bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eliminating the substitution axiom from UNITY logic
Authors: Sanders Beverly A. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

The UNITY substitution axiom, “if (x=y) is an invariant of a program, then x can be replaced by y in any property of the program”, is problematic for several reasons. In this paper, dual predicate transformers
sst
and
wst
are introduced that allow the strongest invariant of a program to be expressed, and these are used to give new definitions for the temporal operators
unless
and
ensures
. With the new definitions, the substitution
axiom
is no longer needed, and can be replaced by a derived rule of inference which is formally justified in the logic. One important advantage is that the effects of the initial conditions on the properties of a program are formally captured in a convenient way, and one can forget about substitution in formal treatments of the UNITY proof system while still having it available when desirable to use during the derivation of programs. Composibility and completeness of the modified logic are also discussed.
Fungal succession and decomposition ofCamellia japonicaleaf litter
Authors: Koide Kanade , Osono Takashi , Takeda Hiroshi 
Published: July 2005

AbstractDecomposition processes ofCamellia japonicaleaf litter were investigated over an 18‐month period with reference to the role of fungal succession in the decomposition of lignin and holocellulose. Decomposition and fungal succession were studied in bleached and nonbleached portions of litter, which were precolonized by ligninolytic and cellulolytic fungi, respectively.Coccomyces nipponicumandLophodermiumsp. (Rhytismataceae), which can attack lignin selectively, caused mass loss of lignin and were responsible for bleaching during the first 4 months (stage I), whereas cellulolytic fungi caused mass loss of holocellulose in adjacent nonbleached portions. Soluble carbohydrates and polyphenols also decreased rapidly during this stage.Pestalotiopsis guepini, coelomycete sp.1, and theNigrosporastate ofKhuskia oryzaecaused mass loss of holocellulose between 4 and 14 months (stage II) andXylariasp. caused mass loss of both lignin and holocellulose from 14–18 months (stage III). In stages II and III, decomposition was more rapid in bleached portions than in nonbleached portions probably due to the prior delignification of lignified holocellulose in bleached portions. Frequencies of these fungi showed different responses among species to the pattern of changes in lignin and holocellulose contents during decomposition. Total hyphal length increased in both portions over the study period, but mycelia of basidiomycetes accounted for about 2% of total hyphal length, suggesting that their role in fungal succession and decomposition was low. Lignin and nitrogen contents were consistently lower and holocellulose content was higher in bleached portions than in nonbleached portions during decomposition. The succession of ligninolytic and cellulolytic fungi was a major driving factor that promoted decomposition and precolonization by ligninolytic fungi enhanced decomposition.
Effects of oil droplets by Pieris caterpillars against generalist and specialist carnivores
Authors: Shiojiri Kaori , Takabayashi Junji 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPieris rapae larvae secrete small oil droplets from their dorsal setae, which adhere to objects that touch them. The function of the droplets was studied in terms of both generalist and specialist predators. We tested the function of the droplets against ants under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory observation, Formica japonica ants that touched the larvae with their antennae initiated antennal cleaning and did not prey on the larvae. In the field, predation pressure by ants on larvae with oil droplets was significantly lower than on larvae from which oil droplets were removed. Thus, we concluded that the droplets had a defensive function. By contrast, oviposition by Cotesia glomerata, the specialist parasitic wasp of P. rapae larvae, was not affected by the presence of oil droplets. Furthermore, the wasps exhibited searching behavior and oviposition behavior towards filter paper which had been impregnated with the droplets’ substance, suggesting that the oil functions as a host‐searching cue and an oviposition stimulant for C. glomerata. According to these results, the functions of the droplets are discussed with regard to the prey–predator interaction.
European Empire and the Making of the Modern World: Recent Books and Old Arguments
Authors: FINALDI GIUSEPPE 
Published: July 2005

Robert Aldrich, Colonialism and Homosexuality (London: Routledge, 2003), 436 pp., £18.99 (pb), ISBN 0415196167.L. J. Butler, Britain and Empire. Adjusting to a Post-imperial World (London: Tauris, 2000), 249 pp., £14.99 (pb), ISBN 186064449X.Tony Chafer and Amanda Sackur, eds., Promoting the Colonial Idea: Propaganda and Visions of Empire in France (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2002), 248 pp., £55.00 (hb), ISBN 0333791800.Nicola Labanca, Oltremare (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2002), 569 pp., pb, €20.00, ISBN 8815089594.Patrizia Palumbo, ed., A Place in the Sun (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003), 332 pp., $60.00 (hb), ISBN 0521386632.Emanuelle Sibeud, Une Science Impériale pour l'Afrique? (Paris: EHESS, 2002), 356 pp., €32.00, ISBN 2713217849.Mary Sutphen and Bridie Andrews, eds., Medicine and Colonial Identity (London: Routledge, 2003), 160 pp., £58.00 (hb), ISBN 0415288800.
Rosiglitazone ameliorates abnormal expression and activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in the skeletal muscle of fat‐fed, streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats
Authors: Wu Yong , Ouyang Jing Ping , Wu Ke , Wang Shi Shun , Wen Chong Yuan , Xia Zheng Yuan 
Published: July 2005

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) acts as a physiological negative regulator of insulin signaling by dephosphorylating the activated insulin receptor (IR). Here we examine the role of PTP1B in the insulin‐sensitizing action of rosiglitazone (RSG) in skeletal muscle and liver.
Fat‐fed, streptozotocin‐treated rats (10‐week‐old), an animal model of type II diabetes, and age‐matched, nondiabetic controls were treated with RSG (10 μmol kg−1 day−1) for 2 weeks.
After RSG treatment, the diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity. Diabetic rats showed significantly increased levels and activities of PTP1B in the skeletal muscle (1.6‐ and 2‐fold, respectively) and liver (1.7‐ and 1.8‐fold, respectively), thus diminishing insulin signaling in the target tissues.
We found that the decreases in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake (55%), tyrosine phosphorylation of IRβ‐subunits (48%), and IR substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) (39%) in muscles of diabetic rats were normalized after RSG treatment. These effects were associated with 34 and 30% decreases in increased PTP1B levels and activities, respectively, in skeletal muscles of diabetic rats. In contrast, RSG did not affect the increased PTP1B levels and activities or the already reduced insulin‐stimulated glycogen synthesis and tyrosine phosphorylation of IRβ‐subunits and IRS‐2 in livers of diabetic rats.
RSG treatment in normal rats did not significantly change PTP1B activities and levels or protein levels of IRβ, IRS‐1, and ‐2 in diabetic rats.
These data suggest that RSG enhances insulin activity in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats possibly by ameliorating abnormal levels and activities of PTP1B.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 234–243. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706306
Pharmacological characterization of nucleotide P2Y receptors on endothelial cells of the mouse aorta
Authors: Guns Pieter‐Jan D F , Korda András , Crauwels Herta M , Van Assche Tim , Robaye Bernard , Boeynaems Jean‐Marie , Bult Hidde 
Published: July 2005

Nucleotides regulate various effects including vascular tone. This study was aimed to characterize P2Y receptors on endothelial cells of the aorta of C57BL6 mice. Five adjacent segments (width 2 mm) of the thoracic aorta were mounted in organ baths to measure isometric force development.
Nucleotides evoked complete (adenosine 5′ triphosphate (ATP), uridine 5′ triphosphate (UTP), uridine 5′ diphosphate (UDP); >90%) or partial (adenosine 5′ diphosphate (ADP)) relaxation of phenylephrine precontracted thoracic aortic rings of C57BL6 mice. Relaxation was abolished by removal of the endothelium and was strongly suppressed (>90%) by inhibitors of nitric oxide synthesis.
The rank order of potency was: UDP∼UTP∼ADP>adenosine 5′‐[γ‐thio] triphosphate (ATPγS)>ATP, with respective pD2 values of 6.31, 6.24, 6.22, 5.82 and 5.40. These results are compatible with the presence of P2Y1 (ADP>ATP), P2Y2 or P2Y4 (ATP and UTP) and P2Y6 (UDP) receptors.
P2Y4 receptors were not involved, since P2Y4‐deficient mice displayed unaltered responses to ATP and UTP.
The purinergic receptor antagonist suramin exerted surmountable antagonism for all agonists. Its apparent pKb for ATP (4.53±0.07) was compatible with literature, but the pKb for UTP (5.19±0.03) was significantly higher. This discrepancy suggests that UTP activates supplementary non‐P2Y2 receptor subtype(s).
Further, pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′‐4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS) showed surmountable (UTP, UDP), nonsurmountable (ADP) or no antagonism (ATP).
Finally, 2′‐deoxy‐N6‐methyladenosine3′,5′‐bisphosphate (MRS2179) inhibited ADP‐evoked relaxation only.
Taken together, these results point to the presence of functional P2Y1 (ADP), P2Y2 (ATP, UTP) and P2Y6 (UDP) receptors on murine aorta endothelial cells. The identity of the receptor(s) mediating the action of UTP is not fully clear and other P2Y subtypes might be involved in UTP‐evoked vasodilatation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 288–295. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706326
Vaccinating against zoonotic parasitic diseases: myth or reality?
Authors: Zarlenga Dante S. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe largely unanticipated difficulties of parasite vaccine development have led us to a renewed awareness of the survival strategies evolutionarily embedded within parasites over hundreds of millions of years. We have grown to appreciate that efforts to disrupt parasite–host relationships are substantially compounded by our incomplete understanding of the complex immune responses that occur in the naturally infected host. Given the inability to transfer laboratory successes to field trials, research is leading us to conclude that genetically defined animal models may not be good predictors of the unique and disparate protective immune responses one can expect from the genetically heterogeneous populations of animals that represent the parasite's natural environment. This is further compounded by the abundance of mechanisms parasites have created for themselves to defend against immune intervention. Thus, in the never-ending saga of vaccine development, it is only appropriate that pitfalls and advancements be critiqued as they apply across parasite groups, with a look towards promising technologies that may propel this field to the level of scientific achievement once envisaged.
Commercialization of veterinary viral vaccines
Authors: Flore P. H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIf vaccines are to reliably prevent disease, they must be developed, produced and quality-controlled according to very strict regulations and procedures. Veterinary viral vaccine registrations are governed by different rules in different countries, but these rules all emphasize that the quality of the raw materials—the cells, eggs, animals or plants that are used in production—need to be carefully controlled. The veterinary vaccine business is also very cost-conscious. Emphasis over the last 5–10 years has therefore been to develop culture systems that minimize labor and sterility problems and thus provide for reliable and cost-effective production. Implementing these often more complex systems in a production environment takes considerable effort, first in scale-up trials and further down the line in convincing production personnel to change their familiar system for something new and possibly untried. To complete scale-up trials successfully, it is absolutely necessary to understand the biochemistry of the cells and the influence of the virus on the cells under scale-up and later production conditions. Once a viral product can be produced on a large scale, it is imperative that the quality of the end-product is controlled in an intelligent way. One needs to know whether the end-product performs in the animal as was intended during its conception in the research and development department. The development of the appropriate tests to demonstrate this plays an important role in the successful development of a vaccine.
Oral vaccines for finfish: academic theory or commercial reality?
Authors: Vandenberg Grant W. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAquaculture is the fastest growing food-producing sector, providing an acceptable supplement to and substitute for wild fish and plants. Increased production intensification, particularly in high-value species, involves substantial stress, which, as in other captive livestock species, has resulted in outbreaks of major diseases and related mortalities. Widespread use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the accumulation of antibiotics in the environment and the flesh of fish. Thus, recently effort has been dedicated to vaccine development. Vaccination in fish is complicated by their aquatic environment. Individual injections are labor-intensive and stressful, since fish have to be removed from the water and anaesthetized. Some vaccines offer a limited duration of protection, and thus booster applications are required. In salmonid species, many commercial vaccines use oil-based adjuvants, resulting in a greatly improved duration of protection. However, oil-based adjuvants have been related to significant growth depression, internal adhesions and injection site melanization, resulting in carcass downgrading. Oral administration to aquatic species is by far the most appealing method of vaccine delivery: there is no handling of the fish, which reduces stress; and administration is easy and suitable for mass immunization. However, few oral vaccines have been commercialized, due in part to the increased quantity of antigen required to provoke an immune response, and the lack of an adequate duration of protection. For effective oral delivery, protective antigens must avoid digestive hydrolysis and be taken up in the hindgut in order to induce an effective protective immune response. Antigen encapsulation technologies have been used to protect antigen; however, such strategies can be expensive and are not always effective. Alternative approaches, currently under development, are discussed.
The molecular biology of bovine immunodeficiency virus: a comparison with other lentiviruses
Authors: St-Louis Marie-Claude , Cojocariu Mihaela , Archambault Denis 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) was first isolated in 1969 from a cow, R-29, with a wasting syndrome. The virus isolated induced the formation of syncytia in cell cultures and was structurally similar to maedi-visna virus. Twenty years later, it was demonstrated that the bovine R-29 isolate was indeed a lentivirus with striking similarity to the human immunodeficiency virus. Like other lentiviruses, BIV has a complex genomic structure characterized by the presence of several regulatory/accessory genes that encode proteins, some of which are involved in the regulation of virus gene expression. This manuscript aims to review biological and, more particularly, molecular aspects of BIV, with emphasis on regulatory/accessory viral genes/proteins, in comparison with those of other lentiviruses.
Bovine torovirus (Breda virus) revisited
Authors: Hoet Armando E. , Saif Linda J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBovine torovirus (BoTV) is a pleomorphic virus with a spike-bearing envelope and a linear, non-segmented, positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. This kidney-shaped virus is associated with diarrhea in calves and apparently has a worldwide distribution. This review provides details of the history and taxonomy of BoTV since its discovery in 1979. Information about virion morphology and architecture, antigenic and biological properties, viral genome, protein composition, thermal and chemical stability, and pH and proteolytic enzymes resistance is also summarized. A major focus of this review is to postulate a possible epidemiological cycle for BoTV, based on epidemiological data obtained in our studies and other published data, and progressing from the newborn calf to the adult animal. The distribution, host range, pathogenesis, disease and clinical signs (under experimental and natural exposure), pathology, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and control of BoTV infections are also described. In addition, a discussion of the zoonotic implications of torovirus-like particles detected in patients with gastroenteritis that resemble and cross-react with BoTV is presented. Hopefully, the findings described here will alert others to the existence of BoTV in cattle and its contribution to the diarrheal disease complex. This review also highlights the need for continual vigilance for potential zoonotic viruses belonging to the orderNidovirales, such as the SARS coronavirus.
Advances in PCR technology
Authors: Lauerman Lloyd H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractSince the discovery of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 20 years ago, an avalanche of scientific publications have reported major developments and changes in specialized equipment, reagents, sample preparation, computer programs and techniques, generated through business, government and university research. The requirement for genetic sequences for primer selection and validation has been greatly facilitated by the development of new sequencing techniques, machines and computer programs. Genetic libraries, such as GenBank, EMBL and DDBJ continue to accumulate a wealth of genetic sequence information for the development and validation of molecular-based diagnostic procedures concerning human and veterinary disease agents. The mechanization of various aspects of the PCR assay, such as robotics, microfluidics and nanotechnology, has made it possible for the rapid advancement of new procedures. Real-time PCR, DNA microarray and DNA chips utilize these newer techniques in conjunction with computer and computer programs. Instruments for hand-held PCR assays are being developed. The PCR and reverse transcription–PCR (RT–PCR) assays have greatly accelerated the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of human and animal disease, especially of the infectious agents that are difficult to isolate or demonstrate. The PCR has made it possible to genetically characterize a microbial isolate inexpensively and rapidly for identification, typing and epidemiological comparison.
Urea nitrogen salvage mechanisms and their relevance to ruminants, non-ruminants and man
Authors: Stewart Gavin S. , Smith Craig P. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMaintaining a correct balance of N is essential for life. In mammals, the major sources of N in the diet are amino acids and peptides derived from ingested proteins. The immediate endproduct of mammalian protein catabolism is ammonia, which is toxic to cells if allowed to accumulate. Therefore, amino acids are broken down in the liver as part of the ornithine–urea cycle, which results in the formation of urea – a highly soluble, biochemically benign molecule. Mammals cannot break down urea, which is traditionally viewed as a simple waste product passed out in the urine. However, urea from the bloodstream can pass into the gastrointestinal tract, where bacteria expressing urease cleave urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The bacteria utilise the ammonia as an N source, producing amino acids and peptides necessary for growth. Interestingly, these microbial products can be reabsorbed back into the host mammalian circulation and used for synthetic processes. This entire process is known as ‘urea nitrogen salvaging’ (UNS). In this review we present evidence supporting a role for this process in mammals – including ruminants, non-ruminants and man. We also explore the possible mechanisms involved in UNS, including the role of specialised urea transporters.
Retail operations strategies
Authors: Lowson Robert H. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the role and contribution of an operations strategy for the retailer.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is mainly qualitative empirical research.FindingsAnalyses of the data collected reveals that the respondent organisations had a number of strategic aspirations and these objectives could be isolated, described and classified. It became apparent that the development and deployment of an operations strategy was closely related to these longer‐term business aims. The research was able to establish clear correlations between the application of these strategies and the achievement of both strategic and tactical objectives over a period of time.Originality/valueThe work demonstrates support for the contention that the use of an operations strategy is important to fuel the success of these organisations. It also questions the lack of emphasis given to this aspect in the strategic literature and most conceptual models of strategy.
Patterns of change in manufacturing strategy configurations
Authors: Cagliano Raffaella , Acur Nuran , Boer Harry 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to address the question of how and how often companies change their manufacturing strategy in the medium and long run, thus addressing a lack of evidence in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the movements made by companies among four manufacturing strategy configurations drawn from the literature (market‐based, product‐based, capability‐based and price‐based configuration). Analyses are based on three longitudinal samples from the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS) database.FindingsResults show that while strategic configurations are rather stable, many companies do indeed change strategy and identifies which patterns of change prevail. Product‐based strategy is the most‐widely spread and most stable strategy. Capability‐based competition is the rising star. The market‐based strategy is struggling and price‐based competition is on its way out.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is the small size of longitudinal samples, leading to tentative propositions for further testing.Practical implicationsNo strategic configuration appears to be the final “maturity” target for manufacturers. Companies select their configurations according to life cycle of the organization and market competition.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to fill a lack of longitudinal evidence of strategic change and flexibility of manufacturing companies.
Developments in biosensors – where are tomorrow's markets?
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper discusses the size and structure of the global biosensor market which is presently dominated by medical applications.Design/methodology/approachIt considers a number of recent developments based on nanotechnology.FindingsIdentifies homeland security as an emerging area offering significant prospects for technological innovation and market growth.Originality/valueOf interest to those concerned with technology developments.
Innovative date‐coding technique
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: July 2005

PurposeDescribes the properties and uses of a new colour‐change chemical for laser‐printing of human and machine‐readable data.Design/methodology/approachPresents the characteristics and modes of application of the chemical, its advantages over the current techniques of inkjet printing and laser‐marking, and a number of applications which show its distinctive features.FindingsThis chemical gives faster throughput and better print clarity than existing laser scribing processes, and opens up new anti‐counterfeiting techniques.Originality/valueDraws attention to an invention that will make an impact on factory date‐coding procedures.