bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presynaptic inhibition of spontaneous acetylcholine release induced by adenosine at the mouse neuromuscular junction
Authors: Lorenzo Silvana De , Veggetti Mariela , Muchnik Salomón , Losavio Adriana 
Published: May 2004

At the mouse neuromuscular junction, adenosine (AD) and the A1 agonist 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyl‐adenosine (CCPA) induce presynaptic inhibition of spontaneous acetylcholine (ACh) release by activation of A1 AD receptors through a mechanism that is still unknown. To evaluate whether the inhibition is mediated by modulation of the voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) associated with tonic secretion (L‐ and N‐type VDCCs), we measured the miniature end‐plate potential (mepp) frequency in mouse diaphragm muscles.
Blockade of VDCCs by Cd2+ prevented the effect of the CCPA. Nitrendipine (an L‐type VDCC antagonist) but not ω‐conotoxin GVIA (an N‐type VDCC antagonist) blocked the action of CCPA, suggesting that the decrease in spontaneous mepp frequency by CCPA is associated with an action on L‐type VDCCs only.
As A1 receptors are coupled to a Gi/o protein, we investigated whether the inhibition of PKA or the activation of PKC is involved in the presynaptic inhibition mechanism. Neither N‐(2[p‐bromocinnamylamino]‐ethyl)‐5‐isoquinolinesulfonamide (H‐89, a PKA inhibitor), nor 1‐(5‐isoquinolinesulfonyl)‐2‐methyl‐piperazine (H‐7, a PKC antagonist), nor phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PHA, a PKC activator) modified CCPA‐induced presynaptic inhibition, suggesting that these second messenger pathways are not involved.
The effect of CCPA was eliminated by the calmodulin antagonist N‐(6‐aminohexil)‐5‐chloro‐1‐naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride (W‐7) and by ethylene glycol‐bis(β‐aminoethyl ether)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid‐acetoxymethyl ester ɛ6TΔ‐BM, which suggests that the action of CCPA to modulate L‐type VDCCs may involve Ca2+‐calmodulin.
To investigate the action of CCPA on diverse degrees of nerve terminal depolarization, we studied its effect at different external K+ concentrations. The effect of CCPA on ACh secretion evoked by 10 mM K+ was prevented by the P/Q‐type VDCC antagonist ω‐agatoxin IVA.
CCPA failed to inhibit the increases in mepp frequency evoked by 15 and 20 mM K+. We demonstrated that, at high K+ concentrations, endogenous AD occupies A1 receptors, impairing the action of CCPA, since incubation with 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, an A1 receptor antagonist) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), which degrades AD into the inactive metabolite inosine, increased mepp frequency compared with that obtained in 15 and 20 mM K+ in the absence of the drugs. Moreover, CCPA was able to induce presynaptic inhibition in the presence of ADA. It is concluded that, at high K+ concentrations, the activation of A1 receptors by endogenous AD prevents excessive neurotransmitter release.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 113–124. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705656
EP1‐ and FP‐mediated cross‐desensitization of the alpha (α) and beta (β) isoforms of the human thromboxane A2 receptor
Authors: Kelley‐Hickie Leanne P , Kinsella B Therese 
Published: May 2004

Heterologous desensitization or intermolecular cross‐talk plays a critical role in regulating intracellular signalling by diverse members of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor superfamily. We have previously established that the α and β isoforms of the human thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) undergo differential desensitization of signalling in response to 17 phenyl trinor prostaglandin (PG)E2, an agonist of the EP1 subtype of the PGE2 receptor (EP) family.
Herein, we investigated the molecular basis of TPα and TPβ desensitization in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and in renal mesangial cells in response to 17 phenyl trinor PGE2 and in response to the PGF2α receptor (FP) agonist PGF2α, and sought to identify the target site(s) of those desensitizations.
Our results demonstrated that TPα and TPβ receptors are subject to desensitization in response to both EP1 and FP receptor activation and that these effects are mediated by direct protein kinase (PK)C phosphorylation of the individual TP isoforms within their unique carboxyl‐terminal (C)‐tail domains.
Moreover, deletion/site‐directed mutagenesis and metabolic labelling studies identified Thr337, within TPα, and Thr399, within TPβ, as the specific target residues for PKC phosphorylation and EP1‐ and FP‐mediated desensitization of TPα and TPβ signalling, respectively.
Hence, in conclusion, while the TPα and TPβ diverge within their C‐tail domains, they have evolved to share a similar mechanism of PKC‐induced phosphorylation and desensitization in response to EP1 and FP receptor activation, though it occurs at sites unique to the individual TP isoforms.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 203–221. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705695
Peripheral PACAP inhibits gastric acid secretion through somatostatin release in mice
Authors: Piqueras Laura , Taché Yvette , Martínez Vicente 
Published: May 2004

Studies in rats suggest that PACAP modulates gastric acid secretion through the release of both histamine and somatostatin.
We characterized the effects of exogenous PACAP on gastric acid secretion in urethane‐anesthetized mice implanted with a gastric cannula and in conscious 2‐h pylorus ligated mice, and determined the involvement of somatostatin and somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) by using somatostatin immunoneutralization, the SSTR2 antagonist, PRL‐2903, and SSTR2 knockout mice.
Urethane‐anesthetized wild‐type mice had low basal acid secretion (0.10±0.01 μmol (10 min)−1) compared with SSTR2 knockout mice (0.93±0.07 μmol (10 min)−1). Somatostatin antibody and PRL‐2903 increased basal secretion in wild‐type mice but not in SSTR2 knockout animals.
In wild‐type urethane‐anesthetized mice, PACAP‐38 (3–270 μg kg−1 h−1) did not affect the low basal acid secretion, but inhibited the acid response to pentagastrin, histamine, and bethanechol.
In wild‐type urethane‐anesthetized mice pretreated with somatostatin antibody or PRL‐2903 and in SSTR2 knockout mice, peripheral infusion of PACAP‐38 or somatostatin‐14 did not inhibit the increased basal gastric acid secretion.
In conscious wild‐type mice, but not in SSTR2 knockout mice, PACAP‐38 inhibited gastric acid secretion induced by 2‐h pylorus ligation. The antisecretory effect of PACAP‐38 was prevented by immunoneutralization of somatostatin.
These results indicate that, in mice, peripheral PACAP inhibits gastric acid secretion through the release of somatostatin and the activation of SSTR2 receptors. There is no evidence for stimulatory effects of PACAP on acid secretion in mice.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 67–78. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705739
Contracting Incentives and Compensation for Property‐Liability Insurer Executives
Authors: Grace Elizabeth 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis article examines several hypotheses about the structure and level of compensation for 103 property‐liability chief executive officers (CEOs) from 1995 through 1997. The greater the level of firm risk and the larger the firm, the greater the use of incentive compensation. Insurers subject to more regulatory attention and those whose CEOs have greater stock ownership make less use of incentive compensation. There is some evidence that option grants and restricted stock awards provide CEOs with differing incentives. This article finds that corporate governance structures, managers' stock ownership, and regulatory attention are not adequate to prevent CEOs from receiving compensation levels in excess of what economic factors predict. Contrary to findings in prior studies, there is little evidence that use of incentive compensation or level of total compensation paid increases with insurer investment opportunities, as traditionally measured.
Serum Amyloid P‐Component‐Mediated Inhibition of the Uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Macrophages, In Vitro
Authors: Kaur S. , Singh P. P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe effect of purified mouse serum amyloid P‐component (SAP) treatment of mouse alveolar macrophages (AMs) on their uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Erdman was investigated, in vitro. SAP (0.5–50.0 µg/ml), in a concentration‐dependent manner, inhibited the M. tuberculosis uptake by the AMs; maximum inhibition (33.43%) occurred at 10.0 µg/ml. The inhibition of uptake could be observed as early as 30 min after the incubation of AMs with 10.0 µg/ml SAP; however, an incubation of 60 min induced maximum inhibition beyond which the response became static. The SAP‐mediated decreased uptake of M. tuberculosis also resulted in their reduced intramacrophage growth as determined by colony‐forming unit counts. SAP inhibited the uptake of mycobacteria in the presence of Ca2+, and at pH = 5.6, the inhibition was abrogated. Deglycosylation of purified SAP with N‐glycanase, and not with O‐glycanase, blocked the SAP‐mediated inhibition of the uptake. Heat‐inactivated (80 °C; 1 h; pH 7.0) SAP did not inhibit the uptake of M. tuberculosis by AMs. These data, apparently for the first time, indicate that purified mouse SAP, in a divalent cation‐ and N‐linked oligosaccharide glycosylation‐dependent manner, inhibited the in vitro uptake of M. tuberculosis Erdman by mouse AMs, which was also associated with their reduced intracellular growth.
Emotions, the meaning of food and heart failure: a grounded theory study
Authors: Jacobsson Anna , Pihl Emma , Mårtensson Jan , Fridlund Bengt 
Published: May 2004

Background.  Many patients with heart failure have generalized wasting, referred to as cardiac cachexia. This leads to skeletal muscle wasting, impaired mobility, reduced functional capacity and poor prognosis. Patients with heart failure have symptoms that can affect their food intake, for example breathing difficulties, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, early feeling of fullness and ascites. These dietary problems and patients’ nutritional status, can be significantly improved by means of simple nursing interventions.Aim.  This paper reports a grounded theory study which developed a theoretical model of experiences of food and food intake among patients with heart failure.Methods.  A descriptive and exploratory design, with a grounded theory analysis, was used. Data were collected in 2002 through interviews with 11 patients with heart failure.Findings.  Two core categories emerged: emotions and the meaning of food. Psychosocial meaning could be associated with positive feelings of well‐being, or negative feelings of sorrow. Physiological meaning could be associated with positive feelings of comfort or negative feelings of burden. Patients’ experiences of food and eating changed during the development of the disease. Feelings of fatigue and lack of appetite gave rise to a feeling of deprivation because of missing both eating and the related social environment. This could lead to a loss of personal identity.Discussion.  Although the findings of a qualitative study cannot be generalized, they raise important clinical nursing issues. With increasingly shorter hospital stays, these problems will need to be addressed by community healthcare staff and family carers. Therefore, all healthcare professionals need knowledge about heart disease and information techniques if they are to be able to give appropriate care to this group.Conclusion.  Ignorance about food and eating can easily lead to malnourishment, with an increased risk of the patients falling into a vicious circle. Implications of the study for health care practice and research are identified.
Student performance in tertiary‐level accounting: an international student focus
Authors: Hartnett Neil , Römcke Jennifer , Yap Christine 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe present paper provides empirical evidence regarding the academic performance of university students studying accounting. In particular, the effect of student origin is investigated by comparing the accounting performance of resident and international students. The present study controls for a number of other key variables, including ability, anxiety, work experience in accounting, accounting study prior to university and enrolment status. The question of whether international student performance improves over time through an acculturation effect is also investigated. Bivariate analyses revealed higher anxiety and lower general ability for international vis‐à‐vis resident students yet no significant difference in accounting performance between the two groups. After controlling for key variables, an association was observed between student origin and accounting performance with superior performance reported for the international student cohort. Statistically significant relationships were also observed between accounting performance and ability, anxiety, employment experience in accounting, enrolment status and accounting study prior to university. An acculturation effect was not clearly evidenced.
Ground rental rates and ratchet clauses
Authors: Lally Martin , Randal John 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe present paper investigates the effect of a ratchet clause on the appropriate rental rate for a ground lease, in the circumstance where land value is periodically reassessed. The effect of the ratchet clause depends primarily upon the life of the lease and the volatility in land returns. For a lease with a 20‐year life, and land value reviewed every 5 years, the effect of the ratchet clause is to lower the appropriate rental rate by around one percentage point. Partial ratchet clauses are also examined, and are shown to have an effect equal to approximately 80 per cent that of a full ratchet clause.
A Tertiary age for Alpine high‐pressure metamorphism in the Gran Paradiso massif, Western Alps: a Rb–Sr microsampling study
Authors: Meffan‐Main S. , Cliff R. A. , Barnicoat A. C. , Lombardo B. , Compagnoni R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe timing of high‐pressure (HP) metamorphism in the internal basement massifs of the Western Alps has been contentious. In the Gran Paradiso massif silvery micaschists, thought to have developed from granitic precursors, contain assemblages indicative of pressures in excess of 18 kbar at 500–550 °C. This paper presents unique geochronological data for the paragenesis of the silvery micaschist HP assemblage. Rb–Sr microsampling of an apatite–phengite pair thought to have remained closed to Rb–Sr exchange since the HP paragenesis formed has yielded an age of 43.0 ± 0.5 Ma. Greenschist retrogression occurred after 36.3 ± 0.4 Ma, probably in the interval 36–34 Ma. The localised disturbance of the Rb–Sr system in phengite, apatite and allanite during retrogression means that only in situ microsampling could obtain meaningful ages from these rocks. The new data indicating a Tertiary age for HP metamorphism in the Gran Paradiso massif agree with recent data for other internal basement massifs in the Western Alps. A model fitting the Gran Paradiso massif into the Western Alpine framework is presented.
Stability of fluorite and titanite in a calc‐silicate rock from the Vizianagaram area, Eastern Ghats Belt, India
Authors: Sengupta P. , Raith M. M. , Datta A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn the Vizianagaram area (E 83°29.442′; N 18°5.418′) of the Eastern Ghats Belt, India, a suite of graphite‐bearing calc‐silicate granulites, veined by syenitic rocks, developed wollastonite‐rich veins at 6–7 kbar and > 850 °C. During subsequent near‐isobaric cooling wollastonite was replaced by calcite + quartz and a graphic intergrowth of fluorite + quartz ± clinopyroxene. Titanite with variable Al and F contents is present throughout the rock. Combining the compositional variation of titanite and recent experimental data, it is demonstrated that the mineral assemblage, the composition of coexisting fluids and the mobility of Al exert a far greater control on the composition of titanite than pressure, temperature or the whole rock composition. Thermodynamically computed isothermal–isobaric logfO2– logfCO2 and logfF2– logfO2 grids in the systems Ca–Fe–Si–O–F (CISOF; calcite‐free) and Ca–Fe–Si–O–F–C–H (CISOFV; calcite‐present) demonstrate the influence of bulk rock and fluid compositions on the stability of the fluorite‐bearing assemblages in diverse geological environments and resolve the problem of the stability of titanite in fayalite + fluorite‐bearing rocks in the Adirondacks. The mineralogy of the studied rocks and the topological constraints tightly fix the logfO2, logfF2 and logfCO2 at −15.8, −30.6 and 4.1, respectively, at 6.5 kbar and c. 730 °C. Because of the similarity in the P–T conditions, the compositions of pore fluids in the fluorite‐bearing assemblages of the Adirondacks and the Eastern Ghats Belt have been compared.
Are Judgment Errors Reflected in Market Prices and Allocations? Experimental Evidence Based on the Monty Hall Problem
Authors: Kluger Brian D. , Wyatt Steve B. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTThe question of whether individual judgment errors survive in market equilibrium is an issue that naturally lends itself to experimental analysis. Here, the Monty Hall problem is used to detect probability judgment errors both in a cohort of individuals and in a market setting. When all subjects in a cohort made probability judgment errors, market prices also reflected the error. However, competition among two bias‐free subjects was sufficient to drive prices to error‐free levels. Thus, heterogeneity in behavior can be an important factor in asset pricing, and further, it may take few bias‐free traders to make asset prices bias‐free.
Optimal Asset Location and Allocation with Taxable and Tax‐Deferred Investing
Authors: Dammon Robert M. , Spatt Chester S. , Zhang Harold H. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTWe investigate optimal intertemporal asset allocation and location decisions for investors making taxable and tax‐deferred investments. We show a strong preference for holding taxable bonds in the tax‐deferred account and equity in the taxable account, reflecting the higher tax burden on taxable bonds relative to equity. For most investors, the optimal asset location policy is robust to the introduction of tax‐exempt bonds and liquidity shocks. Numerical results illustrate optimal portfolio decisions as a function of age and tax‐deferred wealth. Interestingly, the proportion of total wealth allocated to equity is inversely related to the fraction of total wealth in tax‐deferred accounts.
Older workers: can they succeed in the job market?
Authors: Encel Sol , Studencki Helen 
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To identify and track the progress of mature age workers who have overcome barriers associated with their age. To identify factors contributing to successful employment outcomes for older workers. To evaluate the success rate of service providers in facilitating access to the labour market for older workers. Methods: Three job network providers were approached: Mission Employment, Salvation Army Employment Plus and Work Ventures Inc. All three agreed to provide addresses of clients aged 45 years and over to be reached through a mail questionnaire. A total of 700 questionnaires were dispatched anonymously with the cooperation of these three organisations. A small number of follow‐up interviews were also conducted with survey respondents who indicated their willingness to be interviewed, and had signed a consent form for this purpose. Several interviews were also conducted with staff at the three cooperating agencies. Results: Of the 700 questionnaires dispatched, 163 were returned, giving a response rate of 23%. Among the respondents, 82 were employed at the time and 81 were unemployed. There were approximately equal responses from men and women. Of the 82 employed persons, 48 had obtained jobs either through answering advertisements or through personal contacts. Only 19 had obtained employment through a job network agency. The most important barrier to employment was identified as age, followed by lack of specialised skills. Conclusions: Early intervention is essential. The chances of re‐employment decline steadily with the duration of unemployment. Age discrimination stands out as the major obstacle to re‐employment for older workers. Personal connections and specialised skills are more important than the activities of job network agencies. Job seekers are also handicapped by inflexibility in relation to training, travel to new locations, and acceptance of a different kind of job.
Specific Detection and Identification of Herpes B Virus by a PCR-Microplate Hybridization Assay
Authors: Oya Chika , Ochiai Yoshitsugu , Taniuchi Yojiro , Takano Takashi , Ueda Fukiko , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro , Hondo Ryo 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
Herpes B virus DNA was specifically amplified by PCR, targeting the regions that did not cross-react with herpes simplex virus (HSV). The amplified products, which were shown to be highly genetic polymorphisms among herpes B virus isolates, were identified by microplate hybridization with probes generated by PCR. The products immobilized in microplate wells were hybridized with the biotin-labeled probes derived from the SMHV strain of herpes B virus. The amplified products derived from the SMHV and E2490 strains of herpes B virus were identified by microplate hybridization. PCR products amplified from the trigeminal ganglia of seropositive cynomolgus macaques were identified as herpes B virus DNA. The utility of the PCR-microplate hybridization assay for genetic detection and identification of the polymorphic region of herpes B virus was determined.
Evaluation of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Typhoid Fever
Authors: Olsen Sonja J. , Pruckler Jim , Bibb William , Thanh Nguyen Thi My , Trinh Tran My , Minh Nguyen Thi , Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Gupta Amita , Phuong Phan Thu , Chinh Nguyen Tran , Chau Nguyen Vinh , Cam Phung Dac , Mintz Eric D. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Laboratory diagnosis of typhoid fever requires isolation and identification of
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhi. In many areas where this disease is endemic, laboratory capability is limited. Recent advances in molecular immunology have led to the identification of sensitive and specific markers for typhoid fever and technology to manufacture practical and inexpensive kits for their rapid detection. We evaluated three commercial kits for serologic diagnosis of typhoid fever. Patients presenting with ≥ 4 days of fever were enrolled at two hospitals in Southern Vietnam. Cases were patients with serotype Typhi isolated from blood samples, and controls were patients with other laboratory-confirmed illnesses. Serotype Typhi isolates were confirmed and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City. The Widal test was run at the hospitals and the Pasteur Institute. Sera were shipped frozen to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and tested by using Multi-Test Dip-S-Ticks, TyphiDot, and TUBEX to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG and IgM, and IgM, respectively. Package insert protocol instructions were followed. We enrolled 59 patients and 21 controls. The sensitivity and specificity findings were as follows: 89 and 53% for Multi-Test Dip-S-Ticks, 79 and 89% for TyphiDot, 78 and 89% for TUBEX, and 64 and 76% for Widal testing in hospitals and 61% and 100% for Widal testing at the Pasteur Institute. For all assays, the sensitivity was highest in the second week of illness. The Widal test was insensitive and displayed interoperator variability. Two rapid kits, TyphiDot and TUBEX, demonstrated promising results.