Electrical activity induced by nitric oxide in canine colonic circular muscle.

Nitric oxide generates slow electrical oscillations (SEOs) in cells near the myenteric edge of the circular muscle layer, which resemble slow waves generated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) at the submucosal edge of this muscle. The properties of SEOs were studied to determine whether these events are similar to slow waves. Rapid frequency membrane potential oscillations (MPOs; 16 +/- 1 cycles/min and 9.6 +/- 0.2 mV) were recorded from control muscles near the myenteric edge. Sodium nitroprusside (0.3 microM) reduced MPOs and initiated SEOs (1.3 +/- 0.3 cycles/min and 13.4 +/- 1.4 mV amplitude). SEOs were abolished by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]-quinoxaline-1-one (10 microM). MPOs were abolished by nifedipine (1 microM), whereas SEO frequency increased and the amount of depolarization decreased. BAY K 8644 (1 microM) prolonged SEOs and reduced their frequency. SEOs were abolished by Ni(2+) (0.5 mM), low Ca(2+) solution (0.1 mM Ca(2+)), cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM), and the mitochondrial uncouplers antimycin (10 microM) and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (1 microM). Oligomycin (10 microM) was without effect. These effects are similar to those described for colonic slow waves. Our results suggest that nitric oxide-induced SEOs are similar in mechanism to slow waves, an activity not previously thought to be generated by myenteric pacemakers.

Understanding Accountability in Social Enterprise Organisations: A Framework

Purpose: Social enterprise organisations (SEOs) operate across the boundaries of the public, private and not‐for‐profit (NFP) sectors in delivering public services and competing for resources and legitimacy. While there is a rich literature on accountability in the private and public sectors, together with the wider NFP sector, SEOs have received comparatively little attention and remain a relatively under‐researched organisational form. Drawing on accountability, legitimacy and user‐needs theories, the purpose of this paper is to develop a practical framework which can be used to explore how accountability within SEOs is constructed and discharged.

Design/methodology/approach: This paper draws on user‐needs, accountability, legitimacy and impression management theories expounded in relation to the private, public and NFP sectors.

Findings: A framework to better understand how accountability can be discharged by SEOs is developed and discussed.

Research limitations/implications: While a framework for better understanding SEO accountability is presented, it is not empirically tested. However, the framework has the potential to facilitate a deeper appreciation of the theory and practice of accountability within SEOs and, notwithstanding the inherent difficulties in measuring and managing accountability, could be used to stimulate practitioner involvement.

Practical implications
– As little is known about the current extent of SEO information disclosure or accountability relationships, the framework could be used to assess the discharge of accountability by SEOs, with the findings informing future developments. This should provide useful insights into internal processes and organisational views on accountability bases and mechanisms and can then be used to inform the debate on how SEOs can best discharge their duty to account.

Social implications
– Understanding the nature of SEO accountability reporting has important implications for those involved in advancing the SEO agenda. At a time of public sector cutbacks, and with the government searching for new and more effective ways of delivering services, the role of SEOs in this process is likely to receive greater attention and scrutiny.

Originality/value
– SEOs have grown extensively in size and prominence in recent years and policymakers have come to embrace the role that they play in societal development. This paper responds to a gap in the theoretical literature and contributes to the debate by developing a framework which can be empirically tested. Moreover, it can be used to prompt practitioner involvement and facilitate a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding accounting and accountability in this under‐researched area.