bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information organization in libraries, archives and museums: Converging practices and collaboration opportunities
Authors: Hsieh‐Yee Ingrid , Ménard Elaine , Chen Shu‐Jiun (Sophy) , Chen Ya‐Ning (Arthur) , Kalfatovic Martin , Wisser Kathy , Kim Jeonghyun
Published: January 2010

As cultural institutions libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) share the mission to organize information objects, artifacts, and data for user access and enlightenment. While (LAMs) may follow different metadata standards and procedures to manage their collections and each type of institution has unique information organization and service concerns, digital technologies have enabled them to create, organize, preserve, and provide access to digital collections for global audience. Increasingly LAMs are converging in their information organization and management effort (LAM entries in Hangingtogether.org; Zorich, Waibel & Erway 2008), and the cultural silos created by libraries, archives, and museums are being integrated or rendered transparent for users (Calhoun 2006; Christenson and Tennant 2005; Uzwyshyn 2007). The proposed panel is designed to examine the convergence of information organization practices of libraries, archives, and museums; explore collaboration opportunities; and discuss the implications of LAM information organization practices for educating information professionals for these cultural heritage institutions.

The panel consists of five speakers who will cover (1) the use of a faceted classification to organize museum artifacts and support website development; (2) metadata design and applications for organizing and preserving information objects for several types of cultural institutions; (3) the development of the Biodiversity Heritage Library and the involvement of libraries and non‐library specialists in this effort; (4) analysis of descriptive standards used by cultural organizations and areas where libraries, archives, and museums can collaborate; and (5) collaboration among cultural institutions, especially in the technology area.
Bridging between scientific disciplines: Educational strategies to meet the challenge of managing information across the sciences
Authors: D'Ignazio John , Blake Catherine , Sonnenwald Diane
Published: January 2010

The need for research to address global, complex problems that require expertise from multiple disciplines across geographic distances and the impact of new computing and network technologies on the practice of science and engineering research endeavors has received attention from many stakeholder communities. Helping to supply an appropriately trained information professional and researcher who can readily step in and contribute to a cyberinfrastructure‐enabled research process has lagged behind other contributions made by information and library schools. Each of the panelists has developed strategies that prepare students to thrive in this new environment where they can play an active role in an interdisciplinary research process. Given that technology and interdisciplinary involvement may differ greatly between disciplines and research projects, and that the scientific process will evolve as new technologies are adopted, it is important to examine the different aspects of training required for this complex environment. The panelists will therefore detail strategies used to expose and involve students in a range of science disciplines and problems, while providing these students room to express their own interests and come to an understanding of information needs and solutions appropriate for scientific research, whether occurring alone with a computer, via interaction with others in a virtual collaboratory, or as a result of inputs from a remote observation station or laboratory. The panelists will then invite discussion to help identify successful aspects of these solutions that can be incorporated into permanent information and library school course offerings regarding managing information across the sciences.
Getting started in an academic career
Authors: Wildemuth Barbara , Rosenbaum Howard
Published: January 2010

A panel of senior academics will respond to questions from doctoral students and junior/untenured faculty members. The discussion will focus on issues that arise while developing an academic career.
International partnerships in developing and deploying health open educational resources
Authors: Luo Airong , Fons Garin , Ng'ambi Dick , Doyle Gregory , Cleveland Ana
Published: January 2010

Lack of training opportunities for new and practicing health care professionals constitutes a major barrier to patient care in many developing countries. Open Educational Resources (OER) hold the potential to provide more training materials and alternative learning opportunities for health professionals. OER are teaching and learning materials made freely and openly available for students, faculty, and self learners around the world. OER is not an online distance learning program. The focus of OER is on scaling up teaching and learning capacity in partner institutions by co‐creating new learning materials and converting existing materials into OER.

The context for which OER content is produced is often different from the contexts in which it is used. Thus, one of the major challenges of OER is to understand how to create a sustainable OER model to ensure that OER production and use fit different learning and teaching environments. The panel will share their perspectives on the following issues:

How are different types of OER created and packaged for delivery and use?

What are the challenges brought about by different contexts of knowledge creation and use?

How do we design new tools and leverage the existing tools (Sakai course management system, Adobe Connect and similar web conferencing systems, OpenCast and lecture capture systems) to facilitate the creation and use of knowledge?

How can we produce sustainable models of OER creation and use?
Free access to computers and the internet at public libraries: International reflections on outcomes and methods
Authors: Fisher Karen E. , Coward Chris , Crandall Michael , Gomez Ricardo , Sey Araba , Audunson Ragnar
Published: January 2010

The Internet and computer technology have radically changed the way people live around the world. Public libraries have been at the forefront of championing digital inclusion through partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, other international and national organizations, government, and their own communities. As a result, virtually every library in the United States, as well as many libraries in other countries, provides access (often free) to computers and the Internet. Similar to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and sometimes called public access computing (PAC), this access essentially encompasses access to digital resources, databases, networked and virtual services, training, technical assistance, and technology‐trained staff. Little research has been conducted, especially from a social policy perspective, on the broad impacts of these services on individuals, families, communities and nations. Discussion is also needed regarding how to study public access to computers and the Internet in libraries, highlighting the challenges of using mixed methods and team research.

This technical panel comprises researchers from The Information & Society Center of the University of Washington Information School and Oslo University College, who are conducting several synergistic investigations of the impacts of access to computers and the Internet at libraries around the world. Upon introducing their respective studies (abstracts below), the panelists will engage the audience in an open discussion of the following questions. Note: The audience will “sign‐in” at the ASIST AM09 session and the ensuing discussion will be posted on the UW iSchool ISC website to document/promote future dialog with the global ICT‐PAC community.

Session Discussion Questions

What does “public access computing in libraries” mean in different geo contexts?

What other terms are used for it?

What impact does PAC have on individuals, families and society, over the short and long term?

What difference does it make when libraries (as opposed to other venues) provide PAC?

What are the challenges to studying PAC?

What are the policy implications of PAC?
Beyond (simple) reading: Strategies, discoveries, and collaborations
Authors: Torvik Vetle I. , Renear Allen H. , Smalheiser Neil R. , Marshall Catherine C.
Published: January 2010

Scientists increasingly use the scientific literature in ways that go beyond traditional reading. This panel explores three ways, other than traditional reading, that the computer can help us exploit scientific articles: the strategic reading of large numbers of articles, the discovery of implicit assertions, and the identification of collaboration patterns. A respondent will speculate on where these trends will take us, and what sort of outfits should be packed for the trip.
Digital libraries for biodiversity and natural history collections
Authors: Ruiz Miguel , Kramer‐Duffield Jacob , Greenberg Jane , Hall Nathan
Published: January 2010

This panel aims to discuss the importance of creating digital libraries for biodiversity and natural history collections, the state of the art in terms of standards, best practices and the challenges that natural history museums and herbaria face when trying to digitize their collections, and the creation and management of personal digital libraries for botanical learning.
Web‐based teaching: Surviving and thriving in a pluralistic online world
Authors: Aversa Elizabeth , Bajjaly Stephen , Barlow Diane , Hahn Trudi Bellardo , Lester June , Riggs Beth , Roderer Nancy
Published: January 2010

Online education in the field of Library and Information Science facilitates enrollment and participation by diverse and geographically dispersed students. However, questions have arisen about how best to administer this mode of delivery and how to address differences in the cultural, linguistic, and pedagogical expectations of students and faculty that may affect learning outcomes.
Query expansion using UMLS Tools for health information retrieval
Authors: Lu Kun , Mu Xiangming
Published: January 2010

Four new automatic query expansion strategies based on UMLS Metathesaurus are proposed to improve the effectiveness of health information retrieval: String index with Concept expansion (SC), String index with Term expansion (ST), Word index with Concept expansion (WC), and Word index with Term expansion (WT). Results from a comparison evaluation study using Medline plus dataset indicated that 1) the Mean Average Precisions (MAPs) with term‐level expansion are higher than those with concept level by 5.6% for 30 queries and 10.9% for short queries; 2) the MAPs based on the string index strategy are better than those based on the word index by 15.5% for 30 queries and 9.6% for short queries; and 3) the String index with Term expansion (ST) has the highest MAPs for both 30 queries and short queries. These results will help us better understand the effectiveness of different automatic query expansion strategies using UMLS Metathesaurus and further inform the design of future Healthcare IR system.
Digitised indigenous knowledge in cultural heritage organisations in Australia and New Zealand: An examination of policy and protocols
Authors: Francis Kirsten D. , Liew Chern Li
Published: January 2010

This research project investigates the digital collections from selected heritage organisations, exploring how and if the rights of Indigenous peoples are being protected by policy and protocol documents on the Web. It surveys selected heritage collections across Australia and New Zealand and explores digital collection policies at local and national level, investigating the extent of international pressure, socio‐cultural influences, and legislative constraints. This research project uses qualitative methodology in an interpretive way for the collation for data and analysis. The major finding of this research project is that many cultural heritage organisations in the two countries investigated attempt to bridge the gap between Anglo‐American development of legislation and Indigenous intellectual property rights by the inclusion of specific policy measures. These organisations thus in the process, are increasingly becoming in effect socio‐cultural agents for change. The main themes that emerged from this study are that of cultural, legislative and structural influences. They outline the fundamental characteristics of the policies and protocols of cultural heritage organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
Outcomes of information literacy instruction for undergraduate business students
Authors: Julien Heidi , Detlor Brian , Serenko Alexander , Willson Rebekah , Lavallee Maegen
Published: January 2010

This paper reports on a national study of information literacy instruction at Canadian business schools. The research question examined was: what is the interplay between factors of the learning environment and information literacy program components on business student learning outcomes? The question was examined in a four‐phase study; data focusing on student learning outcomes drawn from the first phase is reported here. Library administrators, librarians, teaching faculty, and business students were interviewed about students' information literacy instructional experiences, and the outcomes arising from those experiences, observed by these four groups. Data indicate a wide range of positive outcomes, including specific skill development and increased confidence; however, expected transferability of those outcomes beyond the walls of the educational institution remains doubtful.
The effect of co‐administered flavonoids on the metabolism of hesperetin and the disposition of its metabolites in Caco‐2 cell monolayers
Authors: Brand Walter , Padilla Beatriz , van Bladeren Peter J. , Williamson Gary , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: January 2010

Metabolism by phase II enzymes and transport from intestinal cells back into the lumen by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters limits the bioavailability of the flavanone hesperetin, the aglycone of hesperidin. This study investigates to what extent other flavonoids modulate the metabolism and transport of hesperetin by characterizing the effect of co‐administrating a series of flavonoids using Caco‐2 cell monolayers in a two‐compartment transwell system. Flavonoids may interfere with hesperetin metabolism and can also inhibit the apically located ABC transporter breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) which was previously shown to be responsible for the apical transport of hesperetin metabolites. Co‐exposure of Caco‐2 cell monolayers to hesperetin with specific flavonoids reduced the ratio of apical efflux to basolateral transport of hesperetin metabolites, and in some cases, also reduced the amount of hesperetin metabolites detected extracellularly. As intracellular accumulation of hesperetin metabolites did not account for this decrease, inhibition of metabolism of hesperetin is likely the underlying mechanism for the reduced metabolite formation and excretion. In spite of the reduction in metabolism the amount of hesperetin metabolites transported to the basolateral side significantly increased upon co‐exposure with specific flavonoids and therefore co‐administration of specific flavonoids could be a strategy to improve the bioavailability of hesperetin.
Dietary ω‐3 fatty acid supplementation for optimizing neuronal structure and function
Authors: Heinrichs Stephen C.
Published: January 2010

Direct actions of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on neuronal composition, neurochemical signaling and cognitive function constitute a multidisciplinary rationale for classification of dietary lipids as “brain foods.” The validity of this conclusion rests upon accumulated mechanistic evidence that ω‐3 fatty acids actually regulate neurotransmission in the normal nervous system, principally by modulating membrane biophysical properties and presynaptic vesicular release of classical amino acid and amine neurotransmitters. The functional correlate of this hypothesis, that certain information processing and affective coping responses of the central nervous system are facilitated by bioavailability of ω‐3 fatty acids, is tentatively supported by developmental and epidemiological evidence that dietary deficiency of ω‐3 fatty acids results in diminished synaptic plasticity and impaired learning, memory and emotional coping performance later in life. The present review critically examines available evidence for the promotion in modern society of ω‐3 fatty acids as adaptive neuromodulators capable of efficacy as dietary supplements and as potential prophylactic nutraceuticals for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Heme induces DNA damage and hyperproliferation of colonic epithelial cells via hydrogen peroxide produced by heme oxygenase: A possible mechanism of heme‐induced colon cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Shin‐ichi , Tamaki Satoru , Ohata Motoko , Arihara Keizo , Itoh Makoto
Published: January 2010

Epidemiological and animal model studies have suggested that high intake of heme, present in red meat, is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are not clear. This study aimed to investigate whether heme induces DNA damage and cell proliferation of colonic epithelial cells via hydrogen peroxide produced by heme oxygenase (HO). We examined the effects of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP; a HO inhibitor) and catalase on DNA damage, cell proliferation, and IL‐8 production induced by the addition of hemin (1–10 μM) to human colonic epithelial Caco‐2 cells. DNA damage was determined with a comet assay, and cell proliferation was evaluated with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation assay. Both ZnPP and exogenous catalase inhibited the hemin‐induced DNA damage and cell hyperproliferation dose‐dependently. IL‐8 messenger RNA expression and IL‐8 production in the epithelial cells increased following the hemin treatment, but the production was inhibited by ZnPP and catalase. These results indicate that hemin has genotoxic and hyperproliferative effects on Caco‐2 cells by HO and hydrogen peroxide. The mechanism might explain why a high intake of heme is associated with increased risk of colon cancer.
Chlorodithiocarbamate‐Mediated RAFT Polymerization: A Novel Synthetic Method for ATRP Macroinitiators
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yan Yuefang , Zhu Xiulin , Qiu Yansheng , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Jian , Zhang Zhengbiao
Published: January 2010

A novel functional dithiocarbamate, ClBTD, comprising both chloromethyl and thiocarbonyl groups, was successfully synthesized and used to mediate the RAFT polymerizations of St and MA. The obtained polymer was functionalized with chloromethyl and thiocarbonyl groups at the α‐ and ω‐ends of the polymer chain, respectively. The obtained polymer was directly used as macroinitiator to conduct ATRP chain extension experiment with NIPAAM as the second monomer, which resulted in poor control of the polymerization. After the thiocarbonyl group in the polymer chain end was fully removed by reaction with excess of AIBN, the recovered polymer was successfully used as macroinitiator in St/NIPAAM block copolymerization.

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First‐trimester sonographic findings in trisomy 18: a review of 53 cases
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Wong Amy E. , Dezerega Victor
Published: January 2010

Objective

To report our experience with first‐trimester sonographic findings in pregnancies complicated by trisomy 18.

Methods

Proven cases of trisomy 18 undergoing sonographic examination between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation were retrospectively identified. Information on maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, and chromosomal analysis results was obtained by reviewing the ultrasound reports and medical records.

Results

During the 12‐year period from July 1997 to June 2009, 53 cases of full trisomy 18 had first‐trimester sonographic examination performed at our institution. All but one fetus displayed one or more abnormal sonographic finding, most commonly increased nuchal translucency thickness (n = 48, 91%). Absent or hypoplastic nasal bone was documented in 53% of the fetuses in which this marker was specifically looked for. Structural anomalies included omphalocele in 11 (21%), abnormal posturing of the hands in three (6%), megacystis in two (4%), and abnormal four‐chamber view of the heart in two (4%). Early‐onset fetal growth restriction and bradycardia were documented in 14 (26%) and 4 (8%) of the cases, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that a large number of fetuses with trisomy 18 have abnormal sonographic findings in the first trimester. However, the sonographic features usually found in the second‐trimester are difficult to detect at an early gestational age. The recognition of the specific first‐trimester sonographic pattern of trisomy 18 may allow improved detection of this serious condition in early pregnancy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas Plasma: Medical Uses and Developments in Wound Care
Authors: Lloyd Geoff , Friedman Gary , Jafri Syed , Schultz Greg , Fridman Alex , Harding Keith
Published: January 2010

Non‐thermal gas plasmas (NTGPs) are a promising emergent medical technology.a Unlike thermal plasmas, they generate a complex room temperature mix of reactive species which interact with tissues. The characterization of candidate plasmas and their interaction with tissues has shown that they produce a variety of broadly dose dependent effects ranging from fibroblast proliferation to angiogenesis and bacterial destruction. These findings, supported by recent experiments using skin models, suggest that NTGP's could potentially play an important role in both decontaminating acute and chronic wounds and accelerating healing. However, important issues over toxicological and environmental safety remain unanswered and a number of regulatory and technical hurdles will need to be overcome before a NTGP medical device is released.

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Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Powdered Agricultural Products and Sugar
Authors: Ramírez Alvaro , Moya Manuel , Ayuga Francisco
Published: January 2010

Grain, forage cereals and different types of flour are commonly stored in silos. Their behavior within these structures is mainly governed by their mechanical properties. Since their advent, numerical methods have increasingly been used in silo design. However, the results obtained using these methods strongly depend on the variables employed to define the materials stored. Since the literature provides little information on the variables required for modeling the behavior of agricultural powdered materials, the goals of the present work were to: i) provide values for the different variables that are needed when designing silos using numerical methods (e.g., the Poisson ratio, the dilatancy angle and the modulus of elasticity, etc.), and ii) investigate the suitability of tests used in soil mechanics for powdered materials (e.g., the direct shear and the oedometric and triaxial test). Recommended values for these variables are proposed.
Transient Response of Particle Distribution in a Chamber to Transient Particle Injection
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zheng Zhongquan , Eckels Steven , Nadella Venkata B. , Sun Xiaoyang
Published: January 2010

We inject a large number of newly created nano‐particle aggregates into a chamber for the purpose of removing harmful contents in an indoor environment. This study is to experimentally and numerically investigate transient response of particle distributions to particle injections. A room‐sized chamber of 4 m × 2.1 m × 2.4 m is connected to a specially designed particle‐injection system, with two Optical Particle Counters used to simultaneously measure particle‐number densities with the size range from 0.3 μm to 10 μm at the inlet and in the chamber. A velocity probe measures the flow that is up to 1 m/s. An Euler‐type particulate‐phase‐transport model is developed and validated by comparing with experimental data. The study shows that the transient behavior of particle distributions is determined by many factors, including particle size, particle settling speed, sampling location, and velocity distribution. Particle number densities decrease in time more quickly for large particles than for small particles, and locations farther downstream in the chamber correlate more weakly with the inlet injection.
Deconvolution with Maximum Entropy Solution to Determine Local Extinction Coefficient and Local Volume Concentration Values from Laser Diffraction Data
Authors: Yongyingsakthavorn Pisit , Dumouchel Christophe , Vallikul Pumyos , Fungtammasan Bundit
Published: January 2010

The traditional use of the laser diffraction technique provides line‐of‐sight liquid spray drop‐size distribution. However, deconvolution of the measurements can be performed for axisymmetric spray in order to determine local spray characteristics. In a previous publication, a new deconvolution technique making use of the maximum entropy principle was established and applied to determine the local drop‐size distributions. The entire approach was experimentally validated. In this work, the technique is employed to determine local extinction coefficient values. As in the previous investigation, the measurement procedure consists of scanning a laser beam through the spray cross‐section from the center to the edge of the spray. By use of the transmittance theory, the local extinction coefficients allow the local volume concentrations to be calculated. This theory introduces the mean scattering coefficient. The results show that this coefficient must be determined as a function of the Sauter mean diameter in order to avoid overestimation of the volume concentration. Although no proper validation is presented, the coherence of the overall approach is discussed in detail and solutions for improving the spatial resolution are presented. Finally, the local volume concentrations are combined with the local drop‐size distribution to provide local volume‐weighted, drop‐size distributions. These distributions provide information on the localization of the drops according to their diameter as well as on the spatial liquid distribution. This work illustrates applications and performances of laser diffraction technique that are rarely used.
Differential regulation of redox proteins and chaperones in HbEβ‐thalassemia erythrocyte proteome
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipankar , Saha Sutapa , Basu Sumanta , Chakravarty Sudipa , Chakravarty Amit , Banerjee Debashis , Chakrabarti Abhijit
Published: January 2010

Purpose: In (hemoglobin, Hb) HbEβ‐thalassemia, HbE (β‐26 Glu→Lys) interacts with β‐thalassemia to produce clinical manifestation of varying severity. This is the first proteomic effort to study changes in protein levels of erythrocytes isolated from HbEβ‐thalassemic patients compared to normal.

Experimental design: We have used 2‐DE and MALDI‐MS/MS‐based techniques to investigate the differential proteome profiling of membrane and Hb‐depleted fraction of cytosolic proteins of erythrocytes isolated from the peripheral blood samples of HbEβ‐thalassemia patients and normal volunteers.

Results: Our study showed that redox regulators such as peroxiredoxin 2, Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin and chaperones such as α‐hemoglobin stabilizing protein and HSP‐70 were upregulated in HbEβ‐thalassemia. We have also observed larger amounts of membrane associated globin chains and indications of disruption of spectrin‐based junctional complex in the membrane skeleton of HbEβ‐thalassemic erythrocytes upon detection of low molecular weight fragments of β‐spectrin and decrease in β‐actin and dematin content.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: We have observed interesting changes in the proteomic levels of redox regulators and chaperons in the thalassemic hemolysates and have observed strong correlation or association of the extent of such proteomic changes with HbE levels. This could be important in understanding the role of HbE in disease progression and pathophysiology.
Biomarkers of neurological status in HIV infection: A 3‐year study
Authors: Ragin Ann B. , Wu Ying , Ochs Renee , Scheidegger Rachel , Cohen Bruce A. , Edelman Robert R. , Epstein Leon G. , McArthur Justin
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To evaluate circulating cytokines and chemokines as correlates of the degree of brain injury in individuals with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.Experimental design: Study participants included ten well‐characterized subjects in advanced stage HIV infection. High‐throughput multiplexed analysis was used to quantify markers of interest at baseline and 3 years later in the clinical course. Objective measurements of the brain were derived in vivo with quantitative magnetic resonance segmentation algorithms and with diffusion tensor imaging.

Results: Of the markers examined, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1 or CCL‐2) was the most prominent correlate of brain injury. Elevated MCP‐1 levels correlated with brain white matter alterations at the initial assessment. The relationship to injury was more extensive 3 years later; elevated MCP‐1 was significantly correlated with measures of brain microstructural alterations and of abject atrophy.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The findings build on our prior observations that elevated MCP‐1 levels may be a useful predictive marker for HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder. As a potent chemoattractant, MCP‐1 may mediate injury through participation in self‐reinforcing cycles of chronic immune activation and cytokine/chemokine‐mediated neurotoxicity.
Proteomic analysis of BRCA1‐depleted cell line reveals a putative role for replication protein A2 up‐regulation in BRCA1 breast tumor development
Authors: Bouley Julien , Pionneau Cédric , Varinot Justine , Biard Denis , Genestie Catherine , Antoine Martine , Coulet Florence , Stern Marc‐Henri , Stoppa‐Lyonnet Dominique , Soubrier Florent
Published: January 2010

Purpose: Germline mutations in BRCA1 result in a strong predisposition to breast cancer, with frequent loss of heterozygosity of the remaining wild‐type allele. The development of BRCA1 tumors is likely to depend on additional genetic alterations and gene expression changes which follow growth and DNA repair defects associated with BRCA1 deficiency. The identification of these modifications offers an opportunity to find surrogate markers of BRCA1 tumors. Here, we sought to identify differentially expressed proteins related to BRCA1 depletion.

Experimental design: We used isogenic HeLa cells either stably knocked‐down or not for BRCA1 (BRCA1KD) and compared protein profiles of these cells by DIGE.

Results: We detected increased levels of Replication protein A2 (RPA2) in BRCA1KD cells as compared to control cells. RPA2 is an essential protein required for DNA replication and repair. We further demonstrated that depletion of RPA2 subunit delays growth of BRCA1KD respect to isogenic control cells. Strikingly, elevated levels of RPA2 were more frequently observed in BRCA1 tumors when triple‐negative tumors from BRCA1 mutation carriers (n=13) and non‐carriers (n=36) were stained in situ for RPA2.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: RPA2 up‐regulation may thus be involved in the growth and/or survival of BRCA1 tumor cells and useful in immunohistochemical discrimination of triple‐negative BRCA1 tumors.
Combining laser capture microdissection and proteomics: Methodologies and clinical applications
Authors: Xu Baogang J.
Published: January 2010

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) has become an important tool for biomedical research. Various molecular biology techniques have been combined with LCM to reveal molecular profiles at an unprecedented tissue resolution. Proteomics is among those techniques that have proved fruitful in combination with LCM. This review provides an overview of the various proteomic techniques that have been developed for analyzing cells obtained using LCM. Methods for analyzing microdissected cells for various proteomic techniques are described and compared. In addition, various applications based on LCM and proteomics are discussed.
Optimization protocol for amyloid‐β peptides detection in human cerebrospinal fluid using SELDI TOF MS
Authors: Albertini Valentina , Bruno Anna , Paterlini Anna , Lista Simone , Benussi Luisa , Cereda Cristina , Binetti Giuliano , Ghidoni Roberta
Published: January 2010

Purpose: The aim of the present work was to set up an optimized protocol for human cerebrospinal fluid amyloid‐β (Aβ) profiling.

Experimental design: We devised an immunoproteomic assay that employs monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on Preactivated Surface (PS20) chip array followed by SELDI TOF MS. A comparison of a number of factors was performed, and the impact of these differences was noted. Each variable was tested using in parallel two different mAbs, 6E10 and 4G8. In addition, we tested whether the combined use of these two mAbs could improve the capture of N and C‐terminally truncated Aβ peptides and then the quality of spectra.

Results: The best results were obtained using a mixture of Aβ mAbs (0.125μg/μL 6E10+4G8): 15 Aβ peptides (including 3 N‐terminally truncated forms) were detected.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: This approach has many potential advantages in speed, sensitivity and economy of reagents and could be helpful in order to define the role played by specific Aβ truncated forms in cognitive decline.
Multiplex assays for biomarker research and clinical application: Translational science coming of age
Authors: Fu Qin , Schoenhoff Florian S. , Savage William J. , Zhang Pingbo , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: January 2010

Over the last decade, translational science has come into the focus of academic medicine, and significant intellectual and financial efforts have been made to initiate a multitude of bench‐to‐bedside projects. The quest for suitable biomarkers that will significantly change clinical practice has become one of the biggest challenges in translational medicine. Quantitative measurement of proteins is a critical step in biomarker discovery. Assessing a large number of potential protein biomarkers in a statistically significant number of samples and controls still constitutes a major technical hurdle. Multiplexed analysis offers significant advantages regarding time, reagent cost, sample requirements and the amount of data that can be generated. The two contemporary approaches in multiplexed and quantitative biomarker validation, antibody‐based immunoassays and MS‐based multiple (or selected) reaction monitoring, are based on different assay principles and instrument requirements. Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages and therefore have complementary roles in the multi‐staged biomarker verification and validation process. In this review, we discuss quantitative immunoassay and multiple reaction monitoring/selected reaction monitoring assay principles and development. We also discuss choosing an appropriate platform, judging the performance of assays, obtaining reliable, quantitative results for translational research and clinical applications in the biomarker field.
Banking of clinical samples for proteomic biomarker studies: A consideration of logistical issues with a focus on pre‐analytical variation
Authors: Jackson David H. , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: January 2010

Biobanks with their collections of clinical samples and data are essential resources for the success of clinical proteomics in delivering and validating candidate biomarkers. Samples must be banked in a manner that allows maximum subsequent compatibility with analytical techniques and additionally many critical factors must be taken into account when establishing a biobank or selecting samples from a biobank. These include logistical, ethical, legal and security issues and, very importantly, steps to minimise any pre‐analytical variability introduced through sample processing and handling (technical effects). The inherent variation present within the samples must also be taken into account. In this review, we examine the impact of these factors and issues to be faced when banking samples with a particular focus on sources of pre‐analytical variation, which must be rigorously controlled and recorded. It is encouraging that several initiatives are now addressing such key issues and these are also discussed.
An improved procedure for the synthesis of dehydroamino acids and dehydropeptides from the carbonate derivatives of serine and threonine using tetrabutylammonium fluoride
Authors: Ramapanicker Ramesh , Mishra Roli , Chandrasekaran Srinivasan
Published: January 2010

Dehydroamino acids are important precursors for the synthesis of a number of unnatural amino acids and are structural components in many biologically active peptide derivatives. However, efficient synthetic procedures for their production in large amounts and without side reactions are limited. We report here an improved procedure for the synthesis of dehydroalanine and dehydroamino butyric acid from the carbonate derivatives of serine and threonine using TBAF. The antiselective E2 elimination of the carbonate derivatives of serine and threonine using TBAF is milder and more efficient than other available procedures. The elimination reaction is completed in less than 10 min with various carbonate derivatives studied and the methodology is very efficient for the synthesis of dehydroamino acids and dehydropeptides. The procedure thus provides an easy access to key synthetic precursors and can be used to introduce interesting structural elements to designed peptides. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling quantum dot lasers with optical feedback: sensitivity of bifurcation scenarios
Authors: Otto Christian , Lüdge Kathy , Schöll Eckehard
Published: January 2010

We present a systematic study of the complex dynamics of a quantum dot (QD) laser subjected to optical feedback from a short external cavity. Our model consists of a Lang–Kobayashi like model for the electric field combined with a microscopically based rate equation system. We separately treat electron and hole dynamics in the QDs and the surrounding wetting layer (WL). By tuning the phase–amplitude coupling and the optical confinement factor we are able to discuss various scenarios of the dynamics on the route towards conventional quantum well (QW) lasers. Due to the optical feedback, multistability occurs in our model in form of external cavity modes (ECMs) or delay‐induced intensity pulsations. In dependence of the feedback strength we analyze complex bifurcation scenarios for the intensity of the emitted laser light as well as time series, power spectra, and phase portraits of all dynamic variables in order to elucidate the internal dynamics of the laser.
Theoretical study of structural and optical properties of small silver and gold clusters at defect centers of MgO
Authors: Bürgel Christian , Mitrić Roland , Bonačić‐Koutecký Vlasta
Published: January 2010

In this contribution we present the structural and optical properties of small noble‐metal clusters at the FS‐center defect of the MgO (100) support. We focus on comparing absorption and emission properties of supported silver and gold clusters. It will be shown that the leading absorption features in the low energy regime are similar for supported silver and gold clusters of the same size, in spite of the direct involvement of d electrons from Au atoms due to strong relativistic effects. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the excited electronic states allow us to unravel relaxation mechanism and to propose the smallest noble‐metal clusters at the FS‐center defect, Ag2,4@F5c and Au2,4@F5c, as good candidates for emissive centers. In contrast, larger supported Ag8@F5c and Au8@F5c clusters are unlikely to fluoresce.
Preparation of NaSi thin films for the guest free Si clathrate thin films by heat resistance apparatus using NaSi target materials
Authors: Narita Tomoki , Ueno Hiroyuki , Baba Tatsuya , Kume Tetsuji , Ban Takayuki , Iida Tamio , Habuchi Hitoe , Natsuhara Hironori , Nonomura Shuichi
Published: January 2010

In order to make a thin film of sodium silicide (NaSi), Na was evaporated onto a Si substrate, and the evaporated Na film was annealed under Ar atmosphere without exposure to the air. The annealing condition with 350 °C for 4 h yielded the XRD patterns characteristics of NaSi, indicating the formation of the NaSi on the Si substrate (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural, optical and thermal studies on PbS nanocubes
Authors: Paul Gouri Sankar , Agarwal Pratima
Published: January 2010

We have synthesized PbS nanocubes by solvothermal process with ethylenediamine (en) solvent for three different reaction times. XRD studies revealed that in all the cases pure PbS phase exists. Surface morphology of these powder samples are studied by SEM and TEM whereas compositional analysis and chemical purity are observed by EDAX. The emission peaks in the UV‐Vis range suggest the band gap of the structure to be much higher compared to bulk counterpart. The structures are found to be stable up to 700 °C and are suitable for high temperature device applications. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Annealing effects on aSiNx grown by PECVD using different gas mixtures
Authors: Mercaldo Lucia V. , Veneri Paola Delli , Esposito Emilia M. , Tucci Mario
Published: January 2010

Silicon quantum dots embedded in dielectric matrix have interesting possible applications both in microelectronics and photovoltaics. In most cases the fabrication processes involve sputtering or plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) followed by a high‐temperature (>1000°C) treatment. The possibility of realizing Si nanostructures in situ or at least reducing the annealing temperature deserves to be explored in view of a more direct and cheaper application. We report on annealing effects (temperature range 600‐1100°C) on silicon nitride films. Si rich samples have been deposited by PECVD at 300°C using two different gas mixtures: silane and nitrogen in one case and silane and ammonia diluted in nitrogen in the other. The evolution of Raman spectra, room temperature photoluminescence, and optical absorption of samples with similar refraction index has been investigated. Evidence of partial phase separation, with silicon‐rich and nitrogen‐rich regions, in the as‐grown material has been inferred, with the thermal treatments inducing further reorganization of the two phases. Crystallization of silicon aggregates has been detected only after the highest temperature treatment on both types of samples, with larger nanocrystals when growing the material from silane and nitrogen. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new structure of counter electrode used for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ji W. W. , Zhang X. D. , Zhao Y. , Yang Z. H. , Cai N. , Wei C. C. , Sun J. , Xiong S. Z.
Published: January 2010

A new structure of counter electrode, which was formed by platinum thin film, FTO, glass, and silver thin film or silver nanoparticles, was proposed. As we have known, the design of sunlight utilization in solar cells was very important for enhancing the energy conversion efficiency. Compared with the conventional counter electrode structure (platinum film, FTO and glass), this new structure that coated with a layer of silver or silver nanoparticles on the back side of conductive glass, can obviously make much more use of sunlight and increase the short‐circuit current from 11.60 mA/cm2 to 15.48 mA/cm2. As a result, the energy conversion efficiency of the dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSC) was improved from 4.39% to 6.05% under AM1.5. It was evident that this new structure of counter electrode only utilized the reflectance of silver and had no effect on improving conductance of the counter electrode (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of NaYF4: Yb, Er nanocrystals and its application in silicon thin film solar cells
Authors: Zhang X. D. , Jin X. , Wang D. F. , Xiong S. Z. , Geng X. H. , Zhao Y.
Published: January 2010

Up‐converting material, which can be efficiently excited by near infrared light and emit strong visible light through a process termed ‘up‐conversion fluorescence’, has shown a great potential for application in solar cells. In this paper, sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF4) up‐converting nanocrystals doped with lanthanide ions (Yb3+ and Er3+) using different disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) concentrations have been synthesized using hydrothermal method. Up‐converting nanocrystal with hexagonal phase has shown strong up‐conversion fluorescence under 980nm laser excitation compared with cubic phase. In order to realize the application of this kind of up‐converting nanocrystals into amorphous silicon thin film solar cells, an up‐convertor made by solidified mixture of above nanocrystal powder and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The up‐convertor attached on the rear side of p‐i‐n type amorphous silicon thin film solar cells enhanced the short circuit current density under the AM1.5 illumination and thus improved the conversion efficiency of solar cells (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma deposition of p‐i‐n microcrystalline silicon solar cells using a single plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber: study of the phosphorus contamination
Authors: Wang G. H. , Zhang X. D. , Xu S. Z. , Wei C. C. , Sun J. , Xiong S. Z. , Geng X. H. , Zhao Y.
Published: January 2010

A series of microcrystalline silicon thin films were fabricated by very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition in a single‐chamber at different phosphorus‐contamination backgrounds. The influence of phosphorus on the properties of p‐layer was studied. The results of electrical properties showed that the dark conductivity of p‐layer decreased largely because of the influence of phosphorus. Several techniques used to reduce the phosphorus contaminations were investigated: the deposition of p‐layers between cells, hydrogen plasma treatment and deposition of microcrystalline silicon covering layer after n‐layer of the last cell. Their effectiveness was evaluated by means of the improvement of p‐layer properties and cell performance (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of high crystalline p /i interface layer on the performance of microcrystalline silicon solar cells deposited in a single‐chamber system
Authors: Zhang X. D. , Sun F. H. , Wang G. H. , Xu S. Z. , Wei C. C. , Hou G. F. , Sun J. , Xiong S. Z. , Geng X. H. , Zhao Y.
Published: January 2010

We studied boron (B) contaminations at the p /i interface in hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (μc‐Si:H) p ‐i ‐n solar cells deposited in a single chamber system. We used secondary ion mass spectroscopy to measure B depth profiles in μc‐Si:H thin films with different crystalline volume fraction (Xc) and found that μc‐Si:H films with a higher Xc showed a less boron contamination than that with a lower Xc in the amorphous/microcrystalline transition region. Based on this result, we proposed an interface layer with a suitable high Xc inserted between p and i layers to reduce the contaminations and then improve the performance of μc‐Si:H solar cells prepared in the single‐chamber system. The solar cell experiments indeed showed that a suitable high Xc interface layer decreased the boron contaminations at the p /i interface. The solar cell efficiency was increased with an enhanced short wavelength response. Combined with the optimized high Xc interface layer, the high quality μc‐Si:H, and the light trapping effect of front electrode, a single‐junction μc‐Si:H solar cell with 6.3% (1.0 cm2) of conversion efficiency was made in the single‐chamber system. Using the improved μc‐Si:H solar cell as the bottom cell, we achieved a 10.05% (1.0 cm2) efficiency for an a‐Si:H/μc‐Si:H tandem solar cell (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)