bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavior of clock‐sampling mutual network synchronization in wireless sensor networks: convergence and security
Authors: McKnight‐MacNeil Ereth , Rentel Carlos H. , Kunz Thomas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractClock synchronization is an important component of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) both for co‐ordination of node communications and for time stamping sensor data. The previously presented clock sampling mutual network synchronization (CS‐MNS) algorithm is simple, has low communication and processing overhead, and allows fully decentralized operation. We present some simulation results that indicate the potential of CS‐MNS to achieve high clock synchronization accuracy in mobile multi‐hop wireless networks. Past work has shown clock convergence under specific conditions in single‐hop networks. We show analytically that in the absence of offset errors, the network clocks converge. In the presence of offset errors, we present conditions on the degree of clock asynchrony under which the network clock rates show convergent behavior. The analysis is applicable as long as the network topology is connected and, thus, is of interest in both single‐hop and multi‐hop environments. As a side result, we also show how a network designer can use these conditions to add a bias term to the CS‐MNS algorithm and, thus, improve the start‐up dynamics of the algorithm. Furthermore, we discuss the algorithm from a security standpoint. Finally, we propose a method for adding external reference synchronization that is compatible with our security discussion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Candida albicans CaPTC6 is a functional homologue for Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScPTC6 and encodes a type 2C protein phosphatase
Authors: Yu Liquan , Zhao Jingwen , Feng Jinrong , Fang Jiaping , Feng Chen , Jiang Yuanying , Cao Yongbing , Jiang Linghuo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractType 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C) are monomeric enzymes and their activities require the presence of magnesium or manganese ions. There are seven PP2C genes, ScPTC1, ScPTC2, ScPTC3, ScPTC4, ScPTC5, ScPTC6 and ScPTC7, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PTC6 is highly conserved in pathogenic and nonpathogenic yeasts. In the current study we have demonstrated that the Candida albicans CaPTC6 gene could complement the functions of ScPTC6 in the rapamycin and caffeine sensitivities of S. cerevisiae cells, indicating that they are functional homologues. We have also demonstrated that the CaPTC6‐encoded protein is a typical PP2C enzyme and that CaPtc6p is localized in the mitochondrion of yeast‐form and hyphal cells. However, deletion of CaPTC6 neither affects cell and hyphal growth nor renders Candida cells sensitive to rapamycin and caffeine. Therefore, possibly with a functional redundancy to other mitochondrial phosphatases, CaPtc6p is likely to be involved in the regulation of a mitochondrial physiology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new anisotropic, two‐dimensional, transient heat flux‐temperature integral relationship for half‐space diffusion
Authors: Frankel J.I. , Keyhani M. , Elkins B. , Arimilli R.V. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a new heat flux‐temperature integral relationship for anisotropic materials in the two‐dimensional, semi‐infinite, planar geometry defined by x > 0, y in(‐ ∞, ∞) which is useful for experimental studies requiring determination of internal heat fluxes in short, run‐time or large‐domain experiments. This new relationship provides the in‐depth heat flux perpendicular to the surface using in‐depth data collected parallel to the surface without knowledge of the surface boundary condition. This relationship explicitly illustrates that the accurate depiction of the time rate of change of temperature is important for the stable and accurate recovery of heat flux. A unified mathematical treatment is proposed utilizing operational and transform methods; and, singular integral equation regularization. The diffusion operator provides sufficient mathematical insight for choosing the novel regularization operator. The resulting integral relationship does not require the specification of temperature gradients in the orthogonal coordinate system. This paper offers a novel time‐domain viewpoint for reconstructing the heat flux based on implementing both conservation of energy and the constitutive law. This methodology is particularly appealing for anisotropic materials where Fourier's law of heat flux requires temperature gradients to be specified in multiple coordinate directions. Finally, time‐domain analysis offers practical advantages for experimental studies involving heat flux estimation and material characterization in anisotropic materials.
Influence of dominance status on adrenal activity and ovarian cyclicity status in captive African elephants
Authors: Proctor Christine M. , Freeman Elizabeth W. , Brown Janine L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe North American African (Loxodonta africana) elephant population is not self‐sustaining, in part because of a high rate of abnormal ovarian activity. About 12% of adult females exhibit irregular cycles and 31% do not cycle at all. Our earlier work revealed a relationship between dominance status and ovarian acyclicity, with dominant females being more likely to not cycle normally. One theory is that dominant females may be expending more energy to maintaining peace within the captive herd than for supporting reproduction. The goal of this study was to determine if there was a relationship among dominance status, serum cortisol concentrations, and ovarian acyclicity. We hypothesized that adrenal glucocorticoid activity would be increased in dominant, noncycling elephants as compared with subdominant individuals. Blood samples were collected weekly over a 2‐year period in 81 females of known dominance and cyclicity status, and analyzed for cortisol. Based on a path analysis model (Reticular Action Model Or Near Approximation [RAMONA]), noncycling, dominant African elephant females did not have higher mean serum cortisol concentrations, or exhibit more variability (i.e., coefficient of variation, standard deviation) in cortisol secretion. This study suggests that alterations in adrenal activity are not related to dominance status nor contribute directly to acyclicity in captive African elephants. Zoo Biol 29:168–178, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ocular Proteomics with Emphasis on Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mandal Nakul , Heegaard Steffen , Prause Jan Ulrik , Honoré Bent , Vorum Henrik 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe intention of this review is to provide an overview of current methodologies employed in the rapidly developing field of ocular proteomics with emphasis on sample preparation, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS). Appropriate sample preparation for the diverse range of cells and tissues of the eye is essential to ensure reliable results. Current methods of protein staining for 2D-PAGE, protein labelling for two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, gel-based expression analysis and protein identification by MS are summarised. The uses of gel-free MS-based strategies (MuDPIT, iTRAQ, ICAT and SILAC) are also discussed. Proteomic technologies promise to shed new light onto ocular disease processes that could lead to the discovery of strong novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets useful in many ophthalmic conditions.
Family cultural socialization practices and ethnic identity in college‐going emerging adults
Authors: Juang Linda , Syed Moin 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTWe examined how family cultural socialization related to the ethnic identity of Asian American, Latino, White, and Mixed‐Ethnic emerging adults (N= 225). Greater family cultural socialization was related to greater ethnic identity exploration and commitment. Ethnic minority students reported higher levels of family cultural socialization and ethnic identity compared to White students. The family cultural socialization‐ethnic identity link was more pronounced for females compared to males, and for White compared to ethnic minority students. The findings highlight the importance of the family for identity development beyond adolescence.
Indonesia's Salafist Sufis
Authors: HOWELL JULIA DAY 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIslam's devotional and mystical tradition, Sufism (tasawwuf), is commonly cast as antithetical to Salafi Islam. Self-identified ‘Salafis’, with their ideological roots in anti-liberal strands of twentieth-century modernist Islam, do commonly view Sufis as heretics propagating practices wrongly introduced into Islam centuries after the time of the pious ancestors (the Salaf). Yet reformist zeal that fixes on the singular importance of the Salaf (particularly the Prophet Muhammad and his principal companions) as models for correct piety can also be found amongst Sufis. This paper calls attention to the Salafist colouration of Sufism in two areas of popular culture: television preaching and the popular religious ‘how-to’ books and DVDs that make the preachers’ messages available for purchase. It reprises the teachings of two of the best known Indonesian Muslim televangelists, ‘Hamka’ (b. 1908, d. 1981) and M. Arifin Ilham (b. 1969), both of whom also happen to be champions of Sufism, and analyses the different rhetorical uses each has made of references to the ‘Salaf’ and the notion of ‘Salafist’ Islam.
Multilocus phylogenetic analyses reveal that habitat selection drives the speciation of Didymozoidae (Digenea) parasitizing Pacific and Atlantic bluefin tunas
Authors: MLADINEO I. , BOTT N. J. , NOWAK B. F. , BLOCK B. A. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYParasite communities of wild and reared bluefin tuna display remarkable diversity. Among these, the most prevalent and abundant are the Didymozoidae (Monticelli, 1888) (Trematoda, Digenea), considered one of the most taxonomically complex digenean families. The aim of this study was to evaluate phylogenetic structure of Didymozoidae occurring in Pacific (Thunnus orientalis) and Atlantic bluefin tuna (T. thynnus) in order to increase our knowledge of didymozoid zoogeography and identify species that could successfully be employed as biological tags for stock assessment studies. For the present analyses we used 2 nuclear ribosomal DNA loci, part of the 28S gene and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) as well as a portion of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). In most parasitic groups, morphology is the primary factor in the structuring of phylogenetic relationships. In rare examples, however, habitat has been suggested as a primary factor affecting parasite evolution. During their evolution, didymozoids have spread and inhabited a remarkable number of different sites in their hosts, colonizing exterior as well as strictly interior niches. Our data suggest that habitat selection has been the leading force in shaping didymozoid phylogenetic relationships. For 2 didymozoid species (D. wedliandD. palati),cox1sequences indicate intraspecific differences between Mexican and Adriatic populations.
Cerebral malaria: why experimental murine models are required to understand the pathogenesis of disease
Authors: BRIAN de SOUZA J. , HAFALLA JULIUS C. R. , RILEY ELEANOR M. , COUPER KEVIN N. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYCerebral malaria is a life-threatening complication of malaria infection. The pathogenesis of cerebral malaria is poorly defined and progress in understanding the condition is severely hampered by the inability to study in detail,ante-mortem, the parasitological and immunological events within the brain that lead to the onset of clinical symptoms. Experimental murine models have been used to investigate the sequence of events that lead to cerebral malaria, but there is significant debate on the merits of these models and whether their study is relevant to human disease. Here we review the current understanding of the parasitological and immunological events leading to human and experimental cerebral malaria, and explain why we believe that studies with experimental models of CM are crucial to define the pathogenesis of the condition.
Trypanosomiasis and the brain
Authors: RODGERS JEAN 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYNeurological involvement following trypanosome infection has been recognised for over a century. However, there are still many unanswered questions concerning the mechanisms used by the parasite to gain entry to the CNS and the pathogenesis of the resulting neuroinflammatory reaction. There is a paucity of material from human cases of the disease therefore the majority of current research relies on the use of animal models of trypanosome infection. This review reports contemporary knowledge, from both animal models and human samples, regarding parasite invasion of the CNS and the neuropathological changes that accompany trypanosome infection and disease progression. The effects of trypanosomes on the blood-brain barrier are discussed and possible key molecules in parasite penetration of the barrier highlighted. Changes in the balance of CNS cytokines and chemokines are also described. The article closes by summarising the effects of trypanosome infection on the circadian sleep-wake cycle, and sleep structure, in relation to neuroinflammation and parasite location within the CNS. Although a great deal of progress has been made in recent years, the advent and application of sophisticated analysis techniques, to decipher the complexities of HAT pathogenesis, herald an exciting and rewarding period for advances in trypanosome research.
Analysis of typical locomotion of a symmetric hexapod robot
Authors: Wang Z.-Y. , Ding X.-L. , Rovetta A. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYIn recent years hexagonal hexapod robots gained the interest of international research community. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, after summarizing all known gaits of such robots, we introduce some improvements both for normal conditions and for fault tolerance. Then we show the advantages of hexagonal hexapod robots over rectangular ones by comparing different gaits from theoretical and experimental points of view. Stability, fault tolerance, turning ability, and terrain adaptability are analyzed. For reaching these aims we also introduce a robot kinematics that considers at the same time supporting and transferring legs. The trajectories of feet are described as well. Finally, single leg stride selection is studied for side wave and for kick-off gaits to optimize walking ability and energy management.The theoretical results presented herein have been validated with experiments conducted on a prototype of the Novel Robotics System for Planetary Exploration (Rovetta et al., “New Robot Concepts for Mars Soil Exploration: Mechanics and Functionality,” ASTRA 2004, Eighth ESA Workshop on Advanced Space Technologies for Robotics and Automatian, Nordwijk, The Netherlands Nov. 2–4, 2004) (NOROS), developed by Politecnico di Milano and Beijing University of Astronautics and Aeronautics, and the results are summarized in this paper.
Testing the HTA Core Model: Experiences from two pilot projects
Authors: Pasternack Iris , Anttila Heidi , Mäkelä Marjukka , Ikonen Tuija , Räsänen Pirjo , Lampe Kristian , van Brabandt Hans , Cleemput Irina , de Laet Chris , Marchetti Marco , Refolo Pietro , Sacchini Dario , Kunz Regina , Nordmann Alain , Lühmann Dagmar , Freyschuss Bo 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze and describe process and outcomes of two pilot assessments based on the HTA Core Model, discuss the applicability of the model, and explore areas of development.Methods: Data were gathered from HTA Core Model and pilot Core HTA documents, their validation feedback, questionnaires to investigators, meeting minutes, emails, and discussions in the coordinating team meetings in the Finnish Office for Health Technology Assessment (FINOHTA).Results: The elementary structure of the HTA Core Model proved useful in preparing HTAs. Clear scoping and good coordination in timing and distribution of work would probably help improve applicability and avoid duplication of work.Conclusions: The HTA Core Model can be developed into a platform that enables and encourages true HTA collaboration in terms of distribution of work and maximum utilization of a common pool of structured HTA information for national HTA reports.
The adaptation of health technology assessment reports: Identification of the need for, and development of, a toolkit to aid the process
Authors: Turner Sheila , Chase Deborah L. , Milne Ruairidh , Cook Andrew , Hicks Nicholas J. , Rosten Claire , Payne Liz , Coles Suzanne , Bell Eleanor 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Europe has many health technology assessment (HTA) agencies, each producing their own HTA reports. Adapting HTA reports for different contexts could reduce the need for multiple reports on the same health technology with resultant saving of time and resources. This study aims to examine and understand the process of adaptation, and to develop a toolkit that would help the adaptation of reports produced by other countries.Methods: The methods used were a review of the literature; a survey of twenty-nine European HTA organizations, two rounds of a Delphi survey, a face-to-face meeting of twenty-one European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) representatives, iterative rounds of review, and two rounds of quality assurance testing (termed applicability testing).Results: Descriptions of previous examples of adaptation in the literature are sparse. Most respondents had previous experience in adapting reports, and all believed that adaptation was useful, and there was the ability to benefit from the use of a toolkit to aid in the process. EUnetHTA Partners developed and tested an adaptation toolkit. The toolkit is composed of a series of checklists and resources that identify or clarify the relevance, reliability, and transferability of data and information from existing reports.Conclusions: Consensus of opinion from twenty-nine European organizations/networks has indicated that the adaptation of HTA reports would be desirable and beneficial. A toolkit was developed to help with the adaptation of HTA reports produced in other settings. This collection of resources is available for use by all HTA agencies and can be accessed at: http://www.eunethta.net/upload/WP5/EUnetHTA_HTA_Adaptation_Toolkit_October08.pdf.
Information service on new and emerging health technologies: Identification and prioritization processes for a European Union–wide newsletter
Authors: Wild Claudia , Simpson Sue , Douw Karla , Geiger-Gritsch Sabine , Mathis Stefan , Langer Thomas 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: EUnetHTA WP 7 (Strand B) aimed to promote sharing information on new and emerging technologies. The task was to develop a prototype of a newsletter and pilot the processes of production.Methods: The EuroScan database served as information source on pertinent technologies. To prioritize, a set of criteria for scoring the potential impact and for selecting the technologies for articles was applied and a pilot newsletter was produced.Results: Being objective and transparent about the content of a newsletter required a method for prioritizing health technologies. Using significance criteria, members of the prioritization panel selected twelve technologies for articles of different length and depth. Potential recipients, surveyed on relevance, content, timeliness, and readability responded mostly positive, but requested more information on cost effectiveness and criticized timeliness.Conclusions: Dissemination of an EU-wide newsletter would be feasible, but time-consuming. Although a newsletter appears to fulfill a need for information on emerging and new health technologies, it is not considered the right tool to avoid duplication of effort in the present international constellation of horizon scanning for new health technologies. Other options will be pursued as part of future collaborative actions, for example, a core set of early awareness information, or an on-demand electronic information system.
Involving stakeholders and developing a policy for stakeholder involvement in the European network for Health Technology Assessment, EUnetHTA
Authors: Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj , Lauritsen Sarah Wadmann , Kristensen Finn Børlum , Bistrup Marie Louise , Cecchetti Americo , Turk Eva 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: This article explains how the issue of stakeholder involvement was addressed in the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Project and describes the structures of future stakeholder involvement in the EUnetHTA Collaboration.Methods: Initiatives led to a dialogue with stakeholders and exchanging views and expectations on health technology assessment (HTA) processes and the future development of EUnetHTA. The methods of involving different stakeholder groups in EUnetHTA included general information to stakeholders about EUnetHTA, targeted information on a Web site, analysis of stakeholder opinions on HTA and EUnetHTA, and development of a draft stakeholder policy.Results: First steps were taken to organize processes to consolidate the legitimacy of EUnetHTA and its products and encourage the representation of interests, thus contributing to promoting the utilization of HTA in national/regional policy making. A stakeholder Web site, analyses of stakeholder opinions on HTA and EUnetHTA in a discussion topic catalog, and a draft stakeholder policy resulted from the work.Conclusions: Stakeholder involvement in EUnetHTA is necessary to ensure the legitimacy and prospects for utilization of EUnetHTA and its products. The described activities and results create the foundation for a continued dialogue with, and involvement of, stakeholders. The EUnetHTA stakeholder meeting can be considered as a successful experience of dialogue between EUnetHTA and stakeholders, which should be continued. Our experience shows the challenge of obtaining balanced stakeholder representation across the identified stakeholder groups. Continued attention should be given to achieving balanced stakeholder representation.
Cupredoxin-like domains in haemocyanins
Authors: Jaenicke Elmar , Büchler Kay , Markl Jürgen , Decker Heinz , Barends Thomas R. M. 
Published: December 2009

Haemocyanins are multimeric oxygen transport proteins, which bind oxygen to type 3 copper sites. Arthropod haemocyanins contain 75-kDa subunits, whereas molluscan haemocyanins contain 350–400-kDa subunits comprising seven or eight different 50 kDa FUs (functional units) designated FU-a to FU-h, each with an active site. FU-h possesses a tail of 100 amino acids not present in the other FUs. In the present study we show by X-ray crystallography that in FU-h of KLH1 (keyhole-limpet-haemocyanin isoform 1) the structure of the tail domain is cupredoxin-like but contains no copper. The copper-free domain 3 in arthropod haemocyanin subunits has also recently been reinterpreted as being cupredoxin-like. We propose that the cupredoxin-like domain in both haemocyanin types once served to upload copper to the active site of the oxygen-binding domain.