bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The functions and consequences of force at kinetochores
Authors: Rago Florencia , Cheeseman Iain M.
Published: March 2013

Chromosome segregation requires the generation of force at the kinetochore—the multiprotein structure that facilitates attachment of chromosomes to spindle microtubules. This force is required both to move chromosomes and to signal the formation of proper bioriented attachments. To understand the role of force in these processes, it is critical to define how force is generated at kinetochores, the contributions of this force to chromosome movement, and how the kinetochore is structured and organized to withstand and respond to force. Classical studies and recent work provide a framework to dissect the mechanisms, functions, and consequences of force at kinetochores.
Strongly stratified homotopy theory
Authors: Miller David
Published: March 2013

This paper concerns homotopically stratified spaces. These were defined by Frank Quinn in his paper Homotopically Stratified Sets. His definition of stratified space is very general and relates strata by “homotopy rather than geometric conditions”. This makes homotopically stratified spaces the ideal class of stratified spaces on which to define and study stratified homotopy theory.

We will define stratified analogues of the usual definitions of maps, homotopies and homotopy equivalences. Then we will provide an elementary criterion for deciding when a strongly stratified map is a stratified homotopy equivalence. This criterion states that a strongly stratified map is a stratified homotopy equivalence if and only if the induced maps on strata and holink spaces are homotopy equivalences. Using this criterion we will prove that any homotopically stratified space is stratified homotopy equivalent to a homotopically stratified space where neighborhoods of strata are mapping cylinders. Finally, we will develop categorical descriptions of the class of homotopically stratified spaces up to stratified homotopy.
Tame supercuspidal representations of 𝐺𝐿_{𝑛} distinguished by orthogonal involutions
Authors: Hakim Jeffrey
Published: March 2013

For a

p
p

-adic field

F
F

of characteristic zero, the embeddings of a tame supercuspidal representation

π
\pi

of

G
=

GL

n

(
F
)

G= \textrm {GL}_n (F)

in the space of smooth functions on the set of symmetric matrices in

G
G

are determined. It is shown that the space of such embeddings is nonzero precisely when

−
1

-1

is in the kernel of

π
\pi

and, in this case, this space has dimension four. In addition, the space of

H
H

-invariant linear forms on the space of

π
\pi

is determined whenever

H
H

is an orthogonal group in

n
n

variables contained in

G
G

.
Prevalence and Impact of SDHI Fungicide Resistance in Alternaria solani
Authors: Gudmestad N. C. , Arabiat S. , Miller J. S. , Pasche J. S.
Published: March 2013

Early blight, caused by Alternaria solani, is an important chronic foliar disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum) present every growing season in the Midwestern United States. Most currently grown potato cultivars lack resistance to early blight; therefore, foliar fungicides are relied upon for disease management. Foliar fungicides with high efficacy against the pathogen, such as boscalid, frequently are used under high disease pressure situations, such as potatoes grown under overhead irrigation. Boscalid is a member of the succinate dehydrogenase inhibiting (SDHI) fungicide group and was registered for use on potato in 2005. Baseline sensitivity of A. solani to the SDHI fungicides boscalid, penthiopyrad, and fluopyram using a spore germination assay demonstrated similar intrinsic activity against A. solani with mean EC50 values of 0.33, 0.38, and 0.31 μg/ml, respectively. However, isolates varied in their sensitivity to each of these fungicides, resulting in very low correlations (r) among isolate sensitivity to each fungicide. Resistance to boscalid in A. solani was detected in the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, Idaho, Wisconsin, and Florida from early blight samples collected in 2010 and 2011. Two phenotypes of boscalid resistance were detected. Approximately 80% of all A. solani assayed were found to have some level of resistance to boscalid with about 5 and 75% of the population moderately resistant (5 to 20 μg/ml) and highly resistant (>20 μg/ml), respectively, to the fungicide. Nearly 99% of all boscalid resistant isolates possessed the F129L mutation in the cytrochrome b gene, indicating that an A. solani population with dual fungicide resistance predominates in the states surveyed. However, A. solani isolates resistant to boscalid remained sensitive to fluopyram, and a large proportion of moderately resistant and resistant isolates were sensitive to penthiopyrad. Disease control data from in vivo trials demonstrated a significant loss of fungicide efficacy when boscalid and fluxapyroxad were used to control moderately and highly resistant isolates of A. solani relative to the control these fungicides provided wild-type isolates. Fluopyram, however, controlled boscalid resistant isolates as well as it controlled wild-type isolates of A. solani. These data will assist potato growers in regions where boscalid resistance is prevalent by assisting them in avoiding fungicides that do not effectively control early blight and in selecting SDHI fungicide molecules that remain efficacious.
Calculation of diffraction efficiency for curved crystals with arbitrary curvature radius
Authors: Bellucci Valerio , Guidi Vincenzo , Camattari Riccardo , Neri Ilaria
Published: March 2013

A model is proposed to calculate the diffraction efficiency of X-rays in Laue geometry for curved crystals with an arbitrary value of the curvature radius. The model generalizes the results based on the dynamical theory of diffraction, which are valid only for crystals with a radius of curvature lower than the critical curvature. The model is proposed for any kind of crystal, and its efficiency tends to one-half in the limit of a thick flat crystal. On the basis of this model, it was possible to reconsider the results of recently observed diffraction efficiency for curved crystals. Finally, the model sets an upper limit for diffraction efficiency of low-curvature curved crystals, this latter being useful in applications such as the construction of a hard X-ray Laue lens.
A microstructural and crystallographic investigation of the precipitation behaviour of a primary Al3Zr phase under a high magnetic field
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Yudong , Esling Claude , Qin Ke , Zhao Zhihao , Zuo Yubo , Cui Jianzhong
Published: March 2013

The effects of a high magnetic field on the precipitation behaviour of the primary Al3Zr phase are investigated. With and without the field, the primary Al3Zr crystals possess three morphologies – small tabular crystals in the deposit layer, long bars and dendritic crystals. The dendritic crystals are probably those surviving from the initial material. The tabular crystals in the deposit layer are those surviving from the heating stage, whereas the long bars are those formed during cooling. With the field, the tabular crystals in the deposit layer and the long bars tend to orient with the 〈110〉 direction parallel to the field direction, but the orientation of the dendritic crystals is less affected. The orientation of the crystals in the deposit layer arises from their magnetocrystalline anisotropy, but that of the long bars and dendritic crystals is disturbed by gravity and the formation of compound twins, respectively. Increased Zr content raises the precipitation amount of the primary Al3Zr crystals but weakens the alignment tendency of the tabular ones in the deposit layer. The weakness of the alignment arises from interaction between the crystals.
CLUSTERGEN: a program for molecular cluster generation from crystallographic data
Authors: Kamiński Radosław , Jarzembska Katarzyna N. , Domagała Sławomir
Published: March 2013

A new program,CLUSTERGEN, for molecular cluster generation is introduced.CLUSTERGENprovides the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) input files for program packages such asADF[Baerendset al.(2012). Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands] andGAUSSIAN[Frischet al.(2009). Gaussian Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA]. Additionally, it prints out a standardCRYSTAL[Dovesiet al.(2009). University of Turin, Italy] input and, in general, facilitates file-format manipulation. TheCLUSTERGENprogram is supported by an extensive manual and a user-friendly graphical interface. The code is freely available and carefully commented, which makes it easily modifiable. Exemplary applications ofCLUSTERGENconcerning QM/MM calculations and derivation of nucleus-independent chemical shift indices are demonstrated.
Measuring radioactive powder samples on the high-resolution powder diffraction beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Authors: Hill Adrian H. , Klimczuk Tomasz , Springell Ross , Walker Helen C.
Published: March 2013

This laboratory note describes a new sample preparation technique to enable high-resolution powder diffraction experiments at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility on radioactive samples. The sample preparation involves setting the active material in resin and several layers of encapsulation suitable for measurement at the beamline. This has allowed low-temperature measurements on very small quantities of samples, providing new insights into materials that are notoriously difficult to measure elsewhere.
Low temperature synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Rashidzadeh M. , Faridnia B. , Ghasemi M.R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of synthesis conditions on properties of TiO2 nanoparticles to be used for photocatalysis and also producing TiO2 using a low temperature method.

Design/methodology/approach

TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesised via a sol‐gel method at low temperature and the effect of parameters such as: synthesis temperature, HNO3 concentration, calcination temperature and synthesis time on properties of TiO2 were studied. The effects of the physico‐chemical properties of TiO2, its concentration and light intensity on photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated also.

Findings

The results showed that TiO2 with Anatase phase were formed at 80‐100°C by using proper HNO3 concentration, synthesis time and calcinations temperature. Calcinations programme and temperature and also the synthesis time affect the formation of TiO2 crystalline phase (i.e. Rutile and Brookite), their surface area and crystallite size. To evaluate the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles, fluorescein was used as a model molecule. Results showed that degradation of fluorescein could be described by pseudo‐first order kinetics. The effect of TiO2 concentration and light intensity on photocatalytic activity showed that increasing concentration of TiO2 and the light intensity would increase the degradation of fluorescein.

Originality/value

The method used in this work to prepare TiO2 nanoparticles is an economic method for low temperature synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity, which could find numerous applications in coating technology.
Development of palm oil‐based alkyds as UV curable coatings
Authors: Teck Chye Ang Desmond , Neon Gan Seng
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop palm oil‐based alkyds as ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings and investigate the parameters that affect the coating performances.

Design/methodology/approach

Alkyds were formulated from palm stearin, glycerol, phthalic anhydride and maleic acid. Keeping the total molar amount of dicarboxylic acids constant, the proportions of maleic acid and phthalic anhydride were varied in order to produce polymer chains with different content of unsaturation, which is crucial for UV curability. Characterisations were carried out by FTIR and 1HNMR. The alkyds were then mixed with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer as active diluents and cured by exposure to UV light. Performances of the cured coatings were tested in terms of film hardness, adhesion, water and alkali resistance, and thermal stability.

Findings

Upon introducing sufficient C=C, the alkyd in combination with MMA is able to UV‐cure within short time and produce film of satisfactory quality. There are several other factors, which influence the coating properties; these include thickness of coating, ratio of alkyd to active diluents, and duration of UV exposure.

Social implications

The product is a form of green technology that could benefit the environment as it involves very low or near zero emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Originality/value

The novelty of this work lies in the formulation of new products from palm stearin, leading to new developments in the surface coating and palm oil industries.
Environmentally stable NIR‐absorbing window
Authors: Hee Koo Song , Park Kyungmin , Hwang Hyunmin , Yoo Youngjae , Hun Han Jong , Shin Kwonwoo , Ho Cho Jeong
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop environmentally stable near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing windows by blending an NIR‐absorbing dye and a thermally‐crosslinkable polymer.

Design/methodology/approach

To enhance the environmental stability of the NIR‐absorbing window, a poly(vinyl phenol‐co‐methyl methacrylate) (poly(VP‐co‐MMA)) prepolymer and a poly(melamine‐co‐formaldehyde) (PMF) cross‐linking agent were mixed, and thermal crosslinking was performed under mild conditions (100°C).

Findings

The resistance of the crosslinked hybrid films to heat, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation damage improved dramatically relative to the pristine NIR‐absorbing dye. The improved environmental stability of the crosslinked NIR hybrid film resulted from the reduced free volume and restrictions in the molecular thermal dynamic motions of the polymer due to the presence of the crosslinked network surrounding the NIR‐absorbing dye molecules.

Originality/value

The methods provided a novel, simple, and practical solution to improving environmentally stability of NIR‐absorbing window.
Preparation and characterization of multi‐layer core‐shell polysiloxane/PSt/PMMA latex
Authors: Song Q. , Yan P. , Wang H. , Zhu X. , Xu Y.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a kind of novel multi‐layer core‐shell latex, and to evaluate the effect of the preparation methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Core‐shell poly(siloxane)/polystyrene/polymethyl methacrylate (PSi/PSt/PMMA) latex particles were prepared by seeded‐emulsion polymerisation with three stages. The core of cured PSi was prepared with octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) by co‐condensation. Using vinyltriethoxysilane (VTEOS) as coupling agent, functional PSi particles with vinyl groups on surfaces were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of VTEOS in core formation stage. Then, the functional PSi particles were used as seeds to copolymerise with styrene and methyl methacrylate sequentially in shell stage I and stage II to form PSi/PSt/PMMA latex particles.

Findings

FTIR, TEM, DSC and XPS showed that the PSi/PSt/PMMA latex particles had multi‐layer core‐shell structure with cured PSi as core, PSt as shell I and PMMA as shell II.

Research limitations/implications

In the present work, PSi/PSt/PMMA latex particles having multi‐layer core‐shell structure with cured PSi as core, PSt as shell I and PMMA as shell II were prepared. This methodology can be employed to prepare new functional materials for various applications.

Practical implications

Multi‐layer core‐shell particles offer a new area of material science that has wide applications in coatings or modified polymer materials production.

Originality/value

The method developed in the study reported in this paper provides a new strategy to develop new types of core‐shell materials with multi‐layer structure.
Thermal stability, curing kinetics and properties of polyurethanes system for in‐mould decoration ink
Authors: Lin Jing , Wang Wei , Wen Xiufang , Cai Zhi‐Qi , Pi Pihui , Zheng Da‐feng , Cheng Jiang , Yang Zhuoru
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study thermal stability, curing kinetics and physico‐chemical properties of polyurethanes systems for application in in‐mould decoration (IMD) ink.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal stability of three Polyurethane (Pu) systems A, B, C were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic parameters of the curing reaction of Pu system C were calculated using non‐isothermal curing kinetics analysis, including the activation energy Ea, the reaction rate constant K(T), the reaction order n, the initial curing temperature (Ti), the peak temperature (Tp), and the finishing temperature (Tf). Additionally, physico‐chemical properties were also evaluated such as flexibility, impact resistance, pencil hardness, adhesive attraction and solvent resistance.

Findings

TGA showed that thermal decomposition temperature T5 (5 wt.% weight loss), T10 (10 wt.% weight loss) and Tend (decomposition termination temperature) of Pu system C was 344°C, 363°C, and 489°C, respectively. T5, T10, Tend increased by 77°C, 61°C, 4°C, respectively, and the char yield at 600°C increased by 25.1 wt.% comparing with Pu system B. Curing kinetics analysis showed that Ea of Pu system C was 62.29 KJ/mol, 65.98 KJ/mol and 65.95 KJ/mol by Kissinger, Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa and Ozawa method, respectively. The order of the curing reaction (n=0.90) demonstrated that it was a complex reaction. Moreover, Pu system C exhibited good physico‐chemical properties. The results showed that Pu system C was suitable to apply into IMD ink.

Research limitations/implications

The TGA analysis, curing kinetics analysis and evaluation of physico‐chemical properties provided a simple and practical solution to study suitable resins for IMD ink application.

Practical implications

IMD ink for heat transfer printing technology is highly efficient, relatively low cost, clean and environmentally safe. It has been widely applied into medical and pharmaceutical products, electronic devices, telecommunication equipment, computer parts, appliance panels, automotive parts, etc.

Originality/value

In this paper, the thermal stability and curing kinetics of Pu for IMD ink are reported for the first time. The paper gives very interesting and important information about thermal stability, curing kinetics and properties of Pu coating system for IMD ink application.
Application of semi‐analytical methods for solving the Rosenau‐Hyman equation arising in the pattern formation in liquid drops
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Manafian Jalil , Saadatmandi Abbas
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Rosenau‐Hyman equation was discovered as a simplified model to study the role of nonlinear dispersion on pattern formation in liquid drops. Also, this equation has important roles in the modelling of various problems in physics and engineering. The purpose of this paper is to present the solution of Rosenau‐Hyman equation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to present the solution of the Rosenau‐Hyman equation by means of semi‐analytical approaches which are based on the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), variational iteration method (VIM) and Adomian decomposition method (ADM).

Findings

These techniques reduce the volume of calculations by not requiring discretization of the variables, linearization or small perturbations. Numerical solutions obtained by these methods are compared with the exact solutions, revealing that the obtained solutions are of high accuracy. These results reveal that the proposed methods are very effective and simple to perform.

Originality/value

Efficient techniques are developed to find the solution of an important equation.
New perturbation‐iteration solutions for nonlinear heat transfer equations
Authors: Aksoy Yiğit , Pakdemirli Mehmet , Abbasbandy Saeid , Boyacı Hakan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply, for the first time, the authors' newly developed perturbation iteration method to heat transfer problems. The effectiveness of the new method in nonlinear heat transfer problems will be tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Nonlinear heat transfer problems are solved by perturbation iteration method. They are also solved by the well‐known technique variational iteration method in the literature.

Findings

It is found that perturbation iteration solutions converge faster to the numerical solutions. More accurate results can be achieved with this new method for nonlinear heat transfer problems.

Research limitations/implications

A few iterations are actually sufficient. Further iterations need symbolic packages to calculate the solutions.

Practical implications

This new technique can practically be applied to many heat and flow problems.

Originality/value

The new perturbation iteration technique is successfully implemented to nonlinear heat transfer problems. Results show good agreement with the direct numerical simulations and the method performs better than the existing variational iteration method.
Laser induced melt pool formation in titanium surface: influence of laser scanning speed
Authors: Momin O. , Shuja S.Z. , Yilbas B.S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

A model study of laser heating process including phase change and molten flow in the melt pool gives physical insight into the process and provides useful information on the influence of melting parameters. In addition, the predictions reduce the experimental cost and minimize the experimental time. Consequently, investigation into laser control melting of the titanium alloy becomes essential. The purpose of this paper is to do this.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser repetitive pulse heating of titanium surface is investigated and temperature field as well as Marangoni flow in the melt pool is predicted using finite volume approach. The influence of laser scanning speed and laser pulse parameter (defining the laser pulse intensity distribution at the workpiece surface) on temperature distribution and melt size is examined. The experiment is carried out to validate temperature predictions for two consecutive laser pulses.

Findings

The influence of laser scanning speed is significant on the melt pool geometry, which is more pronounced for the laser pulse parameter β=0. Temperature predictions agree with the thermocouple data obtained from the experiment.

Research limitations/implications

Although temperature dependent properties are used in the simulations, isotropy in properties may limit the simulations. The laser canning speed is limited to 0.3 m/s, which is good for surface treatment process, but it may slow for annealing treatments.

Practical implications

The results are very useful to capture insight into the melting process. In addition, the influence of laser scanning speed and laser pulse intensity distribution on the melt formation in the surface vicinity is well presented, which will be useful for those working on laser surface treatment process.

Originality/value

The work is original and findings are new, which demonstrate the influence of laser parameters on the melt pool formation and resulting Marangoni flow.
Solution of the MHD Falkner‐Skan flow by Adomian decomposition method and Padé approximants
Authors: Raftari Behrouz , Adibi Hojatollah , Yildirim Ahmet
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to analytically examine the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Falkner‐Skan flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The series solution is obtained using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) coupled with Padé approximants.

Findings

Comparison of the present solutions is made with the results obtained by other applied methods and excellent agreement is noted.

Originality/value

In this work, the MHD Falkner‐Skan flow is examined analytically. The series solution is obtained using the ADM coupled with Padé approximants. Comparison of the present solutions is made with the results obtained by other applied methods and excellent agreement is noted.
Challenges in the accurate numerical simulation of practical thermal processes and systems
Authors: Jaluria Yogesh
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The numerical simulation of practical thermal processes is generally complicated because of multiple transport mechanisms and complex phenomena that commonly arise. In addition, the materials encountered are often not easily characterized and typically involve large property changes over the ranges of interest. The boundary conditions may not be properly defined and or may be unknown. However, it is important to obtain accurate and dependable numerical results from the simulation in order to study, design, and optimize most practical thermal processes of current and future interest. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the main challenges that are encountered in obtaining accurate numerical simulation results on practical thermal processes and systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide range of thermal systems is considered and the challenges faced in the numerical simulation are outlined. The methods that may be used to meet these challenges are presented in terms of grid, solution strategies, multiscale modeling and combined mechanisms. The models employed must be validated and the accuracy of the simulation results established if the simulation is to form the basis for improving existing systems and developing new ones.

Findings

Of particular interest are concerns like verification and validation, imposition of appropriate boundary conditions, and modelling of complex, multimode transport phenomena in multiple scales. Additional effects such as viscous dissipation, surface tension, buoyancy and rarefaction that could arise and complicate the modelling are discussed. Uncertainties that arise in material properties and in boundary conditions are also important in design and optimization. Large variations in the geometry and coupled multiple regions are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is largely focused on numerical modeling and simulation. Experimental data are considered mainly for validation and for physical insight.

Practical implications

A wide variety of practical systems, ranging from materials processing to energy, cooling, and transportation is considered.

Originality/value

Future needs in this interesting and challenging area are also outlined in the paper.
Effects of Prandtl number on mixing process in miscible Rayleigh‐Taylor instability
Authors: Liu Gaojie , Guo Zhaoli
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, numerically, the effects of the Prandtl number on the mixing process in two‐dimensional Rayleigh‐Taylor instability of incompressible and miscible fluids.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulations are carried out based on a double‐distribution‐function lattice Boltzmann method in which the Prandtl number can be adjusted.

Findings

The simulations reveal that the mixing‐zone grows inversely with increasing Prandtl number, but the processes of Rayleigh‐Taylor instability are nearly identical in terms of a dimensionless time as the Prandtl number ranges from 0.1 to 10. The symmetric property of the mixing‐zone is also studied, which is found to be closely dependent on the symmetry of the initial perturbations.

Originality/value

The results here show that the growth of the mixing‐zone is related to the Prandtl number, whereas most previous studies have been focused on the relationship between the growth of the mixing zone and time with a constant Prandtl number.
Chinese immigrants’ contact with police
Authors: Wu Yuning , Triplett Ruth , Sun Ivan Y.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese immigrants’ contact with local police, uncovering the extent, nature, distribution, and consequences of police contact. Although literature on immigrants’ perceptions of the police has been accumulating during the past few years, research on immigrants’ encounters with the police remains extremely limited.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on survey data collected from approximately 350 foreign‐born Chinese immigrants residing in New York City, Philadelphia, and Delaware. Non‐probability (both purposive and convenience) sampling methods are used.

Findings

Chinese immigrants report a higher rate of police contact than the general public, with the most frequent contact occurring through traffic law violations or accidents. Immigrants who are male, older, and recent arrivals to the USA, and have vicarious experience with the police are more likely to have police contact, particularly officer‐initiated contact. The mere occurrence of contact does not affect Chinese immigrants’ global satisfaction with the police. There is, however, a significant positive link between satisfaction with recent contact and global satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper's findings improve our understanding of police‐community relations regarding Asian Americans and also contribute to the broad literature on race/ethnicity and policing by incorporating both immigration status and ecological context into analysis.
Citizens’ satisfaction with police in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Jiang Shanhe , Sun Ivan Y. , Wang Jin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine citizens’ satisfaction with police in Guangzhou, China and is aimed at answering two research questions: what is the general pattern of Guangzhou citizens’ satisfaction with police; and what variables are salient in predicting satisfaction with police?

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a random sample of approximately 1,200 residents nested in 30 neighborhoods in Guangzhou, China. Hierarchical linear modeling was used for the data analysis.

Findings

First, the majority of residents in Guangzhou held generally positive attitudes toward the police. Second, demographic characteristics were weakly related to satisfaction with police. Third, perception of police legitimacy was associated with evaluations of police performance. Finally, perceived neighborhood crime problems led to lower levels of satisfaction with police.

Research limitations/implications

This research used cross‐sectional data. Thus, the relationships between independent and dependent variables examined in this study are functional but not necessarily causal.

Practical implications

Police in Guangzhou should seek ways to improve their relationship with never married residents and mitigate citizens’ negative perceptions of neighborhood crime problem through various community policing programs, such as holding routine meetings with residents to discuss crime and disorder situations in the neighborhoods. Police in Guangzhou should also continue to inform local residents about the legal right of police to issue commands and increase levels of perceptions of police legitimacy and willingness to follow police instructions.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to examine the correlates of satisfaction with Chinese police at the individual and neighborhood levels simultaneously. Using a random survey of citizens, along with methodological improvement in measurement and modeling, this paper provides readers with more accurate and representative information about public evaluations of Chinese police than previous studies.
Perceived experience and police officers’ ability to detect deception
Authors: Reinhard Marc‐Andre , Dahm Julia , Scharmach Martin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

For police officers, the ability to distinguish between truthful and deceptive statements in interrogations is essential. However, research shows that their classification accuracy is typically rather low. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ability to detect deception as a function of perceived experience, in a sample of German police officers and police trainees.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors had the participants judge ten video recordings of a mock crime with respect to the displayed suspects’ truthfulness. Following the assumptions and findings of previous research, the authors expected their manipulation of perceived experience to increase detection accuracy, but expected objective experience not to be correlated with the ability to detect deception.

Findings

As expected, police officers and trainees in the experience condition achieved higher accuracy than control participants. On the objective self‐report measures of experience, no relationship with classification accuracy was found.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that police officers’ objective experience does not perfectly translate into subjective experience. A subjective feeling of experience can be sufficient enough to increase detection accuracy, even if one is objectively inexperienced.

Originality/value

The manipulation proved to be a simple and efficient method of increasing judgmental accuracy in lie detection without increasing police officers’ actual knowledge or changing their beliefs about deception cues.
L1 norm inversion method for deconvolution in attenuating media
Authors: Oliveira Sérgio Adriano Moura , Lupinacci Wagner Moreira
Published: March 2013

In order to perform a good pulse compression, the conventional spike deconvolution method requires that the wavelet is stationary. However, this requirement is never reached since the seismic wave always suffers high‐frequency attenuation and dispersion as it propagates in real materials. Due to this issue, the data need to pass through some kind of inverse‐Q filter. Most methods attempt to correct the attenuation effect by applying greater gains for high‐frequency components of the signal. The problem with this procedure is that it generally boosts high‐frequency noise. In order to deal with this problem, we present a new inversion method designed to estimate the reflectivity function in attenuating media. The key feature of the proposed method is the use of the least absolute error (L1 norm) to define both the data and model error in the objective functional. The L1 norm is more immune to noise when compared to the usual L2 one, especially when the data are contaminated by discrepant sample values. It also favours sparse reflectivity when used to define the model error in regularization of the inverse problem and also increases the resolution, since an efficient pulse compression is attained. Tests on synthetic and real data demonstrate the efficacy of the method in raising the resolution of the seismic signal without boosting its noise component.
Increasing illumination and sensitivity of reverse‐time migration with internal multiples
Authors: Fleury Clement
Published: March 2013

Reverse‐time migration is a two‐way time‐domain finite‐frequency technique that accurately handles the propagation of complex scattered waves and produces a band‐limited representation of the subsurface structure that is conventionally assumed to be linear in the contrasts in model parameters. Because of this underlying linear single‐scattering assumption, most implementations of this method do not satisfy the energy conservation principle and do not optimally use illumination and model sensitivity of multiply scattered waves. Migrating multiply scattered waves requires preserving the non‐linear relation between the image and perturbation of model parameters. I modify the extrapolation of source and receiver wavefields to more accurately handle multiply scattered waves. I extend the concept of the imaging condition in order to map into the subsurface structurally coherent seismic events that correspond to the interaction of both singly and multiply scattered waves. This results in an imaging process referred to here as non‐linear reverse‐time migration. It includes a strategy that analyses separated contributions of singly and multiply scattered waves to a final non‐linear image. The goal is to provide a tool suitable for seismic interpretation and potentially migration velocity analysis that benefits from increased illumination and sensitivity from multiply scattered seismic waves. It is noteworthy that this method can migrate internal multiples, a clear advantage for imaging challenging complex subsurface features, e.g., in salt and basalt environments. The results of synthetic seismic imaging experiments, including a subsalt imaging example, illustrate the technique.
Forensic Identification of Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz) Using DNA Barcoding
Authors: Eurlings Marcel C. M. , Lens Frederic , Pakusza Csilla , Peelen Tamara , Wieringa Jan J. , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: March 2013

Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina) is a valuable forest product, root extracts of which are used as an antihypertensive drug. Increasing demand led to overharvesting in the wild. Control of international trade is hampered by the inability to identify root samples to the species level. We therefore evaluated the potential of molecular identification by searching for species‐specific DNA polymorphisms. We found two species‐specific indels in the rps16 intron region for R. serpentina. Our DNA barcoding method was tested for its specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity and stability. We included samples of various tissues and ages, which had been treated differently for preservation. DNA extractions were tested in a range of amplification settings and dilutions. Species‐specific rps16 intron sequences were obtained from 79 herbarium accessions and one confiscated root, encompassing 39 different species. Our results demonstrate that molecular analysis provides new perspectives for forensic identification of Indian snakeroot.
An Unusual Case of Multiple‐Gunshot Suicide of an Alcohol‐Intoxicated Cancer Sufferer with Prolonged Physical Activity
Authors: Marnerides Andreas , Zagelidou Eleni , Leontari Roumbini
Published: March 2013

Multishot firearm suicides are relatively rare and suggest the possibility of homicide. Physical activity following gunshots to the head, the neck, and the thorax does occur, and immediate incapacitation does not occur in every fatal gunshot wound that penetrates the head or perforates the heart. Cancer patients appear to be at increased suicide risk, but alcohol intoxication is less common in such cases. We present—to the best of our knowledge for the first time—a case of a 54‐year old, male, liver cancer sufferer, who under the influence of alcohol, discharged his revolver three times, suffered, among other wounds, a heart‐perforating wound, and died after c. 1.5 h, being able to talk until just before he died. Our case underlines the importance of keeping an open critical mind when dealing with multiple‐gunshot fatalities, especially when posttraumatic physical activity might be crucial in differentiating homicide from suicide.
The Need for an Interdisciplinary Approach in Forensic Sciences: Perspectives from a Peculiar Case of Mummification
Authors: Ventura Francesco , Portunato Federica , Pizzorno Enrico , Mazzone Silvana , Verde Alfredo , Rocca Gabriele
Published: March 2013

The finding of a mummified body raises many problems, also because of the limits of the medico‐legal investigations in case of mummification. Psychological autopsy and behavioral analysis have demonstrated a significant impact in case of equivocal death. The mummified corpse of a woman was found sealed in a wardrobe during the death investigation of a 36‐year‐old man, later discovered to be the woman's son. The woman's corpse was well preserved and no external injuries were found. Autopsy could not ascertain the cause of death. The state of the premises and the writings on the walls offered an opportunity to investigate the man's psychological profile and to better understand how the events might have taken place. The role of an accurate investigative analysis of the crime scene is a cornerstone of forensic pathology and the case presented underlies the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in forensic sciences.
Age Estimation from Radiographic Images of the Knee
Authors: Hackman Lucina , Black Sue
Published: March 2013

This study examines the reliability of age estimation utilizing the Pyle and Hoerr atlas in relation to a modern Scottish population. The knee radiographs of 442 individuals (168 females, 274 males) were age assessed using the Pyle and Hoerr atlas. Analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between chronological age and estimated age (females R² = 0.968, males R² = 0.952). For females, the atlas method was most accurate between the ages of 9 and 15 years of age with an underage of 2.27 months and an overage of 2.38 months. For males, the atlas consistently overestimated age from the age of 9 years to the age of 16 years from between 0.14 and 8.81 months. The standard deviation for females was 9.86 months and for males was 10.75 months. This study showed that the Pyle and Hoerr atlas can be applied to a modern population with small modifications.
A Comparison of Common Swabbing Materials for the Recovery of Organic and Inorganic Explosive Residues
Authors: DeTata David A. , Collins Peter A. , McKinley Allan J.
Published: March 2013

The efficiency of solvent based extraction methods used to remove explosive residues from four different swab types was investigated. Known amounts of organic and inorganic residues were spiked onto a swab surface with acetonitrile or ethanol:water combined with ultrasonication or physical manipulation used to extract the residues from each swab. The efficiency of each procedure was then calculated using liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detection for organic residues and ion chromatography for inorganic residues. Results indicated that acetonitrile combined with physical agitation proved to be the most efficient method; returning analyte recoveries c. 95% for both alcohol based swabs and cotton balls. Inorganic residues were efficiently extracted using ethanol:water, while the use of acetonitrile followed by water significantly reduced the recovery of inorganic residues. Swab storage conditions were then investigated with results indicating decreased storage temperatures are required to retain the more volatile explosives.
Contrast Enhancement of Bite Mark Images Using the Grayscale Mixer in ACR in Photoshop®
Authors: Evans Sam , Noorbhai Suzanne , Lawson Zoe , Stacey‐Jones Seren , Carabott Romina
Published: March 2013

Enhanced images may improve bite mark edge definition, assisting forensic analysis. Current contrast enhancement involves color extraction, viewing layered images by channel. A novel technique, producing a single enhanced image using the grayscale mix panel withinAdobeCameraRaw®, has been developed and assessed here, allowing adjustments of multiple color channels simultaneously. Stage 1 measuredRGBvalues in 72 versions of a color chart image; eight sliders inPhotoshop®were adjusted at 25% intervals, all corresponding colors affected. Stage 2 used a bite mark image, and found only red, orange, and yellow sliders had discernable effects. Stage 3 assessed modality preference between color, grayscale, and enhanced images; on average, the 22 survey participants chose the enhanced image as better defined for nine out of 10 bite marks. The study has shown potential benefits for this new technique. However, further research is needed before use in the analysis of bite marks.
Post‐operative hypercapnia‐induced hyperpnoea accelerates recovery from sevoflurane anaesthesia: a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: KATZNELSON R. , DJAIANI G. , NAUGHTON F. , WASOWICZ M. , RAGOONANAN T. , DUFFIN J. , FEDORKO L. , MURPHY J. , FISHER J. A.
Published: March 2013

Background

The time to recovery from vapour anaesthesia is shortened by an increase in ventilation while maintaining normocapnia. Hypercapnia during emergence from anaesthesia in spontaneously breathing patients also increases anaesthetic clearance from the brain by increasing cerebral blood flow. We hypothesised that hypercapnia‐induced hyperpnoea accelerates emergence from sevoflurane anaesthesia compared to the standard anaesthesia protocol.

Methods

After Ethics Review Board approval, 44 ASA I‐III patients undergoing elective gynaecological surgery were randomised after surgery to either hypercapnic hyperpnoea or control groups. In the hypercapnic hyperpnoea group, the end‐tidal CO2 was adjusted to a range of 6.0–7.3 kPa to maintain a minute ventilation of 10–15 l/min. Recovery indices were compared using unpaired t‐tests and ANOVA.

Results

Prior to extubation, minute ventilation and end‐tidal CO2 in hypercapnic hyperpnoea and control groups were 10.3 ± 1.7 l/min vs. 5.4 ± 1.2 l/min (P < 0.001) and 6.6 ± 0.6 kPa and 5.2 ± 0.5 kPa (P < 0.001), respectively. Compared to control, the study group had shorter time to extubation [4.4 ± 1.3 (SD) vs. 9.8 ± 4.4 min, P < 0.01], BIS recovery to > 75 (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 6.1 ± 3.1 min, P < 0.01), eye opening (3.9 ± 1.6 vs. 9.8 ± 6.2 min, P < 0.01), eligibility for leaving operating room (5.1 ± 1.2 vs. 11.1 ± 4.6 min, P < 0.01), and post‐anaesthesia care unit (73.9 ± 14.2 vs. 89.4 ± 22.6)

Conclusion

Hypercapnic hyperpnoea in spontaneously breathing patients halves the time of recovery from sevoflurane‐induced anaesthesia in the operating room.
Examination of Rare Missense Variants in the CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 Gene Cluster to Level of Response to Alcohol in the San Diego Sibling Pair Study
Authors: Choquet Hélène , Joslyn Geoff , Lee Andrew , Kasberger Jay , Robertson Margaret , Brush Gerry , Schuckit Marc A. , White Ray , Jorgenson Eric
Published: March 2013

Background

Common variants in the CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 gene cluster have been shown to be associated with nicotine dependence and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and related traits, including the level of response (LR) to alcohol. Recently, rare variants (MAF < 0.05) in CHRNB4 have been reported to be associated with a decreased risk of developing nicotine dependence. However, the role of rare variants in the CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 gene cluster to the LR to alcohol has not yet been established.

Methods

To determine whether rare variants in the CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 gene cluster contribute to the LR to alcohol, the coding regions of these 3 genes were sequenced in 538 subjects from the San Diego Sibling Pair study.

Results

The analyses identified 16 rare missense variants, 9 of which were predicted to be damaging using in silico analysis tools. Carriers of these variants were compared to noncarriers using a family‐based design for each gene and for the gene cluster as a whole. In these analyses, a CHRNA5 carrier status was significantly associated with the phenotype related to the feeling of intoxication experienced during the alcohol challenge (p = 0.039).

Conclusions

These results indicate that rare genetic variation in the CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 gene cluster contributes modestly to the LR to alcohol in the San Diego Sibling Pair study and may protect against AUDs. However, replication studies are needed to confirm our findings.