bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Compliance of Critical Care Nurses with Universal Precautions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sapnas Kathryn G.
Published: August 2006

Factors Associated with Compliance of Critical Care Nurses with Universal Precautions: A Pilot Study, BJ Roup, American Journal of Critical Care, 6, May 1997, 218–224
Post-Productivism and Welfare States: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: VAN DER VEEN ROBERT , GROOT LOEK
Published: August 2006

This article provides operational measures for comparing welfare states in terms of the concept of post-productivism, as pioneered by Goodin in this Journal, and discusses the normative relevance of such comparisons. Post-productivism holds that it is desirable to grant people a high level of personal autonomy, through the welfare state's labour-market institutions and transfer system, and maintains that on average, people would choose to make use of their autonomy by working less, hence earning less and having more free time. By contrast, existing welfare states, for example as classified in Esping-Andersen's three-way split of liberal, social-democratic and corporatist regimes, are largely ‘productivist’, as their policies try to design social rights so as ensure economic self-reliance through full-time work. The question is whether they actually succeed in doing so. With a limited dataset of thirteen OECD countries for 1993, three conditions of personal autonomy – income adequacy, temporal adequacy and absence of welfare-work conditionality – are discussed in terms of policy outputs, which can be read off from easily accessible OECD statistics. Two closely related concepts are explored: comprehensive post-productivism, measuring the extent to which welfare states approximate the ideal of personal autonomy, and restricted post-productivism, which follows from two common goals shared by all welfare states (avoidance of poverty and reduction of involuntary underemployment), and expressly focuses on the policy outputs on which the productivist and post-productivist perspectives specifically disagree: welfare-work unconditionality, voluntary underemployment and average annual hours of work per employee. After showing that ranking the thirteen cases puts the Netherlands at the top and the United States at the bottom, in conformity with Goodin's earlier work, it is shown that restricted post-productivism is not positively associated with the poverty rate, and negatively with the rate of involuntary underemployment. This finding sets the stage for our discussion of normative issues underlying a preference for either productivist or post-productivist arrangements of work and welfare. Suggestions for further research are given in the final section.
URBANIZATION: IMPACTS ON THE EVOLUTION OF ‘MIXED FARMING’ SYSTEMS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: TIFFEN MARY
Published: August 2006

During the past two decades or so, rural population in Africa has increased slowly while urban population has grown dramatically. The hugely increased urban demand for cereals and pulses (which produce crop residues for livestock) and for livestock products is now the main force stimulating mixed farming systems in the semi-arid and sub-humid areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Grazing land has diminished, crop residues are becoming a more important element in raising livestock and fattening penned livestock has become profitable. The changes in land use, land tenure and the shift of livestock raising southwards in West Africa are illustrated. Farmers' adaptation to rapidly changing markets for their products and the factors of production are illustrated with examples from Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, and, by way of contrast, Kenya. The main challenges this sets to agricultural scientists are described. The livestock element in mixed farming system now requires careful economic analysis and participative research if scientists are to meet the evolving needs of farming as the urban sector enlarges.
EFFECTS OF INCIDENT RADIATION AND NITROGEN AVAILABILITY ON THE QUALITY PARAMETERS OF TRITICALE GRAINS IN ARGENTINA
Authors: AGUIRRE A. , RUBIOLO O. J. , RIBOTTA P. D. , LUJÁN J. S. , PÉREZ G. T. , LEÓN A. E.
Published: August 2006

The effects of radiation conditions and nitrogen (N) availability on triticale were investigated. The relationship between shading (S) and N supply and their effect on the industrial use of triticale flour were studied. Incident radiation/shade conditions affected all the parameters measured. Nitrogen supply influenced yield, protein content, sodium dodecyl sulphate-sedimentation index (SDS-SI), alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC), cookie factor and diameter of four cookies (D4C). The proportion of proteins of high molecular weight was increased with nitrogen supply and pre-anthesis shade, while post-anthesis shade increased proteins of lower molecular weight. The interaction between variety and N supply was significant for yield, SDS-SI and AWRC. Only yield and specific weight were affected by N × S interaction. Significant effects of the interaction of variety, N supply and shade conditions were observed for specific weight.
EFFECTS OF ALUMINIUM ON THE ADVENTITIOUS ROOT SYSTEM, AERIAL BIOMASS AND GRAIN YIELD OF MAIZE GROWN IN THE FIELD AND IN A RHIZOTRON
Authors: COMIN J. J. , BARLOY J. , HALLAIRE V. , ZANETTE F. , MILLER P. R. M.
Published: August 2006

The aim of this work was to study the effects of soluble aluminium on the morphology and growth of the adventitious root system, aerial biomass and grain yield of maize (Zea mays). The analysis focuses on two hybrid cultivars (Al-sensitive HS7777 and Al-tolerant C525M). Experiments were carried out in the field and in a rhizotron in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. In the field, four levels of lime application were used: T0 = 0 t ha−1, T1 = 3.5 t ha−1, T2 = 7.0 t ha−1, and T3 = 10.5 t ha−1. Two levels were used in a rhizotron: T0 and T3. In the surface horizon (0–15 cm), the Al concentrations of the soil solution were: T0 = 15, T1 = 5.1, T2 = 4.4, and T3 = 3.1 μM. In the field, neither Al concentration in the soil solution nor cultivar affected the number of primary adventitious roots per internode or the total number of primary adventitious roots. However, root diameter, plant population and grain yield of the two cultivars confirmed the differences in Al tolerance between them. Al was observed to have an adverse effect on the grain yield from C525M, while low yields from HS7777, at all levels of Al, precluded any response to liming. In the rhizotron studies, Al concentration and cultivar affected the root branching and total root length. Cultivar C525M had more branches and total root length than HS7777, mainly at low concentrations of soil Al solution, leading to greater spatial colonization of the soil down to 0.9 m depth.
Factors controlling the tentacle and polyp expansion behaviour of selected temperate Anthozoa
Authors: Bell James J. , Shaw Claire , Turner John R.
Published: August 2006

Although the factors influencing patterns of expansion and contraction of polyps and tentacles for tropical anthozoans has been well described there is still little information for temperate species. This study investigated the patterns of tentacle and polyp expansion behaviour of nine species of temperate Anthozoa in response to current flow, turbulence, food availability and time of day (light) at Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve (Ireland). In the absence of current flow, Metridium senile, Caryophyllia smithii, Alcyonium hibernicum and Corynactis viridis exhibited nocturnal expansion of polyps or tentacles with contraction occurring in the daytime, while Alcyonium digitatum, Actinia equina and Cerianthus lloydii showed no differences between light and dark periods. The symbiont containing species Anthopleura ballii and Anemonia viridis expanded or raised their tentacles during daylight hours (tentacle contraction is not possible for A. viridis), although in shallow waters (3 m) Anthopleura ballii tentacles were contracted at midday (highest light levels) presumably to prevent damage from ultraviolet radiation. The contraction of tentacles during light periods was considered a predator avoidance response since zooplankton availability did not vary between light and dark periods, while predator abundance (particularly fish) is greater during daylight. Even though M. senile, Alcyonium hibernicum and Corynactis viridis showed little expansion during daylight periods in the absence of current flow, tentacles and polyps were expanded at midday during periods of high current flow. A greater number of expanded polyps and tentacles were also recorded for A. digitatum, Anemonia viridis and Cerianthus lloydii during high flow conditions compared with periods of low/no flow (Caryophyllia smithii not examined). Actinia equina only exhibited tentacle expansion in response to the creation of a turbulent flow regime, which was determined from laboratory observations. Since species demonstrating contraction during daylight in the absence of current flow expanded their tentacles and polyps when subjected to high current flow, the need for feeding appears to be more important than predator avoidance in controlling expansion behaviour.
Hydractinia antonii sp. nov.: a new, partially calcified hydractiniid (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Hydractiniidae) from Alaska
Authors: Miglietta Maria Pia
Published: August 2006

A new partially calcified hydroid species of the family Hydractiniidae, was found in offshore waters of the Aleutian Islands (Alaska), dredged from the bottom at 139–145 m depth. This is the third known species of extant calcified Hydractiniidae, and it shows a unique colony structure. The base is heavily calcified and the distal parts are ramified and have a solid chitinous structure. Branches are all in one plane and the colony reaches up to 18 cm in height.
Two new species of the genus Elzalia (Nematoda: Monhysterida: Xyalidae) from the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zhang Z.N.
Published: August 2006

Two new species of free-living marine nematodes of the genus Elzalia, Elzalia gerlachi sp. nov. and Elzalia striatitenuis sp. nov. from the Yellow Sea, China, are described and illustrated. Elzalia gerlachi sp. nov. is characterized by relatively large body length (1540–1740 μm in males; 1510–1780 μm in females), spicules 135–160 μm (3.33–3.90 anal body diameter) and complex gubernaculum. Elzalia striatitenuis sp. nov. is characterized by rather small body size (560–660 μm in males; 570–630 μm in females), short cephalic setae 2.5 μm long (21.4–31.3% of head diameter), spicules 65–85 μm (4.06–4.67 anal body diameter) and relatively simple gubernaculum. The two new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by length and structure of spicules and gubernaculum. Pictorial and tabular keys to the genus are given.
Movements and residence time of spiny lobsters, Palinurus elephas released in a marine protected area: an investigation by ultrasonic telemetry
Authors: Giacalone V.M. , D'Anna G. , Pipitone C. , Badalamenti F.
Published: August 2006

Marine reserves and restocking initiatives are sometimes used as a tool to enhance spiny lobster stocks. In such initiatives it is crucial to follow the movement of lobsters once they are released at sea in restocking experiments.

This paper presents the results of the application of an ultrasonic telemetry system to the monitoring of 11 lobsters (90±14 mm mean carapace length) released in the Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine Marine Reserve in north-western Sicily, central Mediterranean. The system comprised transmitters glued onto the lobster carapace, and manual as well as automated receivers to locate tagged animals. The data (i.e. number of detected signals) were tested to assess any difference in the diel activity of lobsters. The field study lasted 79 days in total. Lobsters remained in the study area for periods ranging from a few hours to the entire duration of the study. The longest distance travelled by a tagged lobster was 2.2 km. The number of signals varied significantly across the day, with the highest value recorded in the full-light hours (1000–1500), but they were not sufficient to assess clearly the diel activity of the released lobsters.

The interpretation of data suggests that: (1) released lobsters preferred a deeper habitat than that of the release site; and (2) the lobsters that reached a rough rocky area with available shelters settled there, while those that did not meet such a habitat soon moved out of hydrophone detecting range.
Römer 2.1–24 als Teil der Gerichtsrede des Paulus gegen die Menschheit
Authors: WISCHMEYER ODA
Published: August 2006

Röm 2 ist kein antijudaistischer Text, sondern zunächst Teil des innerjüdischen Israel-Diskurses, von dem er sich aber zugunsten einer universalen Verurteilung der Menschheit vor Gottes Forum fortentwickelt und damit universal-anthropologische Dimensionen annimmt. Die Heftigkeit der Polemik gegen bestimmte Juden resultiert aus der unerhörten These des Paulus, auch gesetzestreue Juden, die im Bund leben, seien vor Gott nicht gerecht, sondern schuldig. Um die Leserschaft von dieser These zu überzeugen, bedient Paulus sich einer so starken diatribischen Polemik, dass diese ethischen Schuhtexte trotz ihrer anthropologischen Intention antijudaistisch wirken. Weiterhin führt Paulus in Röm 2 nicht das Gericht nach Werken neu ein, sondern beschreibt den Ist-Zustand des Verhältnisses zwischen Gott und den Menschen in der adamitischen Welt, dies aber im Horizont der neuen Existenz in Christus, die Inhalt seines Evangeliums ist. Daraus entwickelt sich eine neue christliche Universalanthropologie.
Formal systems for persuasion dialogue
Authors: PRAKKEN HENRY
Published: August 2006

This article reviews formal systems that regulate persuasion dialogues. In such dialogues two or more participants aim to resolve a difference of opinion, each trying to persuade the other participants to adopt their point of view. Systems for persuasion dialogue have found application in various fields of computer science, such as non-monotonic logic, artificial intelligence and law, multi-agent systems, intelligent tutoring and computer-supported collaborative argumentation. Taking a game-theoretic view on dialogue systems, this review proposes a formal specification of the main elements of dialogue systems for persuasion and then uses it to critically review some of the main formal systems for persuasion. The focus of this review will be on regulating the interaction between agents rather than on the design and behaviour of individual agents within a dialogue.
A theoretical inter-organizational trust-based security model
Authors: HEXMOOR HENRY , WILSON SETH , BHATTARAM SANDEEP
Published: August 2006

This work examines the interplay of inter-personal and inter-organizational trust, two distinct but related concepts, through a theoretic inter-organizational trust-based security model for a multi-agent system information-sharing community. A calculus that mathematically models trust building at the inter-organizational level is at the heart of this model. In inter-organizational or inter-firm exchange, the role of the boundary spanner, an organizational representative, is important in reducing asymmetries that may exist between the two parties. Trust is a crucial component to the dyadic interaction at the inter-personal or boundary spanner level, and the trust established at this level also affects the overall quality of the relationship at the inter-organizational level. Trust, as an aspect of social control, is thus viewed as a more effective mechanism for security in an open, distributed system, like an information-sharing community. The inter-organizational trust-based security model proposed herein represents a soft security approach. It affords several important benefits over traditional hard security mechanisms used in open systems — robustness, scalability, and adaptability. The inter-organizational trust-based model is an important contribution to the computational security community, as other open systems applications of a distributed or pervasive nature could adapt it and realize its benefits. It is also one of a few attempts to model trust building at either the inter-organizational or inter-personal level.
Martian dayglow as seen by the SPICAM UV spectrograph on Mars Express
Authors: Leblanc F. , Chaufray J. Y. , Lilensten J. , Witasse O. , Bertaux J.‐L.
Published: August 2006

In this paper we describe measurements of the Martian dayglow obtained by SPICAM UV spectrograph on board Mars Express between October 2004 and March 2005. Typical spectra (of more than 24,000 individual spectra) display the main features of the dayglow already reported more than 30 years ago (Barth et al., 1971, 1972). The variations with altitude, solar zenith angle, and aerocentric longitude of the main emissions, namely, the CO Cameron band emissions (a3Π – X1Σ+) from 180–260 nm, the CO2+ ultraviolet doublet (B2Σ+ ‐ X2Π) emission near 289 nm, the O resonance line at 130.4 nm, and the H Lyman alpha line at 121.6 nm, are detailed. The average temperature deduced from the CO2+ (B2Σ+ ‐ X2Π) emission scale height between 150 and 190 km is T∞ = 201 ± 10 K. The altitude of the peak of the dayglow emission varies from 120 km at low solar zenith angle (∼30°) up to 132 km at high solar zenith angle (∼75°). We also find 24 orbits in which the individual derived exospheric temperatures do not show significant variations with respect to solar zenith angle, aerocentric longitude, or longitude. The presence of crustal magnetic fields appears to correlate with a significant (∼100 K) increase in exospheric temperature. We report also the first observations of emissions associated with the N2 Vegard Kaplan band system in the Martian upper atmosphere.
Circumpolar response of Southern Ocean eddy activity to a change in the Southern Annular Mode
Authors: Meredith Michael P. , Hogg Andrew M.
Published: August 2006

Analysis of satellite altimeter data reveals anomalously high Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) during the period 2000–2002. Around 2–3 years earlier (1998), the circumpolar eastward wind stress (as quantified by the Southern Annular Mode; SAM) showed a significant positive peak, and we have shown previously that the ACC peaked around 1998 in response. An eddy‐resolving ocean model is used to investigate the delay between wind forcing and the eddy response, and demonstrates that the lag is due to the time taken to influence the deep circulation of the ACC. Winds over the Southern Ocean have shown a strong climatic increase over the past few decades. If this increase in winds is also reflected as an increase in eddy activity (as our analysis suggests it might), then the increased poleward heat flux may have played a significant role in the observed warming of the Southern Ocean.
Drop size spectra and integral remote sensing parameters in the transition from convective to stratiform rain
Authors: Atlas David , Ulbrich Carlton
Published: August 2006

Several authors have reported the correlation between the shape (μ) and slope (Λ) of the gamma distribution of raindrops to reduce the number of parameters required to measure rainfall by remote sensing methods. However, we find that there are no well‐defined μ‐Λ, or associated relations between reflectivity (Z) and rain rate (R) or differential reflectivity for all storms or portions thereof. Rather, there is a general behavior such that A and b (in the Z = ARb relation) and median volume drop diameter Do all decrease from convective (C) to stratiform (S) to transition (T) rains. The μ‐Λ correlation of the investigators in question appears to be limited to rainfall events which do not include convective rain; it is biased toward S and T rains. They miss the narrow (large μ), large Do DSDs of convective rain that are often found to have equilibrium spectra. The dependence of Do on the strength of the updraft and the findings of others concerning the association with the physics, dynamics, and climate regime strongly suggests that it is necessary to characterize the physical and dynamic nature of the storms in order to select the appropriate remote sensing algorithms.
Element partitioning between transition‐zone minerals and ultramafic melt under hydrous conditions
Authors: Mibe Kenji , Orihashi Yuji , Nakai Shun'ichi , Fujii Toshitsugu
Published: August 2006

Element partitioning between wadsleyite, garnet, and hydrous ultramafic melt has been determined at 16 GPa and 1600°C using a Kawai‐type multi‐anvil high‐pressure apparatus. Element partitioning between olivine and hydrous ultramafic melt was also studied at 5 GPa and 1500°C in order to compare element partitioning behavior between wadsleyite and olivine. Major and trace elements analyses of the quenched melt and coexisting wadsleyite, garnet, and olivine were made with an EPMA and LA‐ICP‐MS, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that LIL (Rb, Sr, Ba) and HFS (Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, Th, U) elements are preferably incorporated into wadsleyite relative to olivine, suggesting that the concentration of these elements in the hydrous transition zone could be greater than that in upper mantle. Our results contribute to understand magmatism and chemical differentiation in the Earth's interior.
Inhibition by HAJ11 of respiratory burst in neutrophils and the involvement of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and phospholipase D activation
Authors: Wang Jih P , Tsao Lo T , Raung Shue L , Hsu Mei F , Kuo Sheng C
Published: August 2006

The possible mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of ethyl 2‐(3‐hydroxyanilino)‐4‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydrofuran‐3‐carboxylate (HAJ11) on the respiratory burst of rat neutrophils in vitro was investigated.

HAJ11 caused a reversible and a concentration‐dependent inhibition of formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLP)‐induced superoxide anion (O2−) generation (IC50 4.9±0.7 μm) and O2 consumption (IC50 4.9±1.5 μm). Concanavalin A (Con A)‐ and NaF‐induced O2− generation were also suppressed by HAJ11. However, HAJ11 was a weak inhibitor of the phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)‐induced responses.

HAJ11 did not scavenge the O2− generation in the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system and dihydroxyfumaric acid (DHF) autoxidation.

HAJ11 showed no activity on fMLP‐induced inositol phosphates formation and [Ca2+]i elevation in intact neutrophils. In addition, HAJ11 had no effect on neutrophil cytosolic phospholipase C (PLC) activity.

HAJ11 reduced fMLP‐induced phosphatidic acid (PA) (IC50 29.1±6.5 μm) and phosphatidylethanol (PEt) (IC50 22.6±1.9 μm) formation in a concentration‐dependent manner. HAJ11 also reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in neutrophils stimulated by fMLP.

HAJ11 was a weak inhibitor of neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and had a negligible effect on brain PKC. Cellular cyclic nucleotides levels were not altered by HAJ11. In addition, HAJ11 did not affect protein kinase A (PKA) activity.

HAJ11 had no effect on the O2− generation of PMA‐activated and arachidonic acid (AA)‐activated NADPH oxidase preparations.

Taken together these results indicate that the inhibition of respiratory burst by HAJ11 probably mainly occurs through inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and phospholipase D (PLD) activity.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 79–87; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700861
Role of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels in acetylcholine‐induced dilatation of the basilar artery in vivo
Authors: Kitazono Takanari , Ibayashi Setsuro , Nagao Tetsuhiko , Fujii Kenichiro , Fujishima Masatoshi
Published: August 2006

We tested the hypothesis that activation of large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels is involved in dilator responses of the basilar artery to acetylcholine in vivo. Using a cranial window in anaesthetized rats, we examined responses of the basilar artery to acetylcholine.

Topical application of acetylcholine (10−6 and 10−5m) increased diameter of the basilar artery from 238±7 μm to 268±7 and 288±7 μm, respectively (P<0.05 vs. baseline diameter). Iberiotoxin (10−8m), an inhibitor of large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels, did not affect baseline diameter of the basilar artery. In the presence of 10−8m iberiotoxin, 10−6 and 10−5m acetylcholine increased diameter of the basilar artery from 239±7 μm to 246±7 and 261±7 μm, respectively. Thus, iberiotoxin attenuated acetylcholine‐induced dilatation of the basilar artery (P<0.05).

Sodium nitroprusside (10−7 and 10−6m) increased diameter of the basilar artery from 242±9 μm to 310±12 and 374±13 μm, respectively (P<0.05 vs. baseline diameter). In the presence of iberiotoxin (10−8m), sodium nitroprusside (10−7 and 10−6m) increased diameter of the basilar artery from 243±6 μm to 259±9 and 311±12 μm, respectively. Thus, iberiotoxin attenuated dilator responses of the basilar artery to sodium nitroprusside (P<0.05).

Iberiotoxin partly inhibited dilator responses of the basilar artery to forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase, but did not affect vasodilatation produced by levcromakalim, a potassium channel opener.

These results suggest that dilator responses of the basilar artery to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside are mediated, in part, by activation of large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels. Because both acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside have been shown to activate guanylate cyclase via nitric oxide, activation of large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels may be one of the major mechanisms by which cyclic GMP causes dilatation of the basilar artery in vivo.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 102–106; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700880
Characterization of Y3 receptor‐mediated synaptic inhibition by chimeric neuropeptide Y‐peptide YY peptides in the rat brainstem
Authors: Glaum Steven R. , Miller Richard J. , Rhim Hyewhon , Maclean Derek , Georgic Ynn M. , MacKenzie Robert G. , Grundemar Lars
Published: August 2006

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) act at receptors referred to as Y1 and Y2, while the Y3 receptor is specific to NPY and does not recognize PYY. The effects of NPY, its related peptides and a series of newly constructed chimeric NPY‐PYY peptides were examined on excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (e.p.s.cs and i.p.s.cs, respectively) in rat dorsomedial nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurones recorded in coronal brainstem slices. Monosynaptic activity was evoked by electrical stimulation in the region of the tractus solitarius.

NPY (5–500 nM) inhibited e.p.s.cs and i.p.s.cs in a concentration‐dependent manner. In contrast, PYY (500 nM) failed to affect either e.p.s.cs or i.p.s.cs. The N‐and C‐terminal parts of a series of chimeric NPY‐PYY peptides were joined at positions where NPY and PYY sequences differ. In binding experiments the chimeric peptides were all about equipotent with NPY and PYY in displacing [125I]‐PYY from Y1 and Y2 binding sites on SK‐N‐MC cells and rat hippocampus respectively.

In the whole cell voltage clamp recordings of NTS neurones, NPY(1‐23)‐PYY(24–36) and NPY(1‐14)‐PYY(15–36) evoked a concentration‐dependent inhibition of e.p.s.cs and i.p.s.cs, while NPY(l‐7)‐PYY(8–36) and NPY(1‐3)‐PYY(4–36) were inactive. The only differences in amino acid residues between NPY(l‐14)‐PYY(15–36) and NPY(1‐7)‐PYY(8–36) reside in positions 13 and 14.

Furthermore, [Pro34]NPY (500 nM) was equivalent in potency to NPY itself at inhibiting monosynaptic transmission in NTS, while [Leu31,Pro34]NPY and pancreatic polypeptide (both at 500 nM) failed to affect synaptic transmission.

The present study has shown that NPY acts at Y3 receptors to suppress both excitatory and inhibitory currents in the NTS. The different efficacy of the chimeric NPY‐PYY peptides suggests that positions 13 and 14 are of great importance for Y3 receptor recognition. Finally, this receptor type readily recognizes [Pro34]NPY, but not [Leu31,Pro34]NPY.
Comparative effects of l‐NOARG and l‐NAME on basal blood flow and ACh‐induced vasodilatation in rat diaphragmatic microcirculation
Authors: Chang Han‐Yu , Chen Chang‐Wen , Hsiue Tzuen‐Ren
Published: August 2006

The effects of Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NOARG) and Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) on diaphragmatic microcirculation in male Sprague‐Dawley rats were assessed under basal conditions and after acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation. In addition, l‐arginine (l‐arg) was used with the aim of preventing l‐NOARG and l‐NAME from inhibiting ACh‐induced vasodilatation, in order to explore the possibility that l‐NOARG is not only a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor but also a muscarinic receptor antagonist.

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were anaesthetized with urethane and mechanically ventilated. The left hemi‐diaphragm of each rat was prepared and microvascular blood flow was recorded during continuous superfusion with bicarbonate‐buffered prewarmed Ringer solution by using laser‐Doppler flowmetry. The drugs were topically applied to the surface of the hemi‐diaphragm.

Baseline microvascular blood flow was unaffected after 15 min superfusion with any one of the following agents: l‐NOARG (0.1 mm), l‐NAME (0.1 mm), l‐arg (10 mm).

ACh (0.03 mm, 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm) elicited a significant increase of microvascular blood flow (171±16%, 214±55%, and 323±68% of baseline values, respectively), via interaction with the muscarinic receptor, for the vasodilator response was severely inhibited by 15 min superfusion with atropine (0.3 mm).

Following 15 min superfusion with either of the l‐arg analogues (0.1 mm), the ACh‐induced vasodilator response was significantly inhibited. Pretreatment with l‐arg (10 mm) for 5 min, followed by co‐administration of l‐arg (10 mm) and l‐NOARG (0.1 mm) for another 15 min significantly prevented the inhibitory effect of l‐NOARG on ACh‐induced vasodilatation. However, a similar pretreatment schedule with l‐arg failed to prevent l‐NAME from exerting its inhibitory effect.

Neither of the l‐arg analogues potentiated sodium nitroprusside (10 μm and 30 μm)‐induced vasodilatation. However, adenosine (0.1 mm)‐induced vasodilatation was slightly but significantly attenuated by either l‐NOARG (0.1 mm) or l‐NAME (0.1 mm), an effect which was prevented by l‐arg (10 mm).

In conclusion, an increase in endothelium‐dependent blood flow stimulated by ACh may occur in diaphragmatic microcirculation of anaesthetized rats independently of low baseline NO activity. The results also suggest that l‐NAME has muscarinic receptor antagonist action in addition to its ability to inhibit NO synthase. Thus, we suggest that l‐NAME should not be used as a specific NO synthase inhibitor in the rat diaphragm in situations in which there is potential for muscarinic receptors to be stimulated.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 326–332; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700896
Effect of Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, on stress‐ and morphine‐induced prolactin release in male rats
Authors: Matton A , Bollengier F , Finné E , Vanhaelst L
Published: August 2006

The effect of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) was investigated on stress‐ and morphine‐induced prolactin (PRL) secretion in vivo in male rats, by use of a stress‐free blood sampling and drug administration method by means of a permanent indwelling catheter in the right jugular vein.

Three doses of l‐NAME were tested (1, 10 and 30 mg kg−1) and were given intraperitoneally one hour before blood sampling; control rats received saline. After the first blood sample, rats received an initial intravenous injection of morphine (3, 6 or 12 mg kg−1) or were subjected to immobilization stress. In the case of a morphine administration, rats received a second dose of morphine (3, 6 or 6 mg kg−1, respectively) 90 min later, when tolerance had developed, while rats subjected to immobilization stress received 6 mg kg−1 morphine 90 min after onset of stress.

l‐NAME had no effect on basal plasma PRL concentration. However, it potentiated acute morphine‐induced PRL secretion and attenuated the subsequent tolerance in a dose‐dependent way. Immobilization stress‐induced PRL secretion was inhibited dose‐dependently by l‐NAME, as was its subsequent tolerance to morphine; however, in this case, in a reversed dose‐dependent way.

When the highest dose of morphine (12 mg kg−1) was combined with the highest dose of l‐NAME pretreatment (30 mg kg−1), all rats showed a dramatic potentiation of the morphine‐induced PRL rise compared to controls. Moreover, all of these rats died within 90 min after the administration of morphine.

These results show that NO plays a role in the acute opioid action on PRL release during stress as well as in the development of tolerance to the opioid effect, and some possible mechanisms are discussed.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 268–272; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700899
Effects of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase, on antigen‐induced bronchial hyperreactivity in conscious sensitized guinea‐pigs and airway leukocyte infiltration
Authors: Danahay Henry , Broadley Kenneth J
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE) on the early and late phase bronchoconstriction in sensitized, conscious guinea‐pigs and the subsequent development of acute airway hyperreactivity to the inhaled thromboxane mimetic, U46619, and leukocyte infiltration following ovalbumin (OvA) challenge.

Following an inhalation challenge with OvA, there was an early bronchoconstriction which peaked at 15 min with recovery after 3–4 h. A late phase bronchoconstriction occurred between 17 and 24 h after challenge. The PDE 4 inhibitors, Ro 20‐1724 (3 mg kg−1, i.p.) and rolipram (1 mg kg−1, i.p.) administered 30 min before and 6 h after antigen challenge (double dosing regimen), did not affect the development of the early or late phase responses.

Seventeen to twenty four hours following an acute OvA or saline challenge, a consistently greater bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled U46619 was observed in the OvA challenged group. This increase in responsiveness was significantly attenuated by the administration of Ro 20‐1724 and rolipram 30 min before and 6 h after antigen challenge (P<0.05); this was not attributable to a residual bronchodilator effect of these compounds. There was a trend towards inhibition of the hyperreactivity to U46619 by aminophylline but not by the PDE3 inhibitors, siguazodan or SKF 95654.

Aminophylline, rolipram and Ro 20‐1724 when administered as the double dose regimen attenuated the rise in macrophages, eosinophils and neutrophils recovered in bronchial lavage fluid 17 to 24 h after antigen challenge.

The dose of Ro 20‐1724 given at 6 h post challenge was essential for attenuation of airway hyperreactivity and to protect against leukocyte influx.

In summary, aminophylline, rolipram and Ro 20‐1724 have anti‐inflammatory effects against antigen‐induced airway leukocyte infiltration. Rolipram and Ro 20‐1724 additionally attentuated the development of acute airway hyperreactivity, effects which are probably mediated through inhibition of PDE type 4. A dose of PDE inhibitor 6 h after the antigen challenge appears to be essential to achieve this protection. Inhibitors of PDE type 3 were generally without effect. However, there was no effect of rolipram or Ro 20‐1724 on the development of either the early or late phase type responses.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 289–297; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700901
Prominent sympathetic purinergic vasoconstriction in the rabbit splenic artery: potentiation by 2,2′‐pyridylisatogen tosylate
Authors: Ren Lei‐Ming , Burnstock Geoffrey
Published: August 2006

Vasoconstrictions induced by transmural electrical field stimulation were frequency‐dependent from 2 to 32 Hz in the rabbit isolated splenic artery. All contractions were abolished in the presence of tetrodotoxin 1 μm or guanethidine 100 μm. Stimulation at a frequency of more than 32 Hz induced both neurogenic and myogenic responses.

Prazosin (1 μm) did not significantly affect vascular contractions to electrical stimulation. Desensitization of P2X‐purinoceptors with α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐meATP, 3 μm) abolished the contractions to stimulation at 2–8 Hz and inhibited more than 80% of the vascular response at 16 Hz, but it did not significantly change the responses at 32 Hz. Contractile responses at 32 Hz were inhibited by a combination of prazosin and α,β‐meATP. Effects of pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′, 4′‐disulphonic acid tetrasodium salt (a selective P2X‐purinoceptor antagonist) and suramin (a competitive P2‐purinoceptor antagonist) on the neurogenic responses were investigated in this study.

2,2′‐Pyridylisatogen tosylate (PIT, 0.3–3 μm) significantly potentiated the vasoconstrictions to electrical stimulation at 2–32 Hz in a concentration‐dependent manner. Potentiated responses were restored to the control level 30 min after washing. Concentration‐dependent response curves for noradrenaline (NA) or α,β‐meATP were not significantly changed by 3 μM PIT, and vasoconstriction by adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP, 300 μm) was unaffected by PIT. Coomassie brilliant blue‐G (1 μm), which shares the potentiating effect on a recombinant P2Y‐purinoceptor with PIT (King et al., 1996), did not inhibit or potentiate the purinergically‐mediated component of the response to sympathetic nerve stimulation. The selective α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (1 μm) also potentiated the vascular responses to electrical stimulation.

The present results indicate that ATP evokes postjunctional contractile responses at low and high frequency electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves supplying the rabbit splenic artery. PIT potentiates the responses to sympathetic (purinergic) nerve stimulation; this appears to be mainly via prejunctional rather than postjunctional actions.
Volatile general anaesthetic actions on recombinant nAChα7, 5‐HT3 and chimeric nAChα7‐5‐HT3 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Zhang Li , Oz Murat , Stewart Randall R. , Peoples Robert W. , Weight Forrest F.
Published: August 2006

The effect of halothane and isoflurane was studied on the function of recombinant neurotransmitter receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Both anaesthetics inhibited nicotinic acetylcholine type α7 (nAChα7) receptor‐mediated responses, potentiated 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5‐HT3) receptor‐mediated responses at low agonist concentrations, and inhibited the function of a chimeric receptor (with the N‐terminal domain from the nAChα7 receptor and the transmembrane and C‐terminal domains from the 5‐HT3 receptor) in a manner similar to that of the nAChα7 receptor. Since the N‐terminal domain of the chimeric receptor was from the nAChα7 receptor, the observations suggest that the inhibition involves the N‐terminal domain of the receptor.
The effect of pretreatment with a δ2‐opioid receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on the recovery from acute antinociceptive tolerance to δ2‐opioid receptor agonist in the mouse spinal cord
Authors: Narita Minoru , Mizoguchi Hirokazu , Kampine John P. , Tseng Leon F.
Published: August 2006

An intrathecal (i.t.) injection of a selective δ2‐opioid receptor agonist, [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II, produced an acute antinociceptive tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of a subsequent i.t. challenge of [d‐Ala2]deltorphin II. This acute tolerance lasted 3 to 9 h and completely subsided by 12 h. The experiments were designed to examine the effect of pretreatment with an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to δ2‐opioid receptor mRNA (δ‐AS oligo) on the recovery from tolerance to [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II‐induced antinociception in male ICR mice.

Pretreatment with δ‐AS oligo (1.63 to 163 pmol, i.t.), but not mismatched oligo (MM oligo) (163 pmol), prevented the recovery from acute tolerance to [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II‐induced antinociception in a dose‐dependent manner. However, treatment with δ‐AS oligo (163 pmol) did not prevent the recovery from tolerance to either the μ‐opioid receptor agonist [D‐Ala2,NMePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAMGO) or the κ‐opioid receptor agonist U50,488H, indicating subtype specificity in the mechanism by which δ‐AS oligo inhibits recovery from δ2‐opioid tolerance.

Treatment with [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II (i.t.) significantly reduced the binding of [tyrosyl‐3,5‐3H(N)]‐Tyr‐D‐Ser‐Gly‐Phe‐Leu‐Thr ([3H]‐DSLET), a δ2‐opioid receptor agonist ligand, in the spinal cord 3 h after treatment, but binding returned to control levels by 24 h after treatment. However, [3H]‐DSLET binding in the spinal cord remained significantly reduced at 24 h if δ‐AS oligo (163 pmol) was coadministered with [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II (6.4 nmol).

Based on these findings, it is concluded that a single stimulation of spinal cord δ2‐opioid receptors by intrathecally‐administered [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II induces a long‐lasting desensitization of δ2‐opioid receptors to [D‐Ala2]deltorphin II. Recovery from δ2‐opioid receptor‐mediated antinociceptive tolerance apparently depends on replenishment by newly synthesized δ2‐opioid receptor protein rather than immediate reversal of δ2‐opioid receptors.
β‐Adrenoceptor mediated facilitation of noradrenaline and adenosine 5′‐triphosphate release from sympathetic nerves supplying the rat tail artery
Authors: Brock James A , Bridgewater Melissa , Cunnane Thomas C
Published: August 2006

The effects of prejunctional β‐adrenoceptor activation on electrically evoked noradrenaline (NA) and adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) were studied by use of continuous amperometry and conventional intracellular recording techniques. Excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) were used as a measure of ATP release, and NA‐induced slow depolarizations and oxidation currents as measures of NA release, from postganglionic sympathetic nerves innervating the rat tail artery in vitro.

Isoprenaline (0.1 μm) increased the amplitude of e.j.ps, slow depolarizations and oxidation currents evoked by short trains of stimuli at 1 to 4 Hz. The facilitatory effect of isoprenaline on e.j.ps and oxidation currents was most pronounced on responses evoked by the first stimulus in a train.

Isoprenaline (0.1 μm) did not detectably alter the amplitude‐frequency distribution of spontaneous e.j.ps.

The facilitatory effect of isoprenaline on e.j.ps, slow depolarizations and oxidation currents was abolished by the β‐adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (0.1 μm). Propranolol alone had no effect on e.j.ps, slow depolarizations or oxidation currents.

Thus, activation of prejunctional β‐adrenoceptors increases the release of both NA and ATP from postganglionic sympathetic nerves. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that NA and ATP are released from the same population of nerve terminals and presumably from the same vesicles.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 769–776; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700959
Postnatal development of δ‐opioid receptor subtypes in mice
Authors: Negri L , Severini C , Lattanzi R , Potenza R L , Melchiorri P
Published: August 2006

The density and affinity of binding sites for the δ‐selective opioid ligands [3H]‐[d‐Ala2, Asp4]deltorphin (DELT‐I), [3H]‐[d‐Ala2Glu4]‐deltorphin (DELT‐II), [3H]‐[d‐Pen2,d‐Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), and [3H]‐naltrindole (NTI) were determined in whole brain from 10, 15, 25 and 60 day‐old C57BL mice.

At all ages, the analyses of the homologous displacement curves, gave best fits to single rather than to multiple site models. The binding capacity (Bmax) labelled by [3H]‐NTI was about one half that labelled by [3H]‐DELT‐I, [3H]‐DELT‐II and [3H]‐DPDPE. In 25 and 60 day‐old mouse brain the DPDPE Bmax was 25% less than the deltorphin‐II Bmax.

In saturation experiments, specific binding of [3H]‐DELT‐I on adult mouse brain homogenates was best fitted by a two‐site model (34% high affinity site, Kd=1.08 nm and 66% low affinity sites, Kd=39.9 nm).

DPDPE produced a biphasic inhibition of specific [3H]‐DELTI‐I binding, from 15 days of age onwards. The relative percentage of high and low affinity sites was 72% and 28% in 15 day‐, 65% and 35% in 25 day‐ and 30% and 70% in 60 day‐old mice.

In adult mouse brain labelled with [3H]‐DELT‐I, DELT‐II recognized 71% of high‐affinity and 29% of low‐affinity sites. DELT‐I and DPDPE produced monophasic inhibition of specific [3H]‐DELT‐II binding to brain homogenates of adult mice.

These data suggest that a sub‐population of δ‐sites (probably the δ2‐subtype), recognized by DELT‐I, with high affinity for DELT‐II and low affinity for DPDPE develops from 25 days onward.

In electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens (MVD) the rank order of potency of the three δ‐agonists was: DELT‐I> DELT‐II> DPDPE in 10 day‐old mice, and: DELT‐I= DELT‐II> DPDPE, from 25 days onward. During this time, the potency of DELT‐II increased about 15 fold whereas the potency of DELT‐I and DPDPE increased only 5 times. The higher efficacy of DELT‐II could depend on receptor maturation towards the δ2‐subtype.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 989–994; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700990
Release of granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor by human cultured airway smooth muscle cells: suppression by dexamethasone
Authors: Saunders Michael A. , Mitchell Jane A. , Seldon Paul M. , Yacoub Magdi H. , Barnes Peter J. , Giembycz Mark A. , Belvisi Maria G.
Published: August 2006

Smooth muscle cells represent a significant percentage of the total cells in the airway but their contribution to the inflammatory response seen in airway disease has not been studied. Hence, we have looked at the release of the cytokine granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interferon γ (IFNγ). Human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells released GM‐CSF under basal conditions (45.4 ± 13.1 pg ml−1) that was significantly enhanced by IL‐lβ and TNFα with a maximal effect seen at 10 ng ml−1 (1.31 ± 0.07 ng ml−1 and 0.72 ± 0.16 ng ml−1, respectively). In contrast, neither LPS nor IFNγ produced a significant increase in GM‐CSF release. However, HASM cells exposed to IL‐1β, TNFα and IFNγ generated more GM‐CSF than that evoked by any cytokine alone (2.2 ± 0.15 ng ml−1). The release of GM‐CSF elicited by the cytokine mixture was inhibited by cycloheximide and dexamethasone. These data suggest that HASM cells might play an active part in initiating and/or perpetuating airway inflammation in addition to controlling airway calibre.