bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ablation of central nervous system progenitor cells in transgenic rats using bacterial nitroreductase system
Authors: Kwak Seung P. , Malberg Jessica E. , Howland David S. , Cheng Ke‐Yi , Su Jianying , She Yin , Fennell Myles , Ghavami Afshin
Published: February 2007

Specific ablation of central nervous system (CNS) progenitor cells in the brain of live animals is a powerful method to determine the functions of these cells and to reveal novel avenues for the treatment of several CNS‐related disorders. To achieve this goal, we generated a line of transgenic rats expressing a bacterial enzyme, Escherichia coli nitroreductase gene (NTR), under control of the nestin promoter. In this system, NTR+ cells are selectively eliminated upon application of prodrug CB1954, through activation of programmed cell death machineries. At 5 days of age, which is a time when cerebellar development is occurring, transgenic rats bearing the nestin‐NTR/green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene are overtly normal and express NTR/GFP in neuronal stem cells, without any toxicity in these cells. The functional consequence of progenitor cell ablation was demonstrated by administering prodrug CB1954 into the cerebellum at this 5‐day time point. Stem cell ablation in these neonates resulted in sensorimotor abnormalities, cerebellar degeneration, overall reduction in cerebellar seize, and manifestation of ataxia. In adult rats, GFP expression was not seen in the hippocampal progenitor cells and seen only at very low levels in the lateral ventricles, indicating a different NTR/GFP expression pattern between neonates and adults. In addition, application of CB1954 by intraventricular delivery reduced the number of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐labeled proliferating cells in the lateral ventricle but not hippocampus of NTR/GFP rats. These findings shows that targeted expression of NTR under a specific promoter might be of significant value in addressing the function of distinct cell population in vivo. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glutamate and metabotropic glutamate receptors associated with innervation of the uterine cervix during pregnancy: Receptor antagonism inhibits c‐fos expression in rat lumbosacral spinal cord at parturition
Authors: Ghosh Chaitali , Storey‐Workley Megan , Usip Sharon , Hafemeister Jen , Miller Kenneth E. , Papka Raymond E.
Published: February 2007

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons connect the spinal cord and uterine cervix, and are activated at parturition with subsequent stimulation of secondary neurons in the spinal dorsal horn and autonomic areas. Neuropeptide neurotransmitters and receptors have been studied in these areas, but amino acid transmitters, e.g., glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in sensory and nociceptive processing, have not been characterized. To determine if glutamate is involved in innervation of the cervix, rats were examined for markers of glutamatergic neurons in the L6‐S1 spinal cord, DRG and cervix. Metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR5 in the spinal dorsal horn and their expression over pregnancy were examined in pregnant rats and pregnant rats treated continuously with an antagonist of mGluR5, 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP). Rats were allowed to deliver pups to determine if the antagonist altered the expression of an early response gene protein, Fos, in the L6‐S1 cord. Immunohistochemistry showed glutamate‐ and vesicular glutamate transporter1 (VGluT1)‐positive fibers in the cervix, glutamate‐ and VGluT1‐expressing neurons in the DRG, some of which also exhibited retrograde tracer from cervical injections, and VGluT1 and mGluR5 immunoreactivities in the L6‐S1 spinal dorsal horns. Expression of mGluR5 receptors increased over pregnancy. Fos‐positive neurons were present among mGluR5‐immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn. Parturition‐induced Fos‐positive neurons in the spinal cords were abundant in control rats, but were reduced by 70% in MPEP‐treated animals. These results suggest that glutamate is likely involved in the transmission of sensory signals, possibly pain, from the cervix to the spinal cord at parturition. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of zinc influx via AMPA/kainate receptor activation in metabotropic glutamate receptor‐mediated calcium release
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Fuke Sayuri , Minami Akira , Oku Naoto
Published: February 2007

The uptake of free zinc into CA3 pyramidal cells and its significance was examined in rat hippocampal slices with ZnAF‐2DA, a membrane‐permeable zinc indicator. Intracellular ZnAF‐2 signal in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer was increased during delivery of tetanic stimuli to the dentate granule cell layer. This increase was completely blocked in the presence of CNQX, an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist. These results suggest that free zinc is taken up into CA3 pyramidal cells via activation of AMPA/kainate receptors. The effect of free zinc levels in the CA3 pyramidal cells on the increase in intracellular calcium via Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors was examined by regional delivery of tADA, a Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, to the stratum lucidum after blockade of AMPA/kainate receptor‐mediated calcium and zinc influx. Intracellular calcium orange signal in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer was increased by tADA, whereas intracellular ZnAF‐2 signal was not increased even in the presence of 100 μM zinc, suggesting that tADA induces calcium release from internal stores in CA3 pyramidal cells and is not involved in zinc uptake. The increase in calcium orange signal by tADA was enhanced by perfusion with pyrithione, a zinc ionophore that decreased basal ZnAF‐2 signal in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer. It was blocked by perfusion with pyrithione and zinc that increased basal ZnAF‐2 signal. The present study indicates that the increase in free calcium levels via the metabotropic glutamate receptor pathway is inversely related to free zinc levels in CA3 pyramidal cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mid infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO) as a viable alternative to tissue ablation with the free electron laser (FEL)
Authors: Mackanos Mark A. , Simanovskii Dmitrii , Joos Karen M. , Schwettman H. Alan , Jansen E. Duco
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

Investigations with a Mark‐III free electron laser, tuned to 6.45 µm in wavelength have demonstrated minimal collateral damage and high ablation yield in ocular and neural tissues. While the use of mid‐IR light produced by the free electron laser (FEL) has shown much promise for surgical applications, further advances are limited due the high costs of its use. Further investigation and widespread clinical use of six‐micron radiation requires the development of an alternative laser source. In this research, we compared a Mark‐III FEL and an Er:YAG pumped ZGP‐OPO with respect to the effect of pulse duration on ablation efficiency and thermal damage on porcine cornea.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A five by seven grid of craters was made about the center of each cornea. Craters were made with a 60‐µm spotsize with a 500‐µm spacing. Ablation craters were made using 50 pulses per crater at approximately three times the ablation threshold (for water). Histological analysis was used to determine crater depth and thermal damage.

Results

The average zone of thermal damage at 6.1 µm was found to be 4.1 µm for the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and 5.4 µm for the FEL. At 6.45 µm, the damaged zone was 7.2 µm for the OPO and 7.2 µm for the FEL. At 6.73 µm, the damaged zone was 6.3 µm for the OPO and 7.6 µm±0.3 µm for the FEL.

Conclusions

The OPO caused similar or significantly less thermal damage in porcine cornea when compared with the FEL while generating significantly deeper craters. We determined that the ZGP‐OPO has much promise as a bench‐top replacement for the FEL for soft tissue ablation. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:230–236, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Betrachtungen zum Löten in Gegenwart und Zukunft
Authors: Türpe M.
Published: February 2007

In allen Zweigen der Metall verarbeitenden Industrie und des Handwerks nimmt der Einsatz von Lötverfahren von Jahr zu Jahr zu. Der Ursprung wird vor ca. 6.000 Jahren vermutet, lange Zeit war es auf wenige Einsatzgebiete beschränkt. In der jüngsten Neuzeit zur Triebkraft von Innovationen geworden, ist es heute unverzichtbar in unterschiedlichen Anwendungsbereichen wie Mikroelektronik, Elektrotechnik, Automobilbau, Luftfahrt, Turbinenbau oder Werkzeugbau.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag erfolgt zunächst eine Abgrenzung des Lötens gegenüber anderen stoffschlüssigen Verfahren. Danach werden dem Anlass entsprechende ausgewählte Entwicklungen der letzten Jahrzehnte wie Aluminiumlöten, Hochtemperaturlöten und Löten von keramischen Werkstoffen vorgestellt. Den Abschluss bildet ein Ausblick auf laufende und zukünftige Entwicklungen der Löttechnik.
Verschleißschutz für Titanbauteile
Authors: Bobzin K. , Ernst F. , Rösing J. , Rojas Y.
Published: February 2007

Die Verwendung von Titan und seiner Legierungen hat aufgrund seiner werkstoffspezifischen Eigenschaften wie hoher Festigkeit, guter Korrosionseigenschaften und sehr hoher thermischer Belastbarkeit, in den letzten Jahrzehnten stetig zugenommen. Derzeit wird jedoch der Einsatz in tribologischen Systemen durch eine relativ niedrige Verschleißbeständigkeit eingeschränkt. Der Verschleiß an Bauteiloberflächen ist prinzipiell eine Eigenschaft, die bedingt ist durch die chemischen und physikalischen Wechselwirkungen der beteiligten Elemente sowie des auf das Bauteil wirkenden Beanspruchungskollektivs. Ausgehend von der Gesamtkomplexität eines tribologischen Problems zeigt sich die Notwendigkeit der Bereitstellung von beanspruchungsgerechten Verschleißschutzsystemen. Titanlegierungen sind im Allgemeinen nur eingeschränkt schweißbar, da eine Versprödung durch Aufnahme von Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff oberhalb von 950 °C sowie die α‐β‐Gefügeumwandlung auftreten können. Die Übertragung von etablierten Löttechniken, die zurzeit Anwendung bei Stahlwerkstoffen finden, bilden hier einen Entwicklungsansatz. Durch Auftraglöten von Hartstoffen auf Titanbauteile wird eine individuelle Optimierung ermöglicht, wobei verschiedene Hartstoffe mit kommerziellen Lotwerkstoffen kombiniert und als Pasten appliziert werden.
Zyklische Beanspruchung drahtverstärkter Verbundstrangpressprofile mit Aluminiummatrix
Authors: Weidenmann K.A. , Schwind Th. , Kerscher E. , Löhe D.
Published: February 2007

Ein innovatives Werkstoffkonzept für Leichtbaustrukturen sind durch Verbundstrangpressen hergestellte Profile auf Aluminiumbasis, in die steife und hochfeste Verstärkungselemente im Umformprozess eingebracht werden. Hierdurch sollen die mechanischen Eigenschaften verbessert und damit die Leistungsfähigkeit der Tragwerke gesteigert werden.

Verbundstrangpressprofile aus der Aluminiumlegierung EN AW‐6060 mit Verstärkungselementen aus dem Federstahl 1.4310 und der Kobaltbasislegierung Haynes 25 wurden hinsichtlich der für den Einsatz entscheidenden mechanischen Eigenschaften unter bauteilnaher, d. h. zyklischer Beanspruchung untersucht. Zur Ermittlung der zyklischen Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Kurve wurden zunächst lastkontrollierte Laststeigerungsversuche (Multiple‐Step‐Tests) bei einem Lastverhältnis von R = ‐1 durchgeführt. Aus den erarbeiteten Ergebnissen wurden mit Hilfe klassischer Werkstoffmodelle nach Morrow und Basquin Lebensdauerprognosen abgeleitet, die in anschließenden mittelspannungsfreien Dauerschwingversuchen verifiziert werden konnten. Darüber hinaus wurden licht‐ und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungsmethoden zur Aufklärung des Schädigungs‐ und Versagensverhaltens eingesetzt. Die Untersuchungen wurden an mehreren Probenvarianten durchgeführt, wobei Material, Konfiguration und Oberflächenbehandlung der Verstärkungselemente variiert wurden. Ziel war es, Einflüsse dieser Parameter auf das Lebensdauerverhalten zu identifizieren, um so die Werkstoffsysteme hinsichtlich des Ermüdungsverhaltens zu optimieren.
Microstructure formation in electrochemically deposited Copper thin films
Authors: Kremmer K. , Yezerska O. , Schreiber G. , Masimov M. , Klemm V. , Schneider M. , Rafaja D.
Published: February 2007

The influence of the electrochemical potential and deposition mode on the preferred orientation, morphology and microstructure of crystallites in electrochemically deposited (ECD) copper thin films was investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the diffraction of back‐scattered electrons (EBSD). As a working electrode for the ECD process, thin gold layers were employed that were deposited on floating‐glass substrates in a vacuum evaporation process.

With increasing negative electrochemical potential in the ECD process, the deposition mode changed from the charge transfer controlled one to the diffusion controlled one. At the highest electrochemical potentials, the copper deposition and the hydrogen release were running concurrently. The change of the deposition mode was accompanied by a change of the surface roughness of the thin films and by a change of the direction and degree of the preferred orientation of crystallites. The surface roughness of the deposited copper thin films increased with increasing electrochemical potential. Compact plate‐like crystallites with the preferred orientation {111} grew in the transport controlled deposition mode. Development of the {111} texture was supported by the {111} preferred orientation of the gold layers and by surface energy of copper, which is the lowest in the (111) plane. The diffusion controlled deposition mode was characterized by the growth of globular {110}‐oriented crystallites. The {110} texture resulted from the minimization of the anisotropic strain energy of copper via reduction of the structure defects in this deposition modus. For highest electrochemical potentials, the copper deposition run simultaneously with the development of hydrogen that resulted in growth of needle‐like crystallites with the {100} texture.
Correlations between the ICIQ‐SF score and urodynamic findings
Authors: Seckiner Ilker , Yesilli Cetin , Mungan N. Aydin , Aykanat Adem , Akduman Bulent
Published: February 2007

Aims

The primary aim of this prospective study was to examine the correlations between “The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF)” score and urodynamic findings in patients with urge incontinence. In addition, we aimed to observe the alterations of these parameters with antimuscarinic therapy.

Methods

Between January and December 2005, patients referred to our department with urge incontinence were examined. After taking a detailed clinical history, physical examination, and urinalysis, each patient was asked to complete an ICIQ‐SF questionnaire. We carried out subtracted cystometry according to a fixed protocol on all patients. Patients who were defined as detrusor overactivity incontinent were given antimuscarinic therapy for 3 months. Following treatment, filling cystometry and ICIQ‐SF scoring were repeated in all patients. All pre‐ and post‐treatment data of 18 male and 42 female patients were transferred to the SPSS 11.0 for Windows program, and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

The patients' ages ranged from 28 to 70 (mean 49.8) years. We found statistically significant differences between the pre‐ and post‐treatment parameters (mean ICIQ‐SF score, first sensation, cystometric capacity, maximum detrusor pressure, compliance; P < 0.01). We found negative correlation between pre‐treatment mean ICIQ‐SF score and first sensation (correlation coefficient −0.266, P < 0.05) and positive correlation between pre‐treatment mean ICIQ‐SF score and maximum detrusor pressure (correlation coefficient 0.4, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

ICIQ‐SF scoring is a practical and reliable method for baseline and post‐treatment evaluation of patients with urge incontinence. Significant correlation exists between ICIQ‐SF score and urodynamic parameters. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:492–494, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diamond elements: a finite element/discrete‐mechanics approximation scheme with guaranteed optimal convergence in incompressible elasticity
Authors: Hauret P. , Kuhl E. , Ortiz M.
Published: February 2007

We present a finite element discretization scheme for the compressible and incompressible elasticity problems that possess the following properties: (i) the discretization scheme is defined on a triangulation of the domain; (ii) the discretization scheme is defined—and is identical—in all spatial dimensions; (iii) the displacement field converges optimally with mesh refinement; and (iv) the inf–sup condition is automatically satisfied. The discretization scheme is motivated both by considerations of topology and analysis, and it consists of the combination of a certain mesh pattern and a choice of interpolation that guarantees optimal convergence of displacements and pressures. Rigorous proofs of the satisfaction of the inf–sup condition are presented for the problem of linearized incompressible elasticity. We additionally show that the discretization schemes can be given a compelling interpretation in terms of discrete differential operators. In particular, we develop a discrete analogue of the classical tensor differential complex in terms of which the discrete and continuous boundary‐value problems are formally identical. We also present numerical tests that demonstrate the dimension‐independent scope of the scheme and its good performance in problems of finite elasticity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NTA‐mediated protein capturing strategy in screening experiments for small organic molecules by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Yoshitani Naoei , Saito Kazuki , Saikawa Wakana , Asanuma Miwako , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Hirota Hiroshi
Published: February 2007

Nitrilotriacetate (NTA)‐mediated capture of a histidine‐tagged protein is widely used as an easy and simple method to reversibly immobilize the protein onto a sensor chip for surface plasmon resonance (SPR). However, in spite of its advantages, the NTA‐capturing strategy is rarely employed for ligand screening experiments using SPR, because it was thought to cause substantial errors in binding responses, due to the inevitable protein dissociation during the monitoring period. In this study, as demonstrated in a ligand screening for the histidine‐tagged SH3 domain of the human phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase p85α subunit, false responses after adhesion of undesirable compounds to a target protein could be minimized with the NTA strategy, while binding responses of a positive control peptide still stayed within a 1%‐deviation against the theoretical binding capacity.
Proteomic analysis of vascular endothelial cells in response to laminar shear stress
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Li , Fu Alex , Raghavakaimal Sreekumar , Lee Hon‐Chi
Published: February 2007

Isotope‐coded affinity tags (cICAT) coupled with mass spectrometric analysis is one of the leading technologies for quantitative proteomic profiling and protein quantification. We performed proteomic analysis of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) in response to laminar shear stress using cICAT labeling coupled with LC‐MS/MS. Protein expressions in BAEC under 15 dynes/cm2 of shear stress for 10 min, 3 h, and 6 h were compared with matched stationary controls. Analysis of each sample produced 1800–2400 proteins at ≥75% confidence level. We found 142, 213, and 186 candidate proteins that were up‐ or down‐regulated by at least two‐fold after 10 min, 3 h, and 6 h of shear stress, respectively. Some of these proteins have known cellular functions and they encompass many signaling pathways. The signaling pathways that respond to shear stress include those of integrins, G‐protein‐coupled receptors, glutamate receptors, PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, Notch and cAMP‐mediated signaling pathways. The validity of the mass spectrometric analysis was also confirmed by Western blot and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. The present quantitative proteomic analysis suggests novel potential regulatory mechanisms in vascular endothelial cells in response to shear stress. These results provide preliminary footprints for further studies on the signaling mechanisms induced by shear stress.
Effects of agricultural production systems and their components on protein profiles of potato tubers
Authors: Lehesranta Satu J. , Koistinen Kaisa M. , Massat Nathalie , Davies Howard V. , Shepherd Louise V. T. , McNicol James W. , Cakmak Ismail , Cooper Julia , Lück Lorna , Kärenlampi Sirpa O. , Leifert Carlo
Published: February 2007

A range of studies have compared the level of nutritionally relevant compounds in crops from organic and nonorganic farming systems, but there is very limited information on the effect of farming systems and their key components on the protein composition of plants. We addressed this gap by quantifying the effects of different farming systems and key components of such systems on the protein profiles of potato tubers. Tuber samples were produced in the Nafferton factorial systems study, a group of long‐term, replicated factorial field experiments designed to identify and quantify the effect of fertility management methods, crop protection practices and rotational designs used in organic, low input and conventional production systems. Protein profiles were determined by 2‐DE and subsequent protein identification by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Principal component analysis of 2‐DE data showed that only fertility management practices (organic matter vs. mineral fertiliser based) had a significant effect on protein composition. Quantitative differences were detected in 160 of the 1100 tuber proteins separated by 2‐DE. Proteins identified by MS are involved in protein synthesis and turnover, carbon and energy metabolism and defence responses, suggesting that organic fertilisation leads to an increased stress response in potato tubers.
Anionic lanthanide phenoxide complexes as novel single‐component initiators for the polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate
Authors: Sheng Hongting , Zhou Liying , Zhang Yong , Yao Yingming , Shen Qi
Published: February 2007

The anionic lanthanide‐sodium‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐phenoxide complexes [Ln(OAr)4][Na(DME)3]·DME (Ln = Nd 1 (neodymium), Sm 2 (samarium), or Gd 3 (gadolium); DME = dimethoxyethane) were synthesized by the reaction of anhydrous LnCl3 with 4 equiv of sodium‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐phenoxide NaOAr in high yields and structurally characterized. These complexes showed high catalytic activity in the ring‐opening polymerizations of ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC). The catalytic activity profoundly depended on the lanthanide metals. The active order of Gd < Sm < Nd for the polymerization of ϵ‐CL and TMC was observed. The polymers obtained with these initiators all showed a unimodal molecular weight distribution, indicating that the [Ln(OAr)4][Na(DME)3]·DME anionic complexes could be used as single‐component initiators. The anionic complex was more efficient than the corresponding neutral complex, Ln(OAr)3(THF)2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1210–1218, 2007
Factors affecting the sensitivity to acid inhibition in novel acrylates characterized by secondary functionalities
Authors: Kilambi Harini , Konopka Daniel , Stansbury Jeffrey W , Bowman Christopher N
Published: February 2007

Here we demonstrate that acrylates exhibit significant rate reductions in the presence of small concentrations of protic acids (0.1–0.5 wt %) compared with the bulk monomer concentration. Dramatically different sensitivities to acid inhibition, differing by up to 2 orders of magnitude, are exhibited for various acrylates. This study examines the various factors that cause enhanced sensitivity toward acid inhibition in novel acrylates characterized by carbamate and cyclic carbonate secondary functionalities. Acid inhibition studies conducted in the presence of a highly polar solvent, such as propylene carbonate, have been performed to determine the impact of overall medium polarity and the extent of acid dissociation on the sensitivity to acid inhibition. The studies depict only a twofold increase in the parameters associated with acid inhibition, upon the addition of 70 wt % propylene carbonate, in comparison with an increase of 2 orders of magnitude for the novel acrylates. These studies indicate that the susceptibility to acid inhibition is primarily determined by the stability of the hypothesized radical–acid complex as well as its propensity to terminate with other species in the system and not by the extent of acid dissociation in the system. Furthermore, it is implied that the stability of the radical–acid complex and its propensity to terminate with other species in the system are dominated by intramolecular interactions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1287–1295, 2007
2‐Cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate mediated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of acrylonitrile targeting a polymer with a higher molecular weight
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Hui , Li Yan‐Guo , Lin Ying , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: February 2007

The reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) mediated by 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate was first applied to synthesize polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with a high molecular weight up to 32,800 and a polydispersity index as low as 1.29. The key to success was ascribed to the optimization of the experimental conditions to increase the fragmentation reaction efficiency of the intermediate radical. In accordance with the atom transfer radical polymerization of AN, ethylene carbonate was also a better solvent candidate for providing higher controlled/living RAFT polymerization behaviors than dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. The various experimental parameters, including the temperature, the molar ratio of dithiobenzoate to the initiator, the molar ratio of the monomer to dithiobenzoate, the monomer concentration, and the addition of the comonomer, were varied to improve the control of the molecular weight and polydispersity index. The molecular weights of PANs were validated by gel permeation chromatography along with a universal calibration procedure and intrinsic viscosity measurements. 1H NMR analysis confirmed the high chain‐end functionality of the resultant polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1272–1281, 2007
Xanthene dye functionalized norbornenes for the use in ring opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Sandholzer Martina , Lex Alexandra , Trimmel Gregor , Saf Robert , Stelzer Franz , Slugovc Christian
Published: February 2007

A convenient synthetic route towards polymerizable fluorescein, dicholorofluorescein, and eosin dyes is presented. Polymerizability was provided by linking 2‐norbornene carboxylic acid, 11‐bromo‐undecyl ester to the dye's carboxylate functionality. Although the monomers bearing dichlorofluorescein and eosin were obtained in high yield, the related fluorescein bearing monomer could only be obtained in low yield. In the latter case, concurring etherification and esterification led to a product mixture of the desired carboxy modified monomer and a double substituted by‐product. The dye‐monomers were used successfully for the preparation of statistical copolymers with endo,exo‐2,3‐norbornene dicarboxylic acid dimethylester by ROMP. Absorption and luminescence characteristics and, in particular, the acid/base sensitive behavior of the parent dyes were preserved in the monomers and copolymers. The absorption and emission maxima in THF solution and in the solid state were red shifted in comparison to the aqueous samples of the parent dyes. Dye‐copolymers exhibited good film forming properties. Solid state luminescence studies of the copolymers revealed an increasing sensitivity towards NEt3 vapor in the order fluorescein < dichlorofluorescein < eosin bearing copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1336–1348, 2007
Type A/B behavior and cancer mortality: The confounding/mediating effect of covariates
Authors: Ragland David R. , Brand Richard J. , Fox Bernard H.
Published: February 2007

The role of stress and related factors in cancer etiology and progression has been a subject of conjecture and hypothesis. We analysed the association of type A/B behavior, which can be viewed as a chronic, repetitive stress response, and cancer mortality, using data from a 22‐year follow‐up of the Western Collaborative Group Study. The unadjusted relative hazard between type A/B behavior and total cancer mortality was 1.53 (p= 0.005), indicating an excess risk of cancer mortality in type A subjects of about 50% over that of type B. However, most or all of the association appeared to be confounded or mediated by other risk factors. Cigarette smoking and age were only weakly correlated with type A/B behavior, yet these two variables were so strongly related to cancer mortality that they accounted for about half of the association of type A/B with cancer mortality. The remaining association was found only for mortality of those cancers which are linked to alcohol consumption, suggesting that this remaining association may operate through a link between type A behavior and alcohol consumption. Thus, an unadjusted association between type A/B behavior and cancer mortality was mostly accounted for by cigarette smoking, age, and possibly alcohol consumption.
Overview of psychoneuroimmunological stress‐ and intervention studies in humans with emphasis on the uses of immunological parameters
Authors: Schulz K.‐H. , Schulz H.
Published: February 2007

Psychoneuroimmunological stress‐ and intervention studies are summarized and discussed especially with respect to the immunological parameters used. A description is given of the studies on bereavement, on examinations, and on the effects of various psychosocial situations and on experimental manipulations on immunological parameters as well as of intervention studies. Following an analysis of the immunological parameters regarding their susceptibility to psychosocial changes, a model for research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology is presented. This overview reveals that the results of the reviewed studies prove to be inconsistent. Cell counts and mitogen assays are the most frequently used parameters, while NKCA and specific anti‐viral antibodies against latent viruses give the clearest results. When interpreting results of psychoneuroimmunological studies it should be considered that for most of the parameters the pathophysiological relevance is not yet established. A model which connects interrelations between psychosocial conditions, immunological parameters and disease outcome can be useful to categorize and evaluate existing and future studies and also can prevent misleading conclusions. Derived from this model recommendations for future research will be discussed.
Hopes and expectations of swedish cancer patients: Contradictions surrounding patient satisfaction with care
Authors: Tishelman Carol , Sachs Lisbeth
Published: February 2007

This paper presents a study of hopes and expectations concerning the professional health‐care sector, as expressed by a group of Swedish cancer patients. The data are derived from a cross‐sectional interview study of patients diagnosed with a malignant disease at one general hospital in Stockholm in 1987. A seeming discrepancy exists between the problematic situations and experiences described in narrative form by the participants, and the high rate of positive responses to direct questions concerned with satisfaction with care in this study. A combination of data types and an analytic process derived from medical anthropology has been utilized in order to understand the culturally related hopes and expectations which are behind statements of satisfaction with care. Hopes and expectations reflect the perceived breadth and limits of the professional health‐care sector. Patients appear to organize their experiences in manners which ‘work’. General dissatisfaction with care may not be an effective technique for promoting well‐being when diagnosed with a potentially life‐threatening disease. The patients in this study actively avoid dissatisfaction in a number of ways, which include assuming responsibility themselves, accepting the unarticulated as a form of discourse and adapting frameworks for that which is ‘normal’ from the professional sector.
Evaluation of a community‐based cancer support group
Authors: Cella David F. , Sarafian Bernie , Snider Pamela R. , Yellen Suzanne B. , Winicour Patsy
Published: February 2007

Stimulated by patient need and encouraged by results from randomized studies in academic centers, many community organizations have initiated cancer support groups in order to improve the psychosocial adjustment of people coping with cancer. For a variety of reasons, little research has been done to evaluate these community support groups. The efficacy of cancer support groups, which has been demonstrated in academic centers, therefore awaits demonstration in community settings.

This paper provides process and outcome data from 77 people with cancer who completed an 8‐week support group facilitated by licensed and trained mental health professionals in a local community cancer support organization. Similar to the experience of others, participants were primarily female, of European descent, well‐educated, and relatively young (mean age 50 years, S.D. = 12). As predicted, their self‐reported quality of life (as measured by the Functional Living Index—Cancer) improved significantly, paired t = − 2.06, p < 0.05. Five‐point ratings (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent) were assigned either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ for the overall group (90%) and facilitator (87%). More detailed ratings of group and facilitator qualities were consistently and strikingly positive. While facilitators were rated positively and appreciated for their presence, peer support exceeded facilitator skill/input as the primary ingredient noted by participants to be the most helpful aspect of the group. Community‐based cancer support groups appear to provide measurable benefit to participants who complete the group. The benefit is consistent with that demonstrated in randomized studies and emphasizes improvement in coping stimulated by mutual support in a safe environment.
Belief in psychological effects on cancer
Authors: Doan Brian D. , Gray Ross E. , Davis Christine S.
Published: February 2007

The present study surveyed 135 oncology care‐givers' and 442 university students' beliefs about psychological influences in cancer. Care‐givers were more sensitive than students to the potential risks of such beliefs and physicians were in general more reserved than other care‐givers. Overall, the majority agreed strongly that psychological factors can influence physical health and that stress and coping style can influence the course of cancer, including its curability. Many also agreed that stress and coping style may be contributing causes of cancer. Both groups rated various psychological tasks and strategies as being very helpful physically to persons with cancer and most indicated that they would adopt such approaches if they themselves had cancer. The paper distinguishes believers from non‐believers and presents a cluster analysis of believers' responses to the claims that psychological factors can influence health and cancer. The distinct patterns of response that emerged provide empirical support for the distinction made by Doan and Gray (1992) between Strong and Weak formulations of psychological influence and for the distinctions made by Northouse and Wortman (1990) between Moral, Compensatory and Medical models of helping and coping. The limitations of the study are addressed along with the implications of the findings for cancer care.
Positive psychosocial adjustment in potential bone marrow transplant recipients: Cancer as a psychosocial transition
Authors: Andrykowski Michael A. , Hunt Jean W.
Published: February 2007

MARIANNE J. BRADY

The examination of psychosocial adjustment in cancer patients requires focusing upon both negative psychosocial sequelae, such as anxiety and depression, and positive sequelae, such as improvements in life outlook or interpersonal relationships. Both positive and negative psychosocial, physical and functional change following the diagnosis of cancer was assessed in a sample (n = 133) of individuals with malignant disease undergoing evaluation for bone marrow transplantation. Positive psychosocial sequelae were frequently reported. Comparison of a subset of cancer patients (n = 60) with a matched group of individuals without a history of cancer (i.e. ‘controls’), revealed that controls also reported a surprising degree of positive psychosocial change across a given period of time. The fact that cancer patients equalled or exceeded controls in the likelihood of reporting positive psychosocial change was, however, noteworthy given the context of physical and functional decline shown by cancer patients. It is concluded that cancer should not be viewed as a stressor with uniformly negative outcomes but rather as a transitional event which creates the potential for both positive and negative change.
Communicating with children and teenagers with cancer—difficult for the doctor but worse for the patient
Authors: Watts E. J.
Published: February 2007

At the age of 12 (in 1960) I developed a neuroblastoma, which later recurred resulting in prolonged hospitalisation. My natural curiosity led me to ask numerous questions about my condition and treatment but the doctors and nurses treating me would not give me the information I required. Although this was normal practice at the time I feel it was a misguided policy. There have been considerable improvements in communication since then but I still meet patients—either professionally or through cancer self help groups who feel that they have not been given adequate information. I have therefore written this report to document the problems that may arise through poor communication.
The psychological significance of rejection reactions to chemotherapy in cancer patients
Authors: Carbone Paola
Published: February 2007

In a series of brief clinical accounts, this article elaborates the thesis that cancer patients' intolerance of the side effects of chemotherapy is not merely the effect of the drugs' toxicity but also a way of displacing onto the treatment the fears and anxieties related to the disease. In relational terms, the rejection reaction to the side effects may be a ‘pretext’ for seeking psychological support and in some cases the occasion for initiating psychotherapy.
Antidepressant medications in cancer patients
Authors: Chaturvedi Santosh K. , Maguire Peter , Hopwood Penelope
Published: February 2007

The patterns of psychotropic medications usage were analysed in 146 cancer patients consecutively referred to an urban psychiatric facility. Antidepressants were prescribed for 67%. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were noted in 34%, the commonest ADRs were sedation, dry mouth, restlessness and constipation. The ADRs were selflimiting and tolerable in 16% and severe and intolerable in 17%. Most patients (80%) receiving antidepressants showed a good clinical response in terms of amelioration of psychological symptoms. Most patients found relief from distressing psychological symptoms; the majority did not suffer significant adverse effects.
Multidimensional determinants of psychological adjustment to cancer
Authors: Rodrigue James R. , Behen Joseph M. , Tumlin Timothy
Published: February 2007

This study examined the relationship between psychological adjustment and illness‐related, demographic, intrapersonal, family and socio‐ecological variables. A total of 132 men and women receiving active cancer treatment completed a battery of instruments designed to measure global psychological functioning, depression, anxiety, coping strategies, domestic and extended family relations, social support quantity and perceived quality, and satisfaction with the health care system. Results revealed that the majority of subjects were experiencing little or no psychological distress; however, 30–35% reported experiencing clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety or global adjustment difficulties. Results further revealed that coping strategies characterized by avoidance or acceptance‐resignation, family disturbance and quantity and perceived quality of social support distinguished good versus poor adjustment and were most predictive of psychological distress in this sample.
Psychological side effects induced by interleukin‐2/α interferon treatment
Authors: Smith M. J. , Mouawad R. , Vuillemin E. , Benhammouda A. , Soubrane C. , Khayat D.
Published: February 2007

Treatment of certain cancers by interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and alpha interferon (INF) is currently widely‐used in oncology and serious psychological side effects of such treatments have been reported. This study attempts to describe and analyse such side effects in a series of hospitalized cancer patients. Fifty‐two patients undergoing a protocol of cisplatinum, intravenous interleukin‐2 infusions and subcutaneous alpha interferon injections for metastatic melanoma and renal cancer were systematically screened for psychiatric disorders before, during and after each of four cycles of 4–5 day EL‐2 infusions. Fatigue was constant and treatment‐limiting in some cases and was highly correlated with depressive symptoms, which were very frequent at the end of the treatment cycle. Patients regularly showed varying degrees of obtundedness at the height of physical symptoms induced by IL‐2. Some patients also had transient, predominantly hallucinatory deliria occurring or persisting several days after the termination of the infusions and complete resolution of concurrent somatic distress; neuroleptics were effective treatment. Certain lymphocyte phenotype counts (total lymphocytes, total CD8 cells, total T3s, stimulated Ts, non‐stimulated Ts) correlated negatively with depressive symptomatology whereas fatigue tended to correlate negatively with polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts. Delirium correlated positively with total CD8 cells. Hallucinatory delirium, but not fatigue or depression, seems to be a direct cerebral effect of the interleukin‐2α interferon combination that is not merely a consequence of the somatic effects. Patients undergoing lymphokine treatments should be carefully screened for psychological side effects and preventive or curative treatments should be given.
Post‐traumatic stress after childhood cancer II: A family model
Authors: Stuber Margaret L. , Gonzalez Sandra , Meeske Kathleen , Guthrie Donald , Houskamp Beth M. , Pynoos Robert , Kazak Anne
Published: February 2007

Recent studies have suggested that parental responses to pediatric cancer can include symptoms of post‐traumatic stress even years after the end of successful treatment. This paper proposes a family model, based on data about the relationship between post‐traumatic stress symptoms in parents of cancer survivors and the child's perceptions, symptoms and treatment. Parents of 30 childhood cancer survivors 8–19 years old, who were at least 22 months off treatment and disease free after a malignancy, were evaluated using self‐report questionnaires. Neither diagnostic category (leukemia versus solid tumor), nor time since completion of treatment significantly correlated with severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms reported by parents. Although there was a significant correlation between symptom severity of mothers and fathers, neither mothers nor fathers' scores were significantly correlated with the survivors'. Maternal symptoms were significantly correlated with mothers' trait anxiety, survivors' appraisal of treatment intensity, and with duration of treatment. Further study of the interaction of family variables in parental post‐traumatic response to pediatric illness appears to be indicated.
How breast cancer patients are perceived: Effects of treatment method, age, and time since surgery
Authors: Hailey B. J. , Antick Jennifer , Billie Sandra , Butler Marianne
Published: February 2007

Three hundred undergraduate students read one of 12 vignettes about a hypothetical breast cancer patient, completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as they thought she would, and completed a questionnaire (Perception of Medical Patients Questionnaire; PMPQ) designed to elicit their perceptions of her. Vignettes differed according to time since surgery (5 days, 3 months, or 15 months), treatment method (lumpectomy with radiation or mastectomy) and age of the patient (32 or 62 years). As predicted, patients whose surgery occurred most recently were viewed as more distressed than the other patients. Subjects perceived mastectomy patients to have greater sexual problems, be more likely to need counselling, and to be more embarrassed than lumpectomy patients. On the other hand, patients treated with lumpectomy and radiation were rated higher on an index of fatigue than were mastectomy patients. No differences between treatment method were found in terms of the amount of additional emotional support patients would need. Subjects expected younger patients to survive longer and look less ill, but the predicted differences between older and younger patients in terms of likelihood of sexual adjustment problems was not found.
Influence of age on psychological adjustment to cancer
Authors: Harrison Judy , Maguire Peter
Published: February 2007

A total of 520 patients were assessed within 8 weeks of diagnosis to explore the effect of age on psychological adjustment to cancer. Patients with cancers of the breast, colon, testicle, female reproductive tract and with lymphoma were included. Three measures of adjustment were used: DSM‐III diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety, frequency of specific concerns and the total number of patient concerns. For depression and anxiety diagnoses combined, the cases were significantly younger than the non‐cases (mean = 49.4 versus 53.7 years, p < 0.01). Younger patients also had significantly higher concern scores (p < 0.001). Younger patients were more likely to report concerns relating to the illness itself, treatment, feeling different, feeling upset, the future, finances, relationship with partner and others and sexuality. No age effect was seen for more practical concerns relating to physical symptoms, restriction of activities, job or amount of support received. Younger patients appear to experience greater difficulties adjusting to a cancer diagnosis but particular attention should be paid to the practical issues faced by older cancer patients.
Hypnotherapy for control of anticipatory nausea and vomiting in children with cancer: Preliminary findings
Authors: Hawkins P. J. , Liossi C. , Ewart B. W. , Hatira P. , Kosmidis V. H. , Varvutsi M.
Published: February 2007

Paediatric oncology patients often experience significant chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting (NV). A number of controlled studies have shown that a variety of behavioural interventions are effective in treating both anticipatory and postchemotherapy NV.

The present randomised, controlled‐design study aims to assess the possible therapeutic gains that may be derived from hypnosis while controlling for gains that may be derived from non‐specific therapeutic factors.

Thirty paediatric oncology patients (5–17 years of age), following baseline assessment, were randomly assigned to one of three groups—‘treatment as usual’ control group, therapist contact group, and a hypnosis training group—during an identical chemotherapy pulse.

Statistical analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of hypnosis for the reduction of anticipatory nausea and vomiting. Therapist contact alone was also found to be effective in reducing anticipatory nausea but it is suggested that this may be a statistical rather than a clinical effect. The results of the present study suggest that hypnosis is effective in the treatment of ANV in children.