bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High capacity adsorption of malachite green in a mesoporous tyre‐derived activated carbon
Authors: Song X. , Xu R. , Wang K.
Published: May 2012

A mesoporous activated carbon derived from waste tyres was used to remove a toxic basic dye (malachite green oxalate, or MG) from aqueous solutions. The carbon contains a large volume fraction of mesopores and presents an excellent adsorption capacity of ~424 mg/g towards MG, which is much higher than a commercial carbon with similar surface area. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were found to follow Langmuir equation and second‐order kinetics, respectively. The structure of the carbon was characterised and based on which the dye adsorption mechanism was discussed. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taguchi orthogonal array design for the optimization of hydrogel nanoparticles for the intravenous delivery of small‐molecule drugs
Authors: Hamidi Mehrdad , Azadi Amir , Ashrafi Hajar , Rafiei Pedram , Mohamadi‐Samani Soliman
Published: May 2012

In this study, a 16 runs Taguchi method was applied as an experimental design to establish the optimum conditions for hydrogel nanoparticle preparation. Five relevant factors, chitosan (CS) concentration, pentasodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) concentration, CS‐to‐TPP volume ratio, addition time of the TPP solution to the CS solution, and temperature, were selected as the main determinants, and the effects of each factor on the size of the hydrogel nanoparticles were studied at four levels. The statistical analysis revealed that the most important factors contributing to the achievement of minimum particle size were the CS‐to‐TPP volume ratio and the CS concentration. By solving a set of equations derived from the differentiation of the final model, we established the optimum conditions for hydrogel nanoparticle preparation as follows: CS concentration = 0.28% w/v, TPP concentration = 3.17% w/v, TPP/CS = 1 : 8, temperature = 25.66°C, and addition time of the TPP solution to the CS solution = 0.4 min. Also, an analysis of response at the different levels of the factors indicated that there was no remarkable interaction between them. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012
Synthesis of magnesium hydroxide nanofiller and its use for improving thermal properties of new poly(ether‐amide)
Authors: Shabanian Meisam , Ghanbari Davood
Published: May 2012

A new poly(ether‐amide; PEA) as a source of polymeric matrix, containing flexible ether group in the main chain was synthesized by direct polycondensation reaction of 1,2‐(4‐carboxy phenoxy)ethane with 4,4‐diaminodiphenyl ether in a medium consisting of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, triphenyl phosphite, calcium chloride, and pyridine. The resulting PEA was characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), 1H NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Magnesium Hydroxide (MH) nanostructure was synthesized by the reaction of magnesium sulfate and sodium hydroxide by sonochemical method. The MH particle was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then Mg(OH)2 nanostructure was added to poly(ether‐amide) matrix and resulting nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, SEM, and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA). Thermal decomposition of the PEA shifted towards higher temperature in the presence of the magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Emulsion polymerization of isoprene: Mathematical model for long‐chain branching
Authors: Rodríguez Virginia I. , Minari Roque J. , Estenoz Diana A. , Gugliotta Luis M. , Meira Gregorio R.
Published: May 2012

For a batch emulsion polymerization of isoprene at 10°C in the presence of a chain transfer agent, a previous mathematical model (Minari et al., J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2010, 116, 590) was extended for predicting the molecular weight distributions of all the generated long chain branched topologies; with each topology characterized by the number of tri‐ and tetra‐functional branches per molecule. According to the new model predictions, at the reaction end the linear topology remains as the most abundant (with ∼ 40% of the total mass), followed by the single trifunctionally branched topology (with ∼ 20% of the total mass). The model can be used for developing strategies for controlling the distribution of branches/molecule, for estimating melt viscosities, etc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A novel method to graft carbon nanotube onto carbon fiber by the use of a binder
Authors: Rong Huaiping , Han Keqing , Li Shuang , Tian Yingcai , Muhuoyu
Published: May 2012

A novel method is developed for grafting multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) onto the surface of polyacrylonitrile‐based high strength (T300GB) carbon fiber. Functionalized MWNTs were well dispersed in the PVA solution and the carbon fiber was dip‐coated in this solution. After heat treatment of the coated carbon fiber under a nitrogen atmosphere, MWNTs with carboxyl groups were grafted onto the functionalized carbon fiber via chemical interaction. The resulting materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectrum and mechanical testing. FESEM observations revealed uniform coverage of carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber. The carbon fiber grafted with MWNTs improved the tensile strength by 12% with respect to the pristine carbon fiber. These results are supportive of good interfacial bonding between the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon fiber. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and applications of oligoetherols with perhydro‐1,3,5‐triazine ring and boron
Authors: Lubczak Jacek , Łukasiewicz Beata , Myśliwiec Bogdan
Published: May 2012

A new method of preparation of oligoetherols containing perhydro‐1,3,5‐triazine rings and boron atoms is presented. The oligoetherols were obtained in the reaction of 1,3,5‐tris(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate with boric acid followed by reaction with alkylene carbonates. The structure and physical properties of the products render them good candidate for preparing the polyurethane foams. The foams were obtained and their properties were compared with those synthesized from isocyanuric acid and alkylene carbonates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synergistic effect of coupling agents on polypropylene‐based wood–plastic composites
Authors: Yeh Shu‐Kai , Kim Kwang‐Jea , Gupta Rakesh K.
Published: May 2012

In this study, polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) and styrene ethylene‐co‐butylene styrene block copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) were used as coupling agents for polypropylene‐based wood–plastic composites containing 50 wt % wood flour. Adding up to 5 wt % PP‐g‐MA to the composite increased the tensile strength of the wood‐plastic composite (WPC) by almost 100% and the reversed‐notch Izod impact strength by more than 100%; the modulus remained essentially unchanged. By contrast, the same amount of SEBS‐g‐MA had a greater effect on the impact strength but a smaller influence on the tensile strength; in addition, the modulus was reduced. On using a combination of 2 wt % PP‐g‐MA and 1 wt % SEBS‐g‐MA, the impact strength of the composite could be increased significantly, but the tensile strength and modulus were not reduced to any appreciable extent relative to the use of PP‐g‐MA alone. Because WPCs are building products where minimizing costs is extremely important, this finding has important commercial implications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
On rheology–morphology correlation of polypropylene/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blend nanocomposites
Authors: Khonakdar H. A. , Saen P. , Nodehi A. , Jafari S. H. , Asadinezhad A. , Wagenknecht U. , Heinrich G.
Published: May 2012

A correlation between rheology and morphology of polypropylene/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blend nanocomposites was addressed. Organoclay particles were preferentially localized either at the interface or inside the polyester phase depending upon affinity the level and exerted compatibilizing role by making a finer morphology. The functional compatibilizer was found to be highly efficient in giving rise to an enhanced interfacial adhesion and uniform morphology. The compatibilizer also expanded the clay gallery space by increasing its interlayer distance. Rheological measurements showed that nanoclay and compatibilizer contribute to the complex viscosity of the system considerably. Also, an upturn was detected at low angular frequencies ascribed to a secondary structure formation. Similar behavior was also found when storage shear modulus was studied, where at low frequencies a terminal plateau of yield stress character appeared that was connected with some intermolecular networks. This was further supported via relaxation time spectra wherein additional peaks due to interface emerged at low frequencies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Electromagnetic wave shielding and microwave absorbing properties of hybrid epoxy resin/foliated graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Al‐Ghamdi A. A. , Al‐Hartomy Omar A. , Al‐Solamy Falleh , Al‐Ghamdi Attieh A. , El‐Tantawy Farid
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize foliated graphite nanosheets (FGNs) reinforced composites based on epoxy resin for the electromagnetic wave shielding and microwave absorbing applications. The microstructure of as prepared FGNs and epoxy reinforced with different content of foliated graphite was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of FGNs on thermal stability of composites was examined by thermal gravimetric. It is found that the inclusion of FGNs into the epoxy resin matrix enhances the microstructure core of epoxy resin composites. Static electric properties such as electrical conductivity, carrier mobility, number of charge carriers, and thermoelectric power of composites were studied in details. Dielectric properties of epoxy/FGN composites were characterized as a function of composition and frequency in the range of 1–18 GHz. The electromagnetic wave shielding as a function of frequency of composites was examined and compared with theoretical values. The highest shielding effectiveness was obtained for high foliated graphite loading sample FG40 at frequency of 18 GHz it equals to 62 dB. Finally, the electromagnetic wave properties such as absorption loss and reflection loss as a function of frequency were investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Thermal, crystalline, and tribological properties of PEEK/PEI/PES plastics alloys
Authors: Chen Jianbing , Guo Qiang , Zhao Zhengping , Shao Xianli , Wang Xiaoming , Duan Chunlai
Published: May 2012

PEEK/PEI/PES plastics alloys in weight ratios of 70/30/0, 70/25/5, 65/30/5, 60/30/10, 60/35/5, and the three kinds of single high performance engineering plastics 100/0/0, 0/100/0, 0/0/100 were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion molding. A single glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of each alloy in the former five kinds of the plastics alloys could be measured by DSC and always rose to higher one than that of the pure PEEK by about 20°C. The crystalline degrees of these alloys could also ascended to more than 35.81% higher than that of the pure PEEK, especially for the alloy of the ratio 60/30/10 reached the maximum crystalline degree 37.76%. Adding PEI or PEI and PES, the crystalline temperatures of the PEEK alloys were decreased. The wear resistances of the alloys under dry sliding condition were considerably improved compared with pure PEI or PES, and the specific wear rate of the pure PEI or PES were four to six times as large as that of the alloys. However, the specific wear rates of the alloys were six to eight times larger than that of the pure PEEK, and the friction coefficients of the alloys were higher than that of the pure PEEK for 0.2–0.3. The polymeric transferred film on the steel ring surface against the alloys could be found, but no film on that against pure PES or PEI was found. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Adsorption of anionic dyes on a reversibly swelling cationic superabsorbent polymer
Authors: Bharti Shukla Neelesh , Madras Giridhar
Published: May 2012

A cationic monomer [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride was polymerized using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinker to obtain a cationic superabsorbent polymer (SAP). This SAP was characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, and the equilibrium swelling capacity was determined by swelling in water. The SAP was subjected to cyclic swelling/deswelling in water and NaCl solution. The conductivity of the swelling medium was monitored during the swelling/deswelling and was related to the swelling/deswelling characteristics of the SAP. The adsorption of five anionic dyes of different classes on the SAP was carried out and was found to follow the first‐order kinetics. The Langmuir adsorption isotherms were found to fit the equilibrium adsorption data. The dye adsorption capacity of the SAP synthesized in this study was higher than that obtained for other hydrogels reported in the literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Novel nanocomposite of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) crosslinked with Jeffamine‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as gel polymer electrolytes
Authors: Li Yang , Luo Dan , Yang Mujie
Published: May 2012

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with α,ω‐diamino poly(propylene oxide) (Jeffamine) of different molecular weights and crosslinked with poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) [P(AN‐GMA)] to prepare a novel nanocomposite for applications in gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The synthesized copolymer was characterized by 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and thermal analysis. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that the Jeffamine‐functionalized MWCNTs distributed uniformly in the nanocomposite membrane. The mechanical behaviors of the nanocomposite membranes were investigated. It was found that the crosslinked nanocomposite membranes of P(AN‐GMA) and Jeffamine‐functionalized MWCNTs exhibited much higher mechanical strength than the counterpart nanocomposite obtained by physical blending. Moreover, the weight content and molecular weights of Jeffamine had an effect on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimeter measurements showed that the crosslinked nanocomposite membranes were amorphous. GPEs based on the nanocomposite were prepared and characterized by complex impedance measurements. The GPE based on the nanocomposite of P(AN‐GMA) crosslinked with 6 wt % of MWCNTs functionalized by Jeffamine D400 showed an ionic conductivity of about 3.39 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25°C, which is much higher than the counterpart nanocomposite of physically blended P(AN‐GMA) and MWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Tooth‐On‐Tooth Interlocking Occlusion Suggests Macrophagy in the Mesozoic Marine Crocodylomorph Dakosaurus
Authors: Young Mark T. , Brusatte Stephen L. , Beatty Brian L. , De Andrade Marco Brandalise , Desojo Julia B.
Published: May 2012

Metriorhynchidae was a peculiar but long‐lived group of marine Mesozoic crocodylomorphs adapted to a pelagic lifestyle. Recent discoveries show that metriorhynchids evolved a wide range of craniodental morphotypes and inferred feeding strategies. One genus, Dakosaurus, is arguably the most aberrant marine crocodylomorph due to its large, robust, ziphodont teeth; very low tooth count; and brevirostrine/oreinirostral snout. We here report an additional unusual feature of Dakosaurus that is unique among marine crocodylomorphs: tightly fitting tooth‐to‐tooth occlusion, whose inference is supported by reception pits along the upper and lower tooth rows, indicative of vertically orientated crowns that were in close contact during occlusion, and three distinct types of dental wear. These include irregular spalled surfaces near the apex (probably caused by tooth‐food contact), semi‐circular wear near the base, and elongate surfaces extending along the mesial and distal margins of the teeth, obliterating the carinae (including the denticles). Scanning electron micrographs show that these latter surfaces are marked by parallel apicobasal striations, which in extant mammals reflect tooth–tooth contact. As such, we interpret the carinal wear facets in Dakosaurus as being formed by repeated tooth–tooth contact between the mesial and distal margins of the teeth of the upper and lower jaw. We posit that this increased the available shearing surface on their high crowns. Together, these wear patterns suggest that occlusion in Dakosaurus was specialized for cutting large and abrasive prey items into portions small enough to swallow, making it a prime example of an aquatic reptile with macrophagous feeding habits. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
STRUCTURAL AND CATALYTIC ROLE OF TWO CONSERVED TYROSINES IN DELTA‐CLASS GLUTATHIONE S‐TRANSFERASE FROM Locusta migratoria
Authors: Zhang Xueyao , Li Tao , Zhang Jianqin , Li Daqi , Guo Yaping , Qin Guohua , Zhu Kun Yan , Ma Enbo , Zhang Jianzhen
Published: May 2012

Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are an important family of detoxifying enzymes and play a key role in pesticide resistance in the insect. Tyrosine is essential for its detoxification function. In the present study, two conserved tyrosine residues are located at positions 108 and 116 in H‐site of LmGSTD1. To elucidate how the two residues participate in the catalytic process and keeping structural stability, four mutants, Y108A, Y108E, Y116A, and Y116E, were generated. It was found that the four mutants affected the specific activity of LmGSTD1 in various degrees, depending on the types of substrate and reaction mechanism. Steady‐state kinetics assay revealed that Y108E and Y116E had a significant influence on GSH‐binding ability, which indicates the two tyrosine residues of H‐site contribute to topology rearrangement of G‐site. Both Y116A and Y116E exhibited lower CDNB‐binding affinity, suggesting that Y116 takes part in hydrophobic substrate binding. The thermostability assay, intrinsic, and 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) florescence results showed that the two tyrosine residues were involved in regulation of active‐site conformation. Finally, homology modeling provided evidence that the two tyrosines in H‐site participate in hydrophobic substrate binding. Furthermore, Y108 is closer to the S atom of S‐hexylglutathione. In conclusion, the two tyrosines in LmGSTD1 are important residues in both the catalytic process and protein stability.
Impacts of the Nile Delta land‐use on the local climate
Authors: Giannakopoulou Evangelia‐Maria , Toumi Ralf
Published: May 2012

This is a numerical study of the effects of the Nile Delta (ND) man‐made greening on local climate. We compared a control simulation, which employs the present‐day ND vegetation, with a desertification experiment. It was found that the low surface albedo of the agricultural ND increases net radiation, which in turn raises potential evapotranspiration (PET). This suggests that agricultural use increases the water demand by enhancing PET. Non‐local effects are also observed on a frontal system over the eastern Mediterranean Sea that shifted farther away from the coast. This shift is attributed to a stronger land breeze in the present‐day land‐cover. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The nature of small‐scale non‐turbulent variability in a mesoscale model
Authors: Güttler Ivan , Belušić Danijel
Published: May 2012

Previous studies have shown that numerical diffusion plays a crucial role in the ability of mesoscale models to reproduce features similar to sub‐meso motions found in observations, particularly in terms of spectral energy distribution. In this study, the impacts of surface heterogeneity and frequency of lateral boundary coupling are investigated as potential factors governing or modulating the occurrence of sub‐meso motions. The spectral energy distribution after the reduction of model diffusion is analysed in detail. It is suggested that a combination of physical and numerical mechanisms is responsible for the final spectral shape. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Observed 21st century temperatures further constrain likely rates of future warming
Authors: Stott Peter A. , Jones Gareth S.
Published: May 2012

We carry out a detection and attribution analysis of observed near‐surface temperatures to 2010 and demonstrate that the signal of human influence on climate has strengthened over the first decade of the 21st century. As a result, we show that global warming is set to continue, with the second decade of the 21st century predicted to be very likely warmer than the first. Estimates of future warming rates consistent with observations of past climate change are now better constrained than they were a decade ago. The highest rates of warming previously consistent with past warming now appear to be unlikely. © 2012 British Crown copyright, the Met Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The transition to a bio‐economy: national perspectives
Authors: Kircher Manfred
Published: May 2012

Manfred Kircher, Chairman of Cluster Industrielle Biotechnologie e.VCLIB2021 considers the transition from a fossil‐fuel‐based economy to a global bio‐economy. In this, the first of a two‐part feature, he puts forward the case for facilitating connections between regions for a fully integrated global bio‐economy linked by ‘clusters of clusters’.
Bioenergy's contribution to climate change mitigation – a matter of perspectives
Authors: Berndes Göran
Published: May 2012

There are many options for expanding bioenergy that contribute positively to environmental protection
Identification of human cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of a novel к‐opioid receptor agonist, nalfurafine hydrochloride
Authors: Ando Akihiro , Oshida Keiyu , Fukuyama Shinichi , Watanabe Ayano , Hashimoto Hisashi , Miyamoto Yohei
Published: May 2012

Nalfurafine hydrochloride (TRK‐820) exhibits strong к‐opioid agonistic activity and is a new antipruritic agent for uremic pruritus. This study was performed to identify the human hepatic cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolic conversion of nalfurafine to the decyclopropylmethylated form, de‐CPM, using human liver microsomes and E. coli membrane fractions expressing human P450 isoforms. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography with a radioactivity detector and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolism of nalfurafine by human liver microsomes exhibited a biphasic kinetic profile. Experiments examining the metabolism by E. coli membrane fractions expressing human P450 isoforms indicated that CYP1A1, 2C8, 2C19 and 3A4 had the ability to produce de‐CPM. In experiments with human liver microsomes that examined the inhibition of nalfurafine metabolism by anti‐human P450 antibodies, anti‐CYP3A4 antibody predominantly, and anti‐CYP2C8 and 2C19 antibodies moderately, inhibited de‐CPM formation. From these results, CYP3A4 appeared to be the major isoform involved in the metabolic decyclopropylmethylation of nalfurafine, while CYP2C8 and 2C19 most likely play a minor role in the formation of de‐CPM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The competence of young children to testify in legal proceedings
Authors: Myers John E. B.
Published: May 2012

Young children testify as witnesses with increasing frequency. This article describes the law regarding children's competence to testify. The article focuses on: (1) the elements of testimonial competence, including perception, memory, understanding the difference between the truth and a lie, and understanding the duty to tell the truth in court; (2) the requirement of personal knowledge of relevant facts; and (3) the requirement that the child take a religious oath or a secular affirmation.
Competency, and other constructs, in right to die cases
Authors: Finkel Norman J. , Hurabiell Marie L. , Hughes Kevin C.
Published: May 2012

Subjects had to make a “remove” or “do not remove” life‐sustaining measures decision in three right to die cases where the patients differed in competence; for half the subjects, a living will was present in all the cases, whereas, for the other half, it was not. Subjects also gave their determinative reasons for their decisions. Support for the right to die varied by case, but not by competency, or by the presence of a living will. The subjects' reasons were highly predictive of their decisions, and related to the way case‐specific facts were construed, revealing a number of disparities between the way courts and citizens construe whether the patient's condition is “terminal,” “irreversible,” and “painful,” or not. Beyond construing facts differently, the results also revealed a disparity between evolving case law and the community's “common sense justice” over a fundamental belief: whether dying is seen as private matter, outside the bounds of State intervention, or not.
Artificial legal standards in mental/emotional injury litigation
Authors: Perrin Gary , Sales Bruce D.
Published: May 2012

The courts historically have viewed mental and emotional injuries with suspicion. In attempting to ensure the genuineness of those claims that are brought to trial, most courts require that plaintiffs meet standards that go beyond those that are imposed for claims of physical injury, even though the value and validity of these additional standards have not been empirically assessed. Although the development of legal standards in the absence of empirical data is troubling, of particular concern is the fact that some of the imposed standards are artificial in that they refer to factors not directly related to the injury claimed. This study explores the impact of these standards on the litigation of claims for emotional injuries. The paper discusses the effects that artificial standards had upon claims pursued at the trial court level. According to these data, artificial standards are not warranted.
Perceptions of liability for the negligent infliction of emotional distress to a bystander
Authors: Bowen Matthew , Nordby Eric C.
Published: May 2012

This study examines factors that are part of the test for whether a plaintiff may recover damages due to the negligent infliction of emotional distress to a bystander. Subjects were 96 eligible jurors from two California counties. They were presented with a case vignette which carried one of the three elements for bystander recovery for emotional distress as outlined in the California case of Dillon v. Legg. Participants were more likely to believe a plaintiff had a right to sue for damages in cases in which (1) there is a close relationship between the bystander and a direct victim, and (2) the bystander is within the zone of physical danger. A plaintiff's sensory and contemporaneous perception of an accident did not significantly influence subjects' judgements.
The use of mental health professional consultants to police hostage negotiation teams
Authors: Butler William M. , Leitenberg Harold , Fuselier G. Dwayne
Published: May 2012

Three hundred law enforcement agencies in the United States that employ a negotiator in hostage incidents responded to a survey regarding the use of mental health professionals as consultants to the negotiation team. Thirty‐nine percent of the agencies with a negotiator use a mental health professional consultant to the negotiation team. Police agencies that use a mental health professional as a consultant on negotiation techniques reported more hostage incidents ending by negotiated surrender and fewer hostage incidents ending by tactical team assault and arrest of the perpetrator. Also, police agencies that use a mental health professional as a consultant on the assessment of the perpetrator reported fewer hostage incidents resulting in the serious injury or death of a hostage. Although these results are only correlational, they raise the possibility that the use of mental health professionals as consultants to police hostage negotiation teams may decrease the risk of hostage injury and death.
Coercion and ‘voluntary’ admission: An examination of psychiatric patient views
Authors: Rogers Anne
Published: May 2012

This article examines coercion in voluntary psychiatric patients. Three main themes are highlighted using qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of 412 psychiatric patients surveyed in 1990 who had experienced at least one period of hospitalisation. The themes are: the extent to which the label of ‘voluntary’ was an indicator of the patients' experience of being in hospital of their own volition; aspects of admission which patients considered to be coercive; and the impact that coercion might have on patients' views about their problem, professionals and treatment. The findings suggest that a substantial number of nominally voluntary patients reported coercive aspects of their hospitalisation. The impact of feeling coerced was found to produce a more rejecting attitude towards psychiatric services. The findings are discussed in relation to British mental health legislation and care.

I particularly want to thank David Pilgrim for his collaboration with the research which made this article possible and for his useful and supportive comments. I am also indebted to John Monahan for his helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
Patient, family, and staff perceptions of coercion in mental hospital admission: An exploratory study
Authors: Hoge Steven K. , Lidz Charles , Mulvey Edward , Roth Loren , Bennett Nancy , Siminoff Laura , Arnold Robert , Monahan John
Published: May 2012

Little is known about the coercive pressures brought to bear on psychiatric patients in the hospitalization process. Significant methodological hurdles stand in the way of this research. Most notably, reliable and valid methods of ascertaining and quantifying perceptions of coercion have not been developed. This report summarizes the findings of an exploratory study designed to gather data needed to refine the conceptualization and measurement of coercion. Multiple perspectives on admission incidents for forty‐three patients (26% of whom were involuntarily hospitalized) were obtained. Patients were administered research interviews and completed a self‐administered inventory shortly after the admission decision. The admitting clinician and a family member involved in the admission were administered parallel interviews. In addition, focus groups comprised of outpatients, former patients, family members, and clinical staff were conducted to uncover the terminology and description of coercion commonly used. The implications of these preliminary quantitative and qualitative findings for future research are discussed
Coercive uses of mandatory reporting in therapeutic relationships
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth , Levine Murray , Sharma Anupama , Ferretti Lousie , Steinberg Karen , Wallach Leah
Published: May 2012

Mandatory reporting legislation was enacted with little consideration of its consequences for ongoing therapeutic relationships. One consequence is the unanticipated and coercive uses of the law in mental health settings. Thirty therapists and 25 child protective service workers were interviewed about their experiences with mandatory reporting in therapy relationships. The interviews revealed unanticipated as well as coercive uses of mandatory reporting in therapeutic relationships, including prompting crisis in family systems to promote change, and using reporting or threats of it to enforce attendance and engagement in therapy. Therapists'd anger and view of reporting as a form of power or tool for social control also related to coercive uses of mandatory reporting. The special case of coercion in mandated cases resulting from mandatory reporting legislation is discussed as well.
One‐gun‐a‐month: Measuring public opinion concerning a gun control initiative
Authors: Kauder Neal B.
Published: May 2012

State lawmakers in Virginia recently approved a measure to limit to one the number of handguns a person can purchase within a thirty day period. In the months preceding the law's approval, a survey was conducted to measure the level of public support for the proposed initiative. The results of the survey were provided to lawmakers and other high level government officials in an effort to provide policymakers with objective data for gauging support (or non‐support) for the proposal. Past public opinion polls which have measured attitudes concerning gun control reveal differences in the levels of support with regard to such factors as individual gun ownership and region of residence. The following research reveals the sentiment of one State's citizenry toward a specific handgun control measure by focusing on how responses varied across selected sub‐groups within the sample.
Juvenile homicide: A growing national problem
Authors: Cornell Dewey G.
Published: May 2012

Arrests for juvenile homicide more than doubled from 1984 to 1991. The present study examined offense characteristics for a national sample of 2,400 juvenile homicide offenders listed in the FBI Supplemental Homicide Reports for 1984 or 1991. Analyses indicate that the largest increases in juvenile homicide can be found among minority males using handguns to kill acquaintances. Juvenile homicides committed in the course of another crime (such as robbery or drug deal) have increased over 200%, while homicides precipitated by an interpersonal conflict with the victim have increased 83%. In comparison to adults, juvenile homicide offenders are much more likely to use a handgun and to act with an accomplice. These results highlight the association between handguns and juvenile homicide.
A three‐tiered approach to the rehabilitation of incarcerated sex offenders
Authors: Marshall W. L. , Eccles A. , Barbaree H. E.
Published: May 2012

A description is provided of a program for dealing with convicted sex offenders. This program includes: incarceration and treatment of high risk offenders in maximum and medium security institutions; movement of successfully treated offenders and lower risk offenders to a less extensive treatment program in a minimum security jail; and then release to the community where offenders are reassessed and treated, while they begin supervised implementation of a relapse prevention plan. The evidence suggests that this overall approach is not only effective in reducing recidivism, but also cost‐effective in reducing the expense to society of dealing with reoffenders.
National Clinical Nursing Guideline for Identifying and Intervening in Child Maltreatment within the Family in Finland
Authors: Paavilainen Eija , Flinck Aune
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to present the clinical nursing guideline we developed to help nurses to identify and intervene in child maltreatment, defined as physical and psychological abuse and neglect. The guideline is based on a review of 77 research articles and review and discussion papers searched systematically from databases. According to this review, child maltreatment is associated with risk factors which may manifest themselves in the child, the parents or in the whole family. Knowledge and assessment of these risk factors are of the utmost importance. Particular attention needs to be paid to the accumulation of risks in the family. Physical and other signs caused by maltreatment are central to the identification of maltreatment. Important opportunities for identification and intervention are home visits to families with children, and during clinic visits, with questions and discussion about child‐rearing practices, the parents' or carers' relationship and violence which might be present in family life.

‘Particular attention needs to be paid to the accumulation of risks in the family’

The guideline summarises the most compelling multidisciplinary research evidence in order to make recommendations which guide nurses and other professionals on providing care to families with children and in developing identification and intervention practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

The guideline is based on a systematic review which presents research evidence for developing identification and intervention practices concerning child maltreatment.

Important issues are the occurrence of risk factors, signs of maltreatment in a child and methods of identification and intervention.

Next steps are implementing the knowledge into multiprofessional practice and evaluating its usefulness by further research.
Single image summarization of 3D animation using depth images
Authors: Lee Hwan‐Jik , Shin Hyun Joon , Choi Jung‐Ju
Published: May 2012

We propose a new image‐space technique to summarize a 3D animation sequence into a single image by using the depth information of the animation. The proposed method extracts important frames from the animation sequence, where the important frames are representative of the sequence and keep the complexity of a composed image as simple as possible. Assuming that the input sequence consists of a set of images with depth information, we construct a composite depth image and its gradient image. We evaluate the importance of each frame by its amount of contribution to the gradient of the composite depth image. The frames of higher importance are located more likely at which the motion of a moving object reaches the extreme positions, the fastest speed, and the slowest speed in image space. From the most important frames to the least ones, we recursively compose the important frames into a single composite image while keeping the complexity of the composite image by evaluating the amount of self‐overlap. The threshold value for the amount of overlap allows a user to control interactively the visual complexity of the composed image. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Position‐based facial animation synthesis
Authors: Fratarcangeli Marco
Published: May 2012

We propose an integrated facial dynamics model addressing the animation of 3D humanoid faces in real time. The computational model mimics facial motion by reproducing the layered anatomical structure of a human head including the bony structure, overlapping facial muscles and the skin. The model is flexible enough to animate face meshes of various shape, connectivity, and scale. Different from previously proposed approaches based on mass–spring networks, overshooting problems are avoided by simulating the dynamics through a position‐based scheme, which allows for real‐time performance, control, and robustness. Experiments demonstrate that convincing expressive facial animation can be interactively prototyped on consumer class platforms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Chemical System Solution for Acid Gas Removal
Authors: Rolker Jörn , Lenormant Thibaut , Seiler Matthias
Published: May 2012

An energy‐efficient absorbent formulation for separating acid gases (e.g. CO2, H2S) from gas streams such as natural gas, syngas or flue gas is important for a number of industrial applications. In many cases, a substantial share of their costs is driven by the operational expenditure (OPEX) of the CO2 separation unit. One possible strategy for reducing OPEX is the improvement of the absorbent performance. Although a number of absorbents for the separation of CO2 from gas streams exist, there is still a need to develop CO2 absorbents with an improved absorption performance, less corrosion and foaming, no nitrosamine formation, lower energy requirement and therefore less OPEX. Selected performance results of a new family of amine‐based CO2 absorbents are summarized. High cyclic capacities in the range of 2.9 to 3.2 mol CO2 kg–1 absorbent and low absorption enthalpies of about –30 kJ mol–1 allow for significant savings in the regeneration energy of the absorbent. Calculations with the modified Kremser model indicated a reduction in the specific reboiler heat duty of 45 %. Furthermore, the absorbents developed show much lower corrosion rates than state‐of‐the‐art solutions that are currently employed.
Analytical techniques for the determination of tryptamines and β‐carbolines in plant matrices and in psychoactive beverages consumed during religious ceremonies and neo‐shamanic urban practices
Authors: Gaujac Alain , Navickiene Sandro , Collins Mark I. , Brandt Simon D. , de Andrade Jailson Bittencourt
Published: May 2012

The consumption of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage used by indigenous communities in the Amazon, is increasing worldwide due to the expansion of syncretic religions founded in the north of Brazil in the first half of the twentieth century, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal. Another example is the jurema wine, a drink that originated from indigenous cultures of the northeast of Brazil. It is currently used for several religious practices throughout Brazil involving urban neo‐shamanic rituals and syncretic Brazilian religions, such as Catimbó and Umbanda. Both plant products contain N,N‐dimethyltryptamine which requires co‐administration of naturally occurring monoamine oxidase inhibitors, for example β‐carboline derivatives, in order to induce its psychoactive effects in humans. This review explores the cultural use of tryptamines and β‐carbolines and focuses on the analytical techniques that have been recently applied to the determination of these compounds in ayahuasca, its analogues, and the plants used during the preparation of these beverages. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lineage tracing of the endoderm during oral development
Authors: Rothova Michaela , Thompson Hannah , Lickert Heiko , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: May 2012

Background: The contribution of the endoderm to the oral tissues of the head has been debated for many years. With the arrival of Cre/LoxP technology endoderm progenitor cells can now be genetically labeled and tissues derived from the endoderm traced. Using Sox17‐2A‐iCre/Rosa26 reporter mice we have followed the fate of the endoderm in the teeth, glands, and taste papillae of the oral cavity. Results: No contribution of the endoderm was observed at any stage of tooth development, or in development of the major salivary glands, in the reporter mouse during development. In contrast, the minor mucous glands of the tongue were found to be of endodermal origin, along with the circumvallate papilla and foliate papillae. The mucous minor salivary glands of the palate, however, were of mixed ectodermal and endodermal origin. Conclusions: In contrast to urodele studies, the epithelium of murine teeth is derived solely from the ectoderm. The border between the ectoderm‐ and endoderm‐derived epithelium may play a role in determining the position of the lingual glands and taste buds, and may explain differences observed between taste buds in the anterior and posterior part of the tongue. Developmental Dynamics 241:1183–1191, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Binge eating disorder in elderly individuals
Authors: Guerdjikova Anna I. , O'Melia Anne M. , Mori Nicole , McCoy Jessica , McElroy Susan L.
Published: May 2012

Objective:

To preliminarily describe the clinical features of elderly individuals with binge eating disorder (BED).

Method:

The psychological and general medical characteristics of 20 elderly individuals (65 years of age and older) who met DSM‐IV‐TR for BED were systematically evaluated.

Results:

Elderly individuals with BED reported an average (SD) of 4.5 (2.9) binge eating episodes per week. Weight and shape concerns were of significant importance for participants' schema for self‐evaluation. Mood disorders were the most frequent co‐occurring psychiatric disorders. Despite having a mean (SD) body mass index of 36.4 (10.6), most participants presented in good general medical health.

Discussion:

Regarding eating pathology, psychiatric comorbidity, and associated obesity, BED in this group of elderly individuals was similar to BED in younger adults. However, other than presenting with obesity, the participants reported good general medical health. BED might be a problem for a subset of physically healthy elderly individuals. Studies further examining psychiatric and medical presentation, including metabolic profile, of elderly individuals with BED may be warranted. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012;45:905–908)
The 4‐(Dimethylamino) benzaldehyde‐4‐ethylthiosemicarbazone as Ionophore for Mercury(II) Solid State Selective Electrode
Authors: Tahir Tara Fuad , Salhin Abdussalam , Saad Bahruddin , Ab Ghani Sulaiman
Published: May 2012

Hg(II) has formed a soluble complex with 4‐(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde‐4‐ethylthiosemicarbazone (DMABET) in methanol with a molar ratio of mercury(II):DMABET of 1 : 4. The formation constant (Kf) and Gibbs free energy (▵G) of the complex showed that the formation of the complex was favorable. The DMABET was investigated as ionophore for Hg(II)‐ion selective electrode (ISE). At optimum pH 1–5 the proposed Hg(II)‐ISE showed an almost Nernstian slope at 27.8±1 mV, with linear regression coefficient, R2=0.995 and a detection limit of 5×10−6 M. There was no serious interference from silver(I) with selectivity coefficient 5.69×10−3. The electrode life span was more than 3 months. It has been applied for real water sample analysis and the results were in good agreement with the standard method.
Bivariate splines for ozone concentration forecasting
Authors: Ettinger Bree , Guillas Serge , Lai Ming‐Jun
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we forecast ground level ozone concentrations over the USA, using past spatially distributed measurements and the functional linear regression model. We employ bivariate splines defined over triangulations of the relevant region of the USA to implement this functional data approach in which random surfaces represent ozone concentrations. We compare the least squares method with penalty to the principal components regression approach. Moderate sample sizes provide good quality forecasts in both cases with little computational effort. We also illustrate the variability of forecasts owing to the choice of smoothing penalty. Finally, we compare our predictions with the ones obtained using thin‐plate splines. Predictions based on bivariate splines require less computational time than the ones based on thin‐plate splines and are more accurate. We also quantify the variability in the predictions arising from the variability in the sample using the jackknife, and report that predictions based on bivariate splines are more robust than the ones based on thin‐plate splines. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.