that participated in the ion‐exchange events. The prepared materials were also evaluated for their ion‐exchange permeability with sampled current voltammetry experiments involving cationic and anionic species {[Ru(NH3)6]3+ and [Fe(CN6)]3−, respectively} as redox probe molecules under different pH conditions. As expected, although permeability was favored by opposite charges between the dendrimer and the electroactive probe, a clear blocking effect took place when the charge in the dendritic polymer and the electroactive complex was the same. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, on the other hand, showed that the PAMAM‐modified membranes were characterized by good selectivity and low resistance values for multivalent ions compared to a couple of commercial ion‐exchange membranes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Anionomeric waterborne poly(urethane semicarbazide) dispersions and their adhesive properties
Authors: Aruna Palanisamy , Kumar D. B. Rohini
Published: September 2008

Aqueous polyurethane dispersions were prepared from isocyanate‐terminated ionic polyurethane prepolymers by chain extension with dihydrazides. These water‐borne dispersions had excellent adhesive properties and were used to bond leather and canvas. The base polymers were varied with respect to (1) the ionic content with the same chain extender and (2) the nature of the chain extender with the ionic content kept constant. Studies on the particle size and viscosity revealed that the ionic content had an influence on the aforementioned properties: the particle size decreased and the viscosity increased with increasing ionic content. The polarity of the films cast from the dispersions were determined with contact‐angle measurements: hydrophilic character was exhibited by all the compositions. X‐ray studies revealed that the increase in the ionic content led to increasing intensities of the diffraction peaks due to increased secondary forces of bonding. The tensile strength measurements showed that the films were highly elastomeric and had good mechanical strength, which varied with the composition. A shear strength and peel strength analysis of specimens obtained through the bonding of leather to leather, leather to canvas, and canvas to canvas revealed that the waterborne dispersions were excellent adhesives for bonding leather surfaces. Thus, a very efficient, ecofriendly waterborne dispersion of polyurethane that could find applications in bonding leather in the footwear industry was prepared successfully. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrically conductive nanocomposites of polyaniline with poly(vinyl alcohol) and methylcellulose
Authors: Chattopadhyay Dipankar , Bain Mrinal Kanti
Published: September 2008

Electrically conductive nanocomposites of HCl‐doped polyaniline (PANI–HCl) nanocolloid particles with water‐soluble and film‐forming polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and methylcellulose (MC) were prepared by the redispersion of preformed MC‐coated submicrometric PANI–HCl particles in PVA and MC solutions under sonication for 1 h and the casting of the films from the dispersions followed by drying. The submicrometric polyaniline (PANI) particles were prepared by the oxidative dispersion polymerization of aniline in an acidic (1.25M HCl) aqueous ethanol (30 : 70) medium with MC as a steric stabilizer. The particles contained 4.7 wt % MC and had a conductivity of 7.4 S/cm. They had an oblong shape of 203 nm (length) and 137 nm (breadth). Sonication broke the oblong‐shaped particles to sizes of ∼10 nm in the PVA matrix and ∼60 nm in the MC matrix. The electrical conductivity of these films was measured, and the percolation threshold was determined. The composites had the characteristics of a low percolation threshold at a volume fraction of PANI of 2.5 × 10−2 in the PVA matrix and at a volume fraction of 3.7 × 10−2 in the MC matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and characterization of antibacterial zeolite–polyurethane composites
Authors: Kamışoğlu K. , Aksoy E. A. , Akata B. , Hasirci N. , Baç N.
Published: September 2008

In this study, antibacterial properties were induced in polyurethane (PU) films by the incorporation of Ag+‐loaded zeolites as fillers. The mechanical and thermal properties of the prepared composites were also investigated. For this purpose, two different types of zeolite microparticles, high‐silica zeolite beta crystals and low‐silica zeolite A crystals, were synthesized. Ag+ was added by ion exchange, and these particles were incorporated into the PU prepolymer, which was prepared from its main components of toluene diisocyanate and polypropylene ethylene glycol (medical purity). Microbiological tests revealed that both types of composites, prepared by the addition of Ag+‐containing zeolite beta or zeolite A to the PU matrix, had antibacterial properties. It was demonstrated for the first time that a high‐silica zeolite (zeolite beta) and its composite film could be effectively employed as antibacterial materials. Furthermore, mechanical and thermal characterization of the composites showed that the zeolites enhanced the mechanical properties of the polymer and did not cause any deterioration in its thermal properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Lower critical solution temperature determination of smart, thermosensitive N‐isopropylacrylamide‐alt‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymers: Kinetics and physical properties
Authors: Fares Mohammad M. , Othman Ali A.
Published: September 2008

The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) were verified and determined for different molar feed ratios of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers with ultraviolet spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Increases in the NIPAAm monomer content played a crucial role in the LCST, which increased up to 36.7°C at 50 mol %. However, a further increase in the NIPAAm monomer content steadily reduced the LCST, which decreased to 33°C at 100 mol % NIPAAm [i.e., pure poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)]. The rate of copolymerization, assessed by the conventional conversion (%)–time method, and the apparent activation energies were determined. The reactivity ratios of the monomers, determined by the Kelen–Tudos and Fineman–Ross techniques, together with the results of an equation, showed that the copolymer which formed was an alternating copolymer. The Q–e values for the NIPAAm monomer were determined. The equation showed the linear Arrhenius behavior of ln(r1r2) versus the reciprocal of the temperature (where r1 and r2 are the reactivity ratios of NIPAAm and HEMA, respectively): the activation energy difference [i.e., (E12 + E21) − (E11 + E22), where E12, E21, E11, and E22 are various activation energies] was found to be −109 kJ/mol. The copolymers were characterized with 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Fly ash particles and precipitated silica as fillers in rubbers. III. Cure characteristics and mechanical and oil‐resistance properties of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber
Authors: Sombatsompop N. , Wimolmala E. , Sirisinha C.
Published: September 2008

This study investigated the cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and oil resistance of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) filled with 60 phr carbon black (CB) and different amounts of silica from fly ash [fly ash silica (FASi)] and precipitated silica (PSi). Loadings of CB and PSi silica in NBR vulcanizates reduced the scorch and cure times. An increase in the cure time of FASi–CB–NBR vulcanizates was probably caused by an interaction between the polarity of NBR and the metal oxide activators in FASi, which could retard the curing. The tensile modulus of NBR vulcanizates increased with the addition of CB and silica fillers and with immersion in hydraulic oil at 125°C. CB exhibited a more pronounced effect on the NBR reinforcement versus the PSi and FASi fillers. The tensile and tear strengths and elongation at break decreased under thermal aging in hydraulic oil. The PSi system showed better reinforcement of CB–NBR vulcanizates than the FASi system. The hardness of NBR vulcanizates increased with CB and silica. The results in this work suggest that silica from fly ash particles could be used as an extender for cost savings in NBR compounds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008