bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequence of dose scheduling of sunitinib on host immune response elements and vaccine combination therapy
Authors: Farsaci Benedetto , Higgins Jack P. , Hodge James W.
Published: June 2011

Our study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of sunitinib to rationally design combinational platforms with immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors. Using a mouse model, we studied the effects of sunitinib given for 4 weeks at concentrations comparable to 37.5–50 mg/day in humans, followed by 2 weeks off the drug (sunitinib 4/2). We assessed the effect of differently timed combinations of sunitinib and a poxvirus‐based vaccine encoding carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) plus 3 costimulatory molecules on immune responses in CEA‐transgenic (CEA‐Tg) mice. Antitumor studies were performed in CEA‐Tg mice bearing CEA‐transfected MC38 murine colon carcinomas (MC38‐CEA), treated either concurrently or sequentially with sunitinib and vaccine. In vitro, sunitinib inhibited PDGFR phosphorylation on MC38‐CEA cells at concentrations similar to those biologically available during human treatment. In vivo, one cycle of sunitinib 4/2 caused bimodal immune effects: (a) decreased regulatory cells during the 4 weeks of treatment and (b) an immune‐suppression rebound during the 2 weeks of treatment interruption. In a model using CEA‐Tg mice bearing CEA+ tumors, continuous sunitinib followed by vaccine increased intratumoral infiltration of antigen‐specific T lymphocytes, decreased immunosuppressant T regulatory cells and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, reduced tumor volumes and increased survival. The immunomodulatory activity of continuous sunitinib administration can create a more immune‐permissive environment. In combination with immunotherapies, sunitinib treatment should precede vaccine, to precondition the immune system, to maximize the response to vaccine‐mediated immune enhancement.
Identification of quantitative trait loci influencing skeletal architecture in mice: Emergence of Cdh11 as a primary candidate gene regulating femoral morphology
Authors: Farber Charles R , Kelly Scott A , Baruch Ethan , Yu Daniel , Hua Kunjie , Nehrenberg Derrick L , de Villena Fernando Pardo-Manuel , Buus Ryan J , Garland Theodore , Pomp Daniel
Published: June 2011

Bone strength is influenced by many properties intrinsic to bone, including its mass, geometry, and mineralization. To further advance our understanding of the genetic basis of bone-strength-related traits, we used a large (n = 815), moderately (G4) advanced intercross line (AIL) of mice derived from a high-runner selection line (HR) and the C57BL/6J inbred strain. In total, 16 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified that affected areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and femoral length and width. Four significant (p < .05) and one suggestive (p < .10) QTLs were identified for three aBMD measurements: total body, vertebral, and femoral. A QTL on chromosome (Chr.) 3 influenced all three aBMD measures, whereas the other four QTLs were unique to a single measure. A total of 10 significant and one suggestive QTLs were identified for femoral length (FL) and two measures of femoral width, anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML). FL QTLs were distinct from loci affecting AP and ML width, and of the 7 AP QTLs, only three affected ML. A QTL on Chr. 8 that explained 7.1% and 4.0% of the variance in AP and ML, respectively, was mapped to a 6-Mb region harboring 12 protein-coding genes. The pattern of haplotype diversity across the QTL region and expression profiles of QTL genes suggested that of the 12, cadherin 11 (Cdh11) was most likely the causal gene. These findings, when combined with existing data from gene knockouts, identify Cdh11 as a strong candidate gene within which genetic variation may affect bone morphology. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Patients' perceptions of life shift after deep brain stimulation for primary dystonia—A qualitative study
Authors: Hariz Gun‐Marie , Limousin Patricia , Tisch Stephen , Jahanshahi Marjan , Fjellman‐Wiklund Anncristine
Published: May 2011

Studies of deep brain stimulation for dystonia have shown significant motor improvement. However, patients' perceptions of surgery and its effects have been less studied. We aimed to explore perceptions of changes in life in patients with primary dystonia after deep brain stimulation. Thirteen patients underwent thematic interviews 8–60 months after pallidal deep brain stimulation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with grounded theory. Patients described a profound impact of dystonia on daily life. After surgery, physical changes with a more upright posture and fewer spasms translated into an easier, more satisfying life with greater confidence. Notwithstanding this positive outcome, the transition from a limited life before surgery to opportunities for a better life exhibited obstacles: The “new life” after deep brain stimulation was stressful, including concern about being dependent on the stimulator as well as having to deal with interfering side effects from deep brain stimulation. The whole coping process meant that patients had to quickly shift focus from struggling to adapt to a slowly progressive disorder to adjustment to a life with possibilities, but also with new challenges. In this demanding transition process, patients wished to be offered better professional guidance and support. Even though deep brain stimulation provides people with primary dystonia with a potential for better mobility and more confidence, patients experienced new challenges and expressed the need for support and counseling after surgery. Grounded theory is a useful method to highlight patients' own experience and contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of deep brain stimulation on patients with dystonia. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Comparison of cerebellar ataxias: A three‐year prospective longitudinal assessment
Authors: Lee Yi‐chung , Liao Yi‐chu , Wang Po‐shan , Lee I‐Hui , Lin Kon‐ping , Soong Bing‐wen
Published: May 2011

We quantitatively investigated the clinical severity and progression of diseases with ataxia, as measured with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, and examined the potential application of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia for future therapeutic trials. Severity of ataxia was assessed in 238 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, spinocerebellar ataxia type 17, multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar variant, or Gerstman‐Sträussler‐Scheinker disease. Among them, 119 (50%) were longitudinally examined three to seven times, in a period of 8 to 38 months, resulting in a total set of 535 assessments. The differences between spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar variant were ascertained cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Gerstman‐Sträussler‐Scheinker disease had the fastest progression, followed by multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar variant, spinocerebellar ataxia type 17, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. Patients with multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar variant had a faster progression in gait, sitting, speech, and total score than patients with spinocerebellar ataxias. For a randomized, case‐control trial, a sample size of 47 for spinocerebellar ataxia and 85 for multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar variant in the treatment or placebo arms would have a sufficient statistical power to demonstrate the efficacy of a new therapy that would retard ataxia progression by 1 point per year as measured by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. The results will have a significant impact on the planning and implementation of future therapeutic trials of spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar variant. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Prenatal pharmacotherapy for fetal anomalies: a 2011 update
Authors: Hui Lisa , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: June 2011

Fetal therapy can be defined as any prenatal treatment administered to the mother with the primary indication to improve perinatal or long‐term outcomes for the fetus or newborn. This review provides an update of the pharmacological therapies that are solely directed at the fetus with anomalies and outlines a future transcriptomic approach. Fetal anomalies targeted with prenatal pharmacotherapy are a heterogeneous group of structural, endocrine, and metabolic conditions, including congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital heart block, fetal tachyarrhythmias, inborn errors of metabolism, fetal thyroid disorders, and polyhydramnios. To date, the majority of pharmacotherapies for fetal anomalies have been evaluated only in retrospective, uncontrolled studies. The way forward will be with an evidence‐based approach to prenatal pharmacological interventions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics in the liver of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) to elucidate the cellular response induced by the intake of maslinic acid
Authors: Rufino‐Palomares Eva , Reyes‐Zurita Fernando J. , Fuentes‐Almagro Carlos A. , de la Higuera Manuel , Lupiáñez José A. , Peragón Juan
Published: June 2011

Maslinic acid (MA) is a pentacyclic triterpene used as a feed additive to stimulate growth, protein‐turnover rates, and hyperplasia in fish. To further our understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying the action of MA, we have used 2‐DE coupled with MS to identify proteins differentially expressed in the livers of juvenile gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) grown under fish‐farm conditions and fed with a 100 mg/kg MA‐enriched diet (MA100). After the comparison of the protein profiles from MA100 fed fish and from control, 49 protein spots were found to be altered in abundance (≥2‐fold). Analysis by MALDI‐TOF/TOF allowed the unambiguous identification of 29 spots, corresponding to 19 different proteins. These proteins were: phosphoglucomutase, phosphoglucose isomerase, S‐adenosyl methionine‐dependent methyltransferase class I, aldehyde dehydrogenase, catalase, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvic dioxygenase, methylmalonate‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase, lysozyme, urate oxidase, elongation factor 2, 60 kDa heat‐shock protein, 58 kDa glucose‐regulated protein, cytokeratin E7, type‐II keratin, intermediate filament proteins, 17‐β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4, and kinase suppressor of Ras1. Western blot analysis of kinase suppressor of Ras1, glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, elongation factor 2, 60 kDa heat‐shock protein, and catalase supported the proteome evidence. Based on the changes found in the protein‐expression levels of these proteins, we proposed a cellular‐signalling pathway to explain the hepatic‐cell response to the intake of a diet containing MA.
A proteomic view of mycobacteria
Authors: de Souza Gustavo A. , Wiker Harald G.
Published: June 2011

Tuberculosis, the disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a relevant public health issue. This is due mostly to the coepidemiology with HIV/AIDS, the appearance of multidrug‐resistant strains globally, and failure of BCG (bacillus Calmette–Guerin) vaccination to confer complete protection. This bacterium was one of the first to have its genome sequenced, yet over a decade after the release of the genomic information, the characterization of its phylogenetic tree and of different strain variants inside this species revealed that much is still needed to be done for a full understanding of the M. tuberculosis genome and proteome. Current methods using LC‐MS/MS and hybrid high‐resolution mass spectrometers can identify 2400–2800 proteins of the 4000 predicted genes in M. tuberculosis. In this article, we review relevant details of this bacterium's pathology and immunology, describing articles where proteomics helped the community to tackle some of the organism biology, from understanding strain diversity, cellular structure composition, immunogenicity, and host–pathogen interactions. Finally, we will discuss the challenges yet to be fulfilled in order to better characterize M. tuberculosis by proteomics.
Proteomic signatures in antibiotic research
Authors: Wenzel Michaela , Bandow Julia E.
Published: June 2011

Antibiotics disturb the physiological homeostasis of bacterial cells by interfering with essential cellular functions or structures. The bacterial proteome adjusts quickly in response to antibiotic challenge. This physiological response is specifically tailored to overcome the inflicted damage and, thus, closely linked to the antibiotic target and mechanism of action. In a way, the proteome mirrors the antibiotic insult. This connection can be exploited to guide the development of novel antibiotics. By using structurally different antibiotics, which cause the same physiological disturbance, proteomic signatures diagnostic of the mechanism of action can be defined. These proteomic signatures inform about mechanism‐related differential protein expression as well as about protein modifications. This review recapitulates how antibiotic proteomic signatures are established and highlights areas of antibiotic research benefiting most from proteomic signatures. Antibacterial research programs designed to structurally advance existing antibiotic classes profit from rapid in vivo mechanism of action confirmation. What is more, a comprehensive reference compendium of antibiotic proteomic signatures allows rapid mechanism of action identification of those structurally novel compounds that inhibit known targets. Finally, novel proteomic response profiles indicate unprecedented mechanisms. Here, the proteome profile provides evidence on the nature of the antibiotic‐caused physiological disturbance leading to testable hypotheses on the mechanism of action.
Purple Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Extract and its Constituents Inhibit VEGF‐induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Tanaka Junji , Nakamura Shinsuke , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Shimoda Hiroshi , Hara Hideaki
Published: June 2011

The study evaluated the protective effects of purple rice (Oryza sativa L.) bran extract (PRE) and its constituents, cyanidin and peonidin, against angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The effects of VEGF and PRE were examined by in vitro tube formation assays and following 14‐day co‐culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts. The antiangiogenic mechanism of PRE was evaluated by VEGF‐induced proliferation and migration of HUVECs and/or human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. The PRE significantly suppressed VEGF‐induced tube formation, proliferation and migration in HUVECs and HRMECs as well as phosphorylation of ERK and p38. Cyanidin and peonidin also suppressed the proliferation and migration induced by VEGF. These findings indicate that PRE and anthocyanidins suppress VEGF‐induced angiogenesis by inhibiting proliferation and migration and suggest that the inhibition of phosphorylated‐ERK and ‐p38 may be involved in the underlying mechanism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can X‐ray spectrum imaging replace backscattered electrons for compositional contrast in the scanning electron microscope?
Authors: Newbury Dale E. , Ritchie Nicholas W. M.
Published: June 2011

The high throughput of the silicon drift detector energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (SDD‐EDS) enables X‐ray spectrum imaging (XSI) in the scanning electron microscope to be performed in frame times of 10–100 s, the typical time needed to record a high‐quality backscattered electron (BSE) image. These short‐duration XSIs can reveal all elements, except H, He, and Li, present as major constituents, defined as 0.1 mass fraction (10 wt%) or higher, as well as minor constituents in the range 0.01–0.1 mass fraction, depending on the particular composition and possible interferences. Although BSEs have a greater abundance by a factor of 100 compared with characteristic X‐rays, the strong compositional contrast in element‐specific X‐ray maps enables XSI mapping to compete with BSE imaging to reveal compositional features. Differences in the fraction of the interaction volume sampled by the BSE and X‐ray signals lead to more delocalization of the X‐ray signal at abrupt compositional boundaries, resulting in poorer spatial resolution. Improved resolution in X‐ray elemental maps occurs for the case of a small feature composed of intermediate to high atomic number elements embedded in a matrix of lower atomic number elements. XSI imaging strongly complements BSE imaging, and the SDD‐EDS technology enables an efficient combined BSE‐XSI measurement strategy that maximizes the compositional information. If 10 s or more are available for the measurement of an area of interest, the analyst should always record the combined BSE‐XSI information to gain the advantages of both measures of compositional contrast. SCANNING 33: 174–192, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
p53 regulation by ubiquitin
Authors: Brooks Christopher L. , Gu Wei
Published: May 2011

The ubiquitination pathway is a highly dynamic and coordinated process that regulates degradation as well as numerous processes of proteins within a cell. The p53 tumor suppressor and several factors in the pathway are regulated by ubiquitin as well as ubiquitin‐like proteins. These modifications are critical for the function of p53 and control both the degradation of the protein as well as localization and activity. Importantly, more recent studies have identified deubiquitination enzymes that can specifically remove ubiquitin moieties from p53 or other factors in the pathway, and the reversible nature of this process adds yet another layer of regulatory control of p53. This review highlights the recent advances in our knowledge of ubiquitin and the p53 pathway.
Innate immune responses in central nervous system inflammation
Authors: Finsen Bente , Owens Trevor
Published: May 2011

In autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), innate glial cell responses play a key role in determining the outcome of leukocyte infiltration. Access of leukocytes is controlled via complex interactions with glial components of the blood–brain barrier that include angiotensin II receptors on astrocytes and immunoregulatory mediators such as Type I interferons which regulate cellular traffic. Myeloid cells at the blood–brain barrier present antigen to T cells and influence cytokine effector function. Myelin‐specific T cells interact with microglia and promote differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in response to axonal injury. These innate responses offer potential targets for immunomodulatory therapy.
Endothelin expression in salivary gland
Authors: Mori Masahiko , Namba Miyako , Muramatsu Yasunori , Sumitomo Shinichiro , Takai Yoshiaki , Shikimori Michio
Published: May 2011

The present paper reviews the roles of endothelin (ET) in the rat submandibular gland (SMG). ET and its mRNA are expressed in the granular convoluted tubule (GCT) segment by immunostaining and in situ hybridization, respectively. ET is synthesized in granular cells of the GCT segment, stored in secretory granules, and secreted into the oral cavity. It is well known that granular cells in the GCT segment of the SMG in mice and rats express many kinds of growth factor such as epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor. These growth factors are discharged into saliva and thought to regulate oral‐esophageal and gastrointestinal mucosa. ET acts as a potent vasoconstrictor with mitogenic property and is excreted from Weibel‐Palade bodies in vascular endothelial cells. ET in the salivary origin may regulate its own functions as noted in the endothelial origin. This review deals with comparative discussion of ET and other growth factors, which originate from GCT segments in rodents.
Revocation of Citizenship in the United States
Authors: Herzog Ben
Published: June 2011

Rogers Brubaker in his 1992 path-breaking study proposes a theory of citizenship as a coherent world view: the French liberal model identifies citizenship as a community based on territoriality; the German ethno-nationalist model bases citizenship on blood-line. Rogers Smith challenged Brubaker and, based on a 1997 study of United States immigration laws, claims that the American concept of citizenship is a non-coherent mix of various principles: liberal, ethno-nationalist and republican at the same time. Both authors inspired a great deal of research, but all studies so far have attempted to adjudicate between the two competing theories by looking at inclusionary practices, at the various ways citizenship is granted in various countries, and their results are inconclusive. This paper reports findings for a study which looked at exclusion. The data on United States laws and legislative debates about the states’ rights to revoke, and citizens’ privilege to renounce, citizenship lends support to Rogers Smith’s arguments regarding inclusion and citizenship, while underlining war as an independent sociological source for the genesis, persistence and dispersion of these bundles or equilibria.
Keto analogue and amino acid supplementation affects the ammonaemia response during exercise under ketogenic conditions
Authors: Prado Eduardo Seixas , de Rezende Neto José Melquiades , de Almeida Rosemeire Dantas , Dória de Melo Marcelia Garcez , Cameron Luiz-Claudio
Published: June 2011

Hyperammonaemia is related to both central and peripheral fatigue during exercise. Hyperammonaemia in response to exercise can be reduced through supplementation with either amino acids or combined keto analogues and amino acids (KAAA). In the present study, we determined the effect of short-term KAAA supplementation on ammonia production in subjects eating a low-carbohydrate diet who exercise. A total of thirteen male cyclists eating a ketogenic diet for 3 d were divided into two groups receiving either KAAA (KEx) or lactose (control group; LEx) supplements. Athletes cycled indoors for 2 h, and blood samples were obtained at rest, during exercise and over the course of 1 h during the recovery period. Exercise-induced ammonaemia increased to a maximum of 35 % in the control group, but no significant increase was observed in the supplemented group. Both groups had a significant increase (approximately 35 %) in uraemia in response to exercise. The resting urate levels of the two groups were equivalent and remained statistically unchanged in the KEx group after 90 min of exercise; an earlier increase was observed in the LEx group. Glucose levels did not change, either during the trial time or between the groups. An increase in lactate levels was observed during the first 30 min of exercise in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. The present results suggest that the acute use of KAAA diminishes exercise-induced hyperammonaemia.
Dietary fructo-oligosaccharides improve insulin sensitivity along with the suppression of adipocytokine secretion from mesenteric fat cells in rats
Authors: Shinoki Aki , Hara Hiroshi
Published: June 2011

Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are known to have beneficial effects on health. However, the effects of FOS on insulin resistance have not been fully clarified. We observed the effects of FOS feeding on insulin sensitivity and adipocytokine release from abdominal adipocytes in weaning rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, 3 weeks old, were divided into three groups and fed a sucrose-based American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93 growth diet (control), the control diet containing 5 % FOS for 5 weeks (FOS-5wk) or the control diet for 2 weeks followed by the 5 % FOS diet for 3 weeks (FOS-3wk). Tail blood was collected after fasting for 9 h on day 33 of feeding, and glucose and insulin levels were measured. On the last day, rats were anaesthetised and killed after the collection of aortic blood. Small- and large-intestinal mesenteric fat tissues were immediately excised, and the release of adiponectin, leptin and TNF-α was evaluated from the subsequently isolated adipocytes. The weight of the large-intestinal mesenteric fat, fasting blood insulin level and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance decreased in a time-dependent manner, and were much lower in the FOS-5wk group than in the control group. These values were correlated with aortic blood leptin levels. The secretion rate of leptin from the isolated mesenteric adipocytes in the small intestine, but not in the large intestine, was lower in the FOS-fed groups than in the control group. In conclusion, FOS feeding improved insulin sensitivity accompanied by the reduction in large-intestinal fat mass and leptin secretion from the mesenteric adipocytes of the small intestine.
Starch granule size distribution in wheat grain in relation to phosphorus fertilization
Authors: NI Y. , WANG Z. , YIN Y. , LI W. , YAN S. , CAI T.
Published: June 2011

Starch granule size distribution of wheat is an important characteristic that can affect its chemical composition and functionality. Phosphorus (P) fertilization has been studied extensively; however, little is known about its impact on starch granule size distribution in wheat. In the present study, two high-yield winter wheat cultivars were grown under different P fertilization conditions to evaluate its effect on starch granule size distribution and starch components in wheat grains at maturity. P fertilization resulted in a significant increase in the proportions (both by volume and by surface area) of B-type (<9·9 μm equivalent diameter (e.d.)) starch granules, with a reduction in those of A-type (>9·9 μm e.d.) starch granules. The P fertilization also increased starch content, amylose content and amylopectin content at maturity. However, P fertilization conditions significantly reduced the ratio of amylose to amylopectin, which showed a significant positive relationship with the volume proportion of granules 22·8–42·8 μm e.d. but was negatively related to the volume proportion of granules 2·8–9·9 μm e.d.
Poverty or Prosperity? The Economic Fortunes of Ministers in Post-Reformation Fife, 1560–1640
Authors: McCALLUM JOHN
Published: June 2011

One of the many areas in which there is a lack of knowledge of the post-Reformation Scottish clergy is their economic status. This article uses the county of Fife as a case study to examine the finances of post-Reformation ministers. Stipends improved gradually during the decades after the Reformation, especially for ministers paid in kind, but there were still serious problems in many parishes well into the seventeenth century. Ministers' testaments show few signs of real poverty, however, and it appears that most ministers lived modestly and within their means, rather than acting as major economic actors in the parish.
Multidisciplinary management of vascular access for haemodialysis: from the preparation of the initial access to the treatment of stenosis and thrombosis
Authors: Reinhold  , Haage  , Hollenbeck  , Mickley  , Ranft
Published: June 2011

In February 2008 a multidisciplinary study group was established in Germany to improve the treatment of patients with potential vascular access problems. As one of the first results of their work interdisciplinary recommendations for the management of vascular access were provided, from the creation of the initial access to the treatment of complications. As a rule the wrist arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the access of choice due to its lower complication rate when compared to other types of access. The AVF should be created 3 months prior to the expected start of haemodialysis to allow for sufficient maturation. Second and third choice accesses are arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and central venous catheters (CVC). Ultrasound is a reliable tool for vessel selection before access creation, and also for the diagnosis of complications in AVF and grafts. Access stenosis and thrombosis can be treated surgically and interventionally. The comparison of both methods reveals advantages and disadvantages for each. The therapeutic decision should be based on the individual patients constitution, and also on the availability and experience of the involved specialists.
Self-Promoting and Modest Job Applicants in Different Cultures
Authors: Schmid Mast Marianne , Frauendorfer Denise , Popovic Laurence
Published: June 2011

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of the recruiter’s cultural background on the evaluation of a job applicant’s presentation style (self-promoting or modest) in an interview situation. We expected that recruiters from cultures that value self-promotion (e.g., Canada) will be more inclined to hire self-promoting as compared to modest applicants and that recruiters from cultures that value modesty (e.g., Switzerland) will be less inclined to hire self-promoting applicants than recruiters from cultures that value self-promotion. We therefore investigated 44 native French speaking recruiters from Switzerland and 40 native French speaking recruiters from Canada who judged either a self-promoting or a modest videotaped applicant in terms of hireability. Results confirmed that Canadian recruiters were more inclined to hire self-promoting compared to modest applicants and that Canadian recruiters were more inclined than Swiss recruiters to hire self-promoting applicants. Also, we showed that self-promotion was related to a higher intention to hire because self-promoting applicants are perceived as being competent.
COMBINE - a vision
Authors: Le Novere Nicolas
Published: June 2011

A decade ago, the creation of the Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) changed the way people exchanged, verified and re-used models in systems biology. The robustness and versatility of this format, coupled to a wide software support, fostered the emergence of an entire area of research centered on model processing such as encoding, annotation, merging, comparison and integration with other datasets. Recently, new languages appeared that complement the model description, such as SED-ML to describe the simulation experiments or SBRML to encode the numerical results. In neuroscience, other fledgling efforts cover for instance multi-compartment neurons with NeuroML, and neuronal networks with NineML. More are needed to cover the wide spectrum of computational models used in neuroscience. The developers of those initiatives are in contact, and try to improve the interoperability of the languages, for instance by sharing metadata. Similar development guidelines, governance principles and quality checks are needed, in order to provide the community with a serious infrastructure. One can hope to see, in a not too elusive future, the creation of a coherent set of non-overlapping standards that will support not only the various modeling approaches and scales needed to simulate human functions and dysfunctions, but also cover model structure, parametrization, simulation and numerical output. Such a toolkit will allow the bridging of genomics, computational neuroscience and drug discovery.
Treating Attention To Improve Auditory Comprehension Deficits Associated With Aphasia
Authors: Helm-Estabrooks Nancy
Published: June 2011

Auditory comprehension is rarely unaffected by aphasia, although the extent of these deficits ranges greatly. Regardless of the severity of the deficit, however, problems understanding spoken language have a notable impact on individuals' lives. Speech-language pathologists, therefore, are obligated to employ effective approaches to remediating these problems. This paper addresses ways to treat auditory comprehension starting with a careful examination that identifies preserved and disturbed areas of function and that leads clinicians to think about underlying mechanisms that might be responsible for success and failures. Several lines of evidence support the idea that attentional problems may account for at least some of what appear to be problems with comprehension of spoken language in people with aphasia (PWA). Despite the growing body of evidence that a strong relationship exists between attention and auditory comprehension performance, the prevailing approach to treating auditory comprehension deficits continues to be the linguistic stimulation approach. This paper, therefore, reviews linguistic approaches to remediating auditory comprehension before discussing studies of attention training as a “cognitive” approach to improving these skills. Also discussed is the compelling evidence that the overall cognitive status of PWA significantly influences their response to any form of aphasia treatment.
Linear stability analysis of double ablation fronts in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Yañez C. , Sanz J. , Olazabal-Loumé M. , Ibañez L. F.
Published: June 2011

A linear stability theory of double ablation fronts is developed for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion targets. The so-called electron radiative ablation front [S. Fujioka et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 195001 (2004)] is studied with a self-consistent model. Numerical results are presented as well as an analytical approach for the radiation dominated regime of very steep double ablation front structure. Dispersion relation formula is tackled by means of a sharp boundary model.
Modulation of flat-band voltage on H-terminated silicon-on-insulator pseudo–metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors by adsorption and reaction events
Authors: Dubey Girjesh , Rosei Federico , Lopinski Gregory P.
Published: June 2011

Accumulation mode pseudo-MOSFETs formed on hydrogen terminated silicon-on-insulator (SOI-H) were used to probe molecular adsorption and reaction events. Current-voltage characteristics of such n-channel devices are found to be sensitive to the environment, with the accumulation threshold voltage, or flat-band voltage, exhibiting large reversible changes upon cycling between ambient atmosphere, high vacuum (<10−5 Torr), and exposure to water and pyridine vapor at pressures in the Torr range. The field-effect mobility is found to be comparatively less affected through these transitions. Oxidation of the H-terminated surface in ambient conditions leads to irreversible shifts in both the flat-band voltage and the field-effect mobility. A photochemical gas phase reaction with decene is used to form a decyl monolayer on the SOI(100)-H surface. Formation of this monolayer is found to result in a relatively small shift of the threshold voltage and only a slight degradation of the field effect mobility, suggesting that alkyl monolayer dielectrics formed in this way could function as good passivating dielectrics in field effect sensing applications.
Ion beam-assisted pulsed laser deposition of (Ba,Sr)(Ti,Zr)O3 films on Pt-Si substrates
Authors: Sakai Joe , Vayunandana Reddy Y. K. , Autret-Lambert Cécile , Lagrange Jean-François , Motret Olivier , Roger Sylvain , Wolfman Jérôme
Published: June 2011

Ion beam-assisted pulsed laser deposition with an Ar–oxygen ion mixture was used to prepare Ba0.6Sr0.4Ti0.7Zr0.3O3 (BSTZ) thin films on Pt-coated Si substrates. The ion beam with an anode voltage of 600 V was effective to reduce the thermal budget, i.e., to achieve similar crystallinity with approximately 100 °C lower deposition temperature compared to the cases without ionization. It was revealed that the dielectric properties (relative dielectric constant ɛr and its electric field tunability), out-of-plane lattice parameter of (001)-oriented grains (a001), and the existence of (110)-oriented grains are correlated with one another. Elongation of a001 was suppressed, resulting in large ɛr values comparable with that of a ceramic bulk of the same composition, in the BSTZ films that contain (110)-oriented grains. Less volume of amorphous BSTZ region is supposed to be playing an important role for the bulklike properties of these BSTZ films.
Correlation of magnetic anisotropy distributions in layered exchange coupled composite bit patterned media
Authors: Krone P. , Makarov D. , Schrefl T. , Albrecht M.
Published: June 2011

A micromagnetic study of the magnetization reversal in bit patterned media (BPM) with each bit consisting of an exchange coupled composite stack with two strongly exchange coupled layers is presented. In this investigation, the influence of correlation between the values of the distributions of the magnetic anisotropy values of the individual layers on the magnetization reversal behavior of the individual layers in the stack is examined. It is shown that a partial correlation can narrow the switching field distribution of the bit array while the switching field remains unaffected, which is vital for the applicability of the BPM concept in magnetic data storage.
Two-dimensional quantum mechanical modeling of silicide–silicon contact resistance for nanoscale silicon-on-insulator metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor
Authors: Gao Qun , Ouyang Yijian , Guo Jing
Published: June 2011

We present a two-dimensional quantum mechanical simulation method to explore the source/drain (S/D) contacts in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET. The dependencies of the contact resistance on the contact length, Schottky barrier height, doping concentration, SOI thickness, are investigated. Ballistic transport simulation is performed to benchmark the performance limits of the S/D contact resistance. Quantum confinement effect, quantum interference effect, and current crowding effect, which are important for the performance of the contact resistance, are demonstrated. The validity of the transmission line model in this nanoscale regime is examined. The discrepancy between results of the transmission line model and those of the quantum mechanical simulation, due to the quantum effect at nanometer-scale, is illustrated and explained.
Probe the spin-reorientation transition with magnetic susceptibility—a theoretical analysis
Authors: Miao B. F. , Sun L. , You B. , Hu An , Ding H. F.
Published: June 2011

We investigated the thickness-driven spin-reorientation transition (SRT) between in-plane and perpendicular easy axes in ultrathin magnetic films. Coherent rotation model calculations show that one can distinguish transition pathways via a canted state from those involving a state of coexisting phases by utilizing magnetic susceptibility measurements. Surface/interface anisotropy constants and the influence of external fields on the SRT are also explored. Quantitative agreement between the experiment and our model is shown for the Co/Au(111) system.
Damped response theory description of two-photon absorption
Authors: Kristensen Kasper , Kauczor Joanna , Thorvaldsen Andreas J. , Jørgensen Poul , Kjærgaard Thomas , Rizzo Antonio
Published: June 2011

Damped response theory is applied to the calculation of two-photon absorption (TPA) spectra, which are determined directly, at each frequency, from a modified damped cubic response function. The TPA spectrum may therefore be evaluated for selected frequency ranges, making the damped TPA approach attractive for calculations on large molecules with a high density of states, where the calculation of TPA using standard theory is more problematic. Damped response theory can also be applied to the case of intermediate state resonances, where the standard TPA expression is divergent. Both exact damped response theory and its application within density functional theory are discussed. The latter is implemented using an atomic-orbital based density matrix formulation, which makes the approach especially suitable for studies on large systems. A test preliminary study is presented for the TPA spectrum of R-(+)-1,1′-bi(2-naphtol).
An observation of charge trapping phenomena in GaN/AlGaN/Gd2O3/Ni–Au structure
Authors: Chang Liann Be , Das Atanu , Lin Ray Ming , Maikap Siddheswar , Jeng Ming Jer , Chou Shu Tsun
Published: June 2011

Charge trapping, especially electron trapping phenomena in GaN/AlGaN/Gd2O3/Ni–Au metal-oxide-semiconductor structure have been investigated. Owing to crystallization of Gd2O3 film after annealing at 900 °C in ambient air for 30 s, a significant memory window of 1.6 V is observed under 5 V@100 ms programming pulse compared with that of as-deposited sample. The fabricated structure exhibits no erase phenomena under large negative bias of −20 V. Only time dependent natural charge loss is occurred. Even so, 0.9 V of memory window is still remained after 21 h of retention. Good endurance of 103 cycles with 2.0 V memory window is also obtained.
Communication: Determination of the bond dissociation energy (D) of the water dimer, (H2O)2, by velocity map imaging
Authors: Rocher-Casterline Blithe E. , Ch'ng Lee C. , Mollner Andrew K. , Reisler Hanna
Published: June 2011

The bond dissociation energy (D0) of the water dimer is determined by using state-to-state vibrational predissociation measurements following excitation of the bound OH stretch fundamental of the donor unit of the dimer. Velocity map imaging and resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) are used to determine pair-correlated product velocity and translational energy distributions. H2O fragments are detected in the ground vibrational (000) and the first excited bending (010) states by 2 + 1 REMPI via the $\tilde{C}$C̃ 1B1 (000) ← $\tilde{X}$X̃ 1A1 (000 and 010) transitions. The fragments’ velocity and center-of-mass translational energy distributions are determined from images of selected rovibrational levels of H2O. An accurate value for D0 is obtained by fitting both the structure in the images and the maximum velocity of the fragments. This value, D0 = 1105 ± 10 cm−1 (13.2 ± 0.12 kJ/mol), is in excellent agreement with the recent theoretical value of D0 = 1103 ± 4 cm−1 (13.2 ± 0.05 kJ/mol) suggested as a benchmark by Shank et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 130, 144314 (2009)].
Counterbalancing angiogenic regulatory factors control the rate of cancer progression and survival in a stage-specific manner
Authors: Xie Liang , Duncan Michael B. , Pahler Jessica , Sugimoto Hikaru , Martino Margot , Lively Julie , Mundel Thomas , Soubasakos Mary , Rubin Kristofer , Takeda Takaaki , Inoue Masahiro , Lawler Jack , Hynes Richard O. , Hanahan Douglas , Kalluri Raghu
Published: May 2011

Whereas the roles of proangiogenic factors in carcinogenesis are well established, those of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors (EAIs) remain to be fully elaborated. We investigated the roles of three EAIs during de novo tumorigenesis to further test the angiogenic balance hypothesis, which suggests that blood vessel development in the tumor microenvironment can be governed by a net loss of negative regulators of angiogenesis in addition to the well-established principle of up-regulated angiogenesis inducers. In a mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, administration of endostatin, thrombospondin-1, and tumstatin peptides, as well as deletion of their genes, reveal neoplastic stage-specific effects on angiogenesis, tumor progression, and survival, correlating with endothelial expression of their receptors. Deletion of tumstatin and thrombospondin-1 in mice lacking the p53 tumor suppressor gene leads to increased incidence and reduced latency of angiogenic lymphomas associated with diminished overall survival. The results demonstrate that EAIs are part of a balance mechanism regulating tumor angiogenesis, serving as intrinsic microenvironmental barriers to tumorigenesis.
Macromolecular assembly of polycystin-2 intracytosolic C-terminal domain
Authors: Ferreira Frederico M. , Oliveira Leandro C. , Germino Gregory G. , Onuchic José N. , Onuchic Luiz F.
Published: May 2011

Mutations in
PKD2
are responsible for approximately 15% of the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease cases. This gene encodes polycystin-2, a calcium-permeable cation channel whose C-terminal intracytosolic tail (PC2t) plays an important role in its interaction with a number of different proteins. In the present study, we have comprehensively evaluated the macromolecular assembly of PC2t homooligomer using a series of biophysical and biochemical analyses. Our studies, based on a new delimitation of PC2t, have revealed that it is capable of assembling as a homotetramer independently of any other portion of the molecule. Our data support this tetrameric arrangement in the presence and absence of calcium. Molecular dynamics simulations performed with a modified all-atoms structure-based model supported the PC2t tetrameric assembly, as well as how different populations are disposed in solution. The simulations demonstrated, indeed, that the best-scored structures are the ones compatible with a fourfold oligomeric state. These findings clarify the structural properties of PC2t domain and strongly support a homotetramer assembly of PC2.
Canadian‐Origin Chinook Salmon Rearing in Nonnatal U.S. Tributary Streams of the Yukon River, Alaska
Authors: Daum David W. , Flannery Blair G.
Published: June 2011

Yukon River Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytschaare described as having a “stream‐type” life history strategy. After emergence from river gravel, juveniles typically feed and grow in tributary streams of the Yukon River throughout their first summer, overwinter in freshwater, and usually leave their rearing areas for marine waters during the second spring or summer. Nonnatal rearing has been described in the upper Canadian portion of the drainage, but information is lacking for downstream U.S. waters. In 2006–2007, a study was conducted to document nonnatal rearing and the genetic origin of Chinook salmon in U.S. tributary streams of the Yukon River. Eight nonspawning streams were selected for study, seven located in a 260‐km segment between the U.S.–Canada border and Circle, Alaska, and one located 742 km downstream from the border. Age‐0 juveniles were captured in all eight streams. Genetic stock composition analyses using 13 standardized microsatellite loci assigned the fish to Canadian source populations. The Carmacks region (over 460 km upstream from the border) contributed 91% to the mixtures in 2006 and 82% in 2007. Canadian stocks nearest the border and from large river systems were underrepresented in the collections. Simulation and known‐origin mixture analyses demonstrated that stock composition and individual assignment estimates derived from the genetic baseline were accurate and precise. Some juveniles may have traveled over 1,200 km to reach rearing areas in U.S. waters. Future studies would help define the importance of this life history strategy to the overall health and productivity of Yukon River Chinook salmon.