At Ghent University (Belgium), a new type of so-called click chemistry has been introduced. Like with most of click chemistry, it is based on a long-known efficient chemical reaction, which was now also found to be very practical for diverse and demanding applications. In particular, the unique reactivity of the studied 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (TAD) reagents has been harnessed to reversibly crosslink polyurethanes, or almost any other polymer matrix. At higher temperatures the TAD-induced crosslinks can temporarily open up, giving the thermoset the ability to be reshaped or even extruded like a typical thermoplastic polymer. This is reported in the current issue of Nature Chemistry, in a joint paper by three Ghent research groups led by Filip Du Prez, Veronique Van Speybroeck and Johan Winne. The TAD reagents used in these new click reactions are quite stable compounds in bulk, but react almost instantaneously with electron rich unsaturated organic compounds. These preferred and orthogonal reaction partners can be easily implemented in polymer chains, resulting in very straightforward macromolecular linking and functionalisation. The TAD-reagents can be clicked to these reaction partners at room temperature without the aid of any catalyst in an almost instantaneous and air- and moisture insensitive manner. In most cases, … Continue reading →

For the St. Scholastica volleyball players, the expectation level for the 2014 season is very high. And, why not? With one of the best setters in the state in Emma Estapa and a veteran lineup, a glimpse into what might be this year was on display in St. Scholasticas 25-14, 25-14, 25-12victory at home over Covington. Gabby Chaix paced the Dove offense with 16 kills while Estapa guided the team with 27 assists. Weve been working all summer long on developing team chemistry and it showed early in the match as things went along, Chaix said. Our goals have been set very high, and we know its going to be a long season. Thats why it is very important to get off to a good start. For Covington, Douglisha Hamilton, Veronica Husak and Jordan Bordes contributed to the offense with a pair of kills each while Courtni Lemons was the defensive standout with 10 digs. From the start, the Doves seemed to be in top form, racing out to a 12-2 lead in game one behind kills from three different players, including Chaix, Jessica Lucio, and Allison Weimer. The Lions didnt help themselves with 13 hitting errors. It was too … Continue reading →

Astros interim manager Tom Lawless and catcher Jason Castro discuss succeeding Bo Porter One day after dismissing manager Bo Porter and bench coach Dave Trembley, the Astros introduced their replacements: Lawless, a baseball lifer who grew up under the tutelage of Whitey Herzog, and Everett, the team's former defensive whiz at shortstop, who has a passion for both teaching and for the Astros. "It's literally like getting called up for the first time," Everett said. "You're wide-eyed and look around and go 'Wow.' The stadiums are bigger, the lights are brighter. It's pretty awesome, to be honest with you. It's a great experience. I was here ... when we were really good, and that's where we want to get back to. To kind of be on the other side now and get back to the process, I'm excited." Lawless, 57, has waited for the opportunity to manage at the Major League level for quite some time, and whether he'll remain in the position full-time could be determined by how well the Astros play over the final 24 games. Lawless has spent six years in the Astros' system, including this year as the infield coach at Double-A Corpus Christi. He spent … Continue reading →