bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desmoid tumour biology in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis coli
Authors: Schiessling S , Kihm M , Ganschow P , Kadmon G , Büchler M W , Kadmon M
Published: January 2013

Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Desmoid tumours affect up to 26 per cent of patients and contribute significantly to death. This study aimed to assess the influence of sex and mutation site on desmoid tumour development and sex-specific genetic differences in patients with FAP with and without desmoid tumours.

Methods

Patients with FAP-associated desmoid tumours recorded in the Heidelberg Polyposis Register between 1991 and 2010 were identified. These patients were analysed with respect to clinical parameters and possible risk factors.

Results

Some 105 patients with FAP-associated desmoid tumours of a total of 585 patients with FAP were analysed. Male patients had a significantly greater number of desmoid tumours and a larger tumour mass, although tumours were more common in female patients. Desmoid tumours in male patients were located more often in the abdominal wall. Seventy-nine (75·2 per cent) of the 105 patients demonstrated a clear temporal association between a previous operation and subsequent desmoid tumour development; most of these patients were female. Mutation sites in male patients were limited to exons 5, 14 and 15, whereas female patients carried mutations along the entire coding region of the APC gene. Twenty-one per cent of patients with desmoid tumours carried mutations within the ‘desmoid region’, compared with only 4·1 per cent of the control group without desmoids.

Conclusion

There are significant sex differences concerning desmoid tumour manifestation. Female patients appear to have a higher risk of desmoid tumour occurrence independent of the mutation site, whereas in male patients the mutation site seems to exert more influence.
Markedly High Catalytic Activity of Supported Pt–MoOx Nanoclusters for Methanol Reforming to Hydrogen at Low Temperatures
Authors: Park Jae Hyun , Kim Yong Tae , Park Eun Duck , Lee Hyun Chul , Kim Jieun , Lee Doohwan
Published: January 2013

The catalytic activity of metal oxide‐supported Pt–MOx (M=Mo, W, Ce, V) catalysts was investigated for methanol reforming to hydrogen at low temperatures with varied reaction pressures in gaseous to aqueous phase regimes. The Pt–MoOx/TiO2 catalysts prepared through co‐impregnation of the precursors demonstrated unprecedentedly high catalytic activities compared with the previously reported Pt‐based catalysts, which showed an order of magnitude higher hydrogen production turnover rates with extremely low CO selectivities. The morphological and electrochemical characteristics of the dispersed Pt–MoOx nanoclusters were largely affected by the impregnation method and the Mo/Pt atomic ratio. The Pt–MoOx nanoclusters consisting of metallic state Pt and MoOx moieties of high site density and reducibility capable of Mo6+ to Mo5+ redox transition promoted the marked rate enhancements in methanol reforming to hydrogen at low temperatures. These highly active catalysts offer opportunities in the direct embedding of fuel processing in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells through the internal thermal integration of exothermic electrochemical reactions with endothermic fuel reforming for hydrogen production.
Zinc Oxide Photocatalysis: Influence of Iron and Titanium Doping and Origin of the Optimal Doping Ratio
Authors: Bloh Jonathan Z. , Dillert Ralf , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: January 2013

Semiconductor photocatalysis is an important process for various applications. However, low photocatalytic activities limit the use of current photocatalysts. Several strategies were used to increase the photocatalytic activity, such as doping with transition metals. Although some success was achieved, the mechanism of the increased photocatalytic activity is still poorly understood. Moreover, titanium dioxide is usually the only material studied in this way, whereas other semiconductors have not been explored yet. Here, the effect of iron and titanium doping on the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide is investigated. Thus, zinc oxide samples with 19 doping ratios are synthesized and characterized. A standardized test method, described by the ISO standard 22197‐2, is used to measure the activity to ensure comparability with other studies. The results show an optimal doping ratio of 0.005 and 0.002 at % for iron‐ and titanium‐doped zinc oxide, respectively. At these concentrations, the photocatalytic activity is increased by a factor of 3.4 compared to that of undoped zinc oxide. In addition, a theoretical model that describes the origin of the optimal doping ratio is developed and elucidated.
Preparation of Highly Functionalised Benzofurans from ortho‐Hydroxyphenones and Dichloroethylene: Applications and Mechanistic Investigations
Authors: Schevenels Florian , Tinant Bernard , Declercq Jean‐Paul , Markó István E.
Published: January 2013

Highly functionalised benzofurans have been prepared from ortho‐hydroxyphenones and 1,1‐dichloroethylene. The key intermediate, a chloromethylene furan, smoothly rearranged into the corresponding benzofuran carbaldehyde under acidic conditions. Some mechanistic investigations have been performed and several biologically active benzofurans have been synthesised.
Multi‐Pathway Excited State Relaxation of Adenine Oligomers in Aqueous Solution: A Joint Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Banyasz Akos , Gustavsson Thomas , Onidas Delphine , Changenet‐Barret Pascale , Markovitsi Dimitra , Improta Roberto
Published: January 2013

The singlet excited states of adenine oligomers, model systems widely used for the understanding of the interaction of ultraviolet radiation with DNA, are investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and time‐dependent (TD) DFT calculations. Fluorescence decays, fluorescence anisotropy decays, and time‐resolved fluorescence spectra are recorded from the femtosecond to the nanosecond timescales for single strand (dA)20 in aqueous solution. These experimental observations and, in particular, the comparison of the fluorescence behavior upon UVC and UVA excitation allow the identification of various types of electronic transitions with different energy and polarization. Calculations performed for up to five stacked 9‐methyladenines, taking into account the solvent, show that different excited states are responsible for the absorption in the UVC and UVA spectral domains. Independently of the number of bases, bright excitons may evolve toward two types of excited dimers having π–π* or charge‐transfer character, each one distinguished by its own geometry and spectroscopic signature. According to the picture arising from the joint experimental and theoretical investigation, UVC‐induced fluorescence contains contribution from 1) exciton states with a different degree of localization, decaying within a few ps, 2) “neutral” excited dimers decaying on the sub‐nanosecond timescale, being the dominant species, and 3) charge‐transfer states decaying on the nanosecond timescale. The majority of the photons emitted upon UVA excitation are related to charge‐transfer states.
A Sustainable Concept for the Supply of Pure CO2 as a Carbon Source for Solar Fuels – Synergies of Biochar and Biogas
Authors: Liebeck Miriam , Vogel G. Herbert
Published: January 2013

In Zeiten der Energiewende erlangen chemische Speichertechnologien eine vermehrte Bedeutung, da nur mit ihrer Hilfe die Energie des Exzessstromes aus Wind‐ und Solaranlagen in großen Mengen in Form von Kohlenwasserstoffen gespeichert werden kann. Der durch Wasserelektrolyse erzeugte Wasserstoff wird mit Kohlendioxid zu Kohlenwasserstoffen umgesetzt. Dazu muss kostengünstig reines CO2 zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Für die Bereitstellung wird ein nachhaltiges Konzept vorgestellt.
Forecasting Hourly Roadside Particulate Matter in Taipei County of Taiwan Based on First‐Order and One‐Variable Grey Model
Authors: Pai Tzu‐Yi , Hanaki Keisuke , Chiou Ren‐Jie
Published: January 2013

In this study, seven types of first‐order and one‐variable grey differential equation model (abbreviated as GM (1, 1) model) were used to forecast hourly roadside particulate matter (PM) including PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Taipei County of Taiwan. Their forecasting performance was also compared. The results indicated that the minimum mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and maximum correlation coefficient (R) was 11.70%, 60.06, 7.75, and 0.90%, respectively when forecasting PM10. When forecasting PM2.5, the minimum MAPE, MSE, RMSE, and maximum R‐value of 16.33%, 29.78, 5.46, and 0.90, respectively could be achieved. All statistical values revealed that the forecasting performance of GM (1, 1, x(0)), GM (1, 1, a), and GM (1, 1, b) outperformed other GM (1, 1) models. According to the results, it revealed that GM (1, 1) was an efficiently early warning tool for providing PM information to the roadside inhabitants.
A Cloud Point Extraction Approach Developed for Analyzing Pesticides Prometryne and Isoproturon from Multi‐media
Authors: Tan Jian Hua , Jin She Feng , Yang Hong
Published: January 2013

A new analytic methodology based on the cloud point extraction coupled with HPLC (CPE‐HPLC) was developed and successfully applied to determination of the pesticides isoproturon (IPU) and prometryne (PRO) from multi‐media (contaminated water, soil, and food vegetable). Several non‐ionic surfactants including poly ethylene glycol 6000 (PEG‐6000), TritonX‐114, and Triton X‐100 were comparatively analyzed as extraction solvents. Other parameters such as surfactant concentration, ionic strength, and equilibration temperature, and duration were also investigated. The optimal conditions for CPE were presented with 2.4% w/v PEG‐6000, 11% w/v Na2SO4 and heating assistance at 50°C for 25 min. The calibration curves for the two analytes were linear ranging from 0.001 to 10.0 mg L−1, with correlation coefficients being 0.99 determined by a HPLC–UV detector. Under the condition, the average recoveries were 85.4–90.6% for water, 84.4–92.7% for soil, and 84.4–92.1% for vegetable. Thus, the method presented here was proved to be rapid, efficient, and green for extraction and determination of isoproturon and prometryne residues from food and multi‐environmental media.
Gastric juice MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for the screening of gastric cancer
Authors: Cui Long , Zhang Xinjun , Ye Guoliang , Zheng Tuo , Song Haojun , Deng Hongxia , Xiao Bingxiu , Xia Tian , Yu Xiuchong , Le Yanping , Guo Junming
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in carcinogenesis; however, it largely remains unclear whether miRNAs in gastric juice, which is specific for gastric tissues, can be used as biomarkers for gastric cancer. The objective of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of using gastric juice miRNAs as potential biomarkers to assist in screening for gastric cancer.

METHODS:

Gastric juice samples were collected from 141 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination between September 2010 and December 2011. Gastric cancer and adjacent normal biopsy specimens also were collected. The existence and stability of miRNAs in gastric juices were determined by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and sequencing. miRNA levels in tissues and gastric juices were detected by RT‐qPCR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for differentiating gastric cancer from benign gastric diseases.

RESULTS:

Levels of miRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and miR‐106a in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher compared with the levels in adjacent tissues (P = .006 and P = .001, respectively). Patients who had gastric cancer had significantly different levels of gastric juice miR‐21 and miR‐106a compared with patients who had benign gastric diseases (both P < .001). There were significant correlations between miR‐21/miR‐106a levels and Borrmann types. miR‐21 levels in intestinal type gastric cancer specimens were higher than that in diffuse (P = .003) or mixed (P < .001) gastric cancer types. The area under the ROC curve was up to 0.969 for miR‐21 and 0.871 for miR‐106a.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that certain miRNAs in gastric juice are potential biomarkers that can assist in screening for gastric cancer. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Deletions of chromosomes 3p and 14q molecularly subclassify clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kroeger Nils , Klatte Tobias , Chamie Karim , Rao P. Nagesh , Birkhäuser Frédéric D. , Sonn Geoffrey A. , Riss Joseph , Kabbinavar Fairooz F. , Belldegrun Arie S. , Pantuck Allan J.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

The short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) harbors the von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene, and the long arm of chromosome 14 (14q) harbors the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) gene. The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of 3p loss (loss VHL gene) and 14q loss (loss HIF‐1α gene) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

METHODS:

In total, 288 ccRCC tumors underwent a prospective cytogenetic analysis for alterations in chromosomes 3p and 14q. Tumors were assigned to 1 of 4 possible chromosomal alterations: VHL +3p/+14q (VHL wild type [VHL‐WT]), VHL +3p/−14q (VHL‐WT plus HIF2α [WT/H2]), −3p/+14q (HIF1α and HIF2α [H1H2]), and −3p/−14q (HIF2α [H2]).

RESULTS:

Among patients who had loss of 3p, tumors with −3p/−14q (H2) alterations were larger (P = .002), had higher grade (P = .002) and stage (P = .001), and more often were metastatic (P = .029) than tumors that retained 14q (H1H2). All patients who had tumors with −3p/−14q (H2) had worse cancer‐specific survival (P = .014), and patients who had localized disease (P = .012) and primary T1 (pT1) tumors (P = .008) had worse recurrence‐free survival. In patients who had pT1 tumors, combined 3p/14q loss was an independent predictor of recurrence‐free survival (hazard ratio, 11.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.91‐65.63) and cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio, 15.93; 95% confidence interval, 3.09‐82.16). The current investigation was limited by its retrospective design, single‐center experience, and a lack of confirmatory protein analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Loss of chromosome 3p (the VHL gene) was associated with improved survival in patients with ccRCC, whereas loss of chromosome 14q (the HIF‐1α gene) was associated with worse outcomes. The results of the current study support the hypothesis that HIF‐1α functions as an important tumor suppressor gene in ccRCC. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
KRAS and GNAS mutations and p53 overexpression in biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Hsu Maylee , Sasaki Motoko , Igarashi Saya , Sato Yasunori , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

Similar to the pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)‐pancreatic carcinoma sequence model, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) also reportedly follows a stepwise carcinogenesis process through the a precursor lesion: biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN). For this study, the authors investigated the status of v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and GNAS complex locus (GNAS) mutations and tumor protein 53 (p53) overexpression in the stepwise process of cholangiocarcinogenesis.

METHODS:

Thirty patients with hepatolithiasis were surveyed, and their lesions were categorized as follows: non‐neoplastic large bile duct (LBD) (n = 12), peribiliary gland (PBG) (n = 9), BilIN‐1 (low‐grade dysplasia; n = 12), BilIN‐2 (high‐grade dysplasia; n = 16), and BilIN‐3 (noninvasive or in situ carcinoma; n = 10). KRAS mutation at codons 12 and 13 and GNAS mutations at codons 601 and 602 were analyzed using genomic DNA extracted from isolated lesions by laser capture microdissection. Immunohistochemical expression of p53 also was evaluated in BilIN lesions, ICCs, and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ExCCs).

RESULTS:

A prevalence of KRAS mutations was identified in patients with ICC (31.5%), BilIN‐3 (30%), and BilIN‐2 (43.8%) compared with BilIN‐1 (25%). Furthermore, KRAS mutations were detected in LBD lesions (41.7%) and PBG lesions (44.4%), and these mutations were observed with greater frequency in patients who had BilIN with KRAS mutations. GNAS mutations were not identified in any of the ICCs or other lesions examined. The overexpression of p53 was not identified in BilIN lesions and was less frequent in ICCs (18.2%) compared with ExCCs (38.1%) and gallbladder carcinomas (61.5%).

CONCLUSIONS:

KRAS mutations, which were present in approximately 33% of BilIN lesions, occurred as an early molecular event during the progression of BilIN to ICC, whereas p53 overexpression was identified as a late molecular event. Furthermore, the current results indicted that BilIN also may arise from LBD and PBG lesions in patients who have hepatolithiasis with KRAS mutations. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
A scalable Helmholtz solver in GRAPES over large‐scale multicore cluster
Authors: Li Linfeng , Xue Wei , Ranjan Rajiv , Jin Zhiyan
Published: January 2013

This paper discusses performance optimization on the dynamical core of global numerical weather prediction model in Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES). GRAPES is a new generation of numerical weather prediction system developed and currently used by Chinese Meteorology Administration. The computational performance of the dynamical core in GRAPES relies on the efficient solution of three‐dimensional Helmholtz equations, which lead to large‐scale and sparse linear systems formulated by the discretization in space and time. We choose generalized conjugate residual (GCR) algorithm to solve the corresponding linear systems and further propose algorithm optimizations for large‐scale parallelism in two aspects: (i) reduction of iteration number for solution and (ii) performance enhancement of each GCR iteration. The reduction of iteration number is achieved by advanced preconditioning techniques, combining block incomplete LU factorization‐k preconditioner over 7‐diagonals of the coefficient matrix with the restricted additive Schwarz method effectively . The improvement for GCR iteration is to reduce the global communication operations by refactoring the GCR algorithm, which decreases the communication overhead over large number of cores. Performance evaluation on the Tianhe‐1A system shows that the new preconditioning techniques reduce almost one‐third iterations for solving the linear systems, the proposed methods can obtain 25% performance improvement on average compared with the original version of Helmholtz solver in GRAPES, and the speedup with our algorithms can reach 10 using 2048 cores compared with 256 cores. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions of Aromatic Radicals with Water
Authors: Crespo‐Otero Rachel , Bravo‐Rodriguez Kenny , Roy Saonli , Benighaus Tobias , Thiel Walter , Sander Wolfram , Sánchez‐García Elsa
Published: January 2013

The interactions of the benzyl radical (1), the anilinyl radical (2), and the phenoxyl radical (3) with water are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). In addition, we report dispersion‐corrected DFT‐D molecular dynamics simulations on these three systems and a matrix isolation study on 1–water. The radicals 1–3 form an interesting series with the number of lone pairs increasing from none to two. The anilinyl and benzyl radicals can act as Lewis base through their unpaired electrons, the lone pairs of the heteroatoms, or the doubly occupied π orbitals of the aromatic system. Matrix isolation experiments provide evidence for the formation of a π complex between 1 and water. By combining computational and experimental techniques we identify the possible interactions between the aromatic radicals 1–3 and water, predict the structure and vibrational spectra of the resulting complexes, and analyze the effects of substitution and temperature.
Discovery of the Heaviest Elements
Authors: Heßberger Fritz P.
Published: January 2013

The search for new superheavy elements (SHEs) is at present one of the most exciting adventures in nuclear physics. Thanks to enhanced experimental techniques, the synthesis of elements Z=113 to 118 in reactions using 48Ca projectiles and targets made of isotopes of the elements neptunium to californium has been claimed. Discovery of the elements Z=114 (named flerovium) and Z=116 (named livermorium) has been accepted by the IUPAC. The others are waiting. The situation for element 113 is particular; here claims on discovery come from groups from RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan and FLNR‐JINR, Dubna, Russia.
Direct Growth of Fe2V4O13 Nanoribbons on a Stainless‐Steel Mesh for Visible‐Light Photoreduction of CO2 into Renewable Hydrocarbon Fuel and Degradation of Gaseous Isopropyl Alcohol
Authors: Li Ping , Zhou Yong , Tu Wenguang , Liu Qi , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: January 2013

One‐dimensional Fe2V4O13 nanoribbons 10–20 μm long and 20–30 nm thick growing directly on a stainless‐steel mesh (SSM) have been successfully obtained by a simple and facile hydrothermal reaction without any templates or surfactants. The SSM served as not only the Fe source but also the substrate for the deposition of vanadium and oxide elements. The Fe2V4O13 nanoribbon as an easily reused photocatalyst shows great potential for the efficient photoreduction of CO2 into renewable hydrocarbon fuel (CH4) and for the removal of organics from air under visible‐light illumination.
Chitin Nanowhisker Aerogels
Authors: Heath Lindy , Zhu Lifan , Thielemans Wim
Published: January 2013

Chitin nanowhiskers are structured into mesoporous aerogels by using the same benign process used previously in our group to make cellulose nanowhisker aerogels. The nanowhiskers are sonicated in water to form a hydrogel before solvent‐exchange with ethanol and drying under supercritical CO2 (scCO2). Aerogels are prepared with various densities and porosities, relating directly to the initial chitin nanowhisker content. scCO2 drying enables the mesoporous network structure to be retained as well as allowing the gel to retain its initial dimensions. The chitin aerogels have low densities (0.043–0.113 g cm−3), high porosities (up to 97 %), surface areas of up to 261 m2 g−1, and mechanical properties at the high end of other reported values (modulus between 7 and 9.3 MPa). The aerogels were further characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, BET analysis, electron microscopy, FTIR, and thermogravimetric analysis. Characterization showed that the rod‐like crystalline nature of the nanowhiskers was retained during the aerogel production process, making the aerogel truly an assembled structure of chitin nanocrystals. These aerogels also showed the lowest reported shrinkage during drying to date, with an average shrinkage of only 4 %.
Epigenetics of sex determination and gonadogenesis
Authors: Piferrer Francesc
Published: January 2013

Epigenetics is commonly defined as the study of heritable changes in gene function that cannot be explained by changes in DNA sequence. The three major epigenetic mechanisms for gene expression regulation include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non‐coding RNAs. Epigenetic mechanisms provide organisms with the ability to integrate genomic and environmental information to modify the activity of their genes for generating a particular phenotype. During development, cells differentiate, acquire, and maintain identity through changes in gene expression. This is crucial for sex determination and differentiation, which are among the most important developmental processes for the proper functioning and perpetuation of species. This review summarizes studies showing how epigenetic regulatory mechanisms contribute to sex determination and reproductive organ formation in plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Further progress will be made by integrating several approaches, including genomics and Next Generation Sequencing to create epigenetic maps related to different aspects of sex determination and gonadogenesis. Epigenetics will also contribute to understand the etiology of several disorders of sexual development. It also might play a significant role in the control of reproduction in animal farm production and will aid in recognizing the environmental versus genetic influences on sex determination of sensitive species in a global change scenario. Developmental Dynamics 242:360–370, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Corneal Epithelium and Lens Develop Independently From a Common Pool of Precursors
Authors: Collomb Elodie , Yang Ying , Foriel Sarah , Cadau Sébastien , Pearton David J. , Dhouailly Danielle
Published: January 2013

Background: The corneal epithelium (CE) overlays a stroma, which is derived from neural crest cells, and appears to be committed during chick development, but appears still labile in adult rabbit. Its specification was hitherto regarded as resolved and dependent upon the lens, although without experimental support. Here, we challenged CE fate by changing its environment at different stages. Results: Recombination with a dermis showed that CE commitment is linked to stroma formation, which results in Pax6 stabilization in both species. Surgical ablation shows that CE specification has already taken place when the lens placode invaginates, while removal of the early lens placode led to lens renewal. To block lens formation, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, one of its last inducing factors, was inhibited by over‐expression of Gremlin in the ocular ectoderm. This resulted in lens‐less embryos which formed a corneal epithelium if they survived 2 weeks. Conclusion: The corneal epithelium and lens share a common pool of precursors. The adoption of the CE fate might be dependent on the loss of a lens placode favoring environment. The corneal fate is definitively stabilized by the migration of Gremlin‐expressing neural crest cells in the lens peripheral ectoderm. Developmental Dynamics 242:401–413, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel sex‐determining genes in fish and sex chromosome evolution
Authors: Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: January 2013

Although the molecular mechanisms underlying many developmental events are conserved across vertebrate taxa, the lability at the top of the sex‐determining (SD) cascade has been evident from the fact that four master SD genes have been identified: mammalian Sry; chicken DMRT1; medaka Dmy; and Xenopus laevis DM‐W. This diversity is thought to be associated with the turnover of sex chromosomes, which is likely to be more frequent in fishes and other poikilotherms than in therian mammals and birds. Recently, four novel candidates for vertebrate SD genes were reported, all of them in fishes. These include amhy in the Patagonian pejerrey, Gsdf in Oryzias luzonensis, Amhr2 in fugu and sdY in rainbow trout. These studies provide a good opportunity to infer patterns from the seemingly chaotic picture of sex determination systems. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the master SD genes in fishes. Developmental Dynamics 242:339–353, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical Perspectives on Redox “Non‐Innocent” Oxazolidine N‐Oxide Iron Nitroxide Complexes
Authors: Tewary Subrata , Gass Ian A. , Murray Keith S. , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: January 2013

One‐electron redox processes in ligands that exhibit non‐innocent behaviour invariably leads to the generation of radical species, which, when coupled with redox‐active metal centres, can lead to strong magnetic exchange, ambiguous electronic structures and even spin crossover (SCO). We have chosen two iron complexes [FeII(L·)2](BF4)2 (1) and [FeIII(L–)2](BPh4) (2) [with L· = 4‐dimethyl‐2,2‐di(2‐pyridyl)oxazolidine N‐oxide] as the basis for an extensive theoretical study to determine the influence and interplay of the strong magnetic exchange, the redox non‐innocent behaviour and any possible spin transitions. A series of calculations established the low‐spin character of the Fe in both the complexes and gave us valuable insight into the electronic structure of 1 and 2 along with their one‐ and two‐electron reduced species. An attempt has been made to relate the bonding features to the energy difference between different spin states and to the influence of the exchange coupling on any possible SCO properties.
Magnetic Relaxation in TbIII Magnetic Chains with Nitronyl Nitroxide Radical Bridges That Undergo 3D Antiferromagnetic Ordering
Authors: Tian Haixia , Wang Xiufeng , Mei Xuelan , Liu Ruina , Zhu Mei , Zhang Congming , Ma Yue , Li Licun , Liao Daizheng
Published: January 2013

Two new one‐dimensional nitronyl nitroxide radical–LnIII chain complexes, [Gd(hfac)3(NIT‐I)] (1) and [Tb(hfac)3(NIT‐I)] (2) (hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; NIT‐I = 2‐iodo‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl 3‐oxide), have been synthesized. Both complexes have linear chain structures in which the NIT‐I radical ligands link the Ln(hfac)3 units through the oxygen atoms of the nitronyl nitroxide groups. Direct‐current magnetic studies show that the Gd complex is paramagnetic above 2.0 K, whereas the Tb complex exhibits 3D antiferromagnetic ordering with TN = 4.0 K. Furthermore, complex 2 possesses frequency‐dependent ac magnetic susceptibilities, which suggests slow magnetic relaxation.
Making Carbon–Chlorine Bonds by Dipalladium Electrocatalysis
Authors: Durrell Alec C. , Jackson Megan N. , Hazari Nilay , Gray Harry B.
Published: January 2013

[(Benzo[h]quinolinyl)PdII(μ‐OAc)]2 and [(2‐phenylpyridinyl)PdII(μ‐OAc)]2 undergo one‐electron oxidation to afford mixed‐valent (PdII–PdIII) species. Electrochemical oxidation of the PdII–PdII complexes in the presence of chloride at the PdIII–PdII/PdII–PdII potential results in a two‐electron loss with addition of two chlorides to form [(benzo[h]quinolinyl)PdIIICl(μ‐OAc)]2 and [(2‐phenylpyridinyl)PdIIICl(μ‐OAc)]2, respectively. When both excess benzo[h]quinoline and chloride are present, [(benzo[h]quinolinyl)PdII(μ‐OAc)]2 electrocatalyzes the chlorination of the substrate to afford 10‐chlorobenzo[h]quinoline with high chemical and Faradaic yields.
Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of secondary glucose esters under continuous flow conditions
Authors: Ruela Halliny S. , Sutili Felipe K. , Leal Ivana C. R. , Carvalho Nakédia M. F. , Miranda Leandro S. M. , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A.
Published: January 2013

Chemical methods for the synthesis of sugar esters require the use of high temperatures in the presence of alkaline catalysts resulting in undesirable by‐products and low regiosselectivity. Sugar‐based fatty acid esters are non‐ionic, biodegradable, odorless, non‐irritating, non‐toxic surfactants widely used pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and food industry. Here in we report our results on enzymatic esterification of protected glucose (glucose ketal) with several fatty acids using the immobilized lipase from Rhizomucor miehei under batch and continuous flow conditions, to afford new glucose derivatives with potential surfactant properties. The results presented here shows that high conversions can be obtained in short reaction time.

Practical application: The research of new non‐toxic, environmentally friendly and biodegradable surfactants to replace chemicals has increased along with the development of green chemistry. Nonionic biosurfactants, such as sugar fatty acid esters, may be obtained by enzymatic synthesis, a simple manufacturing method for application in several areas, including food, cosmetic, detergent, and pharmaceutical industry. In this work we have described the uncommon esterification of a steric hindered secondary hydroxyl group on glucose ketal leading to new glucose derivatives with potential application as surfactants.
Examining oil and gas policy in President Obama's second term
Authors: Orford Adam , Till Dustin , Timmons Daniel
Published: January 2013

President Obama has described his energy policy as “all of the above.” His opponents have called it “picking winners and losers.” In practice, it has been driven by two major changes in the nation's energy landscape: a boom in private domestic oil and natural gas production, and concerted federal promotion of renewable energy development. This article focuses on the oil and gas industry. Specifically, it looks at expected policy changes that will redefine how oil and gas drilling practices are regulated under federal environmental laws, as well as the impact of increased oil and gas production in driving new infrastructure and facilities proposals needed to deliver these energy resources to market. Finally, the article discusses the tension between two stated policies of the Obama administration: fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing oil and gas production to promote economic growth and energy independence.
Public relations: Improving industry communication by analyzing other industries
Authors: McClure Theresa , Siedschlag Emily
Published: January 2013

Corridor fatigue, property value negotiations, and the typical NIMBY sentiment are no strangers to the oil and gas industry. Progress comes through large and small projects across the nation among all industries. New roadways, wind farms, high‐voltage transmission, and pipelines are all facing development challenges at the federal, state, and local levels. The hurdles faced in the oil and gas industry are parallel to those in other energy industries. Social approval of projects is becoming a deal‐breaker for a growing number of energy projects.
Litigation: “A deal is a deal,” says the fifth circuit
Authors: Sabino Michael A.
Published: January 2013

Not long ago, while suffering through Contracts in my first year of law school, I questioned my attorney‐father about what it takes to create a final, enforceable contract in a business setting. Dear old dad then regaled me with the epic story of the Pennzoil‐Texaco litigation from his younger days, when the former obtained a $10 billion judgment against the latter after a Texas jury found Texaco guilty of stealing away Getty Oil from Pennzoil after Pennzoil had taken substantial and definitive steps to put into writing an agreement to merge. In so many words, the drama of Pennzoil v. Texaco (as further dramatized in Texaco's gargantuan Chapter 11 bankruptcy) exemplified that “a deal is a deal,” especially when it has been fully or substantially executed in a written, signed agreement.
Energy and the environment: Talk is cheap: The UN's Doha conference strikes out … again
Authors: Lesser Jonathan A.
Published: January 2013

Last November, 10,000 delegates converged on Doha, Qatar, for the United Nations' annual conference on global warming/climate change/climate volatility. The Framework Convention on Climate Change is actually the 18th such UN conference, and proved to be as productive as the previous 17.
Dysmaturation of the default mode network in autism
Authors: Washington Stuart D. , Gordon Evan M. , Brar Jasmit , Warburton Samantha , Sawyer Alice T. , Wolfe Amanda , Mease‐Ference Erin R. , Girton Laura , Hailu Ayichew , Mbwana Juma , Gaillard William D. , Kalbfleisch M. Layne , VanMeter John W.
Published: January 2013

Two hypotheses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) propose that this condition is characterized by deficits in Theory of Mind and by hypoconnectivity between remote cortical regions with hyperconnectivity locally. The default mode network (DMN) is a set of remote, functionally connected cortical nodes less active during executive tasks than at rest and is implicated in Theory of Mind, episodic memory, and other self‐reflective processes. We show that children with ASD have reduced connectivity between DMN nodes and increased local connectivity within DMN nodes and the visual and motor resting‐state networks. We show that, like the trajectory of synaptogenesis, internodal DMN functional connectivity increased as a quadratic function of age in typically developing children, peaking between, 11 and 13 years. In children with ASD, these long‐distance connections fail to develop during adolescence. These findings support the “developmental disconnection model” of ASD, provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the Theory‐of‐Mind hypothesis of ASD, and show that the window for effectively treating ASD could be wider than previously thought. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1284–1296, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of distributed hydrological models for predictions in ungauged basins: a method to quantify predictive uncertainty
Authors: Cibin R. , Athira P. , Sudheer K. P. , Chaubey I.
Published: January 2013

Stream flow predictions in ungauged basins are one of the most challenging tasks in surface water hydrology because of nonavailability of data and system heterogeneity. This study proposes a method to quantify stream flow predictive uncertainty of distributed hydrologic models for ungauged basins. The method is based on the concepts of deriving probability distribution of model's sensitive parameters by using measured data from a gauged basin and transferring the distribution to hydrologically similar ungauged basins for stream flow predictions. A Monte Carlo simulation of the hydrologic model using sampled parameter sets with assumed probability distribution is conducted. The posterior probability distributions of the sensitive parameters are then computed using a Bayesian approach. In addition, preselected threshold values of likelihood measure of simulations are employed for sizing the parameter range, which helps reduce the predictive uncertainty. The proposed method is illustrated through two case studies using two hydrologically independent sub‐basins in the Cedar Creek watershed located in Texas, USA, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The probability distribution of the SWAT parameters is derived from the data from one of the sub‐basins and is applied for simulation in the other sub‐basin considered as pseudo‐ungauged. In order to assess the robustness of the method, the numerical exercise is repeated by reversing the gauged and pseudo‐ungauged basins. The results are subsequently compared with the measured stream flow from the sub‐basins. It is observed that the measured stream flow in the pseudo‐ungauged basin lies well within the estimated confidence band of predicted stream flow. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of mean water transit time on a steep hillslope in South Korea using soil moisture measurements and deuterium excess
Authors: Kim Sanghyun , Jung Sungwon
Published: January 2013

A method for estimating daily mean transit time (DMTT) within a soil layer was proposed using field measurements of soil moisture. Vertical profiles of soil moisture time series were used for storage estimation. Water fluxes were evaluated through matrix and bypass flow. Variations in soil moisture and soil thickness were used to evaluate matrix flow. Exponential decay in depth of macropores was also used for bypass flow approximation. DMTT evaluation was compared to results obtained from a stable water isotope model using two years of data acquired on a steep granite hillslope in the Sulmachun watershed, South Korea. Various uncertainties in transit time evaluation such as model structure, non‐stationary assumption and data acquisition of existing approaches can be accounted for in the proposed methodology, and the flowpath contribution can be further configured in conjunction with hydrometric measurements. Probability density functions of isotope analyses were partially explained by transit time distributions that were based on soil moisture measurements. Supplementary sensitivity analyses for uncertainty configurations indicate that matrix flow is the primary process in determining transit time distribution while the impact of bypass flow is minor. The feasibility of a DMTT approach over isotope‐based methodologies highlights not only the strength of this proposed method, both in cost and time, but also its further application potential for existing soil moisture measurements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal Stress and Problem‐Solving Skills in a Sample of Children with Nonorganic Feeding Disorders
Authors: Martin Clarissa I. , Dovey Terence M. , Coulthard Helen , Southall Angela M.
Published: January 2013

This study compared the problem‐solving strategies among 20 mothers whose infants were diagnosed with a feeding disorder against 20 matched controls. The mothers from the two groups were matched for age and level of education. All mothers completed two questionnaires: the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale and the Parenting Stress Index (R.R. Abidin, 1990). To measure maternal problem‐solving skill, the Parent Means‐End Problem‐Solving Instrument (D.M. Bryant & B.H. Wasik, 1994) was administered. As expected, statistically significant differences were related to the number and frequency of feeding problems reported and difficulties with mealtime management. Furthermore, mothers of children with a diagnosed feeding disorder demonstrated fewer problem‐solving skills and made use of more “high‐control solutions” (e.g., forcing the child to comply or punishing the child). In contrast, parents of children without feeding disorders preferred to implement more indirect problem‐solving strategies (e.g., planning to remove the child from the situation). Mounting evidence has suggested that difficulties in parenting a child with a diagnosed nonorganic feeding disorder stem from both child‐ and parent‐related factors. The current study provides tentative early evidence for the role of maternal high‐controlling problem‐solving strategies in a small sample of children diagnosed with this disorder.
Netrin‐1 Pretreatment Protects Rat Kidney against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Neuropeptide Y Expression
Authors: Liu Ling , Xie Shuqin , Liao Xiaohui , Zhang Ling , Zhong Ling
Published: January 2013

Netrin‐1 has been found to protect kidneys from ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, we aimed to address whether the protective effects were mediated through suppression of oxidative stress and neuropeptide Y. Compared to sham‐operated animals, animals after ischemia/reperfusion showed marked kidney damage and significantly increased levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, and neuropeptide Y. Renal myeloperoxidase activity was elevated in animals with ischemia/reperfusion relative to sham‐operated animals, whereas renal superoxide dismutase activity was reduced. Netrin‐1 pretreatment attenuated ischemia/reperfusion‐induced functional and pathological changes in the kidney. Moreover, the ischemia/reperfusion‐induced changes in the oxidative stress biomarkers and neuropeptide Y were significantly counteracted by prior administration of netrin‐1. Taken together, our data showed that netrin‐1 pretreatment prevented renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, at least partially through reduction of oxidative stress and neuropeptide Y expression. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:231‐236, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21474
Round ligament varicosities associated with uterine varicosities in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Huang Yunxia , Zhu Jiaan , Liu Fang , Hu Bing
Published: January 2013

Round ligament varicosities associated with uterine varicosities are rare during pregnancy. We report the case of a pregnant woman with a painful mass in her left groin at 32 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound revealed multiple distended veins within the left round ligament and over the uterus. The patient was treated by close observation and had a vaginal delivery of a healthy baby. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:10–14, 2013
Epidemiology and outcomes of acute respiratory failure in the United States, 2001 to 2009: A national survey
Authors: Stefan Mihaela S. , Shieh Meng‐Shiou , Pekow Penelope S. , Rothberg Michael B. , Steingrub Jay S. , Lagu Tara , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate trends in hospitalization, cost, and short‐term outcomes in acute respiratory failure (ARF) between 2001 and 2009 in the United States.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample we identified cases of ARF based on International Classification for Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We calculated weighted frequencies of ARF hospitalizations by year and estimated population‐adjusted incidence and mortality rates. We used logistic regression to examine hospital mortality rates over time while adjusting for changes in demographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients.

RESULTS

The number of hospitalizations with a diagnosis of ARF rose from 1,007,549 in 2001 to 1,917,910 in 2009, with an associated increase in total hospital costs from $30.1 billion to $54.3 billion. During the same period we observed a decrease in hospital mortality from 27.6% in 2001 to 20.6% in 2009, a slight decline in average length of stay from 7.8 days to 7.1 days, and no significant change in the mean cost per case ($15,900). Rates of mechanical ventilation (noninvasive [NIV] or invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV]) remained stable over the 9‐year period, and the use of NIV increased from 4% in 2001 to 10% in 2009.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the period of 2001 to 2009, there was a steady increase in the number of hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of ARF, with a decrease in inpatient mortality. There was a significant shift during this time toward the use of NIV, with a decrease in the rates of IMVuse. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:76–82. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Development and implementation of a balanced scorecard in an academic hospitalist group
Authors: Hwa Michael , Sharpe Bradley A. , Wachter Robert M.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Academic hospitalist groups (AHGs) are often expected to excel in multiple domains: quality improvement, patient safety, education, research, administration, and clinical care. To be successful, AHGs must develop strategies to balance their energies, resources, and performance. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a strategic management system that enables organizations to translate their mission and vision into specific objectives and metrics across multiple domains. To date, no hospitalist group has reported on BSC implementation. We set out to develop a BSC as part of a strategic planning initiative.

METHODS

Based on a needs assessment of the University of California, San Francisco, Division of Hospital Medicine, mission and vision statements were developed. We engaged representative faculty to develop strategic objectives and determine performance metrics across 4 BSC perspectives.

RESULTS

There were 41 metrics identified, and 16 were chosen for the initial BSC. It allowed us to achieve several goals: 1) present a broad view of performance, 2) create transparency and accountability, 3) communicate goals and engage faculty, and 4) ensure we use data to guide strategic decisions. Several lessons were learned, including the need to build faculty consensus, establish metrics with reliable measureable data, and the power of the BSC to drive goals across the division.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully developed and implemented a BSC in an AHG as part of a strategic planning initiative. The BSC has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve balanced success in multiple domains. Academic groups should consider employing the BSC as it allows for a data‐driven strategic planning and assessment process. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:148–153. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Our patients' safety through our new vision, mission, and strategic plan
Authors: Oppenberg Andrew A.
Published: January 2013

This being my first president's column, I would be remiss if I did not provide a heartfelt thanks to the ASHRM membership, who elected me to serve as your 2013 ASHRM President. Thank you all for allowing me to continue to give back to our fine and noble healthcare risk management profession!.