bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Broader System Begins With The Workplace
Authors: Furlong Mark , Smith Jenny
Published: September 2013

Most practitioners trained in family therapy are employed in host agencies which are not family therapy services. In these environments an ongoing challenge is to find constructive ways to manage the contraints of the employing agency. Central to meeting this challenge is the practitioner's ability to make sense of the host agency's local conditions. This paper offers a framework for developing an explicit awareness of these local conditions. It is the authors' view that an advanced level of ‘local knowledge’ allows for more creativity in managing the inevitably challenging experience of practice in human service agencies.
A Miracle Metaphor for Family Therapy*
Authors: Larner Glenn
Published: September 2013

This paper is a chronicle of miracle narratives in family therapy. It suggests that change is a manifold and often comes unexpectedly from life, which places it outside the control of the theory and technology of family therapy. A miracle is defined not in supernatural language, so much as a co‐incidence of events that fall together' to form a narrative for change. As poetic metaphor, miracles evoke in the family therapist an aesthetics of wonder and a ‘holy curiosity’. The miracle metaphor is illustrated by several examples from family therapy practice, and is discussed in relation to recent deconstructive theory.
The Narrative Dance — A Practice Map For White's Therapy*
Authors: Nicholson Susan
Published: September 2013

Michael White's and David Epston's Narrative Therapy Approach, has stimulated a great deal of interest amongst practitioners both in Australia and overseas. While creative use of language is a cornerstone of the approach, this can also act as a barrier to therapists' attempts to understand and apply the model This paper focuses on the essential aspects and core dimensions underlying White's Narrative Approach. Utilising the analogy of a dance, a practice grid will be described to highlight key therapy steps.
Systemic Therapy and Aged Respite Care A Neglected Area
Authors: Vassallo Tony
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses how placing an elderly individual in nursing home respite care can lead to the emergence of major marital issues for an elderly couple. It illustrates how one can intervene systemically to change the context of this event, so that it is freeing for the individuals concerned rather than punishing. The discussion focusses on the main developmental issues for the aged and how these need to be considered for therapy and there is a review of research on the effects of out of home placement on individuals and their carers. The main techniques discussed are the use of letter writing and reflexive questioning to provide avenues for alternate explorations for the individuals concerned. These techniques were used to help a husband and wife escape repeated serious escalations that became depleting and damaging to them personally and to their relationship. There is brief comment also on the lack of attention given to psychotherapy for the elderly, with some suggestions for change.
Care Of The Soul In Family Therapy
Authors: Hunter Yvonne
Published: September 2013

The writing of this article is an attempt to present the struggle of coming to terms with what moves me at my deepest levels and how this conjuncts with my work as a family therapist.
Language as an Exclusive or Inclusive Concept: Reaching beyond the verbal
Authors: Stacey Kathleen
Published: September 2013

Language is a primary means by which practices of inclusion and exclusion are determined in our society. As language is also the primary medium of most narrative family therapies, the politics of our practices with regard to inclusion and exclusion require examination, particularly when working with children for whom language is neither a strength nor a preferred processing mode. In this paper, some young people showing language‐based learning difficulties will be introduced. Children's experiences with oppression and colonization will then be briefly considered, followed by the particular experiences of children showing language‐based learning difficulties. The interrelationship between language, social‐emotional development and social competence will be considered and ways to ‘scaffold’ these children during the therapy process to facilitate their inclusion will be addressed. Throughout the discussion, the implications for narrative family therapists will be explored as we consider whether our fascination with language is wielded in inclusive or exclusive ways and whether we can competently reach beyond the verbal in our practice.
Teaching hypothesising skills from a post‐Milan perspective
Authors: Brown Jacob Edward
Published: September 2013

The Milan model relies upon careful hypothesising, a therapeutic stance of neutrality and circular questioning on the part of the therapist in order to release new information into the family system. Current thinking incorporates a postmodernist perspective which challenges the traditional process of hypothesising. This postmodern challenge is in part due to the use of the term ‘hypothesising’ which is strongly associated with reductionism or structuralism, which relies on the scientific method. As a clinical activity, the actual process of hypothesising is a complex, cognitive task and often a relatively unpopular activity which is difficult to teach to students. This paper discusses the therapeutic benefits and limitations of hypothesising and proposes a structure for teaching hypothesising to students learning to work with couples from a post‐Milan perspective.
Postmodernism, constructionism and the idea of reality: A contribution to the ‘ism’ discussions
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: September 2013

There has been a tendency to negate the idea of an external reality in the current systemic uses of postmodernist and social constructionist ideas. Postmodernism challenges us to abandon the modernist idea of reality, but as therapists we are still left needing to understand the social and emotional worlds which our clients inhabit. Social constructionist theory has become attractive in the attempt to advance new understandings of those realities. However, there is a critical distinction between a version of social constructionism which defines the realities of the social world as being (simply) social constructions, versus a version which uses the idea of social construction to understand how we come to know and experience the social world. Both versions are often run together in the systemic discussions, but it is the second version which allows the acknowledgment of the existence of external realities separate to our constructions of them. This paper argues that it is important to allow the space for an understanding of ‘the subject, the world and the space in‐between’ in thinking about the idea of reality in the domain of therapy.
Darling Robert….
Authors: Jones Sarah
Published: September 2013

How do men and women experience love? As no one person is entirely qualified to speak for both sexes, this love letter considers the dilemmas in assuming that love is in itself gendered. A light hearted look at desire, through the prism of Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, offers some ideas on the nature of love.
Towards Balancing Power in Domestic Violence Relationships Rejoinder
Authors: Shaw Elisabeth , Pye Sheena
Published: September 2013

Based on four years of extensive work on domestic violence issues with both survivors and perpetrators within their Family Safety Program, the authors argue that Wileman and Wileman's suggestion that women could learn skills to “effect positive change” in their relationships is both inappropriate and potentially dangerous. We further argue that to label such “skills” as “empowering” merely endorses a stance that is “more of the same” for the woman. That is, the woman may only learn more about taking responsibility for change, which is a position in which she is already well entrenched, often to her ultimate disadvantage.
Towards Balancing Power in Domestic Violence Relationships Response to Shaw & Pye
Authors: Wileman Robin , Wileman Bud
Published: September 2013

In contrast to Shaw and Pye, Wileman and Wileman argue that women are not powerless to influence positive change in relationships involving domestic violence.

A balance of power can be attained by many women, without increasing the risk of retaliatory abuse, providing the authors' guidelines are observed.

It is time to acknowledge and validate the rights and wishes of the many women victims who want their relationships to survive and the violence to stop.
Re‐authoring the stories we work by Situating the narrative approach in the presence of the family of therapists**
Authors: Hart Bruce
Published: September 2013

This paper evaluates the work of the narrative school of family therapy, as developed by Michael White. This is examined in relation to the field of ideas in family therapy out of which it emerged, highlighting some of the similarities and differences, The lack of acknowledgement by the narrative school of many of the commonalities shared with others is then considered. A second order perspective is taken, situating the therapist's theory in the presence of the family of therapists to examine the development of the narrative approach to theory and practice. Constructionist contributions are considered in relation to the development of an eclectic approach where the therapist adopts a multiverse of theories to draw upon in practice. Development of theory becomes then a dialogue between different lenses rather than the development of any one truth.
Coming Across: Family Therapy in Australia and New Zealand*
Authors: Stagoll Brian
Published: September 2013

In this Keynote Address I ask where family therapy comes from in Australia and New Zealand, as a way of seeing where it might go. I look at our histories, cultures and traditions and how they are connected. What happened to the old certainties of our field, and where do we take a stand today? How can we come across with courage, imagination and a sense of community? How can we maintain those impulses to justice and to remembering that psychotherapy stands for at its best?
A Contribution to the History of Family Therapy in Australia and New Zealand: A Bibliometric Perspective*
Authors: Davis Mari , Lipson Lorraine
Published: September 2013

The content of the first ten volumes of The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy is analysed to provide a picture of the major themes and subject matter addressed in its formative years using the techniques of bibliometrics and content analysis. A methodology is developed for measuring the prevalence of subject content in the journal which could have application in other fields. The interdisciplinary character of family therapy is demonstrated by the diversity of cited end‐of‐article journal references. A list of most‐cited journals is provided. The characteristics of authorship are discussed with respect to geographic dispersion, institutional affiliation, seniority and gender. The issue of collaborative authorship is discussed in relation to the patterns of co‐authorship observed in this period, 1979–1989. The analysis identifies signs of the emergence of family therapy as a discrete field. The paper concludes also that there are positive signs of maturation of the journal. It offers some pointers about directions for the journal in the next phase ofits development.
The Origins of Family Work: The Theory and Practice of Family Social Work Since 1880
Authors: Wood Andrew
Published: September 2013

This paper provides a detailed literary and historical account of the earliest beginnings of family theory and practice by social workers, beginning in the 1880's. The paper argues that the first widespread practice of family work’ by the helping professions was carried out by social workers, primarily women, despite this being rarely acknowledged in the family therapy literature. An analysis of gender and its place in the development of professional status and the ownership of ideas is provided.
Adult Attachment: Some Considerations for Family Therapy
Authors: Radojevic Marija
Published: September 2013

The elaboration of attachment theory and research into the domains of adult and of mental representations of relationships has generated considerable interest amongst many mental health practitioners. The clinical implications include the potential to understand better how representations of relationships are transmitted from one generation to the next and how these are translated into parenting practices. The aim of this paper is to examine theoretical concepts associated with adult attachment and its measurement and to examine the contribution which adult attachment theory may make to the practice of family therapy. Central assumptions are that the individual cannot be understood adequately outside the context of social relationships and that the family may be understood to operate as a self regulating system.
Myth and Reality in Rural Counselling*
Authors: Crago Hugh , Sturmey Ruth , Monson Jenny
Published: September 2013

The authors conduct a dialogue that links three distinctive perspectives on the issues and dilemmas involved in counselling within small/remote communities. The often‐identified issues of survival in isolation, deprivation of resources, visibility, boundary maintenance, rural conservatism, and rigid gender prescriptions are considered from the perspective of structural determinants (as understood by rural sociology), of Bowenian systems theory, and of holistic practice informed by a commitment to personal growth and integrity. The authors end with some recommendations for selection, training and effective utilisation of counsellors for small rural communities.
Truth or Fiction: Men as Victims of Domestic Violence?
Authors: James Kerrie
Published: September 2013

Recently, claims have been made that womens's violence towards their male partners is a hidden and unacknowledged form of domestic violence. This paper critically examines this claim, arguing that studies that compare men's and women's violence, while showing a similar frequency of violent acts perpetrated by both men and women, also reveal significant differences. A man's violence is more serious in its effects, can employ a wider range of violence tactics and emanates from a more dominant and powerful position in relation to his female partner. A woman's violence, on the other hand, is often in self defence or is an expression of frustration and stress. In contrast to men's violence, women's violence is not usually an attempt to control or dominate their partners. The implications for practice are discussed and therapists are encouraged to differentiate between women who are violent towards an abusive partner versus those whose partners are not abusive.
Disenfranchised Grief After Incest The experience of victims/daughters, mothers/wives
Authors: Dwyer Jenny , Miller Robyn
Published: September 2013

In the literature on incest, the experience of grief and loss has been under‐explored. In this article we identify the way in which recognition and resolution of grief after incest is frequently not socially sanctioned and may become ‘disenfranchised’. The concept of disenfranchised grief is used to understand the experiences of young women who have been victims of father‐daughter incest, and their non‐offending mothers. The nature of their grief is discussed, along with the complex and multiple relationships within their families. Finally we look at the clinical implications of the therapist recognising the complex and contradictory nature of their experiences and attending to their losses.
Reading the Feedback; An Interview with Doug Breunlin
Authors: Cade Brian
Published: September 2013

Doug Breunlin is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Family Institute, Chicago and an Associate Professor at Northwestern University. He was formerly the Director of the Family Systems Program at the Institute for Juvenile Research in Chicago, and he is Associate Editor of the Journal of Family Therapy (UK), and an editorial member of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. I first met him in 1975 when he joined the staff of The Family Institute, Cardiff, Wales for a period of three years. I remember those years as the most creative during my time at the Institute (and we also had a lot of fun). At one point, we were joined by a certain social work lecturer on sabbatical from the University of NSW by the name of Max Cornwell, who also contributed much to the creativity and the fun. Doug has published widely and, in 1992, was the joint author of a seminal work entitled Metaframeworks: Transcending the Models of Family Therapy. Doug recently visited New Zealand and also made his second trip to Australia to present workshops on dealing with complex cases using the metaframeworks. While in Melbourne, he gave the second biennial memorial lecture in honour of Geoff Goding. I interviewed Doug while he was in Sydney.
The long‐term impact of tissue injury on pain processing and modulation: A study on ex‐prisoners of war who underwent torture
Authors: Defrin R. , Ginzburg K. , Mikulincer M. , Solomon Z.
Published: September 2013

Background

Tissue injury may, in some instances, induce chronic pain lasting for decades. Torture survivors suffer from high rates of chronic pain and hypersensitivity in the previously injured regions. Whether torture survivors display generalized alterations in pain perception and modulation, and whether such alterations underlie their chronic pain is unknown. We aimed at exploring the long‐term alterations in pain perception and modulation in torture survivors.

Methods

In order to address these questions, a systematic quantitative somatosensory evaluation was performed in individuals (n = 60) who suffer from chronic pain, and who, decades previously, were tortured, resulting in substantial tissue damage. These individuals were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched individuals (n = 44) of similar background. Testing included the measurement of pain threshold and pain tolerance, perceived suprathreshold stimuli, conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation of pain (TSP) in intact body regions.

Results

Chronic pain was found highly prevalent (86.6%) among torture survivors, who exhibited higher suprathreshold pain ratings (p < 0.05), poorer CPM (p < 0.0001) and stronger TSP (p < 0.0001) than controls. Significant differences in CPM and TSP were also found between torture survivors and controls with chronic pain. Chronic pain intensity among torture survivors correlated negatively with the magnitude of CPM (r = −0.47, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Torture appears to induce generalized dysfunctional pain modulation that may underlie the intense chronic pain experienced by torture survivors decades after torture. The results may be generalized to instances where chronic pain exists for decades after severe injury in non‐tortured populations and emphasize the importance of preventive care.
Does high blood pressure reduce the risk of chronic low back pain? The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study
Authors: Heuch I. , Heuch I. , Hagen K. , Zwart J.A.
Published: September 2013

Background

Epidemiological studies have suggested inverse relationships between blood pressure and prevalence of conditions such as migraine and headache. It is not yet clear whether similar relationships can be established for back pain in particular in prospective studies.

Methods

Associations between blood pressure and chronic low back pain were explored in the cross‐sectional HUNT 2 survey of a Norwegian county in 1995–1997, including 39,872 individuals who never used antihypertensive medication. A prospective study, comprising 17,209 initially back pain‐free individuals and 5740 individuals reporting low back pain, was established by re‐examinations in the HUNT 3 survey in 2006–2008. Associations were assessed by logistic regression with respect to systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure, with adjustment for education, work status, physical activity, smoking, body mass and lipid levels.

Results

In the cross‐sectional study, all three blood pressure measures showed inverse relationships with prevalence of low back pain in both sexes. In the prospective study of disease‐free women, baseline pulse pressure and systolic pressure were inversely associated with risk of low back pain [odds ratio (OR) 0.93 per 10 mm Hg increase in pulse pressure, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.98, p = 0.007; OR 0.95 per 10 mm Hg increase in systolic pressure, 95% CI 0.92–0.99, p = 0.005]. Results among men were equivocal. No associations were indicated with the occurrence of pain in individuals with low back pain at baseline.

Conclusions

Results for low back pain are consistent with the theory of hypertension‐associated hypalgesia, predicting diminished pain sensitivity with increasing blood pressure, possibly with modified reactions in people suffering from long‐lasting pain.
Magnesium metal—A potential biomaterial with antibone cancer properties
Authors: Nan Ma , Yangmei Chen , Bangcheng Yang
Published: September 2013

Reactive oxygen plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many serious illnesses, including bony cancer. Recently, it has been suggested that hydrogen (H2), a selective antioxidant, can effectively scavenge free radicals. Biomedical magnesium (Mg) used for bone defect repair in the surgery of bony cancer could release H2 because of the degradation, so Mg might have the potential to prevent bony cancer from metastasis and recurrence. In this study, alkali‐heat treatment method was employed to modify the surface structure of Mg metal, so as to control the degradation of Mg metal and the H2 releasing rate. Then the released H2 was introduced to the Fenton Reaction system to detect its effect on scavenging free radicals. The modified Mg metal was employed as the substrate for bone cancer cell culture to study the effect of the H2 releasing on scavenging free radicals in the cells. It is found that the H2 released from the Mg degradation could scavenge free radicals both in the Fenton Reaction system and bone cancer cells. The effect on the scavenging free radical is proportional to the rate of H2 releasing. It suggested that Mg might be a potential material with anti‐bone cancer properties. It is hopeful to both repair the bone defect and prevent bony cancer from metastasis and recurrence for the bony cancer patients by biomedical Mg metal. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2644–2651, 2014.
Ozone and organic nitrates over the eastern United States: Sensitivity to isoprene chemistry
Authors: Mao Jingqiu , Paulot Fabien , Jacob Daniel J. , Cohen Ronald C. , Crounse John D. , Wennberg Paul O. , Keller Christoph A. , Hudman Rynda C. , Barkley Michael P. , Horowitz Larry W.
Published: September 2013

We implement a new isoprene oxidation mechanism in a global 3‐D chemical transport model (GEOS‐Chem). Model results are evaluated with observations for ozone, isoprene oxidation products, and related species from the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation aircraft campaign over the eastern United States in summer 2004. The model achieves an unbiased simulation of ozone in the boundary layer and the free troposphere, reflecting canceling effects from recent model updates for isoprene chemistry, bromine chemistry, and HO2 loss to aerosols. Simulation of the ozone‐CO correlation is improved relative to previous versions of the model, and this is attributed to a lower and reversible yield of isoprene nitrates, increasing the ozone production efficiency per unit of nitrogen oxides (NOx ≡ NO + NO2). The model successfully reproduces the observed concentrations of organic nitrates (∑ANs) and their correlations with HCHO and ozone. ∑ANs in the model is principally composed of secondary isoprene nitrates, including a major contribution from nighttime isoprene oxidation. The correlations of ∑ANs with HCHO and ozone then provide sensitive tests of isoprene chemistry and argue in particular against a fast isomerization channel for isoprene peroxy radicals. ∑ANs can provide an important reservoir for exporting NOx from the U.S. boundary layer. We find that the dependence of surface ozone on isoprene emission is positive throughout the U.S., even if NOx emissions are reduced by a factor of 4. Previous models showed negative dependences that we attribute to erroneous titration of OH by isoprene.
Nonsteady state carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems of China estimated by data assimilation
Authors: Zhou Tao , Shi Peijun , Jia Gensuo , Luo Yiqi
Published: September 2013

Carbon sequestration occurs only when terrestrial ecosystems are at nonsteady states. Despite of their ubiquity in the real world, the nonsteady states of ecosystems have not been well quantified, especially at regional and global scales. In this study, we developed a two‐step data assimilation scheme to estimate carbon sink strength in China's forest ecosystems. Specifically, the two‐step scheme consists of a steady state step and a nonsteady state step. In the steady state step, we constrained a process‐based model (Terrestrial Ecosystem Regional (TECO‐R) model) against biometric data (net primary production NPP, biomass, litter, and soil organic carbon) in mature forests. With a subset of the parameter values estimated from the steady state data assimilation being fixed, the nonsteady state data assimilation was performed to estimate carbon sequestration in China's forest ecosystems. Our results indicated that 17 out of the 22 total parameters in the TECO‐R model were well constrained by the biometric data with the steady state data assimilation. When observations from both mature and developing forests were used, all the 10 parameters related to carbon sequestration in vegetation and soil carbon pools were well constrained at the nonsteady state step. The estimated mean vegetation carbon sink in China's forests is 89.7 ± 16.8 gC m−2 yr−1, comparable with the values estimated from the forest inventory and other process‐based regional models. The estimated mean soil and litter carbon sinks in China's forests are 14.1 ± 20.7 and 4.7 ± 6.5 gC m−2 yr−1. This study demonstrated that a two‐step data assimilation scheme can be a potent tool to estimate regional carbon sequestration in nonsteady state ecosystems.
Experimental investigation and simulation of hollow fiber membrane process for SF6 recovery from GIS
Authors: Kim Kee Hong , Ingole Pravin G. , Kim Jong Hak , Lee Hyung Keun
Published: September 2013

In this present study, polyethersulfone hollow fiber membrane was used to recover sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS). SF6, N2 pure gas and mixed gas (12.5 vol.% of SF6) experiment was initiated to observe permeation behavior according to temperature and pressure difference and retentate flow rate. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphological characteristics and the structure of asymmetric hollow fibers. The permeation rates of SF6 and N2 were measured by the variable pressure method. As a result, permeance of N2 was 9.5–16.3 GPU, and selectivity of N2/SF6 was 10.5–13.3. Moreover, the concentration of SF6 in the retentate stream reached to 99.2% by the control of the operating condition. Based on the experimental results, tree‐stage membrane process was designed using simulation program. As a result, demanded membrane area reduced about 74% according to operating condition difference. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis and catalytic activity of well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymers based on N‐vinylimidazolium
Authors: Peng Chang , Huang Kai , Han Mingsong , Meng Wei , Xiong Yuanqin , Xu Weijian
Published: September 2013

Well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymers, poly(styrene)‐b‐poly(N‐vinylimidazole) (PS‐b‐PVim), were successfully synthesized by macromolecular design via interchange of the xanthates/reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The structure of the copolymer based on Vim can be well controlled, and the molecular weight distribution was relatively narrow (PDI = 1.24). The size and morphology of the aggregates of the amphiphilic copolymers were investigated by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope, the results implied that the uniform spheroidal micelles consisting of PS core and PVim corona were assembled, and the catalytic activities of PS‐b‐PVim for the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl acetate at different temperatures were also investigated by high‐performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC); the catalytic activities of diblock copolymers were prominently improved compared with that of PVim homopolymers. Moreover, the catalytic activities of the copolymers followed the Arrhenius behavior in the wide experimental temperature range. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micropatterned designs of thermoresponsive surfaces for modulating cell behaviors
Authors: Yang Miaokun , Yang Ning , Bi Sixin , He Xiaoling , Chen Li , Zhu Zhengyan , Gao Yingtang , Du Zhi
Published: September 2013

The chemistry and topography of the material surfaces have an important effect on cell behaviors. In this study, we reported the preparation of thermoresponsive micropatterned surfaces (TS) and galactosylated TS for modulating the adhesion/detachment of cells. A thickness of 1 µm of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) grafted layer was fabricated on the polystyrene surface with microgrooves using ultraviolet‐induced copolymerization. The thick grafted layer was in favor of the interactions between cells and materials. The following immobilization of galactose ligand with specific affinity to hepatocyte onto TS promoted the adhesion of human hepatocyte line (HL‐7702 cells). The microgrooves structure could facilitate cell adhesion and regulate the oriented growth of cells. Moreover, narrow grooves accelerated the spontaneous detachment of cells only by reducing temperature. Thus, micropatterned biofunctional designs with controlled geometrical features presented in this study have sufficient biofunctional activities in facilitating cell sheet engineering and regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamics in ion‐irradiated poly(ether ether ketone) investigated by two‐dimensional correlation dielectric relaxation spectroscopy
Authors: Al Lafi Abdul G.
Published: September 2013

This paper reports the first use of temperature–temperature 2D correlation dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (2D COS‐DRS) to study the molecular relaxation dynamics in ion‐irradiated poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). With the help of the high resolution and high sensitivity of 2D COS‐DRS, it was possible to locate the position of the motion of water molecules in the dielectric spectrum of PEEK. This occurred at −20°C and increased in intensity on increasing water contents. On irradiation, a new relaxation was observed at −75°C and −85°C for proton and helium ion‐irradiated samples, respectively. This increased in intensity on increasing radiation dose and was assigned to main‐chain phenyl motions of the cross‐linked units of the polymer. 2D COS‐DRS was also successfully applied to resolve the overlap in molecular events in the region of glass transition. Three processes that change in different directions with respect to ion irradiation dose were identified. These were at 160°C, 175°C, and 240°C and were assigned to the α relaxation, second α relaxation, and the onset of conductivity, respectively. In addition, hybrid 2D COS‐DRS was used to investigate the effect of the so‐called linear energy transfer effect, and the results showed that helium ions were more effective in cross‐linking PEEK. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly porous poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) microparticles for sustained tiotropium release
Authors: Park SoHyun , Kwag Dong Sup , Lee Ung Yeol , Lee Dong Jin , Oh Kyung Taek , Youn Yu Seok , Lee Eun Seong
Published: September 2013

In this study, porous poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles with low mass density and large particle size were developed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment using anticholinergic drug (tiotropium). The porous PLGA microparticles were prepared by the water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W1/O/W2) multi‐emulsion method using PLGA polymer and ammonium bicarbonate (as a porogen). Herein, soluble starch was incorporated in porous PLGA microparticles for long‐term tiotropium release. In vitro drug release studies determined that the rapid release of tiotropium from porous PLGA microparticles was reduced because of the high viscosity of the incorporated starch. Tiotropium release from porous PLGA microparticles continued up to 3 days. Furthermore, the inhaled microparticles showed longer drug residence in in vivo lung epithelium. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic analogs of anoplin show improved antimicrobial activities
Authors: Munk Jens K. , Uggerhøj Lars Erik , Poulsen Tanja J. , Frimodt‐Møller Niels , Wimmer Reinhard , Nyberg Nils T. , Hansen Paul R.
Published: September 2013

We present the antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of the decapeptide anoplin and 19 analogs thereof tested against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591 (MRSA), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 700221) (VRE), and Candida albicans (ATCC 200955). The anoplin analogs contain substitutions in amino acid positions 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. We use these peptides to study the effect of altering the charge and hydrophobicity of anoplin on activity against red blood cells and microorganisms. We find that increasing the charge and/or hydrophobicity improves antimicrobial activity and increases hemolytic activity. For each strain tested, we identify at least six anoplin analogs with an improved therapeutic index compared with anoplin, the only exception being Enterococcus faecium, against which only few compounds are more specific than anoplin. Both 2Nal6 and Cha6 show improved therapeutic index against all strains tested. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variability in sulphur isotope values of archaeological and modern cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Nehlich Olaf , Barrett James H. , Richards Michael P.
Published: September 2013

RATIONALE

This study presents the first sulphur isotope data of modern and archaeological cod (Gadus morhua) bone collagen, undertaken to identify large‐scale spatial variability of significance as both baseline values for studies of human diet and a potential variable in isotope‐based studies of fish trading.

METHODS

Collagen was extracted from modern and archaeological cod bones using a weak HCl solution and analysed for its sulphur isotopic composition by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).

RESULTS

The archaeological cod have sulphur isotope values ranging from +9.1‰ to +18.2‰, whereas values for modern specimens range from +14.8‰ to +18.3‰. The modern data show values implying less freshwater influence, consistent with their offshore catch locations, but also corroborate some of the regional variability evident from the archaeological evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The archaeological data have a large range of sulphur isotope values compared with the modern populations, probably indicating they were taken from a wide range of geographic locations, including both coastal and offshore locales. They show broad trends of regional difference that may relate to both the fish populations targeted (e.g. 'inshore' versus 'offshore') and the baseline values of the local ecosystem (e.g. degree of freshwater input from river systems). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion mobility and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry strategies for exhaled breath condensate glucose quantitation in cystic fibrosis studies
Authors: Monge María Eugenia , Pérez José J. , Dwivedi Prabha , Zhou Manshui , McCarty Nael A. , Stecenko Arlene A. , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: September 2013

RATIONALE

Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is an important complication of cystic fibrosis (CF) because it causes acceleration in the decline in lung function. Monitoring concentrations of key metabolites such as glucose in airway lining fluid is necessary for improving our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms linking diabetes and CF. Targeted‐metabolomic strategies for glucose quantitation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from healthy individuals are presented.

METHODS

Three different electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS)‐based methods were developed for EBC sample interrogation and glucose quantitation without derivatization. Two methods utilized ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to either time‐of‐flight (TOF) MS or triple quadrupole (QqQ) tandem MS (MS/MS). A third approach involved direct‐infusion traveling wave ion mobility spectrometry (TWIMS) with TOF‐MS detection. UHPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS was used for urea quantitation as the EBC dilution marker. Matrix effects were mitigated using isotopically labeled glucose and urea as internal standards.

RESULTS

All the developed methods allowed glucose and urea quantitation in EBC with high accuracy and precision. The UHPLC/TOF‐MS and UHPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS methods provided similar analytical figures of merit. UHPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS provided the highest sensitivity and the lowest limit of detection (LOD) of 1.5 nM in EBC for both glucose and urea. The TWIMS‐TOF‐MS‐based method provided the highest sample throughput capability; however, the glucose LOD was ~3‐fold higher than with the two chromatographic methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Mass spectrometric methods for the quantitative analysis of trace EBC glucose levels are reported and compared for the first time. The analytical figures of merit demonstrate the applicability of these methods to metabolite analysis of airway samples for CF and CFRD research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of 3‐aminoquinoline‐derivatised isomeric oligogalacturonic acid by travelling‐wave ion mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Jie‐Hong , Bakx Edwin J. , Gruppen Harry , Schols Henk A.
Published: September 2013

RATIONALE

Mass spectrometry has become a useful technique for elucidating the chemical structures of oligosaccharides. The combined use of chromatography and mass spectrometry for the separation and identification of oligosaccharides has shown much progress in recent years. However, no powerful method has yet been developed to quickly identify isomeric oligosaccharides in complex mixtures.

METHODS

A rapid travelling‐wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIMS‐MS) method was developed for the identification of various isomeric oligogalacturonic acids in mixtures and determined their structures, using 3‐aminoquinoline (3‐AQ) as a labelling agent.

RESULTS

TWIMS successfully distinguished isomeric oligogalacturonic acids of various degrees of polymerisation (DPs) and levels of methyl‐esterification. After derivatisation by 3‐AQ, isomeric oligosaccharides of galacturonic acid, with the DP ranging from 2 to 9 and the number of methyl esters ranging from 1 to 5, were identified by 3‐AQ‐TWIMS‐MS. The isomeric oligosaccharides with varying sites of methyl ester substitution were identified by the post‐fragmentation mode of TWIMS using 3‐AQ labelling to obtain simplified mass spectra.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the 3‐AQ‐TWIMS‐MS method, the precise distribution of methyl esters within the pectin molecule and isomeric oligogalacturonic acids after enzyme degradation was determined. Simplified product ion mass spectra and precise analysis of the isomers were achieved by labelling 3‐AQ at the reducing end of the oligosaccharides. Series of methyl‐esterified galacturonic acid oligomers have predictable drift times, depending on the precise position of the methyl ester. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the concentration of chemical elements in suspended particulate matter inside a small bronze and iron foundry industry, using a streaker sampler and EDXRF
Authors: Massoni Paulo Rogério , de Almeida Eduardo , Cançado José Eduardo Delfini , do Nascimento Filho Virgílio Franco
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the temporal profiles of the concentration of chemical elements in the suspended particulate matter present inside a small bronze and an iron foundry industry. To collect the samples, we used a streaker sampler that separates particles with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 10 µm (PM10) in two fractions: fine (particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm; PM2.5) and coarse (between 2.5 µm and less than 10 µm; PM10–2.5). The collection of samples was taken every 20 min during a total time of 8 and 5 h of molding and casting of bronze and iron, respectively. The samples collected in the form of strips on a filter (fine fraction) and an impactor (coarse fraction) were analyzed by the energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence technique. In the excitation, an X‐ray tube with Mo target and Zr filter was used, operated at 30 mA/30 kV. For detecting the characteristic of X‐rays, a semiconductor Si(Li) detector was used, coupled to a multi‐channel spectrometer, with a 300 s excitation/detection time. The results of the temporal profiles of chemical element concentrations in coarse and fine fractions were discussed and compared with the maximum levels set by the Brazilian and international environmental agencies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐resolution X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer and its application at SSRF
Authors: Gao Xing , Gu Songqi , Gao Qian , Zou Yang , Jiang Zheng , Zhang Shuo , Wei Xiangjun , Yu Haisheng , Sheng Guodong , Duan Peiquan , Huang Yuying
Published: September 2013

A high‐resolution X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer based on Rowland circle geometry was developed and installed at BL14W1 XAFS beamline of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The spectrometer mainly consists of three parts: a sample holder, a spherically curved Si crystal, and an avalanche photodiode detector. The simplicity of the spectrometer makes it easily assembled on the general purpose X‐ray absorption beamline. X‐ray emission spectroscopy and high‐resolution X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy can be carried out by using this spectrometer. X‐ray emission preliminary results with high‐resolution about 3 eV of Mn compounds were obtained, which confirmed the feasibility of the spectrometer. The application about Eu (III) retention on manganese dioxide was also studied using this spectrometer. Compared with conventional X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy technique, the fluorescence peak of probed element [Eu (III) Lα] and matrix constituents (Mn Kα) were discriminated using this technique, indicating its superiority in fluorescence detection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of factors affecting the results of natural water analyses by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Pashkova G. V. , Revenko A. G. , Finkelshtein A. L.
Published: September 2013

The study aims to choose the conditions for the direct analysis of different types of natural water samples by total reflection X‐Ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF). The effect of some factors on TXRF results was studied such as the surface density of dried water residue on the sample carrier, the dilution ratio of high‐mineralized samples with ultrapure water and the solution of the detergent Triton X‐100, the salt contents, the internal standard concentration, and repeated pipetting of an aliquot of fresh water. The influence of self‐absorption phenomena on quantification results was demonstrated by using brine samples. The TXRF results for natural waters of varying salinity (brines, fresh waters, and ground waters) and model solutions are presented. For a number of analytes, the data obtained by TXRF were compared to those obtained by ‘wet’ chemistry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New criterion for in situ, quick discrimination between traditionally maintained and artificially restored Japanese swords (katanas) by XRF spectroscopy
Authors: Castelli L. , Giuntini L. , Taccetti F. , Barzagli E. , Civita F. , Czelusniak C. , Fedi M. E. , Gelli N. , Grazzi F. , Mazzinghi A. , Palla L. , Romano F.P. , Mandò P. A.
Published: September 2013

For the first time, a quick method to discriminate between undamaged, well‐maintained katanas and worn artificially restored blades is presented.

The peculiar hardening process that a Japanese katana undergoes results in creation of a tempered martensitic phase near the blade edge. After the temper, traditional polishing with stones is performed, which gives the sword its final look: the hardened zone exhibits matte finish, and it is separated from the shinier zone by the hamon line, which is the most characteristic feature of a katana. If the sword is worn, the martensitic phase disappears and so does the hamon line, the sword losing most of its commercial value. However, an acid bath can simulate the matte texture of an undamaged martensitic structure, making it really difficult to recognize valuable blades from worn ones. So far, no analytical approach helping in this task was available. The method we present is based on the hypothesis that traditional polishing leaves a very tiny amount of stone dust on the blade, whereas the acid bath rinses it away. The presence on the blade surface of Si (the major component of the stones used for polishing) when the hamon line is clearly visible could thus be a reasonable marker indicating that the blade is maintaining its original martensitic structure and thus is in a good conservation state.

For the Si detection, X‐ray fluorescence technique was chosen, which ensures non‐destructivity, high sensitivity, and short measurement time with a portable instrument. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keimbildungs‐ und Kristallisationskinetik eines MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐Grundglases bei unterschiedlichen Dotierungen
Authors: Vogel Werner , Höland Wolfram
Published: September 2013

Im Jahre 1958 wurde am Beispiel eigener Forschungsergebnisse vom erstgenannten Autor dieses Artikels erstmalig die Meinung vertreten, daß die aufgefundenen Mikrophasentrennungserscheinungen in den meisten Gläsern partiell vorkristalline Zustände darstellen, welche eine Hauptvoraussetzung für eine gesteuerte Kristallisation im Glase sind (Symposium „Sur la Fusion du Verre”︁, 6.–10. Okt. 1958 in Brüssel [1]).

Zwei Jahre später erging eine Einladung der American Ceramic Society, anläßlich eines im Rahmen ihrer Jahrestagung im April 1961 stattfindenden Symposiums „Nucleation and Crystallization in Glasses and Melts”︁ diese unsere Ergebnisse zusammenfassend darzustellen [2]. Der deutsche Originaltext wurde 1962 auch in dieser Zeitschrift veröffentlicht [3]. 20 Jahre nach dem 1961 stattgefundenen und für die gesamte Glaskeramikforschung der Welt so bedeutungsvollen Symposiums wurde das Symposium unter dem gleichen Titel 1981 wiederholt. Die seitens der American Ceramic Society erneut ergangene Einladung enthielt die Bitte, unsere eigenen Beiträge zur Glaskeramikforschung der letzten 10 Jahre zusammenfassend darzustellen [4]. Die folgende Veröffentlichung stellt wiederum den deutschen Originaltext von [4] dar. Während die erste Veröffentlichung 1961 [2], [3] entscheidende neue Grundlagenerkenntnisse enthielt, spiegelt die Veröffentlichung 1981 [4] bzw. in diesem Heft die technische Nutzung der erzielten Grundlagenerkenntnisse für die gezielte Glaskeramikentwicklung wider.