bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peroxynitrite Diminishes Gap Junctional Communication: Protection by Selenite Supplementation
Authors: Sharov Victor S. , Briviba Karlis , Sies Helmut 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLoss of intercellular communication via gap junctions has been correlated with progression of cells to a malignant phenotype. Here, we show that peroxynitrite, a mediator of toxicity in inflammatory processes, diminishes gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in WB‐F344 rat liver epithelial cells, assayed by the scrapeloading dye‐transfer technique as well as by microinjection of a fluorescent dye into single cells. Exposure of cultured cells to a steady‐state concentration of peroxynitrite of 1.6 muM for 4 min or to 3‐morpholinosydnonimine (SIN‐1) at 0.5 mM strongly diminished GJIC. These concentrations of peroxynitrite or SIN‐1 were not cytotoxic. When cells were grown in a medium supplemented with sodium selenite (0.1‐1 muM) for 72 h, substantial protection was afforded against the decrease in GJIC by peroxynitrite. Thus, peroxynitrite can disrupt GJIC, and selenium‐containing proteins protect.
Glucose Erythrocyte Transporter in Women with Breast Cancer: Changes in Lipid Composition of Erythrocyte Membrane
Authors: Cresp C. , Quevedo S. , Roca P. , Palou A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWomen with breast cancer show altered blood glucose compartmentation compared with healthy women, with lower concentrations in plasma and similar concentrations in blood cells. The goal of this paper was to study whether this pattern was the result of changes in the erythrocyte glucose transporter and, if so, to assess the possible changes in lipid environment of the erythrocyte membrane. In 12 women with different degrees of breast cancer and 12 age‐matched healthy women, the lipid composition of erythrocyte membrane and erythrocyte glucose transport were studied. Women with breast cancer showed changes in both the kinetic variables and the lipid environment of the glucose transporter, in keeping with an increase in fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane. The results obtained would account, in part, for the changes in glucose compartmentation.
Regulation of Human eIF4E by 4E‐BP1: Binding Analysis Using Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Youtani Takeshi , Tomoo Koji , Ishida Toshimasa , Miyoshi Hiroshi , Miura Kin‐Ichiro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe interaction between recombinant human eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4E and recombinant glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐fused human 4E‐binding protein (BP)1 was analyzed by using the surface plasmon resonance method. The association rate of 4E‐BP1 with eIF4E increased by about two orders of magnitude in the presence of m7GTP (a model compound of mRNA cap structure), but the dissociation rate was scarcely affected, indicating the cap‐dependent binding of 4E‐BP1 to eIF4E. On the other hand, phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 weakened its interaction with eIF4E whether m7GTP was present or not. However, phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 already associated with eIF4E or its m7GTP complex did not cause any change of the association, probably because of incomplete phosphorylation. This suggests that the regulation of eIF4E by 4E‐BP phosphorylation is performed at its free state, not when it is in the associated state with eIF4E. Given these results, we discuss how 4E‐BP regulates eIF4E at the first step of translation initiation.
The value of different customer satisfaction and loyalty metrics in predicting customer retention, recommendation, and share‐of‐wallet
Authors: Keiningham Timothy L. , Cooil Bruce , Aksoy Lerzan , Andreassen Tor W. , Weiner Jay 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine different customer satisfaction and loyalty metrics and test their relationship to customer retention, recommendation and share of wallet using micro (customer) level data.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study come from a two‐year longitudinal Internet panel of over 8,000 US customers of firms in one of three industries (retail banking, mass‐merchant retail, and Internet service providers (ISPs)). Correlation analysis, CHAID, and three types of regression analyses (best‐subsets, ordinal logistic, and latent class ordinal logistic regression) were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsContrary to Reichheld's assertions, the results indicate that recommend intention alone will not suffice as a single predictor of customers' future loyalty behavior. Use of a multiple indicator instead of a single predictor model performs better in predicting customer recommendations and retention.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the paper is that it uses data from only three industries.Practical implicationsThe presumption of managers when looking at recommend intention as the primary, even sole gauge of customer loyalty appears to be erroneous. The consequence is potential misallocations of resources due to myopic focus on customers' recommend intentions.Originality/valueThis is the first scientific study that examines recommend intentions and its impact on retention and recommendation on the micro (customer) level.
Heme oxygenase‐1 inhibits T cell‐dependent skin inflammation and differentiation and function of antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Listopad Joanna , Asadullah Khusru , Sievers Claudia , Ritter Thomas , Meisel Christian , Sabat Robert , Döcke Wolf‐Dietrich 
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is increased in psoriatic skin. We asked for the impact of physiological and pharmacological HO‐1 induction on skin immunity and the mechanisms involved in HO‐1‐induced immunomodulation. We found cutaneous HO‐1 expression upregulated comparable with suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS)1 and SOCS3 in psoriasis and atopic eczema and temporarily increased in murine ovalbumin‐induced late phase reaction (LPR) and 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)‐induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS). Cutaneous inflammation was enhanced by HO‐1 inhibition and was abrogated by treatment with the HO‐1 inducer cobaltic protoporphyrin (CoPP) both when applied around sensitization or before challenge. HO‐1 inhibition specifically prevented the anti‐inflammatory CoPP effect. CoPP inhibited T cell proliferation in splenocytes of treated mice and in human mixed leukocyte reaction and lymphocyte transformation test. CoPP induced HO‐1 in antigen‐presenting cells and depressed monocytic accessory molecule expression and the differentiation and maturation of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDC). It decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐12 production while increasing IL‐10 secretion. The antigen‐presenting capacity was diminished in CoPP‐treated and HO‐1‐transduced MDDC. We demonstrate for the first time the physiological role of HO‐1 in the limitation of skin inflammation and implement pharmacological HO‐1 induction as a therapeutic approach for T cell‐dependent inflammatory dermatoses. Suppression of antigen‐presenting cells may represent a main anti‐inflammatory mechanism of HO‐1.
Bacteroides
sp. Strain D8, the First Cholesterol-Reducing Bacterium Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Gérard Philippe , Lepercq Pascale , Leclerc Marion , Gavini Françoise , Raibaud Pierre , Juste Catherine 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The microbial community in the human colon contains bacteria that reduce cholesterol to coprostanol, but the species responsible for this conversion are still unknown. We describe here the first isolation and characterization of a cholesterol-reducing bacterium of human intestinal origin. Strain D8 was isolated from a 10
−8
dilution of a fresh stool sample provided by a senior male volunteer with a high capacity to reduce luminal cholesterol to coprostanol. Cholesterol-to-coprostanol conversion by strain D8 started on the third day, while cells were in stationary phase, and was almost complete after 7 days. Intermediate products (4-cholesten-3-one and coprostanone) were occasionally observed, suggesting an indirect pathway for cholesterol-to-coprostanol conversion. Resting-cell assays showed that strain D8 could reduce 1.5 μmol of cholesterol/mg bacterial protein/h. Strain D8 was a gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped organism identified as a member of the genus
Bacteroides
closely related to
Bacteroides vulgatus
, based on its morphological and biochemical characteristics. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain D8 was most similar (>99.5%) to those of two isolates of the recently described species
Bacteroides dorei
. Phylogenetic tree construction confirmed that
Bacteroides
sp. strain D8 clustered within an independent clade together with these
B. dorei
strains. Nevertheless, no cholesterol-reducing activity could be detected in cultures of the
B. dorei
type strain. Based on
Bacteroides
group-specific PCR-temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis, there was no correlation between the presence of a band comigrating with the band of
Bacteroides
sp. strain D8 and cholesterol conversion in 11 human fecal samples, indicating that this strain is unlikely to be mainly responsible for cholesterol conversion in the human population.
Can We Write the History of the Russian Revolution? A Belated Response to Eric Hobsbawm
Authors: Murphy Kevin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTen years ago, Eric Hobsbawm presented his Deutscher Lecture on 'Can We Write the History of the Russian Revolution?' This essay argues that Hobsbawm articulated a perspective on the Russian Revolution that was shared by a much wider audience on the Left after the fall of the Soviet Union and that many of these arguments continue to resonate today. Placing the contours of the historiographical discussion of the Russian Revolution within a broader political context, I argue that Hobsbawm has underestimated the extent to which the standard academic accounts intentionally have marginalised Marxist interpretations. Hobsbawm's own ambivalence toward the October Revolution and his lack of clarity on the origins of Stalinism are not supported by the latest empirical research and concede much ground to strident anti-Marxists. Rather than refuting the Marxist classics, new evidence from the archives of the former Soviet Union actually offers substantial support. The renewed academic attacks on the Russian Revolution, including the deliberate omission of evidence that support the Marxist interpretation, should be challenged rather than embraced by socialists.
From forecasting to ‘la prospective’ a new way of looking at futures
Authors: Godet Michel 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAlthough‘La Prospective’is not well known in the Anglo‐Saxon forecasting literature, it has been for many years widely used in France and other Latin countries with considerable success. Lately, because of the inaccuracy of forecasting and the large forecasting errors that have been experienced, it is suggested that the Prospective approach can be used as a way of dealing with these problems. The main characteristics of‘La Prospective’are that it does not look at the future as a continuation of the past but rather as the outcome of the wishes of various actors and the constraints imposed on them by the environment. Its purpose is to assist in creating alternative futures and then select some alternative that allows for maximum freedom of action.
The leading indicator approach to economic forecasting—retrospect and prospect
Authors: Klein Philip A. , Moore Geoffrey H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOur purpose in this paper is to explain briefly the theory and rationale underlying the leading, coincident and lagging indicators, describe the more important statistical procedures used, and review the evidence on how the indicators have performed in practice. The tests of performance concentrate on data not used in the selection of the indicators, in the United States and nine other countries. We conclude with some suggestions for future research and development, including the application of the approach to the analysis of inflation.
The importance of the forecast
Authors: Klein L. R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCareful forecasts, as accurate as possible, are central to the successful implementation of policy. There are fundamental reasons why policy makers cannot ‘play by ear’, adjusting policy quickly to each unexpected deviation in economic outcomes. Specific incidents are described where economic policy went awry because of faulty forecasts. The policy process is described in detail to show precisely where the forecast enters. Forecasting as a validation tool for establishing credibility in policy formation is analysed and discussed. Some estimated measure of forecast accuracy is presented, together with commentary on the necessary degrees of precision for successful implementation of policy.
Public sector management improvement in sub‐saharan Africa: The world bank experience
Authors: Adamolekun Ladipo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDuring the 1980s, the World Bank paid increasing attention to Public Sector Management (PSM), particularly to free‐standing loans for institutional development in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). So far, based upon a recent study of 19 of these SSA projects, more ambitious PSM efforts have usually failed, although modest achievements have been recorded in some countries. The World Bank needs to intensify its efforts, combining civil service reform with strengthening economic and financial management and donor coordination. However, the Bank must constantly assess and insist upon the borrower's commitment.
Promoting African decentralization
Authors: Adamolekun Ladipo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe decentralization efforts begun by many Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries in recent years have been undermined by a number of factors, including: (a) delegation of authority to field staff (deconcentration) rather than to locally elected leaders (devolution); (b) the impact of the one‐party system; (c) the financial weaknesses of local governments; and (d) inadequate monitoring of local government expenditures. The experiences of Kenya and Nigeria illustrate decentralization problems in countries of Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Research and training are priorities that deserve more attention by SSA governments and by bilateral and multilateral donors.This article was initially written for the EDI publication, Adamolekun, L., Robert, R. and Laleye, M. (eds) (1990). Decentralization Policies and Socio‐economic Development in Sub‐Saharan Africa, World Bank, Washington, D.C.
Multilateral development banks and environmental management
Authors: Turnham David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article aims to review the increased attention and initiative which the multilateral development banks (MDBs)—more specifically the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) —have taken in recent years with respect to environmental concerns. Although the MDBs made some responses to environmental concern during the 1970s and 80s, until the late 1980s the resources devoted to this area were rather limited, and the banks came under increasing criticism for their lack of more substantial commitment. Since 1988 fundamental staffing and structural changes have brought environmental considerations, both into the evaluation of all project proposals and also as an approach to planning in its own right.There is still much uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of various techniques available to improve environmental management in developing countries. The article reviews the potential use of economic instruments, ‘command and control’ regulatory approaches, and the importance of macroeconomic policy as determinant of the success of environmental programmes. Developing country governments are increasingly prioritizing the environment, and bank efforts are currently focusing heavily on programmes that address poverty and the environment simultaneously. But it will be necessary to carry out adequate research, monitoring and evaluation of current programmes if these are to progress satisfactorily.
Urban local government finance in Zimbabwe: The case of Harare City Council
Authors: Wekwete Kadmiel 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSince Zimbabwe won its independence in 1980, the country's leaders have embarked on an ambitious programme of decentralization and local government reform. At the same time, urban conditions in the country have become increasingly difficult. This paper examines major aspects of urban local government finances in this environment of reform and growing fiscal pressures, with special reference to the experience of Harare City Council. It is argued that some relative successes have been recorded, although a number of undesirable elements of colonial practices and various fiscal problem persist.
Public sector personnel management in three African countries: Current problems and possibilities
Authors: Taylor Harry 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFollowing visits to three less developed countries (LDCs) in Sub‐Saharan Africa (Tanzania, Kenya and Zimbabwe) to study public sector personnel systems, the author offers a review of personnel practice in Civil Service and parastatal organizations. In the main, despite a recognition that personnel issues were crucial to organizational success and thereby, ultimately, to economic development, the personnel function was found to be a largely reactive administrative operation, often combined with non‐personnel ‘housekeeping’ roles and lacking a strategic role within the organization. Reasons for this restricted role are suggested and include a lack of alternative models of best personnel practice, the historical legacy of colonial administration, and the continuing need for administrative controls in the face of favouritism and corruption. Prospects for reform are considered in the light of current conditions and the view is advanced that changes in the personnel practices and policy are most desirable and urgent in the parastatal sector, and that a reformed parastatal sector might serve as a model for selective improvements to personnel management in the Civil Service.
Employee buy‐outs and privatization: Issues and implications for LDCs and post‐communist countries of UK experience
Authors: Wright Mike , Buck Trevor 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPrivatization has become an international phenomenon. Most attention has been devoted to privatization by stock market flotation or by sales to third parties. Management and employee buy‐outs present a third main possibility for transferring assets from the public to the private sector. This paper discusses the scope for privatization buy‐outs in LDCs and ‘post‐communist’ economies in the light of conceptual issues and UK experience. The positive aspects of privatization by management and employee buy‐outs concern: ownership incentives; the introduction of control mechanisms by institutional investors and various types of financing instruments; indigenous ownership, decentralized privatization; greater incentives in firms where specific skills are involved; the ability to improve trading relationships between a privatized supplier (the buy‐out) and its former parent, which remains in the public sector where the supplier is heavily dependent on its former parent; and the general contribution of buy‐outs to a redrawing of a state firm's spread of activities to create a more viable entity. The potential problems with buy‐outs concern such issues as: absence of entrepreneurial skills; the scope of their applicability; the potentially restrictive effects of debt and debt‐like finance; the need to deal with investment requirements of firms; the lack of personal wealth; the use of inside information by managers to purchase a firm at a price which is to the detriment of the public interest; and the possibility of social and political problems if individuals are perceived to enhance their personal wealth significantly as an accident of where they work. There are means by which many of these potential problems can be dealt with and the paper addresses these.
Enhancing organizational effectiveness in developing countries: The training and visit system revisited
Authors: Hulme David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractImproving the effectiveness of public sector organizations in developing countries has become a major focus for national governments and foreign aid agencies. This study reviews the experience of a major organizational reform strategy, the training and visit system of extension, that has operated for more than 20 years. Several lessons drawn from this experience are that aid donors must: (i) eschew their preference for organizational blueprints and recognize the contingent nature of reforms; (ii) recognize that many public sector organizations have only a small ‘controlled’ decision‐making space and thus pay more attention to ‘influenceable’ decision‐making opportunities; (iii) acknowledge that machine model approaches are likely to reinforce the negative aspects of hierarchical control in bureaucracies, and; (iv) pay much more attention to organizational sustainability in terms of finance and strategic management capacity.
Zweikomponentige Spinorfelder zur Beschreibung beliebiger Teilchen vom Spin 1/2 und ihre Anwendung auf die schwachen Wechselwirkungen
Authors: Theis W. R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA relativistic field theory for arbitrary spin 1/2‐particles is given that contains only two‐component field operators. Traditional and well proved arguments of simplicity for the choice of interactions of these fields yield an almost unique and therefore universal four fermion interaction which violates parity in a definite way. The resulting couplings already published in a previous note are the same as those of Feynman and Gell‐Mann and others [7–10].
Realizations of the Unitary Representations of the Inhomogeneous Space‐Time Groups II. Covariant Realizations of the Poincaré Group
Authors: Niederer U. H. , O'Raifeartaigh L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe aim of Part II of this paper is to try to give a unified, systematic description of the different covariant wave‐functions (Dirac, Fierz, Bargmann‐Wigner etc.) which can be used to carry the same physical representation of the Poincaré group. The procedure is based on the observation that the most important physical properties of the wave‐functions, in particular the transformation law, the wave‐equation, and the inner‐product, depend only on the representation of the Lorentz group to which the wave‐functions belong and the spin‐projection. Accordingly, a formalism is set up which is valid for all (finite‐dimensional) representations of the Lorentz group and all spin projections and so allows all the various wave‐equations which are possible for a given mass and spin to be discussed collectively. The formalism is relatively simple and transparent (possibly even more simple and transparent than any of the special cases it embraces) and it allows the various conventional wave‐functions and wave‐equations to be easily identified as special cases. The topics covered in the discussion are listed in the table of contents, and Part II of the paper has been made self‐contained so that it can be read independently of Part I.
Investigation of Photonuclear Reactions Leading to Spontaneously Fissioning Isomers
Authors: Gangrsky Yu. P. , Markov B. N. , Tsypenyuk Yu. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe excitation functions of the (γ, n) and (γ, γ′) reactions leading to the formation of the 239Pu, 241Pu, 240Am, 242Am and 243Am spontaneously fissioning isomers have been measured. The experiments have been carried out using a 17‐orbit microtron. A spark counter with pulsed feeding served as a fission fragment detector. From the excitation functions measured, the parameters of a two‐humped fission barrier have been obtained and compared with other experimental results and theoretical calculations.