bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical illnesses, developmental risk factors and psychiatric diagnoses among subjects at risk of psychosis
Authors: Korkeila J. , Salokangas R.K.R. , Heinimaaa M. , Svirskis T. , Laine T. , Ruhrmann S. , von Reventlow H. , Juckel G. , Linszen D. , Birchwood M. , Klosterkötter J.
Published: September 2011

Background

Subjects with psychoses have significantly increased rates of physical illnesses, but the nature of the relationship remains largely unknown.

Material and methods

The present study is part of the European Prediction of Psychosis Study (EPOS). Data were collected from 245 help-seeking individuals from six European centers (age 16–35) who met criteria for ultra-high risk of psychosis criteria. This paper seeks to investigate self-reported physical ill health and its associations with psychiatric symptoms and disorders, risk factors, and onset of psychosis during 48 months of follow-up.

Results

In multivariate analysis, lifetime panic disorder (OR = 2.43, 95%CI: 1.03–5.73), known complications during pregnancy and delivery (OR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.10–7.15), female gender (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 1.16–7.17), family history of psychosis (OR = 3.08, 95%CI: 1.18–8.07), and having a relationship (OR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.33–8.94) were significantly associated with self-reported physician-diagnosed illness. In the Cox proportional hazard model we found no significant differences between those who had undergone a transition to psychosis and those who had not.

Conclusions

The physical health of patients defined to be at ultra-high risk of psychosis seems to be commonly impaired and associated with female gender, marital status, complications during pregnancy and birth, lifetime panic disorder, and genetic risk of psychosis.
Gender Differences in the Sensitivity to Negative Stimuli: Cross-Modal Affective Priming Study
Authors: Gohier B. , Senior C. , Brittain P.J. , Lounes N. , El-Hage W. , Law V. , Phillips M.L. , Surguladze S.A.
Published: September 2011

Background

There is evidence showing that men and women differ with regard to the processing of emotional information. However, the mechanisms behind these differences are not fully understood.

Method

The sample comprised of 275 (167 female) right-handed, healthy participants, recruited from the community. We employed a customized affective priming task, which consisted of three subtests, differing in the modality of the prime (face, written word, and sound). The targets were always written words of either positive or negative valence. The priming effect was measured as reaction time facilitation in conditions where both prime and target were emotional (of the same positive or negative valence) compared with conditions where the emotional targets were preceded by neutral primes.

Results

The priming effect was observed across all three modalities, with an interaction of gender by valence: the priming effect in the emotionally negative condition in male participants was stronger compared with females. This was accounted for by the differential priming effect within the female group where priming was significantly smaller in the emotionally negative conditions compared with the positive conditions. The male participants revealed a comparable priming effect across both the emotionally negative and positive conditions.

Conclusion

Reduced priming in negative conditions in women may reflect interference processes due to greater sensitivity to negative valence of stimuli. This in turn could underlie the gender-related differences in susceptibility to emotional disorders.
Prenatal exposure to restraint or predator stresses attenuates field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in infant rats
Authors: Saboory Ehsan , Ahmadzadeh Ramin , Roshan‐Milani Shiva
Published: September 2011

Exposure to stress is known to change synaptic plasticity and results in long‐term depression; further, this stress precipitates seizures. In the study described here, the prenatal restraint and predator stress models were used to test the hypothesis that indirect prenatal stresses influence hippocampal synaptic potentiation and may affect seizures susceptibility in infant rats. Pregnant female Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control, restraint‐stressed, and predator‐stressed groups. Both stressed groups were exposed to the stressor on gestation days 15, 16, and 17. The restraint stress involved 1‐h sessions twice daily in a Plexiglas tube and the predator stress involved 2‐h sessions once daily in a cage placed within the visual range of a caged cat. Blood corticosterone (COS) levels were measured in different time points. Hippocampal slices were prepared and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) were studied on postnatal day 15. Pilocarpine was administered on postnatal day 25 and mortality rates were measured after 2 and 24 h. Restraint and predator stresses resulted in significantly elevated COS blood levels in dams and pups. Both the amplitude and slope of fEPSP in the CA1 area decreased significantly in the stressed groups as compared to the control. Prenatal restraint and predator stresses significantly increased the fatal effect of pilocarpine at 24 h after injection. Exposure to prenatal stresses and COS blood levels elevation reduce hippocampal synaptic potentiation and increase mortality rate of seizure in infant rats and may affect on later seizure susceptibility and prognosis.
Treadmill training induces plasticity in spinal motoneurons and sciatic nerve after sensorimotor restriction during early postnatal period: New insights into the clinical approach for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Stigger Felipe , do Nascimento Patrícia S. , Dutra Márcio F. , Couto Gabriela K. , Ilha Jocemar , Achaval Matilde , Marcuzzo Simone
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether locomotor stimulation training could have beneficial effects on the morphometric alterations of spinal cord and sciatic nerve consequent to sensorimotor restriction (SR). Male Wistar rats were exposed to SR from postnatal day 2 (P2) to P28. Control and experimental rats underwent locomotor stimulation training in a treadmill for three weeks (from P31 to P52). The cross‐sectional area (CSA) of spinal motoneurons innervating hind limb muscles was determined. Both fiber and axonal CSA of myelinated fibers were also assessed. The growth‐related increase in CSA of motoneurons in the SR group was less than controls. After SR, the mean motoneuron soma size was reduced with an increase in the proportion of motoneurons with a soma size of between 0 and 800 μm2. The changes in soma size of motoneurons were accompanied by a reduction in the mean fiber and axon CSA of sciatic nerve. The soma size of motoneurons was reestablished at the end of the training period reaching controls level. Our results suggest that SR during early postnatal life retards the growth‐related increase in the cell body size of motoneurons in spinal cord and the development of sciatic nerve. Additionally, three weeks of locomotor stimulation using a treadmill seems to have a beneficial effect on motoneurons’ soma size.
The IKEA effect: When labor leads to love
Authors: Norton Michael I. , Mochon Daniel , Ariely Dan
Published: September 2011

In four studies in which consumers assembled IKEA boxes, folded origami, and built sets of Legos, we demonstrate and investigate boundary conditions for the IKEA effect—the increase in valuation of self‐made products. Participants saw their amateurish creations as similar in value to experts' creations, and expected others to share their opinions. We show that labor leads to love only when labor results in successful completion of tasks; when participants built and then destroyed their creations, or failed to complete them, the IKEA effect dissipated. Finally, we show that labor increases valuation for both “do‐it‐yourselfers” and novices.
Revisiting the arcs of integration: Cross‐validations and extensions
Authors: Schoenherr Tobias , Swink Morgan
Published: September 2011

This paper revisits Frohlich and Westbrook's arcs of integration concept [Arcs of integration: an international study of supply chain strategies. Journal of Operations Management 2001, 19 (2) pp. 185–200]. Using survey responses from 403 supply chain professionals, we compare the arcs of integration group memberships generated with our sample to the original study, rationalize the classification scheme, and assess the impact of supply chain integration strategies on quality, delivery, flexibility and cost performance. In doing so we cross‐validate Frohlich and Westbrook's framework with a more recent and broader sample of data utilizing multi‐dimensional performance measures collected from supply chain managers. We ground these relationships in the relational and resource‐based views of the firm. We also extend Frohlich and Westbrook's study by investigating the moderating role of internal integration on the relationships between arcs of integration and performance. In accordance with information processing theory, the results indicate that internal integration strengthens the positive impacts of external integration on both delivery and flexibility performance. However, the theory is not supported for either quality or cost performance. Overall, our study confirms and extends the work of Frohlich and Westbrook, augments theories used to describe supply chain integration efforts, and provides practical implications for managers.
Thermal welding versus cold knife tonsillectomy: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Yilmaz Metin , Duzlu Mehmet , Catli Tolgahan , Ustun Selin , Ceylan Alper
Published: September 2011

This is a prospective randomized study conducted in a group of children who underwent two methods of tonsillectomy: thermal welding or cold knife tonsillectomy. Parameters, such as postoperative pain scores, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and postoperative bleeding rates, were analyzed to find out which technique is better. Ninety‐one children (aged between 2 years and 13 years) with recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, or both were included in the study. According to the type of tonsillectomy procedure, the patients were divided into two groups: cold knife and thermal welding procedure. The two groups were compared on the basis of postoperative pain scores, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and postoperative bleeding. Fifty‐seven patients underwent thermal welding tonsillectomy and 34 had cold knife tonsillectomy. The mean pain score in thermal welding group was significantly lower (p < 0.001). There was no remarkable blood loss intraoperatively in the thermal welding procedure. The operation time was not significantly different between two groups. No postoperative bleeding was encountered in the thermal welding group. Compared with the cold knife technique, thermal welding was found to be a relatively new and safe technique for tonsillectomy as it results in significantly less postoperative pain and no remarkable blood loss.
HIV‐negative disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma in a Taiwanese patient
Authors: Huang Chiung‐Tang , Chang Chao‐Sung , Maa Hung‐Chune , Cho Shih‐Feng , Liu Ta‐Chih
Published: September 2011

Kaposi's sarcoma is a common malignancy associated with HIV/AIDS. Herein, we describe the case of a 26‐year‐old man who presented with bilateral neck and inguinal lymphadenopathy, a massive tumor on the gum, and a nodule over the left eye. A series of tests, including tumor biopsies, were performed, and disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma with human herpesvirus 8 infection was diagnosed. To test for HIV, we used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and real‐time polymerase chain reaction, but the results were negative. The patient was treated by biweekly intravenous infusion of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (25 mg/m2), and this treatment resulted in a partial response.
Enterococcus hirae‐related acute pyelonephritis and cholangitis with bacteremia: An unusual infection in humans
Authors: Chan Tze‐Sian , Wu Min‐Shung , Suk Fat‐Moon , Chen Chun‐Nan , Chen Yung‐Fa , Hou Yen‐Hui , Lien Gi‐Shih
Published: September 2011

Very few reports are available from the literature related to Enterococcus hirae infection in humans, which is more frequently seen in animals and birds. We report two patients with E hirae bacteremia caused by acute pyelonephritis and acute cholangitis. The clinical courses have been smooth on use of sensitive antibiotic therapy. In both cases, the primary sources and portals of entry are clearly identified.
The Effects of High- and Low-Dose Aspirin on Thermoregulation During and After Acute Cold Exposure
Authors: Murray Leigh K. , Otterstetter Ronald , Muller Matthew D. , Glickman Ellen L.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To explore the effect of aspirin on the thermoregulatory responses of men during exposure to 12°C air (acute cold exposure) for a period of 120 minutes and recovery in 25°C air (rewarming) for 120 minutes.

Methods

Seven male subjects (26.1 ± 2.4 yr) underwent pre-experimental testing to determine peak VO2 and body composition. Participants underwent 3 trials in which they ingested the following for 1 week prior to each experimental trial: a capsule filled with cellulose (placebo), 81 mg  ·  day−1 of aspirin (low-dose aspirin), or 650 mg  ·  day−1 of aspirin (high-dose aspirin). Each trial consisted of a 30-minute baseline period, 120 minutes of exposure to 12°C air, and 120 minutes of recovery in 25°C air. Mean skin temperature and rectal temperature (Tre) were measured, and heat production was calculated.

Results

During both acute cold exposure and rewarming, analysis of variance revealed a main effect for time ( P < .05) with respect to Tre, mean skin temperature, and heat production. However, there were no significant differences between the treatments or treatment by time interactions.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that aspirin had no significant effect on the thermal and metabolic responses during acute cold exposure and rewarming.
Experimental demonstration of early time, hohlraum radiation symmetry tuning for indirect drive ignition experiments
Authors: Dewald E. L. , Milovich J. , Thomas C. , Kline J. , Sorce C. , Glenn S. , Landen O. L.
Published: September 2011

Early time radiation symmetry at the capsule for indirect drive ignition on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [G. H. Miller, E. I. Moses, and C. R. Wuest, Nucl. Fusion 44, 228 (2004)] will be inferred from the instantaneous soft x-ray re-emission pattern of a high-Z sphere replacing the ignition capsule. This technique was tested on the OMEGA laser facility [J. M. Soures, R. L. McCrory, T. Boehly et al., Laser Part. Beams 11, 317 (1991)] in near full ignition scale vacuum hohlraums using an equivalent experimental setup to the one planned for NIF. Two laser cones entering each laser entrance hole heat the hohlraums to radiation temperatures of 100 eV, mimicking the NIF ignition pulse foot drive. The experiments have demonstrated accuracies of ±1.5% (±2%) in inferred P2/P0 (P4/P0) Legendre mode incident flux asymmetry and consistency between 900 eV and 1200 eV re-emission patterns. We have also demonstrated the expected tuning capability of P2/P0, from positive (pole hot) to negative (waist hot), decreasing linearly with the inner/outer beams power fraction. P4/P0 on the other hand shows very little variation with power fraction. We developed a simple analytical viewfactor model that is in good agreement with both measured P2/P0 and P4/P0 and their dependence on inner beam power fraction.
Plasma-wall interaction studies with optimized laser-produced jets
Authors: Renner O. , Pisarczyk T. , Chodukowski T. , Kalinowska Z. , Krouský E. , Pisarczyk P. , Šmíd M. , Ullschmied J. , Dalimier E.
Published: September 2011

The production of the laser-produced plasma jets at burnt-through low-Z foils was optimized by using three-frame interferometry. When striking secondary targets, these jets of energetic particles represent an efficient tool for the investigation of transient phenomena at surfaces of the plasma-exposed solids. Two sets of precisely measured x-ray spectroscopic data demonstrate diagnostic potential of the collimated jets in the plasma-wall interaction studies: Blue Doppler shifts of the Al jet self-emission visualize ion deceleration in the near-wall region. Local depressions found in Al Lyγ profiles emitted from Al/Si(PMMA) targets indicate charge exchange between the Al XIII and fully stripped C ions.
Numerical simulation study of electrostatically defined silicon double quantum dot device
Authors: Sulthoni Muhammad Amin , Kodera Tetsuo , Uchida Ken , Oda Shunri
Published: September 2011

Coupled quantum dots are of great interest for the application of quantum computing. The aspect needing attention is the preparation of well-defined quantum dots with small sizes and interdot distances. We propose a novel electrostatics method to form silicon double quantum dots. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were used to confirm the concept and study the mechanism controlling the tunnel barrier using the side gates. We estimate the electron number in each quantum dot to be less than five electrons. The prospect in creating ultrasmall quantum dots that operate at the few-electron regime, as well as exhibit processing simplicity is the great advantage of this method over those previously reported.
Selective Ge heteroepitaxy on free-standing Si (001) nanopatterns: A combined Raman, transmission electron microscopy, and finite element method study
Authors: Kozlowski G. , Yamamoto Y. , Bauer J. , Schubert M. A. , Dietrich B. , Tillack B. , Schroeder T.
Published: September 2011

We report on Ge selectively grown by chemical vapor deposition on free-standing Si(001) nanostructures for future photonic applications. Si(001) substrate is patterned in the form of 140-nm-high and 150-nm-wide stripes along the 〈110〉 crystal direction with sidewalls and trenches covered by a thermal SiO2 mask. The selectivity of Ge deposition is triggered by opening growth windows of uncovered Si on top of each nanopillar. The samples with 15- and 25-nm-thick oxide mask are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy supported by finite element method simulation. The analysis indicates that, although nanopatterned Si is stressed by thermal oxide, the Si structure quality is not affected. Additionally, the epi-Ge crystal grows in a relaxed form and nearly the whole strain energy is released by the nucleation of a misfit dislocation network at the Ge/Si interface. The residual stress is mainly accumulated in the bird’s beak region of Ge/Si nanostructures.
Formation of transition layers at metal/perovskite oxide interfaces showing resistive switching behaviors
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Yasuhara R. , Ohkubo I. , Kumigashira H. , Oshima M.
Published: September 2011

The authors have investigated the chemical states at the interface of metal/perovskite oxides both with and without bipolar resistive switching (RS) behavior using photoemission spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Al/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (PCMO), Al/La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO), and Al/La0.33Sr0.67FeO3 interfaces were chosen as typical examples of interfaces for the perovskite-based resistance random access memory (ReRAM), while Pt/PCMO and Ag/LCMO were chosen as references for the metal/perovskite interface without RS behavior. Detailed analyses of spectroscopic data revealed that transition layers were formed at the interfaces showing RS behavior as a result of interfacial redox reactions between the Al electrodes and the transition metal ions in the oxides. On the other hand, for the interfaces that did not exhibit RS behavior, no chemical reaction occurred at the interface. The formation of the interfacial transition layer is naturally explained by considering the redox potential between the electrode materials and transition metal ions. These results suggest that a suitable combination of electrodes and oxides could be designed based on their redox potentials.
Dislocation structure of GaN films grown on planar and nano-patterned sapphire
Authors: Cao Wanjun , Biser Jeffrey M. , Ee Yik-Khoon , Li Xiao-Hang , Tansu Nelson , Chan Helen M. , Vinci Richard P.
Published: September 2011

Plane view and cross-section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were used to compare the density, character, and curvature of dislocations developed during metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of GaN on planar c-plane sapphire with those developed during growth on nano-patterned c-plane sapphire. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of GaN films at different stages of growth for both types of substrates complemented the TEM investigation. GaN growth on wafers patterned with an array of submicron sapphire bumps exhibited relatively uniform nucleation and initial growth, as well as early island coalescence. It is suggested that this coalescence results in a relatively small fraction of dislocations with partial screw character at the surface of the films grown on the patterned substrate, and that this may be responsible for the improvements in carrier lifetime and device efficiency seen in earlier studies on similar sapphire substrates.
Surface/strain energy balance controlling preferred orientation in CdZnO films
Authors: Zhang T. C. , Kuznetsov A. Yu.
Published: September 2011

Single-phase rock-salt CdZnO films were synthesized on r-plane sapphire substrates by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. Evolutions in growth orientations were investigated in these films as a function of Zn content and film thickness. The preferred orientation is found to black (thick) and red (thin) lines depend on the balance between the surface and strain energy accumulated in the films in accordance with the so-called overall energy model. Specifically, (100) orientation dominates below a critical Zn content and/or a critical film thickness, otherwise (111)-oriented grains nucleate on top of the (100) planes.
A superconducting gravity gradiometer for measurements from a moving vehicle
Authors: Moody M. V.
Published: September 2011

A gravity gradiometer designed for operation on an aircraft or ship has been tested in the laboratory. A noise level of 0.53 E (E ≡ 10−9 s−2) rms over a 0.001 to 1 Hz bandwidth has been measured, and the primary error mechanisms have been analyzed and quantified. The design is a continuation in the development of superconducting accelerometer technology at the University of Maryland over more than three decades. A cryogenic instrument presents not only the benefit of reduced thermal noise, but also, the extraordinary stability of superconducting circuits and material properties at very low temperatures. This stability allows precise matching of scale factors and accurate rejection of dynamic errors. The design of the instrument incorporates a number of additional features that further enhance performance in a dynamically noisy environment.
Resolving the controversy on the glass transition temperature of water?
Authors: Capaccioli S. , Ngai K. L.
Published: September 2011

We consider experimental data on the dynamics of water (1) in glass-forming aqueous mixtures with glass transition temperature Tg approaching the putative Tg = 136 K of water from above and below, (2) in confined spaces of nanometer in size, and (3) in the bulk at temperatures above the homogeneous nucleation temperature. Altogether, the considered relaxation times from the data range nearly over 15 decades from 10−12 to 103 s. Assisted by the various features in the isothermal spectra and theoretical interpretation, these considerations enable us to conclude that relaxation of un-crystallized water is highly non-cooperative. The exponent βK of its Kohlrausch stretched exponential correlation function is not far from having the value of one, and hence the deviation from exponential time decay is slight. Albeit the temperature dependence of its α-relaxation time being non-Arrhenius, the corresponding Tg-scaled temperature dependence has small steepness index m, likely less than 44 at Tg, and hence water is not “‘fragile” as a glassformer. The separation in time scale of the α- and the β-relaxations is small at Tg, becomes smaller at higher temperatures, and they merge together shortly above Tg. From all these properties and by inference, water is highly non-cooperative as a glass-former, it has short cooperative length-scale, and possibly smaller configurational entropy and change of heat capacity at Tg compared with other organic glass-formers. This conclusion is perhaps unsurprising because water is the smallest molecule. Our deductions from the data rule out that the Tg of water is higher than 160 K, and suggest that it is close to the traditional value of 136 K.
Nonlinearity characterization of temperature sensing systems for integrated circuit testing by intermodulation products monitoring
Authors: Altet J. , Mateo D. , Perpiñà X. , Grauby S. , Dilhaire S. , Jordà X.
Published: September 2011

This work presents an alternative characterization strategy to quantify the nonlinear behavior of temperature sensing systems. The proposed approach relies on measuring the temperature under thermal sinusoidal steady state and observing the intermodulation products that are generated within the sensing system itself due to its nonlinear temperature-output voltage characteristics. From such intermodulation products, second-order interception points can be calculated as a figure of merit of the measuring system nonlinear behavior. In this scenario, the present work first shows a theoretical analysis. Second, it reports the experimental results obtained with three thermal sensing techniques used in integrated circuits.
Metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy of InAs/InGaAsP quantum dots for laser applications at 1.5 μm
Authors: Semenova E. S. , Kulkova I. V. , Kadkhodazadeh S. , Schubert M. , Yvind K.
Published: September 2011

The epitaxial growth of InAs/InGaAsP/InP quantum dots (QDs) for emission around 1.5 μm by depositing a thin layer of GaAs on top of the QDs is presented in this letter. The infuence of various growth parameters on the properties of the QDs, in particular, size, shape, chemical composition, and emission wavelength are investigated. Continuous wave lasing in ridge waveguide QD laser structures in the 1.5 μm wavelength range is demonstrated.
A battery-operated, stabilized, high-energy pulsed electron gun for the production of rare gas excimers
Authors: Barcellan L. , Berto E. , Carugno G. , Galet G. , Galeazzi G. , Borghesani A. F.
Published: September 2011

We report on the design of a new type of hot-filament electron gun delivering fairly high current (a few hundreds of μ A) at high voltage (up to 100 kV) in continuous or pulsed mode. Its novel features are that the filament is heated by means of a pack of rechargeable batteries floated atop the high-voltage power supply in order to get rid of bulky isolation transformers, and that the filament current and, hence, the electron gun current, is controlled by a feedback circuit including a superluminescent diode decoupled from the high voltage by means of an optical fiber. This electron gun is intended for general purposes, although we have especially developed it to meet the needs of our experiment on the infrared emission spectroscopy of rare gas excimers. Our experiment requires that the charge injection into the sample is pulsed and constant and stable in time. The new electron gun can deliver several tens of nC per pulse of electrons of energy up to 100 keV into the sample cell. The new design also eliminates ripples in the emission current and ensures up to 12 h of stable performance.
Self-balanced Q- and gain-switched erbium all-fiber laser
Authors: Tsai Tzong-Yow , Ma Hao-Hsiang , Fang Yen-Cheng , Tsao Hong-Xi , Lin Shih-Ting
Published: September 2011

We demonstrate a 980-nm CW-pumped fully passive pulsed all-Er3+ all-fiber laser, self-balancing between being Q- and gain-switched at S and L bands. The laser was passively Q-switched at 1510 nm with the saturable absorber in an intra-cavity gain-switched at 1570 nm. The time spacing between the Q- and gain-switched pulse peaks was steadily 0.92 or 2.75 μs depending on the absorber lengths. Sequential 1510-nm pulsing with a pulse energy of 3.8 μJ and a pulse width of 280 ns at a repetition rate of 1.7 kHz was achieved with a pump power of 175 mW.
Revisiting the negative example sampling problem for predicting protein–protein interactions
Authors: Park Yungki , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: September 2011

Motivation: A number of computational methods have been proposed that predict protein–protein interactions (PPIs) based on protein sequence features. Since the number of potential non-interacting protein pairs (negative PPIs) is very high both in absolute terms and in comparison to that of interacting protein pairs (positive PPIs), computational prediction methods rely upon subsets of negative PPIs for training and validation. Hence, the need arises for subset sampling for negative PPIs.

Results: We clarify that there are two fundamentally different types of subset sampling for negative PPIs. One is subset sampling for cross-validated testing, where one desires unbiased subsets so that predictive performance estimated with them can be safely assumed to generalize to the population level. The other is subset sampling for training, where one desires the subsets that best train predictive algorithms, even if these subsets are biased. We show that confusion between these two fundamentally different types of subset sampling led one study recently published in Bioinformatics to the erroneous conclusion that predictive algorithms based on protein sequence features are hardly better than random in predicting PPIs. Rather, both protein sequence features and the ‘hubbiness’ of interacting proteins contribute to effective prediction of PPIs. We provide guidance for appropriate use of random versus balanced sampling.

Availability: The datasets used for this study are available at http://www.marcottelab.org/PPINegativeDataSampling.

Contact:  yungki@mail.utexas.edu; marcotte@icmb.utexas.edu

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Arabidopsis HsfB1 and HsfB2b Act as Repressors of the Expression of Heat-Inducible Hsfs But Positively Regulate the Acquired Thermotolerance
Authors: Ikeda Miho , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru
Published: September 2011

Many eukaryotes have from one to three heat shock factors (Hsfs), but plants have more than 20 Hsfs, designated class A, B, and C. Class A Hsfs are activators of transcription, but details of the roles of individual Hsfs have not been fully characterized. We show here that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HsfB1 and HsfB2b, members of class B, are transcriptional repressors and negatively regulate the expression of heat-inducible Hsfs (HsfA2, HsfA7a, HsfB1, and HsfB2b) and several heat shock protein genes. In hsfb1 hsfb2b double mutant plants, the expression of a large number of heat-inducible genes was enhanced in the non-heat condition (23°C) and the plants exhibited slightly higher heat tolerance at 42°C than the wild type, similar to Pro35S:HsfA2 plants. In addition, under extended heat stress conditions, expression of the heat-inducible Hsf genes remained consistently higher in hsfb1 hsfb2b than in the wild type. These data indicate that HsfB1 and HsfB2b suppress the general heat shock response under non-heat-stress conditions and in the attenuating period. On the other hand, HsfB1 and HsfB2b appear to be necessary for the expression of heat stress-inducible heat shock protein genes under heat stress conditions, which is necessary for acquired thermotolerance. We show that the heat stress response is finely regulated by activation and repression activities of Hsfs in Arabidopsis.
In-Depth Temporal Transcriptome Profiling Reveals a Crucial Developmental Switch with Roles for RNA Processing and Organelle Metabolism That Are Essential for Germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Narsai Reena , Law Simon R. , Carrie Chris , Xu Lin , Whelan James
Published: September 2011

Germination represents a rapid transition from dormancy to a high level of metabolic activity. In-depth transcriptomic profiling at 10 time points in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), including fresh seed, ripened seed, during stratification, germination, and postgermination per se, revealed specific temporal expression patterns that to our knowledge have not previously been identified. Over 10,000 transcripts were differentially expressed during cold stratification, with subequal numbers up-regulated as down-regulated, revealing an active period in preparing seeds for germination, where transcription and RNA degradation both play important roles in regulating the molecular sequence of events. A previously unidentified transient expression pattern was observed for a group of genes, whereby a significant rise in expression was observed at the end of stratification and significantly lower expression was observed 6 h later. These genes were further defined as germination specific, as they were most highly expressed at this time in germination, in comparison with all developmental tissues in the AtGenExpress data set. Functional analysis of these genes using genetic inactivation revealed that they displayed a significant enrichment for embryo-defective or -arrested phenotype. This group was enriched in genes encoding mitochondrial and nuclear RNA-processing proteins, including more than 45% of all pentatricopeptide domain-containing proteins expressed during germination. The presence of mitochondrial DNA replication factors and RNA-processing functions in this germination-specific subset represents the earliest events in organelle biogenesis, preceding any changes associated with energy metabolism. Green fluorescent protein analysis also confirmed organellar localization for 65 proteins, largely showing germination-specific expression. These results suggest that mitochondrial biogenesis involves a two-step process to produce energetically active organelles: an initial phase at the end of stratification involving mitochondrial DNA synthesis and RNA processing, and a later phase for building the better-known energetic functions. This also suggests that signals with a mitochondrial origin and retrograde signals may be crucial for successful germination.
Reading behavior in digital environments among higher education students
Authors: Shabani Ahmad , Naderikharaji Fatemeh , Reza Abedi Mohammad
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study reading behavior in the digital environment based on demographic factors including faculty, degree and gender among higher education students of Isfahan University.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was survey descriptive using a researcher‐made questionnaire and data collection was accomplished using stratified random sampling method. The population of the study was the postgraduate students from seven faculties of Isfahan University. Different aspects of reading behavior were studied including the amount of reading of electronic resources, the style of reading electronic resources, the amount of annotating the electronic and print resources, the amount of printing out electronic documents for reading, and preference of reading medium.

Findings

The study showed that the amount of reading of electronic resources is highest in the students of technical and engineering subjects, while the amount of printing out of electronic documents is highest in the faculty of sciences. PhD students usually make use of scanning for reading electronic resources, whereas postgraduate students generally print out more electronic documents.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will help university authorities and digital libraries managers to provide better services to users and students.

Originality/value

With the advent of internet and computers, reading is not the same as in the past. Reading in the digital age has changed and this paper tries to give some insight about the reading behavior of students and their preferences and the differences based on faculty, degree and gender.
Interpartner negotiations in alliances: a strategic framework
Authors: Das T.K. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is propose a strategic framework for understanding interpartner negotiation dynamics in alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors define interpartner negotiations as a process of reconciling and integrating the interests of the partners in an alliance, and consider four types of interpartner negotiation strategies – problem solving, contending, yielding, and compromising – and then discuss the dynamics of these negotiation strategies in the formation, operation, and outcome stages of alliance development.

Findings

The framework makes clear that the four types of interpartner negotiation strategies identified in the article need to be appreciated as having differential impact at each stage of alliance development.

Research limitations/implications

As interpartner negotiations occur at all stages of alliance evolution, future research may seek to empirically assess the impact of different interpartner negotiation strategies.

Practical implications

The paper discusses how alliance managers can deploy effective interpartner negotiation strategies for achieving alliance objectives at each of the three developmental stages.

Originality/value

The article responds to the need of managers with alliance responsibilities for a framework to help identify and exploit the most effective ways to conduct interpartner negotiations in alliances for productive interactions at different alliance development stages.
Artifacts, identification and support for change after an acquisition
Authors: Kovoor‐Misra Sarah , Smith Marlene A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent to which individuals' identification with a changed organizational artifact is associated with their cognitive, behavioral, and affective support for change in the later stages of a change effort, and the role of contextual variables in mediating these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Primarily quantitative with some qualitative data from an online organization that had acquired the non‐personnel assets of its competitor.

Findings

The paper finds that: artifacts can be an important part of employees' perceptions of their organizations; artifact identification is associated with cognitive and behavioral support in the later stages of a change effort; a positive perception of the change mediates between identification and cognitive and behavioral support, and also facilitates affective support; emotional exhaustion is a marginal mediator; and trust towards top managers does not play a mediating role.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could study the factors that influence artifact identification. Studies of support for change must address its various dimensions to more accurately assess support.

Practical implications

During the later stages of change, managers can foster artifact identification, highlight the positives, and reduce emotional exhaustion to ensure support.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the relationship between artifact identification and support for change in the later stages of a change effort, and the mediating role of contextual factors. In addition, it investigates the multi‐dimensional aspects of support for change, an area that has received limited empirical research attention.
Pride and professionals: retaining talent in emerging economies
Authors: Doh Jonathan P. , Smith Richard R. , Stumpf Stephen A. , Tymon Walter G.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The effectiveness of HR programs developed to curb turnover of new professionals has rarely been subject to rigorous examination as to their success and applicability across cultures. To address this issue, we undertook a study in India to examine professional perceptions of the effectiveness of their organization's talent‐management efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of 9,301 individuals (4,811 responded) from 28 companies involving 32 operating entities in India voluntarily participated in this study. Of the respondents 2,723 were new professionals. Actual turnover data for the participants was obtained a year after the initial survey.

Findings

Performance management, professional development, manager support, and socially responsible actions had a positive relationship with pride in and satisfaction with the organization. A lack of pride in and a lack of satisfaction with the organization have a strong relationship with new professionals' intention to leave and subsequent turnover.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations can increase the retention of professional talent through their HR practices and actions which increase the individual's pride in and satisfaction with the organization. Although several steps were taken to achieve a high response rate, and tests on the results provided evidence against a response bias, caution is required. Because this research was conducted exclusively in India we suggest additional research be done in other country settings.

Practical implications

The paper discusses performance‐management, professional development, manager support, and social responsibility actions companies can take to increase retention of professional talent.

Originality/value

This paper discusses a large sample research study in India on four key organizational practices affecting retention of professional talent. The scope of the research using a large sample in India provides unique value on this topic.
Two shoes that might not drop
Authors: Marren Patrick
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine widespread assumptions about things that are deemed inevitable, but which might not happen, or which might have far less impact than previously thought.

Design/methodology/approach

Essay.

Findings

Some events that are thought to be inevitable actually never take place; and business executives should be prepared for these non‐events as least as much as for those that do take place.

Originality/value

Examines these issues in what is hoped to be a unique way.
Training needs of nurses in public hospitals in Australia
Authors: Carlisle Joanna , Bhanugopan Ramudu , Fish Alan
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of the concept of training needs analysis (TNA), current practice, models and the impact that training needs analysis currently has on nurses in public hospitals in Australia. Thus, the paper should aid future research in the area of TNA of nurses through helping researchers to clarify the conceptual boundaries of training needs of nurses; providing a theoretical framework that could help researchers in framing their research efforts in the area; and establishing a research agenda and identifying the impact this research will potentially have on Human Resource managers in hospitals across Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the TNA process by examining literature regarding the importance and benefits of TNA, issues relating to TNA and current practice and models. This paper then looks at how TNA applies to, and is currently practised within, the healthcare industry, specifically amongst a group of nurses. This paper also addresses how TNA tools relate to healthcare workers, particularly nurses, within Australia and how it may be able to improve the current TNA process for nurses in Australia.

Findings

The specific contribution of the current paper is in developing a logical model of TNA for nurses employed in healthcare organizations in Australia. In so doing insights are drawn from a number of discreet literature bases.

Originality/value

Research in this area has been carried out primarily in the UK, in the USA, and in other countries. Unfortunately, TNA for nurses in Australia is very much an under‐researched topic. Equally, there is scant research available into the importance and benefits of conducting appropriate TNA for nurses in Australia. The research that has been conducted involving training needs of nurses in Australia has not been focused on a TNA using a psychometrically valid tool, nor has the research considered the factors that may influence the training needs of particular nurses or organizations.
A cybernetic model approach for free jazz improvisations
Authors: Braasch Jonas
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand communication between musicians in a free jazz improvisation in comparison to traditional jazz.

Design/methodology/approach

A cybernetic informative feedback model was used to study communication between musicians for free jazz. The conceptual model consists of the ears as sensors, an auditory analysis stage to convert the acoustic signals into symbolic information (e.g. notated music), a cognitive processing stage (to make decisions and adapt the performance to what is being heard), and an effector (e.g. muscle movement to control an instrument). It was determined which musical features of the co‐players have to be extracted to be able to respond adequately in a music improvisation, and how this knowledge can be used to build an automated music improvisation system for free jazz.

Findings

The three major findings of this analysis were: in traditional jazz a soloist only needs to analyze a very limited set of music ensemble features, but in free jazz the performer has to observe each musician individually; unlike traditional jazz, free jazz is not a strict rule‐based system. Consequently, the musicians need to develop their personal symbolic representation; which could be a machine‐adequate music representation for an automated music improvisation system. The latter could be based on acoustic features that can be extracted robustly by a computer algorithm.

Practical implications

Gained knowledge can be applied to build automated music improvisation systems for free jazz.

Originality/value

The paper expands our knowledge to create intelligent music improvisation algorithms to algorithms that can improvise with a free jazz ensemble.
An introduction to hyperseeing and hypersculptures
Authors: Friedman Nat
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the cybernetics audience to the fundamental interdisciplinary concept of hyperseeing and its application to hypersculptures.

Design/methodology/approach

Briefly, hyperseeing is seeing from multiple viewpoints in a very general sense. In particular, the author first discusses hyperseeing a sculpture. A sculpture is defined as an object in a fixed position relative to a horizontal plane (base, ground). Two sculptures are congruent if they consist of the same object. A hypersculpture is a set of congruent sculptures. A hypersculpture is a more complete presentation of the sculptural possibilities of an object.

Findings

A specific example is given of hyperseeing a knot sculpture made of copper tubing.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how the study of hypersculptures facilitates gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of sculpture.