bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycosyl Azides – An Alternative Way to Disaccharides
Authors: Bojarová Pavla , Petrásková Lucie , Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Monti Daniela , Pelantová Helena , Kuzma Marek , Simerská Pavla , Křen Vladimír
Published: June 2007

Glycosyl azides are shown to be efficient donors for β‐galactosidases, β‐glucosidases and α‐mannosidases. Only α‐galactosidases do not cleave the respective glycosyl azide 1 and, moreover, they exhibit competitive inhibition (especially α‐galactosidase from Talaromyces flavus). High water solubility and ready synthesis of glycosyl azides enable transglycosylation reactions even with difficult acceptors like N‐acetyl‐D‐mannosamine in good yields. The versatility of glycosyl azides was demonstrated in the synthesis of five disaccharides – two of them are described for the first time. All the reactions were highly regioselective, yielding β(1→6) isomers. β‐Galactosidase from E. coli proved to have the best synthetic capabilities. The present study shows that glycosyl azides are a valuable alternative to common p‐nitrophenyl glycoside donors and in many synthetic reactions.
Nitrilase‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrolidine‐ and Piperidinecarboxylic Acids
Authors: Winkler Margit , Meischler Dorith , Klempier Norbert
Published: June 2007

The enantioselective synthesis of the non‐proteinogenic amino acids β‐proline and nipecotic acids from their readily available nitriles is achieved in high enantiomeric excess by commercially available nitrilases. The presented procedure comprises not more than 4 steps, thus considerably reducing the multiple steps generally required. Amide formation is also observed for specific heterocyclic nitriles.
Chemo‐Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Amino Acid Thioesters
Authors: Arosio Dario , Caligiuri Antonio , D'Arrigo Paola , Pedrocchi‐Fantoni Giuseppe , Rossi Cristina , Saraceno Caterina , Servi Stefano , Tessaro Davide
Published: June 2007

The L‐forms of racemic‐N‐protected‐β,γ‐unsaturated α‐amino acid thioesters were found to be substrates for the subtilisin‐catalysed hydrolysis to the corresponding acids. The D‐enantiomer was continuously racemised in the presence of an organic base. The combined reactions in a biphasic system allowed the deracemisation of the amino acid derivatives based on a dynamic kinetic resolution. Excellent yields and enantioselectivities were achieved.
Synthesis of Aromatic 1,2‐Amino Alcohols Utilizing a Bienzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation
Authors: Steinreiber Johannes , Schürmann Martin , van Assema Friso , Wolberg Michael , Fesko Kateryna , Reisinger Christoph , Mink Daniel , Griengl Herfried
Published: June 2007

The applicability of the recent published bienzymatic protocol for the synthesis of (R)‐2‐amino‐1‐phenylethanol was tested using L‐threonine aldolase from Pseudomonas putida and l‐tyrosine decarboxylase from either Enterococcus faecalis (Efa) or two genes from Enterococcus faecium (Efi1, Efi2). In all 21 benzaldehyde derivatives were applied for an initial TLC screening. On a small scale, octopamine and noradrenaline were obtained as (S)‐enantiomers using Efi1. Three protocols were up‐scaled yielding enantioenriched (S)‐octopamine (yield 99 %, ee 81 %), (R)‐2‐amino‐1‐phenylethanol (yield 61 %, ee 62 %) and (S)‐noradrenaline (yield 76 %, ee 79 %).
Hydroxylation of Dodecanoic Acid and (2R,4R,6R,8R)‐Tetramethyldecanol on a Preparative Scale using an NADH‐ Dependent CYP102A1 Mutant
Authors: Kühnel Katja , Maurer Steffen C. , Galeyeva Yana , Frey Wolfgang , Laschat Sabine , Urlacher Vlada B.
Published: June 2007

Cytochrome P450 CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium is a fatty acid hydroxylase which catalyses the highly regioselective hydroxylation of branched fatty alcohols like (2R,4R,6R,8R)‐tetramethyldecanol (4). The product of this reaction (2R,4R,6S,8S)‐tetramethyldecane‐1,9‐diol (3) can be used in synthesis of macrolide antibiotics. For setting up the biooxidation process on a preparative scale a monophasic aqueous reaction system has been established. The system was optimised using an NADH‐dependent CYP102A1 mutant, dodecanoic acid as a model substrate and takes advantage of randomly methylated beta‐cyclodextrins for the solubilisation of hydrophobic substrates. In the reaction with 50 mM of dodecanoic acid a total turnover number of 66,700 and substrate conversion of 66.7 % could be reached. The total turnover number of a CYP102A1 mutant in the reaction with 23.4 mM (2R,4R,6R,8R)‐tetramethyldecanol 4 was 17,290 and substrate conversion reached 74 %. The reaction on a preparative scale yielded 420 mg of (2R,4R,6S,8S)‐tetramethyldecane‐1,9‐diol (3) in 60 % de. The major diastereomer 3a has the (2R,4R,6S,8S,9R)‐configuration. The configuration of 3a was determined by an X‐ray single crystal structure analysis of the corresponding bis‐dinitrobenzoate 5a.
Electroenzymatic Asymmetric Reduction of rac‐3‐Methylcyclohexanone to (1S,3S)‐3‐Methylcyclohexanol in Organic/Aqueous Media Catalyzed by a Thermophilic Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Authors: Höllrigl Volker , Otto Katja , Schmid Andreas
Published: June 2007

Electrochemical regeneration of nicotinamide cofactors has been discussed as a promising, clean, and sustainable technology since the 1980s. However, most concepts for the coupling of this technology to enzymes suffer from low productivities, insufficient stabilities, or are difficult to scale up. We have developed an electrochemical cell for the efficient regeneration of NAD(P)H, which can be coupled to a reduction reaction catalyzed by the thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermus sp. Octane, as second organic phase avoided product inhibition and allowed for the production of (1S,3S)‐3‐methylcyclohexanol at a diastereomeric excess of 96 % from the corresponding racemic ketone with a productivity of 0.13 g L−1 h−1 and a current efficiency of 85 %. After 10 h, the experiment was actively terminated and the final product concentration reached was 1.32 g L−1. In our opinion this concept defines a new state of the art in electroenzymology and provides a strong basis for applications in organic synthesis.
Laccase‐Mediated Deprotection of para‐Methoxyphenyl (PMP)‐Protected Amines
Authors: Verkade Jorge M. M. , van Hemert Lieke J. C. , Quaedflieg Peter J. L. M. , Schoemaker Hans E. , Schürmann Martin , van Delft Floris L. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: June 2007

A novel enzymatic procedure for the oxidative deprotection of p‐methoxyphenyl (PMP)‐protected amines is described. By using laccases (E.C. 1.10.3.2) under mildly acidic conditions, a variety of PMP‐protected amines were successfully deprotected. The rate of deprotection was solvent‐ and pH‐dependent, and the reaction scope could be increased by using so‐called mediators.
Enzymatic Transformations 63. High‐Concentration Two Liquid‐Liquid Phase Aspergillus niger Epoxide Hydrolase‐Catalysed Resolution: Application to Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Aromatic Epoxides
Authors: Deregnaucourt Justine , Archelas Alain , Barbirato Fabien , Paris Jean‐Marc , Furstoss Roland
Published: June 2007

The aim of this work was to perform different studies allowing us to improve the methodology we had previously described to realise the Aspergillus niger epoxide hydrolase‐catalysed resolution of eight trifluoromethyl‐substituted styrene oxide derivatives. A two liquid‐liquid phase methodology was developed, for the first time with such an enzyme, using iso‐octane as a co‐solvent. Different experimental parameters like the global volume substrate concentration, the substrate over enzyme ratio, the agitation rate and the purity of the enzyme were also optimised. This allowed us to set up very efficient bioreactors allowing performance of the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of the different substrates by operating at room temperature (27 °C), within a few hours only and at a very high global volume substrate concentration, i.e., 360 g/ L (1.8 M). The efficiencies of the Aspergillus niger epoxide hydrolase toward the different epoxides studied were compared and the productivity of the practical process was evaluated. These results amply demonstrated that, without contest, the biocatalysed hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxides is nowadays to be considered as a very efficient, mild, cheap and easy‐to‐use “green chemistry” methodology applicable for cost effective preparative (i.e., industrial) scale implementation.
Recent Advances in Aldolase‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Dean Stephen M. , Greenberg William A. , Wong Chi‐Huey
Published: June 2007

This review is focused on advances over the last several years in the application of aldolases to organic synthesis. Several new technologies have been implemented to increase the scope and practicality of aldolases as tools for the synthetic chemist. These include directed evolution, discovery of new classes of aldolases in nature and the laboratory, and substrate and reaction engineering.
Verzweigungslasten von seitlich am Obergurt gestützten Pult‐ und Satteldachträgern aus Brettschichtholz
Authors: Eilering Siegfried , Halbensleben Petra
Published: June 2007

In diesem Beitrag werden für aus Brettschichtholz gefertigte Pultdach‐ und Satteldachträger mit seitlichen Obergurtabstützungen in äquidistanten Punkten Verzweigungslasten angegeben, die mit Hilfe der Methode der finiten Elemente auf Basis einer einfachen Stabmodellierung berechnet wurden. Der Vergleich der Kippnachweise nach dem Ersatzstabverfahren für das maßgebende Einzelfeld unter vereinfachter Berücksichtigung der Querschnittswerte gemäß Empfehlung der DIN 1052 einerseits und der Gesamtträgerbetrachtung mit den berechneten Verzweigungslasten andererseits zeigt, dass die Näherungsregel erstens stets auf der sicheren Seite liegt und zweitens die Abweichungen der Sicherheiten mit wachsender Schlankheit der Träger und mit abnehmender Zahl an seitlichen Zwischenstützungen signifikant ansteigen können.
Entwicklung einer Großelement‐Dämmtechnik (GEDT) mit Vakuum‐Isolationspaneelen (VIP) mit Anwendungsbeispielen – TEIL 2: Praktische Anwendung
Authors: Reyer Eckhard , Kröger Rainer , Bamberger Cécile
Published: June 2007

Vor dem Hintergrund der Notwendigkeit nachhaltiger Reduzierung des Heizenergiebedarfs sowie auch zukünftig noch steigender Anforderungen an den Wärmeschutz der Gebäudehülle und der Tatsache fallweise nur zögerlicher Bereitschaft der Eigentümer ihre Altbausubstanz energetisch nachzurüsten, wurde die Großelement‐Dämmtechnik (GEDT) mit geschosshohen, raumbreiten Großelementen entwickelt, ursprünglich noch mit konventionellem Dämmstoff und nun auch mit Vakuum‐Isolationspaneelen (VIP): Dämmtechnisch hoch wirksam, geringer Platzbedarf, witterungsunabhängige Werksfertigung mit gleich bleibend hohem Qualitätsniveau, schneller Montage und Geringhalten von Lärm und Schmutz in der Sanierungsphase.

Nach kurzer Darstellung der Historie der GEDT werden im Teil 1 dieses Beitrags (Bautechnik Heft 5/2007) die Ergebnisse des Forschungsvorhabens zur Entwicklung einer GEDT mit VIP detailliert beschrieben, die Wärmedämmeigenschaften unter Ansatz unterschiedlicher VIP‐Dicken für fast beliebig gedämmte Althauswände im Rahmen einer Parameterbetrachtung diskutiert und im Teil 2 der erste Anwendungsfall – die energetische Sanierung dreier Wohnhäuser in Hofheim – vorgestellt. Gleichzeitig werden in Abschnitt 8 (Prognosen – Perspektiven – Ausblick) Rationalisierungsvorschläge – gewonnen aus der Erfahrung dieser GEDT‐VIP‐Anwendung – formuliert. Hierbei zeichnen sich – wenn die Beurteilung allein nach Kosten erfolgt – im Vergleich zur “GEDT mit VIP” gewisse Vorteile für eine Technik mit mittelformatigen, vorgefertigten, von Hand habbaren Dämmelementen mit VIP (“Komplettplattentechnik mit VIP”) ab.

Im Rahmen dieses Ausblicks wird auch eine Kostenuntergrenze für VIP‐Dämmung von Fassaden abschätzend angegeben. Dabei wird im bereits erwähnten Abschnitt 8 (Prognosen – Perspektiven – Ausblick) darauf hingewiesen, dass eine VIP‐Dämmung zur Zeit zwar im Regelfall zu deutlich höheren Kosten als eine vergleichbare konventionelle Dämmung führt, dass jedoch die Vorteile durch die geringere Dämmschichtdicke der VIP bei künftig sicher steigenden Ansprüchen an die Wärmedämmung (U‐Wert) überproportional zunehmen werden und dass langfristig der “pure” Kostenfaktor als Entscheidungskriterium für ein Dämmsystem zugunsten des Entscheidungskriteriums Raumbedarf in vielen Anwendungsfällen etwas mehr in den Hintergrund treten wird.
The effectiveness of contingent restraint on aggression, self‐injury, and property destruction of institutionalized mentally retarded persons
Authors: Spreat Scott , Stepansky Debra
Published: June 2007

This study was a retrospective evaluation of in place treatment procedures. Clinical data were reviewed from 45 cases in which contingent restraint was employed in an effort to modify the inappropriate behaviors of institutionalized mentally retarded persons. Statistically significant decrements in the rates of inappropriate behavior were detected over the 18 months of study. Clinically meaningful improvement in the rates of behavior were detected in 53% of the cases in which the target behavior was either aggression, selfinjury, or property destruction. The inclusion of less serious behaviors in the study did not substantially increase this rate. Effectiveness appeared to be more pronounced for males, younger persons, persons with short institutional tenures, and persons who were free from psychotropic medication during the course of treatment.
The lack of effects of enriched and automated environments on the adaptive and maladaptive behavior of mentally retarded persons
Authors: Foxx R. M. , McMorrow Martin J. , Bechtel Reed , Busch Larry , Foxx Carolyn L. , Bittle Ron G.
Published: June 2007

This study addressed the relative effects of repeated exposures to an austere institutional dayroom, a toy enriched dayroom, a PUSH (Play Units for the Severely Handicapped) room that contained automated stimulation devices within a physical terrain, and a modular room that contained wall mounted automated stimulation devices, on the adaptive and maladaptive freeplay behavior of six groups of institutionalized mentally retarded individuals (N = 6 per group). Group One was observed in all four settings, whereas the other five were observed in two or more of the active settings. The results indicated that (1) there were only slight differences in object‐directed adaptive behavior when the three active settings were compared to the austere setting, and (2) only the higher functioning subjects (Group Five) displayed consistent individual differences on any of the measures when active settings were compared. None of the comparisons, however, revealed statistically significant effects. This study clearly demonstrates the need for active control conditions, raises questions regarding the relevance of much of the previous research, and suggests that further refinements will be necessary before environments such as those in the present study produce meaningful changes in appropriate environmental interaction in the absence of staff mediation.
Case manager: A clinical tool for training residential treatment staff
Authors: Mansdorf Irwin J. , Burstein Yakov
Published: June 2007

Various behavioral approaches to institution staff training have appeared in the literature, with some showing that traditional didactic‐type instruction or tangible extrinsic reinforcement is not always necessary for effective training. The system described here used principles of modeling and feedback to teach institution staff behavior management skills. In addition, staff were assigned special titles, i.e., “case manager.” Results indicate that this individualized system was associated with improvements in the target behaviors in question, and also increased the amount of time staff properly interacted with assigned residents. Implications are with regard to using this efficient approach as a clinical tool for training staff to be effective behavioral technicians.
Acute care treatment services (acts): A model program for providing acute psychiatric services in a homelike environment in an institutional setting
Authors: Bittle Ronald G.
Published: June 2007

The Acute Care Treatment Services (ACTS) Program at Anna Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois, offers a unique, homelike environment for many of the institution's acute recipients. The relaxed, natural environment (i.e., pleasant cottages free from the disturbing behaviors often displayed by chronically mentally ill recipients) aims to stabilize acute recipients, expedite their return to the community, and reduce the likelihood of their later rehospitalization by linking them with necessary community mental health resources. Chisquare analyses demonstrated significantly fewer subsequent hospitalizations for ACTS recipients after their second readmission than that of statewide comparison groups. The viability of treating acute mental illness in a natural setting on an institution's grounds is discussed.
Teaching social skills to emotionally disturbed adolescent inpatients
Authors: Foxx R. M. , McMorrow Martin J. , Hernandez Michele , Kyle Martha , Bittle Ron G.
Published: June 2007

A social skills training program was evaluated with emotionally disturbed adolescent inpatients. The targeted social skills required an action or reaction within six skill areas. The program was adapted from a commercially available social skills training game that features the use of response specific feedback, self‐monitoring, individualized reinforcers, and individualized performance criteria. A peer conducted the baseline and posttraining sessions while the training was conducted by an adult who had no previous interactive history with the subjects. A multiple baseline design across groups demonstrated that the program increased appropriate responding in all skill areas and that these effects generalized during the posttraining peer conducted sessions. A generalization test indicated that the subjects used their newly learned skills with a novel adult outside the training setting. The program appears quite applicable to emotionally disturbed adolescents since it targets skills in a variety of areas and employs standardized procedures to enhance replicability.
Reducing cigarette smoking in a retarded adult: An application of self‐management procedures
Authors: Burgio Louis D.
Published: June 2007

An attempt was made to reduce the overall number of cigarettes smoked per day with a mildly retarded adult. Self‐monitoring was compared to self‐monitoring plus self‐graphing and goal setting procedures in reducing the number of cigarettes smoked. Self‐monitoring plus self‐graphing and goal setting was superior to self‐monitoring alone when the goal was set at 15 cigarettes per day, but the actual number of cigarettes smoked increased when the goal was set at 12. The number of cigarettes smoked during all treatment conditions was lower than either baseline conditions. The therapist also reduced the patient's caffeine intake and switched the client's brand of cigarettes to a low “tar”/nicotine brand. The reduction in caffeine and “tar”/nicotine was related to a small and transient increase in somatic complaints and verbal abuse, as well as the complete elimination of nocturnal enuresis. Brand switching to low “tar”/nicotine cigarettes did not result in an increase in the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
An observational analysis of self‐stimulatory behavior of older adults in a nursing home
Authors: Connor Amy B. , Burgio Louis D. , Butler Frieda
Published: June 2007

Self‐stimulatory behavior is described as a class of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. This behavior often warrants concern because it can interfere with the learning and maintenance of more appropriate functional behaviors. In the present study, several topographies of self‐stimulation were generated and the behavior of three older adult nursing home patients was observed for six weeks. Self‐stimulation was high rate in all three subjects, and the manifestation of the behavior was idiosyncratic. Potential etiological factors and implications for treatment were discussed.
Effects of structured ward activities on appropriate and psychotic behaviof of chronic psychiatric patients
Authors: Wong Stephen E. , Wright Jana , Terranova Mark D. , Bowen Linda , Zarate Roberto , Zarate Rosa
Published: June 2007

A group of 10 male chronic patients were observed on a psychiatric ward while participating in structured activities (team sports, art projects, and housework) and during comparison time periods in which no activities were present. Broad spectrum behavioral measures obtained with the Time‐Sample Behavior Checklist (TSBC) showed that activities produced a 70% reduction in bizarre and inappropriate behavior, as well as a 400–500% increase in productive and appropriate behavior. Performance in activity sessions with contingent tokens (dependent on subject's participation) and with noncontingent tokens was similar.
Comparative study of behavioral methods of treating severe self‐injury
Authors: Azrin Nathan H. , Besalel Victoria A. , Jamner Jacques P. , Caputo Joseph N.
Published: June 2007

Nine retarded or autistic persons exhibiting very serious self‐injury were treated with several types of reinforcement procedures in a comparative study. During the baseline level of instructional prompting, self‐injury occurred during 55% of the observation intervals, 57% during social extinction, 34% during differential reinforcement for non‐self‐injury (DRO), 28% during differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI), 25% during response interruption, and 6% during combined DRI‐Interruption. Extended application of the DRI‐Interruption procedure in the ward and class situations showed a mean level of 12% self‐injury on the first day and 0–10% each month for durations up to 48 months while performed by the regular institutional staff. The DRI‐Interruption procedure was more effective than the alternatives for most subjects and within 4% of the next most effective procedure for the others. The DRI‐Interruption procedure offers a training method that is fairly rapid, applicable to diverse and severe cases, substantial in the degree of benefit, enduring in effectiveness under extended maintenance, and more effective than the alternatives considered here. Its principal disadvantages appear to be the greater training time required as compared with physical punishment and the extensive manual contact required by the interruption component.
Perspectives from the inside: Mental health problems of the elderly in nursing homes
Authors: Carstensen Laura L. , Fisher Jane E.
Published: June 2007

Resident views of behavior and emotional problems in nursing homes have been virtually ignored in the gerontology literature. In an attempt to better understand this neglected perspective and its relationship to the views of professionals, residents (n = 92) and staff members (n = 74) of 20 nursing homes were surveyed regarding their views on problems of the resident population. Confusion, wanting to return home, and depression were seen as the primary problems by both residents and staff. Results of the survey suggest that staff members and residents identify the same areas as problematic, yet, in contrast to staff, the majority of residents say that outside assistance is not desired and that they prefer to discuss problems with family and/or friends.
Teaching a problem‐solving strategy to closed head‐injured adults
Authors: Foxx R. M. , Marchand‐Martella Nancy E. , Martella Ronald C. , Braunling‐McMorrow Debra , McMorrow Martin J.
Published: June 2007

This study developed and evaluated a program for teaching a problemsolving strategy to closed head‐injured adults. Four general areas were targeted for training: Community Awareness and Transportation; Medication, Alcohol, and Drugs; Stating One's Rights; and Emergencies, Injuries, and Safety. The program featured cue cards, response‐specific feedback, modeling, self‐monitoring, positive reinforcement, response practice, self‐correction, and individualized performance criterion levels. It was evaluated via pre‐ and posttraining generalization assessments that involved phone calls, interviews, and staged interactions in the natural environment. The experimental group (N = 3) received baseline, training, and pre/posttraining assessments, whereas the contrast group (N = 3) received only pre/posttraining assessments. The posttraining results revealed that the experimental subjects' problem‐solving skills had generalized somewhat, whereas the contrast group showed little change from pre‐ to postassessment. The program appears to offer some promise as a method of teaching a problem‐solving strategy.
Stress inoculation training for direct contact staff working with mentally retarded persons
Authors: Keyes Joseph B. , Dean Sarah Frances
Published: June 2007

Direct contact staff must often function as crisis management agents when working with individuals who display agitated‐disruptive behavior. Staff training has focused predominantly on teaching staff specific techniques to be implemented to de‐escalate the client's agitation. Intrapersonal stress, that is, stress experienced by the staff persons as a result of the conflict situation, can be significant and interfere with staff's ability to systematically use the intervention techniques. Our data show effectiveness of stress inoculation training for the intrapersonal stress experienced by staff. Results indicate a decrease in scores on a self‐report Anger Inventory. A workshop evaluation form completed following stress inoculation training showed that the training was positively rated by participants. A follow‐up evaluation three months after training showed that 71% of the staff rated the training as useful in their work with clients. The frequency of the use of emergency restraint following the training was significantly reduced, as compared to use prior to training. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
A job club at a state hospital
Authors: Brey Patricia , Zadny Jerry J. , Gonzalez‐Huss Mary Jane , Ament Patrick A.
Published: June 2007

A job club conducted at a state hospital placed 78% of job seekers in competitive employment. Referrals included inpatient, halfway house, and outpatient clients. The results indicate that while client demographics and treatment histories are associated with different success rates, a majority of all client groups found work.
Person‐treatment interactions across nonaversive response‐deceleration procedures for self‐injury: A case study of effects and side effects
Authors: Paisey Timothy J. H. , Whitney Robert B. , Moore Jack
Published: June 2007

Three nominally nonaversive response‐deceleration treatment packages, “gentle teaching,” differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior plus interruption, and graduated guidance, were administered to two profoundly retarded men who exhibited topographically similar self‐injurious head‐hitting maintained under contrasting contingencies identified by functional analysis. Following No Demand and Instructional Demand baseline sessions, the three intervention packages were balanced across 18, 30‐minute analog training sessions and three trainers in each subject's prevocational setting, using a simple panel‐pressing task as the training objective. There were significant differences between the three packages in rates of target response suppression, effects on collateral behaviors, acquisition of panel pressing, and immediate post‐treatment carry‐over, both within and between subjects. It is concluded that both functional analysis and within‐subject treatment comparison may assist in identification of the least restrictive alternative in applied service settings, and that topographic similarity of self‐injury between subjects may not necessarily indicate selection of similar treatment packages.
A sustained analysis of the behaviors of schooling
Authors: Greer R. Douglas , McCorkle Nan , Williams Gladys
Published: June 2007

Educationally significant behaviors of students, teachers, and supervisors were directly assessed daily for a fiscal year in a residential school in which the results of behavior analysis research are applied to all levels of schooling. The variables assessed included those found to be concomitantly related to effective schooling as determined by the educational research literature, and functionally related to effective teaching as determined by the literature of behavior analysis. Weekly summaries of the following variables were analyzed for each of two daily shifts of teachers and supervisors: (a) number of trials presented and correct number of trials, (b) number of instructional sessions conducted, (c) number of learning objectives achieved, (d) percentage correct in each of three curricular areas, (e) weekly teacher observation scores, and (f) the total and rate per hour of supervisors' task accomplishments. There were strong positive correlations between: (a) instructional sessions and learning objectives, (b) teachers use of behavioral techniques in weekly observations by supervisors and students' achievement, (c) number of supervisor tasks completed and number of instructional sessions conducted by teachers, (d) number of teacher observations by supervisors and teachers' performance during observations, and (e) number of student objectives attained and number of tasks completed by supervisors. The assessment is the most comprehensive and sustained analysis of the daily behaviors of schooling. The relationships found between students and teacher behaviors replicate the effects of numerous experiments but do so in a total school setting. The relationships found between supervisor and student behavior have not been demonstrated in prior research. There is a need for similar school wide assessments in other types of schools to determine the generality of the relationships obtained in the present article.
Conversational skills for autistic adolescents: An autistic peer as prompter
Authors: Krantz Patricia J. , Land Steven E. Rams , McClannahan Lynn E.
Published: June 2007

In this study, an autistic youth served as peer prompter for three other autistic adolescents. The peer prompter encouraged the other boys to talk about sports, a topic frequently discussed by typical teenagers. A multiple‐baseline design across participants was used to assess the effectiveness of the peer‐prompting procedure. During baseline, the youth rarely talked about sports, although all three had previously completed a sports‐appreciation class and had displayed large pre‐to‐post gains on a paper‐and‐pencil test. During intervention, when a peer prompted sports discussions, all three youth engaged in much more sports‐related conversation. Generalization measures indicated that: (1) the youth engaged in sports discussions in groups, as well as in the dyads that characterized the training situation; (2) they talked about sports in a setting other than the training setting; (3) they discussed sports with their peers when an unfamiliar teacher was present; and (4) they continued to discuss sports when training tapes and behavioral contracts between the teacher and the peer prompter were withdrawn. Previously, it has been common to use nonhandicapped or less‐handicapped peers as tutors; this study demonstrates that an autistic youth may also effectively serve as a prompter who assists his schoolmates in acquiring conversational skills that contribute to their normalization.
Helmet restraint and visual screening as treatment for self‐injurious behavior in persons who have profound mental retardation
Authors: Blankenship Michael D. , Lamberts Frances
Published: June 2007

Enhancement of sensory, cutaneous stimulation may be one reason for self‐injurious behavior among persons with mental retardation. For self‐injury involving head or face, a contingently applied helmet prevents access to the sensitized skin area. Such a restraint procedure, with visual occlusion superimposed on the helmet, was tested with two women who are profoundly retarded. Helmet and transparent shield reduced target responses by both women to approximately 7% of baseline rates. When the helmet's face shield was made opaque, a small, further response reduction was obtained. Stable, low rates were maintained over a 6‐month maintenance period.
A supported routines approach to active treatment for enhancing independence, competence and self‐worth
Authors: Saunders Richard R. , Spradlin Joseph E.
Published: June 2007

The traditionally accepted approach to treatment in residential facilities for adults with mental retardation is examined in terms of its impact on the lives of the intended recipients and its interaction with emerging standards for treatment. It is noted that the primary emphasis in traditional treatment providing services to meet individual needs often results in the preponderance of service being directed toward the acquisition of skills required for later independent living, rather than the immediate facilitation of independence. We offer several reasons why a heavy emphasis on skill building is not only impractical but also inappropriate for meeting the real needs of adults with retardation. We suggest that a functional definition of independence from the individual's perspective would be to have a daily routine that is as free of outside assistance as possible and that is rewarding to the individual. We suggest that many persons with mental retardation already exhibit a sufficient array of behaviors from which appropriate personal routines could emerge. It is argued that functional assessments of the need for new skills should be conducted only from within such routines. We conclude that active treatment provided in this way will improve individual self‐worth because its focus is on producing immediate competence and independence, rather than perpetuating the ‘student’ status of adults in residential facilities. We refer to this as a ‘supported routines’ approach. The implementation of this approach within the current standards for ‘active treatment’ is discussed, as well as the individual's right to be supported in this way.
Brief report: Cool down: A procedure for decreasing aggression in adults with traumatic head injury
Authors: Crane Allen A. , Joyce Bonnie G.
Published: June 2007

The application of techniques for reducing verbal and physical aggression can be problematic when the procedures are applied to high functioning adults who have sustained a traumatic head injury. In this investigation, the effect of a ‘cool down’ training procedure on two adult males with brain injuries was examined using the same strategy, which was simultaneously applied to both behaviors for 1 subject and applied only to verbal aggression for a second subject. The cool down training procedure included 2 training sessions per week, plus implementation of a modified training program in the test situation. Results revealed that the cool down training program was effective in reducing both verbal and physical aggression and therefore provides an alternative treatment for adults with head injuries.
Signing environment in an institution: Teaching sign vocabulary to residents with mental retardation for communication with deaf peers
Authors: Nozaki Kazuko , Mochizuki Akira , Yairo Chizuko , Tsunoda Tamao
Published: June 2007

Two experiments were conducted so that deaf adults with mental retardation could develop their communication skills in an institution. Deaf and hearing residents were taught sign vocabulary using the following four procedures: sign language lessons in a large group, posters, review lessons, and distribution of a sign language book. Experiment 1 was a pilot study to assess the effect of a sign language lesson, and Experiment 2 was a systematic study to evaluate the 4 procedures using a multiple baseline design. Sign language use in natural settings was monitored for 10 months, starting with the first sign language lesson. Results showed that a sign language lesson was an effective way for most hearing residents to acquire expressive signs. Three out of 4 deaf residents learned expressive signs gradually during experiments. In natural settings, hearing residents were seen to use signs spontaneously with deaf residents in many different social contexts. Additional comprehensive assessment was conducted to confirm whether or not residents could understand one another's expressive signs. Seven out of 10 residents showed correct responses more than 80% of the time.
Brief report: Identifying potential positive reinforcers in a residential treatment center for female adolescents who are conduct disordered
Authors: Houlihan Daniel , Sachau Daniel , Vincent James
Published: June 2007

This study compares the ratings of potential reinforcers for two sample populations, residentially placed females who are conduct disordered (CD) and normal females. It was anticipated that the CD population would rank potential reinforcers lower than the normal population; however, the results contradict this hypothesis It was found that females who are CD consistently rated potential reinforcers higher than the normal female sample. Possible explanations for this finding are addressed and future research needs are discussed.
The collateral decrease of self‐injurious behavior with teaching communicative gestures to individuals who are mentally retarded
Authors: Duker Pieter C. , Jol Karel , Palmen Annemiek
Published: June 2007

The present study assessed the effect of teaching communicative gestures on the occurrence of self‐injurious behavior and other behavior disorders with 14 individuals who are severely/ profoundly mentally retarded. Results show a statistically significant decrease of about 40% in self‐injurious behavior as a collateral effect of an increased use of communicative gestures. Apart from a decrease in the occurrence of destructive behaviors, no other effects on other behavior disorders were found. Results are discussed in terms of the possible use of communicative gestures as a therapeutic supplement to standard procedures for decreasing self‐injurious behavior with individuals who are nonverbal and mentally retarded.
Effects of outcome performance feedback on maintenance of client and staff behavior in a residential setting
Authors: Arco Lucius
Published: June 2007

This study examined effects of outcome performance feedback on maintenance of client and direct care staff behavior in a group home for four clients with severe/profound intellectual disability. Following baseline observations, 8 staff were instructed to prompt and praise interclient interactions and game activity during leisure sessions. Staff training comprised written instructions, in situ modeling and rehearsal, and performance feedback. This was followed by a 17‐week maintenance period, during which staff received outcome performance feedback based on independent and self‐recorded observations. Results showed that client gains were maintained, but did not stabilize. It was concluded that process feedback should have accompanied outcome feedback until staff behavior levels suitable for durable maintenance were obtained. In addition, successful use of performance feedback as a maintenance tool is highly dependent on which outcome behaviors are selected, and whether these are eventually naturally reinforced.
Multiple reinforcement contingencies to reduce aggression, self‐injury and dysfunctional verbal behaviors in an adult who is sensory impaired
Authors: Bird Frank , Hepburn Susan , Rhodes Kevin , Moniz Diana
Published: June 2007

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) and differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) have been effective techniques in reducing maladaptive behaviors in therapeutic settings. Reported studies of these reinforcement‐based procedures indicate that they are usually implemented in isolation, targeting only a single behavior or class of behaviors. In this study, multiple DRO and DRL contingencies were utilized concurrently in reducing two distinct classes of behaviors with a 26 year‐old blind man with moderate retardation. One class of behaviors included socially inappropriate verbalizations, while the other included aggressive, self‐injurious and environmentally destructive behaviors. Distinct contingencies were established according to the functions of the targeted behaviors and their severity and separate schedules of reinforcement were derived from baseline frequencies. Over a period of 20 months, the differential reinforcement interventions resulted in rapid reduction of behaviors in both classes to near‐zero rates and frequencies were maintained at this low level while contingency schedules were systematically lengthened. Collateral effects are discussed including performance in functional academics and participation in community integration activities.
The modification of delusional beliefs: A single‐subject evaluation
Authors: Himadi Bill , Kaiser Andrew J.
Published: June 2007

The multiple‐baseline across responses design was used to assess the effectiveness of a belief‐modification treatment package to alter the intensity of three delusional beliefs of a chronically mentally ill inpatient. Results revealed reductions in belief intensity to zero levels for all three beliefs. Generalization effects were obtained for an individualized interview and psychiatric rating scale. These results were maintained through a 6‐month follow‐up period.
Evaluation of a brief work chore discipline procedure
Authors: Hohnhorst Angela D. , Roberts Mark W.
Published: June 2007

Response cost procedures with adolescents in residential treatment have been widely used to discipline a variety of coercive behaviors. Unfortunately, token loss systems require a comprehensive token system for implementation. Brief work chores were evaluated as a possible substitute. Adolescent negative evaluations of peers (“rude talk”) were targeted for reduction. A multiple baseline across settings design plus uncontrolled group data collected across baseline, treatment, and follow‐up phases indicated that brief work chores suppressed negative evaluations. Use and limitations of work chore discipline procedures are discussed.
Reducing the serious behavior problems of people with developmental disabilities living in the community
Authors: Kennedy Craig H. , Haring Thomas G.
Published: June 2007

Trends and issues regarding the community‐based support of people with developmental disabilities who exhibit severe behavior problems are discussed. Living in the community provides a unique framework within which behavior change programs are developed, implemented, and monitored. Support models for people with challenging behavior need to: (a) program for diversity across people, settings, and activities; (b) plan for high levels of integration in community settings among typical community members; and (c) meet guidelines regarding restrictions in intervention typologies. Increasingly, behavior analysts are conducting analog and in vivo assessments prior to intervening in order to develop an understanding of why behavior problems are occurring. Along with the increase in assessing the functions of behavior, is a greater attention to the contexts in which interventions are applied. The rearranging of contexts, communication training, choice‐making, matching people's competence to their settings, the use of novelty, and proactive programing reflect these concerns.
Measurement and meaning: The treatment acceptability construct and comments on lundervold Et Al. (1991)
Authors: Spirrison Charles L.
Published: June 2007

The treatment acceptability construct is discussed in the context of Lundervold, Young, Bourland, and Jackson's (1991) attempt to assess it through use of the Geriatric Treatment Acceptability Survey (GTAS) and Attitudes toward Behavior Analysis Scale (ABAS). Consequences of employing standard descriptions of client, problem behavior, and treatment are examined, as is Lundervold et al.'s (1991) use of an ‘average individual rater‐to‐total group of raters’ alpha coefficient. It is argued that the heuristic value of treatment acceptability research is enhanced with a broad definition of treatment acceptability and when client, problem behavior, and treatment descriptions are allowed to vary.
Improving instruction for adults with developmental disabilities: Evaluation of a staff training package
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Roberts Donna , Couzens Donna , Caycho Liliana
Published: June 2007

Improvements in adaptive behavior among adults with developmental disabilities often depends on the quality of instruction delivered by direct‐care staff. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted package for improving the quality of instructional interactions among three staff/adult dyads. Instructional interactions were first analyzed to identify areas for improvement. A multifaceted intervention package consisting of inservice training, participative management, and on‐going feedback was then implemented in a multiple‐baseline design across dyads. The package trained staff to increase their use of time delay and reinforcement strategies and these changes were associated with greater independence in a sandwich making task among two of the three participating adults. The results suggest direct observation of existing instructional interactions may provide valuable information when training staff to implement effective habilitative programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
A rapid and simple high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of human plasma levofloxacin concentration and its application to bioequivalence studies
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐Ling , Yang Min , Yu Xi‐Yong , Peng Huai‐Yan , Shan Zhi‐Xin , Chen Shu‐Zhen , Lin Qiu‐Xiong , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Chen Tie‐Feng , Zhou Shu‐Feng , Lin Shu‐Guang
Published: June 2007

A high‐performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD) for the determination of levofloxacin in human plasma is described. Neutralized with phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), the sample (0.1 mL) was extracted with dichlormethane (1 mL). After voltex‐mixing and centrifuged at 3000g for 6 min at 4°C, the upper aqueous layer was aspirated using a micro vacuum pump and the organic layer was directly transferred to a clean test tube without pipetting. The organic solvent was evaporated and the residues were reconstituted with the mobile phase. Levofloxacin and terazosin (internal standard, IS) were chromatographically separated on a C18 column with a mobile phase containing phosphate buffer (pH 3.0, 10 mm), acetonitrile and triethylamine (76:24:0.076, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The analytes were detected using fluorescence detection at an excitation and emission wavelength of 295 and 440 nm, respectively. The linear range of the calibration curves was 0.0521–5.213 µg/mL for levofloxacin with a lower limit of quantitation (0.0521 µg/mL). The retention times of levofloxacin and terazosin were 2.5 and 3.1 min, respectively. Within‐ and between‐run precision was less than 12 and 11%, respectively. Accuracy ranged from −6.3 to 4.5%. The recovery ranged from 86 to 89% at the concentrations of 0.0521, 0.5213 and 5.213 µg/mL. The present HPLC‐FLD method is sensitive, efficient and reliable. The method described herein has been successfully used for the pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies of a levofloxacin formulation product after oral administration to healthy Chinese volunteers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate responsibility activities and economic performance: a theory of why and how they are connected
Authors: Lankoski Leena
Published: June 2007

Whether a firm undertakes corporate responsibility (CR) activities for strategic or altruistic reasons, it is important to understand the relationship between such activities and economic performance. CR activities may be distinguished based on which combination of three possible outputs – learning, reputation and CR outcomes – they produce. This distinction matters not only for the ultimate environmental and social sustainability but also for the relationship between CR activities and economic performance. Taking advantage of this distinction, an integrative synthesis of knowledge of the relationship between CR activities and economic performance can be developed that presents the relationship in terms of a dynamic, case‐specific, inverted U‐shaped efficiency frontier and the vertical distance from this frontier. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.