bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Streamlining progress-based derivations of concurrent programs
Authors: Dongol Brijesh , Mooij Arjan J. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The logic of Owicki and Gries is a well-known logic for verifying safety properties of concurrent programs. Using this logic, Feijen and van Gasteren describe a method for deriving concurrent programs based on safety. In this work, we explore derivation techniques of concurrent programs using progress-based reasoning. We use a framework that combines the safety logic of Owicki and Gries, and the progress logic of UNITY. Our contributions improve the applicability of our earlier techniques by reducing the calculational overhead in the formal proofs and derivations. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our techniques, a derivation of Dekker’s mutual exclusion algorithm is presented. This derivation leads to the discovery of some new and simpler variants of this famous algorithm.
Ontogeny of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) peptide and calbindin immunoreactivity in granule cells of the dentate gyrus in the rat
Authors: Ábrahám Hajnalka , Orsi Gergely , Seress László 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) peptide was first discovered in the rat striatum following cocaine and amphetamine administration. However, even without psychostimulant treatment, many neuronal groups of the central nervous system, including granule cells of the dentate gyrus, express CART peptide. Earlier studies, based on the prenatal expression of CART peptide in the mesencephalon, suggest that it exerts neurotrophic effects. In the present study, ontogenetic expression of CART peptide in dentate gyrus granule cells was studied using immunohistochemistry in rats from 5 days to 3 months old. Expression was correlated with the expression of another neurochemical marker of granule cells, the calcium binding protein, calbindin.Calbindin was already present in granule cells at postnatal day 5 (P5), whereas CART peptide was first observed at P12. The first CART peptide‐ and calbindin‐immunoreactive cells were localized to the lateral end of the dorsal blade, to the outer part of granule cell layer adjacent to the molecular layer, which agrees with the localization of the first‐generated granule cells in the dentate gyrus. The first calbindin‐immnunoreactive mossy fibers were seen at P9 in the stratum lucidum of CA3, and the entire projection path of mossy fibers expressed calbindin at P18. Mossy fibers were CART peptide‐immunopositive at P12, and they were visible in the most distal part of CA3, in CA3a next to CA2. This localization fits with the known spatial organization of mossy fiber axon terminals. An adult‐like expression of CART peptide and calbindin in the hippocampal formation was detectable at P30.The late postnatal appearance of CART peptide in dentate granule cells, and their axonal terminals, indicates that CART peptide may play a neurotrophic role in late developmental events, such as synaptogenesis. However, this does not exclude the possibility of a neuromodulatory role for this peptide.
Job demands and dementia risk among male twin pairs
Authors: Potter Guy G. , Helms Michael J. , Burke James R. , Steffens David C. , Plassman Brenda L. 
Published: June 2007

BackgroundJob characteristics may influence risk of dementia, but some types of job complexity remain to be examined. Twin studies provide a useful methodology for examining job differences between pairs who share many environmental and genetic influences.MethodsMembers of the National Academy of Sciences‐National Research Council's Twins Registry of World War II Veterans received a clinical evaluation for dementia and job ratings from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.ResultsCo‐twin control models (n = 220 pairs) indicated lower risk of dementia with greater job demands of reasoning, mathematics, language, and vocational training, with comparable results in case‐control models (n = 425 cases). These effects were significant among twin pairs discordant for ≥6 years, but not among those discordant between 3–5 years. Results were similar for Alzheimer's disease, and the main effects were not further explained by zygosity or apolipoprotein E genotype.ConclusionsJobs that utilize data, academic skills, and extensive vocational training may protect against dementia. However, in twin pairs, these effects only emerged among individuals who remained free of dementia several years after onset in their sibling.
Supply chain integration and shareholder value: Evidence from consortium based industry exchanges
Authors: Mitra Sabyasachi , Singhal Vinod 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecent trade and academic literature point to the importance of supply chain integration among partners as a key determinant of value creation. This paper analyzes the shareholder value effects of setting up industry exchanges, a prominent mechanism used to achieve supply chain integration. Shareholder value effects are estimated by measuring the stock market reaction (abnormal returns) associated with announcements to form or join industry exchanges. We find that abnormal returns from participation in industry exchanges are positive but only marginally significant in the whole sample of 144 firms in 18 exchanges formed during 2000–2001. In the sub‐sample of 88 exchange founders who were part of the original announcements to form the exchange, the abnormal market reaction is about 1% and significant. We also find that firms with greater bargaining power and higher process efficiency benefit more from participation in industry exchanges.
Cultural Heritage Legislation and Management in Nigeria
Authors: Shyllon Folarin 
Published: June 2007

SummaryCultural heritage legislation and management commenced in Nigeria seventy years ago. Nonetheless, the Nigerian commission for museums and monuments remains a marginal institution without adequate resources to manage and protect the country's cultural heritage. The consolidating legislation of 1979 was hurriedly enacted and has many defects. The sanctions and protective measures enshrined in the Act are now hopelessly inadequate. In short, the legislation is in need of urgent revision and re-enactment. The cultural heritage managers need to evince a greater commitment and a higher sense of probity than hitherto in order to have a comprehensive cultural heritage management programme for the country. Cultural heritage management in Nigeria today is neither well organized nor co-ordinated. The authorities must appreciate that cultural heritage management has an ideological basis, which is sustaining the cultural identity of a people.
Activation of the ERK signalling pathway contributes to the adaptive changes in rat hearts during naloxone‐induced morphine withdrawal
Authors: Almela P , Milanés M V , Laorden M L 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:We have previously demonstrated that morphine withdrawal induced hyperactivity of the heart by activation of noradrenergic pathways innervating the left and right ventricle, as evaluated by noradrenaline turnover and c‐Fos expression. The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) has been implicated in drug addiction, but its role in activation of the heart during morphine dependence remains poorly understood. Here, we have looked for activation of ERK during morphine withdrawal and if this activation induced gene expression.Experimental approach:Dependence on morphine was induced by s.c. implantation of morphine pellets for 7 days. Morphine withdrawal was precipitated on day 8 by injection of naloxone (2 mg kg‐1, s.c.). ERK1/2, their phosphorylated forms and c‐Fos were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemistry of cardiac tissue.Key results:Naloxone‐induced morphine withdrawal activated ERK1/2 and increased c‐Fos expression in cardiac tissues. c‐Fos expression was blocked by SL327, a drug that prevents ERK activation.Conclusions and implications:These results indicate that signalling through the ERKs is necessary for morphine withdrawal‐induced hyperactivity of the heart and suggest that this pathway may also be involved in activation of immediate‐early genes in both cytosolic and nuclear effector mechanisms that have the potential to bring about long‐term changes in the heart.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 787–797; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707301
In silico pharmacology for drug discovery: methods for virtual ligand screening and profiling
Authors: Ekins S , Mestres J , Testa B 
Published: June 2007

Pharmacology over the past 100 years has had a rich tradition of scientists with the ability to form qualitative or semi‐quantitative relations between molecular structure and activity in cerebro. To test these hypotheses they have consistently used traditional pharmacology tools such as in vivo and in vitro models. Increasingly over the last decade however we have seen that computational (in silico) methods have been developed and applied to pharmacology hypothesis development and testing. These in silico methods include databases, quantitative structure‐activity relationships, pharmacophores, homology models and other molecular modeling approaches, machine learning, data mining, network analysis tools and data analysis tools that use a computer. In silico methods are primarily used alongside the generation of in vitro data both to create the model and to test it. Such models have seen frequent use in the discovery and optimization of novel molecules with affinity to a target, the clarification of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties as well as physicochemical characterization. The aim of this review is to illustrate some of the in silico methods for pharmacology that are used in drug discovery. Further applications of these methods to specific targets and their limitations will be discussed in the second accompanying part of this review.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 9–20; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707305
Pharmacological enhancement of the endocannabinoid system in the nucleus accumbens shell stimulates food intake and increases c‐Fos expression in the hypothalamus
Authors: Soria‐Gómez E , Matias I , Rueda‐Orozco P E , Cisneros M , Petrosino S , Navarro L , Di Marzo V , Prospéro‐García O 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid, 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), increases food intake when injected into the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS), thereby potentially activating hypothalamic nuclei involved in food intake regulation. We aimed to evaluate potential orexigenic effects of the endocannabinoid anandamide and of AA5HT, a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, and OMDM‐1, an inhibitor of anandamide uptake, injected in the NAcS, as well as the effect of these treatments on activation of hypothalamic nuclei.Experimental approach:Drugs were given into the NAcS of rats and food intake quantified during the next 4 h. In other groups, after the same treatments the brains were processed for c‐Fos immunohistochemistry with focus on hypothalamic nuclei. Additional groups were used to quantify endocannabinoid levels in the nucleus accumbens and the hypothalamus after AA5HT and OMDM‐1 intra‐NAcS injections.Key resultsOur results indicate that the above treatments stimulate food intake during 4 h post‐injection. They also increase c‐Fos immunoreactivity in hypothalamic nuclei. The CB1 antagonist, AM251, blocked these effects. Finally, we found elevated levels of 2‐AG, but not anandamide, after intra‐NAcS injections of AA5HT.Conclusions and implications:These data support the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in feeding behavior at the level of the NAcS and hypothalamus. In addition, this is the first experimental demonstration that the pharmacological inhibition of endocannabinoid inactivation in the NAcS stimulates food intake, suggesting that the endocannabinoid degrading proteins can be a target for treating eating disorders.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1109–1116; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707313
Two compound heterozygous mutations (c.215delA/c.2422T→C and c.387delC/c.1159G→A) in the thyroid peroxidase gene responsible for congenital goitre and iodide organification defect
Authors: Rivolta Carina M. , Louis‐Tisserand Mariana , Varela Viviana , Gruñeiro‐Papendieck Laura , Chiesa Ana , González‐Sarmiento Rogelio , Targovnik Héctor M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground  Iodide organification defects are frequently but not always associated with mutations in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene and characterized by a positive perchlorate discharge test. These mutations phenotypically produce a congenital goitrous hypothyroidism, with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.Objectives  In the present study we extended our initial molecular studies in six unrelated patients heterozygous for the TPO mutations, in order to identify the second mutation in this autosomal recessive disease.Methods  The promoter and the complete coding regions of the human TPO and DUOXA2 genes, along with the flanking regions of each intron were analysed by direct DNA sequencing.Results  Four different inactivating TPO mutations were identified in two patients: two novel mutations (c.215delA [p.Q72fsX86] and c.1159G→A [p.G387R]) and two previously reported (c.387delC [p.N129fsX208] and c.2422T→C [p.C808R]), confirming the inheritance of two different compound heterozygous mutations, c.215delA/c.2422T→C and c.387delC/c.1159G→A. The remaining four patients did not show additional inactivating mutations in the TPO gene and all had only the wild type sequencing in the DUOXA2 gene.Conclusions  We have reported two patients with iodide organification defect caused by two compound heterozygous mutations, c.215delA/c.2422T→C [p.Q72fsX86/p.C808R] and c.387delC/c.1159G→A [p.N129fsX208/p.G387R], in the TPO gene and four patients with monoallelic TPO defect. Identification of the molecular basis of this disorder might be helpful for understanding the pathophysiology of congenital hypothyroidism.
Impact of the high‐molecular‐weight form of adiponectin on endothelial function in healthy young men
Authors: Torigoe Masayuki , Matsui Hideo , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Murakami Hisashi , Murakami Ryuichiro , Cheng Xian Wu , Numaguchi Yasushi , Murohara Toyoaki , Okumura Kenji 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  Adiponectin is an adipocyte‐derived, antiatherogenic protein that is present in plasma as a large multimeric structure of high molecular weight (HMW) and in a trimer or hexamer form (non‐HMW). The biological activities of these isoforms have not yet been elucidated. We therefore examined the effect of these isoforms on endothelial function in healthy young men.Design  One hundred apparently healthy young men without overt cardiovascular disease (mean age 30 years) were recruited in this cross‐sectional study based on voluntary enrolment.Measurements  We evaluated endothelial function estimated by flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery during reactive hyperaemia, and measured total and HMW adiponectin levels.Results  Both HMW and non‐HMW adiponectin levels showed a significant, inverse correlation with body mass index (BMI). FMD was significantly correlated with fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), malondialdehyde‐modified low density lipoprotein (MDA‐LDL), LDL particle size, and HMW adiponectin (r = 0·320, P = 0·001), but not non‐HMW adiponectin (r = 0·125, P = 0·22). In multivariate analysis, HMW adiponectin and MDA‐LDL were selected as independent factors capable of influencing FMD. No variables determined nitroglycerin‐induced dilatation.Conclusions  These results suggest that even in young men, plasma adiponectin levels can predict endothelial dysfunction before any overt vascular disease has occurred. HMW adiponectin may be more useful as a marker of endothelial dysfunction than total adiponectin.
Corticosteroid‐binding globulin gene polymorphisms: clinical implications and links to idiopathic chronic fatigue disorders
Authors: Torpy D. J. , Ho J. T. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryCorticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) binds cortisol with high affinity, facilitating transport of cortisol in blood, although tissue‐specific CBG–cortisol interactions have long been postulated. There are three heritable, human CBG gene mutations that can reduce CBG–cortisol binding affinity and/or reduce circulating CBG levels. In some families, fatigue and low blood pressure have been associated with affinity altering or CBG level reducing mutations. The limited numbers of reports raise the possibility of ascertainment bias as many cases presented with features suggesting cortisol deficiency. The recent description of a genetically CBG‐deficient mouse listed fatigue, manifest as reduced activity levels, as part of the phenotype, which also included immune aberrations. Severe CBG mutations may produce fatigue, but one study suggests that these are a rare cause of idiopathic fatigue. A mechanism for the effect of CBG mutations on fatigue is not readily apparent because free cortisol levels are normal, although we speculate that CBG may have an effect on cortisol–brain transport.
The membrane protein universe: what's out there and why bother?
Authors: Von Heijne G. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract.Chances are that you have come across membrane proteins many times in your professional life: ion channels, aquaporins, G‐protein‐coupled receptors, drug resistance proteins. But it is also quite likely that you have never bothered to think about what the implications are of being a membrane protein, as opposed to a soluble protein. What is special about membrane proteins in terms of structure and function, how many membrane proteins are out there, how are they made in the cell? Welcome to the membrane protein universe!
A potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor gene provides pathogen resistance in transgenic rice
Authors: Quilis Jordi , Meynard Donaldo , Vila Laura , Avilés Francesc X. , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , San Segundo Blanca 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA defensive role against insect attack has been traditionally attributed to plant protease inhibitors. Here, evidence is described of the potential of a plant protease inhibitor, the potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor (PCI), to provide resistance to fungal pathogens when expressed in rice as a heterologous protein. It is shown that rice plants constitutively expressing the pci gene exhibit resistance against the economically important pathogens Magnaporthe oryzae and Fusarium verticillioides. A M. oryzae carboxypeptidase was purified by affinity chromatography and further characterized by mass spectrometry. This fungal carboxypeptidase was found to be a novel carboxypeptidase B which was fully inhibited by PCI. Overall, the results indicate that PCI exerts its antifungal activity through the inhibition of this particular fungal carboxypeptidase B. Although pci confers protection against fungal pathogens in transgenic rice, a significant cost in insect resistance is observed. Thus, the weight gain of larvae of the specialist insect Chilo suppressalis (striped stem borer) and the polyphagous insect Spodoptera littoralis (Egyptian cotton worm) fed on pci rice is significantly larger than that of insects fed on wild‐type plants. Homology‐based modelling revealed structural similarities between the predicted structure of the M. oryzae carboxypeptidase B and the crystal structure of insect carboxypeptidases, indicating that PCI may function not only as an inhibitor of fungal carboxypeptidases, but also as an inhibitor of insect carboxypeptidases. The potential impact of the pci gene in terms of protection against fungal and insect diseases is discussed.
Mental health resources for older persons in the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization
Authors: DE MENDONÇA LIMA Carlos A. , LEIBING Annette , BUSCHFORT Rüdiger 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  The Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) contains 27% of the world population and 29% of the world population of elderly people: it is the oldest among the six WHO regions. The demographic transition (from high child mortality and low life expectancy to a low child mortality and high life expectancy) is happening at high speed and this proportion of the world's elderly population is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Consequently, there is a high risk that the number of older persons with mental disorders will significantly increase. To better understand the organization of care for older persons, data is being collected to reduce the imbalance between ‘disease information’ and ‘resource information’—information that addresses older persons' needs in terms of mental health care. This article presents some results for this region.Method:  Data were essentially collected from the World Health Report 2005. The data concerning NGOs was obtained at the websites of the World Psychiatric Association, the World Federation of Neurology, the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).Results:  Because the mental health problems of older adults is still not a public health priority, the careful examination of individual countries nevertheless reveals certain specificities, such as divergent life expectancy or different values regarding aging. The authors present some recommendations for the development of care for elderly persons with mental disorders in the region based on the general recommendations made by WHO in the World Health Report 2001 (WHR 2001) and by WHO and the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) in some consensus statements on Psychiatry of the Elderly.Conclusion:  The Western Pacific WHO region has a high proportion of older persons in its population (11.2% of total population), with important differences between the countries in life expectancy at birth. Strong cultural forces and migration may affect the growing and aging processes. Local poverty, with all the consequences it may have for health, may also be an important factor negatively influencing quality of life and life expectancy at birth. Mental health for all ages should become a priority issue in the public agenda in the region. National governments should make efforts to promote mental health and provide care for elderly persons with mental disorders, depending on local resources and cultures. As mental disorders in old age can represent a severe limitation on quality of life for older persons and their families good care should be extended to all concerned. The challenge of finding solutions for better living conditions for older people with mental health problems lies in the hands of researchers, policy makers and the population. Funding and creativity are two factors necessary to find such solutions.
Modeling, Experiment, and Fabrication of Micro-Grooved Heat Pipes: An Update
Authors: Suman Balram 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe review presents an update of the work done in the micro heat pipe research and development, with an aim to give updated detailed knowledge to individuals new to the field, as well as to those already working in this area. Presented here is a summary of the recent advances in these devices occurring since the early 1990s. The following review describes the historical development of these devices, along with a review of the steady state and the transient models, sensitivity analyses, recent experimental investigations and fabrication techniques. The critical heat input, dryout length, fill charge, various heat pipe limitations and design have also been discussed in brief. Finally, future research and areas in which additional information is required are identified and delineated. This article has 204 references.