bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced vascular reactivity of small mesenteric arteries from diabetic mice is associated with enhanced oxidative stress and cyclooxygenase products
Authors: Pannirselvam Malarvannan , Wiehler William B , Anderson Todd , Triggle Chris R 
Published: February 2005

Vascular reactivity to the alpha‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) was enhanced in small mesenteric arteries (SMA) from diabetic (db/db) mice under both high and low in vitro oxygen conditions.
Mechanical removal of the endothelium significantly attenuated the enhanced vascular reactivity of SMA from db/db mice.
Acute incubation of the SMA with sepiapterin, a precursor of tetrahydrobiopterin, and Nω‐nitro L‐arginine (L‐NA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS), resulted in no significant change in the enhanced vascular reactivity to PE in db/db mice. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels in SMA were not different between db/+ and db/db mice.
Acute incubation of SMA with a combination of polyethylene glycol superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly reduced the enhanced contraction to PE in db/db mice. There were higher levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation and basal superoxide as measured by dihydroethidium staining, in SMA from db/db mice compared to db/+ mice.
Acute incubation with indomethacin, a nonselective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, SQ 29548, a selective thromboxane receptor antagonist and furegrelate, a thromboxane synthesis inhibitor, significantly attenuated the enhanced contraction to PE in SMA from db/db mice.
This study demonstrates that the enhanced contractility of SMA from db/db mice to PE was endothelium dependent and involves elevated reactive oxygen species, cyclooxygenase activity and thromboxane synthesis, but not changes in the eNOS/NO pathway.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 953–960. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706121
Prenatal cocaine exposure increases apoptosis of neonatal rat heart and heart susceptibility to ischemia–reperfusion injury in 1‐month‐old rat
Authors: Bae Soochan , Zhang Lubo 
Published: February 2005

Maternal cocaine administration during pregnancy increased apoptosis in near‐term fetal rat heart. The present study tested the hypothesis that prenatal cocaine exposure increases the heart susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury in the offspring.
Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats received cocaine (30 mg kg−1 day−1) or saline from days 15 to 21 of gestational age. Maternal body weights were not significantly different at the end of cocaine treatment, but body weights of offspring were decreased slightly at ages of 1, 3, and 7 days. Although heart‐to‐body weight ratio was not affected at all ages examined, prenatal cocaine significantly increased left ventricular myocyte size at an age of 30 days.
Additionally, prenatal cocaine increased DNA fragmentation measured in the hearts isolated from offspring of 1, 3, 7, and 21 days, but not of 30 days, with the peak at 3‐day neonates. Antiapoptotic (Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL) and proapoptotic (Bax and Bad) proteins were expressed in neonatal rat hearts of both groups. Prenatal cocaine exposure decreased levels of Bcl‐2 in 21‐day and increased Bax in 21‐ and 30‐day rat hearts.
In addition, hearts of 30‐day‐old male progeny were studied using the Langendorff preparation, and were subjected to 25 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion. Preischemic baseline values of left ventricular (LV) function were the same between the two groups. However, prenatal cocaine exposure significantly attenuated postischemic recovery of LV function, and significantly increased elevated LV end diastolic pressure during reperfusion. This was associated with a significant increase in ischemia/reperfusion‐induced LV myocardial infarct size.
The results suggest that prenatal cocaine exposure induces abnormal apoptosis and myocyte hypertrophy in postnatal heart, leading to an increased heart susceptibility to ischemic insults in postnatal life.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 900–907. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706129
Decimal Weight Series for Submultiples of Mass Standards to Decrease Adsorption Error Using "Simple Comparisons"
Authors: S Ikeda  , Y Kobayashi  
Published: February 2005

This paper describes new decimal weight series effective for submultiples of mass standards. In order to decrease the influence of adsorption on weight surfaces by reduction of the difference in surface area between weights or assembled weights to be compared, it is better in the case of weight series with components of similar shape that fewer components be involved in a comparison. Weight series are found which will enable us to establish mass standards by only "Simple Comparisons" (SCs), which latter are confined to intercomparisons between single weights or assembled weights composed of at most two components. SC also saves time and labour in the setting of weights on a balance pan.The least number of components per decade is five and under such a condition six new series are disclosed:S 1: (6, 4, 3, 2, 1)S 2: (6, 5, 3, 2, 1)S 3: (7, 4, 3, 2, 1)S 4: (7, 5, 4, 2, 1)S 5: (7, 6, 3, 2, 1)S 6: (8, 5, 4, 2, 1).These series have additional practical merits: all components are distinct from each other and all integers in a decade are made by at most two components.
Building library collections: it's still about the user
Authors: Stoller Michael 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo address the need for dialogue between librarians, teachers and scholars in research institutions, as the information environment becomes increasingly complex.Design/methodology/approachA discussion of the impact of technology, budgets and collection storage practices on library users and their research patterns; examination of the methodologies for assessing that impact and continuing to meet user needs in a changing environment.FindingsDespite trends toward shared collections and a library of access rather than ownership, it is still necessary to develop careful knowledge of one's patrons and to shape one's collections and services to meet local needs.Practical implicationsLibraries must aggressively use focus groups, surveys and above all the personal relationship between faculty and library subject specialists to shape the development and management of their collections and the services they offer. These methods must shape not only one's title‐by‐title selection but one's larger, policy decisions and the overall configuration of one's collections.Originality/valueA broad assessment of the relationship between the new information landscape and the manner in which librarians and users communicate.
ANSI standards: creating a local, searchable database
Authors: Dowell Norma J. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo review the history behind and steps taken to inventory and build search/edit modules for a database containing the Iowa State University Library's extensive collection of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Design/methodology/approach – Iowa State University built a database inventory of the ANSI collection of standards through the use of Microsoft Excel and Oracle production software. The collection was inventoried and input into an Excel database, then converted into a web‐based search engine using Oracle software. Edit modules were developed to allow for adding to the database, and updating and correcting existing records.FindingsWith the addition of this search engine and edit module, the task of keeping records up to date and keeping patrons informed as to the availability of standards within the ISU collection has been greatly improved.Practical implicationsThe implications for this form of database suggest it could be introduced into other major research libraries with large collections of uncatalogued literature utilizing similar software and expertise. This was a local concern that could have a broad impact on the way ANSI standards are inventoried and searched in libraries.Originality/valueThe library that possesses a large collection of work under a single call number that is not inventoried and is looking for solutions for improved patron access will find this information valuable.
Collection development policies in university libraries: a space for reflection
Authors: Susana Sanchez Vignau Barbara , Meneses Grizly 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo identify the necessary components in the formulation of collection development policies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on both research about collection development policies and data compiled as a result of a survey of 16 centers of higher and technical education in Cuba.FindingsAlthough the directors of university libraries and managers of collection development were aware of the process of collection development, few have collection development policies, and few have carried out user studies.Originality/valueA model for a collection development policy for the system of university libraries is proposed.
Customer perspectives on the role and importance of branding in Irish retail financial services
Authors: O'Loughlin Deirdre , Szmigin Isabelle 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper explores the role of financial services brand values and compares the importance of process and outcome factors in terms of their impact on customer perceptions, behaviour and experience.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on exploratory managerial and consumer research, 50 in‐depth interviews were conducted with a quota sample of Irish consumers representing the desired range of demographic and product‐related characteristics, including income and financial experience.FindingsContrary to the literature, functional values are deemed by consumers to be significantly more important than emotional values. In addition, process factors, facilitated through positive interactions with staff, play a comparatively more salient role than outcome factors in building positive brand experience.Research limitations/implicationsFurther in‐depth qualitative and/or quantitative studies need to be conducted with larger sample sizes to address issues in terms of making inferences and generalisations from the research. As this study was conducted in an Irish context, further comparative research should be conducted with other similar financial markets to investigate any underlying cultural bias.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that financial services providers design brand appeals and advertising messages that are targeted at consumers' functional financial needs. Furthermore, financial service providers can maximise superior brand experience through a successful integrated strategy of meeting customer functional brand needs in an outcome‐driven approach and exceeding customer expectations within a process‐driven service experience.Originality/valueThis paper broadens understanding and insight into the complex and evolving area of brand management within retail financial services and has far‐reaching theoretical and practical implications.
Learning during developing and implementing new bank offerings
Authors: Stevens Eric , Dimitriadis Sergios 
Published: February 2005

PurposeKnowledge of 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/approachReports findings from a qualitative, longitudinal case study of a well‐known French bank.FindingsThe results revealed an informal development process consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make.Research limitations/implicationsThough observations fit with the theoretical model, the findings cannot be generalized due to the use of a qualitative methodology. Thus, selecting a development project that brings variance to the scope and degree of innovativeness could enrich the observed learning mechanisms. Second, as services are very heterogeneous, further research should be done on the development processes of different new services, for example standardised versus customised. Third, mechanisms of adoption or avoidance of learning procedures remain to be explored extensively. Understanding the reasons of choice and adoption of learning strategies according to the environment and nature of the project could lead to further managerial recommendations.Practical implicationsImplications for banks to encourage learning during innovation are discussed and several opportunities for further research are suggested.Originality/valueAn informal development process is revealed, consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make. Multiple learning actions and strategies are identified that enhance process effectiveness and efficiency.
Enhancing microfinance outreach through market‐oriented new service development in Indian regional rural banks
Authors: Megicks Philip , Mishra Atul , Lean Jonathan 
Published: February 2005

PurposeHitherto, assessments of the effectiveness of Indian microfinance institutions in achieving their economic and social goals have largely identified only limited success. Critics of Indian regional rural banks (RRBs) and their prevailing culture have argued that a product‐focused rather than a market‐oriented approach to new service development (NSD) is responsible for their inadequate performance. With this in mind, this work aims to develop a conceptual understanding of the factors influencing market orientation in these institutions, and to assess its impact on outreach performance.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an extensive review of the literature on the Indian microfinance sector, market orientation and new service development, a model framework for understanding the relationships between the factors affecting outreach performance in Indian RRBs is developed. Research propositions for further evidence‐based investigation are posited.FindingsThe attitudes and behaviours of managers, along with institutional characteristics, are identified as influences on market orientation, service innovation, customer satisfaction and outreach performance within RRBs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is theoretical in its nature and as such proposes a basis for a detailed empirical examination of the proposed model and its associated propositions.Practical implicationsBanking practitioners need to be aware that market orientation may influence NSD and performance in this and related contextual situations.Originality/valueThe conceptual relationships proposed inform those seeking to enhance the performance of RRBs of some of the key internal marketing issues involved in their success, and thus give direction to the development of policies to reduce poverty. In particular, cultural issues relating to perceptions of customers and their effect on effective NSD are examined.
The impact of a prestigious partner on affinity card marketing
Authors: Fock Henry K.Y. , Woo Ka‐shing , Hui Michael K. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis study investigates the synergetic impact of joint marketing collaboration between a bank and an affinity organisation on their affinity credit card holders' behaviours. Seeks to identify the sources of the influence of the alliance partners which induce changes in the attitude and behaviour of cardholders.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model was developed to reveal the impact of perceived card benefits, affective customer loyalty toward the bank, affective customer loyalty toward the affinity organisation, and perceived prestige of affinity organisation, on the card usage behaviours of customers. Survey data were obtained from 162 students who were holders of a university affinity credit card in Hong Kong.FindingsFindings indicated two routes of influence that affect the intention and behaviours of affinity credit cardholders. The two routes were complementary rather than competitive in a symbiotic collaboration. The first is a cognitive route. It shows that a cardholder's attitude formation is strongly influenced by the cognitive evaluation of card benefits instead of by affective loyalty toward the bank or toward the affinity organisation. The second route is an emotional route of influence. It originates from the perceived prestige of the affinity organisation to cardholders' intention and usage behaviours.Originality/valueThe impact of the symbiotic collaboration on customer behaviours is an important question which has yet to be answered in the literature of strategic alliances. To the best of one's knowledge, this is a pioneering empirical study addressing this research issue.
Decision waves: consumer decisions in today's complex world
Authors: Lye Ashley , Shao Wei , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Fausnaugh Carolyn 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the dominant consumer decision theory models and understand why that theory has received little empirical validation. A “decision waves” theory is proposed – an alternative, multi‐phase approach to decision making using image theory. An approach to validating empirically the multi‐phase theory is outlined.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper examines the foundations of modern consumer decision theory and argues for a more representative model of actual consumer decisions.FindingsDecision waves provide a theoretical approach to represent more accurately consumer decision making and improve understanding in this foundational component of marketing. Decision waves do not change detailed empirical findings: however, they do change the macro perspective of how those findings are assembled for marketing.Research limitations/implicationsAn empirical test of decision waves theory is ongoing.Practical implicationsThe concepts outlined in this paper will change segmentation, positioning and how tactical plans are developed within the marketing mix, particularly for promotional strategies.Originality/valueA theoretical approach that represents decision making more accurately will bring us closer to understanding this foundational component of marketing. It provides a basis for differentiation in congested markets.
Performance measurement in municipalities
Authors: Pollanen Raili M. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper examines the actual and desired use of performance measures for management and external reporting purposes, as well as perceived impediments to their effective use.Design/methodology/approachA total of 334 senior administrators in Canadian municipalities participated in this survey study.FindingsSomewhat more efficiency measures than effectiveness measures have been used for various purposes. However, greater use was perceived desirable than actually occurred, particularly for effectiveness measures. A significant increase in the use was expected in the near future especially for effectiveness measures. Internal and external verification of measures was considered important by both internal and external auditors. Although the study also identified impediments to the development and meaningful use of performance measures, performance measurement appears to have been accepted as a useful managerial tool and have significant future potential.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are limited by the survey method.Practical implicationsThe results can provide guidance to public‐sector administrators and professionals for planning and decision making purposes and to professional bodies and regulatory agencies for developing comparative performance reporting standards.Originality/valueUsing the descriptive and normative perspectives, this study provides new evidence in the Canadian context. It concludes that, although the mandatory performance measurement and reporting requirements for municipalities in Canada lag those in the UK, the USA, and Australia, a significant degree of usage occurred voluntary in Canadian municipalities.
Introduction
Authors: Johnson Bob L. , Fauske Janice R. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis essay argues that it is time to revisit and reintegrate the contributions of organization theory to the understanding of educational organizations and leadership.Design/methodology/approachThe arguments presented in this essay are predicated on the following assumptions: a collective recognition of the rich theoretical and conceptual contributions the field of organization has made to the understanding of educational organizations and leadership; a concern that the pragmatic press of the current reform movement – with its preoccupation with outcome measures – would discourage efforts to pursue a theoretical and conceptual understanding of educational organizations; and a recognized need to re‐articulate the utility of the frameworks and concepts provided by organizational theory literature to the larger research community.FindingsAs a defining venue for social interaction, the organization provides a context for understanding this interaction. Organizations exhibit tendencies that exist in various human groups and provide the context for a variety of basic social processes. The numerous activities witnessed in educational organizations – leading, teaching, learning, counseling, coaching, etc. – take place in an organizational context. One cannot discuss these activities without considering the context in which they occur.Originality/valueThe value of this essay lies in the message it seeks to convey: it is time to revisit and reconsider the important role and contributions of the organizational theory literature with regard to educational research and the larger educational enterprise.
Routines in school organizations
Authors: Conley Sharon , Enomoto Ernestine K. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper presents routinized action theory as a way to examine the regular, habitual activities that occur in school organizations. Using this theoretical lens, school routines were analyzed in order to understand organizational stability and change.Design/methodology/approachUsing case study methods, three discrete cases are presented, a K‐12 public school setting, a private international school, and a central office in an educational system. Cases were selected for their descriptive detail and illustrate different aspects of the theory.FindingsRoutinized action theory posits that alterations in routines occur for different reasons: failure to produce desired outcome; producing new possibilities, and/or falling short of ideal targets. In these case studies, routines were altered by management to address problems, repair what did not work, and strive toward new targets. Management also shifted resources accordingly. While these actions can help the organization survive environmental changes, routines may also restrict the organization's response to change.Practical implicationsBy analyzing the resources associated with routines, school administrators can understand the possibilities for accomplishing necessary work in ways that reduce environmental influences. Routines might be a useful lever for change.Originality/valueRoutinized action theory may have been overlooked as a viable means to analyze educational organizations. The systematic application of this theoretical lens to schools holds significant implications for practitioners and researchers because schools are deeply routinized organizations.