bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rearrangement of N-(3-pyridyl)nitramine
Authors: Spaleniak Grzegorz , Daszkiewicz Zdzisław , Kyzioł Janusz
Published: February 2009

Contrary to other N-(pyridyl)nitramines, the title compound cannot be rearranged to 3-amino-2-nitropyridine or other isomers. Hypothetical products of its transformation under influence of concentrated sulphuric acid, viz. 3-hydroxypyridine, 3,3′-azoxypyridine and 3,3′-azopyridine, were obtained from 3-nitro- and 3-aminopyridine in oxidation and reduction reactions. N-(3-Pyridyl)nitramine was prepared and rearranged in concentrated sulphuric acid. 3-Hydroxypyridine and 3,3′-azoxypyridine were isolated from the reaction mixture, other products were identified by the HPLC and GCMS methods. The results indicate that N-(3-pyridyl)hydroxylamine is an intermediate formed from N-(3-pyridyl)nitramine under the influence of concentrated sulphuric acid. The reaction path, leading to the final products, is discussed in context of the mechanism of nitramine rearrangement.
Explicit Construction of the Modified Spherical Harmonic Series for the Gravity Gradients and Analysis of their Characteristics
Authors: Petrovskaya M. , Vershkov A.
Published: February 2009

Explicit Construction of the Modified Spherical Harmonic Series for the Gravity Gradients and Analysis of their Characteristics

The present paper complements the research carried out in PV2008 (Petrovskaya and Vershkov, 2008), concerning the expansion of the gravity gradients in the local north-oriented reference frame in orthogonal series of modified spherical harmonics. In PV2008 procedures are developed for recovering the orthogonal bases of these series. Then an idea is briefly described how the spectral relations can be obtained between the gravity gradients and the geopotential. However no explicit procedures are demonstrated for their derivation. In the present paper successive transformations are described for each derivative which convert the initial non-orthogonal expansion into the orthogonal series. The resulting spectral relations are applied for evaluating the harmonic coefficients of these series at different altitudes, on the basis of the geopotential model EGM2008. The corresponding degree variances are estimated. The new simple expressions for the gravity gradients are convenient for various applications. In the present paper they are implemented for constructing digital colored maps for Fennoscandia region which attracts much attention of geophysicists. These maps visually demonstrate an anomalous behavior of the gravity gradients in this area.
Energizing Learning: The Instructional Power of Conflict
Authors: Johnson David W. , Johnson Roger T.
Published: February 2009

Although intellectual conflict may be an important instructional tool (because of its potential constructive outcomes), conflict is rarely structured in instructional situations (because of its potential destructive outcomes). Many educators may be apprehensive about instigating intellectual conflict among students because of the lack of operational procedures to guide them. Ideally, operational procedures should be based on social science theory that is validated by research. Constructive controversy is an instructional procedure that is designed to create intellectual conflict among students and that meets these criteria. The authors of this article summarize the theory underlying constructive controversy and review the results of their meta-analysis of the validating research. The positive outcomes indicate that intellectual conflict can have important and positive effects on student learning and well-being.
The Economic Payoff to Investing in Educational Justice
Authors: Levin Henry M.
Published: February 2009

The quest for educational equity is a moral imperative for a society in which education is a crucial determinant of life chances. Yet whether there is an economic return to the taxpayer for investing in educational justice is often not considered. It is possible that the economic benefits of reducing inadequate education exceed the costs, returning a healthy dividend to the taxpayer. This article addresses a four-decade quest to ascertain the fiscal consequences of investing in effective approaches to reduce inadequate education in the United States. It uses economic analysis to calculate both the costs of effective strategies to raise high school graduation rates and their benefits to the taxpayer in higher tax revenues and reduced costs of criminal justice, public health, and public assistance. The results suggest that improving educational justice provides substantial returns to taxpayers that exceed the costs.
Apolipoprotein E genotype and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Juvela Seppo , Siironen Jari , Lappalainen Jaakko
Published: February 2009

Object

After aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), conflicting results concerning an association between the APOE genotype and impaired outcome have been reported. The authors tested prospectively whether APOE ε2 or ε4 allele–containing genotypes (ε2+ and ε4+) affect outcome after SAH.

Methods

Previous disease histories and clinical and radiological variables were recorded for 105 patients who were admitted within 48 hours after SAH. Fifteen patients (14%) had the ε2+ genotype and 31 (17%) had ε4+ genotypes. Factors predicting poor outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale and cerebral infarction visible on CT scans obtained at 3 months after SAH were tested with multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

Apolipoprotein E ε2 or ε4–containing genotypes were not associated with outcome, occurrence of cerebral infarction, or with any of their predictors, either in univariate or multivariate analysis. Poor outcome was predicted independently by the occurrence of intraventricular bleeding and intracerebral hematoma as well as by elevated levels of both plasma glucose and D-dimer, and delayed cerebral ischemia (p < 0.05 for each factor), and in univariate analysis only by clinical condition on admission and patient age. Cerebral infarction was predicted independently according to clinical condition on admission (p < 0.05), amount of subarachnoid blood (p < 0.01), duration of intraoperative parent artery clipping (p < 0.01), and body mass index (p < 0.05). In the univariate analysis only cerebral infarction was also predicted by patient age, intracerebral hematoma, and delayed cerebral ischemia.

Conclusions

Severity of bleeding for the most part predicts outcome after SAH; APOE polymorphisms seem to have no prognostic value for outcome after SAH. This result was in accordance with the findings from the largest ischemic stroke studies.
Surgical treatment of parietal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Binder Devin K. , Podlogar Martin , Clusmann Hans , Bien Christian , Urbach Horst , Schramm Johannes , Kral Thomas
Published: February 2009

Object

Parietal lobe epilepsy (PLE) accounts for a small percentage of extratemporal epilepsies, and only a few and mostly smaller series have been reported. Preoperative findings, surgical strategies, pathological bases, and postoperative outcomes for PLE remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Patients with PLE were identified by screening a prospective epilepsy surgery database established in 1989 at the University of Bonn. Charts, preoperative imaging studies, surgical reports, and neuropathological findings were reviewed. Seizure outcome was classified according to Engel class (I–IV).

Results

Forty patients (23 females and 17 males) with PLE were identified and had a mean age of 25.0 years and a mean preoperative epilepsy duration of 13.7 years. Nine patients had a significant medical history (for example, trauma, meningitis/encephalitis, or perinatal hypoxia). Preoperative MR imaging abnormalities were identified in 38 (95%) of 40 patients; 26 patients (65%) underwent invasive electroencephalography evaluation. After lesionectomy of the dominant (in 20 patients) or nondominant (in 20 patients) parietal lobe and additional multiple subpial transections (in 11 patients), 2 patients suffered from surgical and 12 from neurological complications, including temporary partial Gerstmann syndrome. There were no deaths. Histopathological analysis revealed 16 low-grade tumors, 11 cortical dysplasias, 9 gliotic scars, 2 cavernous vascular malformations, and 1 granulomatous inflammation. In 1 case, no histopathological diagnosis could be made. After a mean follow-up of 45 months, 27 patients (67.5%) became seizure free or had rare seizures (57.5% Engel Class I; 10% Engel Class II; 27.5% Engel Class III; and 5% Engel Class IV).

Conclusions

Parietal lobe epilepsy is an infrequent cause of extratemporal epilepsy. Satisfactory results (Engel Classes I and II) were obtained in 67.5% of patients in our series. A temporary partial hemisensory or Gerstmann syndrome occurs in a significant number of patients.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging changes after sorafenib and sunitinib chemotherapy in patients with advanced renal cell and breast carcinoma
Authors: Hill Kenneth L. , Lipson Adam C. , Sheehan Jonas M.
Published: February 2009

Object

The authors report novel imaging findings associated with the treatment of sorafenib (Nexavar) and sunitinib (Sutant), 2 agents used in the treatment of advanced metastatic disease.

Methods

Patients with renal cell and breast carcinoma metastases to the brain were identified from the prospective database at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Cancer Institute.

Results

Four patients who received sorafenib or sunitinib after surgical or radiosurgical treatment of their metastases were identified from the database. Clinical and/or radiographic changes consisting of seizures and cognitive or motor changes were described, associated with an increase in peritumoral edema and enhancement. These findings were observed to improve with discontinuation of the medications.

Conclusions

The administration of sorafenib and sunitinib in patients with metastatic breast and renal cell carcinoma may lead to reversible clinical and imaging changes following surgical or radiosurgical treatment of their brain lesions. The authors hypothesize that leakage of the drug across a locally impaired blood-brain barrier contributes to peritumoral edema and inflammation, which may be erroneously interpreted as disease progression.
A screening platform for glioma growth and invasion using bioluminescence imaging
Authors: Zhao Hong , Tang Carol , Cui Kemi , Ang Beng-Ti , Wong Stephen T. C.
Published: February 2009

Object

The study of tumor cell growth and invasion in cancer biology is often limited by the inability to visualize tumor cell behavior in real time in animal models. The authors provide evidence that glioma cells are heterogeneous, with a subset responsible for increased invasiveness. The use of bioluminescence (BL) imaging to investigate dynamic aspects of glioma progression are discussed.

Methods

Glioblastoma multiforme–initiating cells were generated under conditions typically used to sustain neural stem cells. The invasiveness potential was determined using a Matrigel chamber. The presence of an “invasiveness gene signature” that correlated with patient survival outcome was ascertained through microarray gene expression analysis. To measure invasiveness, the authors devised a method focussed on BL imaging and tested it in vitro and in vivo using a zebrafish xenograft model. Bioluminescence imaging signals were verified using known inhibitors of glioma growth: AEE788, N-[(3,5-Difluorophenyl)acetyl]-L-alanyl-2-phenylglycine-1,1-dimethylethyl ester, and compound E.

Results

The authors' data support the idea that glioblastoma multiforme–initiating cells are heterogeneous and possess an invasive subset; BL imaging was used as a readout method to assess this invasive subset. The in vitro data obtained using a known glioma growth inhibitor, AEE788, showed that BL imaging could detect cellular movement and invasion even before overall cell death was detectable on conventional viability assays. Further work using a zebrafish tumor xenograft model supported the efficacy of BL imaging in monitoring changes in tumor load.

Conclusions

The authors used optically transparent zebrafish and high-resolution confocal imaging to track tumor growth in vivo and demonstrate the efficacy of this model for screening antitumor and antiangiogenic compounds. The integration of zebrafish transgenic technology into human cancer biological studies may aid in the development of cancer models targeting specific organs, tissues, or cell types within tumors. Zebrafish could also provide a cost-effective means for the rapid development of therapeutic agents directed at blocking tumor growth and invasion.
Intraoperative magnesium infusion during carotid endarterectomy: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mack William J. , Kellner Christopher P. , Sahlein Daniel H. , Ducruet Andrew F. , Kim Grace H. , Mocco J , Zurica Joseph , Komotar Ricardo J. , Haque Raqeeb , Sciacca Robert , Quest Donald O. , Solomon Robert A. , Connolly E. Sander , Heyer Eric J.
Published: February 2009

Object

Recent data from both experimental and clinical studies have supported the use of intravenous magnesium as a potential therapy in the setting of cerebral ischemia. This study assessed whether intraoperative magnesium therapy improves neuropsychometric testing (NPT) following carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods

One hundred eight patients undergoing CEA were randomly assigned to receive placebo infusion or 1 of 3 magnesium-dosing protocols. Neuropsychometric testing was performed 1 day after surgery and compared with baseline performance. Assessment was also performed on a set of 35 patients concurrently undergoing lumbar laminectomy to serve as a control group for NPT. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of magnesium therapy on NPT. A subgroup analysis was then performed, analyzing the impact of each intraoperative dose on NPT.

Results

Patients treated with intravenous magnesium infusion demonstrated less postoperative neurocognitive impairment than those treated with placebo (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10–0.74, p = 0.01). When stratified according to dosing bolus and intraoperative magnesium level, those who were treated with low-dose magnesium had less cognitive decline than those treated with placebo (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.50, p < 0.01). Those in the high-dose magnesium group demonstrated no difference from the placebo-treated group.

Conclusions

Low-dose intraoperative magnesium therapy protects against neurocognitive decline following CEA.
Occult Filaria Infection: Could it be a Cause of Chronic Dry Cough?
Authors: Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Saha Amitav , Chowdhury Ziaur Rahman , Abdullah Abu Sadique
Published: February 2009

Background: Management of chronic dry cough is a challenging problem for physicians. A significant proportion of patients remain undiagnosed and not cured for a long period. So this study was undertaken to identify etiology of chronic dry cough.Methods: A prospective study was done in a private center, Dhaka during the period of April 2007-February, 2008 among 80 patients who were suffering from chronic dry cough for more than three months.Results: 80 patients of chronic dry cough were prospectively studied on the basis of history, clinical examination and investigation reports. Among them, (41, 51.25%) were diagnosed as having usual causes of dry cough like cough variant asthma (21, 26.25%), heart Failure (10, 12.5%), sinusitis/post nasal drip (4.5%), gastro esophageal reflux disease (2, 2.5%) and drug- ACE inhibitor (4,5%). This group of patients improved after treatment of their primary cause except 6 (7.5%), who showed no improvement. These patients and the rest 39 (48.75%) patients did not have any discernible cause of chronic cough. They were evaluated by CFT for filaria. Among them, 20 cases (25%) showed moderate to strongly positive result. This CFT filaria positive group was treated with a combination of ivermectin and albendazole. Patients were followed up for up to four months. Result showed cough was totally absent in 80% treated patients with the rest 20% showing significant improvement.Conclusion: This study advocates that, significant proportion of chronic dry cough patients were actually suffering from occult filaria and they responded well to treatment with drugsivermectin and albendazole combination. Â  doi:10.3329/jom.v10i1.1994 J Medicine 2009; 10: 3-6
Laboratory Tests Required to Reach the Diagnosis in Patients with Grossly Elevated ESR
Authors: Haque Md Zahirul , Alam Saki Md Zakul , Noman Mesbahuddin , Siddique Md Abu Naser , Azhar Md
Published: February 2009

This study was done in medicine indoor department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to March 2004. Consecutive 100 patients, who were found to have an ESR equal to or more than 100 mm in 1st hour, were included in this study. Among them 56 were male and 44 were female. All of them were classified in five age groups. Haematological disorder appeared to be the most common cause (41%) of marked ESR elevation; followed by infectious diseases (36%) and connective tissue disorders (17%). In 4% cases the cause can not be elicited. In this study, most commonly done investigation was peripheral blood film (76 patients) and gave positive clue to diagnosis in 45% cases. Bone marrow study was done in 53 cases and gave positive diagnosis in 69% cases. Other tests with high diagnostic yield were RA test (35%), X-ray spine (62%), Widal test (42%), Splenic aspirate study for kala-azar (46%), DAT for kala-azar (47%), FNAC of lymph node (77%), Pleural fluid study (100%). Most of the patients have needed 3 (46% patient) to 4 (27% patient) special investigations along with routine investigations to reach the diagnosis. doi:10.3329/jom.v10i1.1995 Â  J Medicine 2009; 10: 7-11 Â Â
Steroid Dependent Ulcerated Erythema Nodosum Leprosum 16 Years after Successful Treatment of Leprosy
Authors: Nur Zannatun , Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Chowdhury Monzurul H , Shams Md Ziaus , Alam Md Billal , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: February 2009

Leprosy could be best understood as two conjoined diseases. The first is a chronic mycobacterial infection that elicits an extraordinary range of cellular immune responses. The second is lepra reaction, whose course and sequelae often extend many years beyond the cure of the infection and may have severely debilitating physical, social, and psychological consequences. Type-2 lepra reaction is also termed Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) regardless of the site of involvement, which is in turn a Coomb and Gell Type III hypersensitivity reaction. The paradox of ENL is that it can be a life-threatening disorder and requires control with immunosuppression which may itself pose life-threatening risks for patients Indian studies found its prevalence rate of almost 50% in those with LL and 9% in BL cases and the mean time to presentation with ENL was 3.7 months after starting multi-drug therapy (MDT). Hitherto we report a severe and steroid dependent case of chronic ulcerated ENL, not only occurred sixteen years after successful treatment of lepromatous leprosy, but also had an unusual initial presentation of arthritis. To the best of our knowledge, ENL for such a prolonged period of 15 years was not reported earlier. Â doi:10.3329/jom.v10i1.2002J Medicine 2009; 10: 31-33
Pattern of Lipid Profile and Obesity among Secretariat Employees of Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md Billal , Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Islam Md Ziaul , Islam Md Nazrul , Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Nur Zannatun , Mahbub Md. Shahriar , Faiz Md Abul
Published: February 2009

Background: By the dawn of this modern era of science, the prime challenge of physician is cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The most important modifiable risk factors of CVDs are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use. The effects of unhealthy diet and physical inactivity include abnormal blood lipid and obesity. We tried to evaluate the lipid profile and obesity among the employees of Bangladesh Secretariat.Methods: This cross sectional type of descriptive study was carried out among 1000 employees of Bangladesh Secretariat in December, 2008. All classes of employees irrespective of age or sex were included. Body mass index (BMI) and fasting lipid profile were measured in each case. Socio-demographic variables and different related risk factors were also evaluated.Result: Out of 1000 employees with a male, female ratio of 4.75:1, 65% had sedentary life style.20.6% were smoker and only 0.05% had a history of taking alcohol regularly. 10.1% had a history of hyperlipidemia in first degree relatives. Only 2.1% were known cases of hyperlipidemia. BMI of 47% employees were in normal range with a mean 24.38 Â± 3.14 SD. Mean fasting total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride (TG) level was found 170.65 Â± 39.37, 103.72 Â± 30.9, 36.45 Â± 5.93 and 169 Â± 97.69 SD respectively. Abnormal fasting total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG were found in 17.3%, 48.5%, 75.6% and 48.5% employees respectively.Â Conclusion: Dyslipidemia and obesity are two important modifiable risk factors of CVDs. Early detection and prevention of obesity and abnormal lipid profile can largely reduce morbidity and mortality and alleviate undue burden on our limited health budget. Â doi:10.3329/jom.v10i3.2007J Medicine 2009; 10 (Supplement 1): 3-6
Prevalence of Modifiable Risk Factors among Stroke Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Badiuzzaman Md , Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Chowdhury Fazle Rabbi , Bari Md Shafiqul , Alam Md Billal , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: February 2009

Background: An event of stroke can be ignited by a number of risk factors, some of which are nonmodifiable and some are modifiable. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, different heart diseases, hyperlipidemia and smoking belong to the latter group and their prevalence shows immense diversity worldwide. In this study we tried to identify the most prevalent risk factor for stroke. Categorization of various types of stroke and history of noncompliance in medication has also been evaluated. Methods: This direct observational study was carried out on 400 patients of stroke admitted in different medicine units of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July to December, 2007. Only patients having clinical diagnosis of stroke, confirmed by CT scan or MRI, were recruited. Patients were grouped into ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or sub arachnoid hemorrhage. Results: The male, female ratio was found 1.2:1. In the study cerebral infraction, intra cerebral hemorrhages (ICH) and sub arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were found in 56.25%, 38.25% and 5.5% patients respectively. In case of Ischemic stroke and ICH males were predominantly affected but in case of SAH females were predominant. Among patients, hypertension was found in 58.62% followed by smoking (53.79%), lipid disorder (48.01%), heart diseases (25.75%), diabetes mellitus (20.01%), and previous history of stroke (10.61%). 40% patients were on irregular use of antihypertensive drug and it was 17.5% in case of anti diabetic drugs. Major groups (42.44%) of patients have two modifiable risk factors. Conclusion: Stroke is better to prevent than to cure. Identification of risk factors is the only way to achieve this goal. Implementation of screening programme in community to identify risk factors and educate people about primary prevention should be initiated in this regard. This way, we can reduce morbidity and mortality among stroke patients and alleviate the burden of stroke. Â  doi:10.3329/jom.v10i3.2011 Â  J Medicine 2009; 10 (Supplement 1): 18-21
Disability Burden of Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications
Authors: Islam Md Ziaul
Published: February 2009

This specific analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of BIRDEM hospital to estimate and compare disability burden of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its complications during the period of January-June 2003. Data was collected by face-to-face interview with a semi-structured questionnaire and a checklist. To estimate disability burden, Years lived with Disability (YLD) was calculated. Out of total 154 patients, 53% were female while 47% were male and their mean age was 47.02 (Â± 8.42) years. Around 48% patients claimed the onset age of 40-49 years. Average monthly family income of the patients was TK.16,488.27Â±6042.40 and 27% of them were illiterate. Out of all, 72% patients had diabetes with complications while the rest 28% had diabetes without complications. With regard to disability burden, total 473.43 YLDs was shared by the patients of which only 20.46% YLD was shared by diabetes itself while major part of YLD (79.54%) was shared by its complications and the discrepancy was statistically significant (ât'(152) =11.34, p < 0.01). It was revealed that the highest YLD was incurred by DM with cardiovascular diseases (37.56%) followed by DM with retinopathy (19.82%) and DM with nephropathy (12.98%). More YLD (52.65%) was shared by the patients with poor compliance with therapy while 34.27% and 13.08% YLD were incurred by the patients with moderate and good compliance with therapy respectively. Older patients shared more YLD than the younger patients and the disparity was statistically significant (ât'(152)=9.53, p < 0.01). More YLD was shared by the patients with long duration of the disease than the patients with short duration and this divergence was statistically significant (ât'(152)=8.71, p < 0.01). The study outcome will recommend for reduction of burden of DM by averting its major complications. Key Words: YLD, DM and Complications Â  doi:10.3329/jom.v10i3.2012 J Medicine 2009; 10 (Supplement 1): 22-26
ONZE Miner: the development of a browser-based research tool
Authors: Fromont Robert , Hay Jennifer
Published: February 2009

The Origins of New Zealand English project (ONZE) at the University of Canterbury houses a large audio corpus. Until a few years ago, this corpus was stored as a series of audio tapes and Microsoft Word documents. However, the corpus is now housed on a central server, and can be interacted with through the tailor-made software ‘ONZE Miner’. ONZE Miner is a digitally-interactive database that enables researchers to search across and interact with sound files. It houses time-aligned transcripts of the sound-files, which are tagged for phonological, grammatical and morphological information – all of which is searchable. The researcher can conduct acoustic analysis of sound files directly through the ONZE Miner interface. Search results can be exported into Excel, together with hypertext links to the relevant sound files. This paper describes the development and the architecture of the ONZE Miner software.
Performance of a Diaphragmed Microlens for a Packaged Microspectrometer
Authors: Lo Joe , Chen Shih-Jui , Fang Qiyin , Papaioannou Thanassis , Kim Eun-Sok , Gundersen Martin , Marcu Laura
Published: February 2009

This paper describes the design, fabrication, packaging and testing of a microlens integrated in a multi-layered MEMS microspectrometer. The microlens was fabricated using modified PDMS molding to form a suspended lens diaphragm. Gaussian beam propagation model was used to measure the focal length and quantify M2 value of the microlens. A tunable calibration source was set up to measure the response of the packaged device. Dual wavelength separation by the packaged device was demonstrated by CCD imaging and beam profiling of the spectroscopic output. We demonstrated specific techniques to measure critical parameters of microoptics systems for future optimization of spectroscopic devices
Quality of life in thalassemia major
Authors: Jafari H , Lahsaeizadeh S , Jafari P , Karimi M
Published: February 2009

Aims:

The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the eight-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire translated into Persian for use in Iranian patients with thalassemia major.

Materials and Methods:

Using a standard "forward-backward" translation procedure, the English language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian. Two hundred patients with thalassemia major following up at the Thalassemia Center, Dastgheib Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were enrolled in this study.

Statistical Analysis:

The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Spearman's correlation, respectively. Validity was assessed using convergent and discriminant validity.

Results:

The mean age of 200 subjects enrolled in the study was 19.81+/-4.07 years. Reliability analysis showed satisfactory results (Cronbach's a coefficient = 0.915). The factor analysis showed that all items were in the same groups as previous studies with the exception of role emotional and general health that had been substituted. Most of the patients were in lower range of normal for both mental and physical summary status.

Conclusions:

The study finding showed that the Persian version of SF-36 questionnaire has a good structural characteristic and is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of patients with thalassemia major.
Guided Cell Migration on Microtextured Substrates with Variable Local Density and Anisotropy
Authors: Kim Deok‐Ho , Seo Chang‐Ho , Han Karam , Kwon Keon Woo , Levchenko Andre , Suh Kahp‐Yang
Published: February 2009

This work reports the design of and experimentation with a topographically patterned cell culture substrate of variable local density and anisotropy as a facile and efficient platform to guide the organization and migration of cells in spatially desirable patterns. Using UV‐assisted capillary force lithography, an optically transparent microstructured layer of a UV curable poly(urethane acrylate) resin is fabricated and employed as a cell‐culture substrate after coating with fibronectin. With variable local pattern density and anisotropy present in a single cell‐culture substrate, the differential polarization of cell morphology and movement in a single experiment is quantitatively characterized. It is found that cell shape and velocity are exquisitely sensitive to variation in the local anisotropy of the two‐dimensional rectangular lattice arrays, with cell elongation and speed decreasing on symmetric lattice patterns. It is also found that cells could integrate orthogonal spatial cues when determining the direction of cell orientation and movement. Furthermore, cells preferentially migrate toward the topographically denser areas from sparser ones. Consistent with these results, it is demonstrated that systematic variation of local densities of rectangular lattice arrays enable a planar assembly of cells into a specified location. It is envisioned that lithographically defined substrates of variable local density and anisotropy not only provide a new route to tailoring the cell‐material interface but could serve as a template for advanced tissue engineering.
Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐bithiophene) (F8T2)
Authors: Levermore Peter A. , Jin Rui , Wang Xuhua , de Mello John C. , Bradley Donal D. C.
Published: February 2009

A study of the optical properties of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐bithiophene) (F8T2) is reported, identifying this polymer as one that possesses a desirable combination of charge transport and light emission properties. The optical and morphological properties of a series of polymer blends with F8T2 dispersed in poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) are described and almost pure‐green emission from light emitting diodes (LEDs) based thereon is demonstrated. High luminance green electroluminescence from LEDs using only a thin film of F8T2 for emission is also reported. The latter demonstration for a polymer previously primarily of interest for effective charge transport constitutes an important step in the development of emissive materials for applications where a union of efficient light emission and effective charge transport is required.
Luminescent Colloidal Dispersion of Silicon Quantum Dots from Microwave Plasma Synthesis: Exploring the Photoluminescence Behavior Across the Visible Spectrum
Authors: Gupta Anoop , Swihart Mark T. , Wiggers Hartmut
Published: February 2009

Aiming for a more practical route to highly stable visible photoluminescence (PL) from silicon, a novel approach to produce luminescent silicon nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) is developed. Single crystalline Si‐NPs are synthesized by pyrolysis of silane (SiH4) in a microwave plasma reactor at very high production rates (0.1–10 g h−1). The emission wavelength of the Si‐NPs is controlled by etching them in a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid. Emission across the entire visible spectrum is obtained by varying the etching time. It is observed that the air oxidation of the etched Si‐NPs profoundly affects their optical properties, and causes their emission to blue‐shift and diminish in intensity with time. Modification of the silicon surface by UV‐induced hydrosilylation also causes a shift in the spectrum. The nature of the shift (red/blue) is dependent on the emission wavelength of the etched Si‐NPs. In addition, the amount of shift depends on the type of organic ligand on the silicon surface and the UV exposure time. The surface modification of Si‐NPs with different alkenes results in highly stable PL and allows their dispersion in a variety of organic solvents. This method of producing macroscopic quantities of Si‐NPs with very high PL stability opens new avenues to applications of silicon quantum dots in optoelectronic and biological fields, and paves the way towards their commercialization.
A Broad Substrate‐Scope Method for Fast, Efficient and Selective Hydrogen Peroxide‐Epoxidation
Authors: Garcia‐Bosch Isaac , Ribas Xavi , Costas Miquel
Published: February 2009

magnified image

The efficient epoxidation of a broad range of olefins using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidant has been accomplished by a manganese catalyst that exhibits an uncommon chemoselectivity.
A twin concordance study of trichotillomania
Authors: Novak Carol E. , Keuthen Nancy J. , Stewart S. Evelyn , Pauls David L.
Published: February 2009

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder with putative genetic underpinnings. Family studies report higher than expected rates of TTM among relatives of affected individuals, but no twin concordance studies have been completed to estimate heritability rates. Same‐sex twin pairs with hair pulling in at least one co‐twin were included. Subjects were recruited following phone screens and questionnaire completion for zygosity and hair pulling variables. Three sets of criteria were used to define hair pulling and TTM. Two other sets of criteria were widened to include skin picking and bothersome hair manipulation. Fisher exact tests assessed pairwise concordance rates for monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs and heritability estimates were calculated where significant differences existed. Among 34 identified twin pairs, 24 were monozygotic (MZ) and 10 were dizygotic (DZ). Respective concordance rates for MZ and DZ twin pairs were significantly different at 38.1% and 0% for DSM‐IV TTM criteria, 39.1% and 0% using modified DSM criteria, and 58.3% and 20% for noticeable non‐cosmetic hair pulling (heritability estimates 76.2%). MZ and DZ concordance rates were not significantly different when broadening hair pulling criteria to include skin picking or when including bothersome hair manipulation. Concordance rates from this study suggest that genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology of TTM. Given the reported discordance rates among the MZ twins, further research is required to fully understand contributory non‐genetic factors. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variants of the serotonin transporter gene and NEO‐PI‐R Neuroticism: No association in the BLSA and SardiNIA samples
Authors: Terracciano Antonio , Balaci Lenuta , Thayer Jason , Scally Matthew , Kokinos Sarah , Ferrucci Luigi , Tanaka Toshiko , Zonderman Alan B. , Sanna Serena , Olla Nazario , Zuncheddu Maria Antonietta , Naitza Silvia , Busonero Fabio , Uda Manuela , Schlessinger David , Abecasis Gonçalo R. , Costa Paul T.
Published: February 2009

The polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) is by far the most studied variant hypothesized to influence Neuroticism‐related personality traits. The results of previous studies have been mixed and appear moderated by the personality questionnaire used. Studies that used the TCI to assess Harm Avoidance or the EPQ to assess Neuroticism have found no association with the 5‐HTTLPR. However, studies that used the NEO‐PI‐R or related instruments (NEO‐PI, NEO‐FFI) to measure Neuroticism have found some evidence of association. This study examines the association of variants in the serotonin transporter gene in a sample from a genetically isolated population within Sardinia (Italy) that is several times larger than previous samples that used the NEO‐PI‐R (N = 3,913). The association was also tested in a sample (N = 548) from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), in which repeated NEO‐PI‐R assessments were obtained. In the SardiNIA sample, we found no significant association of the 5‐HTTLPR genotypes with Neuroticism or its facets (Anxiety, Angry‐Hostility, Depression, Self‐Consciousness, Impulsiveness, and Vulnerability). In the BLSA sample, we found lower scores on Neuroticism traits for the heterozygous group, which is inconsistent with previous studies. We also examined eight SNPs in the SardiNIA (N = 3,972) and nine SNPs in the BLSA (N = 1,182) that map within or near the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), and found no association. Along with other large studies that used different phenotypic measures and found no association, this study substantially increases the evidence against a link between 5‐HTT variants and Neuroticism‐related traits. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing chimpanzee personality and subjective well‐being in Japan
Authors: Weiss Alexander , Inoue‐Murayama Miho , Hong Kyung‐Won , Inoue Eiji , Udono Toshifumi , Ochiai Tomomi , Matsuzawa Tetsuro , Hirata Satoshi , King James E.
Published: February 2009

We tested whether the cultural background of raters influenced ratings of chimpanzee personality. Our study involved comparing personality and subjective well‐being ratings of 146 chimpanzees in Japan that were housed in zoos, research institutes, and a retirement sanctuary to ratings of chimpanzees in US and Australian zoos. Personality ratings were made on a translated and expanded version of a questionnaire used to rate chimpanzees in the US and Australia. Subjective well‐being ratings were made on a translated version of a questionnaire used to rate chimpanzees in the US and Australia. The mean interrater reliabilities of the 43 original adjectives did not markedly differ between the present sample and the original sample of 100 zoo chimpanzees in the US. Interrater reliabilities of these samples were highly correlated, suggesting that their rank order was preserved. Comparison of the factor structures for the Japanese sample and for the original sample of chimpanzees in US zoos indicated that the overall structure was replicated and that the Dominance, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness domains clearly generalized. Consistent with earlier studies, older chimpanzees had higher Dominance and lower Extraversion and Openness scores. Correlations between the six domain scores and subjective well‐being were comparable to those for chimpanzees housed in the US and Australia. These findings suggest that chimpanzee personality ratings are not affected by the culture of the raters. Am. J. Primatol. 71:283–292, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthese von Azurin‐Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamid)‐Konjugaten durch zielgerichtete Mutagenese und deren temperaturabhängiges Verhalten im Elektronentransferprozess
Authors: Rosenberger Nadine , Studer Armido , Takatani Nobuyuki , Nakajima Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshihito
Published: February 2009

Azurin‐PNIPAM‐Konjugate wurden durch zielgerichtete Mutagenese und Proteinrekonstitution mit Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamiden), die Imidazol‐Endgruppen tragen, hergestellt. Das polymergebundene Imidazol bindet an das aktive Zentrum des Kupferproteins Azurin. Die Biokonjugate zeigen temperaturabhängiges Verhalten in Elektronentransferprozessen mit reduziertem Cyctochrom c.

magnified image
A Thermally and Hydrolytically Stable Microporous Framework Exhibiting Single‐Chain Magnetism: Structure and Properties of [Co2(H0.67bdt)3]⋅20 H2O
Authors: Ouellette Wayne , Prosvirin Andrey V. , Whitenack Kelly , Dunbar Kim R. , Zubieta Jon
Published: February 2009

Reichlich Stauraum: Ein hydrothermalchemischer Ansatz führte zu einem Material mit dreidimensionaler Netzwerkstruktur, das 48 % zugängliches Leervolumen enthält und bei 120 kPa Druck 1.5 Gew.‐% Wasserstoff aufnimmt (siehe Bild). Die Titelverbindung ist überdies ein Einzelkettenmagnet, dessen magnetische Eigenschaften sich bei Solvatisierung und Desolvatisierung reversibel verändern.

magnified image
Raumtemperaturwachstum von Siliciumoxid‐Nanofilmen: neue Chancen für die Plastikelektronik
Authors: Hoffmann Helmuth
Published: February 2009

Eine neue Generation von Plastiktransistoren aus leichten, flexiblen organischen Materialien erfordert neue Fabrikationsmethoden auf Basis lösungschemischer Prozesse bei niedrigen Temperaturen, kombiniert mit einer präzisen Kontrolle der Bauteilabmessungen im nm‐Bereich. Ultradünne SiO‐Filme als Gate‐Dielektrika in diesen Transistoren wurden durch einen schichtweisen Abscheidungs‐/Oxidationsprozess aus Filmen einer Polymervorstufe hergestellt.

magnified image
Incorporation of Tellurocysteine into Glutathione Transferase Generates High Glutathione Peroxidase Efficiency
Authors: Liu Xiaoman , Silks Louis A. , Liu Cuiping , Ollivault‐Shiflett Morgane , Huang Xin , Li Jing , Luo Guimin , Hou Ya‐Ming , Liu Junqiu , Shen Jiacong
Published: February 2009

Konkurrenz für die natürliche Peroxidase: Eine existierende Bindungsstelle für Glutathion wurde mithilfe eines auxotrophen Expressionssystems mit dem katalytischen Aminosäurerest Tellurocystein versehen, um ein modifiziertes, als Glutathionperoxidase wirkendes Enzym zu erhalten (siehe Bild). Die katalytische Aktivität des Telluroenzyms in der Reduktion von Hydroperoxiden durch Glutathion ist mit der Aktivität der nativen Glutathionperoxidase vergleichbar.

magnified image
Selectivity Control in Gold‐Mediated Esterification of Methanol
Authors: Xu Bingjun , Liu Xiaoying , Haubrich Jan , Madix Robert J. , Friend Cynthia M.
Published: February 2009

Mit Gold zum Erfolg: Atomarer Sauerstoff auf einem Goldsubstrat fördert die Umwandlung von Methanol in Methylformiat, Formaldehyd und Ameisensäure bei niedriger Temperatur (siehe Bild). Die Reaktionen laufen an O‐haltigen Au‐Nanopartikeln ab, die sich bei der Oxidation mit Ozon bei 200 K auf Au(111) bilden; die einfache Veresterung zu Methylformiat gelingt bereits deutlich unterhalb von Raumtemperatur.

magnified image
Rhodium(I)‐katalysierte enantioselektive C‐C‐Bindungsaktivierung
Authors: Winter Christian , Krause Norbert
Published: February 2009

Einen neuartigen Zugang zu hochsubstituierten Carbo‐ oder Heterocyclen eröffnet die Titelreaktion mit funktionalisierten Cyclobutanen. Besonders spannend ist die Differenzierung enantiotoper C‐C‐Bindungen, die zu hoch enantiomerenangereicherten Lactonen, Cyclopentanonen oder Cyclohexenonen führt (siehe Schema).

magnified image
Engineering Bisquinolinium/Thiazole Orange Conjugates for Fluorescent Sensing of G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Yang Peng , De Cian Anne , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Monchaud David
Published: February 2009

Erhellend: Eine für G‐Quadruplexe spezifische Fluoreszenzsonde kombiniert die Spezifität des Pyridodicarboxamid‐Motivs für Guanin‐Quadruplexe mit der Fluoreszenz von Thiazolorange. Die Verknüpfung beider Komponenten mit einer flexiblen Brücke führt zu einer nichtselektiven Sonde, doch der Einbau in ein starres Gerüst resultiert in einem Farbstoff, der sich zum Nachweis von G‐Quadruplexen eignet.

magnified image
Tuning the Supramolecular Chirality of Polyaniline by Methyl Substitution
Authors: Yan Yong , Deng Ke , Yu Zai , Wei Zhixiang
Published: February 2009

Drehsinn nach Wunsch: Die induzierte Helizität und die supramolekularen Strukturen von Polyanilinen konnten über die Methylsubstitution des Comonomers eingestellt werden. Copolymer‐Nanofasern aus Anilin und m‐Toluidin (PMANI) wiesen die umgekehrte Helizität wie reine Polyanilin‐Nanofasern (PANI) auf, während mit o‐Toluidin (POANI) die gleiche Helizität wie bei den PANI‐Fasern resultierte (siehe Bild).

magnified image
Selective CF Bond Activation of Tetrafluorobenzenes by Nickel(0) with a Nitrogen Donor Analogous to N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Doster Meghan E. , Johnson Samuel A.
Published: February 2009

NHC? Nein, nur N! Ein neutraler, basischer und stark σ‐donierender Stickstoffligand mit ähnlichen Eigenschaften wie N‐heterocyclische Carbene (NHCs) ermöglicht oxidative Additionen schwieriger Substrate an späte Übergangsmetalle. Bei Raumtemperatur wurde für Hexa‐, Penta‐ und alle drei Isomere von Tetrafluorbenzol mit einer Nickel(0)‐Quelle in Gegenwart dieses Liganden eine selektive C‐F‐Aktivierung beobachtet.

magnified image
The Proline‐Catalyzed Double Mannich Reaction of Acetaldehyde with N‐Boc Imines
Authors: Chandler Carley , Galzerano Patrizia , Michrowska Anna , List Benjamin
Published: February 2009

Doppelkreuz: Prolin katalysiert doppelte Mannich‐Reaktionen von Acetaldehyd mit N‐Boc‐Iminen, die ausgezeichnete Ausbeuten ergeben (bis 99 %; Boc=tert‐Butoxycarbonyl) und mit annähernd vollständigen Diastereo‐ und Enantioselektivitäten verlaufen. Je nach Wahl des Katalysators sind sowohl das chirale, pseudo‐C2‐symmetrische Diastereomer als auch die entsprechende meso‐Verbindung zugänglich. Gekreuzte doppelte Mannich‐Reaktionen von Acetaldehyd mit zwei unterschiedlichen Iminen werden ebenfalls präsentiert.

magnified image
Asymmetrische Ringschlussmetathese mit Pfiff
Authors: Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: February 2009

Doppelter Salto! Der gezeigte Katalysator mit Molybdän‐Stereozentrum und einzähnigen Liganden (Si=SitBuMe2) ermöglicht die asymmetrische Ringschlussmetathese einer breiten Substratpalette. Seine beispiellose Aktivität geht auf seine veränderliche Struktur zurück, die eine doppelte Inversion am Metallzentrum innerhalb eines Katalysezyklus zulässt. Der Katalysator wurde in einer Metathesereaktion auf dem Weg zu (+)‐Quebrachamin getestet.

magnified image
Azurin–Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Conjugates by Site‐Directed Mutagenesis and their Thermosensitive Behavior in Electron‐Transfer Processes
Authors: Rosenberger Nadine , Studer Armido , Takatani Nobuyuki , Nakajima Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshihito
Published: February 2009

Searching for “intelligence”: Azurin–PNIPAM conjugates were prepared by site‐directed mutagenesis followed by protein reconstitution by using imidazole‐conjugated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamides). The polymer‐bound imidazole acts as a ligand in the active site of the blue copper protein azurin. The bioconjugates showed thermosensitive behavior in electron‐transfer processes with reduced cytochrome c.

magnified image
Selectivity Control in Gold‐Mediated Esterification of Methanol
Authors: Xu Bingjun , Liu Xiaoying , Haubrich Jan , Madix Robert J. , Friend Cynthia M.
Published: February 2009

The Midas touch: The low‐temperature transformation of methanol to methyl formate, formaldehyde, and formic acid is promoted by atomic oxygen adsorbed on metallic gold (see picture). The reactions occur with O‐containing Au nanoparticles formed on Au(111) upon oxidation with ozone at 200 K; the facile esterification to methyl formate occurs well below room temperature.

magnified image
Engineering Bisquinolinium/Thiazole Orange Conjugates for Fluorescent Sensing of G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Yang Peng , De Cian Anne , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Monchaud David
Published: February 2009

Lighting up: A G‐quadruplex‐specific fluorescent probe was designed combining the specificity of the pyridodicarboxamide motif for guanine quadruplexes and the fluorescence properties of thiazole orange. While the assembly of the two partners through a flexible linker leads to a nonselective probe, merging them in a single, rigid scaffold leads to a dye that elicits the properties required for G‐quadruplex sensing.

magnified image