bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of the curing kinetics and thermal stability of epoxy resins using a mixture of amines and anhydrides
Authors: Jain Ritu , Kukreja Parveen , Narula A. K. , Chaudhary Veena
Published: March 2006

This article describes the curing and thermal behavior of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with phthalic anhydride (PA)/pyromellitic anhydride/diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) or a mixture of anhydrides and amines in varying ratios as curing agents. The kinetics of the curing behavior was investigated with a multiple‐rate method. The activation energy of the curing reaction as determined in accordance with Ozawa's method was found dependent on the structure of the anhydride and on the ratio of amines to anhydrides. The activation energy was highest with sample DP3 (0.25 : 0.75) and DM3 (0.25 : 0.75). We evaluated the thermal stability of epoxy resin, cured isothermally, by recording thermogravimetric traces in a nitrogen atmosphere. The char yield was highest for resins cured with a mixture of DDS and PA (0.5 : 0.5) and a mixture of DDS and pyromellitic dianhydride (0.25 : 0.75). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3919–3925, 2006
Bond strength and durabilty behavior of polyurethane‐based Desmodur‐VTKA adhesives used for building materials after being exposed to water‐resistance test
Authors: Uysal Burhanettin , Özçifçi Ayhan
Published: March 2006

Polyurethane adhesives are being used increasingly in the construction of furniture frames and buildings. Yet, there is little information available concerning the durability behavior of polyurethane adhesives on various wood species, after being exposed to water‐resistance test. For this purpose, oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.), oak (Qercus petraea spp.), and scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris lipsky) woods were chosen as test materials and bonded with Desmodur‐VTKA polymarine, according to the procedure of BS EN 204 standards. The shear strength test was applied to the samples, according to the procedure of BS EN 205 standards, before and after immersion in cold water and in hot water, and afterward boiled and boiled recurrently. At the end of the shear test, it was found that Desmodur‐VTKA polymarine had lost its durability. The highest shear strength (10.723 N/mm2) was obtained in oak samples not exposed to water‐resistance test. Owing to dissimilar swelling of Desmodur‐VTKA polymarine and oak, resulting from moisture sorption, oak samples lost 85.6% of its strength after being boiled and boiled recurrently, and gave the lowest shear strength as 1.540 N/mm2. As a result, if Desmodur‐VTKA is used as an adhesive material in the long‐term humidity condition, it cannot be recommended for bonding of wood materials with high density. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3943–3947, 2006
Treatment of polluted water resources using reactive polymeric hydrogel
Authors: Shawky H. A. , El‐Sayed M. H. , Ali A. El‐Hag , Abdel Mottaleb M. S.
Published: March 2006

An experimental work was conducted to study the performance of the already prepared polyvinyl pyrrolidone/acrylic acid (PVP/AAc) copolymer hydrogel to chelate heavy metals from bulk solution. Studies of the binding capacity, adsorption isotherm, and adsorption kinetic experiments showed that PVP/AAc copolymer hydrogel has high binding capacities and good adsorption kinetic properties for the metal ions under investigation. The adsorption isotherms of such metal ions on the copolymer exhibit a Langmuir‐type equation. The chelated copolymers were characterized by FTIR and XRD. Technical feasibility for the uses of the prepared PVP/AAc hydrogel for the treatment of polluted samples; collected from different water resources in Helwan area (Egypt) was investigated. The evaluation of the system was performed by a complete analysis of water samples before and after the treatment process. The results showed a promising possibility for producing water of better quality in the area under investigation, using such prepared hydrogel. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3966–3973, 2006
Superparamagnetic thermoresponsive composite latex via W/O miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Lin Chia‐Lung , Chiu Wen‐Yen , Don Trong‐Ming
Published: March 2006

In this research, the thermoresponsive composite latex particles were prepared via W/O miniemulsion polymerization. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed inside the poly(NIPAAm‐co‐MAA) latex particles. In the first step, PAA oligomers were used as stabilizers to produce a stable water‐based Fe3O4 ferrofluid, which could mix well with the water‐soluble monomers. In the second step, the Fe3O4/poly(NIPAAm‐co‐MAA) composite latex particles were synthesized via W/O miniemulsion polymerization. This polymerization proceeded in cyclohexane at room temperature, with Span80 as the emulsifier, NIPAAm as the thermoresponsive monomer, MAA as a comonomer with COOH functional groups, and APS/SMBS as the redox initiator system. The distribution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles inside the composite latex particles was expected to be homogeneous. The nucleation and morphology of the composite latex particles were mainly controlled by the concentration of the surfactant, Span80, in cyclohexane. The properties of the composite latex were examined with several instruments such as DSC and TGA. Finally, the superparamagnetic and thermoresponsive characteristics of this functional composite latex were also investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3987–3996, 2006
Toughening of thermosets by the creation of residual compressive stresses
Authors: Kim Ho Sung , Kim Nam Ho
Published: March 2006

The toughening of thermosets through the creation of residual compressive stresses around microspheres was studied. Expandable, hollow microspheres containing gas with heating were used for the creation of residual compressive stresses. Microscopic compressive residual stresses in the vicinity of the crack tip were graphically analyzed and related to the macroscopic mechanical behavior for mode I fracture. The graphical analysis and experimental results confirmed that toughening was achieved mainly because of residual compressive stresses rather than a postcure effect. As expected, however, no toughening effect was found in mode III fracture. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4045–4051, 2006
Cellulose acetate reverse osmosis membranes: Optimization of the composition
Authors: Duarte A. P. , Cidade M. T. , Bordado J. C.
Published: March 2006

Membranes based on cellulose acetate for reverse osmosis can possibly be applied to the so‐called salinity process of energy generation and water desalinization. The requirements for membranes for these two different applications are a relatively high water flux and low salt permeability. In this article, we present the optimization of the composition of such membranes. We started by producing membranes with a patented casting solution with the following composition: 45.77 wt % dioxane, 17.61 wt % acetone, and 8.45 wt % acetic acid (solvents); 14.09 wt % methanol (nonsolvent); and 7.04 wt % cellulose diacetate and 7.04 wt % cellulose triacetate. The membranes produced with this solution were analyzed comparatively, with the membranes obtained by the introduction of modifications to the following parameters: the solvent mix, the nonsolvent mix, the proportion of cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate in the casting solution, and the addition of reinforcing cellulose fibers. The results led us to conclude that the best membrane formulation had the following composition: 45.77 wt % dioxane, 17.61 wt % acetone, and 8.45 wt % acetic acid (solvents); 4.22 wt % cellulose triacetate and 9.86 wt % cellulose diacetate (polymers); 14.09 wt % methanol (nonsolvent); and 0.5 wt % cellulose fibers (with respect to the total polymer content). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4052–4058, 2006
Conductive epoxy/amine system containing polyaniline doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid
Authors: Moreira Viviane X. , Garcia Filiberto G. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: March 2006

We developed a conductive epoxy/amine system containing polyaniline doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (PAni.DBSA). The curing behaviors of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with triethylenetetramine (TETA), PAni.DBSA, and both amine compounds at different concentrations were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Epoxy/TETA systems containing PAni.DBSA presented two distinct exothermic peaks at 90°C due to the cure by TETA as a hardener and at 236°C related to PAni.DBSA as the curing agent. The presence of PAni.DBSA in the systems constituted by epoxy/hardener in stoichiometric proportions resulted in a decrease in the glass‐transition temperature of the epoxy matrix, as indicated by DSC and dielectric analyses. Electrical conductivity was determined in the epoxy/amine networks, with the TETA concentration kept constant and also in stoichiometric proportions of mixed hardener (TETA + PAni.DBSA) to epoxy resin. The last condition resulted in a higher electrical conductivity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100:4059–4065, 2006
Polyesterimide resins with built‐in polycyclic compounds
Authors: Wardzińska Elżbieta , Penczek Piotr
Published: March 2006

Polyesterimide (PEI) resins are used for the preparation of PEI varnishes, for copper wire enameling. They are usually manufactured from dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), ethylene glycol, bisphenol A (BPA), tris(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, trimellitic anhydride, and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane. The synthesis involves condensation and imidization. DMT and BPA were partially or completely replaced with the polycyclic components: dimethyl 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate (NDC) and (R,S)‐1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexane (TMC), respectively, to enhance the heat resistance and the thermal stability. The effect of NDC and TMC on the solubility, the glass transition temperature, the course of the thermal decomposition, and the properties of magnet wires, enameled with the thus‐modified PEI varnishes, were investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4066–4073, 2006
Fe(2‐EHA)3/Al(i‐Bu)3/hydrogen phosphite catalyst for preparing syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene
Authors: Lu Jun , Hu Yanming , Zhang Xuequan , Bi Jifu , Dong Weimin , Jiang Liansheng , Huang Baotong
Published: March 2006

Polymerizing 1,3‐butadiene into syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene with an iron(III) catalyst system has been investigated. Activity of the catalyst was affected by the type of cocatalyst alkylaluminum and the phosphorus compound as an electron donor, molar ratio of catalyst components, and their aging sequence and aging time of the catalyst. The microstructure and configuration of the polymer was decided by the catalyst components, the higher [Al]/[Fe] molar ratio tending to yield syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene, while the higher [P]/[Fe] molar ratio favors the formation of amorphous 1,2‐polybutadiene. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4265–4269, 2006
In vivo aging of gutta‐percha dental cone
Authors: Silva João Batista A. , de Paula Regina C. M. , Feitosa Judith P. A. , Gurgel‐Filho Eduardo Diogo , Maniglia‐Ferreira Claudio , de Souza Filho Francisco Jose
Published: March 2006

Gutta‐percha cone is the most widely used material for root canal filling. The in vivo aging of this cone focus on the degradation of its main organic component, trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene, was studied. Aged cones (25 samples) from 2 to 30 years of root canal filling were extracted from different patients in the occasion of retreatment by mechanical way. The information about the aging time was given by the patients. Gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were the analytical techniques used. Polyisoprene degrades with time of aging, but in a slow process. Decrease in polymer molar mass from 5.7 × 105 to 1.7 × 105 g/mol was observed in polyisoprene from cone after 30 years of root canal filling and inside a noninfected tooth. In tooth with caries and periodontal infection, the decrease in molar mass is higher (4.6 × 104 g/mol in cone with 10 years of aging). The production of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the aged material indicates that the process is oxidative, even in closed teeth. In these cases, the oxygen could be provided from tissue fluid. The degradation mechanism is complex and depends on many factors, besides time of root canal filling. The dental problem caused by the aging could be the production and migration of cytotoxic substances to periodontal ligament and the reduction on the canal sealing property due to the polymer weight loss. Both of them could contribute to the root canal treatment failure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100:4082–4088, 2006
pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive microfiltration membranes from blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐graft‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Zhai Guangqun
Published: March 2006

The copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐graft‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PVDF‐g‐P4VP) was prepared through the graft copolymerization of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with 4‐vinylpyridine. Through the blending of the PVDF‐g‐P4VP copolymer with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) in an N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PVDF‐g‐P4VP/PNIPAm membranes were fabricated by phase inversion in aqueous media. Elemental analyses indicated that the blend concentration of PNIPAm in the blend membranes increased with an increase in the blend ratio used in the casting solution. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the membrane surface tended to corrugate at a low PNIPAm concentration and transformed into a smooth morphology at a high PNIPAm concentration. The surface morphology and pore size distribution of the microfiltration membranes could be regulated by the blend concentration of the casting solution, temperature, pH, and ionic strength of the coagulation bath. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a significant enrichment of PNIPAm on the membrane surface. The flux of aqueous solutions through the blend membranes exhibited a pH‐ and temperature‐dependent behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4089–4097, 2006
Surface modification of natural substrates by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Lindqvist Josefina , Malmström Eva
Published: March 2006

Surface modification of various solid polysaccharide substrates was conducted by grafting methyl acrylate (MA) and styrene via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to produce well‐defined polymer grafts. The hydroxyl groups on the surfaces of the substrates were reacted with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide followed by graft copolymerization under ATRP conditions. The studied substrates were filter paper, microcrystalline cellulose, Lyocell fibers, dialysis tubing, and chitosan films. The modified substrates were analyzed by FT‐IR, water contact angle measurements, TGA, and SEM. FT‐IR characterization of the grafted substrates showed significant differences between the different substrates in the amount of grafted polymer. Higher amounts of polymer seem to be possible to graft from native cellulose substrates than from regenerated cellulose substrates. To investigate whether the grafted polymers were “living” after a longer time period, a second layer of polystyrene was grafted from a filter paper modified with PMA one year ago. FT‐IR characterization of the filter paper showed a peak corresponding to styrene, indicating that a block copolymer had been formed on the surface. Graft copolymerization can be used to change and tailor the surface properties of the polysaccharide substrates. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4155–4162, 2006
Synthesis and thermally responsive properties of novel Pluronic F87/polycaprolactone (PCL) block copolymers with short PCL blocks
Authors: Yuan Xiong Xiang , Chiu Tam Kam , Huat Gan Leong
Published: March 2006

Polycaprolactone (PCL) was successfully grafted to both ends of Pluronic F87 block copolymers (PEO‐PPO‐PEO) to obtain novel amphiphilic PCL‐F87‐PCL block copolymers with short PCL blocks. The block composition and structure of PCL‐F87‐PCL block copolymers were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WXRD) techniques. Several kinds of particles consisting of small micelles and medium and large aggregates were observed by laser light scattering (LLS) measurements because of the complicated structure of these copolymers. Importantly, PCL‐F87‐PCL block copolymers exhibit temperature‐sensitive behavior similar to that found in Pluronic systems. Compared with Pluronics, the critical micellization temperature (CMT) values of PCL‐F87‐PCL block copolymers obtained from surface tension measurements are significantly lower due to the enhanced hydrophobicity of PCL segments. A fully reversible sol–gel transition was detected for the PCL‐F87‐PCL hydrogels. Preliminary results show that there is no burst release for hydrophobic model drug, 9‐(methylaminomethyl) anthracene (MAMA), from PCL‐F87‐PCL hydrogel and the initial release rate is almost constant. This indicates that PCL‐F87‐PCL hydrogels possess attractive release profiles, which are beneficial for application in controlled release systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4163–4172, 2006
Finite difference solution for a transient temperature distribution in an advanced polymer fiber
Authors: Sadooghi Parham , Aghanajafi Cyrus
Published: March 2006

A model is presented for the calculation of transient combined radiative and conductive heat transfer in a semitransparent layer of advanced fiber polymer. This model is based on optical material properties. Different boundary conditions were examined. Each side of the layer was exposed to hot or cold radiative surroundings, whereas each boundary was heated or cooled by convection. Emission within the layer and internal reflections depended on the layer refractive index. The reflected energy and heat conduction distributed energy across the layer and partially equalized the transient temperature distributions. The numerical method is an implicit finite difference procedure with nonuniform space and time increments that has been expanded to include external convection and incident radiation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100:4181–4189, 2006
Effect of nanosize CaSO4 and Ca3(PO4)2 particles on the rheological behavior of polypropylene and its simulation with a mathematical model
Authors: Mishra S. , Sonawane Shirish , Mukherji Arindam , Mruthyunjaya H. C.
Published: March 2006

Nanosize CaSO4 and Ca3(PO4)2 fillers were synthesized with an in situ deposition technique, and their sizes were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. CaSO4 was prepared in 12‐ and 22‐nm sizes, and Ca3(PO4)2 was prepared in 13‐ and 24‐nm sizes. Experimental variables, such as torque, shear viscosity, shear stress, and shear rate, of the nanofilled polypropylene (PP) composites were measured with torque rheometry and melt flow index (MFI) measurements. Torque versus time, shear viscosity versus weight percentage, and MFI versus weight percentage were plotted to investigate the rheological behavior of the nanofilled composites. The Cross–Williamson (CW) model was simulated with the MATLAB simulation package to study the thinning behavior of the PP composites. The experimental results show a decrease in the shear viscosity with increasing weight percentage of filler. Shear thinning in the molten PP composites was comparatively greater with decreasing nanosize of CaSO4 and Ca3(PO4)2. This kind of behavior was confirmed by the N parameter as determined from the CW model. The simulation of experimental data also showed similar trends as the theoretical data. At a certain stage, a violation of theoretical data was observed. This was because of practical limitations of the equation, as the equation does not include consideration of the physical situation of chain entanglements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4190–4196, 2006
Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of a new side‐chain, chiral smectic, liquid‐crystalline elastomer
Authors: Hu Jian‐She , Zhang Bao‐Yan , Zhou Ai‐Juan , Du Bing‐Guang , Yang Li‐Qun
Published: March 2006

The synthesis of the new chiral monomer 4‐(10‐undecylen‐1‐yloxy)biphenyl‐4′‐[(S)‐2‐methyl‐1‐bu‐ toxy]benzoate (M1), the nematic crosslinking agent biphenyl 4,4′‐bis(10‐undecylen‐1‐yloxybenzoate) (M2), and the corresponding liquid‐crystalline elastomer is described. The chemical structures of the chiral monomer and crosslinking agent have been characterized with Fourier transform infrared, elemental analyses, and proton and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The mesomorphic properties have been investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Monomer M1 shows different smectic phases (smectic A, chiral smectic C, and smectic B) and a cholesteric phase, and M2 exhibits a nematic phase. The liquid‐crystalline elastomer shows smectic A and chiral smectic C phases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4234–4239, 2006
A novel positive‐type photosensitive polyimide based on soluble block copolyimide showing low dielectric constant with a low‐temperature curing process
Authors: Jin XingZhou , Ishii Hiroyuki
Published: March 2006

A soluble block copolyimide (Bco‐PI) was prepared by direct one‐pot polycondensation of 2,2‐bis‐(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, and cyclohexane‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride in the presence of γ‐valerolactone and a pyridine catalyst system using γ‐butyrolactone as the solvent. The thermal transmission temperature (Tg) of Bco‐PI was 282°C. By having the curing process occur at 250°C, which was below the Tg, colorless and transparent films could be obtained. The film showed excellent optical characteristics. Such properties could not be attained by the conventional high‐temperature thermal imidization process of poly(amic acid). The hydroxy groups in the polyimide backbone gave the Bco‐PI the potential to become alkaline. To the Bco‐PI was added 15 wt % ester of 2,3,4‐trihydroxybenzophenone with 1,2‐naphthoquinone‐(2) diazide‐5‐sulfonic acid (NT200) as the photoreactive compound. The system worked as a positive‐type photosensitive polyimide (PSPI). The sensitivity and contrast of the PSPI system were 220 mJ/cm2 and 1.27, respectively, when exposed to UV light, followed by development with a 5% tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) aqueous solution at room temperature. After curing at 250°C for 1 h, the average refractive index of Bco‐PI with and without NT200 was 1.5543 and 1.5563, and the optically estimated dielectric constant of the polyimides was 2.66 and 2.67, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4240–4246, 2006
Intravenous administration of paclitaxel in Sprague‐Dawley rats: what is a safe dose?
Authors: Shord Stacy S. , Camp Joseph R.
Published: March 2006

Few studies describe the administration of Taxol™ to rats; however, rats are typically used to study the toxicity of new drugs or novel formulations. A dose finding study was conducted to determine a safe dose of Taxol™ following intravenous administration in rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats received a bolus of paclitaxel 5–20 mg/kg i.v. Blood was drawn before administration and at the following times after administration: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. Plasma concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Two rats received paclitaxel 20 mg/kg and died immediately. Nine rats received paclitaxel 10 mg/kg; seven of these rats died within 12 h and two rats were killed due to moribund conditions. Ten rats received paclitaxel 5 mg/kg with no morbidity. The following pharmacokinetics for paclitaxel in the plasma were estimated: C0, 8977 ng/ml; AUC0 → ∞, 7477 ng*h/ml; CLs, 668 ml/h*kg; Vss, 1559 ml/kg; Vz 2557 ml/kg and t1/2, 2.6 h. It is concluded that further pharmacokinetic studies that are rationally designed to include appropriate measures of preclinical toxicity associated with paclitaxel are needed to identify formally the safest dose in rats following intravenous administration; however, these data indicate that male Sprague‐Dawley rats can safely receive Taxol™ in a 5 mg/kg i.v. bolus. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment and treatment of object mouthing in a public school classroom
Authors: Mueller Michael M. , Kafka Carissa
Published: March 2006

Little research has been conducted to evaluate the most effective treatments for object mouthing in school or classroom settings. The current case example illustrates the process for conducting a functional assessment and implementing treatment for object mouthing in a public school special education classroom. Teacher and parent interview, direct observations, and functional analysis were used to determine that the object mouthing of a 4‐year‐old girl with severe developmental disabilities was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Free operant preference assessments determined physical parameters of objects that were highly mouthed. Paired choice preference assessments determined which competing items to use in a treatment evaluation. Initial treatment consisted of fixed‐time delivery of a competing food item that reduced object mouthing to very low levels. To completely eliminate the mouthing, physical response blocking was added. Data are presented demonstrating the success of the treatment for up to 15 weeks of follow‐up after the initial treatment evaluation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving evaluation of psychotropic medication for adults with developmental disabilities living in community settings
Authors: Blough Darren , Pulliam Barbara , Page Terry J. , Sweeney Victoria , Dougherty Rose , Grim Michael
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the effectiveness of a series of staff management and training interventions to increase the use of objective data collection in the evaluation of psychotropic medications. Participants were 110 direct care staff, and 19 supervisors. Individuals served were adults with developmental disabilities who were residing in community group homes and apartments. Baseline data were collected on (1) staff data collection, and (2) graphing data for behavior problems directly related to the prescription of psychotropic medications. Following two ineffective antecedent interventions, didactic staff training was instituted in a multiple baseline across data collection and graphing. When staff training was followed by direct feedback to first line supervisory staff, both data collection and graphing increased. A subsequent maintenance condition, in which feedback was thinned, was effective in maintaining increased data collection and graphing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constructed‐response spelling and literacy development: an application in an urban classroom
Authors: Lee‐Vieira Amy , Mayer Michele D. , Cameron Michael J.
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of constructed‐response spelling procedures with disadvantaged children attending a public inner‐city elementary school. Ten students of primarily Cape Verdean descent participated in the study as part of a classroom‐wide implementation of constructed‐response procedures. A multiple‐treatment design was used to assess the effectiveness of the constructed‐response strategy versus traditional spelling instruction. The dependent variable was the percent of words spelled correctly on weekly spelling tests. Results indicated that mean spelling scores were higher during both constructed‐response conditions than during traditional instruction for 9 of the 10 students. The relationship between spelling proficiency and literacy development is discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The social and economic impact of trichotillomania: results from two nonreferred samples
Authors: Wetterneck Chad T. , Woods Douglas W. , Norberg Melissa M. , Begotka Andrea M.
Published: March 2006

Behavior therapy has been widely used as a treatment for trichotillomania. However, behavioral treatments for TTM have tended to focus on behavior reduction, while not paying as much attention to social and economic impact. The current study sought to clarify the social and economic impact of Trichotillomania (TTM) in two samples of persons with TTM. Members of the first sample attended a TTM patient conference (N = 36) and members of the second responded to an online survey (N = 381). Both samples completed self‐report measures that examined the impact of TTM on avoiding activities and relationships, as well as financial costs. Results indicated that both groups reported similar amounts of avoidance in social situations, sought help from multiple health professionals, spent considerable time engaged in hair pulling activities, and had interference in both work and school. The study suggests a number of ways to decrease the negative impact of TTM. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicators of quality teaching in intensive behavioral intervention: a survey of parents and professionals
Authors: Perry Adrienne , Prichard E. Alice , Penn Helen E.
Published: March 2006

Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) is being used extensively with children with autism. It is widely accepted that a large quantity of IBI is necessary to maximize children's outcomes, but outcomes remain variable and one reason for this is likely related to the quality of intervention children are receiving. There is little empirical evidence regarding the nature and measurement of quality IBI. This paper presents results of a survey examining the views of parents and professionals about quality IBI and how it should be measured. Parents rated the importance of 11 IBI characteristics and professionals indicated whether these characteristics should be measured objectively or subjectively. All respondents selected three characteristics they thought most important and answered open‐ended questions about: additional quality indicators and IBI programming issues for which empirical evidence is needed. Parental ratings supported the importance of virtually all the suggested characteristics. Professional results emphasized the importance of objective measurement. The most frequently selected indicators of high quality teaching across groups were: creating generalization opportunities, administering reinforcers of the appropriate type, and using effective/appropriate behavior management strategies. There were interesting differences across groups and many valuable suggestions about additional indicators of quality and empirical questions of interest. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lignin degradation by a novel peptide, Gt factor, from brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Feng , Mei Lu Xue , Ji Gao Pei
Published: March 2006

Gt factor, a pure component isolated from Gloeophyllum trabeum, was used to decompose lignin materials. The radical intermediates, degradation products and structural changes of treated materials were analyzed by infrared spectrum, NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance, etc. The results indicate that Gt factor makes an oxidative attack on lignin via HO˙, which might be the initial step in lignocellulose degradation by brown rot fungus.
Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of sea urchin embryos
Authors: Bulgakov Victor P. , Kiselev Konstantin V. , Yakovlev Konstantin V. , Zhuravlev Yuri N. , Gontcharov Andrey A. , Odintsova Nelly A.
Published: March 2006

Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of higher plants is a well‐known and powerful tool for transgene delivery to plant cells. In the present work, we studied whether Agrobacterium can transfer genetic information to animal (sea urchin) embryos. Sea urchin embryos were co‐cultivated with A. tumefaciens strains carrying binary vectors containing the nptII marker gene and agrobacterial rolC and rolB oncogenes. Bacterial plasmid T‐DNA–sea urchin DNA junction sites were identified in the genome of these embryos, thus indicating successful transformation. The nptII and both rol genes were expressed in the transformed embryos. The processes of transgene integration and transgene expression were suppressed when Agrobacteria contained mutated virA, virB or virG genes, suggesting that Agrobacterium transforms sea urchin cells by a mechanism similar to that which mediates T‐DNA transfer to plants. Some of the embryos co‐cultivated with Agrobacterium developed teratoma‐like structures. The ability of Agrobacterium strains to trigger formation of teratoma‐like structures was diminished when they contained the mutated vir genes. In summary, our results demonstrate that Agrobacterium is able to transform animal (sea urchin) embryonic cells, thus indicating a potential of this natural system for gene delivery to animal hosts. We also discuss the possibility of horizontal gene transfer from Agrobacterium to marine invertebrates.
Engineering and biotechnological aspects for the manufacturing of high quality fried potato products
Authors: Reimerdes Ernst H. , Franke Knut
Published: March 2006

Fried potato products have become very popular foods over the last decades. High quality standards have been established for these products by the food industry including uniform brown color and crispness. During frying, Maillard reactions takes place which contribute to color and taste development in these products. However, safety aspects are also influenced by these reactions, e.g., acrylamide formation. Maintaining high safety standards as well as the expected quality requires systematic research based on an integrated approach including all relevant variables, e.g., raw material properties, processing conditions and equipment concepts. Selected results of these investigations are presented and discussed, regarding influence of composition, e.g., precursor levels for Maillard reactions, treatment of raw materials and addition of reactants to frying fat. It has been demonstrated that a combined treatment of the potato sticks by coating of product surfaces and partial pre‐drying can be successfully applied to produce well‐browned French fries with lower acrylamide contents. Reductions up to 75% could be reached compared to samples without treatment. Furthermore, addition of a water/oil emulsion containing glutamine in the aqueous phase has been shown to influence Maillard reactions at the product surface, resulting in lower acrylamide contents at the same state of browning.
Selective Hydroxylation of Highly Branched Fatty Acids and their Derivatives by CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Budde Michael , Morr Michael , Schmid Rolf D. , Urlacher Vlada B.
Published: March 2006

Highly branched fatty acids, the main components of the preen‐gland waxes of the domestic goose and the Muscovy duck, and their derivatives are promising chiral precursors for the synthesis of macrolide antibiotics. The key step in the utilisation of these compounds is their regioselective hydroxylation, which cannot be achieved in a classical chemical approach. Three P450 monooxygenases, CYP102A1, CYP102A2 and CYP102A3, demonstrating high turnover numbers in the hydroxylation of iso and anteiso fatty acids (>400 min−1), were tested for their activity towards these substrates. CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium and its A74G F87V L188Q triple mutant hydroxylate a variety of these substrates with high activity and regioselectivity. In all cases, the triple mutant showed much higher activities than the wild‐type enzyme. The binding constants, determined for wild‐type CYP102A1 and the triple mutant with tetramethylnonanol as substrate, were >200 μM and ∼23 μM, respectively. Data derived from binding analysis support the differences in activity found for the wild‐type CYP102A1 and the triple mutant. Surprisingly, CYP102A2 and CYP102A3 from Bacillus subtilis did not show any activity. Substrate binding spectra, recorded to investigate substrate accessibility to the enzyme’s active sites, revealed that the substrates either could not access the active site of the Bacillus subtilis monooxygenases, or did not come into proximity with the heme.
Inhibition and Detection of Galectins
Authors: Pieters Roland J.
Published: March 2006

More and more studies report on the roles that galectins play in numerous types of cancer. These roles can be varied, as has been shown particularly for galectin‐3. These studies have created the need for inhibitors that can block unwanted effects, and the need to detect galectins in tissues, in order to better understand their role, and aid in diagnosis and prognosis. Since galectins bind β‐galactosides, monovalent galactose‐derived inhibitors have been prepared but also peptidic ones have appeared. Since galectins often induce crosslinking and partake in aggregation phenomena, multivalency has been a successful design element in inhibitor development. Currently, there are no cheap and convenient solutions available for the detection of, ideally multiple, galectins in tissue samples, although antibody‐based methods such as ELISA and Western blot analysis are being used. Besides these, a chemical probe‐based method also shows potential as an alternative.
Numerische Simulation der Speicherung von CO2 in geologischen Formationen
Authors: Class H. , Bielinski A. , Helmig R. , Kopp A. , Ebigbo A.
Published: March 2006

Die Speicherung von Kohlendioxid in geologischen Formationen wird derzeit als ein möglicher Beitrag zur Reduktion von Treibhausgaskonzentrationen in der Atmosphäre diskutiert und untersucht. Ein wichtiges Werkzeug begleitend zu experimentellen Untersuchungsmethoden ist die numerische Simulation. Hier wird ein Einblick in die physikalischen bzw. thermodynamischen Vorgänge im Untergrund während und nach einer Injektion von Kohlendioxid gegeben sowie deren modellkonzeptionelle Beschreibung durch nichtisotherme Mehrphasensysteme dargestellt. Die elementaren Schritte der physikalisch/mathematischen Modellbildung und numerischen Lösung der daraus entstehenden Gleichungssysteme werden erklärt. Anhand von Simulationsbeispielen werden dominierende Prozesse während und nach einer Injektion diskutiert.
Klimawandel und das Förderkonzept „Forschung für den Klimaschutz und Schutz vor Klimawirkungen”︁
Authors: Korn‐Riedlinger K.
Published: March 2006

Um natürlichem und anthropogen verursachtem Klimawandel wirksam zu begegnen, fördert das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung mit dem neuen Förderkonzept „Forschung für den Klimaschutz und Schutz vor Klimawirkungen”︁ anwendungsorientierte Vorhaben mit zwei Schwerpunkten: Mitigation und Adaptation.>
Fermentative Herstellung von Chitosan aus Pilzmycelien
Authors: Groeger G. , Geyer W. , Bley T. , Ondruschka J.
Published: March 2006

Eigene Untersuchungen zeigen, dass Chitosan aus verschiedenen Pilzmycelien, die als Restprodukte bei biotechnologischen Prozessen anfallen, gewonnen werden kann. Unter gewissen Umständen kann sogar ein Fermentationsprozess beim Einsatz von Dünnschlempe rentabel sein. Im Vergleich zum Krabbenchitosan können bei der fermentativen Herstellung von Chitosan Aufarbeitungsschritte bei dennoch bedeutend höherer Ausbeute eingespart werden. Analysen ergaben, dass pilzliches Chitosan zum Krabbenchitosan einen vergleichbaren Deacetylierungsgrad hat, kein Protein sowie keine Schwermetalle enthält, jedoch ein sehr niedriges Molgewicht aufweist. Auf Grund dieser Eigenschaften ist es für eine Anwendung in der Medizin und Pharmazie, in der Kosmetikindustrie sowie in der Lebensmittelindustrie sehr gut geeignet.
Maßnahmen zur CO2‐Minderung bei der Stahlerzeugung
Authors: Aichinger H. M. , Steffen R.
Published: March 2006

Die Stahlindustrie in Deutschland gehört aufgrund des Reduktionsmittelbedarfs an Kohlenstoff für ihre metallurgischen Stoffumwandlungsprozesse und ihrer hohen Erzeugungsmenge von rd. 45 Mio. t Rohstahl pro Jahr zu den energieintensiven CO2‐emittierenden Branchen. Sie hat sich gegenüber der Bundesregierung verpflichtet, ihre spezifischen Kohlendioxid‐Emissionen bis zum Jahr 2012 um 22 Prozent gegenüber dem Referenzjahr 1990 zu verringern. Maßnahmen zur Verringerung der CO2‐Emissionen beziehen sich auf die Erhöhung der Energie‐ und Ressourceneffizienz. Viel versprechende neue Ansätze mit erheblichem CO2‐Minderungspotenzial bietet die Weiterverarbeitung von Rohstahl zu Walzstahl. Zukunftstechnologien und langfristige Maßnahmen für die Klimavorsorge stellen die Wasserstofftechnologie zur Roheisen‐ und Stahlerzeugung sowie die Hochtemperaturelektrolyse von Eisenerz mit CO2‐unbelasteter elektrischer Energie dar. Innerhalb der Wertschöpfungsketten tragen neue Stahlwerkstoffe zu einer weiteren Verminderung von CO2‐Emissionen bei.
Metagenomics für die Weiße Biotechnologie
Authors: Lorenz P.
Published: March 2006

Die viel versprechende genetische Ressource nicht‐kultivierter Mikroorganismen mit ihrer unübersehbaren Vielfalt neuer, potenziell technisch anwendbarer Enzyme, Biokatalysatoren und Wirkstoffe ist industriell von großem Interesse. Mit dem globalen Trend, industrielle Herstellungs‐ und Veredelungsprozesse zunehmend unter Einbeziehung biotechnologischer Methoden und damit nachhaltiger zu gestalten, werden geeignete Enzyme und Biokatalysatoren immer wichtiger. Der durch die Metagenomik wesentlich verbesserte Zugang zur molekularen Diversität und biochemischen Kompetenz mikrobieller Systeme ist damit ein Schlüssel zum Erfolg der Weißen Biotechnologie.
Mineralische Bindung von CO2 bei der Speicherung im Untergrund in geothermischen Reservoiren
Authors: Kühn M. , Clauser C.
Published: March 2006

Die derzeit registrierten Klimaänderungen sind zum großen Teil das Ergebnis der erhöhten Freisetzung von Treibhausgasen aus fossilen Brennstoffen. In nationalen und internationalen Klimaschutzprogrammen wird daher an erster Stelle die Vermeidung von Kohlendioxid propagiert. Die Rückverbringung in geologische Strukturen des Untergrundes kann hier eine mittelfristige Ergänzung darstellen. Eine Option zur dauerhaften CO2‐Sequestrierung bietet dabei die mineralische Bindung, ein Verfahren bei dem in einer chemischen Reaktion CO2 in Carbonate umgewandelt wird. Bei der mineralischen Bindung werden natürliche Prozesse der Gesteinsverwitterung nachgeahmt. Die wissenschaftlich und technologisch neue Methode der Kopplung von CO2‐Speicherung mit geothermischer Energiegewinnung bietet Synergien zur sicheren und ökonomisch attraktiven Langzeitspeicherung. In geothermischen Reservoiren existiert ein theoretisches Speichervolumen von ca. 0,5 Tonnen bis 25 Millionen Tonnen CO2 für jede installierte Anlage.
Neue Kraftstoffe für Klimaschutz und Rohstoffwandel?
Authors: Schaub G.
Published: March 2006

Die Versorgung mit Kraftstoffen für Automobile, die derzeit nahezu vollständig auf Erdöl beruht, wird aktuell durch neue Rohstoffe, z. B. synthetische Kraftstoffe aus fossilen und nachwachsenden Rohstoffen, Derivate aus Pflanzenölen, Fermentationsprodukten, und Erzeugungswege bereichert. Im Hinblick auf die Aspekte Klimaschutz und Rohstoffwandel sind die neuen Kraftstoffe unterschiedlich zu bewerten. Bei synthetischen Kraftstoffen aus fossilen Rohstoffen sind Wirkungsgradverluste und zusätzliche CO2‐Emissionen bei der Herstellung kritisch zu sehen. Biokraftstoffe können trotz begrenzter Mengenpotenziale zur Minderung der fossilen CO2‐Emissionen beitragen. Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die Frage, inwieweit die neuartigen Kraftstoffe Anforderungen eines nachhaltigen Rohstoffwandels und des Klimaschutzes erfüllen und welche Verfahrenstechnik dabei eingesetzt wird.
Prognostic impact of molecular markers in a series of 220 primary glioblastomas
Authors: Houillier Caroline , Lejeune Julie , Benouaich‐Amiel Alexandra , Laigle‐Donadey Florence , Criniere Emmanuelle , Mokhtari Karima , Thillet Joelle , Delattre Jean‐Yves , Hoang‐Xuan Khe , Sanson Marc
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

In contrast to oligodendrogliomas, molecular predictors of prognosis have not been consistently found in glioblastomas. However, genetic studies show that glioblastomas consist of several genetic subtypes and raise the possibility that molecular alterations could be predictive of survival.

METHODS

A search for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 1p, 9p, 10q, 19q, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), CDK4, and MDM2 (mouse double minute) amplifications, CDKN2A (INK4A/ARF) homozygous deletions, p53 expression, was performed in a series of 220 primary glioblastomas. The molecular alterations were then correlated with each other to identify distinct molecular pathways and with clinical parameters and the course of the disease to identify prognostic markers.

RESULTS

Nonrandom associations were found between EGFR amplification and LOH10q, LOH9p, and INK4A/ARF deletion, LOH1p and LOH19q, and MDM2 and CDK4 amplification, whereas mutual exclusions were found between p53 expression and EGFR amplification, LOH 9p/INK4A/ARF homozygous deletion, and MDM2 and CDK4 amplification. Age (P = 4.10−5) and performance status (P = .003) were the main predictors of outcome. In contrast, molecular markers were of limited impact: MDM2 amplification correlated with poor outcome on both univariate and multivariate analysis (P = .01) and EGFR amplification with good prognosis on multivariate analysis (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Despite their limited prognostic impact, the genetic markers investigated here outline distinct molecular pathways involved in glioblastoma tumorigenesis and warrant broader molecular screening. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Results from a pilot Phase I trial of gefitinib combined with docetaxel and estramustine in patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Wilding George , Soulie Patrick , Trump Donald , Das‐Gupta Ashis , Small Eric
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Gefitinib, which is an orally active epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated activity against hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) in preclinical studies. In this pilot Phase I trial, the authors evaluated the tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of gefitinib combined with estramustine and docetaxel in patients with HRPC.

METHODS

Patients received gefitinib (at a dose of 250 mg/day or 500 mg/day) on each day of a 21‐day treatment cycle. Docetaxel (at a dose of 60 mg/m2) was administered on Day 1, and estramustine (at a dose of 280 mg) was administered 3 times daily on Days 1 through 5.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were recruited at each gefitinib dose level. The most common adverse events observed were consistent with the known profiles of gefitinib, docetaxel, and estramustine. No dose‐limiting toxicity was observed. Adverse events considered to be gefitinib related included diarrhea (n = 23 patients), rash (n = 8 patients), nausea (n = 7 patients), dry skin (n = 6 patients), and emesis (n = 6 patients). Overall, 9 of 22 evaluable patients (40.9%) experienced a pain response. and 9 of 30 patients (30%) had a prostate‐specific antigen response. A partial objective tumor response was demonstrated in 1 of 13 evaluable patients (7.7%) in each dose group; the median time to progression for both doses combined was 185 days (range, 28–233 days). Data comparisons within individual patients suggested that docetaxel and estramustine had no effect on gefitinib steady‐state levels. Gefitinib had no effect on docetaxel exposure at the 250‐mg dose but decreased exposure at the 500‐mg dose. However, gefitinib may increase exposure to estramustine, particularly at the 500 mg/day dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated that gefitinib combined with estramustine and docetaxel had acceptable and predictable tolerability. However, it is unclear whether gefitinib provides an additional clinical benefit over docetaxel and estramustine alone. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.