bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A potential role for extracellular nitric oxide generation in cGMP‐independent inhibition of human platelet aggregation: biochemical and pharmacological considerations
Authors: Crane Michael S , Rossi Adriano G , Megson Ian L 
Published: February 2005

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent inhibitor of platelet activation, that inhibits the agonist‐induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration through both cGMP‐dependent and independent pathways. However, the NO‐related (NOx) species responsible for cGMP‐independent signalling in platelets is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that extracellular NO, but not NO+ or peroxynitrite, generated in the extracellular compartment is responsible for cGMP‐independent inhibition of platelet activation via inhibition of Ca2+ signalling.
Concentration–response curves for diethylamine diazeniumdiolate (DEA/NO; a spontaneous NO generator), S‐nitroso‐N‐valerylpenicillamine (SNVP; an S‐nitrosothiol) and 3‐morpholinosydnonomine (SIN‐1; a peroxynitrite generator) were generated in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelets (WP) in the presence and absence of a supramaximal concentration of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ (20 μM). All three NOx donors displayed cGMP‐independent inhibition of platelet aggregation in PRP, but only DEA/NO exhibited cGMP‐independent inhibition of aggregation in WP.
Analysis of NO generation using an isolated NO‐electrode revealed that cGMP‐independent effects coincided with the generation of substantial levels of extracellular NO (>40 nM) from the NOx donors.
Reconstitution of WP with plasma factors indicated that the copper‐containing plasma protein, caeruloplasmin (CP), catalysed the release of NO from SNVP, while Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) unmasked NO generated from SIN‐1. The increased generation of extracellular NO correlated with a switch to cGMP‐independent effects with both NOx donors.
Analysis of Fura‐2 loaded WP revealed that only DEA/NO inhibited Ca2+ signalling in platelets via a cGMP‐independent mechanism. However, preincubation of SNVP and SIN‐1 with CP and SOD, respectively, induced cGMP‐independent inhibition of intraplatelet Ca2+ trafficking by the NOx donors.
Taken together, our data suggest that extracellular NO (>40 nM) is required for cGMP‐independent inhibition of platelet activation. Plasma constituents may play an important pharmacological role in activating cGMP‐independent signalling by S‐nitrosothiols or peroxynitrite generators.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 849–859. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706110
Histamine receptors that influence blockage of the normal human nasal airway
Authors: Taylor‐Clark Thomas , Sodha Reena , Warner Ben , Foreman John 
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which histamine causes nasal blockage. Histamine, 40–800 μg, intranasally into each nostril, induced significant blockage of the nasal airway in normal human subjects, as measured by acoustic rhinometry.
Oral pretreatment with cetirizine, 5–30 mg, the H1 antagonist, failed to reverse completely the nasal blockage induced by histamine, 400 μg.
Dimaprit, 50–200 μg, the H2 agonist, intranasally, caused nasal blockage, which was reversed by oral pretreatment with ranitidine, 75 mg, the H2 antagonist.
A combination of cetirizine, 20 mg, and ranitidine, 75 mg, caused greater inhibition of the nasal blockage caused by histamine, 400 μg, than cetirizine alone. In the presence of both antagonists, there was residual histamine‐induced nasal blockage.
R‐α‐methylhistamine (R‐α‐MeH), 100–600 μg, the H3 agonist, intranasally, caused nasal blockage, which was not inhibited by either cetirizine or ranitidine.
Thioperamide, 700 μg, the H3 antagonist, intranasally, reversed the R‐α‐MeH‐induced nasal blockage. Thioperamide alone had no significant action on the nasal blockage induced by histamine, 400 and 1000 μg, but, in the presence of cetirizine, 20 mg, thioperamide further reduced the histamine‐induced nasal blockage.
Corynanthine, 2 mg, the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, administered intranasally, caused nasal blockage.
Corynanthine produced a greater increase in nasal blockage when in combination with bradykinin compared to its combination with R‐α‐MeH.
There appears to be a contribution of H1, H2 and H3 receptors to histamine‐induced nasal blockage in normal human subjects. The sympathetic nervous system actively maintains nasal patency and we suggest that activation of nasal H3 receptors may downregulate sympathetic activity.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 867–874. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706118
Increased PKA activity and its influence on isoprenaline‐stimulated L‐type Ca2+ channels in the heart from ovariectomized rats
Authors: Kam Kenneth W L , Kravtsov Gennadi M , Liu Jing , Wong Tak Ming 
Published: February 2005

We previously showed that oestrogen confers cardioprotection by downregulating the cardiac β1‐adrenoceptor (β1‐AR). The present study examined the effect of oestrogen on the post β1‐AR signalling cascade, with particular emphasis on the activity of protein kinase A (PKA) and its influence on the L‐type Ca2+ channel.
Three groups of adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were used: sham‐operated controls, bilaterally ovariectomized (Ovx) rats, and Ovx rats with oestrogen replacement (Ovx+E2), which restored the oestrogen concentration to normal.
The electrically induced intracellular Ca2+ transient (E[Ca2+]i), 45Ca2+‐uptake through cardiac L‐type Ca2+ channels (Ca2+ channels), heart rate and force of contraction in response to β‐AR stimulation with 10 nM isoprenaline (Iso) in hearts from Ovx rats were significantly greater than those of control and Ovx+E2 rats. The basal and Iso‐induced PKA activities were also higher in hearts from Ovx rats. KT5720, a selective PKA inhibitor, completely inhibited its potentiating effect on basal Ca2+ channel activity in the Ovx rat heart. On the other hand, expression of G proteins (Gαs and Gαi1−3), basal and forskolin‐stimulated cAMP accumulation, and responsiveness of PKA to cAMP, were not altered by Ovx.
Interestingly, the PKA inhibitor at the same concentration significantly reduced the increases in PKA activity and Ca2+ channel activity upon β‐AR stimulation in all three groups of rats and the inhibitions were significantly greater in the Ovx rat than in the other two groups of rats.
This study provides the first evidence that, in addition to downregulation of β1‐AR shown previously, suppression of PKA activity, which is partly responsible for the suppressed Ca2+ channel activity, also determines the E[Ca2+]i and cardiac contractility following β‐AR stimulation in the female rat.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 972–981. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706123
Pharmacological characterisation of the adenosine receptor mediating increased ion transport in the mouse isolated trachea and the effect of allergen challenge
Authors: Kornerup Kristin N , Page Clive P , Moffatt James D 
Published: February 2005

The effect of adenosine on transepithelial ion transport was investigated in isolated preparations of murine trachea mounted in Ussing chambers. The possible regulation of adenosine receptors in an established model of allergic airway inflammation was also investigated.
Mucosally applied adenosine caused increases in short‐circuit current (ISC) that corresponded to approximately 50% of the response to the most efficacious secretogogue, ATP (ΔISC 69.5±6.7 μA cm2). In contrast, submucosally applied adenosine caused only small (<20%) increases in ISC, which were not investigated further.
The A1‐selective (N6‐cyclopentyladenosine, CPA, 1 nM–10 μM), A2A‐selective (2‐p‐(2‐carboxyethyl)phenethylamino‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxoamido adenosine; CGS 21680; 0.1–100 μM) and A3‐selective (1‐deoxy‐1‐[6‐[[(3‐iodophenyl)‐methyl]amino]‐9H‐purin‐9‐yl]‐N‐methyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranuronamide; IB‐MECA; 30 nM–100 μM) adenosine receptor agonists were either equipotent or less potent than adenosine, suggesting that these receptors do not mediate the response to adenosine.
The A1 receptor selective antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 10 nM–1 μM) caused a rightward shift of the adenosine concentration–effect curve only at 1 μM. The mixed A2A/A2B receptor antagonist 4‐(2‐[7‐amino‐2‐(2‐furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3‐a][1,3,5]triazin‐5‐ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385) also caused rightward shift of the adenosine concentration–effect curve, again only at micromolar concentrations, suggestive of the involvement of A2B receptors.
In preparations from animals sensitised to ovalbumin and challenged over 3 days with aerosol ovalbumin, a decrease in baseline ISC was observed and responses to ATP were diminished. Similarly, the amplitude of responses to adenosine were attenuated although there was no change in potency.
These results suggest that the A2B receptor mediates the ISC response to adenosine in the mouse trachea. This receptor does not appear to be regulated in a standard asthma model.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 1011–1016. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706133
Antihyperalgesic activity of a novel nonpeptide bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist in transgenic mice expressing the human B1 receptor
Authors: Fox Alyson , Kaur Satbir , Li Bifang , Panesar Moh , Saha Uma , Davis Clare , Dragoni Ilaria , Colley Sian , Ritchie Tim , Bevan Stuart , Burgess Gillian , McIntyre Peter 
Published: February 2005

We describe the properties of a novel nonpeptide kinin B1 receptor antagonist, NVP‐SAA164, and demonstrate its in vivo activity in models of inflammatory pain in transgenic mice expressing the human B1 receptor.
NVP‐SAA164 showed high affinity for the human B1 receptor expressed in HEK293 cells (Ki 8 nM), and inhibited increases in intracellular calcium induced by desArg10kallidin (desArg10KD) (IC50 33 nM). While a similar high affinity was observed in monkey fibroblasts (Ki 7.7 nM), NVP‐SAA164 showed no affinity for the rat B1 receptor expressed in Cos‐7 cells.
In transgenic mice in which the native B1 receptor was deleted and the gene encoding the human B1 receptor was inserted (hB1 knockin, hB1‐KI), hB1 receptor mRNA was induced in tissues following LPS treatment. No mRNA encoding the mouse or human B1 receptor was detected in mouse B1 receptor knockout (mB1‐KO) mice following LPS treatment.
Freund's complete adjuvant‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia was similar in wild‐type and hB1‐KI mice, but was significantly reduced in mB1‐KO animals. Mechanical hyperalgesia induced by injection of the B1 agonist desArg10KD into the contralateral paw 24 h following FCA injection was similar in wild‐type and hB1‐KI mice, but was absent in mB1‐KO animals.
Oral administration of NVP‐SAA164 produced a dose‐related reversal of FCA‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia and desArg10KD‐induced hyperalgesia in hB1‐KI mice, but was inactive against inflammatory pain in wild‐type mice.
These data demonstrate the use of transgenic technology to investigate the in vivo efficacy of species selective agents and show that NVP‐SAA164 is a novel orally active B1 receptor antagonist, providing further support for the utility of B1 receptor antagonists in inflammatory pain conditions in man.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 889–899. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706139
Industry standards in ARL libraries: electronic and on‐demand
Authors: Pellack Lorraine J. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeLittle is known about the current state of industry standards subscriptions in US libraries. In this age of electronic access and tightening budgets, many libraries are re‐examining whether or not to alter paper subscriptions of standards to electronic versions and/or switch to on‐demand delivery.Design/methodology/approachTwo surveys were conducted in an attempt to gauge the extent to which other libraries are currently collecting standards in electronic format, or providing on‐demand purchasing for industry standards.FindingsThe number of libraries purchasing electronic standards or providing on‐demand purchasing in 2003 appears to be incongruous with comments from both surveys. In the 2001 survey, librarians could not find ways to fund on‐demand purchasing and, in the 2003 survey, a number of libraries were purchasing some sets on an irregular basis to save money. A little over half (51 percent) of the responding libraries provide electronic versions of standards and 60 percent indicated they provide on‐demand purchasing of individual standards.Originality/valueSurvey responses resulted in several local changes to improve patron success rates at acquiring industry standard including: created a publicly‐searchable database of locally‐available standards, initiated a purchase on‐demand process, worked with interlibrary loan (ILL) staff to determine which standards would be better to purchase versus request on ILL, and became more adept at reference interviews involving requests for standards.
Adaptation of cultural content: evidence from B2C e‐commerce firms
Authors: Singh Nitish , Kumar Vikas , Baack Daniel 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo effectively target and reach consumers on the worldwide web, companies need to determine what level of web site adaptation is necessary. Explores how cultural differences affect adaptation of web content by B2C e‐commerce firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a content analysis framework to systematically analyze the cultural values depicted on the web pages of US, French and German web sites. To test for differences in the depiction of cultural values on different country web sites, a MANOVA was conducted, followed by a Tukey (HSD) post hoc analysis.FindingsEvidence is found that local country web sites depict the cultural values of that country. Additionally, the study finds that companies adapt their foreign web sites to the cultural values of the target country, but that this adaptation is not yet extensive.Originality/valueThis research adds value by extending understanding of the issues of adaptation and standardization on the web in general, and by B2C e‐commerce firms in particular.
Searching the web for global brands: how American brands standardise their web sites in Europe
Authors: Okazaki Shintaro 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis study explores US brands' web site standardisation in terms of the extent of standardisation and the content applied across European markets. The conceptual framework was created on the basis of four basic functions of web site content, i.e. transaction, communication, relationship, and interactivity.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 206 web sites created for the UK, France, Germany, and Spain were examined by online content analysis techniques, in terms of the features of the web site in each host country, and the similarity between the home‐country (USA) and host‐country web sites. The unit of analysis was determined to be the first page or homepage of the web sites, excluding analysis of hyperlinks. Multivariate analyses were applied to test the principal thesis of the study.FindingsThe brands sold by US firms adopted a localisation strategy for web sites created for European markets by tailoring the specific content to each market, but maintained a minimum level of uniformity for logo, colour and layout. Other aspects, such as textual information and visual images, were very dissimilar across markets. Image reinforcement, direct sales functions and availability of choice were found to be the most significant features influencing web site standardisation. Furthermore, as in traditional media, the extent of web site standardisation for durable goods was significantly higher than for non‐durables.Originality/valueThe findings of this study should make advertisers and agencies more aware of the cultural and socio‐economic differences, rather than similarities, within the single European market. Despite the increasing consensus concerning the wider applicability of standardisation practices in traditional media, the findings of this study imply that a greater segment of interactive expertise may have accepted a view that subtle but important cultural differences exist across Europe, in terms of the use, selection and participation in web site‐based marketing.
Antecedents of managerial public relations: a structural model examination
Authors: Lages Carmen , Filipe Lages Luis 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper identifies key forces influencing the degree of managerial public relations (MPR), i.e. the practice of public relations (PR) as a strategic tool.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data of nearly 300 PR consultants from English firms, the authors propose a conceptual framework of MPR and test it through structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsFindings reveal that research expenditure and importance given to qualifications are key antecedents of MPR. Surprisingly, while the direct effect of the perceived quality of PR graduates on the practice of MPR is non‐significant, the indirect effect through research expenditure is highly significant and negative.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research is encouraged to identify key drivers of MPR by investigating clients' perceptions on this topic. Such an approach would bring interesting guidelines for improving the agency‐client relationship as well as consultancies' performance. Research is also encouraged to investigate not only MPR antecedents, but also MPR outcomes.Practical implicationsFrom a practitioner perspective, a better comprehension of MPR might promote the understanding of PR as a strategic tool, the understanding of the client's problem from a strategic standpoint, the inclusion of research and evaluation in the PR process, and incursion in long‐term policies.Originality/valueFollowing the principle of strategy‐environment co‐alignment, this paper shows that the practice of PR is a result of a strategic response by consultants to the interplay of internal and external forces over their consultancy firm.
The impact of brand extensions on brand personality: experimental evidence
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Smith Gareth , Grime Ian 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo investigate empirically the impact of brand extensions on brand personality, using Aaker's scale to measure the latter.Design/methodology/approachExperimental study manipulating extension fit (good/poor fit), controlling for brand familiarity and including a control group.FindingsNo adverse impact on brand personality of core brand as a result of introducing extensions (irrespective of fit).Research limitations/implicationsCross‐sectional study not capturing potential long‐term effects of extensions with poor fit. Longitudinal research is needed, as are replications with different brands, types of extensions and consumer segments.Practical implicationsPreliminary support for introducing extension for a quality brand without fear of adversely affecting its brand personality.Originality/valueFirst study explicitly investigating impact of brand extensions on brand personality.
Customer intention to return online: price perception, attribute‐level performance, and satisfaction unfolding over time
Authors: Jiang Pingjun , Rosenbloom Bert 
Published: February 2005

PurposeCompared with the emphasis that service quality research has received in online marketing, much less work has been done on the role of price perception, service attribute‐level performance and satisfaction that unfolds over time, and their effects on customer retention. This paper seeks to fill this gap in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds propositions about the role of price and customer satisfaction at different stages on customers' intention to return. Research hypotheses are developed based on theory from the combined literatures of services, product pricing, and behavioral decision theory. Data from the e‐retailing industry related to two specific periods of shopping experience (at checkout and after delivery) are used in the empirical tests. Structural equation modeling is employed to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that after‐delivery satisfaction has a much stronger influence on both overall customer satisfaction and intention to return than at‐checkout satisfaction, and that price perception, when measured on a comparative basis, has a direct and positive effect on customer overall satisfaction and intention to return.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are only available from surveying customers who have made purchases. Future study can investigate how satisfaction with shopping convenience has impacted customer acquisition. Measures of actual return behavior, as opposed to behavioral intentions, will also enhance the validity of the study.Practical implicationsThis paper concludes that excellence pre‐sales service is not necessarily an advantage that allows e‐tailers to develop customer retention. In fact, e‐tailers might command higher customer retention through providing good performance in after‐delivery service and continuously generating favorable price perceptions among customers because both have a strong and positive influence on return intention.Originality/valueThis research conceptualizes and explores different aspects of satisfaction that unfold over time, regarding customers' whole shopping experience with a particular e‐retailer. It is a pioneer work that empirically investigates the relative contribution of at‐checkout and after‐delivery satisfaction in generating intention to return to an e‐tailer.
Managing the new service development process: towards a systemic model
Authors: Stevens Eric , Dimitriadis Sergios 
Published: February 2005

PurposeWhen compared with the field of new product development, research on new services has seen fewer developments and offers less comprehensive insights. This paper tries to fill this gap by providing empirical findings from two qualitative longitudinal case studies of new service development. Knowledge on the management issues for developing new bank offerings efficiently is limited. Furthermore, recent research suggests that organisational learning can contribute greatly to the success of innovation projects. The aims of this paper are to provide a detailed description of the development process of a new financial product and to identify learning actions that may contribute to its effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports findings from a qualitative, longitudinal case study of a well‐known French bank, and of a retailer. The research focuses on the description of the process, the organisational issues involved and the decision making during the development process.FindingsThe findings lead to the proposition of a model of new service development comprising a strong organisational learning component. Research and managerial implications are discussed for ways to better understand the new service development process and to enhance its effectiveness. The results reveal an informal development process consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make. Multiple learning actions and strategies are identified that enhance the process's effectiveness and efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralisation of the proposed NSD model will require further qualitative and quantitative investigations. For the qualitative part, observations of the development of standardised offers are necessary to enrich the initial framework. Furthermore, non‐standardised offers would constitute a specific research field, given the dimensions of complexity and divergence of the delivery processes. For the quantitative part, the impact of learning process on results of the development may be assessed on the basis of measurements used in similar contexts, such as the impact of learning on the success of joint ventures.Originality/valueFindings suggest that learning during innovation should be supported for banks and retailers. Several opportunities for further research are therefore suggested.