bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CDK2 regulation through PI3K and CDK4 is necessary for cell cycle progression of primary rat hepatocytes
Authors: Wierød L. , Rosseland C. M. , Lindeman B. , Oksvold M. P. , Grøsvik H. , Skarpen E. , Huitfeldt H. S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract.  Introduction/Objectives: Cell cycle progression is driven by the coordinated regulation of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs). In response to mitogenic stimuli, CDK4 and CDK2 form complexes with cyclins D and E, respectively, and translocate to the nucleus in the late G1 phase. It is an on‐going discussion whether mammalian cells need both CDK4 and CDK2 kinase activities for induction of S phase. Methods and results: In this study, we have explored the role of CDK4 activity during G1 progression of primary rat hepatocytes. We found that CDK4 activity was restricted by either inhibiting growth factor induced cyclin D1‐induction with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, or by transient transfection with a dominant negative CDK4 mutant. In both cases, we observed reduced CDK2 nuclear translocation and reduced CDK2‐Thr160 phosphorylation. Furthermore, reduced pRb hyperphosphorylation and reduced cellular proliferation were observed. Ectopic expression of cyclin D1 alone was not sufficient to induce CDK4 nuclear translocation, CDK2 activity or cell proliferation. Conclusions: Thus, epidermal growth factor‐induced CDK4 activity was necessary for CDK2 activation and for hepatocyte proliferation. These results also suggest that, in addition to regulating cyclin D1 expression, PI3K is involved in regulation of nuclear shuttling of cyclin‐CDK complexes in G1 phase.
Telomere dynamics: the means to an end
Authors: Matulić M. , Sopta M. , Rubelj I.
Published: July 2007

Abstract.  Telomeres are among the most important structures in eukaryotic cells. Creating the physical ends of linear chromosomes, they play a crucial role in maintaining genome stability, control of cell division, cell growth and senescence. In vertebrates, telomeres consist of G‐rich repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG)n and specific proteins, creating a specialized structure called the telosome that through mutual interactions with many other factors in the cell give rise to dynamic regulation of chromosome maintenance. In this review, we survey the structural and mechanistic aspects of telomere length regulation and how these processes lead to alterations in normal and immortal cell growth.
Activation of human CD4+ T cells by targeting MHC class II epitopes to endosomal compartments using human CD1 tail sequences
Authors: Niazi Kayvan R. , Ochoa Maria‐Teresa , Sieling Peter A. , Rooke Nanette E. , Peter Anna K. , Mollahan Pamela , Dickey Micah , Rabizadeh Shahrooz , Rea Thomas H. , Modlin Robert L.
Published: July 2007

Distinct CD4+ T‐cell epitopes within the same protein can be optimally processed and loaded into major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in disparate endosomal compartments. The CD1 protein isoforms traffic to these same endosomal compartments as directed by unique cytoplasmic tail sequences, therefore we reasoned that antigen/CD1 chimeras containing the different CD1 cytoplasmic tail sequences could optimally target antigens to the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway. Evaluation of trafficking patterns revealed that all four human CD1‐derived targeting sequences delivered antigen to the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway, to early/recycling, early/sorting and late endosomes/lysosomes. There was a preferential requirement for different CD1 targeting sequences for the optimal presentation of an MHC class II epitope in the following hierarchy: CD1b > CD1d = CD1c > > > CD1a or untargeted antigen. Therefore, the substitution of the CD1 ectodomain with heterologous proteins results in their traffic to distinct intracellular locations that intersect with MHC class II and this differential distribution leads to specific functional outcomes with respect to MHC class II antigen presentation. These findings may have implications in designing DNA vaccines, providing a greater variety of tools to generate T‐cell responses against microbial pathogens or tumours.
The Immunological Basis for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Holmøy T. , Vartdal F.
Published: July 2007

During the last few years, the concept of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a pure inflammatory disease mediated by myelin reactive T cells has been challenged. Neither the specificity nor the mechanisms triggering or perpetuating the immune response are understood. Genetic studies have so far not identified therapeutic targets outside the HLA complex, but epidemiological and immunological studies have suggested putative pathogenetic factors which may be important in therapy or prevention, including the Epstein–Barr virus and vitamin D. Advances in the treatment of MS have been reached by manipulating the immune response where the pathogenesis of MS intersects experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, most recently by blocking T‐cell migration through the blood–brain barrier. Antigen‐specific approaches are effective in experimental models driven by a focused immune response against defined autoantigens, but MS may not fit into this concept. Novel candidate autoantigens which are not constitutively expressed in the brain, such as protein α‐B crystallin or IgG V‐region idiotopes, as well as evidence of pathogenetic heterogeneity and complexity, suggest that treating MS by tolerizing the immune system against an universal MS antigen may be a fata morgana. Further characterization of MS subtypes may lead to individualized treatment. However, shared immunological features, such as intrathecal production of oligoclonal IgG, suggest that potential therapeutic targets may be shared by most MS patients.
A di‐leucine sorting signal in ZIP1 (SLC39A1) mediates endocytosis of the protein
Authors: Huang Liping , Kirschke Catherine P.
Published: July 2007

It has been demonstrated that the plasma membrane expression of ZIP1 is regulated by endocytic mechanisms. In the zinc‐replete condition, the level of surface expressed ZIP1 is low due to the rapid internalization of ZIP1. The present study aimed to identify a sorting signal(s) in ZIP1 that mediated endocytosis of ZIP1. Four potential sorting signals (three di‐leucine‐and one tyrosine‐based) were found by searching the eukaryotic linear motif resource for functional sites in proteins (http://elm.eu.org). Site‐directed mutagenesis and immunofluorescence microscopic analyses demonstrated that the di‐leucine sorting signal, ETRALL144–149, located in the variable loop region of ZIP1, was required for the ZIP1 internalization and lysosomal degradation. Substitutions of alanines for the di‐leucine residues (LL148,149/AA) severely impaired the internalization of ZIP1 and subsequent protein degradation, leading to an accumulation of the mutant ZIP1 on the cell surface, as well as inside the cell. Using chimeric proteins composed of an α‐chain of interleukin‐2 receptor fused to the peptides derived from the variable loop region of ZIP1, we found that the di‐leucine sorting signal of ZIP1 was required and sufficient for endocytosis of the chimeric proteins.
PROTEIN–PROTEIN INTERACTIONS AS NEW TARGETS FOR DRUG DESIGN: VIRTUAL AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES
Authors: IVANOV ALEXIS S. , GNEDENKO OKSANA V. , MOLNAR ANDREY A. , MEZENTSEV YURY V. , LISITSA ANDREY V. , ARCHAKOV ALEXANDER I.
Published: July 2007

Protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions play a central role in biochemical reactions, and understanding these processes is an important task in different fields of biomedical science and drug discovery. Proteins often work in complex assemblies of several macromolecules and small ligands. The structural and functional description of protein–protein interactions (PPI) is very important for basic-, as well as applied research. The interface areas of protein complexes have unique structure and properties, so PPI represent prospective targets for a new generation of drugs. One of the key targets of PPI inhibitors are oligomeric enzymes. This report shows interactive links between virtual and experimental approaches in a total pipeline "from gene to drug" and using Surface Plasmon Resonance technology for experimentally assessing PPI. Our research is conducted on two oligomeric enzymes — HIV-1 protease (HIVp) (homo-dimer) and bacterial L-asparaginase (homo-tetramer). Using methods of molecular modeling and computational alanine scanning we obtained structural and functional description of PPI in these two enzymes. We also presented a real example of application of integral approach in searching inhibitors of HIVp dimerization — from virtual database mining up to experimental testing of lead compounds.
STATISTICAL INFORMATION CHARACTERIZATION OF CONSERVED NON-CODING ELEMENTS IN VERTEBRATES
Authors: ABNIZOVA I. , WALTER K. , TE BOEKHORST R. , ELGAR G. , GILKS W. R.
Published: July 2007

Recently, a set of highly conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) has been derived from a comparison between the genomes of the puffer fish, Takifugu or Fugu rubripes, and man. In order to facilitate the identification of these conserved elements in silico, we characterize them by a number of statistical features.

We found a pronounced information pattern around CNE borders; although the CNEs themselves are AT rich and have high entropy (complexity), they are flanked by GC-rich regions of low entropy (complexity). We also identified the most abundant motifs within and around of CNEs, and identified those that group around their borders. Like in human promoter regions, the TBP, NF-Y and some other binding motifs are clustered around CNE boundaries, which may suggest a possible transcription regulatory function of CNEs.
Formation and deformation of the Pannonian Basin: constraints from observational data
Authors: Horváth Frank , Bada Gábor , Szafián Péter , Tari Gábor , Ádám Antal , Cloetingh Sierd
Published: July 2007

The past decade has witnessed spectacular progress in the collection of observational data and their interpretation in the Pannonian Basin and the surrounding Alpine, Carpathian and Dinaric mountain belts. A major driving force behind this progress was the PANCARDI project of the EUROPROBE programme. The paper reviews tectonic processes, structural styles, stratigraphic records and geochemical data for volcanic rocks. Structural and seismic sections of different scales, seismic tomography and magnetotelluric, gravity and geothermal data are also used to determine the deformational styles, and to compile new crustal and lithospheric thickness maps of the Pannonian Basin and the surrounding fold-and-thrust belts. The Pannonian Basin is superimposed on former Alpine terranes. Its formation is a result of extensional collapse of the overthickened Alpine orogenic wedge during orogen-parallel extrusion towards a 'free boundary' offered by the roll-back of the subducting Carpathian slab. As a conclusion, continental collision and back-arc basin evolution is discussed as a single, complex dynamic process, with minimization of the potential and deformational energy as the driving principle.
Post-Variscan (end Carboniferous-Early Permian) basin evolution in Western and Central Europe
Authors: McCann T. , Pascal C. , Timmerman M.J. , Krzywiec P. , López-Gómez J. , Wetzel L. , Krawczyk C.M. , Rieke H. , Lamarche J.
Published: July 2007

The Variscan orogeny, resulting from the collision of Laurussia with Gondwana to form the supercontinent of Pangaea, was followed by a period of crustal instability and re-equilibration throughout Western and Central Europe. An extensive and significant phase of Permo-Carboniferous magmatism led to the extrusion of thick volcanic successions across the region (e.g. NE German Basin, NW part of the Polish Basin, Oslo Rift, northern Spain). Coeval transtensional activity led to the formation of more than 70 rift basins across the region. The various basins differ in terms of their form and infill according to their position relative to the Variscan orogen (i.e. internide or externide location) and to the controls that acted on basin development (e.g. basement structure configuration). This paper provides an overview of a variety of basin types, to more fully explore the controls upon the tectonomagmatic-sedimentary evolution of these important basins.
The impact of physical illnesses on non‐psychotic psychiatric morbidity: Data from the household survey of psychiatric morbidity in Great Britain
Authors: Cooke Debbie , Newman Stanton , Sacker Amanda , DeVellis Brenda , Bebbington Paul , Meltzer Howard
Published: July 2007

Objectives. Psychiatric morbidity among the physically ill is an important issue, particularly in the light of research documenting the difficulties in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating psychiatric disorders in this group. The objectives of this study were: (1) To compare psychiatric morbidity in 11 physical conditions and a healthy comparison group. (2) To compare psychiatric morbidity between respondents with one of the 11 illnesses to those with more than one physical illness.

Design. The sample was derived from the cross‐sectional Household Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity.

Methods. Psychiatric morbidity (excluding psychosis) was assessed by interview using the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS‐R) and physical illness through self‐report in 10,108 adults.

Results. Eight of the 11 illness groups were more likely to be classified as having psychiatric morbidity on the CIS‐R than the physically healthy group. There were no differences in psychiatric morbidity between the different illness groups. The presence of more than one physical illness significantly increased the likelihood of psychiatric morbidity in 10 of the 11 groups.

Conclusion. This study further supports the association between physical and psychiatric illness. Importantly, it suggests an increased likelihood of psychiatric morbidity in the presence of more than one physical condition.
Novel Inhibitors of Alkaline Phosphatase Suppress Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification
Authors: Narisawa Sonoko , Harmey Dympna , Yadav Manisha C , O'Neill W Charles , Hoylaerts Marc F , Millán Jose Luis
Published: July 2007

We report three novel inhibitors of the physiological pyrophosphatase activity of alkaline phosphatase and show that these compounds are capable of reducing calcification in two models of vascular calcification (i.e., they suppress in vitro calcification by cultured Enpp1−/− VSMCs and they inhibit the increased pyrophosphatase activity in a rat aortic model).

Introduction: Genetic ablation of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNALP) leads to accumulation of the calcification inhibitor inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). TNALP deficiency ameliorates the hypermineralization phenotype in Enpp1−/− and ank/ank mice, two models of osteoarthritis and soft tissue calcification. We surmised that the pharmacological inhibition of TNALP pyrophosphatase activity could be used to prevent/suppress vascular calcification.

Materials and Methods: Comprehensive chemical libraries were screened to identify novel drug-like compounds that could inhibit TNALP pyrophosphatase function at physiological pH. We used these novel compounds to block calcification by cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and to inhibit the upregulated pyrophosphatase activity in a rat aortic calcification model.

Results: Using VSMC cultures, we determined that Enpp1−/− and ank/ank VSMCs express higher TNALP levels and enhanced in vitro calcification compared with wildtype cells. By high-throughput screening, three novel compounds, 5361418, 5923412, and 5804079, were identified that inhibit TNALP pyrophosphatase function through an uncompetitive mechanism, with high affinity and specificity when measured at both pH 9.8 and 7.5. These compounds were shown to reduce the calcification by Enpp1−/− VSMCs. Furthermore, using an ex vivo rat whole aorta PPi hydrolysis assay, we showed that pyrophosphatase activity was inhibited by all three lead compounds, with compound 5804079 being the most potent at pH 7.5.

Conclusions: We conclude that TNALP is a druggable target for the treatment and/or prevention of ectopic calcification. The lead compounds identified in this study will serve as scaffolds for medicinal chemistry efforts to develop drugs for the treatment of soft tissue calcification.
Entwicklung und Applikation von modellbasierten Steuergerätefunktionen am Beispiel eines Sechszylindermotors mit vollvariablem Ventiltrieb (Development and Calibration of Model-based Controller Functions by the Example of a Six Cylinder Engine with Full-variable Valvetrain)
Authors: Meder Georg , Mitterer Alexander , Konrad Heiko , Krämer Gerd , Siegl Norbert
Published: July 2007

Der Beitrag beschreibt die Entwicklung und Applikation von modellbasierten Steuergerätefunktionen am Beispiel der neuen BMW Reihen-Sechszylindermotoren. Es wird gezeigt, dass bei BMW im gesamten Funktionsentwicklungs- und Applikationsprozess neue Wege beschritten werden, um auch in Zukunft Steuerungs- und Regelungsfunktionen für Motorsteuerungen maßgeschneidert und effektiv entwickeln zu können.

This paper describes the development and calibration of model based functions within the electronic control unit of the new BMW 6-cylinder inline engine. It is shown that BMW uses new ways in the overall function and calibration process for developing future functions for control units in an highly customised and efficient manner.
Removal of Tm(III) ions from aqueous solution using PAN-incorporated sol–gel matrices
Authors: Ahmad Rashid , Saeed Muhammad Mufazzal , Ali Akbar , Zaidi Jamshed Hussain
Published: July 2007

The sorption of Tm(III) ions from aqueous solutions by 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) incorporated sol–gel matrices have been studied extensively using radiotracer and batch techniques. Maximum accumulation (∼98%) of Tm(III) ions (2.55×10-5 M) onto solid surface is achieved from pH 7 buffer solution in 30 min using 50 mg of PAN incorporated sol–gel matrices. The sorption data follow Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherms. The Langmuir constants Q = 123.6 ±3.6 μmol g-1 and b = (19.2 ± 2.1)×104 dm3 mol-1 have been computed. Freundlich constants l/n = 0.56 ± 0.04 and C
m = 45.4 ± 6.5 mmol g-1 have been estimated. Sorption capacity 1.13 ± 0.001 mmol g-1, β = -0.0035 ± 0.0001 kJ2 mol-2 and energy 11.95 ± 0.2 kJ mol-1 have been evaluated using D–R isotherm. The variation of sorption with temperature yields ΔH = 31.7 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1, ΔS = 128.5 ± 3 J mol-1 K-1 and ΔG = -6.5 ± 0.1 kJ mol-1 at 298 K reflecting the endothermic and spontaneous nature of sorption. Divalent Pb(II), Ba(II) and Mg(II) and monovalent chloride and K(I) increase the sorption while oxalate, citrate, disulfite and tartrate reduce the sorption significantly.
Basicities of Aquo + Alcoholic (Mono-ol) mixtures
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ranjana , Lahiri Sujit Chandra
Published: July 2007

Gibbs energies of transfer of H+ion [ΔG0t(w→s)(H+)] from water (w) to different aquo + alcoholic mixtures (s) were calculated using no extrathermodynamic assumptions. ΔG0t(w→s)(H+) values with and without interactions are given.

ΔG0t(w→s)(H+) values (without interaction terms) compare well with the selected values of ΔG0t(w→s)(H+) in different aquo + alcoholic mixtures recommended by Marcus from compilations of data reported by various workers using different extrathermodynamic assumptions. Suitable conversion was made to bring the data into the range of the TATB scale.

ΔG0t(w→s)(H+) values in binary mixtures (without interaction terms) are lower and qualitatively to some extent close to the values reported in the literature at least at low percentages.

The results show that ΔG0solv(H+) and ΔG0t(w→s)(H+) values are increasingly positivei.e.less basic as the mass% of organic solvents increases and the sequence of basicities are in the order

i.e.the organic solvent and solvent mixtures are less basic than water contrary to the prevalent conceptions. The main factor appears to be the number of O-atoms with lone-pair of electrons responsible for H+acceptance, H-bonding and other structural modifications of the solvent mixtures. Obviously, the lower the molar mass of the organic solvent, the greater will be the basicity of the solvent and solvent mixtures.
Aggregation Behavior of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids in Water
Authors: Zhang Hucheng , Liang Huijun , Wang Jianji , Li Kun
Published: July 2007

The UV absorption spectra of aqueous solutions of [C4mim][Br], [C4mim][BF4], and [C8mim][Br], along with the differential UV spectra of aqueous [C8mim][Br] solutions, were measured at room temperature in this work. It is found that three transformations, denoted respectively as α, β and γ, can occur over the interested concentration range of solutions due to ionic liquid aggregation. Further, the content of ionic liquids and the wavelength of absorption maximum at these transformations are determined, and the implications at each transformation are analyzed. As a result, this paper discusses the effects of imidazolium cation, alkyl chain length and counterion type on the aggregation behavior and the contribution of interactions (such as hydrogen bonds, Coulombic, aliphatic and π–π stacking interactions) to the aggregation of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium salts in water. Moreover, the possible structures of both aggregate and bulk phase in the aqueous solutions of ionic liquids are predicted also.
National Unity Struggles in Myanmar: A Degenerate Case of Governance for Harmony in Asia
Authors: Holliday Ian
Published: July 2007

In common with many Asian governments, Myanmar's military junta makes frequent appeals to harmony. However, incessant demands that the nation cultivate a narrowly conceived and centrally imposed unity make this a degenerate case of governance for harmony in which militaristic calls for discipline, strength, and vigilance hold sway.
The Music of the State: Vietnam's Quest for a National Anthem
Authors: Gibbs Jason
Published: July 2007

This paper traces the history of the Vietnamese national anthem. It examines the selection of Van Cao's "Tiêên quâân ca" [Advancing Army Song] and the various alternatives that existed during Vietnam's unsettled twentieth century history. The meaning of the national anthem is also compared with an earlier music of the state, the ritual music of the court.
Vietnamese Political Studies and Debates on Vietnamese Nationalism
Authors: Vu Tuong
Published: July 2007

This essay reviews the study of Vietnamese politics, specifically the debates about Vietnamese nationalism that have preoccupied scholars. The field has undergone two growth spurts——one in the mid 1960s and the other since the mid 1980s. These periods of growth were precipitated by Cold War politics and political developments in the United States and Vietnam, and the debates on Vietnamese nationalism evolved in a way that corresponded to trends in the field as a whole. When the field shifted, the tone of the debates and the major arguments advanced also shifted. Clearly, politics has had a deep impact not only on the development of the field but also on its scholarship.
Effects of IGF-I bioavailability on bovine preantral follicular development in vitro
Authors: Thomas Fiona H , Campbell Bruce K , Armstrong David G , Telfer Evelyn E
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of regulation of IGF-I bioavailability on preantral follicle development in vitro. Bovine preantral follicles were cultured for 6 days in serum-free medium with increasing doses of Long R3 (LR3) IGF-I (an analog with low affinity for IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs)), or human recombinant IGF-I (hrIGF-I). Follicle diameter and estradiol production were measured every second day. On day 6, ratios of oocyte/follicle diameter and oocyte morphology were assessed by histological examination, and IGFBP-2 and -3 were detected by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization respectively. Both types of IGF-I increased follicle diameter in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05) and increased estradiol production over control levels (P < 0.05). However, follicles treated with LR3 IGF-I and the highest concentration of hrIGF-I (1000 ng/ml) had smaller oocyte/follicle ratios, and increased oocyte degeneration, compared with controls or follicles treated with physiological concentrations of hrIGF-I (P < 0.05). IGFBPs were detected in cultured preantral follicles, indicating a requirement for regulation of IGF bioavailability during the early stages of follicular development. Specifically, IGFBP-3 mRNA was found to be expressed in oocytes, and IGFBP-2 immunoreactivity was detected in oocytes and granulosa cells of cultured follicles. In summary, the regulation of IGF-I bioavailability by IGFBPs is necessary for the co-ordination of oocyte and follicle development in vitro.
Organizational Ontology and The Moral Status of the Corporation
Authors: Seabright Mark A. , Kurke Lance B.
Published: July 2007

This paper explores an ontological approach to the issue of whether corporations, like individuals, are morally responsible for their actions. More specifically, we investigate the identity of organizations relative to the individuals that compose them. Based on general systems theory, the traditional assumption is that social collectives are more complex, variable, and loosely coupled than individuals. This assumption rests on two premises. The first is a view of the individual as simple, stable, and tightly coupled (i.e., unitary). The second premise is that the relationship between social collectives and their members is characterized by the complete inclusion of individuals in higher order systems.

We examine the social science literature that bears on these premises and conclude that they are false. The differences between organizations and individuals in the magnitude of complexity or variability appear to be minimal or nonexistent. An implication of our analysis is that individuals and organizations are coterminous and, therefore, inseparable as moral agents.
Corporate Soulcraft in the Age of Brutal Markets
Authors: Johnson Elmer W.
Published: July 2007

The economic and political arguments for the market principle over alternative forms of economic organization are to my mind irrefutable. It is on the moral level that the perplexing concerns about capitalism center, concerns that have been raised from the beginnings of the industrial era down to the present time. This essay focuses on one major aspect of the ongoing moral test of capitalism: the test of whether our major corporations can both succeed in their profit-making efforts and also serve as one of society’s chief mediating structures that stand, like family, church and community, between the individual and the state. Should the corporation serve not simply as a utilitarian arrangement for the efficient production of high quality goods and services, but also as a moral community that shapes human character and behavior? How can it do so in this age of brutal markets?

James Q. Wilson, professor of management at UCLA, has no doubt about the answer. In an article last year, he said: “The problem of imbuing large-scale enterprise with a decent moral life is fundamental.” Corporations “are systems of human action that cannot for long command the loyalty of their members if their standards of collective action are materially lower than those of their individual members.” Capitalists should recognize, he concluded, “that, while free markets will ruthlessly eliminate inefficient firms, the moral sentiments of man will only gradually and uncertainly penalize immoral ones. But, while the quick destruction of inefficient corporations threatens only individual firms, the slow anger at immoral ones threatens capitalism, and thus freedom itself.”
The Narcissism and Moral Mazes of Corporate Life: A Comment on the Writings of Howard Schwartz and Robert Jackall
Authors: Norton Thomas W.
Published: July 2007

A growing number of organizational theorists have become skeptical about some of the more hallowed ideas of their field. They sense that there is a serious divergence between the nature of organizational life as it is described in theory and as it is experienced in practice. And they believe, therefore, that some corrective efforts are in order to redress this problem.
Aristotle: A Pre-Modern Post-Modern? Implications for Business Ethics
Authors: Duska Ronald F.
Published: July 2007

The paper asserts that the post-modern rejection of “modern” theoretical accounts including ethical-theoretical accounts as unacceptable meta-narratives would concur with an Aristotelian critique of contemporary ethical theories. Hence and Aristotelian critique will be similar to a post-modern critique. The paper sketches an account of what post-modernism in philosophy is and shows its similarity to Aristoteleanism in rejecting “modern” approaches in a significant way since an Aristotelian approach uses different criteria for what counts as ethical knowledge. The paper suggests that if one follows the lead of Aristotle outlined in Book One Chapter Three of the Nichomachean Ethics applied ethics can be seen as similar to what Aristotle called “Rhetoric,” for in the Rhetoric Aristotle shows how one should engage in discourse about issues of the just and the good. The final section addresses the problem of how an Aristotelian approach can avoid the relativism of post-modernism.
Business Ethics and Postmodernism: A Response
Authors: Rasmussen David M.
Published: July 2007

“Business Ethics and Postmodernism: A Response” considers the contribution of Ronald Green, David Schmidt, Clarence Walton, Ron Duska, and Richard Neilsen to a special issue of Business Ethics Quarterly entitled “Business Ethics and Postmodernism.” This essay poses a fundamental question: to what extent can a position which characterizes itself as postmodern be ethical? The paper argues on philosophical grounds that the debate between modernity and postmodernity is a debate over the very possibility of an ethic. The paper concludes that although Jacque Derrida has made the most convincing argument for an ethic within postmodernity, it remains skeptical because such an argument simply presupposes assumptions which owe their origin to modernity.
Gambling: A Preliminary Inquiry
Authors: Newton Lisa
Published: July 2007

In all the criticisms that have shadowed the financial industry in recent years, the burden seems to be, that the reckless (as opposed to malicious) bankers too often took money of which they were the appointed stewards, and used it for speculation, especially in junk bonds. As Shaheen Borna and James Lowry argue in their “Gambling and Speculation” (the only article on gambling that I was able to raise on my computer) business speculation is probably wrong, since it is very like gambling, which everyone knows is wrong. But why is gambling wrong? If we, as the ethicists of business, are to adopt an uncharacteristically judgmental posture toward the most venerable American institutions, occupying the tallest and closest of American buildings, by calling their residents “gamblers,” then surely we ought to be able to provide an account of the blameworthiness of gambling itself. That, at any rate, is the challenge I set myself for this paper.
Judaism, Business and Privacy
Authors: Dorff Elliot N.
Published: July 2007

This article first describes some of the chief contrasts between Judaism and American secularism in their underlying convictions about the business environment and the expectations which all involved in business can have of each other—namely, duties vs. rights, communitarianism vs. individualism, and ties to God and to the environment based on our inherent status as God’s creatures rather than on our pragmatic choice. Conservative Judaism’s methodology for plumbing the Jewish tradition for guidance is described and contrasted to those of Orthodox and Reform Judaism.

One example of how Conservative Judaism can inform us on a current matter is developed at some length—namely, privacy in the workplace. That section discusses (1) the reasons for protecting privacy; (2) protection from intrusion, including employer spying; (3) protection from disclosure of that intended to remain private; (4) individualistic vs. communitarian approaches to grounding the concern for privacy; and (5) contemporary implications for insuring privacy in business.
Business in an Age of Downsizing
Authors: Childs James M.
Published: July 2007

Fundamental theological and ethical themes of Luther’s thought and tradition provide a basis for appreciating both the role of business in God’s providential design and the importance of occupation for living out one’s Christian vocation. These same insights establish the ethical basis for a critical appraisal of the current practice of downsizing and its negative impact on the quality of individual lives and whole communities. While Lutheran ethics is realistic about the ambiguities of life, it is also an ethic of compassionate love seeking justice in the world of business as in all of life.
A Global Ethic in an Age of Globalization
Authors: Küng Hans
Published: July 2007

Starting from the four theses that globalization is unavoidable, ambivalent, incalculable, and can be controlled rationally, ethics has an indispensable and important role to play in the process of globalization. Indeed, a number of international documents published in the 1990s not only acknowledge human rights but also speak explicitly of human responsibilities. The author pleads for the primacy of ethics over politics and economics and, in reviewing both the Interfaith Declaration for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and the Caux Roundtable Principles for Business Conduct, he raises the question about the foundation for the unconditional validity of particular basic ethical values and attitudes. In Küng’s view, no universal ethic, but only religion, expressed by the three prophetic religions, the mystical religions of Indian origin, and the wisdom religions of Chinese origin, can provide this foundation. Yet, religion as a spiritual resource intends to influence concrete behavior and decision making. Therefore, the author stresses the importance of a personality culture for business executives and an “ethic of responsibility” to shape business culture and institutions. He then proposes the Declaration of the Parliament of the World’s Religions Toward a Global Ethic as a basis to develop a business ethics that can be supported by believers and non- believers alike.
In Defense of a Paradox
Authors: Goodpaster Kenneth E. , Holloran Thomas E.
Published: July 2007

Our approach in this response is as follows. In § 1, we try to identify accurately Boatright’s central claims—both about Goodpaster’s original paper and about matters of substance independent of that paper. In § 2 and 3, we discuss the plausibility of those claims, first from a legal point of view and then from a moral point of view. Finally, in § 4, we defend the concept of paradox (and, in particular, the Stakeholder Paradox) as a limitation on practical reason which is not necessarily to be lamented. In fact, we believe, some paradoxes are better preserved from rather than guided toward resolution.
Decision-Making Processes on Ethical Issues: The Impact of a Social Contract Perspective
Authors: Robertson Diana C. , Ross William T.
Published: July 2007

This paper develops a framework for examining decision making about ethical issues and tests the applicability of a social contract perspective. Using two separate samples of students and salespeople, we determine that community members (salespeople) tend to judge a potentially unethical act to constitute a violation of an implicit social contract and non-community members (students) do not. Also, consistent with the emphasis on context specificity of integrative social contracts theory, situational variables influence perceptions of ethicality for the community members, but do not affect the perceptions of individuals outside the community. The study finds considerable support for the use of a social contractarian perspective in the study of decision-making processes about ethical issues.
The Ethics of Genetic Screening in the Workplace
Authors: Kupfer Joseph
Published: July 2007

This paper clarifies the nature of genetic screening and morally evaluates using it to deny people employment. Four sets of variables determine screening’s ability to forecast disorder. The first two concern epistemological limitations: whether the gene itself has been located; whether knowledge of other family members is necessary. The latter two refer to genetic causality: whether other genes are needed; whether the gene causes the disorder or just a susceptibility to it.

Considerations of privacy and justice warrant restricting screening to job-specific disorders, without prejudice to the worker. Screening is more of an invasion of privacy than most “searches” because our very selves are disclosed; serious stigmatizing can result. It is unjust to penalize someone for a susceptibility to a disorder. It is also unjust to use the genetic knowledge and technology, developed with public monies allocated for public good, against members of the public.
Rationality, Ethical Codes, and an Egalitarian Justification of Ethical Expertise: Implications for Professions and Organizations
Authors: Dienhart John
Published: July 2007

In order to understand the nature of ethical evaluation as promoted by ethical codes and as practiced by ethicists, we need to understand the notions of rationality and judgment in terms of which codes are developed and ethical pronouncements are made. Although this paper focuses on what might be called “professional contexts” of ethical evaluation, the proposed view of rationality and judgment is argued to be common to all defensible ethical judgments. The paper begins by examining a classical interpretation of rationality which asserts that rational judgments are universal, necessary, and rule-guided. This is contrasted with a more robust and arguably superior view of rationality articulated by Norman Brown. Brown argues that rational judgments are neither universal, necessary, nor rule-guided. This non-classical view implies that ethical judgments are rational and can be justified in the same way that judgments in law and medicine can be justified. However, if ethics is not a matter of following rules, the very possibility of ethical codes is in doubt. A brief survey of some standard objections to ethical codes shows that they often tacitly rely on the non-classical sense of rationality to show that ethical codes are defective in the way just described: that is, as instruments designed to promote rote, non-rational behavior, codes cannot promote the rational responses that form the core of ethical behavior. However, a closer look at ethical codes reveals that they are not sets of rules. On the contrary, many codes are designed to promote the very kind of non-classical rational judgment that critics argue codes cannot promote. As a result, many of the standard objections to codes are misguided. Yet, this analysis does not suggest that codes are problem free, but rather that their problems are different from what has been traditionally thought. One apparent problem of this analysis is that the similarity of ethical reasoning to legal and medical reasoning suggests that there are ethical experts just as there are legal and medical experts. Although the notion of ethical expertise is one that is thought to be elitist and oppressive, I argue that there is a defensible analysis of ethical expertise that is fundamentally egalitarian. Finally, some ramifications of this analysis are suggested for organizational ethical codes and the practice of business ethics consulting. It is suggested that organizations can play a crucial role in solving some of the most pressing social problems we have, such as those concerning race and gender.
International Business Ethics: The Aluminum Companies in Jamaica
Authors: Velasquez Manuel
Published: July 2007

I evaluate the adequacy of the three models of international business ethics that have been recently proposed by Thomas Donaldson, Gerard Elfstrom and Richard De George. Using the example of the conduct of the aluminum companies in Jamaica, I argue that these three models fail to address the most important of the ethical issues encountered by multinationals because they focus too narrowly on human rights issues and on utilitarian considerations. In addition I argue that these models also evidence an inadequate understanding of microeconomic theory. I end by proposing that these defects can be remedied by a model of ethics that incorporates a theory of moral rights, a utilitarian-based theory of the market, and a theory of justice.
Ethics, Technology Development, and Innovation
Authors: Norcia Vincent di
Published: July 2007

The aim of this essay is to present a model of ethical technology management which assumes that elites who make the system design and development decisions should minimize the risks to stakeholders rather than maximize gains for their organizations. Given the unsettled state in ehical theory a familiar substantive Social, Economic, Environmental and Rights value set or ‘SEER’ ethic is presented. To enable foresight of the negative SEER effects of innovations a technology life cycle is introduced. A cognate issue life cycle is presented to facilitate the ethical resolution of SEER issues associated with such effects. The resultant problem of increased front end load delays and costs, due to ongoing system redesign and stakeholder discussions is found to preferable to high ‘rear end load’ crisis costs, e.g., of the Ford Pinto, Exxon Valdez, Dalkon IUD Shield, and the Union Carbide Bhopal plant. Furthermore the model promises improved returns on the capital investments involved, indications for further research in ethics, economics and organizational theory are noted.

“Technology is not preordained. There are choices to be made.”

—Ursula Franklin, The Real World of Technology
Business Ethics: Knowing Ourselves
Authors: Castro Barry
Published: July 2007

The author argues that a continuing effort to avoid self-deception is the pre-requisite to any ethical analysis; that this effort cannot be altogether successful; that it is likely to even be dysfunctional in a variety of organizational contexts, perhaps particularly in the context of corporate middle management, but that it ought not therefore be ignored. It is contended that business ethicists should be committed to making the difficulties associated with self-scrutiny explicit. Finally, it is argued that in order to do that legitimately for the corporation, university based business ethicists must be willing to face up to parallel difficulties in the university generally and in the school of business in particular.
The Empirical Performance of Cognitive Moral Development in Predicting Behavioral Intent
Authors: Robin Donald P. , Gordon Gus , Jordan Charles , Reidenbach R. Eric
Published: July 2007

The substantial work on cognitive moral development (CMD) by Lawrence Kohlberg and James Rest popularized the use of this construct in the literature on business ethics. This construct has been prominently used in models attempting to explain ethical/unethical behavior in management, marketing, and accounting, even though Kohlberg did not intend for the construct to be used in that manner. As a predictor of behavior, CMD has been attacked on the theoretical level, and its empirical performance has been weak. This article uses another established construct, which seems to satisfy the central criticisms of CMD, as a means of testing those complaints. The comparative multidimensional ethics scale (MES) substantially outperforms CMD, operationalized using Rest's Defining Issues Test, in every test. These results seem to suggest that other options perform better than CMD when the purpose is to model ethical/unethical behavior or even ethical judgment.
Welcoming Another CMD Instrument — The MES: But Don't Throw out the MJI or DIT Just Yet!
Authors: Weber James
Published: July 2007

This review offers a cautious acceptance of the Multidimensional Ethics Scale (MES) developed by Robin, Gordon, Jordan and Reidenbach. While the contribution of the MES to future empirical research of individuals’ moral reasoning is welcomed, a number of reservations or criticisms are raised regarding theory confusion, instrument confusion, and fears arising when using the MES. I conclude that the MES is a valuable compliment to existing moral reasoning instruments — the Moral Judgment Interview and the Defining Issues Test — but not a replacement of these instruments.
Terms of Global Business Engagement in Ethically Challenging Environments: Applications to Burma
Authors: Schermerhorn John R.
Published: July 2007

Today’s international business environment is complicated by human rights abuses and social and economic repression in various countries. This paper introduces controversies with foreign investment in Burma to develop and describe alternative terms of global business engagement in ethically challenging settings. Two forms of engagement—unrestricted and constructive—and two forms of non-engagement—principled and sanctioned—are discussed. All four alternatives are examined for their ethical, social change, and cultural foundations. Additional considerations are posed in respect to constructive engagement, moral leadership by global business executives, needs for model building and evaluative research, and realities in the ethical context of global business.
Obedience to Authority and Ethical Dilemmas in Hong Kong Companies
Authors: Snell Robin S.
Published: July 2007

This paper reports a phenomenological sub-study of a larger project investigating the way Hong Kong Chinese staff tackled their own ethical dilemmas at work. A special analysis was conducted of eight dilemma cases arising from a request by a boss or superior authority to do something regarded as ethically wrong. In reports of most such cases, staff expressed feelings of contractual or interpersonally based obligation to obey. They sought to save face and preserve harmony in their relationship with authority by choosing between “little potato” obedience, token obedience, and undercover disobedience. Only where no such obligation existed was face in relation to authority unimportant, and open disobedience chosen. In Kohlbergian terms, ethical reasoning at the conventional stages (three and four) predominated in dilemmas of obedience. Findings imply that if corruption were to originate at the top, codes of conduct recently introduced into Hong Kong may be of limited effect in stalling it.
Don Quixote and the Problem of Idealism and Realism in Business Ethics
Authors: Klein Sherwin
Published: July 2007

I discuss the characters Don Quixote and Sancho Panza and their relationship in order to understand better the place of idealistic theory and realistic practice in business ethics. The realism of Sancho Panza is required to made the idealism of Don Quixote effective. Indeed, the interaction and development of these characters can serve as a model for both the effective communication between and blending of the idealistic moral theoretician and the practical businessperson. Specifically, I argue that a quixotified Sancho Panza, as a combination of theoretical idealism and practical realism, is necessary for managerial statesmanship. I first consider the position that this concept is unrealistic. In the final section, however, I show that a number of leadership and business theorists believe that managerial statesmanship requires a quixotified Sancho Panza. I also consider the question, what helps to make a quixotic vision for business ethical, and what is its content?