bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interliner Effect on the Fire Performance of Upholstery Materials
Authors: Gallagher James A.
Published: March 2007

Sample screening can be an effective tool for understanding the fire problem of upholstered furniture. A study of the contribution of the com ponents of furniture construction to the heat release will permit the selection of materials which will be more likely to pass full scale tests. Component con tribution is complicated by fabric treatments and the use of interliners. Unless the interaction of these components during the crucial fire propagation phase is understood, no direction for improvement can be obtained from either full or small scale testing. By identifying the relevant interactions the selection of upholstery materials can be made more judiciously.

The heat release of selected foam/interliner/fabric combinations, using the Ohio State Heat Release Calorimeter, shows that the heat release contribution of various upholstery components can be identified. For foams covered with fabric, interliners generally improve the performance of those foams which pass California TB 117 while detracting from the performance of those which pass California TB 133 (with no covering). For certain fabrics which melt, the heat release at low flux is independent of the type of foam, or even the presence of foam, when a glass cloth interliner is used. Fabric backings are shown to con tribute to fire propagation, particularly when no interliners are used. Because the heat release increases when the fabric is back-coated, thermal decomposi tion of the underlying foam is increased with an interliner.
Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Thermal Degradation Products of Type C Hydraulic Fluids
Authors: Van Dam J. , Laruelle L. , Daenens P.
Published: March 2007

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the thermal decompo sition mixtures of some type C hydraulic fluids has been done. The decomposi tion products were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Due to the nature of some decomposition compounds, a specific pre-column derivatization technique in combination with a well-adapted capillary column was necessary.
Effect of Triaryl Phosphate, Zinc and Zinc Borate on Fire Properties of High Impact Polystyrene and High Impact Polystyrene-Polyphenylene Oxide Blend (Modified-Polyphenylene Oxide
Authors: Benrashid Ramazan , Nelson Gordon L. , Ferm Donald J.
Published: March 2007

Samples of m-PPO (virgin and flame retarded) and high impact polystyrene blended with zinc and zinc borate (2ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H 2O), were pre pared. The effect of triaryl phosphate on the flame retardancy of PPO-HIPS in conjunction with zinc and zinc borate was studied.

For polystyrene zinc borate shows some reduction in smoke generation. Zinc, however does not show any effect on smoke generation for high impact polystyrene. Triphenyl phosphate shows minimal flame retardancy in HIPS which is not enhanced by zinc.

Addition of zinc gives an increase in oxygen index for FR m-PPO, whereas zinc borate decreases the OI values. Zinc borate may sequester triaryl phos phate and thus eliminate its vapor phase activity. Zinc borate shows a signifi cant reduction in smoke generation and rate of heat release for m-PPO.
An XPS Investigation of Thermal Degradation and Charring Processes for Polymers in the Condensed Phase. I
Authors: Jianqi Wang  , Hongbin Tu  , QinJun Jiang
Published: March 2007

Crosslinking and charring in the condensed phase of polymers during heating, processing, and/or burning are of central importance in their flame retardance and smoke suppression and in formulating polymeric compos ites. Combining with thermal analysis techniques (TGA, DSC), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers and polyethylenes (HDPE, LDPE) with/without inor ganic phosphorus-containing additives, were selected as model systems for XPS studies of the charring process. A new parameter, Tgr, the transition tempera ture from mesophase to graphitic structure (graphite-like structure, GLS) of the char has been well-defined and determined by combination of core levels and valence bands in XPS. The reason for Tgr to be selected as a likely supplemen tary parameter for characterizing polymer charring in condensed phase is two fold : 1) a clear-cut phase transition; 2) at which temperature a highly cross linked network results. A special emphasis in the paper has been given to the roles of the oxygen atoms either introduced from an adventitious atmosphere or inherent Ac group itself. Along this line some features in both thermal degradation and flame retardance of polymers have been rationalized in terms of transition temperature Tgr.
A Comparative Ignition Propensity Study of Foreign and U.S. Cigarettes Using the NIST Cotton Duck Mockup Ignition Test Method
Authors: Lewis Leslie S. , Nestor Timothy B. , Townsend David E.
Published: March 2007

Popular cigarette brands from the U.S. and four European coun tries were tested using the Mockup Ignition Test Method developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the 1990 Fire- Safe Cigarette Act.

Only two cigarette brands showed a significant reduction in ignition propen sity by the mockup test. These brands represent the major portion of the Hun garian cigarette market, yet 40% of fire deaths in Hungary are attributed to careless smoking fires. Cigarettes from Austria and the Netherlands showed 100% ignitions in all tests, yet those countries have very low fire death rates and few deaths attributed to careless smoking fires. Most of the U.S. cigarettes exhibited ignition behavior similar to Austrian and Dutch cigarette brands, but a few showed less than 100% ignitions.

Ignition test results of cigarettes from Hungary, Austria, and the Nether lands strongly suggest that "reduced" ignition propensity, as measured by the NIST test, does not necessarily translate into reduced fire risk, nor does "fail ure" of the test necessarily indicate an increased fire risk. Other studies have shown that the NIST test represents the ignition behavior of only a fraction of U.S. upholstery fabrics, and is therefore an incomplete test. Cultural habits, fire prevention and education programs, fire awareness, financial consider ations, and building design are factors to consider in evaluation of a country's fire situation.
The Effects of Upholstery Fabric Properties on Fabric Ignitabilities by Smoldering Cigarettes. II
Authors: Lewis Leslie S. , Morton Michael J. , Norman Vello , Ihrig Arthur M. , Rhyne A.L.
Published: March 2007

Upholstery fabrics for residential use were obtained from various fabric shops and manufacturers' catalogs. Screening was conducted with four experimental cigarettes of varying design. By the National Institute of Stan dards and Technology (NIST) cotton duck mockup method, two of the cigarettes display "low" ignition propensity and two show "high" ignition propensity. Of the fabrics obtained for this study, 316 smoldered when in contact with at least one of the experimental cigarettes. Further examination within this set of upholstery fabrics showed once again that cigarette ignition propensity rank ing are dependent on fabric characteristics. The number of fabrics that showed ignition propensity rankings opposite to the NIST test "ranking" was similar to the number that agreed with it. That is, on the fabrics with rankings opposite to the NIST ranking, cigarettes of "low" ignition propensity by the NIST test showed more ignitions than cigarettes of "high" ignition propensity by the NIST test. These results are consistent with those of a previously published study with a smaller set of ignitable fabrics. Fabric weight was a key factor in determining fabric ignition behavior; two of the cigarettes showed increasing ignition propensity and two showed decreasing ignition propensity with fabric weight. For the majority of fabrics, however, cigarette design was unimportant in determining ignition behavior; that is, no differences in ignition behavior were observed with the different cigarette designs. The physical and chemical properties of the cotton duck fabrics of the NIST test are such that they repre sent only a fraction of the ignition behaviors observed with "real-world" upholstery fabrics. The NIST test, therefore, provides an incomplete picture and can be misleading in defining "low" ignition propensity.
Tests of the Protective Effect of Clothing in Apparel Fires
Authors: Hirschler Marcelo M. , Hoffmann Donald J. , Hoffmann John M. , Kelley Lester , Kroll Michael
Published: March 2007

A full size mannequin was constructed of fiberglass and plaster, and instrumented with 32 thermocouples, connected to a computer, through a data acquisition system. The mannequin is mounted on a portable platform, and can be moved at a pre-determined speed, to simulate movement of a person fleeing a fire scene.

The mannequin was used for a series of nine tests in which the clothing on the mannequin was ignited by a splashed flammable liquid, and the resulting temperatures monitored. In some of the tests the mannequin was equipped, additionally, with an ordinary lab coat.

The test results indicate that the mannequin adequately represents the realistic fire insult suffered by the simulated skin of a fire victim. This involves temperatures which can exceed 140°C in less than 1 min.

The lab coat was shown to offer a certain degree of fire protection so that the temperatures achieved in its presence were lower than in its absence, by an average of ca. 20°C.
Smoke: Test Standards, Mechanisms, Suppressants
Authors: Innes J.D. , Cox A.W.
Published: March 2007

Smoke suppression is a complex subject. To understand it, the standards used to quantify smoke must be defined. Following that, one must un derstand how smoke can be controlled in a combustion process. Each of these top ics is separately addressed and the zinc molybdate smoke suppressant technology in use today is highlighted. Some possible chemical routes are presented which at tempt to account for the reduction of smoke during the burning process as well as the burning process itself. It is noted that there is still today much disagreement among the industry's scientific experts regarding the exact chemistry of these very complex processes. The proposed chemistry is offered for the interested reader.
One Zone or Two Zones in the Room of Fire Origin During Fires? The Effects of the Air-Handling System
Authors: Luo Mingchun
Published: March 2007

A two-zone model, CFAST, has been widely used in the fire re search community. However, this study indicates that the CFAST model gener ally overpredicts the upper layer temperatures in the burn room because the zonal assumption is likely to break down in the burn room. It was found that the room-averaged temperatures obtained from the CFAST model were in good agreement with the experimental results (one zone assumption in the burn room). The prediction of CO concentration is inconsistent. The CFAST model tends to overestimate CO concentration when the air-handling system is in op eration, and to underestimate CO when the system is off.
An Approach for Evaluating Fire Zone Models
Authors: Chow W.K.
Published: March 2007

Evaluation of zone models is proposed by checking the relationship between input heat release rate of a steady burning fire and the outflowing rates of smoke through the vertical openings. Two zone models, CFAST developed at the NIST, U.S.A., and one-room hot layer model of FIRECALC developed at CSIRO, Australia, were tested by carrying out numerical studies in a small com partment. It is found that for preflashover fires with a heat release rate less than the flashover value, results predicted by both models are reasonable. However, care must be taken in using the models when the heat release rate of the fire ex ceeds the flashover value.
A Model of Fabric Smoldering Ignition by Cartridge Heaters
Authors: Peishi Chen  , Kellogg Diane S. , Waymackand Bruce E. , Mcrae Douglas D.
Published: March 2007

The initiation of fabric smoldering combustion is known to be in fluenced by a heat source and the properties of the fabrics. In order to understand what is most critical to the smoldering ignition of fabric, it is important to develop a predictive model. In the present study, a mathematical model has been devel oped based on the heat transfer mechanism involved in the heating of cotton ducks and upholstery fabrics by vertically and horizontally placed cylindrical car tridge heaters. The reaction kinetics of the cotton pyrolysis and char combustion are considered in the model. The effect of temperature on the material properties and the surface heat transfer coefficient is also taken into account. The integral method is used in solving the governing heat transfer equations. The model pre diction of the temperature history of the fabrics and the time to ignition agrees quite well with the experimental results. The theoretical ignition temperature of fabrics may be defined as the material temperature at which the char combustion becomes dominant. Thus, the ignition temperatures of cotton ducks of different basis weight or treated to various ion content levels can differ.
Synergistic and Catalytic Effects in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials— An Overview
Authors: Lewin Menachem
Published: March 2007

Synergistic and antagonistic effects of two or more additives are often encountered in flame retardancy of polymeric materials. Halo gen-antimony synergism is the best known. Evidence for bromine-ammonium, bromine-chlorine and bromine-phosphorus synergisms has been observed in some systems. Useful phosphorus-nitrogen synergism has frequently been ob served and has been studied in detail, with the result that various postulates can explain the effect. Combinations of phosphorus compounds are sometimes syner gistic and various combinations of phosphorus with intumescent char-forming agents are often highly efficacious as flame retardants.
Flame Retardancy of Dicyandiamide-Crosslinked Epoxy Resins Containing Phenolphthalein Structures and/or a Phosphorus- Containing Additive
Authors: Liu Y.-I. , Pearce E.M. , Weil E.D.
Published: March 2007

The feasibility of producing halogen-free epoxy moldings having a UL-94 V-0 flammability rating has been further supported. We have shown that the fire retarding properties (OI and UL-94) of the cured epoxy were strongly im proved by using the commercial additive resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (FYROLFLEX RDP) but not improved merely by reacting phenolphthalein into the resin as a chain extender. However, a combination of the phosphate with the phenolphthalein as a chain extender gave substantially enhanced flame retar dant results. A related system where the phenolphthalein structure was built into the phosphate additive rather than into the polymer backbone gave inferior re sults.

Thermogravimetric analysis in N2 showed that the system of the phosphate ad ditive in the phenolphthalein-extended resin gave an increased char yield. Infrared studies on the system at different pyrolysis temperatures showed that the lactone carbonyl of the phenolphthalein structure underwent reaction during decomposition of the cured resin in the presence of the phosphate. Infrared evi dence suggested that this lactone group may be involved in a crosslinking reac tion forming amide links, which may lead to char enhancement. The phosphate depressed somewhat both the Tg and thermal stability but the presence of the phenolphthalein structure partially overcame the Tg depression.
Organic Vapors Emitted from the Plumes of Pool Fires on Carpet Material
Authors: De Vos Betty-Jayne , Froneman Mark , Rohwer Egmont R.
Published: March 2007

When an accelerant is poured onto an absorbent material, such as carpet pile, it is absorbed into the material. Once ignited, the accelerant is heated and the carpet pile acts as a wick, which feeds evaporating accelerant into the fire plume. This paper deals with the analysis of the volatile material on the edge of the fire plume. Charcoal strips have been used to adsorb the volatiles and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry used to analyze the extracts from the charcoal strips. The technique has been used successfully to identify the accelerant burnt on the pile, from the chromatographic profile of the gases in the plume.
Direct Determination of the Biot Number in Oven Heating Tests
Authors: Jones J.C. , Wade M.
Published: March 2007

The Biot number for a gauze basket in an air oven—the heating arrangement in tests for spontaneous combustion—is determined by having an inert material in the basket instead of a combustible one, monitoring the central temperature and applying equations for non-steady conduction. The Biot num ber turned out somewhat lower than expected, yet when the same heating ar rangement was employed to heat combustible samples the air circulation was found to be adequate to fulfil the Frank-Kamenetskii boundary condition at the sample surface.
Circadian Activity Rhythms in Squirrel Monkeys: Entrainment by Temperature Cycles 1
Authors: Aschoff Jürgen , Tokura Hiromi
Published: March 2007

Eight squirrel monkeys (six male, two female), kept singly in wire-mesh cages, were housed in groups of three in a climatic chamber. Locomotor activity was recorded by means of photocell systems or mobile climbing trees. For time spans of several weeks, the animals were alternately exposed to each of three different conditions: (1) constant conditions at various levels of light intensity and ambient temperature; (2) a 24-hr light-dark (LD) cycle at constant tempera ture ; (3) a 24-hr cycle of low (about 17°C) and high (32°C) temperature in constant illumination (LL). In constant conditions, the free-running activity rhythms always had periods longer than 24 hr, without systematic dependencies on ambient temperature, but with a tendency to lengthen the period when the intensity of illumination was increased. All animals were entrained by a weak LD zeitgeber (10:1 lux). Exposure to cycling ambient temperature resulted in entrainment in about 45% of all tests. Usually, the entrained animals were active during the cold fraction of the cycle, but some records suggested entrainment in a warm-active mode. In addition, temperature changes exerted strong masking effects, mainly with increases of activity during the warm fraction of the cycle.
Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Sun-Compass Orientation of Homing Pigeons
Authors: Foà Augusto , Saviozzi Gabriella
Published: March 2007

Experiments were performed to test whether melatonin plays a role in sun-compass orientation of homing pigeons. Birds were kept for a period of time in dim continuous light (LL) or in artificial light-dark (LD) cycles and then released under the sun from unfamiliar sites. Control birds in dim LL were oriented homeward in all cases. Birds with melatonin implants in LD were capable of a correct use of the sun compass at release. Birds with melatonin implants in dim LL, on the contrary, performed very poorly in orientation. The present results demonstrate for the first time that melatonin is involved in the control of the circadian rhythms underlying sun-compass orientation in birds.
Food-Anticipatory Rhythms under 24-Hour Schedules of Limited Access to Single Macronutrients
Authors: Mistlberger R.E. , Houpt T.A. , Moore-Ede M.C.
Published: March 2007

Food-restricted rats anticipate a fixed daily mealtime by entrainment of a circadian timekeeping mechanism separate from that which generates daily light-entrainable activity rhythms. The entrainment pathways and rhythm-generating substrates for food-anticipatory rhythms are unknown. In this study, we attempted to define minimal food-related stimuli necessary or sufficient for food anticipation by employing schedules of restricted macronutrient availability, with or without free access to a complementary diet. Rats did not anticipate a daily meal of protein, carbohydrate, or fat, as measured by tilt-cage, running-wheel, or food-bin activity, when they had free access to other nutrients. However, rats did anticipate single-macronutrient meals when they were limited to only two, larger, complementary meals each day (protein-fat, protein-carbohydrate) providing a reduced total number of calories. Previous work has shown that caloric restriction per se is not a prerequisite for food anticipation. In combination with that study, the present results indicate that the size of a nutrient meal, in absolute terms or relative to total daily nutrient intake, is of pre-eminent importance in determining its value as a synchronizer of anticipatory rhythms. The results further suggest that physiological responses unique to the ingestion and absorption of any particular macronutrient are not necessary components of the entrainment pathway.
Bioactive Polymers XXXVI. Controlled Release of Cephalosporine C from Cellulosic Derivatives
Authors: Dumitriu Severian , Popa Marcel
Published: March 2007

Cephalosporine C was coupled onto cellulosic derivatives of N-(4-carboxy phenyl)carbamoylmethyl cellulose and crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose to achieve controlled drug release. Starting from a mathematical model, the in fluence of certain parameters of the reaction (drug/support, activator/support molecular ratios, and reaction times) on the amount of Cephalosporine C chem ically bound to the cellulose products was determined. Evaluation of the cou pled products show extended activity by the release of Cephalosporine C by hydrolysis.
Polyurethane Membranes
Authors: Burke A. , Hasirci V.N. , Hasirci N.
Published: March 2007

Poly(ether urethane) membranes were synthesized from toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and poly(propylene-ethylene) glycol. Catalysts, chain extenders, solvents, or other reagents were not used during the preparation to make the biomedical grade membranes. Density, water content, oxygen diffusivity, and the surface thrombogenicity were examined and the presence of the extractables was searched. A decrease in density and an increase in water content and oxygen permeability was observed with an increase in polyol content of the mem branes. Extraction of leachables in solvents was observed which was prevented by accelerated aging that had no effect on the other properties examined.
Polycomponent Ophthalmic Inserts with Polysaccharide Support
Authors: Dumitriu Severian , Popa Marcel , Vancea Petre , Costin Danut
Published: March 2007

Ophthalmic inserts, based on xanthane modified with pilocarpine, adrena line and hydrocortisone have been prepared. The drugs were fixed in the insert by ionic bonds and gel entrapment. The in vitro release rate of pilocarpine de pended on the degree of xanthane modification and on the drug content in the polymer matrix. Inserts show a high ophthalmic tolerance indicating the potential for treatment of glaucoma.
Effect of Poly(D,L-lactide) Addition to 2-Cyanoacrylates on Their Physical Properties and Toxicity
Authors: Tseng Yin-Chao , Hyon Suong-Ryu , Ikada Yoshito
Published: March 2007

Poly(D,L-lactide)'s (PLA) with different molecular weights were added to 2-cyanoacrylates (CA) to modify the physical properties of CA as a sur gical adhesive. The CA's used were ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, isobutyl 2-cyano acrylate, and ethoxyethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. The viscosity and the set time of CA increased, and the bond strength reached a maximum, when the concentration of PLA with the molecular weight of 420,000 increased for the three CA's. To evaluate the toxicity of the mixtures, microspheres were prepared from the polymer of CA and PLA, and added to the medium for the culture of 3T3 cells. It was found that the PLA addition to ethoxyethyl 2-cyanoacrylate resulted in a decrease of the cell growth inhibition by the ethoxyethyl 2-cyanoacrylate polymer. Isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate exhibited no significant inhibition on the 3T3 cell growth.
The Synthesis and Properties of Block-Copoly(amino acid)s with Folded Structures: A Primitive Enzyme Model
Authors: Suda Yasuo , Ohe Yasuhiro , Okazaki Yoshiko , Tanimura Katsutoshi , Tetsumi Tadahiro , Nishi Masatoshi , Sumi Masao
Published: March 2007

As a model of a primitive enzyme block-copoly(amino acid)s con taining L-serine and L-aspartic acid as the repeat unit were prepared. Spectro scopic measurements indicate that some block-copoly(amino acid)s, especially ABAB and ABABA types, do form folded conformations. Hydrolysis reactions of p-nitrophenyl p-guanidinobenzoate were accelerated in the presence of ABAB and ABABA type block-copoly(amino acid)s compared with a random copoly (amino acid). From these results we speculate that primitive enzymes were born by assembling block-copoly(amino acid)s.
Extracellular Polysaccharide by Bradyrhizobium japonicum: Production and Characterization
Authors: Zanderighi Luciano , Monga Raffaella , Adami Annunciata , Cavazzoni Valeria
Published: March 2007

An exopolysaccharide from Bradyrhizobium japonicum has been produced, purified and characterized. It is mainly composed of carbohydrates (86 ± 4.5%) and uronic acids (14 ± 1%). The relative proportions are: carbohy drates—glucose 84%, galactose 14%, mannose 2%; uronic acids—glucuronic 83%, galacturonic 10%, mannuronic 3%, arabinuronic 4%. The IR spectrum in dicates the presence of ether, ester, hydrogen bonds and a β-type bond between the monomers. DSC analysis revealed the presence of two transition peaks: the first in the temperature range 117-153 ° C due to bound water and the second at 292°C due to thermal decomposition of the polymer. Viscosity measure ments of water solutions as a function of polymer concentration in the range 0.33-1% w/w allowed the determination of the consistency coefficient and be haviour index. Taking into account the dependence on temperature, a general relation of viscosity as a function of polymer concentration, temperature and shear rate has been proposed.
Copolymers of Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate with Quadrol Methacrylate and with Various Aminoalkyl Methacrylamides as Fibroblast Cell Substrata
Authors: Pokharna Hemlata K. , Yanmin Zhong  , Smith Daniel J. , Dunphy Michael J.
Published: March 2007

Universal application of hydrophilic hydrogels like poly(hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) [p(HEMA)], as biomaterials is limited due to their inabil ity to favorably affect eukaryotic cell growth. In an attempt to favorably manipulate surface properties, a series of HEMA copolymers was made with 10-40% aminoethyl methacrylamide (AEMA), aminopropyl methacrylamide (APMA), Quadrol methacrylate (QM), N,N'-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)aminoethyl meth acrylamide (HPAEMA) or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast cell growth was observed on HEMA:AEMA (80:20), HEMA:QM (80:20) and HEMA:HPAEMA (90:10) copolymers. Cell growth on HEMA: AEMA (80:20) was comparable to HEMA:DMAEMA (60:40). HEMA copolymers containing APMA, a homolog of AEMA, exhibited cytotoxicity.

Cationic groups of primary and tertiary amines present in the HEMA copoly mer hydrogels favorably contribute to the support of cell growth. The effect of hydroxyl groups on cell growth appears to be favorable. The extent of cell growth varied with the concentration of the cationic groups in the hydrogel.

The cytotoxicity of the HEMA:APMA copolymers as compared with the bio compatibility of the HEMA:AEMA copolymers suggests that the length of the branch from the polymer chain for copolymers with primary amino groups may be a critical factor in biocompatibility.
Selective Labeling of Bioactive Polysaccharides with a New Fluorescent Reagent
Authors: Suda Yasuo , Sumi Masao , Sobel Michael , Ottenbrite Raphael M.
Published: March 2007

The selective labeling of polysaccharides by the hydroxyl groups and without loosing biological activity is described. The new reagent is a deriv ative of fluoresceinamine and should be useful for the appropriate labeling of several types of biological active materials containing both amino and hydroxyl functional groups.
Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Poly[(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-alt-(maleic acid)] and Its Derivatives as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Man Jung Han  , Keun Bae Choi  , Ki Ho Kim  , Tae Joon Cho  , Won Young Lee  , Woo Nam Shim
Published: March 2007

Poly[3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-alt-(maleic acid)] and its derivatives were synthesized by hydrolyses or substitution reactions of the alternating copolymers obtained by radical copolymerizations of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran de rivatives with maleic anhydride The polymers have different substituents in the 2-position of tetrahydropyran rings in copolymer backbone, such as, hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, acetoxy, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, for myl, hydroxymethyl, acetoxymethyl, tosyloxymethyl, and mercaptomethyl groups. The copolymers obtained by solution copolymerizations were found to have low number-average molecular weights (Mn < 2,000), while bulk copoly merizations gave copolymers with higher Mn (4,000 - 8,000). ID50 values of the copolymers on normal and tumor cells (3LL and B16) in vitro and the in creased life span against B16 melanoma in vivo were measured and they dis played cytotoxicities and antitumor activities comparable to or superior to that of DIVEMA, an alternating copolymer of divinyl ether-maleic anhydride (1:2). Especially high cytotoxicities against tumor and normal cells were found by the copolymers containing methoxy, acetoxy or formyl groups in vitro and high antitumor activities were found by the copolymers having hydroxy or acetoxy groups in vivo with the increased life spans of 140 and 147%, respectively.
Soluble Polymeric Carriers for Drug Delivery—Part 4: Tissue Autoradiography, and Whole-Body Tissue Distribution in Mice, of N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)Methacrylamide Copolymers Following Intravenous Administration
Authors: Goddard Peter , Williamson Ian , Brown Janet , Hutchinson Lusie E. , Nicholls Julia , Petrak Karel
Published: March 2007

The tissue distribution of water-soluble, non-biodegradable co polymers prepared from N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]acrylamide (HPEA) is described, and their poten tial for use as carriers in drug delivery is discussed. Copolymers with weight- average molecular weights (Mw) of 4, 18, 75, and 90 x 103 Daltons, of low poly dispersity ( ≅Mw/Mn ≤ 1.40), were radiolabelled with 125I and administered intravenously to mice. The biodistribution of the radioiodinated copolymers was determined at 10 min, 0.5, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h. All the copoly mers exhibited a molecular weight related clearance from the blood compart ment. Over the time course of our experiments the copolymers were found to access and be retained within different tissues of the body, in particular the skin and muscle, their rate of access and retention being governed by their molecular size (indicated here by molecular weight). No fractionation of molec ular weight occurred in vivo, as determined by Gel Permeation Chromatog raphy of extracted radioiodinated material from the mice. Comparatively little poly(HPMA/HPEA) was found associated with the liver and spleen, (organs of the mononuclear phagocyte system). Autoradiography of animal tissue sug gested that the copolymers appeared to be located in vivo in the muscle, dermis, at the interface of fat deposits (but not over the fat), hair follicles, and epider mis. The copolymers appeared not to be located intracellularly. For drug- delivery applications it is unlikely that these nonbiodegradable polymers will be of clinical use in chronic situations unless it can be categorically demon strated that the polymers are able to be completely removed from the body.
Evaluation of Poly(vinyl alcohol) for Protein Tailoring: Improvements in Pharmacokinetic Properties of Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Kojima Yuichiro , Maeda Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

Conjugation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) containing a thiol group to superoxide dismutase (SOD) was performed by using N-(∈-maleimido caproyloxy)succinimide (EMCS) as a coupling agent. Various chemical charac teristics and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. Two different molec ular weight PVA-SOD conjugates were prepared. Both retained at least 92% of the native SOD activity whereas the plasma half-life increased from 4.8 min for the native SOD to 3.0 and 7.8 h for the low and high molecular weight PVA conjugates, respectively. Tissue distribution studies revealed that in travenously administered PVA-SOD had a high concentration primarily in the circulation, followed by the kidney, the lung, the liver, and the spleen. Un modified SOD was rapidly excreted via the urine, with the exception of high retention in the kidney (36% of the injected dose). PVA-SOD was also rapidly ex creted in the urine, which suggests that the kidney is the main route of excre tion of the derivatives. PVA-SOD exhibited a lower antigenicity and immuno genicity and an enhanced therapeutic effect against ischemic edema of the mouse foot pad compared with the native form. PVA with a thiol functional group appears to be useful for the preparation of protein drug-polymer conju gates, with significant diminution of immunogenicity but retention of almost full biological activity attributable to both mild conjugation conditions and selective reaction.
Extracellular K5 Polysaccharide of Escherichia coli: Production and Characterization
Authors: Manzoni Matilde , Bergomi Silvia , Cavazzoni Valeria
Published: March 2007

The extracellular form of the K5 polysaccharide was produced, purified and characterized from a strain of Escherichia coli, the maximum fermentation yield (320 mg/L) was obtained after 15 h. The polysaccharide, recovered by precipitation with cold ethanol (80%), was purified through a pro cess employing an enzymic deproteination step using fungal protease. Charac terization by TLC and GC chromatography revealed that the K5 was mainly composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine. The 13C-NMR spectrum showed the product's structure to be the same as that of the K5 capsular polysaccharide described in the literature.
Preservation of Thrombolytic Activity of Urokinase Modified with Monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol
Authors: Caliceti Paolo , Morpurgo Margherita , Schiavon Oddone , Monfardini Cristina , Veronese Francesco M.
Published: March 2007

A method is described to modify urokinase by covalent binding of monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) without impairing its catalytic ac tivity towards high molecular weight substrates. The urokinase active site is protected by an inhibitor, benzamidine, bound to Sepharose during the mPEG modification in order to avoid binding mPEG chains to the active site or to the surrounding area. The mPEG modified urokinase had increased activity towards small molecular weight substrates (acetyl-Gly-methyl ester) as com pared to the unmodified enzyme, while the activity towards the high molecular weight plasminogen and the insoluble substrate fibrin clot was preserved. This did not occur when the enzyme was modified in the absence of active site pro tection. The polymer modification increased the enzyme's thermostability and the stability in plasma in vitro and prolonged in vivo retention after in travenous injection in rats.
Sexual Killers and Their Victims
Authors: RESSLER ROBERT K. , BURGESS ANN W. , DOUGLAS JOHN E. , HARTMAN CAROL R. , D'AGOSTINO RALPH B.
Published: March 2007

The study of crime scene profiling efforts elicits two important patterns of sexual murders: organized and disorganized. These law enforcement categories have been derived from evidence and patterns of evidence at the site of sexual murders. The study then explores victim information and its relationship to the two categories. In particular, we explored victim response to the offender in terms of no resistance and active resistance to the assault. We found that regardless of type of resistance, active or passive, and category of offender, death ensued. When we examined nine victims who survived, the category of offender was not the predictor, rather, “chance happenings” preserved life.
Self-Reported Sex Crimes of Nonincarcerated Paraphiliacs
Authors: ABEL GENE G. , BECKER JUDITH V. , MITTELMAN MARY , CUNNINGHAM-RATHNER JERRY , ROULEAU JOANNE L. , MURPHY WILLIAM D.
Published: March 2007

This article will present data gathered by the authors through structured clinical interviews of 561 paraphiliacs regarding demographic characteristics, frequency and variety of deviant sexual acts, and number and characteristics of victims. Results show that nonincarcerated sex offenders (1) are well educated and socioeconomically diverse; (2) report an average number of crimes and victims that is substantially higher than that represented in the current literature; and (3) sexually molest young boys with an incidence that is five times greater than the molestation of young girls. The relevance of these findings is discussed.
The Incidence of Victimization Experiences in a Bulimic Sample
Authors: ROOT MARIA P. P. , FALLON PATRICIA
Published: March 2007

The striking similarity between female bulimics and physically victimized women on their coping patterns, defenses, behavioral history, and affect led to the current investigation of the incidence of physical victimization experiences in an outpatient sample of 172 bulimic women. The women completed both a questionnaire and interview in which information on the incidence of four categories of physical victimization (rape, sexual molestation, physical abuse as a child, and battery) were investigated. The majority of women (66%) interviewed had been physically victimized: 23% were raped, 29% were sexually molested, 29% were physically abused, and 23% were battered. Parallels are drawn between behaviors and symptoms observed in the bulimic and patterns observed in victims of physical assault and molestation. Reasons for the underreporting of victimization experiences are discussed.
Adult Males Sexually Abused as Children
Authors: DIMOCK PETER T.
Published: March 2007

While the sexual abuse of males is now well documented, the literature lacks sufficient data on the long-term effects for adult males sexually victimized during childhood and is even less informative regarding treatment of this population. This study describes a sample of 25 adult males who were sexually abused as children. The clients' responses to a questionnaire, case records and clinical observations describe three primary characteristics common among subjects: sexual compulsiveness, masculine identity confusion, and relationship dysfunction. Male socialization appears to be a key variable in explaining the difficulty men have in acknowledging the abuse as well as an underlying dynamic that must be considered in the overall treatment approach.
Abuse in Intimate Relationships
Authors: ROUSE LINDA P. , BREEN RICHARD , HOWELL MARILYN
Published: March 2007

This study compared the reported incidence among males and females of dominance-possessiveness, sexual pressure, and use of physical force by one's partner for a sample of 130 married college students and 130 college students in dating relationships. Possessiveness was common and similar in incidence for married and dating students. Sexual pressure was reported by more married students, with dating students who were sexually involved to the extent of having intercourse more like marrieds. Use of moderate physical force—pushing, slapping, or hitting with an object—was experienced more often by the dating students. Males were as likely as females to report the partner engaging in these behaviors, and this applied to both the married and dating students. About 11% of both married and dating students reported consequences such as requiring medical attention or calling the police, which suggest more severe physical abuse. Note that this is a study of ever occurring incidences and not of battering per se. The theoretical implications for family violence literature of findings on courtship violence are discussed.
Developmental Trends in the Nature of Child Homicide
Authors: CRITTENDEN PATRICIA M. , CRAIG SUSAN E.
Published: March 2007

Child homicide is a frequent cause of death in children under 6 years of age. However, compared to other, less prevalent causes of death, it is poorly understood. There is a need to identify a coherent pattern or set of patterns among cases of child homicide. Child age may be a useful explanatory variable. This study differentiated among neonatal, early, and middle childhood deaths. Neonatal deaths were not related to child behavior, child physiological abnormality, or maternal parity or marital status; they were related to maternal isolation during the birth. Homicidal deaths of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (early childhood) were usually the result of parental attempts to control child behavior. These deaths appeared to be unintended and related to the physical vulnerability of the child who is smaller than the attacking adult. Deaths of school-age children (middle childhood) resulted most often from gunshot wounds. Few children of any age were unsupervised or killed by strangers. The data suggest that it is difficult, or even impossible, to identify preventively specific cases of incipient homicide. An epidemiological approach to prevention is suggested; means of reducing risk are suggested for each of three age groups.
Assessing Treatment Efficacy in Outcome Studies of Sex Offenders
Authors: QUINSEY VERNON L. , HARRIS GRANT T. , RICE MARNIE E. , LALUMIÈRE MARTIN L.
Published: March 2007

Because of the enormous human and financial costs society incurs as a result of sexual crimes, any reduction in the recidivism of sex offenders caused by treatment is very worthwhile. Although treatment can be valuable if this reduction is small, the reduction must nevertheless be real. Real effects are statistically significant differences between treated and untreated subjects in controlled studies. In general, statistical significance is a necessary criterion for clinical and economic significance. In the field of sex offender treatment, it is likely to be a sufficient condition as well. In the view of the authors, the effectiveness of treatment in reducing sex offender recidivism has not yet been scientifically demonstrated. To demonstrate the effectiveness of sex offender treatment, more well-controlled outcome research is required that can be evaluated with meta-analytic techniques.
Empathy for the Victim and Sexual Arousal Among Rapists and Nonrapists
Authors: Rice Marnie E. , Chaplin Terry C. , Harris Grant T. , Coutts Joanne
Published: March 2007

One explanation of the finding that rapists and nonrapists differ in their sexual arousal patterns is that when listening to rape stories, nonrapists, but not rapists, empathize with the rape victim and their sexual arousal is inhibited by her suffering. Fourteen heterosexual rapists and 14 men who were not sex offenders were presented with audiotaped narrations while their penile tumescence was measured. All stories described a male-female interaction and the categories included rape with victim enjoyment, rape with victim suffering, nonsexual assault by the man, and consenting sexual and nonsexual heterosocial interactions. In each category, stories were told from either the woman's or man's point of view. Overall, subjects showed higher arousal to stories described from a female perspective. Consistent with the lack of empathy account of rape, rapists were less empathic than nonrapists and deviant arousal was inversely related to self-reported empathy. The best discrimination between groups was obtained for rape stories told from the point of view of a suffering victim. However, the finding that all rapists, but no nonrapists, preferred rape stories over consenting sex stories suggested that the lack of empathy account of rape was incomplete. The present data suggest that cues of violence and victim distress contribute to sexual arousal among rapists.
How a Japanese Firm Sets Salaries for Its Clerical Employees
Authors: Sakurabayashi Makoto
Published: March 2007

This case analysis shows how Japan's traditional compensation practices, such as lifelong income security, are being modified, though ever so slowly.
Projecting Base Payroll Costs
Authors: Biswas Bashker D. , Hestwood Thomas M.
Published: March 2007

Many companies do an inefficient job of estimating future salary costs, but there's really no need to leave top management guessing.
Administering Divisional Incentive Compensation
Authors: Pursell Robert B.
Published: March 2007

Planning incentives for results at the divisional level can be a powerful management tool provided the right administrative steps are taken.
Developmental Pay: Forerunner to Merit Pay in the Federal Government
Authors: Robert Buddy , Silverman Stephen
Published: March 2007

The author proposes a compensation system for federal government professionals that would replace promotions and within-grade step increases with annual advancement linked to a performance-based step progression matrix.
Long-Term Incentives for Management, Part 7: Combination Market-Based and Performance-Based Grants
Authors: Sullivan Dawn B.H.
Published: March 2007

The series winds up by exploring a variety of combination grants— long-term incentives that offer flexibility both to the company and to the executive.
Pay Compression: Causes, Results and Possible Solutions
Authors: Bergmann Thomas J. , Hills Frederick S. , Priefert Laurel
Published: March 2007

A policy to combat pay compression should include a properly designed job- evaluation program, effective performance appraisal, and a realistic merit-increase budget supported by a competitive salary structure.
The Re-emergence of Industry Pay Differentials
Authors: Crystal Graef S.
Published: March 2007

The widely disparate effect of recession from industry to industry is leading to ...
Auditing Graded Job Structures for Classification Consistency
Authors: Weinberger Theodore E.
Published: March 2007

Consistency in job classification is important for maintaining both employee morale and a competitive edge in the job market. This article shows how an organization can audit its job structure to ensure equity.
Breastfeeding and Migraine Headaches
Authors: Wall Virginia R.
Published: March 2007

Migraine headaches affect 19 percent of adult women. A small group of these migraine sufferers also are breastfeeding mothers. Although a correlation has not been documented in the literature, some women have noted that the onset, frequency, or pattern of their migraine headaches changes during lactation.

Lactation consultants can provide education and support to breastfeeding women suffering from migraine. They also are in an excellent position to add case studies to the scientific database about this phenomenon.
Twenty Cases of Persistent Sore Nipples: Collaboration Between Lactation Consultant and Dermatologist
Authors: Huggins Kathleen E. , Billon Sharon F.
Published: March 2007

The nipple and surrounding area, like other areas of skin, are subject to irritation, inflammation, and infection. Twenty women with persistent sore nipples were first seen by a lactation consultant and later referred to a dermatologist. The dermatologist successfully treated 18 of the 20 mothers. A lactation consultant should be able to identify those women who will benefit from evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist.
The Effect of Age of Onset on Depression in the Elderly
Authors: Herrmann Nathan , Lieff Susan , Silberfeld Michel
Published: March 2007

In an attempt to examine the effects of age and age of onset on depressive illness, the records of 55 psychiatric inpatients with an average age of 77 years were reviewed. There was no correlation between age and presence of psychosis, severe cognitive impairment, positive family history, length of hospitalization, treatment, or treatment response. When the cases were grouped on the basis of age of first admission, only the rates of family history were significantly different. Although age per se may have little influence on the nature of depressive illness, age of onset may be important in distinguishing different types of depressive illness in the elderly, which suggests implications for treatment and prognosis. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989 ; 2:182-187).