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The characterization of poplar wood assumes a strategic position to increase the competitiveness of the entire forest wood supply chain. From this aspect, the identification of wood quality represents a primary objective for researchers and private landowners. The quality of wood can be defined via traditional visual methods based on the experience of technicians or using traditional tools, such as incremental drills and sound hammers. The traditional properties of these traits, based only on visual characteristics, can outline a classification based on the macroscopic properties of wood with the aim of defining the volume of recoverable wood. However, this approach does not provide a good indicator of the physical or mechanical properties of wood. Mechanical tests of wood require the felling of trees with the correlated preparation of the specimens. A different solution to determine wood quality is based on the application of non-destructive technology (NDT). In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine the predictive accuracy of non-destructive analysis of the MOEd in standing trees and logs of a 22-year-old poplar clone and to examine the relationship with MOEs in sawn specimens. This relationship was also studied at three different stem heights. We non-destructively measured poplar trees and green logs using TreeSonic and Resonance Log Grader and compared the results with those obtained via a destructive method using a universal testing machine. The results showed that for clone I-214 poplar trees, the dynamic elastic moduli of standing trees and logs were validly correlated with the static elastic modulus. These results suggest that it is possible to evaluate the mechanical properties of poplar wood directly from standing trees using non-destructive techniques (NDT) and that this tool can be easily used to presort material in the forest.

Microbial production of carotenoids has mainly focused towards a few products, such as β-carotene, lycopene and astaxanthin. However, other less explored carotenoids, like violaxanthin, have also shown unique properties and promissory applications. Violaxanthin is a plant-derived epoxidated carotenoid with strong antioxidant activity and a key precursor of valuable compounds, such as fucoxanthin and β-damascenone. In this study, we report for the first time the heterologous production of epoxycarotenoids in yeast. We engineered the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae following multi-level strategies for the efficient accumulation of violaxanthin. Starting from a β-carotenogenic yeast strain, we first evaluated the performance of several β-carotene hydroxylases (CrtZ), and zeaxanthin epoxidases (ZEP) from different species, together with their respective N-terminal truncated variants. The combined expression of CrtZ from Pantoea ananatis and truncated ZEP of Haematococcus lacustris showed the best performance and led to a yield of 1.6 mg/gDCW of violaxanthin. Further improvement of the epoxidase activity was achieved by promoting the transfer of reducing equivalents to ZEP by expressing several redox partner systems. The co-expression of the plant truncated ferredoxin-3, and truncated root ferredoxin oxidoreductase-1 resulted in a 2.2-fold increase in violaxanthin yield (3.2 mg/gDCW). Finally, increasing gene copy number of carotenogenic genes enabled reaching a final production of 7.3 mg/gDCW in shake flask cultures and batch bioreactors, which is the highest yield of microbially produced violaxanthin reported to date.

Agroforestry or agricultural forestry is an important resource for the exploitation of wood resources commonly based on a low level of mechanization and integrating agriculture crops land-management. Agroforestry areas consist often of buffer strip forest along the farms’ boundaries or on small forest stands within the same farms. Felling is commonly based on the use of chainsaws which are used occasionally, and are often aged models and with little maintenance done on them. In this context, the present study analyzes the vibration and noise generated by chainsaws in the specific contest of the agroforestry farms. The aim is to verify the hand-arm vibrations and noise level, which self-employed agroforest operators are exposed with the occasional use of aged and rarely maintained chainsaws. The main results show that vibration exposures are significantly affected by the model and condition of use of the chainsaw and at lower level, but still significant, by the wood and the position of the handle. Regarding noise levels, the chainsaw model and condition of use also has significant effects. In summary, this study highlights that the importance of the condition of use of the chainsaw has an important effect on the vibrations and noise exposition and that these, although limited due to the limited daily use by operators, must be carefully taken into consideration, and provide for containment actions through adequate information and training.

Survival often depends on behavior that can adapt to rapid changes in contingencies, which should be particularly well suited to a contingency-sensitive and data-based discipline such as applied behavior analysis (ABA). The speed and scale with which contingencies shifted in early March 2020 due to the effects of COVID-19 represent a textbook case for rapid adaptation with a direct impact on the survival of many types of enterprises. We describe here the impact, changes, and outcomes achieved by a large, multifaceted ABA clinical program that has (a) ongoing data that forecasted and tracked changes, (b) staff well practiced with data-based shifts in operations (behavior), and (c) up-to-date information (data) on policy and regulations. The results showed rapid shifts in client and staff behavior on a daily basis, shifts in services from in-person services to telehealth, and increases in volumes, revenue, and margins. We detail regulations and provide actionable steps that clinical organizations can take pertinent to this shift now and in the future. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of maintaining robust coordination and communication across our field in order to address crises that affect our field.

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a chronic disorder that often begins in early childhood; however, few studies have examined the onset of SIB in young children. This preliminary study reports on the identification, assessment and observation of SIB in 32 children who had begun to engage in SIB within the previous 6 months. Participants were ages birth to 5 years and presented with or were at risk for intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Assessment measures included parental interviews, developmental and language measures, standardized measures of problem behavior, and direct observations conducted in the home. Results indicated that for most children, SIB emerged prior to age 1 year, and multiple topographies of SIB and other problem behaviors developed in most children. Multiple measures were useful in identifying SIB and in characterizing the behavior by topography, frequency, and severity. Findings from the examination of child communication in relation to SIB were inconclusive. Results are discussed in relation to theories of SIB emergence, and previous observational studies of young children with SIB.

The reactions of coronene dehydrogenation and fusion upon heat treatment in the temperature range of 500-700 degrees C were studied using XRD, TEM, Raman, IR, and NEXAFS spectroscopy. The formation of a coronene dimer (dicoronylene) was observed at temperatures 530-550 degrees C; dicoronylene can easily be separated using sublimation with a temperature gradient. An insoluble and not sublimable black precipitate was found to form at higher temperatures. Analysis of the data shows that dimerization of coronene is followed at 550-600 degrees C by oligomerization into larger molecules. Above 600 degrees C amorphization of the material and formation of graphitic nanoparticles was observed. Coronene fusion by annealing is proposed as a road to synthesis of larger polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nanographenes.

UNLABELLED A 73-year-old man with lung squamous-cell carcinoma simultaneously developed a factor VIII:C inhibitor and a transient positive direct Coombs' test. The factor VIII:C inhibitor was characterized as a mixture of IgG1, IgG2, IgG4 with kappa and lambda light chains. The Coombs' test was IgM-specific. TREATMENT blood transfusions (packed red cells), cyclophosphamide and prednisone. Bleeding subsided without factor VIII-replacement therapy. Before death, in spite of the tumour-mass progression, factor VIII:C was normal.

Summary Approximately six hours of biofeedback training was given to eight fecally incontinent children with myelomeningocele in order to establish bowel control. Their ages ranged from five to 15 years. The patients were shown a polygraph tracing of the external anal sphincter while they were being encouraged voluntarily to contract the sphincter when the rectum was distended with progressively larger volumes of air in a balloon. Seven of the eight patients showed normal sensation for rectal distension. Following this training period, five of the children had no incontinent periods, and two of these had discontinued enemas or suppositories. A sixth patient had an 80 per cent reduction in the frequency of incontinence. The remaining two did not benefit. At follow-up between 13 and 24 months later, four children were incontinent once a month or less often; two others were incontinent once per day, a considerable decrease from the pre-training period. The two children who failed to learn were still incontinent at follow-up. These results show that fecally incontinent patients with myelomeningocele can learn to evacuate normally or to reduce soiling after a relatively short period of biofeedback training. RESUME Approximativement six heures dcae;apprentissage en biofeedback ont ete donnees a huit enfants incontinents fecaux, porteurs de myelomeningocele, pour obtenir un controle rectal. Les âges allaient de cinq a 15 ans. Les malades pouvaient observer un trace polygraphique du sphincter anal externe pendant quils etaient encourages volontairement a contracter ce sphincter et que le rectum etait progressivement distendu par le gonflement progressif d'un balloon. Sept enfants sur huit resentirent une sensation normale a la distension rectale. A la suite de cette periode d'apprentissage, cinq des six enfants ne presenteent plus de periode d'incontinence et deux d'entre eux purent abandonner lavements et suppositoires. Un sixieme malade presenta une reduction de 80 pour cent de son incontinence. It n'y eut aucun benefice pour les deux cas restants. Lors d'un controle entre 13 et 24 mois plus tard, quatre enfants etaient incontinents une fois par mois ou moins, deux une fois par jour, ce qui traduisait une diminution considerable par rapport a la periode de pre-apprentissage. Les deux enfants qui n'avaient pu beneficier d'un apprentissage etaient toujours incontinents au moment du controTle. Ces resultats montrent que des malades porteurs de myelomeningocele et incontinents fecaux peuvent acquerir une evacuation rectale normale ou reduire leur incontinence apres une periode relativement courte dcar;apprentissage en biofeedback. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Acht Kinder mit Stuhlinkontinenz bei Myelomeningocele erhielten etwa sechs Stunden ein Biofeedback Training, durch das eine Darmkontrolle aufgebaut werden sollte. Das Alter der Patienten lag zwischen funf und 15 Jahren. Man forderte die Patienten auf, den Sphincter ani externus willkurlich zu kontrahieren, wahrend das Rectum durch ein zunehmend groβeres Luftvolumen in einem Ballon gedehnt wurde und zeigte ihnen gleichzeitig polygraphische Aufzeichnungen vom Sphincter. Sieben der acht Patienten hatten eine normale Empfindung fur die Dehnung des Rectums. Nach dieser Trainingsperiode hatten funf der Kinder keine Inkontinez mehr und zwei davon konnten Klistiere oder Suppositorien absetzen. Bei einer sechsten Patienten war die Inkontinenzhaufigkeit um 80 Prozent reduziert. Die restlichen zwei hatten keinen Erfolg. Eine Kontrolle nach 13 und 24 Monaten: vier Kinder waren einmal im Monat oder seltener inkontinent; zwei andere waren einmal am Tag inkontinent; insgesamt war das eine betrachtliche Verbesserung zu dem Zustand vor dem Training. Die beiden Kinder, die keinen Lernerfolg hatten, waren auch bei den Kontrollen weiterhin inkontinent. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, daβ stuhlinkontinente Patienten mit Myelomengocele es eriernen konnen, den Stuhl normal zu entleeren oder das Einkoten zu reduzieren, nachdem sie fur eine relativ kurze Zeit ein Biofeedback Training gemacht haben. RESUMEN Se aplico aproximadamente seis horas de aprendizaje de biofeedback a ocho nibos con incontinencia fecal por mielomeningocele, con el objeto de establecer un control intestinal. Sus edades oscilaban entre cinco y 15 anos. A los pacientes se les mostro un trazado poligrafico del esfinter anal externo, al mismo tiempo que se les incitaba a contraer voluntariamente el esfinter cuando el recto estaba distendido por volumenes de aire progresivamente mas grandes gracias a un baton aereo. Siete de los ocho pacientes mostraron una sensation normal de distension rectal. Siguiendo este periodo de entrenamiento, cinco de los ninos no tuvieron periodos de incontinencia y dos de ellos nee esitaron de una forma discontinua de enemas o supositorios. Un sexto paciente tuvo un 80 por ciento de reduction en la frecuencia de la incontinencia. Los otros dos no obtuvieron ningun beneficio. Vistos posteriormente a los 13 y 24 meses, cuatro ninos eran incontinentes una vez al mes o incluso con menor frecuencia, otros dos eran incontinentes una vez al dia, lo que representaba una disminucion considerable en comparacion con el periodo anterior al del entrenamiento. Los dos ninos que habian fallado en el aprendizaje continuaban todavia incontinentes. Estos resultados muestran que los pacientes con incontinencia fecal con meningocele pueden aprender a evacuar normalmente o a reducir la incontinencia depues de un periodo relativamente corto de entrenamiento por biofeedback.

Apocarotenoids are natural compounds derived from the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids. Particularly, C13-apocarotenoids are volatile compounds that contribute to the aromas of different flowers and fruits and are highly valued by the Flavor and Fragrance industry. So far, the chemical synthesis of these terpenoids has dominated the industry. Nonetheless, the increasing consumer demand for more natural and sustainable processes raises an interesting opportunity for bio-production alternatives. In this regard, enzymatic biocatalysis and metabolically engineered microorganisms emerge as attractive biotechnological options. The present review summarizes promising bioengineering approaches with regard to chemical production methods for the synthesis of two families of C13-apocarotenoids: ionones/dihydroionones and damascones/damascenone. We discuss each method and its applicability, with a thorough comparative analysis for ionones, focusing on the production process, regulatory aspects, and sustainability.

The changes in the current values of the reaction rate constants during the C60 fullerene and polychloroprene ozonolysis in solution have been investigated. The reaction has been conducted in a bubble reactor and the respective k values were determined on the basis of continuous measurement of the ozone concentration in the gas phase at the reactor outlet, under conditions of constant values of the ozone concentration at the reactor inlet. An effect of decrease in the current values of the rate constant during the conversion of the respective double bonds has been observed. It has been determined that the decrease of C60 fullerene k values in the 0–70% region of conversions is about 56%. In the case of polychloroprene the reduction is 18% and 24% at degree of conversion of 70% and 90% correspondingly. The mechanism of these effects and their influence on the rate constants dependences on the degree of conversion of the respective sp2 C‐C bonds have been considered. A supposition about the dominan...

Forming new knowledge based on knowledge established through prior learning is a central feature of higher cognition that is captured in research on stimulus equivalence (SE). Numerous SE investigations show that reinforcing behavior under control of distinct sets of arbitrary conditional relations gives rise to stimulus control by new, derived relations. This investigation examined whether frontal-subcortical and frontal-parietal networks known to support reinforced conditional relations also support derived conditional relations. Twelve adult subjects completed matching-to-sample (MTS) training with correct/wrong feedback to establish four trained conditional relations within two distinct, three-member stimulus classes: (1) A1-->B1, B1-->C1 and (2) A2-->B2, B2-->C2. Afterwards, functional neuroimaging was performed when MTS trials were presented involving matching two identical circles (a sensorimotor control condition), trained relations (A-->B, B-->C), and derived relations: symmetry (B-->A, C-->B), transitivity (A-->C), and equivalence (C-->A). Conditional responding to trained and derived relations was similarly correlated with bilateral activation in the targeted networks. Comparing trained to derived relations, however, highlighted greater activation in several prefrontal regions, the caudate, thalamus, and putamen, which may represent the effects of extended training or feedback present during imaging. Each derived relation also evidenced a unique activation pattern. Collectively, the findings extend the role of frontal-subcortical and frontal-parietal networks to derived conditional relations and suggest that regional involvement varies with the type of derived conditional relation.

The terpenes α-(+)-pinene, and α-(−)pinene have been radiolyzed at radiation doses of 150, 300 and 600 kGy. The radiolyzed samples have been analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy and polarimetry. Both α-(+)-, α-(−)-pinenes show a linear trend to radioracemization as a function of the radiation dose administered ≈2.5·10−3 [α]D/kGy. The solvent fractionation and the liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC) of the radiolyzed samples shows that both α-pinene enantiomers produce ocimene and dipentene together with minor quantities of other products and a resin. The kinetics of α-pinene decomposition under radiolytic conditions can be described by a pseudofirst order rate constant k∼5.3·10−7s−1 while the radiation chemical yield for the same reaction has a G = 5.0 molecules/100 eV, so that about 30% of the original α-pinene is converted into other products at 600 kGy.

The degradation of a mixture of 18 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been studied in acetonitrile solution by using gamma-radiation at radiation doses of 100, 200 and 300 kGy. The mixture of radiolyzed PAHs was analyzed by liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a diode array detector. Radiolysis at 100 kGy total dose is already sufficient to cause the complete disappearance of all PAHs with the exception of fluorene and crysene which still survive in small amounts. They are known to be among the most radiation-resistant PAHs and can be completely eliminated from the radiolyzed solution by a treatment with ozone. Alternatively higher radiation dose (200 kGy) is needed to eliminate fluorene and crysene completely from the acetonitrile solution. PAHs can be degraded completely with an excess of ozone but the distribution of products is of course different from that obtained by radiolysis and radiolysis followed by ozonolysis.

The abiotic origin of some biologically active molecules and macromolecules have been reviewed. Particular emphasis has been dedicated to the formation of aminoacids and about the possible mechanisms for their asymmetric synthesis and accumulation. The phenomenon of racemization has been explained in detail and then applied in the context of the photo- and radioracemization. Apparent and true photo- and radioracemization have been distinguished. These phenomena play against the preservation of chirality of asymmetric molecules in meteorites and in space. This fact may explain why low enantiomeric excess have been found in meteorites and limited only to certain aminoacids quite uncommon in terrestrial environments. It can be hypothesized that chiral molecules are formed in space for instance under the CPL photolysis and then they are slowly and unselectively degraded and radioracemized by cosmic rays and other high energy radiations. However, the experiment on the radioracemization of certain terpenes has shown that the radioracemization rate is not so dramatically high to cause the complete racemization of the mixture even at very high radiation doses. The radioracemization reaction appears not selective at all, therefore the enantiomeric excess observed only in α-methyl amino acids in meteorites must be attributed to water-thermally driven methamorphism which is instead able to cause selective racemization on α-H amino acids but not on α-methyl amino acids.

Astrophysical and cosmochemical data show that many kinds of hydrocarbons are widespread in space, including giant molecular clouds, diffuse interstellar medium, comets, interplanetary dust particles, and carbonaceous meteorites. Here an effort is made to show the close relation between high-molecular weight hydrocarbons observed in space and existing on Earth. Results of astrochemical modelling of dust grains in dense collapsing cores of giant molecular clouds are also presented. They show that about 10% of the total abundance of dust grains may be the result of aliphatic hydrocarbons. This dust serves as initial material for comets, formed in protosolar nebula. The problem of survival of cometary organics during impact onto the Earth is discussed, and it is shown that the so-called “soft-landing comet” hypothesis may explain the accumulation of complex hydrocarbons on the Earth's surface. We conclude that a significant fraction of terrestrial prebiotic petroleum was delivered by extraterrestrial matter.

Three isomeric chiral terpenes, R(+)-limonene, S(-)-limonene and R(-)-a-phellandrene were γ-radiolyzed in sealed vials at room temperature with a total radiation dose of 317 kGy. The radiolyzed samples were analyzed by FT-IR, electronic absorption spectroscopy, liquid chromatography using a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and by polarimetry. Despite a relatively high radiation dose used, all the chiral molecules selected have shown a low radioracemization rate. This fact and the role played by the impurities in the selective radio-degradation of one of the two enantiomers has been discussed in the context of the origin of chirality in prebiotic molecules and the chirality enhancement in a prebiotic world. The results were also discussed in the frame of the radiosterilization technique of chiral drugs, perfumes and food components.

Anthracite coal and oil bitumen were submitted to γ-radiation at a total dose of 1 MGy and the radiation-processed samples were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The coal samples were studied also by TGA coupled with FT-IR spectroscopy of the evolved gases. Thermal analysis has revealed a completely different behavior of the radiolyzed samples in comparison to the unirradiated samples. Both for coal and bitumen significantly less volatile fraction was released during the TGA and in both cases a significant increase in the amount of carbon coke produced at 800-900 °C was observed. The radiation processed bitumen increased significantly its ethyl acetate insolubles content. These results were interpreted in terms of extensive crosslinking and coalification of the samples under the action of γ-radiation. The results of this study have been applied to the carbonization process of terrestrial sedimentary organic matter which is commonly attributed to the action of heat flux from the depth of the Earth but which may be also due to the action of natural radiation. Other application of the results of the present study is to the complex organic matter present on the surfaces of comets and meteorites. This complex matter was formed by exposure of simple precursors to a field of high energy radiation for millions or billions of years and is consequently transformed into coal-like and bitumen-like matter. The same arguments apply to the carbon grains present in the interstellar and circumstellar medium.

Cured rubber powder was successfully devulcanized under the application of high-energy ball milling. An attempt was made to improve the efficiency of devulcanization with a phenolic antioxidant (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol). In addition, the grafting of virgin natural rubber to the surface of rubber powder was promoted by milling under an inert atmosphere. The extent of mechanochemical devulcanization was studied by estimation of the sol–gel fractions and crosslink densities. Our findings suggest that the process led to a preferential breakage of sulfur crosslinks. The curing behavior of the compounds and the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates containing treated rubber powder and fresh rubber were investigated. The chemical and mechanical properties depended strongly on the experimental milling conditions, which could consequently be controlled to improve the quality of the reclaimed rubber. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1631–1638, 2003

In this work the interaction between the carbon black reinforcement agent and a polymeric rubber matrix is investigated. Chemical activity of carbon black powder samples was enhanced using γ radiation in the dose range 168–1000 kGy and the radiation induced free radical concentration was investigated by EPR measurements. Activated powder samples were mixed with rubber and the bound rubber values of obtained compounds was measured by TG analysis. A comparison between EPR and bound rubber data shows that the greatest filler–polymer chemical interaction corresponds to the highest radiation induced free radical concentration.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to study brain function during behavioral tasks. The participation of pediatric subjects is problematic because reliable task performance and control of head movement are simultaneously required. Differential reinforcement decreased head motion and improved vigilance task performance in 4 children (2 with behavioral disorders) undergoing simulated fMRI scans. Results show that behavior analysis techniques can improve child cooperation during fMRI procedures.

This paper summarizes a conference held at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development on December 6-7, 1999, on self-injurious behavior [SIB] in developmental disabilities. Twenty-six of the top researchers in the U.S. from this field representing 13 different disciplines discussed environmental mechanisms, epidemiology, behavioral and pharmacological intervention strategies, neurochemical substrates, genetic syndromes in which SIB is a prominent behavioral phenotype, neurobiological and neurodevelopmental factors affecting SIB in humans as well as a variety of animal models of SIB. Findings over the last decade, especially new discoveries since 1995, were emphasized. SIB is a rapidly growing area of scientific interest to both basic and applied researchers. In many respects it is a model for the study of gene-brain-behavior relationships in developmental disabilities.

By treating a CCI4 solution of C60 in a sealed ampoule under argon with γ radiation generated by a 60Co source, chlorinated and trichloromethylated C60 oligomers (dimers, trimers) are produced. A total radiation dose of 122 kGy was used.

Atactic and syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, atactic 3,4-polyisoprene and poly(4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene)1,2 syndiotactic, having respectively vinyl, methylvinyl and dimethylvinyl pendant groups have been ozonized. The reaction products and the reaction speed toward ozone attack in solution have been studied by FT-IR spectroscopy. The tacticity seems to have no influence on either the reaction products or the reaction speed with ozone. The main product formed by ozonization of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene and of poly(4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene)1,2 syndiotactic is a poly(acrolein) or poly(propenal). Thus each vinyl or dimethylvinyl monomer unit can be mainly converted into an aldehyde pendant group. In the case of atactic 3,4-polyisoprene, ozonization allows changing the methylvinyl group into a methylketone pendant group. Ozonization of atactic 3,4-polyisoprene and also poly(4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene)1,2 syndiotactic, introduces some epoxy groups into the vinyl double bonds as a secondary reaction. The reaction speed with ozone was found to be faster with the most alkyl-substituted double bond in agreement with a general rule. Thus the reaction speed is from the fastest to the slowest as follows: [poly(4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene)1,2 syndiotactic]>[3,4-polyisoprene]>[1,2-polybutadiene]. Ozonization of vinyl polymers could be a way for introducing oxygenated functional groups which can then be used as sites for crosslinking these polymers to prepare new polymer networks.

The pseudohalogens thiocyanogen [(SCN)2], sulfur dicyanide [S(CN)2], selenocyanogen [(SeCN)2], selenium dicyanide [Se(CN)2] and selenium diselenocyanate [Se(SeCN)2] have been prepared and studied by 13C NMR spectroscopy for the first time. The 13C NMR results confirm the structure previously assigned to these compounds on the basis of vibrational spectroscopy. Thiocyanogen, sulfur dicyanide, selenocyanogen and selenium dicyanide have been also studied as liquid film on KBr plate in the solid state (KBr pellet) by FT-IR spectroscopy and the data collected have been compared and discussed with previous results recorded on solutions in organic solvents. Good agreement with early results has been obtained. It has been confirmed by solid state 13C NMR–MAS that under mild conditions selenocyanogen disproportionates into selenium dicyanide and selenium diselenocyanate. By heating selenocyanogen above 180°C it polymerizes irreversibly into a brown polymer known as paraselenocyanogen whose FT-IR spectrum is surprisingly very similar to that of parathiocyanogen or polythiocyanogen, the product of self-polymerization of thiocyanogen.

High density polyethylene oligomers and docosane (C22H46) were subjected to a photochlorination reaction to a chlorine content above 70% as checked by thermogravimetry. The resulting chlorinated materials were dehydrohalogenated by potassium hydroxide in different conditions with simple reaction routes. It is shown by FT-IR, C13-NMR and electronic spectroscopy that soluble low molecular weight polymers were formed having polyyne-ene and polyene-yne segments. These new soluble polymeric materials are of potential interest both in the field of optics and electronics as well as in the understanding the cosmochemical problem of the molecules in interstellar space.

The polymeric product formed by reacting C 60 or C 70 fullerenes with ozone, called “ozopolymer”, which is insoluble in non-polar solvents but soluble in water and in methanol was studied by electronic, FT–IR, H-NMR and solid state 13 C-NMR spectroscopy as well as by elemental analysis. The structure and formation of the product is discussed in the framework of the experimental results and Criegee's mechanism of ozonation of unsaturated compounds. The thermal behaviour of the C 60 ozopolymer was studied by DSC and simultaneous TGA-DTA.

We describe a Master's program in Applied Behavior Analysis that involves collaboration between an academic graduate program in psychology and the departments of an institution dedicated to the delivery of behavioral services: in this instance, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The launching of a new program and its subsequent maintenance involves a variety of contingencies, both academic and professional. This paper discusses a few of them, and demonstrates how quickly and effectively progress can be made when compatible and reciprocal contingencies of support are identified for all of the various participants in a program. As we enter the Decade of Behavior, we hope this program will provide a source of more practitioners of applied behavior analysis, so sorely needed to meet the growing demand for our demonstrably successful interventions. ********** One hallmark of behavior analysis and one source of its success in interventions is its recognition of multiple causation in the determination of complex behavior. Multiple causation operates, for example, in verbal behavior, as when the order that someone places at a fast food restaurant is simultaneously determined by many different variables: the person behind the counter as an audience, the menu as an occasion for textual behavior, the food visible in pictures and on the trays of other customers as an occasion for tacting, the overheard orders of other customers as an occasion for echoic behavior, the factors that make the food to be ordered reinforcing as establishing operations, and so on. When many variables that each occasion the same verbal response come together at one time, the verbal behavior that follows may be virtually inevitable. It is no surprise that many causes also enter into institutional behavior, and because much of our own activity as behavior analysts occurs in institutional settings, it may be useful to explore the multiple causation that may be involved in the creation and maintenance of behavior analytic programs. History It is difficult to pinpoint just when discussions began about a possible collaborative program involving the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the Kennedy Krieger Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (KKI); they may go back two decades or more. Some of the more recent and key administrative discussions (within the past five years) involved A. Charles Catania at UMBC, the chair of the Department of Behavioral Psychology at KKI, Michael F. Cataldo, and the chair of the UMBC Department of Psychology, Carlo DiClemente. Once agreement had been reached about the desirability and feasibility of the program and the nature of its administration, Wayne W. Fisher and A. Charles Catania undertook the implementation of the program, with special attention to design of courses and professional training. The mutual interests of all participants quickly became evident. They included but were not limited to the following: The growing field of applied behavior analysis called for more well-trained practitioners; the UMBC administration wanted to expand the enrollment of graduate students, especially at the Master's level; and, the behavior analysts at KKI needed more qualified people to staff inpatient treatment units and wanted more opportunities to interact with students of behavior analysis. The collaborative program was approved by the UMBC Department of Psychology during the 1997-1998 academic year, and the call for applications went out late in Spring 1998 with a July 1 deadline. Under those circumstances, the numbers were of course too small to really constitute a class, and a couple of students who were unable to complete applications in time were provisionally admitted to course work as special students. More standardized application procedures brought in four more students in the 1999-2000 academic year (including one student from Iceland) and six more in the current (2000-2001) academic year. …