bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The xylA promoter of Bacillus megaterium mediates constitutive gene expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Knobloch Denise , Clemens Andre , Ostermann Kai , Rödel Gerhard 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the present study, we demonstrate that the Escherichia coli–Bacillus megaterium shuttle vector pHIS1522 can be used as a versatile expression vector. Recombinant genes under the control of the xylA promoter are constitutively expressed at a high level in E. coli strains, whereas their expression is strongly induced by the addition of xylose in B. megaterium. The utilization of D‐xylose is known to be dependent on the xylAB genes in a number of bacteria. For B. megaterium a XylA‐based expression system was established that allows tightly regulated and highly efficient heterologous gene expression. The open reading frame (ORF) of the fluorescent protein turboRFP was cloned under the control of the xylA promoter of B. megaterium in the shuttle vector pHIS1522. Unexpectedly, tRFP expression was not only observed in B. megaterium, but also in E. coli. Based on fluorescence measurements and Western blot analysis, expression was comparable or slightly higher compared with the commonly used pET vectors. Therefore, pHIS1522 can be used as a versatile expression vector in both, B. megaterium and E. coli.
A causal modelling approach to spatial and temporal confounding in environmental impact studies
Authors: Paul Warren L 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDeciding whether an anthropogenic disturbance has caused a change in an ecosystem is problematic because of spatial and temporal confounding. The generally accepted approach to this problem has been to use a before‐after control‐impact (BACI) type of design. However, advances in graph theory and causal modelling now provide a formal basis for selecting the covariates that need to be observed in order to control confounding bias, and the solution provided by these advances is simpler than that provided by any of the BACI‐type designs including BACI itself as well as BACIP, Beyond‐BACI and MBACI designs. Based on an explicit description of the nature of spatial and temporal confounding in causal models for two hypothetical environmental impact studies, it is argued that confounding can be controlled by adjusting directly for spatial or temporal location in a before‐after (BA) or control‐impact (CI) study. It is further argued that there is no advantage in combining these designs in a BACI‐type study, either from a causal modelling perspective or from the perspective of the assumptions implicit in BACI‐type designs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression analysis of genes located in the minimally deleted regions of 13q14 and 11q22‐23 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia—unexpected expression pattern of the RHO GTPase activator ARHGAP20
Authors: Herold Tobias , Jurinovic Vindi , Mulaw Medhanie , Seiler Till , Dufour Annika , Schneider Stephanie , Kakadia Purvi M. , Feuring‐Buske Michaela , Braess Jan , Spiekermann Karsten , Mansmann Ulrich , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Buske Christian , Bohlander Stefan K. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 13q14 and 11q22‐23 deletions are found in 2/3 of the cases. 11q22‐23 deletions are associated with poor survival, whereas 13q14 deletions as single abnormality are often found in indolent disease forms. The molecular basis for this difference in prognosis is not known. We examined the 13q14 and 11q22‐23 minimally deleted regions (MDRs) for differentially expressed genes by analyzing 154 microarray CLL gene expression data sets. We were able to generate a detailed gene expression map of the MDRs demonstrating a gene dosage effect. Surprisingly, ARHGAP20 encoding the RHO GTPase activating protein 20, which is located in the 11q22‐23 MDR, showed—counterintuitively—a significantly higher expression in cases with 11q22‐23 deletions compared with cases with no detectable genetic lesion or trisomy 12. Interestingly, cases with 13q14 deletions also had higher ARHGAP20 expression. These expression level changes were confirmed by quantitative PCR in 110 additional CLL samples. The ARHGAP20 gene encodes an evolutionarily conserved protein. In the zebra fish (Danio rerio) genome the syntenic regions of human chromosomal bands 13q14 and 11q22‐23 are juxtaposed. The similar expression profiles of ARHGAP20 in 13q14 and 11q22‐23 deleted CLL cases suggest a molecular connection and an intriguing mechanism of regulation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delays of supraglacial runoff from differently defined microbasin areas on the Peyto Glacier
Authors: Scott Munro D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMicrobasin runoff experiments were conducted on ice surfaces of the Peyto Glacier during the 1971 and 2008 ablation seasons, when half‐hourly measurements of net radiation, wind speed, temperature, vapour pressure, and supraglacial runoff were obtained on warm sunny days with daily mean temperatures 6·1–10·1 °C and daily total ablation amounts of 43–95 mm. Net radiation contributed almost 70% of the melt energy in 1971 and nearly 60% in 2008, with the remainder supplied by turbulent transfers of sensible and latent heat. Thus, the two experiments are similar in finding that radiation dominates surface melt energy inputs to microbasin runoff outputs. They differ with respect to area definitions and microbasin shapes: (1) a purposely delineated rhomboidal area, 30 m long × 15 m wide, covering 386 m2 in 1971; (2) a naturally delineated elongated area, approximately 600 m long × 2 m wide, covering an estimated 1200 m2 in 2008. Three 24‐hour periods beginning at 0700 h were obtained for experimental work in 1971, and 8 such periods in 2008. Supraglacial runoff was modelled by passing melt energy water equivalents through a simple storage reservoir and forcing closure with measured runoff by optimising for delay time. Optimal times of 1–2 h were found for 1971, and 7·5–11·5 h for 2008, thus indicating a major difference between the runoff responses of the two microbasins. It is possible that different basin shapes may explain the contrasting delay times, perhaps because different shapes signify different flow connections to meltwater storage in the weathering crust. If the elongated microbasin response is typical of the elemental hydrological response unit of the melting ice surface, distributed glacier runoff models should incorporate it as part of the model structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the usefulness of remote sensing input data for spatially distributed hydrological modelling: case of the Tarim River basin in China
Authors: Liu T. , Willems P. , Feng X. W. , Li Q. , Huang Y. , Bao An. M. , Chen X. , Veroustraete F. , Dong Q. H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe ecological situation of the Tarim River basin in China seriously declined since the early 1950s, mainly due to a strong increase in water abstraction for irrigation purposes. To restore the ecological system and support sustainable development of the Tarim River basin region in China, more hydrological studies are demanded to properly understand the processes of the watershed and efficiently manage the water resources. Such studies are, however, complicated due to the limited data availability, especially in the mountainous headwater regions of the Tarim River basin. This study investigated the usefulness of remote sensing (RS) data to overcome that lack of data in the spatially distributed hydrological modelling of the basin. Complementary to the conventional station‐based (SB) data, the RS products that are directly used in this study include precipitation, evapotranspiration and leaf area index. They are derived from raw image data of the Chinese Fengyun meteorological satellite and from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The MODIS land surface temperature was used to calculate the atmospheric temperature lapse rate to describe the temperature dependency on topographical variations. Moreover, MODIS‐based snow cover images were used to obtain model initial conditions and as validation reference for the snow model component. Comparison of model results based on RS input versus conventional SB input exhibited similar results in terms of high and low river runoff extremes, cumulative runoff volumes in both runoff and snow melting seasons and spatial and temporal variability of snow cover. During summer time, when the snow cover shrinks in the permanent glacier region, it was found that the model resolution influences the model results dramatically, hence, showing the importance of detailed (RS based) spatially distributed input data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of stable water isotopes to assess sources and influences of slope groundwater on slope failure
Authors: Peng Tsung‐Ren , Wang Chung‐Ho , Hsu Shih‐Meng , Chen Nai‐Chin , Su Tai‐Wei , Lee Jiin‐Fa 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis study employs stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes as natural tracers to assess the headwater of a landslide next to a drainage divide and the importance of the slope's headwater in the study area. The study is undertaken near Wu‐She Township in the mountains of central Taiwan. Because a reservoir is located on the other side of the divide, this study evaluates the relationship between the reservoir water and headwater of the landslide as well. Over a 1‐year period, water samples from September 2008 to September 2009, including local precipitation (LP), Wu‐She Reservoir's water (WSRW), slope groundwater (SGW), upper‐reach stream water (USTW), and down‐reach stream water (DSTW), were analysed for deuterium (δD) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotopes. Results indicate that WSRW is the predominant component in SGW: approximately 70% of SGW originates from WSRW and 30% from LP based on a two end‐member mass‐balance mixing model for δ18O. The similar two end‐member mixing model is also employed to assess the contributions of USTW and SGW to DSTW. Model results indicate that SGW is the major source of DSTW with a contribution of about 67%. Accordingly, about 47% of DSTW sources from the WSRW. In short, owing to reservoir leakage, WSRW contributes the greater part of both SGW and DSTW. Plentiful WSRW in SGW threatens the stability of the slope in the divide area. To avoid subsequent continuous slope failure, necessary mitigation steps are required. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased incidence of aflatoxin B1‐induced liver tumors in hepatitis virus C transgenic mice
Authors: Jeannot Emmanuelle , Boorman Gary A. , Kosyk Oksana , Bradford Blair U. , Shymoniak Svitlana , Tumurbaatar Batbayar , Weinman Steven A. , Melnyk Stepan B. , Tryndyak Volodymyr , Pogribny Igor P. , Rusyn Ivan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractViral hepatitis and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure are common risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The incidence of HCC in individuals coexposed to hepatitis C (HCV) or B virus and AFB1 is greater than could be explained by the additive effect; yet, the mechanisms are poorly understood because of the lack of an animal model. Our study investigated the outcomes and mechanisms of combined exposure to HCV and AFB1. We hypothesized that HCV transgenic (HCV‐Tg; expressing core, E1, E2 and p7, nucleotides 342–2771) mice will be prone to hepatocarcinogenesis when exposed to AFB1. Neonatal (7 days old) HCV‐Tg or C57BL/6J wild‐type (WT) mice were exposed to AFB1 (6 μg/g bw) or tricaprylin vehicle (15 μl/g bw), and male offspring were followed for up to 12 months. No liver lesions were observed in vehicle‐treated WT or HCV‐Tg mice. Tumors (adenomas or carcinomas) and preneoplastic lesions (hyperplasia or foci) were observed in 22.5% (9 of 40) of AFB1‐treated WT mice. In AFB1‐treated HCV‐Tg mice, the incidence of tumorous or pretumorous lesions was significantly elevated (50%, 18 of 36), with the difference largely due to a 2.5‐fold increase in the incidence of adenomas (30.5 vs. 12.5%). Although oxidative stress and steatohepatitis were observed in both AFB1‐treated groups, molecular changes indicative of the enhanced inflammatory response and altered lipid metabolism were more pronounced in HCV‐Tg mice. In summary, HCV proteins core, E1, E2 and p7 are sufficient to reproduce the cocarcinogenic effect of HCV and AFB1, which is a known clinical phenomenon.
Lipid‐apheresis improves microcirculation of the upper limbs
Authors: Rossenbach Jannik , Mueller Gerhard A. , Lange Katharina , Armstrong Victor W. , Schmitto Jan D. , Hintze Erik , Helfmann Jürgen , Konstantinides Stavros , Koziolek Michael J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLipid‐apheresis (LA) is thought to improve microcirculation. However, limited data are available on the effects on peripheral microcirculation. We investigated upper limb microcirculation of 22 patients undergoing regular LA on a weekly basis before and after LA. Using standardized semiquantitative scales, we analyzed blood flow, vasomotor function, and erythrocyte aggregation by capillary microscopy. In addition, capillary blood flow in quiescence and under heat and cryo‐stress was evaluated by photoplethysmographic and laser Doppler anemometry. Moreover, levels of vasoactive mediators adrenalin, noradrenalin, endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), asymmetrical dimethyl‐arginine (ADMA), as well as total protein and fibrinogen were measured. We found a significant increase in blood flow, the number of perfused capillaries and an improvement of erythrocyte aggregation by capillary microscopy. Using laser Doppler anemometry, we were able to show that this increase was predominantly located in the superficial layer capillaries (Δ44.53 ± 135.81%, n.s.) and less so in deeper layer arterioles (Δ2.75 ± 24.84%, n.s.). Vascular response to heat and cryo stress was also improved after LA but failed to reach significance. LA significantly reduced levels of epinephrin (−33 ± 39.2%), ANP (−28.8 ± 20.2%), ADMA (−74.1 ± 23%), and fibrinogen (−45.4 ± 19.7%) when comparing before LA and after LA values. In summary, we found an improvement in the microcirculation of the upper limbs under LA, which may result from a decrease of vasoconstrictors, improvement of vasomotor function, and a decrease in blood viscosity or erythrocyte aggregation. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and anti‐inflammatory activity of 8H‐1‐thia‐8‐aza‐dibenzo[e,h]azulenes
Authors: Ozimec Landek Ivana , Pešić Dijana , Merćep Mladen , Stanić Barbara , Mesić Milan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSynthesis of a novel class of fused heterotetracyclic compounds, 8H‐1‐thia‐8‐aza‐dibenzo[e,h]azulenes (VII), is described. Starting N‐benzoyl‐protected 5H‐dibenzo[b,f]azepine (XI, PG = Bz) was oxidized to 5‐benzoyl‐10,11‐epoxy‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[b,f]azepine (2), which subsequently rearranged in Lewis acid‐induced epoxide ring opening to give 5‐benzoyl‐5,11‐dihydro‐10H‐dibenzo[b,f]azepin‐10‐one (3). Vilsmeier reaction of 3 provided β‐chlorovinyl aldehyde 4 that readily cyclized with ethyl 2‐mercaptoacetate to form dibenzazepino[4,5]‐fused thiophene structure 5. Further transformation of substituent at C‐2 position of 5 and N‐deprotection led to final aminoalkoxy derivatives 9. All compounds with tetracyclic skeleton were tested in vitro for their anti‐inflammatory activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
An efficient one‐pot synthesis of dispiropyrrolidine derivatives through 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions under ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Liu Hai , Zou Yi , Hu Yu , Shi Da‐Qing 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA series of dispiropyrrolidine derivatives were synthesized via the three‐component 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of isatin, sarcosine and 5‐arylidene‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione or 5‐arylidene‐4‐thioxo‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2‐one in ethanol under ultrasound irradiation. This protocol has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, higher yields, and shorter reaction time. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Knowledge management: An innovative risk management strategy
Authors: Zipperer Lorri , Amori Geri 
Published: April 2011

AbstractKnowledge management effectively lends itself to the enterprise risk process. The authors introduce the concept of knowledge management as a strategy to drive innovation and support risk management. They align this work with organizational efforts to improve patient safety and quality through the effective sharing of experience and lessons learned. The article closes with suggestions on how to develop a knowledge management initiative at an organization, who should be on the team, and how to sustain this effort and build the culture it requires to drive success.
Value‐driven ERM: Making ERM an engine for simultaneous value creation and value protection
Authors: Celona John , Driver Jeffrey , Hall Edward 
Published: April 2011

AbstractEnterprise risk management (ERM) began as an effort to integrate the historically disparate silos of risk management in organizations. More recently, as recognition has grown of the need to cover the upside risks in value creation (financial and otherwise), organizations and practitioners have been searching for the means to do this. Existing tools such as heat maps and risk registers are not adequate for this task. Instead, a conceptually new value‐driven framework is needed to realize the promise of enterprise‐wide coverage of all risks, for both value protection and value creation. The methodology of decision analysis provides the means of capturing systemic, correlated, and value‐creation risks on the same basis as value protection risks and has been integrated into the value‐driven approach to ERM described in this article. Stanford Hospital and Clinics Risk Consulting and Strategic Decisions Group have been working to apply this value‐driven ERM at Stanford University Medical Center.
Development of a safety culture: Initial measurements at six hospitals in France
Authors: Occelli Pauline , Quenon Jean‐Luc , Hubert Bruno , Kosciolek Thomas , Hoarau Hélène , Pouchadon Marie‐Laure , Amalberti René , Auroy Yves , Salmi Louis‐Rachid , Sibé Matthieu , Parneix Pierre , Michel Philippe 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA cross‐sectional and descriptive survey of a safety culture (SC) was conducted in 20 clinical units in France. A self‐administered questionnaire measuring 12 dimensions of safety culture was given to healthcare professionals. The overall response rate was 65%. The poorly developed dimensions of safety culture that were identified were nonpunitive response to error, staffing, management support for patient safety, handoffs, and transitions.
A review of the Office of Inspector General's reports on adverse event identification and reporting
Authors: Howe Christopher L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe Office of Inspector General published a series of four reports from 2008 to 2010 after investigating the frequency and financial impact of “never events” on Medicare recipients. This series investigated healthcare's ability to identify the occurrence of these events and yielded a detailed analysis of data that must, or at least should, be reviewed to fully understand the clinical risks affecting organizations. These reports also shed light on the reality that there remains gross underreporting of adverse events in healthcare and begs several questions about healthcare's current efforts to fully identify and understand risk. This article summarizes the reports and considers their risk management implications, particularly regarding adverse events.
Leading in the chaos of the 21st century
Authors: Tetenbaum Toby , Laurence Hank 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the transition from a Newtonian paradigm of control and equilibrium to one of chaos and disequilibrium, organizations have substantially changed their structures (e.g., moving to diverse project‐based teams, advancing knowledge management, and building innovative cultures), but they have only minimally changed their leadership styles and practices. This paper describes a model of leadership proposed by Ron Heifetz that optimizes the characteristics of the 21st century in which the leader's role is to disturb equilibrium, differentiate between technical and adaptive challenges, and engage the followers in solving the organization's problems. This model is contrasted with other leadership models to validate its usefulness in the face of chaos, ambiguity, and rapid change. The commitment of the leader to holding steady in the face of predictably strong resistance and the dangers to the leader in using this model are discussed.
Narrative pedagogy, technology, and curriculum transformation in nursing education
Authors: Grendell Ruth N. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMore than 100 years ago, John Dewey, a major influence in American education, argued for the need to “stimulate the spirit of inquiry into actual fact” (Dewey, 2002, p. 118). The debate among politicians and educators about the structure, purpose, and goals of education and inquiry continues. Yet the world has changed, largely because of widely accessible and versatile technologies. We are unclear how Dewey's spirit of inquiry will grow, die, or reinvent itself through boundaryless tools of inquiry such as the Internet, but the technology is here and will not disappear while educators debate best methods.Twenty‐first‐century society demands new ways to learn and understand, and these new ways of learning require new ways of teaching (McPheeters, 2009/2010). For many students, especially the younger generations, technology intertwines with almost all daily activities, including social contact. Many educators lag behind the technological curve and express frustration at the challenge to shift their educational paradigms toward increasingly technological means of communication and interaction, or entertain “virtual realities” as legitimate educational forums.The purpose of this symposium is to examine the role of technology in transforming higher education.
The goal is to seek best methods of using technology more effectively to educate learners for the 21st century. The shifts in society's focus and the characteristics of learners going into the future are also critical, and part of this discussion.