bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A toolkit for parallel functional programming
Authors: Hartel Pieter H. , Hofman Rutger F. H. , Langendoen Koen G. , Muller Henk L. , Vree Willem G. , Hertzberger L. O. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOur toolkit for the design and implementation of parallel functional programs supports the stepwise development of parallel programs from a high level sequential specification to an optimised parallel implementation. The toolkit is used as follows:

The algorithm to be implemented is specified in a functional language. The program is debugged and tested using an interpreter.
The program is compiled for a sequential machine. Its performance is analysed and improved.
Annotation‐driven transformations are applied to the program to indicate parallel tasks. Simulations at task level, basic block level and bus transaction level make it possible to analyse the parallel performance of the program at three levels of detail.
When the performance is optimised using the simulators, the program is executed on a genuine parallel machine.
Several programs have been developed with the toolkit. A program that simulates tidal flow in an estuary of the North sea is presented as a case study to demonstrate the merits of the toolkit when developing complex parallel programs.The toolkit not only supports the design of parallel applications, it also allows the study of important concepts in parallel computer architecture. These include the behaviour of cached memory systems, bus protocols, scheduling algorithms and memory management algorithms.
Unfolding Tin–Cobalt Interactions in Oxide‐Based Composite Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries by Mössbauer Spectroscopy
Authors: Alcántara Ricardo , Ortiz Gregorio F. , Tirado José L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWith a view to the development of new composite electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries with electroactive tin and cobalt, Co‐doped tin dioxide samples are studied. The role played by oxygen and cobalt atoms in the electrochemical behavior of tin‐based electrodes for Li‐ion batteries is examined by the powerful and selective 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. For the discharged electrodes, the oxygen atoms in the lithia matrix tend to destabilize the Sn(0) atoms. In contrast, the presence of cobalt atoms helps to form a matrix that stabilizes the reduced tin atoms. Cobalt–tin interactions in electrochemical reduced CoxSn1−xO2 electrodes are deduced from the electrochemical and Mössbauer results.
Electrochemical Microstructuring with Short Voltage Pulses
Authors: Schuster Rolf 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe application of short (nanosecond) voltage pulses between a tool electrode and a workpiece immersed in an electrolyte solution allows the three‐dimensional machining of electrochemically active materials with submicrometer resolution. The method is based on the finite charging time constant of the double‐layer capacitance, which varies approximately linearly with the local separation between the electrode surfaces. Hence, the polarization of the electrodes during short pulses and subsequent electrochemical reactions are confined to regions where the electrodes are in sufficiently close proximity. This Minireview describes the principles behind electrochemical microstructuring with short voltage pulses, and its current achievements and limitations.
Flow‐assisted quantification of in vitro activated basophils in the diagnosis of wasp venom allergy and follow‐up of wasp venom immunotherapy
Authors: Ebo D. G. , Hagendorens M. M. , Schuerwegh A. J. , Beirens L. M.‐N. , Bridts C. H. , De Clerck L. S. , Stevens W. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:Correct identification of the culprit venom is a prerequisite for specific venom immunotherapy (VIT). Despite the efficacy of VIT, issues as how to monitor treatment and when to discontinue maintenance therapy remain to be established.Methods:To evaluate diagnostic performances of the basophil activation test (BAT) in wasp venom allergy, 80 patients with a definite history of wasp venom anaphylaxis (systemic reactors) and 14 wasp‐stung asymptomatic controls (stung controls) were enrolled. Venom‐induced basophil activation was analyzed flow cytometrically by double‐labeling with anti‐IgE and anti‐CD63. Results were compared to wasp IgE levels and results of a venom skin test (VST). To establish whether the BAT constitutes a candidate marker to monitor VIT, the BAT was repeated in 22 patients on the 5th day of a build‐up course and after 6 months of maintenance VIT. Whether the BAT could contribute in the decision of discontinuing VIT was assessed in a cross‐sectional analysis in 30 patients receiving treatment for 3 years.Results:Comparison between systemic reactors and stung controls revealed a sensitivity of 86.4% and specificity of 100% for venom IgE, and sensitivity of 81.8% for VST, respectively. In contrast to stung controls, patients demonstrated dose‐dependent venom‐induced basophil activation. The BAT attained a sensitivity of 83.8% and specificity of 100%. At the end of the build‐up course, no effect of VIT on the BAT was demonstrable. When the BAT was repeated after 6 months of treatment, submaximal stimulation of the cells demonstrated a significant decreased CD63 expression (P < 0.04). Patients having VIT for 3 years also demonstrated significantly lower venom‐induced CD63 expression (P < 0.001). After 3 years, 60% of the patients had a negative BAT for submaximal stimulation of the cells whereas only 17.9% of the patients had negativation of wasp IgE.Conclusions:The BAT is a reliable instrument for the diagnosis of wasp venom anaphylaxis and might constitute an instrument to monitor wasp VIT. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Heterogeneity of aldehyde dehydrogenase expression in lung cancer cell lines is revealed by Aldefluor flow cytometry‐based assay
Authors: Moreb Jan S. , Zucali James R. , Ostmark Blanca , Benson Neal A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:We have been interested in studying the roles of two aldehyde dehydrogenases in the biology of lung cancer. In this study, we seek to apply Aldefluor flow cytometry‐based assay for the measurement of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity in lung cancer cell lines, which may become a new tool that will facilitate our continued research in this field.Experimental Design:Several established lung cancer cell lines were used, including A549 cell line expressing siRNA against aldehyde dehydrogenase class‐1A1 (ALDH1A1). Western blot analysis, spectrophotometry assay, and Aldefluor staining were used to measure protein or enzyme activity in these cell lines. For the purpose of measurement of ALDH activity by Aldefluor in cells with known high ALDH levels, cells were mixed 1:10 with immortalized lung epithelial cell line (Beas‐2B), which is known to lack ALDH activity. To delineate dead cells, double staining using Aldefluor and propidium iodide (PI) was done. Double staining was also used to detect changes in ALDH activity in two different cell lines after treatment with 4‐hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4‐HC).Results:Our results show a very good correlation between Aldefluor, Western blot, and spectrophotometry assays. Mixing experiments with Beas‐2B cells allowed accurate assessment of ALDH activity in A549 cells at baseline and after siRNA expression, thus establishing an approach that facilitates the measurement of very high ALDH using the Aldefluor assay. Aldefluor staining was able to detect heterogeneity in ALDH expression among as well as within the same cell lines and better assess viability after 4‐HC treatment when combined with PI.Conclusions:Aldefluor assay can be adapted successfully to measure ALDH activity in lung cancer cells and may have the advantage of providing real time changes in ALDH activity in viable cells treated with siRNA or chemotherapy. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Therapeutic applications of incretin mimetics for metabolic diseases: preclinical studies
Authors: Mack Christine , Laugero Kevin , Liu Que , Jodka Carolyn , Young Andrew , Parkes David 
Published: November 2006

AbstractExenatide (exendin‐4) is an incretin mimetic peptide that shares several glucoregulatory actions with the endogenous incretin GLP‐1. In addition to its actions on glucose control, exenatide produces effects to reduce food intake and body weight in all species studied. GLP‐1 and exenatide have also been shown to modulate cardiovascular function in both animal and human studies. This overview examines the metabolic effects of exenatide beyond its antidiabetic actions, and will focus on studies with respect to obesity, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction in preclinical models of diet‐induced obesity, metabolic syndrome, and chronic heart failure. Drug Dev. Res. 67:553–558, 2006.© 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Buccal delivery of insulin: the time is now
Authors: Bernstein Gerald 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe burgeoning numbers of individuals with diabetes mellitus and prediabetes, in particular Type 2 including large numbers of children, open up not only the classic risks for microvascular disease but the earlier and incapacitating risk for macrovascular disease. Oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin sensitizers have not been adequate to control postprandial glucose. Prandial insulin is most desirable but resistance to injections limits its use. This has led to a battery of needle‐free insulin delivery systems. Buccal delivery stands out as being safe, simple, fast, flexible, and familiar to patient and physician alike. Drug Dev. Res. 67:597–599, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Our children and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Desmangles Jean‐Claude 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disturbances that result in an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults. Despite the lack of a uniform definition of the syndrome for children, several studies have reported an overall prevalence of 3 to 4% among children. Among obese adolescents, the prevalence can be as high as 30 to 50%. Besides insulin resistance and obesity, the intrauterine environment and genetic factors also seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome in children. In view of the current obesity epidemic and since an increasing amount of evidence shows that obesity during adolescence is significantly associated with insulin resistance, abnormal serum lipid levels, and elevated blood pressure during adulthood, there is a great need for a clear definition, for the development of screening guidelines, and for appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for the metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population. Drug Dev. Res. 67:602–606, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Male hypogonadism and the metabolic syndrome: lessons from clinical studies
Authors: Rodzvilla John P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe symptoms of male hypogonadism can be subtle. The diagnosis must be based on a high degree of suspicion coupled with the finding of low total testosterone, low free testosterone, or low bioavailable testosterone. Appropriate therapy of low testosterone results in improvement of signs and symptoms. The improvements directly related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) are: increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and decreased insulin resistance. The correlation of low testosterone with MetS has recently gained impetus with evidence revealing a correlation of low testosterone levels and low levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) serving as predictors of the development of MetS and diabetes mellitus type 2. The treatment of hypogonadism in males may be accomplished by several methods of testosterone replacement or the stimulation of testosterone production. Given the association of low SHBG and low T levels with MetS, and the potentially positive effects on MetS and diabetes type 2 with treatment of male hypogonadism, further studies are warranted to evaluate hypogonadal treatment effect on MetS, diabetes type 2, and cardiovascular disease. Drug Dev. Res. 67:612–615, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Economic aspects of diabetic foot care in a multidisciplinary setting: a review
Authors: Matricali Giovanni A. , Dereymaeker Greta , Muls Erik , Flour Maria , Mathieu Chantal 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the economic aspects of diabetic foot care in a multidisciplinary setting.MethodA review of the English language literature, published from 1966 to November 2005.ResultsThe results of available studies on the cost‐of‐illness of diabetic foot problems are difficult to compare. Nevertheless trends concerning excess of costs, protraction in time of costs, positive correlation to severity of ulcer and/or peripheral vascular disease, contribution of in‐hospital stay and length of stay, and the patient's own contribution to total costs, are obvious. Only a few cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility studies are available. Most use a Markov based model to predict outcome and show an acceptable result on long‐term.ConclusionsDiabetic foot problems are frequent and are associated with high costs. A multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot problems has proved to be cost saving with regard to cost of treatment itself. Nevertheless, it remained unclear if these savings could offset the overall costs involved in implementing this kind of approach. The few studies that address this issue specifically all show an acceptable cost‐effectiveness, but often the profit will be evident after some years only, because long‐term costs are involved. Based on these data, policymakers should foresee sufficient reimbursement for preventive and early curative measures, and not only for ‘salvage manoeuvres’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crim1KST264/KST264 mice display a disruption of the Crim1 gene resulting in perinatal lethality with defects in multiple organ systems
Authors: Pennisi David J. , Wilkinson Lorine , Kolle Gabriel , Sohaskey Michael L. , Gillinder Kevin , Piper Michael J. , McAvoy John W. , Lovicu Frank J. , Little Melissa H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCrim1 is a transmembrane protein, containing six vWF‐C type cysteine‐rich repeats, that tethers growth factors to the cell surface. A mouse line, KST264, generated in a LacZ insertion mutagenesis gene‐trap screen, was examined to elucidate Crim1 function in development. We showed that Crim1KST264/KST264 mice were not null for Crim1 due to the production of a shortened protein isoform. These mice are likely to represent an effective hypomorph or a dominant‐negative for Crim1. Transgene expression recapitulated known Crim1 expression in lens, brain, and limb, but also revealed expression in the smooth muscle cells of the developing heart and renal vasculature, developing cartilage, mature ovary and detrusor of the bladder. Transgene expression was also observed in glomerular epithelial cells, podocytes, mesangial cells, and urothelium in the kidney. Crim1KST264/KST264 mice displayed perinatal lethality, syndactyly, eye, and kidney abnormalities. The severe and complex phenotype observed in Crim1KST264/KST264 mice highlights the importance of Crim1 in numerous aspects of organogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 236:502–511, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating scale of peer‐to‐peer file sharing applications using multilayer partial measurement
Authors: Kamei Satoshi , Uchida Masato , Mori Tatsuya , Takahashi Yutaka 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAutonomous distributed systems comprising an overlay network on the Internet are proliferating as a new technology responsible for the next‐generation Web. Due to the properties of such a large‐scale system, it is difficult to measure the characteristics of the entire system without modifying the internal protocol of the applications. In this paper, by using a measurement method applicable to P2P applications and measured results obtained by applying this measurement method in part, a general‐purpose method for estimating the size and behavior of the entire P2P network is proposed. Further, the present method is applied to a real P2P network and its effectiveness is presented by a specific example. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(3): 54–63, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20318
Stochastic node placement improving fault tolerance in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ishizuka Mika , Aida Masaki 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOne of the most important issues in wireless sensor networks is to develop the technology for improved fault tolerance, since sensor nodes are prone to failure (for mechanical reasons, for example) and have limited energy storage. The strategy for determining the positions in which sensor nodes are placed is very important, because it affects the likelihood that a target will be within the sensing range of a node, and that there will be a communication path from that node back to the base station. We have considered that when many sensor nodes are to be placed in a wide area, an effective approach is stochastic node placement, whereby sensors may be scattered in a controlled manner, such that their approximate positions are characterized by a probability density function. Then, as the first step of our research, we have proposed stochastic node placements in which the degrees of the nodes follow a power‐law distribution (“power‐law placement”). Through simulation studies, we have shown that power‐law placement, with well‐tuned parameters, shows a higher tolerance against random failures and failure through battery exhaustion than general stochastic node placement. However, this can be difficult to implement. As the second step of our research, this paper proposes an alternative method of stochastic node placement that has as high a fault tolerance as power‐law placement and can be achieved with a reasonable degree of complexity. To this end, we first investigate the requirements necessary for other types of stochastic node placement to exhibit as high a fault tolerance as power‐law placement. Next, we propose ways of achieving stochastic node placement that meets these requirements. Our proposal has theoretical basis that any stochastic node placement can be achieved by scattering sensor nodes many times from the air in a number of appropriately controlled operations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(3): 42–53, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20319
Model policies for land use and the environment: towards a critical typology?
Authors: Peel D. , Lloyd M. G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis article considers contemporary debates in Scotland that are concerned with the design and implementation of land use development plan ‘policies that work’. The interest in developing a resource bank of model policy texts is illustrative of the wider agenda to modernize the public sector and to secure efficiency gains in public policy making. On the one hand, this is presented as strengthening policy makers' ability to achieve stated policy outcomes, and to enforce particular policy objectives in the public interest. On the other hand, it is argued that a more uniform and consistent policy context across Scotland would offer a more certain operating environment for developers and users of the planning service. The discussion considers the diversity of land use planning topics identified as potentially appropriate for formulation as a model policy, and proposes a typology for critically interrogating their suitability in practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Prolonged exposure of dendritic cells to maturation stimuli favors the induction of type‐2 cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Boni Andrea , Iezzi Giandomenica , Degl'Innocenti Elena , Grioni Matteo , Jachetti Elena , Camporeale Annalisa , Bellone Matteo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDendritic cell (DC) maturation influences the priming and polarization of T lymphocytes. We recently found that early activated DC (i.e. DC exposed to pro‐maturation stimuli for 8 h) were more prone to prime in vivo a type‐1 cytotoxic T cell (Tc1) response than DC exposed to pro‐maturation stimuli for 48 h (48h‐DC). We investigated whether 48h‐DC, conversely, allowed the induction of Tc2 cells. Antigen‐pulsed mouse bone‐marrow‐derived DC at any maturation stage, in the presence of exogenous IL‐12, skewed in vitro naive CD8+ T cells towards Tc1 cells, but 48h‐DC most potently, in the presence of exogenous IL‐4, favored the induction of Tc2 cells. In vivo, full maturation of DC promoted expansion of Tc2 and fall of Tc1 cells. Tc2 cells maintained a high cytolytic activity and produced significant amounts of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10 and TGF‐β. Our results indicate that polarization of naive CD8+ T cells to Tc2 cells is dependent on the amount of time DC have been exposed to maturation stimuli, and might be favored in late and/or chronic phases of an immune response.
Structure and duration of contact between dendritic cells and T cells are controlled by T cell activation state
Authors: Rothoeft Tobias , Balkow Sandra , Krummen Mathias , Beissert Stefan , Varga Georg , Loser Karin , Oberbanscheidt Pia , van den Boom Frank , Grabbe Stephan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe adaptive immune response is initiated when naive T cells interact with dendritic cells (DC). However, the physicodynamics as well as the molecules that constitute the contact plane (immunological synapse) between DC and T cells are not well understood. We show here that for the formation of stable conjugates, T cells need to be preactivated by DC in a CD80/86‐ and antigen dose‐dependent manner. When activated, T cells induce cytoskeletal reorganization within DC via CD40‐CD40L signaling. Polarization of the actin and fascin cytoskeleton in DC is associated with sustained DC‐T cell contacts, strong T cell proliferation and a Th1 response. Organized contact planes with clearly separated patches containing TCR or CD11a are also formed. Thus, DC‐T cell interactions take place in a sequential, interdependent fashion: first, DC “license” naive T cells to engage DC in an antigen dose‐ and CD80/86‐dependent fashion. Then, these preactivated T cells induce cytoskeletal reorientation in DC, resulting in sustained DC‐T cell contacts and subsequent T cell activation. These results demonstrate that T cells control the mode of interaction based on information gathered from DC.
Transient Notch signaling induces NK cell potential in Pax5‐deficient pro‐B cells
Authors: Carotta Sebastian , Brady Jason , Wu Li , Nutt Stephen L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractUnlike early B/T cell development, NK cell lineage commitment is not well understood, with a major limitation being the lack of a robust culture system to assay NK cell progenitors. Here we have exploited the multi‐lineage potential of Pax5–/– pro‐B cells to establish an effective system to direct differentiation of progenitors into the NK cell lineage. Cultivation of Pax5–/– pro‐B cells on OP9 cells expressing the Notch ligand Delta‐Like1 (OP9‐DL1) in the presence of IL‐7 efficiently induced T and NK cell potential. For NK cells, Notch was only transiently required, as prolonged signaling decreased NK and increased T cell development. Pure NK cell populations could be obtained by the culture of these Notch signal‐experienced cells onto OP9 stroma and IL‐15. A similar transient exposure to Notch was also compatible with the differentiation of NK cells from hematopoietic progenitors, while sustained Notch signaling impaired NK cell generation. Pax5–/– pro‐B cell‐derived NK cells were cytotoxic, secreted cytokines and expressed all the expected NK cell‐specific surface markers examined except the Ly49 family, a phenotype similar to fetal NK cells. These data indicate that Notch signaling induces T/NK cell differentiation in Pax5–/– pro‐B cells that is strikingly similar to early thymopoiesis.