Sweet Taste Receptor Expressed in Pancreatic β-Cells Activates the Calcium and Cyclic AMP Signaling Systems and Stimulates Insulin Secretion

BACKGROUND:Sweet taste receptor is expressed in the taste buds and enteroendocrine cells acting as a sugar sensor. We investigated the expression and function of the sweet taste receptor in MIN6 cells and mouse islets. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:The expression of the sweet taste receptor was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Changes in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](c)) and cAMP ([cAMP](c)) were monitored in MIN6 cells using fura-2 and Epac1-camps. Activation of protein kinase C was monitored by measuring translocation of MARCKS-GFP. Insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay. mRNA for T1R2, T1R3, and gustducin was expressed in MIN6 cells. In these cells, artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, succharin, and acesulfame-K increased insulin secretion and augmented secretion induced by glucose. Sucralose increased biphasic increase in [Ca(2+)](c). The second sustained phase was blocked by removal of extracellular calcium and addition of nifedipine. An inhibitor of inositol(1, 4, 5)-trisphophate receptor, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, blocked both phases of [Ca(2+)](c) response. The effect of sucralose on [Ca(2+)](c) was inhibited by gurmarin, an inhibitor of the sweet taste receptor, but not affected by a G(q) inhibitor. Sucralose also induced sustained elevation of [cAMP](c), which was only partially inhibited by removal of extracellular calcium and nifedipine. Finally, mouse islets expressed T1R2 and T1R3, and artificial sweeteners stimulated insulin secretion. CONCLUSIONS:Sweet taste receptor is expressed in beta-cells, and activation of this receptor induces insulin secretion by Ca(2+) and cAMP-dependent mechanisms

Applicability of Agile Methods for Dynamic Requirements in Smart PSS Development

Part 10: The Operator 4.0 and the Internet of Things, Services and PeopleInternational audienceSmart Product-Service Systems, i.e. solutions consisting of tangible and intangible components interacting with their environment through information and communication technology, are subject to various dynamic influences along the life cycle. Stakeholders to the solution may change, as well as their needs and technological capabilities. This makes the requirements for the solution volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. The system scope and associated requirements are constantly changing. In this paper, it is discussed how agile methods can help to deal with these influences in the development phase. A literature review and an industrial case study are used for analysing the problem of dynamic requirements, and agile methods are identified that can be applied for Smart Product-Service Systems

Bürgerorientierung im Stadtmarketing : Entwicklung einer Dachmarke mithilfe neuerer Beteiligungsformate

Die Akzente im Stadtmarketing haben sich in den letzten Jahren in vielen Städten verschoben: Stand früher die Ausrichtung auf externe Stakeholder wie Touristen, Unternehmen oder potenzielle Arbeitskräfte im Zentrum, so richtet sich die Aufmerksamkeit heute in zunehmendem Maße auf interne Stakeholder, insbesondere auf die Bürgerinnen und Bürger. Diese werden nicht nur auf ihre Rolle als Kunden reduziert, sondern sie werden als Mitgestalter in Beteiligungsprozesse integriert. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Entwicklung einer Dachmarke in einem beteiligungsorientierten Stadtmarketing-Prozess unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Methode Design Thinking

Engaging Employees in Corporate Social Responsibility Projects—A Case Study from the Lufthansa Group Showcasing Experiences and Lessons Gathered in Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Columbia.

Social responsibility and sustainable development are concepts of growing interest to the corporate sector, including in the so-called developing world. Although the benefits are manifold and typically include mutual learning, innovation, humanitarian engagement, intercultural exchange, new markets, and effective theory-praxis integration that is aligned with the idea of giving back to the community there is a dearth of research studies featuring the practical outworking of actual cases in a comprehensive, analytical and critical manner. To address this gap in the literature the study employs an exploratory methodological approach examining the Impact Week, a Lufthansa Group CSR program aimed at progressing entrepreneurship, innovation, and intercultural exchange that systematically engages employees as part of an internal qualification program. Data from projects in Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Columbia showed long-term local effects both on a program as well as an individual level of analysis. Findings further indicate that engaging employees in CSR practice has the potential of making organizations more meaningful and thus positively impacting organizational culture and attracting new talents. A human centric as opposed to a utilitarian orientation among stakeholders emerged as an important factor for the longevity and sustainability of CSR practice. Results are relevant to stakeholders interested in learning how social responsibility and sustainability may be enhanced in organizational practice