bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Factors Influencing Intentional Self-organophosphate Poisoning Among Persons of Age 15-30 Years in Kericho County, Kenya
Authors: Sigey Langat Kiprotich
Published: April 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence intentional self-poisoning among patients aged 15-30 years in Kericho County. The study's specific goals were to explore the influence of family factors, on intentional self-organophosphate poisoning.
Study Design: The study adopted cross-sectional study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Kericho County, health facilities for a period of 4 months.
Methodology: 100 respondents were included in the study (88 males and 12 females).
Sample size of 100 respondents was used which was estimated population of patients who might have been affected with poisoning during study period. Data was collected from respondents who were attended and recovered during the study period of four months.
Data Analysis: The collected quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Correlation and regression analysis were carried out to establish relationship between categorical variables. The analyzed data were presented in tables, charts and the corresponding thematic areas. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Result: The results indicated that family factors showed positive influenced on self-poisoning. had correlation of 13.319 where significance was set at p=0.0001 indicating a high likelihood of influencing one to self-poison.
 Conclusion: This study suggested counselors to have  a prediction model to classify patients at a higher risk of self-harm by use of poisons and to focus on individual preventive strategies. Patients in the high-risk group require referral for mental health assessment and counseling both individual and family to alleviate helplessness and hopelessness, healthy lifestyle like come together party, and restriction of access to poison .This will eventually reduce these cases of self-poisoning in our Counties and Country at large.
Domestic Credit Growth Analysis using ARIMA Technique: A Case Study of Kenya
Authors: Njenga John K.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is to technically analyze domestic credit growth in Kenya using the Box -Jenkin framework. Box -Jenkin technique uses ARIMA model, which is used to understand time series data and forecast future values of the observed data for a given period. The framework involves three iterative step to develop a model The first step involves model parameter identification. Unit root test show that domestic credit is stationary after the first difference. The ACF and PACF indicates cut off at lag zero in both cases. There are seasonal component in the ARIMA model. In the second step of model estimation, ARIMA(2,1,2)(1; 0; 0)12 is obtained as the best fit for the sample period under consideration. Model diagnostics test in the third step, proves that there ARIMA modeling assumptions are met. The estimated model is used to forecast credit growth for the next twelve monthly values in year 2024 upto December. The estimated model projects an increase trend in domestic credit growth for the year 2024, with the percentage growth rate ranging between 1.045 to 1.230 percent. The expected domestic credit value in December 2024 is yellow is highly likely to hit Kenya shilling 8.039 Trillions mark. Kenya government should put in place monetary policy that favors bank credit growth and competition in the banking sector.
Princípio democrático e participativo na gestão escolar
Authors: Skrsypcsak Daniel , Schmidt Camila Luiza
Published: April 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir como gestores e professores da rede pública estadual de Santa Catarina compreendem a gestão democrática e o processo de eleição para escolha dos gestores escolares. Além disso, pretende-se discutir o conceito de gestão democrática, reconhecendo a importância da gestão escolar e refletindo sobre sua evolução até chegarmos ao processo de eleição dos gestores, atualmente em vigor na rede. Acredita-se que esse processo é fundamental para o desenvolvimento e aprimoramento da educação. O estudo caracterizou-se como teórico-empírico de cunho qualitativo. Participaram do estudo dezesseis professores da rede pública do Estado, dos quais quatro são gestores. Como instrumento de coleta de dados, utilizou-se questionário contendo questões abertas para a compreensão do processo de escolha, em forma de eleição, para a função de gestor escolar. A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma qualitativa com o intuito de, a partir das respostas dos pesquisados, compreender o processo de forma clara, sempre relacionando a discussão com os autores que fundamentam nosso estudo. O artigo possibilita uma reflexão sobre os mecanismos que asseguram a gestão democrática, sobre como esse processo ainda necessita ser aprimorado e, principalmente, a percepção de que é um grande avanço na busca pela efetivação da democracia no espaço escolar.
Dossiê Meio Ambiente
Authors: Cardel Lídia Maria Pires Soares , Souza Amorim Maria Salete , Capinan Ubiraneila
Published: April 2024

Apresentação do Dossiê Meio Ambiente
Pressão arterial invasiva: o youtube é uma plataforma que compartilha informações confiáveis para enfermeiros?
Authors: Leite de Lima Maria Betina , Fernandes Baez Sart Elaine Cristina , De Lima Muriel Fernanda , Moura de Abreu Ingrid , Barbieri Aline , Soares de Souza Verusca
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: identificar a qualidade e confiabilidade das informações sobre a pressão arterial invasiva abordadas em vídeos do YouTube. Método: pesquisa descritiva e exploratória com vídeos do YouTube sobre pressão arterial invasiva, identificados em busca única no dia 23 de fevereiro de 2023. Os vídeos foram organizados em uma lista de reprodução e submetidos à análise utilizando a ferramenta Discern Questionnaire para a qualidade educacional do vídeo e a Journal of American Medical Association Benchmarks para a confiabilidade e qualidade da informação e realizada análise estatística descritiva simples. Resultados: elencou-se 62 vídeos publicados há dois anos, dos quais 93,55% apresentaram qualidade educacional dos vídeos ruim, 6,45% moderada, demonstrando 70,97% baixa confiabilidade das informações e 32,25% citaram informações incompatíveis com a ciência. Conclusão: os vídeos encontrados na plataforma do YouTube apresentaram lacunas relacionados ao conteúdo de pressão arterial invasiva demonstrando não ser uma fonte confiável de respaldo para aprendizado do enfermeiro.
Linum usitatissimum Hydroxynitrile Lyase Cross‐Linked Enzyme Aggregates: A Recyclable Enantioselective Catalyst
Authors: Cabirol Fabien L. , Tan Pei Loo , Tay Benson , Cheng Shiryn , Hanefeld Ulf , Sheldon Roger A.
Published: October 2008

An immobilized form of the hydroxynitrile lyase from Linum usitatissimum (LuHNL) as cross‐linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA) with high specific activity (303.5 U/g) and recovery (33%) was developed. Molecular imprinting using 2‐butanone as additive in the immobilization process improved the synthetic activity of the biocatalyst. LuCLEA could be partially recycled for the synthesis of (R)‐2‐butanone cyanohydrin on a preparative scale over two batches. The enantioenriched cyanohydrin obtained was further hydrolyzed to give (R)‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐methylbutyric acid in 85% yield (from 2‐butanone) and 87% ee.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Rutamarin
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Nan , Zhang Shi‐Lei , Ma Lei , Zhang Yu , Shen Xu , Wang Wei , Hu Li‐Hong
Published: October 2008

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (+)‐rutamarin (1) is described. The synthetic route features the highly enantioselective construction of the stereogenic center via the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (99% ee), the facile assembly of quaternary carbon‐centered 3‐substituted side chain and high synthetic efficiency from readily available starting materials. Furthermore, the synthetic strategy could be readily adopted for the synthesis of (+)‐rutamarin analogues.
Rate Acceleration of Triethylamine‐Mediated Guanidine‐ Catalyzed Enantioselective Michael Reaction
Authors: Jiang Zhiyong , Ye Weiping , Yang Yuanyong , Tan Choon‐Hong
Published: October 2008

A chiral bicyclic guanidine was found to be an excellent catalyst for enantioselective Michael reactions. It was observed that additives such as non‐chiral amines could accelerate the rate of reaction. When triethylamine (Et3N) was as used as the solvent, the reaction rate can be increased up to 1000 times without compromising the enantioselectivity. Michael acceptors such as 2‐cyclopenten‐1‐one 2 and N‐alkylmaleimides were investigated, with various commercially available Michael donors such as dialkyl malonates and benzoylactetates. Michael adducts were obtained in excellent enantiomeric excesses (up to 96%) and yields (up to 99%).
A Novel Bifunctional Sulfonamide Primary Amine‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Ketones to Nitroolefins
Authors: Xue Fei , Zhang Shilei , Duan Wenhu , Wang Wei
Published: October 2008

The enantioselective conjugate addition of a variety of ketones to nitroolefins has been developed. The process is efficiently catalyzed by a novel bifunctional sulfonamide primary amine in good yields and with good levels of enantioselectivity.
Kapur–Toriello syndrome: Further delineation
Authors: Yokoyama Emiy , Martínez Angélica , González‐del Angel Ariadna
Published: October 2008

We report on a Mexican patient with mental retardation, cleft lip and palate, and facial anomalies characteristic of Kapur–Toriello syndrome described in 1991 by Kapur and Toriello in two sibs. The condition was considered a previously undescribed autosomal recessive disorder and only one patient has been reported since that time. The clinical manifestations observed in our patient confirm some characteristics as part of the entity. In view of rarity, it is necessary to describe additional cases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robinow syndrome: Phenotypic variability in a family with a novel intragenic ROR2 mutation
Authors: Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola , del Gaudio Daniela , Peters Hartmut , Justino Henri , Ott Claus‐Eric , Mundlos Stefan , Bacino Carlos A.
Published: October 2008

Robinow syndrome comprises dysmorphic facial features, short stature, brachymesomelia, segmental spine defects, and genital hypoplasia. The range of severity in this disorder is broad. We report on the clinical and molecular findings of two sib pairs from the same extended family with Robinow syndrome due to a novel intragenic ROR2 deletion involving exons 6 and 7 that could not be detected by sequencing. The affected individuals exhibited variability with respect to the cleft lip, cleft palate, and cardiac findings and for the presence in one of the patients of syringomyelia, which has not been previously reported in Robinow syndrome. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A PCR‐based marker to simply identify Saimiri sciureus and S. boliviensis boliviensis
Authors: Osterholz Martin , Vermeer Jan , Walter Lutz , Roos Christian
Published: October 2008

Squirrel monkeys, mainly Saimiri sciureus and S. boliviensis, are common in zoos and widely used in biomedical research. However, an exact species identification based on morphological characteristics is difficult. Hence, several molecular methods were proposed, but all of them are expensive and require extensive laboratory work. In contrast, we describe an Alu integration, which is present in S. boliviensis boliviensis and absent in S. sciureus. Among analyzed S. b. peruviensis specimens various presence/absence patterns of the integration were detected indicating that this study population might have originated from a natural hybrid zone. Based on the size of the Alu element (∼300 bp), the presence/absence pattern of the integration can easily be traced by PCR and followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1177–1180, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nomination time: CPR's 2008 law firm award
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: October 2008

The competition opens for CPR's second Law Firm Award for Excellence in ADR, with entries due this month. Also, details on next month's meeting in Houston; the CPR National Task Force on Diversity in ADR; the keynoter for January's 30th Anniversary CPR Annual Meeting, and much more.
Strategies for achieving an arbitration advantage require early analysis, pre‐hearing strategies, and awards scrutiny
Authors: Casey Kevin R. , Parker Marissa
Published: October 2008

Setting a framework for resolving a dispute in arbitration is essential to make the process work. Kevin R. Casey and Marissa Parker, of Philadelphia, take a hard look at arbitration practice, and provide tips for your ADR game plan and for advising your client on getting to a successful resolution.
California's top court: This isn't Hall Street, so judicial review is OK
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: October 2008

The California Supreme Court decided that in certain circumstances, allowing parties to contract for heightened judicial review of their arbitration awards is just fine, carving an exception to the general Hall Street Associates rule the U.S. Supreme Court established in March. And more.
Do children with autism spectrum disorders show a shape bias in word learning?
Authors: Tek Saime , Jaffery Gul , Fein Deborah , Naigles Letitia R.
Published: October 2008

Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) acquire a sizeable lexicon. However, these children also seem to understand and/or store the meanings of words differently from typically developing children. One of the mechanisms that helps typically developing children learn novel words is the shape bias, in which the referent of a noun is mapped onto the shape of an object, rather than onto its color, texture, or size. We hypothesized that children with autistic disorder would show reduced or absent shape bias. Using the intermodal preferential looking paradigm , we compared the performance of young children with ASD and typically developing children (TYP), across four time points, in their use of shape bias. Neither group showed a shape bias at Visit 1, when half of the children in both groups produced fewer than 50 count nouns. Only the TYP group showed a shape bias at Visits 2, 3, and 4. According to the growth curve analyses, the rate of increase in the shape bias scores over time was significant for the TYP children. The fact that the TYP group showed a shape bias at 24 months of age, whereas children with ASD did not demonstrate a shape bias despite a sizeable vocabulary, supports a dissociation between vocabulary size and principles governing acquisition in ASD children from early in language development.
Production, partial purification and characterization of feruloyl esterase by Aspergillus awamori in submerged fermentation
Authors: Fazary Ahmed Eid , Ju Yi‐Hsu
Published: October 2008

Microbial feruloyl esterases acting on plant cell wall polymers represent key tools for the degradation of plant cell wall. In this paper, we describe in detail the microbial production, partial purification and characterization of feruloyl esterase from a culture medium of Aspergillus awamori strain IFO4033 obtained from a crude hemicellulose preparation of wheat straw, corncobs and wheat germ. Feruloyl esterase was extracted using centrifugation and dialysis, and then purified by ion exchange chromatography and microfiltration to homogeneity, which was checked by SDSPAGE and isoelectric focusing‐PAGE. Protein content and activity of the enzyme were measured in each step of extraction and purification. Biomass was determined by the dry weight method. pH and temperature optima of feruloyl esterase enzyme were also determined. The effects of culturing time, and carbon and nitrogen sources on enzyme production were systematically investigated. Finally, enzyme activities under different storage conditions were examined.
Gene delivery into hepatocytes with the preS/liposome/DNA system
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Yuan Zhenghong , Jin Li
Published: October 2008

Gene delivery into human hepatocytes remains a critical issue for the development of liver‐directed gene therapy. Gene delivery based on non‐viral vectors is an attractive approach relative to viral vectors. In this report, novel delivery system of preS/liposome/DNA virus‐like particle (VLP) was developed for gene transfection into hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro. Plasmid pCMVβ, expressing β‐galactosidase, was encapsulated with cationic liposome, and then the histidine‐tagged preS domain of hepatitis B virus was coated on the surface of liposome/DNA to form preS/liposome/ DNA VLP. Transfection efficiencies of preS/liposome/DNA, liposome/DNA, naked DNA and preS were analyzed using several different human cell lines. The highest transfection efficiency was found using preS/liposome/DNA VLP as the transfection reagent in human hepatocyte (HH) cell line. Results show that preS domain of hepatitis B virus coated on liposome/DNA can be used for highly efficient gene transfection into human hepatocytes. Moreover, the target characteristic of preS/liposome/DNA was analyzed in vivo. After preS/liposome/DNA VLP was injected into immunocompromised (Nude) mice via the tail vein, most of β‐galactosidase was expressed in the liver; however, no significant target expression was found with the injection of liposome/ DNA or naked DNA. Our results show that preS/liposome/DNA VLP can be used as a novel liver‐specific gene delivery system.
A guide to the integrated application of on‐line data mining tools for the inference of gene functions at the systems level
Authors: Meier Stuart , Gehring Chris
Published: October 2008

Genes function in networks to achieve a common biological response. Thus, inferences into the biological role of individual genes can be gained by analyzing their association with other genes with more precisely defined functions. Here, we present a guide, using the well‐characterized Arabidopsis thaliana pathogenesis‐related protein 2 gene (PR‐2) as an example, to document how the sequential use of web‐based tools can be applied to integrate information from different databases and associate the function of an individual gene with a network of genes and additionally identify specific biological processes in which they collectively function. The analysis begins by performing a global expression correlation analysis to build a functionally associated gene network. The network is subsequently analyzed for Gene Ontology enrichment, stimuli and mutant‐specific transcriptional responses and enriched putative promoter regulatory elements that may be responsible for their correlated relationships. The results for the PR‐2 gene are entirely consistent with the published literature documenting the accuracy of this type of analysis. Furthermore, this type of analysis can also be performed on other organisms with the appropriate data available and will greatly assist in understanding individual gene functions in a systems context.
Reconstitution and Anchoring of Cytoskeleton inside Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
Authors: Merkle Dennis , Kahya Nicoletta , Schwille Petra
Published: October 2008

Among the requirements for all life forms is the ability to self‐replicate. In eukaryotic cellular systems, this division is achieved through cytokinesis, and is facilitated by the (re)arrangement and interaction of cytoskeletal proteins with lipids and other proteins localized to the plasma membrane. A fascinating challenge of modern synthetic biology is the bottom‐up reconstitution of such processes for the generation of an artificial cell. One crucial step towards this goal is the functional reconstitution of the protein‐anchoring machinery to facilitate cytokinesis into lipid vesicles. True to the ideal of a minimal cell‐like system, we here describe the formation of an actin‐based cytoskeleton within giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) made from porcine brain lipid extracts. We demonstrate that the actin filaments are localised and anchored to the interior walls of the GUVs through the spectrin/ankyrin proteins, and produce tightly packed actin bundles. These studies allow for the examination of cytoskeletal rearrangements within a cell‐like model membrane system and represent important first steps in reconstituting the minimal machinery required for the division of an artificial cell. In addition, the study of such minimal systems can shed light on protein functions that are commonly unobservable or hidden within the overwhelming complexity of cells.
Facile High‐Yield Synthesis of Polyaniline Nanosticks with Intrinsic Stability and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Li Ang , Huang Mei‐Rong
Published: October 2008

Chemical oxidative polymerization at 15 °C was used for the simple and productive synthesis of polyaniline (PAN) nanosticks. The effect of polymerization media on the yield, size, stability, and electrical conductivity of the PAN nanosticks was studied by changing the concentration and nature of the acid medium and oxidant and by introducing organic solvent. Molecular and supramolecular structure, size, and size distribution of the PAN nanosticks were characterized by UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, laser particle‐size analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Introduction of organic solvent is advantageous for enhancing the yield of PAN nanosticks but disadvantageous for formation of PAN nanosticks with small size and high conductivity. The concentration and nature of the acid medium have a major influence on the polymerization yield and conductivity of the nanosized PAN. The average diameter and length of PAN nanosticks produced with 2 M HNO3 and 0.5 M H2SO4 as acid media are about 40 and 300 nm, respectively. The PAN nanosticks obtained in an optimal medium (i.e., 2 M HNO3) exhibit the highest conductivity of 2.23 S cm−1 and the highest yield of 80.7 %. A mechanism of formation of nanosticks instead of nanoparticles is proposed. Nanocomposite films of the PAN nanosticks with poly(vinyl alcohol) show a low percolation threshold of 0.2 wt %, at which the film retains almost the same transparency and strength as pure poly(vinyl alcohol) but 262 000 times the conductivity of pure poly(vinyl alcohol) film. The present synthesis of PAN nanosticks requires no external stabilizer and provides a facile and direct route for fabrication of PAN nanosticks with high yield, controllable size, intrinsic self‐stability, strong redispersibility, high purity, and optimizable conductivity.
One‐Pot Catalytic Enantioselective Domino Nitro‐Michael/Michael Synthesis of Cyclopentanes with Four Stereocenters
Authors: Zhao Gui‐Ling , Ibrahem Ismail , Dziedzic Pawel , Sun Junliang , Bonneau Charlotte , Córdova Armando
Published: October 2008

A highly enantioselective organocatalytic one‐pot synthesis of nitro‐, formyl‐, and ester‐functionalized cyclopentanes with four stereocenters is presented. The cyclopentanes were formed as a predominant diasteroisomer and isolated in high yields with 97–99 % ee.
Synthesis of Diaminopimelic Acid Containing Peptidoglycan Fragments and Tracheal Cytotoxin (TCT) and Investigation of Their Biological Functions
Authors: Kawasaki Akiko , Karasudani Yukie , Otsuka Yuji , Hasegawa Mizuho , Inohara Naohiro , Fujimoto Yukari , Fukase Koichi
Published: October 2008

Bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (PGN) is a potent immunostimulator and immune adjuvant. The PGN of Gram‐negative bacteria and some Gram‐positive bacteria contain meso‐diaminopimelic acid (meso‐DAP), and we have recently shown that the intracellular protein Nod1 is a PGN receptor and recognizes DAP‐containing peptides. In this study, we achieved the synthesis of DAP‐containing PGN fragments, including the first chemical synthesis of tracheal cytotoxin (TCT), GlcNAc‐(β1–4)‐(anhydro)MurNAc‐L‐Ala‐γ‐D‐Glu‐meso‐DAP‐D‐Ala, and a repeating‐unit of DAP‐type PGN, GlcNAc‐(β1–4)‐MurNAc‐L‐Ala‐γ‐D‐Glu‐meso‐DAP‐D‐Ala. For the synthesis of PGN fragments, we first established a new synthetic method for an orthogonally protected meso‐DAP derivative, and then we constructed the glycopeptide structures. The ability of these fragments to stimulate human Nod1, as well as differences in Nod1 recognition of the variety of synthesized ligand structures were examined. The results showed that the substitution of the N terminus of iE‐DAP is necessary for stronger Nod1 recognition, but the structure of the substituent seems not to be strictly recognized. The importance of the carboxyl group at the 2‐position of DAP for human Nod1 stimulation was also shown.
Use of Raman spectroscopy as an In Situ Tool to Obtain Kinetic Data for Organic Transformations
Authors: Schmink Jason R. , Holcomb Jennifer L. , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: October 2008

Raman spectroscopy has been used as an in situ tool to obtain kinetic data for an organic transformation. The model reaction studied was the synthesis of 3‐acetylcoumarin from the condensation between salicylaldehyde and ethyl acetoacetate with piperidine as a catalyst. The study shows that precise kinetic data can be obtained quickly and reproducibly, allowing for the facile determination of both overall reaction order and reaction order with respect to each component of the reaction. Additionally, Arrhenius parameters such as activation energy for a reaction can be readily obtained. In conjunction with computational modeling, this data‐rich analysis technique also allows for in‐depth probing of mechanistic aspects of reactions. Microwave heating proves to be an ideal tool for aiding in kinetic studies. It offers reproducible noncontact heating as well as precise temperature monitoring and data recording.
Intramolecular 1,8‐Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer Reactions in (1→4)‐O‐Disaccharide Systems: Conformational and Stereochemical Requirements
Authors: Francisco Cosme G. , Herrera Antonio J. , Kennedy Alan R. , Martín Angeles , Melián Daniel , Pérez‐Martín Inés , Quintanal Luis M. , Suárez Ernesto
Published: October 2008

The stereochemical and conformational factors controlling the intramolecular hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) reaction between the two pyranose units in a (1→4)‐O‐disaccharide when promoted by a primary 6‐O‐yl radical are studied. Models with α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐Glcp, α‐L‐Rhamp‐(1→4)‐α‐D‐Galp or α‐D‐Manp‐(1→4)‐β‐L‐Gulp skeletons led exclusively to the abstraction of the hydrogen from HC‐5′ and the formation, through a nine‐membered transition state, of a 1,3,5‐trioxocane ring system in a stable boat–chair conformation. Notwithstanding, derivatives of α‐L‐Rhamp‐(1→4)‐α‐D‐Glcp or α‐D‐Manp‐(1→4)‐α‐D‐Galp exclusively abstract the hydrogen from HC‐1′ through a seven‐membered transition state and, therefore, lead to an interglycosidic spiro ortho ester.
A Novel Electrosynthetic System for Anodic Substitution Reactions by Using Parallel Laminar Flow in a Microflow Reactor
Authors: Horii Daisuke , Amemiya Fumihiro , Fuchigami Toshio , Atobe Mahito
Published: October 2008

We have developed a novel electrosynthetic system for anodic substitution reactions by using parallel laminar flow in a microflow reactor. This system enables nucleophilic reactions to overcome the restraint, such as the oxidation potential of nucleophiles and the stability of cationic intermediates, by the combined use of ionic liquids as reaction media and the parallel laminar flow in the microflow reactor. By using this novel electrosynthetic system, the anodic substitution reaction of carbamates, especially of cyclic carbamates, with allyltrimethylsilane were carried out to provide the corresponding products in moderate to good conversion yields in a single flow‐through operation at ambient temperature (without the need for low‐temperature conditions).
New adaptive chiral thiophene ligands for copper‐catalyzed asymmetric Henry reaction
Authors: Bandini Marco , Cabiddu Salvatore , Cadoni Enzo , Olivelli Pasquale , Sinisi Riccardo , Umani‐Ronchi Achille , Usai Michele
Published: October 2008

A new type of adaptive chiral thiophene‐based ligands 3 has been designed and developed. The synthetic flexibility of the thienyl ring allowed for the preparation of polydendate C2‐symmetric ligands in good yields, carrying simultaneously “hard” as well as “soft” coordinating atoms (i.e., N, S). The coordination attitude of 3 was then tested in the enantioselective base‐free Cu(OAc)2‐catalyzed addition of nitromethane to aromatic aldehydes, leading to the corresponding β‐nitro alcohols in excellent yields and enantiomeric excesses up to 86%. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Picosecond Structural Relaxation of Abietic Acid Based Amine End Capped Para‐Phenylenevinylene Trimers in Solution
Authors: Di Paolo Roberto E. , Gigante Barbara , Esteves Maria A. , Pires Natércia , Santos Célia , Lameiro Maria H. , Seixas de Melo João , Burrows Hugh D. , Maçanita António L.
Published: October 2008

The synthesis and photophysical properties of six new abietic acid based amine end‐capped p‐phenylenevinylene trimers (AECPV3) in their lowest excited singlet states are presented. The AECPV3 compounds show a large red‐shift of both the absorption (25–30 nm) and emission (37–42 nm) maxima with respect to those of the corresponding trimers. Picosecond time‐resolved fluorescence data reveal the presence of a fast conformational relaxation process (40–62 ps) of the initially excited compounds, leading to more planar conformers. The conformational relaxation time is proportional to the volume of both the side chain and the amine groups.
Structural Characteristics of Hydrogenated Carbon and Boron Nitride Nanotubes: Impact of HH Interactions
Authors: Tanskanen Jukka T. , Linnolahti Mikko , Karttunen Antti J. , Pakkanen Tapani A.
Published: October 2008

The structural characteristics of perhydrogenated carbon and boron nitride nanotubes are determined by means of quantum chemical calculations. Two families of nanotubes are systematically studied for both carbon and boron nitride, the nanotubes being derived from the perhydrogenated (110) and (111) sheets of diamond and cubic boron nitride. Single‐walled perhydrogenated carbon nanotubes prefer structures analogous to the (111) sheet. In clear contrast, the single‐walled perhydrogenated boron nitride nanotubes prefer structures analogous to the (110) sheet. The significantly different structural characteristics are due to the polarization of hydrogen atoms in the perhydrogenated boron nitride nanotubes. The presence of attractive electrostatic HH interactions leads to a strong preference for multilayering of the boron nitride sheets and nanotubes. The results are expected to provide new insights into the structural characteristics of main‐group binary hydrides.
Epidemic thresholds for infections in uncertain networks
Authors: Zager L. , Verghese G.
Published: October 2008

Over the last 10 years, the field of mathematical epidemiology has piqued the interest of complex‐systems researchers, resulting in a tremendous volume of work exploring the effects of population structure on disease propagation. Much of this research focuses on computing epidemic threshold tests, and in practice several different tests are often used interchangeably. We summarize recent literature that attempts to clarify the relationships among different threshold criteria, systematize the incorporation of population structure into a general infection framework, and discuss conditions under which interaction topology and infection characteristics can be decoupled in the computation of the basic reproductive ratio,R0. We then present methods for making predictions about disease spread when only partial information about the routes of transmission is available. These methods include approximation techniques and bounds obtained via spectral graph theory, and are applied to several data sets. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
Animal network phenomena: Insights from triadic games
Authors: Mesterton‐Gibbons Mike , Sherratt Tom N.
Published: October 2008

Triadic interactions have a very important role to play in games of animal conflict on complex networks, because triads are both the simplest groups in which asymmetric network phenomena can be studied and the groups beyond dyads in which analysis of population games is most likely to be tractable, especially when allowing for intrinsic variation. Here we demonstrate how analytical models of triadic games can yield novel insights into a variety of behavioral phenomena within networks, including coalition formation, eavesdropping, and victory displays. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
Overexpression of CD49f in precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Potential usefulness in minimal residual disease detection
Authors: DiGiuseppe Joseph A. , Fuller Sheila G. , Borowitz Michael J.
Published: October 2008

Background:

The persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) following therapy is an established prognostic factor in precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pB‐ALL). Detection of MRD in pB‐ALL by flow cytometric immunophenotyping requires demonstration of abnormal antigen expression in leukemic B‐cell precursors relative to that of normal B‐cell precursors. The gene encoding CD49f (integrin α‐6) is one of several whose overexpression in pB‐ALL at diagnosis has been associated with the subsequent detection of MRD. However, whether CD49f might be a useful reagent in the immunophenotypic detection of MRD in pB‐ALL has not been evaluated.

Methods:

We evaluated CD49f expression by 4‐color flow cytometry in normal B‐cell precursors, and in a series of cases of pB‐ALL, both at diagnosis and at intervals following the initiation of therapy.

Results:

In 10 control marrow samples, CD49f was undetectable or extremely dim in all but a minor subset of normal CD19+ B‐lineage cells, whereas in 11 of 15 cases (73%) of pB‐ALL, CD49f was moderate or bright at diagnosis, and persisted or became brighter after initiation of therapy. MRD detected using CD49f corresponded precisely with that obtained using a standard panel of antibodies, and permitted the detection of leukemic populations comprising as little as 0.02% of cells. Of the four pB‐ALL cases in which CD49f was undetectable or dim at diagnosis, MRD was detected in two; in one of these, CD49f expression was substantially increased in the leukemic cells that persisted following initiation of therapy.

Conclusions:

CD49f is commonly overexpressed in p‐B‐ALL, and represents a potentially useful marker for the immunophenotypic detection of MRD. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society

How to cite this article: DiGiuseppe JA, Fuller SG, Borowitz MJ. Overexpression of CD49f in precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: potential usefulness in minimal residual disease detection. Cytometry Part B 2008.
Is preoperative cytologic diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma possible?
Authors: Lemos Maria Manuel , Chaves Paula , Mendonça M. Evelina
Published: October 2008

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the soft tissues with a predilection for distal extremities of young adults. A “proximal” variant was recently described.

The preoperative fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) differential diagnosis with necrotizing granuloma, carcinoma, melanoma, and other neoplasms with epithelioid morphology can be difficult and few cases have been described in the literature.

The authors present the preoperative FNAC findings of 10 aspirates of ES, corresponding to seven patients (four men and three women, ages 13–72 years). The cytologic features were compared with histologic features as well as with the FNA patterns of other neoplasms with epithelioid morphology that may be included in the differential diagnosis.

Cytologic smears showed tumor cells with an epithelioid to spindle cell morphology, dispersed and in loose clusters in close relation with a fibrillar hyaline material. The cells showed moderate anisocariosis, a vast well‐defined, often dense cytoplasm with immunoexpression of vimentin, cytokeratin, and CD 34.

When the FNA cytologic features described above are accompanied by the adequate clinical setting and are supported by immunocytochemistry, an accurate preoperative cytologic diagnosis of ES is possible. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:780–786. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytologic features of mixed papillary carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma of the thyroid gland
Authors: Reid‐Nicholson Michelle , Moreira Andre , Ramalingam Preetha
Published: October 2008

We report a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma of the thyroid gland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported in the cytology literature. An 81‐year‐old male with known CLL presented for routine physical examination and was found to have a left‐sided thyroid nodule. Thyroid ultrasound showed a calcified nodule. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed and revealed PTC and an atypical lymphoid infiltrate that was suspicious for lymphoma. A partial thyroidectomy was performed and confirmed PTC with concurrent gland involvement by chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:813–817. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraoperative cytologic evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast carcinoma by scrape preparation
Authors: Feng Jining , Bernacki Edward G.
Published: October 2008

Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with breast carcinoma allows surgeons to complete axillary lymph node dissection in one procedure if any SLN shows metastasis. The accuracy of intraoperative pathological diagnosis is critical for decision‐making. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our rapid intraoperative cytologic diagnosis of SLN through comparing with the final surgical pathologic diagnosis of the corresponding lymph nodes. A total of 454 SLNs from 159 consecutive female patients with a preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma over 3‐year period were included in this study. After gross examination of each bisected lymph node, a scrape preparation was prepared for each submitted lymph node and was stained by the rapid Papanicolaou method. The intraoperative cytologic diagnosis was compared with the final surgical pathologic diagnoses. The overall sensitivity of intraoperative cytology was 52.5% with specificity of 100%. There were 17 false‐negative cases. Of them, six nodes had isolated tumor cells, seven nodes had micrometastasis (0.2–2 mm), and four nodes had macrometastasis (>2 mm). There were no interpretive errors identified. The size of metastasis and tumor grade appeared to be significant factors in detecting metastasis by cytology. In addition, subsequent non‐SLN involvement was 9% in patients with micrometastasis versus 50% in patients with macrometastasis (P < 0.05). Our study shows that the intraoperative cytologic evaluation of SLNs in breast carcinoma is a reasonably accurate method. The majority of false‐negative cases were due to micrometastasis and isolated tumor cells. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:790–793. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the thyroid: A comparison of technique with respect to diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Schoedel Karen E. , Tublin Mitchell E. , Pealer Karen , Ohori N. Paul
Published: October 2008

Ultrasound‐guided sampling of the thyroid represents a standard diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. The two techniques typically used are fine‐needle aspiration and fine‐needle capillary biopsy. Each has been used with success in various body sites. Recently, a comparison of these two techniques showed no significant difference with regard to specimen adequacy. In this study, the type of technique was correlated with diagnostic accuracy. For each technique, the preoperative cytology diagnosis was compared with the surgical pathology diagnosis in 46 resected thyroid nodules. No false‐positive diagnoses were identified. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy was found on comparison of the two techniques. Therefore, either technique may be used according to the operator's preference. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:787–789. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pap smear findings in chronic renal failure patients compared with the normal population according to Bethesda 2001
Authors: Haberal Asuman Nihan , Bilezikçi Banu , Özen Özlem , Yalçınkaya Cem , Arat Zübeyde , Kuşçu Esra , Demirhan Beyhan
Published: October 2008

Dialysis remains the most common treatment for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Although the increased risk of cancer after renal transplant is well documented, there is less certainty about the risk of cancer in patients treated only with dialysis.

From 1997 to 2002, 262 ESRD patients received a Pap test at Başkent University. The smears of 149 patients who had ESRD for more than 9 months were compared with the smears of 150 otherwise healthy patients. All of the Pap smears were re‐examined according to Bethesda 2001 criteria.

The mean age of the patients was 42.88 years. Regarding micro‐organisms, no statistically significant difference between the groups were observed. In 36 Pap smears, a shift in flora suggestive of bacterial vaginosis was detected. There were statistically significant differences between the groups. When age was considered as a marker of atrophy, atrophy in patients younger than 50 years was statistically different between the groups. Also, we determined that the shift in flora suggestive of bacterial vaginosis and atrophy in patients aged younger than 50 years did not depend on the length of hemodialysis. Of 13 patients (4.3%) who had epithelial cell abnormalities there were not statistically significant differences between the groups.

In conclusion, according to our study, CRF seems not to be a predictive factor for cervical cancer. Shift in flora suggestive of bacterial vaginosis and atrophy in patients aged younger than 50 years might be the natural effects of uremia, and they appear not to be dependent on the length of the hemodialysis period. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:776–779. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nodular fasciitis in the submandibular gland
Authors: Jang Eun Jeong , Park Tae In , Nam Sang Chul , Park Ji Young
Published: October 2008

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign, proliferative lesion of myofibroblasts. The most common site of the lesion is in the upper extremities or trunk. NF in the head and neck is next in frequency and is the most common site in infants and children. In adults, NF in the submandibular region is very rare. We report a case of a 53‐year‐old man with a submandibular mass, rapidly growing for 10 days. Cytologic findings revealed a few sheets or clusters of small, uniform spindle cells. The uniform spindle cells had centrally located round to ovoid nucleus, but there were no nuclear atypia and atypical mitosis. There were focally loose stroma but we could not find chondroid or myxoid components. A partial parotidectomy was performed. We describe a case of NF in the submandibular region, adjacent to the parotid gland and review the clinical, cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of NF. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:805–808. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy: A historical overview
Authors: Rosa Marilin
Published: October 2008

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Its increase in popularity in the present days has made it a technique used on daily basis in the majority of medical centers in United States and around the world. However, the situation was not always like this. In its beginnings the procedure suffered from all kinds of criticism and attacks. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview about the development of this technique from its birth to our days. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:773–775. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metastatic malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix: First diagnosed on liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Üzüm Nüket , Köse Faruk , Ataoğlu Ömür
Published: October 2008

Malignant melanomas of the female genital tract are uncommon lesions. The first case of vulvar melanomas with a subsequent malignant melanoma of the cervix diagnosed based on liquid‐based cytology without evidence of gross pathology is described. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:769–772. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of immunocytochemical detection of tumor markers (XIAP, phosphohistone H1 and p63) in FNA cellblock samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu M. , Kafanas A. , Gan L. , Kohtz D. S. , Zhang L. , Genden E. , Burstein D. E.
Published: October 2008

One of the major handicaps in contemporary clinical oncology is the inability to predict the responsiveness of any individual's malignancy to specific therapies. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of immunocytochemically detecting markers that may be affected by therapy or are predictive of therapeutic responsiveness, including phosphohistone H1 (anti‐p‐H1 MoAb 12D11) and X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) in small samples obtained via fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy procedure, thus improving therapeutic monitoring. p63, a squamous stem cell regulatory protein, was also examined. These three markers were studied in FNA cell block samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Twenty‐eight alcohol‐fixed formalin‐postfixed paraffin‐embedded cell‐block samples from FNAs of patients with HNSCC were subjected to antigen retrieval and then incubated with anti‐XIAP, anti‐p‐H1, and anti‐p63, and developed using EnVision‐Plus reagents and diaminobenzidine as chromagen; Granular or heterogeneous cytoplasmic staining for XIAP and nuclear staining for p63 and p‐H1 were considered positive. Among the 28 cases studied, the overall positive rates for XIAP, p‐H1, and p63 were 60.7%, 96.4%, and 92.8%, respectively. The staining intensity for XIAP: + 70.6%, ++ 23.5%, +++ 0%, and ++++ 5.9%; for p‐H1: + 48.1%, ++ 11.1%, +++37.0%, and ++++ 3.7%; and for p63: + 11.5%, ++ 23.1%, +++ 53.9%, and ++++ 11.5%. The expression of p‐H1 and p63 appeared to be higher and stronger than that of XIAP in HNSCC. This study demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring expression of three tumor markers using FNA samples. p‐H1 and XIAP may be useful for monitoring actions of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors, XIAP‐lowering, and/or apoptosis‐inducing drugs, respectively. Future studies will focus on the impact of therapies upon these staining profiles. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:797–800. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crush preparations of meningiomas: Can grading be accomplished?
Authors: Ali Sarfraz , Nassar Aziza , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: October 2008

Crush preparations (CP) for the diagnosis of meningioma are routinely performed in the frozen section suite when tissue is submitted for intraoperative consultation. The goal of this study was to examine the cytologic features of meningiomas in CP and evaluate if benign meningioma (Grade 1), atypical meningioma (Grade 2), and malignant meningioma (Grade 3) can be diagnosed on CP. All cases of meningioma (1999–2007), which were submitted for frozen section at our institution, were retrospectively reviewed. These cases were examined intraoperatively by frozen section and CP. The final histologic diagnosis was taken as the gold standard. A total of 107 meningiomas cases were reviewed. The cytological features of all these cases were studied, and features such as pleomorphism, hemorrhage, necrosis, mitosis, and presence or absence of nucleoli were recorded. Using the final histopathologic diagnosis as the gold standard, there were 72 (Grade 1), 22 (Grade 2), and 13 (Grade 3) meningioma cases, which were studied. In conclusion, this study reviews the salient cytologic features of Grades 1–3 meningiomas. It demonstrates that it is difficult to separate Grade 1 from Grade‐2 meningioma on CP, and last, Grade‐3 meningioma can be easily diagnosed on CP. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:827–831. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.