Synthesis and characterization of hybrid materials consisting of n-octadecyltriethoxysilane by using n-hexadecylamine as surfactant and Q(0) and T(0) cross-linkers.

Novel hybrid xerogel materials were synthesized by a sol-gel procedure. n-octadecyltriethoxysilane was co-condensed with and without different cross-linkers using Q(0) and T(0) mono-functionalized organosilanes in the presence of n-hexadecylamine with different hydroxyl silica functional groups at the surface. These polymer networks have shown new properties, for example, a high degree of cross-linking and hydrolysis.

Urinary estrogens, progesterone, and LH changes during normal menstrual cycles of a captive female pileated gibbon (Hylobates pileatus).

Urinary steroid hormones and luteinizing hormone (LH) were monitored in a female pileated gibbon. The LH concentration almost peaked the day after estrogens peaks. The progesterone increased sharply after the LH peaks.

Role of imaginary companion in promoting the psychotherapeutic process.

An imaginary companion (IC) has been considered to be a transitory phenomenon sometimes seen in the normal developmental process of children. In recent years, however, it has been observed that ICs are related to various disorders, and their clinical significance is again attracting notice. Although an IC may in certain ways aggravate the patient's symptoms and regression, an IC may also serve to advance the therapy, for example by indicating the location of the patient's troubles, or acting as an intermediary between the therapist and patient.

[Imaginary companion in adolescence].

The phenomenon of imaginary companions, which is usually regarded as normal in children, but which when encountered in adolescence suggests a psychopathologic condition, appears to have had limited investigation. This study indicates some psychopathologic characteristics of imaginary companions by interviewing adolescent patients. Imaginary companions are experienced as one or more invisible persons who have some conversations with patients directly and mutually for a period of time.