bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Resolution Separation of Oligo(acrylic acid) by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Castignolles Patrice , Gaborieau Marianne , Hilder Emily F. , Sprong Ewan , Ferguson Christopher J. , Gilbert Robert G.
Published: December 2005

Summary: Oligo(acrylic acid)s, produced by RAFT polymerization, have been separated and analyzed for the first time by capillary zone electrophoresis. The resolution obtained by capillary electrophoresis in borate buffers is far higher than that currently achieved using size exclusion chromatography. This work demonstrates that capillary electrophoresis is the technique of choice for the characterization of oligomers of acrylic acid and of other water‐soluble monomers involved in emulsion polymerization processes.

Electropherograms of different acrylic acid (AA) oligomers obtained by CZE.

magnified image

Electropherograms of different acrylic acid (AA) oligomers obtained by CZE.
Self‐Assembly of Polyaniline/Au Composites: From Nanotubes to Nanofibers
Authors: Feng Xiaomiao , Yang Gang , Xu Qin , Hou Wenhua , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: December 2005

Summary: Polyaniline (PANI)/Au composite nanotubes and nanofibers are synthesized through a self‐assembly process in the presence of camphorsulfonic acid and hydrochloric acid, as dopants, respectively. The PANI/Au composites are characterized by FT‐IR, UV‐vis, and thermogravimetric analysis to verify the incorporation of the Au nanoparticles and determine the Au content. Structural characterization is performed using SEM, TEM and X‐ray diffraction. The presence of the Au nanoparticles results in an increased conductivity and improved crystallinity of the PANI. The self‐assembly method employed here is a simple and inexpensive route to synthesize multifunctional nanotubes and nanofibers and could be extended to prepare other inorganic nanoparticle/PANI composites.

TEM image of PANI/Au nanotubes.

magnified image

TEM image of PANI/Au nanotubes.
A General Strategy for Nano‐Encapsulation via Interfacially Confined Living/Controlled Radical Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Luo Yingwu , Gu Hongyan
Published: December 2005

Summary: We propose and demonstrate the utility of an interfacial living/controlled (reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer, RAFT) radical miniemulsion polymerization in nano‐encapsulation. The principles and methodology behind this technique are readily scalable and highly efficient. The living/controlled nature of the system offers great opportunities to tune the properties of the polymer shell‐like thickness, surface functionality, molecular weight, and inner‐wall functionality by simply using a semi‐continuous polymerization technique.

Illustration of encapsulation principles by RAFT interfacial miniemulsion polymerization.

magnified image

Illustration of encapsulation principles by RAFT interfacial miniemulsion polymerization.
Photolithographic Patterning of a Conductive Polymer Using a Polymeric Photoacid Generator and a Traceless Removable Group
Authors: Salavagione Horacio J. , Miras María C. , Barbero Cesar
Published: December 2005

Summary: In the present communication we describe a photolithographic method to produce polyaniline (PANI) patterns using PANI modified with a traceless removable functional group (nitrosated polyaniline, PANI‐NO) and external inexpensive polymeric photoacid generators (poly(vinyl chloride), PVC). Therefore, residual sub‐products created by irradiation of the plate do not remain occluded in the polymeric films. The borders of the patterns are better defined than in the case of chemical lithography using inorganic acids as the hydrolyzing agent.

magnified image
Synthesis of Multiblock Polymer Containing Narrow Polydispersity Blocks
Authors: Hong Jian , Wang Qi , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: December 2005

Summary: We have developed a new strategy to prepare multiblock polymers and copolymers via one‐ or two‐step polymerization using a polymerizable cyclic trithiocarbonate (CTTC), 4,7‐diphenyl‐[1,3]dithiepane‐2‐thione. CTTC undergoes ring‐opening process to incorporate a trithiocarbonate moiety. The trithiocarbonate moiety in turn, functions as a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent. Through this mechanism, multiblock polystyrenes and polystyrene‐block‐ poly(butyl acrylate) copolymers containing various narrow polydispersity blocks can be prepared.

Integrated process of ring‐opening and RAFT polymerizations involving cyclic trithiocarbonates.

magnified image

Integrated process of ring‐opening and RAFT polymerizations involving cyclic trithiocarbonates.
Correlation between phenotypic heterogeneity and gene mutational characteristics in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL)
Authors: Ueda Ikuyo , Ishii Eiichi , Morimoto Akira , Ohga Shouichi , Sako Masahiro , Imashuku Shinsaku
Published: December 2005

Background

Classification of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) into FHL2, FHL3, and other subtypes based on genetic abnormalities has recently become possible. We studied the phenotypic differences among these subtypes in Japan.

Methods

Forty patients clinically diagnosed with FHL were analyzed. Perforin abnormality was screened by flow cytometric analysis and/or DNA sequencing in these patients, and those without perforin abnormalities were further examined for the presence of mutations in the Munc13‐4 gene by DNA sequencing. The correlation between clinical features and genetic subtypes was investigated.

Results

Of the 40 HLH patients, 11 showed perforin gene mutations (classified as FHL2) and ten had Munc13‐4 gene mutations (FHL3), but neither mutation was noted in 19 patients (non‐FHL2/3). Although the majority of the patients developed the disease before the age of 1 year, the onset in three FHL2 patients with missense mutations was late (7, 11, and 12 years). Incidence of deficient natural killer cell activity was higher in FHL2 patients (9/9 FHL2, 4/9 FHL3, and 6/17 non‐FHL2/3; P = 0.005). The serum levels of ferritin and soluble interleukin‐2 receptor were significantly higher in FHL2 patients with nonsense perforin mutations compared to other subgroups (P ≤ 0.05). Epstein–Barr virus infection was involved in 8 of the 40 HLH patients: one FHL2, one FHL3, and six non‐FHL2/3.

Conclusions

Although clinical features of FHL3 appear to be homogeneous, the heterogeneous clinical features of FHL2 depend upon the nature of perforin gene mutations. Characterization of the non‐FHL2/3 group with regard to FHL1 or other novel gene mutations remains to be conducted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:482–488. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the age of genomics
Authors: Carroll William L. , Bhojwani Deepa , Min Dong‐Joon , Moskowitz Naomi , Raetz Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2005

The recent sequencing of the human genome and technical breakthroughs now make it possible to simultaneously determine mRNA expression levels of almost all of the identified genes in the human genome. DNA “chip” or microarray technology holds great promise for the development of more refined, biologically‐based classification systems for childhood ALL, as well as the identification of new targets for novel therapy. To date gene expression profiles have been described that correlate with subtypes of ALL defined by morphology, immunophenotype, cytogenetic alterations, and response to therapy. Mechanistic insights into treatment failure have come from the definition of mRNA signatures that predict in vitro chemoresistance, as well as differences between blasts at relapse and new diagnosis. New bioinformatics tools optimize data mining, but validation of findings is essential since “over‐fitting” the data is a common danger. In the future, genomic analysis will be complemented by evaluation of the cancer proteome. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
May–Thurner syndrome (iliac vein compression) and thrombosis in adolescents
Authors: Raffini Leslie , Raybagkar Deepti , Cahill Anne Marie , Kaye Robin , Blumenstein Marilyn , Manno Catherine
Published: December 2005

May–Thurner syndrome refers to anatomic compression of the left iliofemoral vein by the overriding right iliac artery. We report three adolescents who presented to our pediatric hospital with iliac vein thrombosis and were diagnosed with May–Thurner syndrome. Each received catheter‐directed thrombolysis followed by balloon angioplasty to restore flow. Two patients had endovascular stents placed. The procedures were well tolerated, without major complications. Additional thrombophilic risk factors were identified in each patient. Though uncommon, pediatric hematologists should consider May–Thurner syndrome in adolescents who present with a left lower extremity thrombosis. Aggressive therapy may be warranted due to the risk of post‐thrombotic syndrome. Pediatric Blood Cancer 2006;47:834–838. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aggregation behaviour of Pluronic® L64 surfactant at various temperatures and concentrations examined by dynamic light scattering and viscosity measurements
Authors: Jebari Mohamed M , Ghaouar Naoufel , Aschi Adel , Gharbi Abdelhafidh
Published: December 2005

The aggregation behaviour of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) triblock copolymers (Pluronic® L64 surfactant) in water was examined using several independent methods. The measurements were performed with solution temperatures in the range 34–52 °C and with L64 aqueous solution concentrations in the range 33–67 mg mL−1. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) by ‘photon beat’ technique showed the existence of two regimes separated by one critical temperature at around 45 °C, and one critical concentration around 50 mg mL−1. For the two regimes, we observed abnormalities in the particle structure and shapes due to the effects of temperature and concentration on the aggregation behaviour. Thus, the size of particles in aqueous solution strongly depends on the kinds of interaction and the balance between excluded volume effects and hydrophobic forces. Some viscosity measurements were also performed to complete the DLS measurements and to provide more information on the particle structure. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of polyethylene‐octene elastomer/clay nanocomposite and microcellular foam processed in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Chang Young‐Wook , Lee Dongsuk , Bae Seong‐Youl
Published: December 2005

Polyethylene‐octene elastomer (POE)/organoclay nanocomposite was prepared by melt mixing of the POE with an organoclay (Cloisite 20A) in an internal mixer, using poly[ethylene‐co‐(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate)] copolymer (E‐MG‐GMA) as a compatibilizer. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that an intercalated nanocomposite was formed and the silicate layers of the clay were uniformly dispersed at a nanometre scale in the POE matrix. The nanocomposite exhibited greatly enhanced tensile and dynamic mechanical properties compared with the POE/clay composite without the compatibilizer. The POE/E‐MA‐GMA/clay nanocomposite was used to produce foams by a batch process in an autoclave, with supercritical carbon dioxide as a foaming agent. The nanocomposite produced a microcellular foam with average cell size as small as 3.4 µm and cell density as high as 2 × 1011 cells cm−3. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of indium tin oxide treatment using UV–ozone and argon plasma on the photovoltaic parameters of devices based on organic discotic materials
Authors: Destruel Pierre , Bock Harald , Séguy Isabelle , Jolinat Pascale , Oukachmih Mimoun , Bedel‐Pereira Elena
Published: December 2005

Recently, we reported that the open circuit voltage, V0C, in two‐layer organic solar cells depends on the indium tin oxide (ITO) treatment. However, the V0C variation details were not clearly understood. The study of the electronic structure at the ITO/organic interface was carried out by using the Kelvin probe method. The results obtained show a strong dependence of the organic vacuum level on the ITO work function, which, in turn, depends on the anode treatment. An abrupt variation of the vacuum level was observed after deposition of a few organic monolayers, which could be attributed to the presence of dipoles at the interface. We demonstrate that the shift magnitude depends on the nature and duration of the ITO treatment. To this end, two different ITO treatments were used. The first one, based on UV–ozone exposure, is known to increase the ITO work function, WITO. The second of these uses a microwave argon plasma generated by a repartee cyclotron excitation. This was adapted for decreasing the WITO value. An investigation on the origin of these variations (‘up and down’) is presented in this study. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Carrier‐free dyeing of radiation‐grafted polyester fabrics with disperse dyes
Authors: El‐Gendy EH , Ali NM
Published: December 2005

Carrier‐free dyeing of radiation‐grafted polyester fabrics with disperse red dye was studied in the temperature range 283–363 K. 1‐vinyl 2‐pyrrolidone (NVP), acrylic acid (AA) or their mixture was used to graft poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric. The effects of pH of the dye solution, graft yield (GY), dyeing time (t), dye concentration (C), and dyeing temperature (T) on the colour difference (CD) of PET fabric were studied. The best dyeing condition was achieved at pH 5.5. CD increases linearly with the increase in GY, with slopes depending on the type of grafted copolymer. CD increased rapidly as the dyeing time increased; this was followed by a relatively slow dyeing rate within a few minutes. The initial dyeing rate (R) was found to increase with an increase in C and T. The dyeing rates for all grafted samples followed 0.35‐order kinetics and are temperature‐independent. Average activation energy 9.26 kJ mol−1 is calculated for the dyeing process and is independent of the fabric treatment. Pre‐exponential rate constants 1976, 1839, and 1579 (CD/GY) s−1 were calculated for dyeing PET samples grafted with AA/NVP mixture, NVP and AA, respectively, while 1074 CD s−1 was evaluated for carrier dyeing of ungrafted fabric. Analysis of the kinetic parameters and the dyeing mechanism revealed that dyeing PET fabric was diffusion‐controlled. Grafting PET fabric improved significantly the dyeing affinity of the DR dye over ungrafted samples dyed in solutions containing a carrier. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of polyanilines doped with several carboxylic acids and with a carboxylic acid equivalent
Authors: Hino Tetsuo , Seida Yuki , Takahashi Toshihiro , Kuramoto Noriyuki
Published: December 2005

Polyanilines (PANIs) doped with several organic acids—maleic acid, squaric acid and 2‐propynoic acid—were chemically synthesized in good yields, while PANI doped with 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoic acid did not form under similar polymerization conditions. The resulting PANIs were characterized by spectroscopic and thermal analysis, and it was found that the spectroscopic and thermal properties of these PANIs were affected by the type of dopant ion. Formation of different oxidation states of these PANIs were confirmed by the spectroscopic (UV‐visible and FT‐IR) analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested that PANI doped with maleic acid indicated higher thermal stability than those with the other dopants. The yield and conductivity of PANI doped with maleic acid were found to be higher than those with the other dopants. The PANI doped with 2‐propynoic acid was readily soluble in organic solvents including tetrahydrofuran and dioxane. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of polyacrylonitrile via reverse atom transfer radial polymerization (ATRP) initiated by diethyl 2,3‐dicyano‐2,3‐diphenylsuccinate, FeCl3, and triphenylphosphine
Authors: Hou Chen , Qu Rongjun , Ji Chunnuan , Wang Chunhua , Wang Chengguo
Published: December 2005

The reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (RATRP) technique using FeCl3/triphenyl‐phosphine (PPh3) complex as a catalyst was applied to the living radical polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN). A hexa‐substituted ethane thermal iniferter, diethyl 2,3‐dicyano‐2,3‐diphenylsuccinate (DCDPS), was first used as the initiator in this iron‐based RATRP initiation system. A FeCl3 to PPh3 ratio of 1:3 not only gives the best control of molecular weight and its distribution but also provides a rather rapid reaction rate. The rate of polymerization increases with increasing the polymerization temperature and the apparent activation energy was calculated to be 54.9 kJ mol−1. Because the polymers obtained were end‐functionalized by chlorine atoms, they were used as macro‐initiators to proceed the chain extension polymerization in the presence of an FeCl2/PPh3 catalyst system via a conventional ATRP process. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
A simple ray tracer to compute the optical concentration of photovoltaic modules
Authors: McIntosh Keith R. , Swanson Richard M. , Cotter Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2005

In a conventional photovoltaic module, some light that falls between the solar cells is internally reflected onto the cells via the backsheet and the glass–air interface of the module; thus, a module can be considered a static concentrator. We present a simple ray tracer that computes a module's optical concentration as a function of cell separation, cell geometry, and the optical properties of the encapsulants. The ray tracer's primary simplification is to divide the module's backsheet into small pixels and, since the reflection from the backsheet is approximately Lambertian and independent of the incident angle, to sum the intensity of all rays that enter a pixel and treat them as one. The advantage of this pixel approximation is that it makes it simple to simulate curved surfaces—such as the corners of a pseudo‐square solar cell—within short computation times. The results of the simple ray tracer are shown to be consistent with those of a conventional ray tracer and an LBIC experiment. We also apply the ray tracer to a present‐day SunPower module and find that 25% of the photons that fall between the cells are internally reflected onto the cells, which results in an optical concentration of 1·024. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A practical method for the energy rating of c‐Si photovoltaic modules based on standard tests
Authors: Kenny R. P. , Dunlop E. D. , Ossenbrink H. A. , Müllejans H.
Published: December 2005

The performance of a photovoltaic module at Standard Test Conditions (STC) is valuable for comparing the peak performance of different module types. It does not, however, give enough information to accurately predict how much energy a module will deliver when subjected to real operating conditions. There are several proposals for an energy rating for PV modules which attempt to account for the varying operating conditions that one encounters in the field. In this paper, we present an approach with the emphasis on simplicity and practicality that incorporates existing standard measurements to determine the energy output as a function of global in‐plane irradiance and ambient temperature. The method is applied to crystalline Si modules and tested with outdoor measurements, and a good accuracy of prediction of energy production is observed. Finally, a proposal is made for a simple Energy Rating labeling of PV modules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistivity and lifetime variation along commercially grown Ga‐ and B‐Doped Czochralski Si ingots and its effect on light‐induced degradation and performance of solar cells
Authors: Meemongkolkiat V. , Nakayashiki K. , Rohatgi A. , Crabtree G. , Nickerson J. , Jester T. L.
Published: December 2005

A systematic study of the variation in resistivity and lifetime on cell performance, before and after light‐induced degradation (LID), was performed along ∼900‐mm‐long commercially grown B‐ and Ga‐doped Czochralski (Cz) ingots. Manufacturable screen‐printed solar cells were fabricated and analyzed from different locations on the ingots. Despite the large variation in resistivity (0·57–2·5 Ω cm) and lifetime (100–1000 µ s) in the Ga‐doped Cz ingot, the efficiency variation was found to be ≤ 0·5% with an average efficiency of ∼17·1%. No LID was observed in these cells. In contrast to the Ga‐doped ingot, the B‐doped ingot showed a relatively tight resistivity range (0·87–1·22 Ω cm), resulting in smaller spread in lifetime (60–400 µ s) and efficiency (16·5–16·7%) along the ingot. However, the LID reduced the efficiency of these B‐doped cells by about 1·1% absolute. Additionally, the use of thinner substrate and higher resistivity (4·3 Ω cm) B‐doped Cz was found to reduce the LID significantly, resulting in an efficiency reduction of 0·5–0·6%, as opposed to >1·0% in ∼1 Ω cm ∼17% efficient screen‐printed cells. As a result, Ga‐doped Cz cells gave 1·5 and 0·7% higher stabilized efficiency relative to 1 and 4·3 Ω cm B‐doped Cz Si cells, respectively. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(alkylthio‐p‐phenylenevinylene): Synthesis and electroluminescent and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Hou Jianhui , Fan Benhu , Huo Lijun , He Chang , Yang Chunhe , Li Yongfang
Published: December 2005

Two alkylthio‐substituted poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (AT–PPV) derivatives, poly(2‐octylthio‐p‐phenylenevinylene) (OT–PPV) and poly[5‐methoxy‐2‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexylthio)‐p‐phenylenevinylene] (MEHT–PPV), were synthesized by a Heck coupling reaction for the investigation of the effect of alkylthio groups on the optoelectronic properties of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivatives. The absorption peaks of OT–PPV and MEHT–PPV solutions were located at 431 and 438 nm, respectively. As for solid films, an OT–PPV film showed an absorption maximum wavelength at 444 nm, 13 nm redshifted in comparison with its solution value, whereas an MEHT–PPV film displayed the same absorption peak position as its dilute solution; this indicated that there was no interchain interaction in the MEHT–PPV film. Polymeric light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on OT–PPV and MEHT–PPV were fabricated and characterized. Very narrow bandwidths of the electroluminescence (EL) spectra of the two AT–PPVs were found, with the full width at half‐maximum of the emission being 40 and 47 nm for OT–PPV and MEHT–PPV, respectively. The maximum EL efficiency of the single‐layer PLED based on MEHT–PPV with Al as a cathode reached 1.49 cd/A. The PSC based on a blend of OT–PPV and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) showed the power conversion efficiency of 1.4% under the illumination of AM1.5 (80 mW/cm2). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1279–1290, 2006
Photophysics, electrochemical properties, and electroluminescence of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivatives with 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene or 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridine segments along the backbone
Authors: Cimrová Věra , Hlídková Helena , Výprachtický Drahomír , Karastatiris Panayiotis , Spiliopoulos Ioakim K. , Mikroyannidis John A.
Published: December 2005

The steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical behavior, and electroluminescence (EL) of didodecyloxy poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)‐based polymers that contained along the backbone structure 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene (PC) or 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridine (PN) were studied. An intensive green PL broad‐band emission with maxima at 516 and 527 nm was observed from thin films of PC and PN polymers, respectively, redshifted in comparison with the PL emission spectra measured in tetrahydrofuran solutions. The PL decay dynamics revealed the existence of more than one excited species, and the decay curves were best described by three‐term exponential functions with a dominant lifetime of about 1 ns. The results of time‐resolved PL and steady‐state PL studies indicated excimer or aggregate formation. Both polymers oxidized irreversibly. A quasireversible reduction was observed in the PN polymer, whereas the PC polymer reduced irreversibly. For PC, slightly higher values of the ionization potential (EIP) and electron affinity (EA) were found (EIP = 5.52 eV, EA = 2.85 eV) than those for PN (EIP = 5.37 eV, EA = 2.77 eV). Light‐emitting devices with indium tin oxide hole‐injecting and aluminum electron‐injecting electrodes were prepared and studied. They emitted green light, and their EL spectra were similar to those of PL thin films. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 524–533, 2006
Psychological distress and coping in breast cancer patients and healthy women whose parents survived the Holocaust
Authors: Baider Lea , Goldzweig Gil , Ever‐Hadani Pnina , Peretz Tamar
Published: December 2005

Psychological distress levels of breast cancer patients whose parents were Holocaust survivors (‘second‐generation Holocaust’ patients) were previously shown to be significantly higher than those of a matched group of patients with non‐traumatized parents. In this study, we investigated whether this effect reflects only the generally higher distress levels of second‐generation Holocaust women or whether breast cancer patients with traumatized parents also present lower adaptation abilities, which result in increased distress to the breast cancer diagnosis.

We assessed psychological distress and measures of coping in 193 second‐generation Holocaust patients diagnosed with breast cancer, 164 breast cancer patients with non‐traumatized parents, 176 healthy second‐generation Holocaust women, and 143 healthy women with non‐traumatized parents. The main effect of cancer and the main effect of second‐generation Holocaust survivor on psychological distress were found to be significant.

These two factors (cancer × second generation) had a synergistic effect on the levels of depression and psychoticism. These results support the hypothesis that, at least on some psychological measures, the cumulative distressing effect of having traumatized parents and breast cancer diagnosis is higher than the effect of each factor alone. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of coping style, pain, age and depression with fatigue in women with primary breast cancer
Authors: Reuter Katrin , Classen Catherine C. , Roscoe Joseph A. , Morrow Gary R. , Kirshner Jeffrey J. , Rosenbluth Richard , Flynn Patrick J. , Shedlock Kathleen , Spiegel David
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this study was to explore the relative contributions of coping, depression, pain and age, in the experience of cancer related fatigue. A total of 353 women treated for primary breast cancer were assessed within one year of diagnosis using the Profile of Mood States, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale. Fatigue was positively associated with depression and pain, but inversely related to age. In contrast to our expectations, fighting spirit was not associated with less fatigue. A relationship between coping style and cancer‐related fatigue was found exclusively for ‘positive reappraisal’, a combination of fighting spirit and fatalism. Detectable only in multivariate analysis together with depression, the results suggest a weak association between coping and fatigue. The relationship between cancer related fatigue, age and coping styles requires further exploration within longitudinal studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Care and support needs of children and young people with cancer and their parents
Authors: Mitchell Wendy , Clarke Susan , Sloper Patricia
Published: December 2005

The importance of psychosocial support services for children with cancer and their families is recognised but evaluation of such services is less well developed with little information available about different patterns of provision. This paper provides an overview of psychosocial support children and their families in the UK receive during and after treatment. It reports the results of a postal survey of 303 families, within which parents and children identified their satisfaction with support services and also areas of unmet need. Satisfaction was identified in a range of areas, including medical information and support from nurses and social workers. However, areas of unmet need were also highlighted, especially age appropriate facilities, emotional support and information in different formats. Although British government policy currently seeks to develop standards and guidelines of care throughout the National Health Service, this paper demonstrates that there is still a need to develop psychosocial support services and work towards recently established guidelines in order to ensure that families receive flexible but equitable packages of care and support, wherever treatment is received. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic retrofit schemes for RC structures and local‐global consequences
Authors: Thermou G E , Elnashai A S
Published: December 2005

A review of repair schemes for reinforced concrete frame buildings is presented in this paper, within the context of global objectives of the intervention process. Local as well as global intervention measures are discussed and their technological application details outlined. The effect of the reviewed repair schemes on the member, sub‐assemblage and system performance are qualitatively assessed. The important role of the foundation system in the rehabilitation process is outlined and measures that are consistent with the super‐structure intervention methods are given. The paper concludes with a global assessment of the effect of repair methods on stiffness, strength and ductility, the three most important seismic response parameters, to assist researchers and practitioners in decision‐making to satisfy their respective intervention objectives. The framework for the paper complies with the requirements of consequence‐based Engineering, where the expected damage is addressed only when consequences are higher than acceptable consequences, and a cyclical process of assessment and re‐assessment is undertaken until the community objectives are deemed to be satisfied.
Metal Nanoparticles and Related Materials Supported on Carbon Nanotubes: Methods and Applications
Authors: Wildgoose Gregory G. , Banks Craig E. , Compton Richard G.
Published: December 2005

Carbon nanotubes are one of the most intensively explored nanostructured materials. In particular, carbon nanotubes are unique and ideal templates onto which to immobilize nanoparticles allowing the construction of designed nanoarchitectures that are extremely attractive as supports for heterogeneous catalysts, for use in fuel cells, and in related technologies that exploit the inherent ‘smallness’ and hollow characteristics of the nanoparticles. Here we overview the recent developments in this area by exploring the various techniques in which nanotubes can be functionalized with metals and other nanoparticles and explore the diverse applications of the resulting materials.
Die Haseltalbrücke bei Suhl – Ausführungsplanung, Fertigung und Montage
Authors: Binder Bernd , Thauern Bernd , Pfeiffer Michael
Published: December 2005

Der Beitrag beschreibt den Bau der neuen Haseltalbrücke bei Suhl von der Ausführungsplanung über die Fertigung des Stahlüberbaus bis zur Montage unter Berücksichtigung der komplexen, örtlichen Gegebenheiten.
Schweißen unter Betriebsbeanspruchung – Experimentelle Untersuchungen unter einachsiger Nahtflankenbewegung während des Schweißprozesses
Authors: Peil Udo , Wichers Michael
Published: December 2005

Die planmäßige Nutzung von Schweißverbindungen, die bei gleichzeitiger Bewegung der Nahtflanken hergestellt wurden, ist nach dem derzeitigen Stand des Wissens und der Normung nicht gestattet. Gerade bei Reparaturschweißungen an bestehenden Konstruktionen, wie z. B. Masten, Türmen, Brücken und Offshorebauwerken, lassen sich jedoch Nahtflankenbewegungen, infolge Wind und Welle, nicht gänzlich ausschließen oder vermeiden. Bisher ist für diese Art der Reparaturschweißung der kostenintensive Einsatz von Entlastungskonstruktionen unumgänglich. In der nachstehenden Ausführung werden erste experimentelle Ergebnisse und Untersuchungen zum Schweißen bei gleichzeitiger Bewegung der Nahtflanken vorgestellt, die eine Abschätzung der statischen Tragfähigkeit der Schweißverbindung erlauben.
Formänderungsgrößenverfahren mittig gedrückter dünnwandiger Stäbe mit einfach‐ und doppeltsymmetrischen offenen Querschnitten
Authors: Cywiński Zbigniew
Published: December 2005

Im Anschluß an das klassische Formänderungsgrößenverfahren der Wölbkrafttorsion für dünnwandige Stäbe [1] wurde das Verfahren für die Problematik der Stabknickung weiterentwickelt. Der vorliegende Aufsatz stellt die allgemeine Lösung des fundamentalen Gleichungssystems für einfache Querschnittssymmetrien und ihre partikulären Lösungen für drei Grundarten der Stabstützung vor. Es werden die Formeln für die Randbimomente bestimmt. Die Zusammenhänge werden dann für den Fall doppelter Querschnittssymmetrie vereinfacht. Eine Analyse zu einem doppeltsymmetrischen Stabquerschnitt führt zu den nötigen Randkräften für die drei untersuchten Fälle seiner Stützung. Es läßt sich zeigen, daß die Beziehungen für Torsion ähnlich denen für Biegung sind. Ein Vorschlag zur Berechnung der Drillknicklasten für durchlaufende Stäbe wird formuliert und ein entsprechendes Zahlenbeispiel angegeben.

Der vorliegende Aufsatz hebt die Verdienste von Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Dr.‐Ing. E.h. Kurt Klöppel (1901–1985) hervor, anläßlich des 100. Geburtstags der ehemaligen Technischen Hochschule Danzig, an der er das Studium des Bauingenieurwesens absolvierte. Aus der TH Danzig hat sich die Politechnika Gdańska entwickelt, mit welcher der Verfasser seit 1949 verbunden ist.
Using quantile regression to extend an existing wind power forecasting system with probabilistic forecasts
Authors: Nielsen Henrik Aalborg , Madsen Henrik , Nielsen Torben Skov
Published: December 2005

For operational planning it is important to provide information about the situation‐dependent uncertainty of a wind power forecast. Factors which influence the uncertainty of a wind power forecast include the predictability of the actual meteorological situation, the level of the predicted wind speed (due to the non‐linearity of the power curve) and the forecast horizon. With respect to the predictability of the actual meteorological situation a number of explanatory variables are considered, some inspired by the literature. The article contains an overview of related work within the field. An existing wind power forecasting system (Zephyr/WPPT) is considered and it is shown how analysis of the forecast error can be used to build a model of the quantiles of the forecast error. Only explanatory variables or indices which are predictable are considered, whereby the model obtained can be used for providing situation‐dependent information regarding the uncertainty. Finally, the article contains directions enabling the reader to replicate the methods and thereby extend other forecast systems with situation‐dependent information on uncertainty. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: Two decades of progress
Authors: Khachaturian Zaven S.
Published: December 2005

A retrospective view of the critical events and advances in the development of criteria, instruments and algorithms in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The review is from the vantage point of the National Institute on Aging and its role in the development of the national infrastructure, in the US, for clinical research on dementia. The paper discusses future research needs and challenges for developing new diagnostic armamentarium for early and accurate detection of neurodegenerative processes of dementia in the early prodromal stages or during early mild cognitive impairments.
Lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease: Evidence‐based practices emerge from new research
Authors: Jedrziewski M. Kathryn , Lee Virginia M.-Y. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: December 2005

Background

The increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other aging‐related dementias as the population ages will have a dramatic impact on both provision of health care and the economy if nothing is done to prevent or delay the onset of AD or to slow its progression.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature in several promising areas of inquiry, other than those representing Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved AD‐ or dementia‐specific pharmacologic therapies, that may impact the risk or progression of AD and related dementias was undertaken.

Results

Results highlight a number of factors associated with AD and dementia. These include education and occupation, cognitive and leisure activities, exercise, cholesterol and statins, and head trauma.

Conclusions

Factors associated with AD and dementia may have potential as strategies useful in preventing or delaying AD and dementia or slowing its progression. Further research is needed to determine the validity and strength of the associations and to ascertain causality.
Undertreatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease in an elderly United States population
Authors: Sano Mary , Amatniek Joan , Feely Morgan , Sinyak Feliks , Holton Denise , Ascher Steve , Finkel Sanford I.
Published: December 2005

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the undertreatment of elderly mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in the United States utilizing baseline data from a community‐based trial that has established comparability to national survey samples on demographic characteristics.

Methods

Baseline data were used from an open‐label, 12‐week, postapproval study of compliance with galantamine, an AChEI and nicotinic receptor modulator, and vitamin E. A total of 2,114 patients from 406 community‐based US practices in which physicians had previously treated patients with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) were included in the study. This population reflects a large, ethnically diverse patient pool consistent with the demographics of the elderly population in the United States, atypical of those enrolled in most AD trials.

Results

The majority of patients (64.5%) were described by either themselves or their caregivers as not having received prior AChEI treatment. Positive associations were found between past AChEI treatment and longer time since diagnosis, white race, higher education, medical care by a neurologist, and older caregivers. The likelihood of having received previous AChEI treatment was higher among white patients (61.9%) than among those from other ethnic groups combined (25.8%).

Conclusions

The similarity of patient demographic characteristics to the 2000 US Census figures for the population aged ≥65 years makes this data set a potentially powerful tool for planning public health initiatives. Findings suggest that patients with mild to moderate AD are undertreated and that specialist and nonspecialist organizations should discuss and implement ways to optimize management of this disease.
Role of biomarkers in studies of presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Morris John C. , Kimberly A. , Quaid K. , Holtzman David M. , Kantarci Kejal , Kaye Jeffrey , Reiman Eric M. , Klunk William E. , Siemers Eric R.
Published: December 2005

Background

Biomarkers that have been developed largely for the study of patients with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD) can also be used in the study of cognitively normal individuals who may harbor underlying AD pathology.

Methods

A meeting of invited experts on AD biomarkers was held on November 11 and 12, 2004 to review currently available data and to discuss unmet needs for biomarker research in presymptomatic AD.

Results

Neuroimaging biomarkers have been studied to some extent in subjects at risk for AD. These imaging techniques include volumetric magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography using either fluorodeoxyglucose or newer ligands that bind directly to amyloid plaque. Similarly, biochemical measures from cerebrospinal fluid or other physiologic fluids are emerging as potentially useful tools. Such biomarkers may be used either as diagnostic tools or as indicators of disease severity when followed longitudinally. A clinical diagnosis of asymptomatic individuals using biomarkers and studies involving asymptomatic subjects may raise logistical and ethical concerns.

Conclusions

The technical development of biomarkers that are used for presymptomatic AD diagnosis and for longitudinally measuring disease severity is evolving rapidly. Ethical and privacy considerations must be made before such biomarkers can be applied routinely to asymptomatic populations.
Treatment of adductor spasticity with BTX‐A in children with CP: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Mall Volker , Siebel Andrea , Bertram Christoph , Hafkemeyer Ulrich , Wissel Jörg , Berweck Steffen , Haverkamp Fritz , Nass Günter , Döderlein Leo , Breitbach‐Faller Nico , Schulte‐Mattler Wilhelm , Korinthenberg Rudolf , Heinen Florian
Published: December 2005

Adductor spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) impairs motor function and development. In a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized multicentre study, we evaluated the effects of botulinum toxin A(BTX‐A) in 61 children (37 males, 24 females; mean age 6 years 1 month [SD 3y 1mo]) with CP (leg‐dominated tetraparesis, n=39; tetraparesis, n=22; GMFCS level I, n=3; II, n=6; III, n=17; IV, n=29; V, n=6). Four weeks after treatment, a significant superiority of BTX‐A was observed in the primary outcome measure (knee‐knee distance ‘fast catch’, p=0.002), the Ash worth scale (p=0.001), and the Goal Attainment Scale (p=0.037).
Factor V Leiden mutation: a contributory factor for cerebral palsy?
Authors: Reid Sue , Halliday Jane , Ditchfield Michael , Ekert Henry , Byron Keith , Glynn Anne , Petrou Vicki , Reddihough Dinah
Published: December 2005

Fifty‐seven children with cerebral palsy (CP) and imaging evidence of vascular thrombosis (study group) and 167 children with CP and other imaging finds (control group) were selected. Sixty‐one per cent of the study group were male and 53 (93%) had spastic hemiplegia compared with the control group, of whom 55% were male and 54 (32%) had a diagnosis of spastic hemiplegia. Mean age was 5 years 11 months (SD 5y 1mo) for the study group and 7 years 7 months (SD 4y 7mo) for the control group. Blood spots on Guthrie cards or buccal swabs were used to test both groups and their mothers for the factor V Leiden (fVL) mutation, which predisposes carriers to thrombophilia. Mothers were interviewed to gather antenatal, perinatal, demographic, and socio‐economic data. The frequency of the fVL mutation in children with evidence of vascular thrombosis and their mothers was not statistically different from the frequency in children with CP with other imaging findings and their mothers. The frequency of the fVL mutation was significantly higher than the expected population frequency of 4% in the study group (10.5%, p=0.012) and in mothers of the control group (7.2%, p=0.036).
Naming skills of children born preterm in comparison with their term peers at the ages of 9 and 16 years
Authors: Saavalainen Pia , Luoma Laila , Bowler Dermot , Timonen Tero , Määttä Sara , Laukkanen Eila , Herrgård Eila
Published: December 2005

The linguistic abilities of children born preterm at 32 weeks' gestation or earlier at Kuopio University Hospital during 1984 to 1986 were evaluated during successive phases of a prospective study. The study protocol included the Rapid Automatic Naming test and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children ‐ Revised at 9 years of age and a modified Stroop Color‐Word test and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale ‐ Revised at the age of 16 years. Fifty‐one children born preterm (26 males, 25 females) and 51 age‐matched and sex‐matched term controls (26 males, 25 females) were studied at the age of 9 years. At the age of 16 years, 40 children born preterm (19 males, 21 females) and 31 term controls (14 males, 17 females) participated in the study. The children born preterm scored significantly lower in two naming tasks than the controls at the age of 9 years. However, there was no difference between the study groups in naming skills at the age of 16 years or in verbal IQ in either study phase. Maternal education level was not associated with naming skills. Thus, the consequences of preterm birth seem to be minor in relation to linguistic skills during school age and diminish by adolescence.
Sensorimotor performance in school‐age children with autism, developmental language disorder, or low IQ
Authors: Mandelbaum David E , Stevens Michael , Rosenberg Eric , Wiznitzer Max , Steinschneider Mitchell , Korey Saul R , Filipek Pauline , Rapin Isabelle , Korey Saul R
Published: December 2005

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of ‘soft’ motor deficits in school‐aged children with either developmental language disorder (DLD), autism (with high IQ [HiAD] or low IQ [LoAD]), or low IQ without autism (LoIQ), and to evaluate the utility of a refined neurological examination to discriminate between these groups. A total of 242 children (74% male), aged 7 or 9 years, were evaluated as part of a longitudinal, multi‐institutional study, with a standardized neurological examination that included Denckla's Physical and Neurological Examination for Soft Signs. Most of the scores separated children into two groups defined by nonverbal IQ, with the DLD and HiAD groups performing better than the LoAD and LoIQ groups. Exceptions included motor impersistence and stereotypies, which were more likely in the autistic groups. The neurologists ‘summary clinical impressions indicated better sensory’ motor skills, oromotor skills, and praxis in the HiAD than in the DLD children. Inability/unwillingness to perform tasks was much more frequent in LoAD than LoIQ children.
Autism spectrum disorders and underlying brain pathology in CHARGE association
Authors: Johansson Maria , Råstam Maria , Billstedt Eva , Danielsson Susanna , Strömland Kerstin , Miller Marilyn , Gillberg Christopher
Published: December 2005

The rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and brain abnormalities was analyzed in 31 individuals (15 males, 16 females; age range 1mo to 31y, mean age 8y 11mo) with CHARGE association, as part of a multidisciplinary study. A meticulous neuropsychiatric examination was performed, including standardized autism diagnostic interviews. Judgement regarding ASDs was impossible in three infants and three patients who were deaf and blind. Five individuals met diagnostic criteria for autism, five for an autistic‐like condition, and seven for autistic traits. Brain abnormalities were indicated in almost three‐quarters of examined individuals, and midline abnormalities of the forebrain in one‐third. Awareness of the coexistence of CHARGE and ASDs is important in habilitation care in CHARGE. Moreover, the results indicate that a subgroup of ASDs may be associated with errors in early embryonic brain development.