bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The peripheral cannabinoid receptor knockout mice: an update
Authors: Buckley N E 
Published: October 2007

This review gives an overview of the CB2receptor (CB2R) knockout (CB2R−/−) mice phenotype and the work that has been carried out using this mutant mouse. Using the CB2R−/−mice, investigators have discovered the involvement of CB2R on immune cell function and development, infection, embryonic development, bone loss, liver disorders, pain, autoimmune inflammation, allergic dermatitis, atherosclerosis, apoptosis and chemotaxis. Using the CB2R−/−mice, investigators have also found that this receptor is not involved in cannabinoid‐induced hypotension. In addition, the CB2R−/−mice have been used to determine specific tissue CB2R expression. The specificity of synthetic cannabinoid agonists, antagonists and anti‐CB2R antibodies has been screened using tissues from CB2R−/−mice. Thus, the use of this mouse model has greatly helped reveal the diverse events involving the CB2R, and has aided in drug and antibody screening.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 309–318; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707527; published online 29 October 2007
The hydrogen sulphide‐releasing derivative of diclofenac protects against ischaemia–reperfusion injury in the isolated rabbit heart
Authors: Rossoni G , Sparatore A , Tazzari V , Manfredi B , Soldato P Del , Berti F 
Published: October 2007

Background and purpose:Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous mediator active in the multilevel regulation of pathophysiological functions in mammalian cardiovascular tissues.Experimental approach:This study investigated the pharmacological activity of a new H2S‐releasing derivative of diclofenac, S‐diclofenac (2‐[(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)amino]benzeneacetic acid 4‐(3H‐1,2‐dithiole‐3‐thione‐5‐yl)‐phenyl ester) in the isolated rabbit heart submitted to low‐flow ischaemia‐reperfusion damage.Key results:S‐diclofenac (3, 10 and 30 μM), despite inhibiting prostacyclin generation by cardiac tissues, achieved dose‐dependent normalization of coronary perfusion pressure, reducing left ventricular contracture during ischaemia and improving left ventricular developed pressure and ±dP/dtmaxat reperfusion. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in heart perfusates were significantly reduced during reperfusion. These effects were accompanied by substantial release of reduced glutathione (GSH), indicating that the H2S moiety may have up‐regulated cysteine transport. The anti‐ischaemic activities of S‐diclofenac and the H2S‐donor sodium hydro sulphide (NaHS) were partially prevented by the KATPchannel antagonist glibenclamide, suggesting a mechanism similar to H2S‐induced cardioprotection in metabolic ischaemic preconditioning. Perfusion with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine worsened the myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion damage, but this was dose‐dependently prevented by S‐diclofenac and NaHS, suggesting that the released H2S may have overcome NO deficiency.Conclusion and implications:These data show that S‐diclofenac had marked anti‐ischaemic activity in ischaemic‐reperfused rabbit hearts despite inhibition of prostaglandin generation. Increased GSH formation leading to activation of KATPchannels may have contributed to this beneficial effect. The pharmacological profile of S‐diclofenac and its anti‐inflammatory activity, with diminished gastrointestinal side effects, offer therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 100–109; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707540; published online 29 October 2007
Compartmentalization of endocannabinoids into lipid rafts in a dorsal root ganglion cell line
Authors: Rimmerman N , Hughes H V , Bradshaw H B , Pazos M X , Mackie K , Prieto A L , Walker J M 
Published: October 2007

Background and purpose:N‐arachidonoyl ethanolamine (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG) are endogenous cannabinoids binding to the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in primary afferent neurons. To investigate the compartmentalization of the machinery for AEA and 2‐AG signalling, we studied their partitioning into lipid raft fractions isolated from a dorsal root ganglion X neuroblastoma cell line (F‐11).Experimental approach:F‐11 cells were homogenized and fractionated using a detergent‐free OptiPrep density gradient. All lipids were partially purified from methanolic extracts of the fractions on solid phase cartridges and quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Protein distribution was determined by Western blotting.Key results:Under basal conditions, the endogenous cannabinoid AEA was present in both lipid raft and specific non‐lipid raft fractions as was one of its biosynthetic enzymes, NAPE‐PLD. The 2‐AG precursor 1‐stearoyl‐2‐arachidonoyl‐sn‐glycerol (DAG), diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), which cleaves DAG to form 2‐AG, and 2‐AG were all co‐localized with lipid raft markers. CB1 receptors, previously reported to partition into lipid raft fractions, were not detected in F‐11 membranes, but CB2 receptors were detected at high levels and partitioned into non‐lipid raft fractions.Conclusions and implications:The biochemical machinery for the production of 2‐AG via the putative diacylglycerol pathway is localized within lipid rafts, suggesting that 2‐AG synthesis via DAG occurs within these microdomains. The observed co‐localization of AEA, 2‐AG, and their synthetic enzymes with the reported localization of CB1 raises the possibility of intrinsic‐autocrine signalling within lipid raft domains and/or retrograde‐paracrine signalling.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 380–389; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707561; published online 29 October 2007
Enhancement by lithium of cAMP-induced CRE/CREB-directed gene transcription conferred by TORC on the CREB basic leucine zipper domain
Authors: Böer Ulrike , Eglins Julia , Krause Doris , Schnell Susanne , Schöfl Christof , Knepel Willhart 
Published: October 2007

The molecular mechanism of the action of lithium salts in the treatment of bipolar disorder is not well understood. As their therapeutic action requires chronic treatment, adaptive neuronal processes are suggested to be involved. The molecular basis of this are changes in gene expression regulated by transcription factors such as CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein). CREB contains a transactivation domain, in which Ser119 is phosphorylated upon activation, and a bZip (basic leucine zipper domain). The bZip is involved in CREB dimerization and DNA-binding, but also contributes to CREB transactivation by recruiting the coactivator TORC (transducer of regulated CREB). In the present study, the effect of lithium on CRE (cAMP response element)/CREB-directed gene transcription was investigated. Electrically excitable cells were transfected with CRE/CREB-driven luciferase reporter genes. LiCl (6 mM or higher) induced an up to 4.7-fold increase in 8-bromo-cAMP-stimulated CRE/CREB-directed transcription. This increase was not due to enhanced Ser119 phosphorylation or DNA-binding of CREB. Also, the known targets inositol monophosphatase and GSK3β (glycogen-synthase-kinase 3β) were not involved as specific GSK3β inhibitors and inositol replenishment did not mimic and abolish respectively the effect of lithium. However, lithium no longer enhanced CREB activity when the CREB-bZip was deleted or the TORC-binding site inside the CREB-bZip was specifically mutated (CREB-R300A). Otherwise, TORC overexpression conferred lithium responsiveness on CREB-bZip or the CRE-containing truncated rat somatostatin promoter. This indicates that lithium enhances cAMP-induced CRE/CREB-directed transcription, conferred by TORC on the CREB-bZip. We thus support the hypothesis that lithium salts modulate CRE/CREB-dependent gene transcription and suggest the CREB coactivator TORC as a new molecular target of lithium.
The virtual human: Towards a global systems biology of multiscale, distributed biochemical network models
Authors: Kell Douglas B. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThere is an emerging recognition of the importance of modelling large‐scale biochemical systems, with the ‘digital human’ an obviously desirable goal. This will then permit researchers to analyse the behaviour of such systems in silico so as to be able to perform ‘what‐if?’ experiments prior to determining whether they are actually worthwhile or not, and for understanding whether a particular model does in fact describe or predict experimental observations. Existing and developing standards such as SBML are beginning to permit the principled storage and exchange of biochemical network models, while environments for effecting distributed workflows (such as Taverna) will allow us to link together these models and their behaviour. This allows the local experts to work on those parts of cellular or organellar biochemistry on which they have most expertise, while making their results available to the community as a whole. This kind of architecture permits the distributed yet integrated goal of an evolving ‘digital human’ model to be realized. IUBMB Life, 59: 689‐695, 2007
Micro‐thermonuclear AB‐reactors for aviation
Authors: Bolonkin Alexander 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper's aim is to suggest a new micro‐thermonuclear reactor for aerospace.Design/methodology/approachMethods of the thermonuclear physics are used for the research.FindingsThe result is new micro‐thermonuclear reactor with very small fuel pellet that uses plasma confinement generated by multi‐reflection of laser beam or its own magnetic field. The Lawson criterion increases by hundreds of times. The author also suggests a new method of heating the power‐making fuel pellet by outer electric current as well as new direct method of transformation of ion kinetic energy into harvestable electricity. These offered innovations dramatically decrease the size, weight and cost of thermonuclear reactor, installation, propulsion system and electric generator.Practical implicationsThe author is researching the efficiency of these innovations for two types of the micro‐thermonuclear reactors: multi‐reflection reactor (inertial confinement fusion) and self‐magnetic reactor (magnetic confinement fusion).Originality/valueThe author offers several innovations. Results may be used for the design of thermonuclear aerospace engines, propulsion and electric generators.
High tech M&A – strategic valuation
Authors: Patrick Lemieux Odilon , Banks John C. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how Sarbanes‐Oxley is motivating corporate boards to bring heightened scrutiny for all aspects of the acquisition process, including valuation. This paper examines how in addition to the high‐tech M&A strategic objective, the decision on the post closing integration strategy should be considered as part of a target's firm valuation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper argues that, within the high‐tech sector, the target firm characteristics in relation to the market are not sufficient for the basis of valuation. Planned management interventions, including the acquirer's management integration strategy decision, should also be considered. It further argues that intellectual capital retention, an important element of the target firm's valuation, is directly related to how closely the pace and degree of integration matches the acquirer's strategic objectives and the outcome of the due diligence.FindingsBased on the findings from a set of interviews with M&A practitioners in the high‐tech field, due diligence, post closing integration planning and identity are viewed as important factors to the acquisition outcome. They appear not to be considered for the target firm valuation, which may result in an acquirer paying an excessive premium.Practical implicationsFinally the paper proposes a framework to guide high‐tech firms to select an integration strategy and its valuation impact in relation to the acquisition strategic objective, the due diligence outcome and the integration strategy.Originality/valueThe outcome of this project is raising the importance of due diligence and post integration strategy in relation to other factors that impact transaction outcome such as intellectual capital retention and valuation.
Human capital valuation: tripartite paradigm framework and narratives
Authors: Cox Donovan , Wilcock Anne , Aung May 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new measure for organization health. It is proposed that the Donohue tripartite paradigm model can be used to pierce the veneer of the satisficing account to identify the moral appraisal stakeholders have made of corporate strategies based on external (i.e. economic, etc.) standards.Design/methodology/approachA cognitive mapping process through narratives is used to operationalize a tripartite paradigm framework to measure human capital. An existential‐phenomenological approach is adopted to ensure the figural integrity of data.FindingsThis paper can be viewed as the prototypical development phase for a methodology to support future real‐time ethical inquiry concerning social responsibility within the corporate world.Research limitations/implicationsThe tripartite paradigm model expressed by Donohue was intended for “real‐time” application. This study, however, proposed a retrospective analysis of stakeholder decision‐making within a firm as a means of unearthing any deficiencies that might block the operationalization of Donohue's generalist theory.Practical implicationsThis appraisal can identify the conflict of conscience that characterizes a stakeholder's “lived‐worlds” based on their participation and exposure to company decision making. This diagnostic tool can assist stakeholders in identifying evidence of decline early enough in the history of an organization for proactive remedial action to be taken.Originality/valueIt is the hope of this study that the proposed cognitive mapping process can derive a measure of organizational health through an existential‐phenomenological approach to ensure the integrity of the data. Ultimately, the aim is that this will be a tool that can explore the phenomenon of misrepresentation and its effect on social cooperation within a market culture.
An intellectual capital evaluation approach in a government organization
Authors: Dalkir Kimiz , Wiseman Erica , Shulha Michael , McIntyre Susan 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment framework for evaluating the success of knowledge management (KM) initiatives in a government setting.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used was to first conduct a brief review of the leading thinking on KM and intellectual capital (IC) measurement approaches. The selection process used to recommend the results‐based management assessment framework (RMAF) as the most appropriate measurement framework is then discussed together with the development of logic models for all KM objectives. Finally, the validation methodology used, a survey design and data collection methodology, is described.FindingsThe study finds that the RMAF framework proved to be a good fit for KM assessment in a government setting.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation of KM and IC are necessarily organization‐specific. Further research is needed to report on the generalizability of this evaluation approach.Practical implicationsThe KM evaluation approach proposed here helped the government organization translate its KM strategy into action and enhanced management of the KM program. The proposed evaluation approach will help ensure that each type of stakeholder receives assessment results in a form that is of greatest use to them.Originality/valueWhile there are many KM and IC metrics described in the literature, there have been limited attempts to address the evaluation question from a more holistic perspective. This paper shows how quantitative and qualitative measures can be combined to better assess the success of KM initiatives in a systematic and concrete manner.
Towards workplace flexibility: flexitime arrangements in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Jayabandu Suranga 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present and discuss the findings of a study on flexitime as a novel people management practice emerging in Sri Lanka. Specifically, the paper presents and discusses factors that predict the level of satisfaction with flexitime, differences in attitudes towards flexitime, the effectiveness of flexitime as a strategy to attract and retain employees, and barriers that hinder its use.Design/methodology/approachA total of 108 employees involved in producing IT‐related output as their primary job function, from 30 software development companies, responded to the self‐administered survey questionnaire. In analysis, univariate, bivariate and multivariate techniques were adopted.FindingsFlexitime allowed autonomy to employees to harmonize work and non‐work demands on their time, resulting in better workplace relations. Overall, the findings support a non‐traditional approach to people management. However, the findings also have important implications for the design or modification of flexitime arrangements.Originality/valueThe majority of flexitime research is criticized for its theoretical nature, a failure to include statistical treatment of the data, and failure to pay specific attention to managerial and professional employees. Further, there is a marked absence of research‐led literature in developing countries to clarify the way in which non‐traditional people management practices work in different contexts. Specifically, no such studies have been conducted in the context of Sri Lanka.
The impact of HRM practices on organisational performance in the Indian hotel industry
Authors: Chand Mohinder , Katou Anastasia A. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe study has a two‐fold purpose: to investigate whether some specific characteristics of hotels affect organisational performance in the hotel industry in India; and to investigate whether some HRM systems affect organisational performance in the hotel industry in India.Design/methodology/approachA total of 439 hotels, ranging from three‐star to five‐star deluxe, responded to a self‐administered questionnaire that measured 27 HRM practices, five organisational performance variables, and ten demographic variables. Factor analysis was performed to identify HRM systems, one‐way ANOVA was employed to test the association of the demographic variables with organisational performance, and correlation analysis was used to test the relation between HRM systems and organisational performance.FindingsThe results indicate that hotel performance is positively associated with hotel category and type of hotel (chain or individual). Furthermore, hotel performance is positively related to the HRM systems of recruitment and selection, manpower planning, job design, training and development, quality circle, and pay systems.Research limitations/implicationsSingle respondent bias may have occurred because a single respondent from each organisation provided information on HRM practices and perceived measures of organisational performance. The sample was drawn from the population of best performing hotels in India, so is not representative of the hotel industry in India.Practical implicationsIf hotels are to achieve higher performance levels, they should preferably belong to a chain and increase their category, and management should focus on “best” HRM practices indicated in the study.Originality/valueThe study makes a modest attempt to add information to the very little empirical knowledge available referring to the link between HRM and performance in the hotel industry.
When in Rome …?
Authors: Björkman Ingmar , Budhwar Pawan 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine the kind of HRM practices being implemented by overseas firms in their Indian subsidiaries and also to analyze the linkage between HRM practices and organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative techniques via personal interviews in 76 subsidiaries.FindingsThe results show that while the introduction of HRM practices from the foreign parent organization is negatively associated with performance, local adaption of HRM practices is positively related with the performance of foreign firms operating in India.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations include data being collected by only one respondent from each firm, and the relatively small sample size.Practical implicationsThe key message for practitioners is that HRM systems do improve organizational performance in the Indian subsidiaries of foreign firms, and an emphasis on the localization of HRM practices can further contribute in this regard.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the very first investigation of its kind in the Indian context.
The relationship of organisational culture with productivity and quality
Authors: Mathew Jossy 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of organisational culture on productivity and quality in software organisations, with special reference to India.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study was done in two phases. The first phase adopts qualitative methodology and examines the significant aspects of organisational culture, productivity, and quality and the nature of the relationship organisational culture has with productivity and quality. The second phase makes a quantitative analysis of this relationship.FindingsThe study develops a range of insights into the way cultural processes tend to influence productivity and quality in people centric and knowledge intensive work contexts such as software.Research limitations/implicationsThis study employed perceptual measures of productivity and quality in the quantitative analysis. Future studies can develop objective criteria, which would facilitate robust quantitative analysis. Future studies should also explore whether the findings of this study have generalisability beyond the Indian context.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights into the management of productivity and quality in contexts where work is characterised by high levels of abstraction and invisibility.Originality/valueThere are very few empirical studies on this relationship in dynamic and sophisticated work contexts such as software and this further contributes to the debate concerning the impact of organisational culture on effectiveness.