bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposite Effect of JAK2 on Insulin-Dependent Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and Akt in Muscle Cells
Authors: Thirone Ana C.P. , JeBailey Lellean , Bilan Philip J. , Klip Amira
Published: May 2006

Many cytokines increase their receptor affinity for Janus kinases (JAKs). Activated JAK binds to signal transducers and activators of transcription, insulin receptor substrates (IRSs), and Shc. Intriguingly, insulin acting through its own receptor kinase also activates JAK2. However, the impact of such activation on insulin action remains unknown. To determine the contribution of JAK2 to insulin signaling, we transfected L6 myotubes with siRNA against JAK2 (siJAK2), reducing JAK2 protein expression by 75%. Insulin-dependent phosphorylation of IRS1/2 and Shc was not affected by siJAK2, but insulin-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) extracellular signal–related kinase, p38, and Jun NH2-terminal kinase and their respective upstream kinases MKK1/2, MKK3/6, and MKK4/7 was significantly lowered when JAK2 was depleted, correlating with a significant drop in insulin-mediated cell proliferation. These effects were reproduced by the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. Conversely, insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, glucose uptake, and GLUT4 translocation were not affected by siJAK2. Interestingly, in two insulin-resistant states, siJAK2 led to partial restoration of Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake stimulation but not of the MAPK pathway. These results suggest that JAK2 may depress the Akt to glucose uptake signaling axis selectively in insulin-resistant states. Inhibition of JAK2 may be a useful strategy to relieve insulin resistance of metabolic outcomes.
Postprandial Suppression of Glucagon Secretion Depends on Intact Pulsatile Insulin Secretion
Authors: Meier Juris J. , Kjems Lise L. , Veldhuis Johannes D. , Lefèbvre Pierre , Butler Peter C.
Published: May 2006

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an ∼60% loss of β-cell mass, a marked defect in postprandial insulin secretion, and a failure to suppress postprandial glucagon concentrations. It is possible that postprandial hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes is due to impaired postprandial insulin secretion. To address this, we studied eight adult Goettingen minipigs before and after an ∼60% reduction in β-cell mass induced by alloxan. Pigs were studied fasting and after ingestion of a mixed meal. Insulin and glucagon secretion were determined by deconvolution of blood hormone concentrations measured at 1-min intervals. The relationship between insulin and glucagon release was analyzed using cross-correlation and forward versus reverse cross–approximate entropy. We report that glucagon and insulin were secreted in ∼4-min pulses. Prealloxan, postprandial insulin secretion drove an ∼20% suppression of glucagon concentrations (P < 0.01), through inhibition of glucagon pulse mass. The alloxan-induced ∼60% deficit in β-cell mass lead to an ∼70% deficit in postprandial insulin secretion and loss of the postprandial insulin-driven suppression of glucagon secretion. We conclude that postprandial hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes is likely due to loss of intraislet postprandial suppression of glucagon secretion by insulin.
Efficacy of using an internal teat sealer to prevent new intramammary infections in nonlactating dairy cattle
Authors: Sanford Carolyn J. , Keefe Greg P. , Dohoo Ian R. , Leslie Ken E. , Dingwell Randy T. , DesCôteaux Luc , Barkema Herman W.
Published: May 2006

Objective—To determine whether insertion of an internal teat sealer (ITS) at the end of lactation would prevent development of new intramammary infections (IMIs) during the nonlactating period.

Design—Controlled clinical trial.

Animals—939 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows from 16 herds.

Procedures—Results of bacteriologic culture of milk samples collected 14 days prior to the end of lactation were used to assign cows to groups (group 1 = negative results for all quarters; group 2 = positive results for ≥ 1 quarter). Quarters of cows in group 1 were treated with an ITS or a single intramammary dose of cloxacillin; quarters of cows in group 2 were treated with cloxacillin in conjunction with an ITS or with cloxacillin alone. Milk samples were collected at the end of lactation and within 8 days after calving.

Results—Regardless of whether the outcome of interest was new IMIs caused by any pathogens, major pathogens, environmental pathogens, or streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, quarters in group 2 treated with both cloxacillin and an ITS were less likely to develop a new IMI than were quarters treated with cloxacillin alone. For cows in group 1, no significant difference in risk of new IMIs was found between treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that for dairy cattle with an IMI late in the lactation period, intramammary administration of cloxacillin at the end of lactation followed by insertion of an ITS enhanced protection against development of new IMIs, compared with use of cloxacillin alone.
Overcoming the tension between scientific and religious views in teaching anatomical dissection: The Israeli experience
Authors: Notzer Netta , Zisenwine David , Oz Libi , Rak Yoel
Published: May 2006

More than three thousand years of Jewish historical and scholarly writings have addressed the problematic relationship between anatomical dissection for the purpose of medical education and Judaism, which values the wholeness and sanctity of the human body. The Department of Anatomy at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine has sought to bridge the gap between science and Jewish religious–cultural values. The Department requires students to conduct laboratory dissections on cadavers in an ethical and respectful manner. Student emotions are also addressed by the Department as students are encouraged to share their apprehensions and concerns about participating in dissections in discussion groups. At the same time, the high academic standards of the medical school are strictly upheld, ensuring that each student has a thorough knowledge of human anatomy. Teaching anatomy in Israeli medical school involves reconciling two conflicting approaches to dissection: (1) The scientific–medical approach, which views the human body as inert material and anatomical dissection as a means of studying anatomy and gaining medical knowledge. (2) A Jewish religious point of view, which perceives anatomical dissection as a threat to the sanctity of a human body and leads to the defilement of those participating in the dissection. In this article, the views of major Jewish scholars regarding dissection are presented and discussed in relation to their implementation in the dissection theater. These views are examined in an anthropological light based on observations in the dissection room and interviews with students and faculty members. The findings reflect the emotions and concerns of Israeli medical students at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine in particular as well as those of the Israeli–Jewish population as a whole. In the dissection theater, medical students must gain a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy while dealing with their own personal ethical, cultural, and religious views on death and dying. Confronting these issues enhances both personal growth as individuals and professional behavior as future physicians. Clin Anat. 19:442–447, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using gross anatomy to teach and assess professionalism in the first year of medical school
Authors: Swartz William J.
Published: May 2006

The public is uneasy about the lack of professionalism in physicians chronicled in the different news media. Since professionalism is a set of values developed over a period of time, it is imperative that the evaluation of medical students in regard to these values begins early in their medical school education. In the Gross Anatomy laboratory there are opportunities for students to display such aspects of professionalism as responsibility/accountability for actions, working with others (teamwork), respect for patients, and social responsibility. Because students spend a significant time in the Gross Anatomy laboratory with the faculty, this setting can provide the forum for faculty to assess the expression of principles of professionalism by the students. This requires faculty who are committed to evaluating the progress of students in this regard. Faculty can monitor work ethic, interpersonal relationships, and overall attitude of these students throughout the course. Thus, aspects of professionalism can be introduced, monitored, and evaluated as early as the first semester of medical school. Clin. Anat. 19:437–441, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patient confidentiality: Implications for teaching in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Graham Helen J.
Published: May 2006

Respect for patient confidentiality is one of the core concepts of professionalism and should have high priority in medical education. Confidentiality should be introduced early in the curriculum so that students understand their ethical, professional, and legal obligations throughout their medical studies and later professional career. Anatomists have important opportunities for teaching professional values including confidentiality and should be major contributors to a multidisciplinary teaching on professionalism. Students should make a formal commitment to and be assessed on patient confidentiality in the context of professionalism. A Faculty development program on confidentiality and data protection will inform and support teachers in delivering these objectives. It is recommended that medical schools have a policy on patient confidentiality and a disciplinary procedure for the management of students who breach patient confidentiality. Clin. Anat. 19:448–455, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Magnetic Exchange in Silole‐Bridged Diradicals
Authors: Roques Nans , Gerbier Philippe , Schatzschneider Ulrich , Sutter Jean‐Pascal , Guionneau Philippe , Vidal‐Gancedo José , Veciana Jaume , Rentschler Eva , Guérin Christian
Published: May 2006

Five bis(tert‐butylnitroxide) diradicals connected by a silole (7 a–d) or a thiophene (12) ring as a coupler were studied. Compound 12 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna21 with a = 20.752(5), b = 5.826(5), and c = 34.309(5) Å. X‐ray crystal structure determination, electronic spectroscopy, variable‐temperature EPR spectroscopy, SQUID measurements and DFT computations (UB3LYP/6‐31+G*) were used to study the molecular conformations and electronic spin coupling in this series of molecules. Whereas compounds 7 b, 7 c, and 7 d are quite stable both in solution and in the solid state, 7 a and 12 undergo a partial electronic rearrangement to both a diamagnetic quinonoidal form and a monoradical species owing to the fact that they correspond to the open form of a π‐conjugated Kekulé structure. In the solid state, magnetic measurements indicate that the diradicals are all antiferromagnetically coupled, as expected from their topology. These interactions are best reproduced by means of a “Bleaney–Bowers” model that gives values of J = −142.0 cm−1 for 7 a, −1.8 cm−1 for 7 b, −1.3 cm−1 for 7 c, −4.2 cm−1 for 7 d, and −248.0 cm−1 for 12. The temperature dependence of the EPR half‐field transition in frozen dichloromethane solutions is consistent with singlet ground states and thermally accessible triplet states for diradicals 7 b, 7 c, and 7 d with ΔET–S values of 3.48, 2.09, and 8 cm−1, respectively. No evidence of a populated triplet state was found for diradicals 7 a and 12. Similarities between the ΔET–S and J values (ΔET–S = −2 J) clearly show the intramolecular origin of the observed antiferromagnetic interaction. Analyses of the data with a “Karplus–Conroy”‐type equation enabled us to establish that the silole ring, as a whole, allows a more efficient magnetic coupling of the two nitroxide radicals attached to its 2,5‐positions than the thiophene ring. This superiority probably originates from the nonaromaticity of the silole which thus permits a better magnetic interaction through it. DFT calculations also support the experimental results, indicating that the magnetic exchange pathway preferentially involves the carbon π system of the silole.
Toward the Complete Prediction of the 1H and 13C NMR Spectra of Complex Organic Molecules by DFT Methods: Application to Natural Substances
Authors: Bagno Alessandro , Rastrelli Federico , Saielli Giacomo
Published: May 2006

The NMR parameters (1H and 13C chemical shifts and coupling constants) for a series of naturally occurring molecules have been calculated mostly with DFT methods, and their spectra compared with available experimental ones. The comparison includes strychnine as a test case, as well as some examples of recently isolated natural products (corianlactone, daphnipaxinin, boletunone B) featuring unusual and/or crowded structures and, in the case of boletunone B, being the subject of a recent revision. Whenever experimental spectra were obtained in polar solvents, the calculation of NMR parameters was also carried out with the Integral Equation‐Formalism Polarizable Continuum Model (IEF‐PCM) continuum method. The computed results generally show a good agreement with experiment, as judged not only by statistical parameters but also by visual comparison of line spectra. The origin of the remaining discrepancies is attributed to the incomplete modeling of conformational and specific solvent effects.
Gas‐chromatographic separation of stereoisomers of dipeptides
Authors: Pätzold Ralf , Theis Christoph , Brückner Hans
Published: May 2006

Synthetic dipeptides comprising mixtures of enantiomers, diastereomers, or sequential isomers were converted into their N‐perfluoroacetyl dipeptide esters (perfluoroacetyl: trifluoroacetyl, pentafluoroacetyl, heptafluorobutyryl; ester: methyl, 1‐propyl, 2‐propyl, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) and analyzed by GC‐MS on the chiral stationary phases Chirasil®‐L‐Val and Lipodex®‐E using helium as carrier gas. Further, dipeptides were converted into their N‐trifluoroacetyl dipeptide S‐(+)‐2‐butyl esters and separated on achiral phenylmethyl polysiloxane column (HP‐5 MS). Derivatization of dipeptides was performed at ambient temperature in order to avoid formation of the corresponding diketopiperazines. The best separation of stereoisomers was achieved with TFA and PFP methyl esters on Chirasil®‐L‐Val. Chirality 18:551–557, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determining the Intermolecular Structure in the S0 and S1 States of the Phenol Dimer by Rotationally Resolved Electronic Spectroscopy
Authors: Schmitt Michael , Böhm Marcel , Ratzer Christian , Krügler Daniel , Kleinermanns Karl , Kalkman Ivo , Berden Giel , Meerts W. Leo
Published: May 2006

The rotationally resolved UV spectra of the electronic origins of five isotopomers of the phenol dimer have been measured. The complex spectra are analyzed using a fitting strategy based on a genetic algorithm. The intermolecular geometry parameters have been determined from the inertial parameters for both electronic states and compared to the results of ab initio calculations. In the electronic ground state, a larger hydrogen‐bond length than in the ab initio calculations is found together with a smaller tilt angle of the aromatic rings, which shows a more pronounced dispersion interaction. In the electronically excited state, the hydrogen‐bond length decreases, as has been found for other hydrogen‐bonded clusters of phenol, and the two aromatic rings are tilted less toward each other.
Design, Crystal Growth, Characterization, and Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Two New Three‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers Containing Selenocyanate Ligands
Authors: Li Sheng‐Li , Wu Jie‐Ying , Tian Yu‐Peng , Ming Hai , Wang Pei , Jiang Min‐Hua , Fun Hoong‐Kun
Published: May 2006

Two new second‐order nonlinear optical coordination polymers, zinc cadmium tetraselenocyanate ([ZnCd(SeCN)4]n, 1) and cadmium mercury tetraselenocyanate ([CdHg(SeCN)4]n, 2), have been synthesized by reactions of self‐assembly. Their structural, optical, and physicochemical properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, electronic spectra, and thermal analyses. Structure analyses reveal that they belong to the tetragonal system I$\bar {4}$ space group. The cell dimensions for 1: a = 11.3420(1), b = 11.3420(1), c = 4.6326(1) Å, V = 595.94(1) Å3, Z = 2, Dc = 3.331 g·cm–3, R1 = 0.0411, wR2 = 0.1058; for 2: a = 11.6579(7), b = 11.6579(7), c = 4.5109(4) Å, V = 613.06(8) Å3, Z = 2, Dc = 3.970 g·cm–3, R1 = 0.0432, wR2 = 0.1031. The structural features of 1 and 2 are Cd–Se=C=N–Zn and Hg–Se=C=N–Cd bridges, respectively, which lead to the formation of an infinite three‐dimensional (3D) network. Consistent with their polar structures, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit powder second harmonic generation (SHG) responses much stronger than urea, indicating quite a promising application potential as useful nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Innovative Catalytic Protocols for the Ring‐Closing Friedel–Crafts‐Type Alkylation and Alkenylation of Arenes
Authors: Bandini Marco , Emer Enrico , Tommasi Simona , Umani‐Ronchi Achille
Published: May 2006

Over the past years an astonishing number of highly chemo‐ and regioselective intramolecular Friedel–Crafts (IMFC)‐type alkylations of aromatic compounds have been described in the literature that allow remarkable synthetic shortcuts for the preparation of challenging aromatic compounds. In particular, both transition metal and conventional and unusual Lewis acids (LAs) have been described to promote ring‐closing reactions even in the presence of polyfunctionalized cyclization precursors. Finally, the emerging field of catalytic enantioselective FC alkylations has recently concerned also intramolecular transformations both in the presence of chiral organic and organometallic promoters. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Liquid Chromatography Under Limiting Conditions of Insolubility, II
Authors: Berek Dušan
Published: May 2006

Summary:Liquid chromatography under limiting conditions of insolubility (LC LCI) is a novel member of the group of liquid chromatographic methods working under limiting conditions of enthalpic interactions (LC LC). These employ differences in the velocity of small, pore permeating molecules (eluent components, auxilliary substances) and large, excluded macromolecules (sample components) in the course of their transport along an LC column packed with porous particles. A “barrier” of slowly moving small molecules of an appropriate nature selectively decelerates certain kinds of macromolecules due to their enthalpic interactions either with the column packing mediated by the barrier or with the barrier itself. The retained macromolecules accumulate on the barrier edge and elute from the column independently of their molar mass. Other kind(s) of macromolecules may be inert towards the barrier effect and elute in the exclusion mode. In this way, polymer species of different natures can be easily and efficiently separated. In LC LCI, a barrier impermeable to macromolecules consists of a narrow zone of non‐solvent, which is injected into the column immediately before the sample solution. The effects of basic experimental variables on the LC LCI elution of selected model polymer species were studied in the present work. These included both the polarity and pore size of the column packing, the nature and composition of the eluent, sample concentration and volume and the non‐solvent barrier width, as well as temperature. The general LC LCI behavior of macromolecules was confirmed. It was only slightly affected by the experimental conditions mentioned above, as long as the precipitation power of the non‐solvent barrier remained high enough. It has been demonstrated that LC LCI operates over a very broad polymer molar mass range, from a few thousand g · mol−1up to several million g · mol−1. Under well chosen experimental conditions, LC LCI produces well focused polymer peaks, even for extremely large sample volumes reaching 16% of the total column volume. Narrow pore column packings are preferred because wide pore materials may produce skewed or even split LC LCI peaks. Chromatographically strong eluents and barrier components prevent adsorption of the sample on the column packing so that the mixed retention mechanism is avoided and the elution behavior of macromolecules is controlled exclusively by their solubility. In conclusion, LC LCI is a robust, user‐friendly technique which can help solve numerous separation problems in polymer science. For example, LC LCI enables fast and efficient separation of polymer species, which differ in their chemical composition.

Fast and efficient separation of the LC LCI eluted polystyrene from the SEC eluted poly(methyl methacrylate) of similar molar mass.

magnified image

Fast and efficient separation of the LC LCI eluted polystyrene from the SEC eluted poly(methyl methacrylate) of similar molar mass.
A characterization of generalized poles of generalized Nevanlinna functions
Authors: Luger Annemarie
Published: May 2006

Generalized poles of a generalized Nevanlinna functionQ∈ 𝒩κ(ℋ︁) are defined in terms of the operator representation ofQ. In this paper those generalized poles that are not of positive type and their degrees of non‐positivity are characterized analytically by means of pole cancellation functions. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Representation in case-based reasoning
Authors: BERGMANN RALPH , KOLODNER JANET , PLAZA ENRIC
Published: May 2006

A case in case-based reasoning is a contextualized piece of experience, which can be represented in various forms. Traditional approaches can be classified into three main categories: feature vector representations, structured representations, and textual representations. More sophisticated approaches make use of hierarchical representations or generalized cases. For particular tasks such as design and planning highly specific representations have been developed.
Case-based recommender systems
Authors: BRIDGE DEREK , GÖKER MEHMET H. , McGINTY LORRAINE , SMYTH BARRY
Published: May 2006

We describe recommender systems and especially case-based recommender systems. We define a framework in which these systems can be understood. The framework contrasts collaborative with case-based, reactive with proactive, single-shot with conversational, and asking with proposing. Within this framework, we review a selection of papers from the case-based recommender systems literature, covering the development of these systems over the last ten years.
Design, innovation and case-based reasoning
Authors: GOEL ASHOK K. , CRAW SUSAN
Published: May 2006

The design task is especially appropriate for applying, integrating, exploring and pushing the boundaries of case-based reasoning. In this paper, we briefly review the challenges that design poses for case-based reasoning and survey research on case-based design ranging from early explorations to more recent work on innovative design. We also summarize the theoretical contributions this research has made to case-based reasoning itself.
Image processing in case-based reasoning
Authors: PERNER PETRA , HOLT ALEC , RICHTER MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

This commentary summarizes case-based reasoning (CBR) research applied to image processing. It includes references to the systems, workshops, and landmark publications. Image processing includes a variety of image formats, from computer tomography images to remote sensing and spatial data sets.
Correlation betweenin vitroandin vivoconcentration–effect relationships of naproxen in rats and healthy volunteers
Authors: Huntjens Dymphy R H , Spalding David J M , Danhof Meindert , Della Pasqua Oscar E
Published: May 2006

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of new cyclooxygenase inhibitors is essential to identify dosing requirements in early stages of drug development. Accurate extrapolation to humans ofin vitroandin vivofindings in preclinical species is needed to optimise dosing regimen in inflammatory conditions.

The current investigation characterises the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) by naproxenin vitroandin vivoin rat and human blood. The inhibition of PGE2in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of naproxen (10−8–10−1 M) was measured byex vivowhole blood stimulation with LPS, whereas inhibition of TXB2was measured in serum following blood clotting. In further experiments, inhibition of PGE2and TXB2levels was also assessedex vivoin animals treated with naproxen (2.5, 10, 25 mg kg−1). Subsequently, pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) modelling ofin vitroandin vivodata was performed using nonlinear mixed effects in NONMEM (V).

Inhibition of PGE2and TXB2was characterised by a sigmoidEmaxmodel. The exposure–response relationshipsin vitroandin vivowere of the same order of magnitude in both species. IC80estimates obtainedin vitrowere similar for PGE2inhibition (130.8±11 and 131.9±19 10−6 M, mean±s.d. for humans and rats, respectively), but slightly different for TXB2inhibition (103.9±15 and 151.4±40 10−6 M, mean±s.d. for humans and rats, respectively,P< 0.05). These differences, however, may not be biologically relevant.

The results confirm the value of exposure–effect relationships determinedin vitroas a means to predict the pharmacological activityin vivo. This analysis also highlights the need to parameterise concentration–effect relationships in early drug development, as indicated by the estimates of IC80for PGE2and TXB2inhibition.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 396–404. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706737
μ opioid and CB1 cannabinoid receptor interactions: reciprocal inhibition of receptor signaling and neuritogenesis
Authors: Rios Carl , Gomes Ivone , Devi Lakshmi A
Published: May 2006

Several studies have described functional interactions between opioid and cannabinoid receptors; the underlying mechanism(s) have not been well explored. One possible mechanism is direct receptor–receptor interactions, as has been demonstrated for a number of G‐protein‐coupled receptors.

In order to investigate interactions between opioid and cannabinoid receptors, we epitope tagged μ, δ and κ opioid receptors with Renilla luciferase and CB1 cannabinoid or CCR5 chemokine receptors with yellow fluorescent protein and examined the extent of substrate hydrolysis induced bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) signal.

We find that coexpression of opioid receptors with cannabinoid receptors, but not with chemokine receptors, leads to a significant increase in the level of BRET signal, suggesting that the opioid–cannabinoid interactions are receptor specific.

In order to examine the implications of these interactions to signaling, we used GTPγS binding and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation assays and examined the effect of receptor activation on signaling.

We find that the μ receptor‐mediated signaling is attenuated by the CB1 receptor agonist; this effect is reciprocal and is seen in heterologous cells and endogenous tissue expressing both receptors.

In order to explore the physiological consequences of this interaction, we examined the effect of receptor activation on the extent of Src and STAT3 phosphorylation and neuritogenesis in Neuro‐2A cells.

We find that the simultaneous activation of μ opioid and CB1 cannabinoid receptors leads to a significant attenuation of the response seen upon activation of individual receptors, implicating a role for receptor–receptor interactions in modulating neuritogenesis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 387–395. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706757
Activation of D2‐like receptors induces sympathetic climactic‐like responses in male and female anaesthetised rats
Authors: Stafford S A , Coote J H
Published: May 2006

In anaesthetised male rats an intravenous (i.v.) injection ofp‐chloroamphetamine (PCA) produced a specific patterned bursting response in the sympathetic vas deferens nerve (VDN) that corresponds to ejaculation. In the present, study selective dopamine agonists and antagonists were used to investigate whether dopaminergic mechanisms influence the generation of this ejaculatory‐related response.

Administration of a mixed D1/2receptor agonist (0.1–1.0 mg kg−1apomorphine i.v.) also evoked the characteristic bursting pattern responses in the VDN. Similar, but fewer, burst pattern responses could also be evoked by a selective D2/3receptor agonist (0.1–2.0 mg kg−1piribedil). Responses to 1.0 mg kg−1apomorphine were blocked by pretreatments with either 0.5 mg kg−1remoxipride (D2receptor antagonist) or 0.5 mg kg−1nafadotride (D3receptor antagonist), suggesting that D2‐like receptors were involved.

Responses could not be evoked by i.v. injections of apomorphine (1.0 mg kg−1) in anaesthetised male rats with a midthoracic spinal section, indicating that activation of D2‐like receptors at supraspinal sites leads to an increase in the excitability of the lumbosacral pattern generator for ejaculation.

In anaesthetised female rats a similar patterned bursting response occurred in the uterine nerve (UN) in response to apomorphine (0.5–2.0 mg kg−1 i.v.). Thus a common neural mechanism may regulate sexual climactic reflexes in both sexes.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 510–516. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706763
Drosophila melanogaster auxilinregulates the internalization of Delta to control activity of the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Hagedorn Elliott J. , Bayraktar Jennifer L. , Kandachar Vasundhara R. , Bai Ting , Englert Dane M. , Chang Henry C.
Published: May 2006

We have isolated mutations in the Drosophila melanogaster homologue of auxilin, a J-domain–containing protein known to cooperate with Hsc70 in the disassembly of clathrin coats from clathrin-coated vesicles in vitro. Consistent with this biochemical role, animals with reduced auxilin function exhibit genetic interactions with Hsc70 and clathrin. Interestingly, the auxilin mutations interact specifically with Notch and disrupt several Notch-mediated processes. Genetic evidence places auxilin function in the signal-sending cells, upstream of Notch receptor activation, suggesting that the relevant cargo for this auxilin-mediated endocytosis is the Notch ligand Delta. Indeed, the localization of Delta protein is disrupted in auxilin mutant tissues. Thus, our data suggest that auxilin is an integral component of the Notch signaling pathway, participating in the ubiquitin-dependent endocytosis of Delta. Furthermore, the fact that auxilin is required for Notch signaling suggests that ligand endocytosis in the signal-sending cells needs to proceed past coat disassembly to activate Notch.
Emil Sax’s Contribution to Public Economics
Authors: Neck R.
Published: May 2006

Emil Sax was an Austrian economist both in origin and theoretical background. He is often cited as one of the founders of modern theoretical public economics. An extensive account of his main ideas is given, along with some of the problems left unresolved in his theory.
Developing New Personal Financial Products – Some
Evidence of the Role of Market Research
Authors: Davison Heather , Watkins Trevor , Wright Mike
Published: May 2006

The role of product development within personal financial service
organisations is focused on, with particular emphasis on the part played
by market research within the process. A major aim is to identify the
importance of marketing and market research within respondents′
companies, in terms of the organisation of these functions. The results
of a questionnaire sent to organisations providing personal financial
services to the consumer are drawn on – new product development
within individual companies is investigated, the progression of new
products from conception to launch traced, the role of market research
within the process identified and the organisation of the marketing
function examined.
Economics of Voting: Theories and Evidence
Authors: Struthers John , Young Alistair
Published: May 2006

In seeking to extend rational choice theory from
“market” to “political” behaviour, economists
have encountered a paradox: namely, that the act of voting itself
appears to be inconsistent with the assumption of rationality. This is
true not only when self‐interest is assumed, but also when altruistic
behaviour (at least in its non‐Kantian form) is allowed for. This
article surveys the theoretical and empirical literature on the
determinants of the decision to participate in voting, and concludes
that this decision is responsive to changes in the expected benefits and
costs of voting; even though the expected costs of voting must normally
outweigh the expected benefits. Interpretations of this behaviour
include the possibility that voters act rationally, but are misinformed
about the likely effectiveness of their votes; alternatively, the
electorate may include more Kantians than economists have generally been
willing to admit.
Trends in Computer Applications in Transportation and Distribution Management
Authors: Gustin Craig M.
Published: May 2006

The benefits realised through increased computerisation of business
logistics activities have been widely acclaimed and accepted. Evidence
is presented to show through an extensive mail survey of logistics
executives throughout the US that only modest progress has been made
over the last decade in automating most logistics data. The sole company
characteristic that correlated with greater computerisation was company
size; all other company characteristics had limited effect.
On the Socialist Market System and its Model
Authors: Wen Xian Zhang
Published: May 2006

It is argued that a unified socialist market should be a solid,
full‐view market, and that whether the market system is complete or not
has an important effect on the development of a commodity economy. Thus
it is required of the socialist commodity economy that in order to
promote a complete market system, it is required to include commodities,
funds, technology, information and labour, and that this model should be
reflected in all its aspects. The concept of market from a social and an
economic view is discussed.
Towards an Economic Theory of the Church
Authors: Hull Brooks B. , Bold Frederick
Published: May 2006

The theory of the firm is employed to explain behaviour of the
church. Churches produce a set of products including entertainment, a
variety of socially valuable public goods, eternal life and alteration
of otherwise fated events. Most importantly, it reduces transactions
costs by enforcing a system of property rights. Enforcement is enhanced
by the promise of heaven and threat of hell, two innovations uniquely
available to the church. Some implications of the model using the
standard Cross‐cultural Sample of the Human Relations Area Files are
tested.
Software Packages: Tools for Management Productivity
Authors: Linjawi Hussam H. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2006

Microcomputers, with the right software, provide a powerful tool
for managers to accumulate, sort and analyse information. The necessity
for managers to understand and use microcomputers is discussed and, more
importantly, managers need to realise that the “right”
software used with a microcomputer is the key to improving managerial
productivity. Specific sections cover the need for managers to
understand information technology; what can be expected from the
technology; points on choosing the right software, and a discussion of
three “intelligent” software packages.
Bank Customers′ Perceptions, Innovations and New Technology
Authors: Moutinho Luiz , Meidan Arthur
Published: May 2006

New technology has, in the last few years, swept the traditional
banking industry in an unprecedented way. “Electronic
dreams” of the bankers, once considered impossible, have one by
one been realised, and electronic banking has become a major realm of
product innovations. New, “cheap” technology has surmounted
many technical difficulties concomitant with new products such as ATMS,
EFTPoS, home banking and the Smart card, which have changed both
customers′ perceptions and marketing practices in the banking industry.
The perceptual effects and the impact of new technology and product
innovations on bank customers are examined and the strategic
implications of these developments are discussed.
A Global Look at Consumer Involvement and Use of Products
Authors: Zaichkowsky Judith L. , Sood James H.
Published: May 2006

Respondents from fifteen countries reported their level of use and
involvement with eight products and services: the countries were
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Barbados, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia,
England, Finland, France, Mexico, Sweden, the United States and
Yugoslavia; the products and services were air travel, beer, blue jeans,
eating at a restaurant, hair shampoo, going to the cinema, soft drinks
and stereo sets. The results indicated that country accounted for eight
to 45 per cent of the variation in product and service usage. Among
regular product users, country accounts for one to 20 per cent of the
variation in involvement levels across products and services.
Relative Importance of Country of Origin, Warranty, and
Retail Store Image on Product Evaluations
Authors: Thorelli Hans B. , Lim Jeen‐Su , Ye Jongsuk
Published: May 2006

The relative importance of country of origin, product warranty, and
retail store image on consumers′ product quality perception, overall
attitude toward the product, and purchase intentions is investigated. A
2x2x2 full factorial design with two levels (high and low) of country of
origin, warranty and retail store image is utilised. ANOVA results show
that country of origin and warranty cues have significant impacts on the
three dependent measures. The interaction effects of all three
independent variables are significant for the quality perception and
overall attitude towards the product but are not significant for the
purchase intentions. In addition excellent warranty terms combined with
store reputation has a greater impact on the dependent variables than
the country‐of‐origin cue. Managerial implications of the research
findings are discussed.
Computer Adventure Games: Value and Interest to Teachers
and Pupils
Authors: Heaney Liam F.
Published: May 2006

A survey assessing to what extent teachers in primary schools were
using computer adventure games in their teaching and how their use
helped or hindered the teaching of other subjects in the curriculum is
outlined. The interest of pupils in such games was also sought, as was
their ability to learn from them. Questionnaires were circulated to 30
randomly selected teachers in six primary schools, as well as to 60
pupils. The results of the survey indicated that teachers found
computers in general and adventure games in particular to be of use in
their teaching. There was evidence to support the contention that
teachers were integrating the use of such games into their overall
teaching strategy. Pupils clearly enjoyed such games and could make
conceptual links with other subjects from puzzles that they encountered
in an adventure game. Although INSET was strongly favoured by teachers,
the view that computers in general, and adventure games in particular,
had a considerable contribution to make to teaching and learning in the
primary school was strongly supported.
Managing Word of Mouth Communications
Authors: Haywood K. Michael
Published: May 2006

Examines the importance of the verbal exchange of positive and
negative information about a firm′s products and services. Presents
suggestions for learning what is being said and how to gain systematic
control over the word of mouth process. Suggests a model of this
process, including interpersonal communications among a variety of
stakeholder groups. Highlights the case of the hospitality industry, but
makes suggestions of use to all service businesses.
Focusing on customer problems to improve service quality
Authors: Randall Brandt D. , Reffett Kevin L.
Published: May 2006

Proposes that service quality can be improved by focusing on customer problems. Describes a
problem‐centred research program used to establish the types and pervasiveness of customer
problems and to evaluate the effect of each on customer satisfaction. Makes it possible to identifycritical
problem areas and to establish service priorities accordingly. Offers recommended
guidelines for designing and conducting problem‐centred consumer research.
Frequent flyer programs: a failure in competitive strategy, with lessons for management
Authors: Kearney Terrence J.
Published: May 2006

Discusses frequent flyer programs, promotional programs aimed at increasing brand loyalty among
the important business travel market segment. Shows how what seemed like a good marketing
strategy has turned into a nightmare for nearly all parties concerned; airlines have found that the
programs cost more than they are worth. Draws lessons from the airline frequent flyer programs
that might be of interest to any marketing manager who is interested in using promotional programs
to create competitive advantage.
The politics of pollution: party regimes and air quality in Canada
Authors: McKitrick Ross
Published: May 2006

Abstract.  Environmental concerns often figure prominently in opinion polls. But do election outcomes actually affect the environment? I test the influence of the party in power on urban air pollution in 13 Canadian cities. The government's political stripe is not reliably associated with positive or negative effects on air pollution. Provincial parties on both the right and the left are associated with elevated levels of some air contaminants. Federal effects also go in contrasting directions. Overall it appears a change in government is unlikely to be a reliable predictor of changes in air pollution. JEL classification: Q51, Q58, D78
Political uncertainty and stock market returns: evidence from the 1995 Quebec referendum
Authors: Beaulieu Marie‐Claude , Cosset Jean‐Claude , Essaddam Naceur
Published: May 2006

Abstract.  In this study, we investigate the short run effect of the 30 October 1995 Quebec referendum on the common stock returns of Quebec firms. Our results show that the uncertainty surrounding the referendum outcome had an impact on stock returns of Quebec firms. We also find that the effect of the referendum varied with the political risk exposure of Quebec firms, that is, the structure of assets and principally the degree of foreign involvement. JEL classification: G14, G15
The Forms of Brotherly Love in Max Weber's Sociology of Religion
Authors: Symonds Michael , Pudsey Jason
Published: May 2006

This article examines the concept of “brotherliness” as presented in Max Weber's sociological studies of religion. It argues that Weber presents a complex, if at times implicit, understanding of a number of contrasting forms of brotherliness: charis-matic, Puritan, mystic, and medieval Christian. The article suggests that although these contrasting forms have been largely overlooked by Weberian scholars, they add an important dimension to Weber's understanding of the costs and paradoxes of Western rationalization.
Voices in discourses: Dialogism, Critical Discourse Analysis and ethnic identity
Authors: Pietikäinen Sari , Dufva Hannele
Published: May 2006

In this article we attempt to combine the Bakhtinian, dialogical philosophy of language and critical discourse analysis (CDA) with our analysis of ethnic identity. The data we discuss are an interview with a Sami journalist who works in the Sami media. We analyse the interview from the points of view of dialogism and CDA to illustrate how identity must be understood as something which is both individual and social in nature.  We reject the earlier essentialist interpretations of identity which see it as purely individual and psychological in nature. At the same time, we argue that those views of identity that see it as exclusively socially constructed can be misleading as well. We aim to illustrate our individual‐cum‐social viewpoint by discussing how identity is represented through a variety of voices and a variety of discourses. We discuss ethnic identity as related both to social level discourses that our subject drew on – such as the discourses of the journalistic profession or ethnicity and to ‘voices’ that bear witness to his experiences as an individual and his individual life course.
Lipid‐laden macrophage index in healthy canines
Authors: Savchenko O. , Dhadwal A. K. , Pagala M. , Bala S. , Narwal S. , Huang R. , Vaynblat M. , Marcus M. , Kazachkov M.
Published: May 2006

Background The quantity of lipids in alveolar macrophages is used clinically as an indicator of aspiration, which is associated with increased lung inflammation. This is determined in the macrophages obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and is expressed as lipid‐laden macrophage index (LLMI). Although there is ample data on LLMI in human subjects, there is no published data pertaining to the baseline measures of the LLMI in canines, which are extensively used for experimental studies on gastroesophageal reflex (GER) and airway diseases. Primary aim of the present study was to collect data pertaining to the cytology and LLMI in BAL fluids obtained from healthy dogs.

Materials and methods Eight dogs underwent a bronchoscopy with BAL collection, and esophageal pH monitoring to determine the reflux index (RI). The BAL fluid was processed and reviewed under a microscope to determine the proportions of the various cell types and the LLMI.

Results The median RI among the subjects was found to be 0·6 (0·0, 1·2). The BAL cytology analysis showed 77·5% (71·0, 83·5) macrophages, 21·0 (13·0, 24·5) lymphocytes and 2·5 (1·5, 5·0) neutrophils. The median LLMI was found to be 156 (111, 208).

Conclusions Although the differential cell counts in the dogs’ BAL fluid was comparable to that of other experimental animals and humans, the LLMI was distinctly higher than the corresponding value reported for other species. As LLMI is a valuable modality for evaluation of intrapulmonary pathophysiology, these data on LLMI can be used as a species‐specific standard for canine subjects used for experimental studies on GER and airway diseases.
Soluble CD40L in patients with morbid obesity: significant reduction after bariatric surgery
Authors: Schernthaner G.‐H. , Kopp H.‐P. , Krzyzanowska K. , Kriwanek S. , Koppensteiner R. , Schernthaner G.
Published: May 2006

Background  Morbid obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies suggest that soluble CD40 Ligand (sCD40L) may play a pathogenetic role in atherothrombotic complications in cardiovascular disease as well as in inflammation and thrombosis. As morbid obesity is closely associated with chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR), it was of interest to study sCD40L in patients with morbid obesity before and after massive weight loss induced by bariatric surgery.

Patients and methods  A total of 34 patients (mean age 40 ± 12 years) with morbid obesity were studied before and 27·2 months after bariatric surgery. High sensitivity assays were used to measure concentrations of fasting sCD40L, monocyte‐chemoattractant‐protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP). To investigate the associations of concentration changes of the parameters studied, differences between pre‐ and post‐operative data were assessed and tested by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results  After a mean weight loss of 33·1 ± 18·4 kg, circulating sCD40L decreased significantly from (3·7 ± 1·5) ng mL−1 to (2·2 ± 0·7) ng mL−1, (P < 0·001). The decline in sCD40L after weight loss correlated significantly with the decrease in fasting insulin, 2‐h insulin, HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglycerides, and the inflammatory biomarkers MCP‐1 and hsCRP.

Conclusions  We have shown a marked decrease in circulating sCD40L in association with an improvement of both insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery. As high sCD40L was shown to predict cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction in several prospective studies, the observed marked lowering of sCD40L might be of clinical relevance in morbidly obese patients.