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The ability of 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione to detect latent prints on porous surfaces, as compared to DFO and ninhydrin, has been evaluated. Comparisons of prints developed under various conditions determined the optimum development conditions for the new reagents. The indanediones tested were found to have lower detection limits for glycine. The carrier solvent used was found to affect the quality of the prints developed. In Arklone, the new reagents developed prints that displayed superior luminescence to those developed with DFO. In HFE 7100, 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione gave superior luminescence to DFO after zinc salt treatment and cooling with liquid nitrogen, both of which improve the luminescence of prints developed with 1,2-indanediones, 1,2-Indanediones could offer less expensive but effective alternatives to DFO. With further optimization, the new reagents may supersede DFO as the method of choice for the detection of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces.

No abstract

The high rates of substance use and mental disorder among homeless people in inner Sydney confirms the need for increased access to treatment for these conditions in this setting. Homelessness among those with mental illness might be reduced by developing alternative housing models, and supporting people with multiple problems to retain tenancy.

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Objective: To examine the relationship between problem gambling and homelessness. Method: A consecutive sample of attenders at psychiatric clinics at three inner-city homeless hostels over 8.5 years. The demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, pathway and pattern of homelessness of those identified to have problem gambling were compared with those who did not report problem gambling. Results: A total of 2388 individuals were seen at the clinics in the 8 years of the study, of whom 289 (12.1%) reported problem gambling, mainly on poker machines. Those with problem gambling were more likely to be male, to have been married, employed for more than a year and to have a diagnosis of mood disorder. They were less likely to have a diagnosis of psychosis. However, the combination of psychosis and problem gambling was associated with the likelihood of having their financial affairs placed under the control of the Public Trustee. Conclusions: The findings suggest that earlier attention to problem gambling might reduce the likelihood of becoming homeless, as well as the need for routine enquiry about gambling behaviour, measures to reduce gambling, including expert counselling, restrictions on the availability of addictive forms of gambling and assisting vulnerable individuals with money management.

Amphiphilic polymers are often used to disperse nanoparticles in aqueous solution. Polymer adsorption theory predicts that there exists a narrow compositional range of hydrophobic groups on the polymer chain that allows for kinetic stabilization. Too few groups limit polymer adsorption, while too many allow aggregation of polymer-coated nanoparticles for lack of entropic repulsion. We experimentally validate and mathematically describe the existence of this compositional range, and the resulting stability “window” for the first time using a phenoxy-dextran polymer to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes. The results should provide a theoretical basis for the design of nanoparticle dispersants.

Aim: To compare the characteristics of clinic attenders in inner city homeless hostels with and without a diagnosed psychotic illness. Method: A cross-sectional study of homeless people attending psychiatric clinics in three inner city homeless hostels over a period of 8 years. The demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, pathway to homelessness and pattern of homelessness of clinic attenders with a diagnosis of psychosis were compared with those who were not known to have psychotic illness. Results: 2389 homeless people attended one or more of the clinics in the 8 years of the study, of whom 1222 (51.2%) had a diagnosed psychotic illness, mostly schizophrenia. Those with psychosis were less likely to have been married (23.2% vs 45.5%), were less likely to have worked for more than a year (47.4% vs 74%) and were more likely to have been discharged from hospital to homelessness, to receive the Disability Support Pension (72.2% vs 38.3%), or be under financial management orders (12.0% vs 2.6%). Homeless people with psychosis were also more likely to have been homeless for more than a year, sleep in the open, and were less likely to have a current substance use disorder, problem gambling or a history of early life or recent trauma. A high proportion of those with psychosis (29.5%) had been released from prison to homelessness and a surprising number (22%) reported the loss of public housing tenancy. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the homeless with psychotic illness are particularly disabled and disadvantaged, often have multiple comorbid conditions, and many have been unable to maintain public housing tenancy. The inability of many of the homeless mentally ill to maintain public housing tenancy suggests the need for more supported housing to help the chronically homeless with psychotic illness maintain tenancy.