bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge barriers, knowledge transfer, and innovation competitive advantage in healthcare settings
Authors: Sheng Margaret L. , Chang Shen‐Yao , Teo Thompson , Lin Yuh‐Feng
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the moderating role of information communication technology (ICT) competencies in enhancing knowledge transfer and mitigating the effects of two key knowledge barriers, namely knowledge stickiness and knowledge ambiguity, thereby increasing the firm's innovation competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out in the context of the healthcare industry in Taiwan. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to hospitals and 112 usable responses were received, representing a response rate of 70 percent. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that ICT competencies do enhance knowledge transfer inside hospitals. Although knowledge stickiness and knowledge ambiguity have negative effects on knowledge transfer, the negative effects can be moderated by ICT competencies (defined in terms of competencies in computer‐assisted instruction, interactive videoconferencing, and hand‐held technology).

Practical implications

Among the three ICT competencies, computer‐assisted instruction and hand‐held technology have the largest and smallest effects on the relationship between knowledge barriers and knowledge transfer. The results also allow decision makers for forward‐looking allocation of ICT competencies.

Originality/value

The study presents a valid model that comprises the antecedents, moderators (three specific types of ICT competencies), and consequences of knowledge transfer for innovation competitive advantage of healthcare organizations.
A sustainable collaborative research dialogue between practitioners and academics
Authors: Chen Chun‐Yu , Jim Wu Yen‐Chun , Wu Wen‐Hsiung
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the co‐production of knowledge and dialogic relationships via the collaboration between business practitioners and academic researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

The motivations, expectations, communication processes, and final performance of those engaged in collaborative management research are explored by applying a two‐pronged methodology with a content analysis and an e‐mail survey. The authors conducted a content analysis on 136 articles identified out of a total of 2,029 articles from six leading journals during 2006‐2011 which fulfilled the criteria of being coauthored by both professors and practitioners. An e‐mail survey of six open questions was given to pre‐screened authors in the first stage to investigate the in‐depth dialogue processes and stories of these collaborations.

Findings

The results revealed that collaboration topics of interest focused mostly on organizational behavior, business policy, and strategy, and that theoretical inquiry and case study were the most used research methods. According to the 68 valid returned e‐mail surveys, the providing of consulting services by professors in firms plays a critical role in facilitating knowledge co‐creation between practice and knowing. The findings also highlight key factors of sustainable co‐production relationships.

Originality/value

This study provides an empirical, valuable step towards an investigation into the co‐creation dialogue experiences of practitioners and academics in three dimensions: purpose, procedure, and promise.
The Bologna process in higher education: an exploratory case study in a Russian context
Authors: Esyutina Maria , Fearon Colm , Leatherbarrow Nicky
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of the current article is to discuss the role of the Bologna process in enabling quality of educational change, internationalisation and greater mobility using an example case study of a Russian university. Some discussion is provided to offer insights and inform future research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors highlight some of the quality issues associated with the Bologna process and reflect on how the statements underpin quality of learning and mobility in a European higher education area (EHEA) context. They explore some of the issues raised from the documentation and examine some early experiences and challenges from a leading Russian university as part of a wider examination of higher education in a Russian context.

Findings

The Bologna Declaration was signed in 1999 by 29 European countries. The Declaration became the guiding document for the Bologna process which is now being implemented by 47 (inclusive) EU and non‐EU countries. In Russia, Bologna did not begin well and was originally resisted by employers and universities several years ago. It has recently been started again but it is still in its early stages, as Bologna is only now being implemented more fully. Nevertheless, there are issues around the two cycle system and diploma certificates. Recognition from some employers is also still an issue but less so than before. However, specialist auditing agencies can also be used in conjunction with the universities to assure quality and reassure employers going forward. There is also a strong recognition that Russian higher educational institutions have come a long way in a short space of time in terms of quality and process development.

Originality/value

Whilst the research is limited to one case and is essentially qualitative and exploratory, the integrated analysis and discussion still provides useful insight and reflection concerning key issues as a consequence of recently implementing the Bologna process within the Russian educational system.
Why Agile can be a game changer for managing continuous innovation in many industries
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Veteran managers trained to respect hierarchical systems are daunted by the fundamental changes in thinking and culture that are required to implement the Agile continuous innovation approach to manufacturing. Though widely hailed by software developers it has been slow to catch on in manufacturing. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To assuage managers concerns, ten prevalent myths about Agile are addressed along with a description of how the approach really works in practice.

Findings

The paper reveals that the Agile outside‐in orientation that maximizes customer value requires a reinvention of management roles, practices, values and communications to implement it.

Research limitations/implications

If research is reported on in the paper this section must be completed and should include suggestions for future research and any identified limitations in the research process.

Practical implications

Agile is a way of forcing either high performance or change because results are apparent so quickly, not years later when the project runs out of money and the product flops in the marketplace.

Originality/value

The article dispels many myths about Agile and shows managers how to overcome resistance to adopting the Agile approach, which addresses the central problem at the very core of a hierarchical bureaucracy, namely, its limited ability to innovate.
Using the customer journey to road test and refine the business model
Authors: Norton David W. , Pine B. Joseph
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The article describes how to strategically analyze and stage manage the customer journey – the sequence of events that customers go through to learn about, purchase and interact with company offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explains how to develop a customer journey that implements a coherent strategic plan. One that follows a scripted sequence of events companies produce to deliver value to the customer, profitability to the company and differentiation from the competition.

Findings

The customer journey, when approached as a strategic design process, can provide all the elements of a business with a unifying organizational map.

Research limitations/implications

The examples reported on in this article are drawn from the authors' consulting experience.

Practical implications

Too often companies map a customer journey without any real participation from customers themselves. It's best to start by identifying jobs customers need to get done so that companies clarify what aspects of the journey are most important to the customer.

Originality/value

Top executives should make their company's goal to align its business strategy and the experiences that create most value for customers.
Fidelity Investments: adopting new models of innovation
Authors: Bukowitz Wendi R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This case aims to describe what innovation looks like and how it works in Fidelity Investments, a financial services organization that is large and decentralized.

Design/methodology/approach

The case looks at how the firm's internal consultants introduced idea‐management systems, idea‐management contests, design thinking, open innovation, innovation tools, coaching and mentoring and new innovation processes

Findings

The study show that internal consultants made progress by demonstrating that different ways of thinking through business problems could lead to better solutions without making a huge investment of resources – people, time, and budget.

Research limitations/implications

The implementation results findings are based on first‐hand reporting by the author.

Practical implications

The combination of internal consultants and business unit champions learned to create a home for innovation that focuses and leverages impact.

Originality/value

This case explains how the internal consulting unit charged with disseminating innovation processes developed the trust and cooperation of the company business units.
Men's branded underwear: an investigation of factors important to product choice
Authors: Hale Rosanna , Hodges Nancy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore factors important to the product choice stage of the decision‐making process for the men's branded underwear consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach to data collection and interpretation was used. Individual in‐depth interviews were conducted with fifteen participants who had purchased men's branded underwear within six months prior to the study. Eight males and seven females, aged 23‐55, were given a voucher to purchase men's underwear at a designated US department store and asked to bring their purchases to the interview. A semi‐structured interview schedule was followed which posed open‐ended questions about purchasing men's branded underwear in general and specifically with regard to the use of the voucher. Interviews were audio recorded with participant's consent and lasted approximately 45‐60 min.

Findings

A thematic interpretation of the interview data led to the development of three emergent thematic areas used to explore issues that surfaced within and across responses. Factors important to participants' decision‐making are discussed relative to their product choices. A typology of consumer profiles was developed from the data based on involvement level, brand loyalty, gender, evaluative criteria and silhouette preference.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include a focus on perceptions of US consumers located in a large urban area and a focus on the department store channel. Implications of participants' experiences for marketing men's branded underwear are considered.

Practical implications

This study provides insight into factors important to US consumers when purchasing men's branded underwear.

Originality/value

This paper offers an examination of consumer decision‐making relative to men's branded underwear, an understudied product category. Findings provide an in‐depth understanding of the consumer's perspective, an understanding that is essential to successful product development and brand positioning.
Competitive priorities and supply chain strategy in the fashion industry
Authors: Kim Bowon
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how high‐performing companies in the fashion industry align their supply chain strategy with their competitive priorities.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to answer the research question, case study research on four fashion companies most competitive in the global market. The primary sources of information for the case studies were interview data.

Findings

Based on in‐depth interviews with top managers at the companies, propositions are reached: the competitive priorities are closely linked with the firm's choice of target market, which in turn determines its supply chain strategy, including both sourcing and channel strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows how in‐depth case studies based on interview data about best practices in the fashion industry can contribute to the literature by linking firm's competitive priorities with its supply chain strategy.

Practical implications

The research outcome enables managers to design their supply chain strategy including sourcing and channel strategy more systematically and effectively so as to be consistent with their competitive priorities.

Originality/value

The research framework is unique in that it combines important concepts and theories in business strategy, outsourcing, and SCM literature. Implications from the in‐depth case studies on best practices in the fashion industry can help managers make a decision on supply chain strategy more effectively.
Her treatment at and around the meeting was deplorable: might safeguarding itself constitute abuse?
Authors: Hewitt David
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report and analyse a recent case, in which the safeguarding procedure adopted by one local authority was criticised by the High Court. It also seeks to identify the key lessons to be learned.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the judgment handed down in the case, sets out its key points and seeks to place the proceedings, and the concerns they reveal, in their context.

Findings

In its conduct of one safeguarding enquiry, West Sussex County Council acted unlawfully, in a manner that breached natural justice and a legitimate expectation to which it had itself given rise. The case raises a number of concerns. It is also consistent with a suspicion that some practitioners, and even some judges, have begun to express: that on occasions, the safeguarding process itself might constitute a form of abuse.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first time the case has been analysed in such detail, and also the first time it has been placed in the context of those concerns.
The role of CSR in clinical governance and its influence on knowledge sharing
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The cumulative cart of data piling through the empirical journey around hospitals in Vietnam provides the clue on whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) influences clinical governance, which in turn catalyzes team processes and knowledge sharing. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach served as an analyst for 341 responses returned from self‐administered structured questionnaires sent to 504 hospital members in the middle‐management position.

Findings

A model of clinical governance and knowledge sharing evolved along the process of hypothesis testing. Ethical CSR was found to nourish clinical governance in the healthcare service organizations.

Originality/value

The research findings shed light on the CSR‐based model of knowledge sharing which underscores the role of ethical CSR initiatives in the activation of chain effects from clinical governance through team processes to knowledge sharing.
Closing the loop on same day reporting of V/Q scans: utilising speech recognition software
Authors: Rao Nikhil D. , Paramithas Anton , Parthipun Arum
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) must be transferred between one hospital, seven miles away to a trust, for access to the V/Q scanner. The aim of this audit was to examine delays in obtaining scans and delays in same day reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used the Same Working Day guidelines (National Diagnostic Imaging board (UK); the target was 90 per cent. The indicators were: time from request to scan attendance; time from scan to typed, accessible report. Data from 141 inpatient V/Q scans between March 2009 and 2010 were collected retrospectively. In the re‐audit 89 V/Q scans for the period of June 2010 to May 2011 were collected retrospectively.

Findings

In the first round there were 31 scans from EGH and 110 from StH. Overall 64 per cent of scans were reported on the same day. There was a significant delay in scanning EGH patients due to transportation. The introduction of voice recognition software was aimed at reducing the time between dictation and reports being available for viewing. CT Pulmonary Angiograms (CTPA) would be utilised more at EGH as it was available on site. In the second round there were 62 scans at STH, 27 at EGH. Overall, 84 per cent scans were reported on the same working day. This was a statistically significant improvement (p=0.001). Only 17 per cent of scans were reported after 12 hours.

Originality/value

Speech recognition software should allow a more efficient method of diagnosing and reporting pulmonary embolism, which in turn assists in patient management.
CGIJ review
Authors: MacVane Fiona
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enable busy health care professionals to gain a quick overview of the current articles in CGIJ.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a review.

Findings

Clinical governance continues to be an important issue in contemporary healthcare and the concept is being applied to many different facets of healthcare provision.

Practical implications

The papers in the issue recommend changes to: knowledge sharing, risk management, defining low value/high value treatments, use of voice recognition software and clinical supervision.

Social implications

Knowledge sharing and considering patient quality of life (QOL) rather than basing treatment decisions on cost alone are considered.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of current subjects.
Tuning the replication fork progression by the initiation frequency
Authors: González Moreno Sara , Mata Martín Carmen , Ferrera Guillén Encarna , Guzmán Elena C.
Published: March 2013

The thermo‐resistant period of the thermo‐sensitive ribonucleotide reductase RNR101 encoded by the nrdA101 allele in Escherichia coli is prolonged for 50 min at 42°C, enabling an increase in DNA content of about 45%. Assuming that fork progression in the nrdA101 mutant is impaired, the question whether reduced number of ongoing replication rounds altered the thermo‐resistant period in this strain was investigated. Decreases in the oriC/terC ratio and in the number of oriC per cell at 30°C were found in the presence of oriC228, oriC229 and oriC239 alleles in strain nrdA101. Correlated with this effect, increased thermo‐resistance period of the RNR101 was allowed, and the detrimental effects on cell division, chromosome segregation and cell viability observed in the nrdA101 mutant at 42°C were suppressed. These results indicate that conditions leading to chromosome initiation deficiency at 30°C enhance the replication fork progression in the nrdA101 mutant at 42°C. We propose that coordination between initiation frequency and replication fork progression could be significant for most of the replication systems with important consequences in their cell cycle regulation.
Voter Turnout and Political Equality: Testing the ‘Law of Dispersion’ in a Swedish Natural Experiment
Authors: Persson Mikael , Solevid Maria , Öhrvall Richard
Published: March 2013

According to the ‘law of dispersion’, the level of inequality in political participation is higher when voter turnout is low. We empirically test this hypothesis by evaluating levels of voter turnout in the 2010 Swedish election to the Västra Götaland county council and in the 2011 re-election for the same county council. The re-election voter turnout was reduced by almost half, from 80.6 per cent to 44.1 per cent. Our results support the law of dispersion: the level of inequality in participation substantially increased between young and old, rich and poor, low and high educated and politically interested and uninterested.
Uterine artery pulsatility index improves prediction of methotrexate resistance in women with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with FIGO score 5–6
Authors: Sita‐Lumsden A , Medani H , Fisher R , Harvey R , Short D , Sebire N , Savage P , Lim A , Seckl MJ , Agarwal R
Published: March 2013

Objective

The Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index (UAPI) is an ultrasound measure of tumour vascularity. In this study, we hypothesised that a UAPI ≤1 (high vascularity) would identify women with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) at increased risk of resistance to first‐line single‐agent methotrexate (MTX‐R).

Design

Single‐centre cohort study.

Setting

Charing Cross Hospital, a UK national centre for the treatment of trophoblastic disease.

Population

All women with a GTN FIGO score 5–6 treated with methotrexate (n = 92), between 1999 and 2011, at Charing Cross Hospital.

Methods

UAPI was measured before the start of chemotherapy, and women were monitored for the development of MTX‐R.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of MTX‐R in women with UAPI ≤1 compared with UAPI >1.

Results

UAPI was measured before chemotherapy in 73 of 92 women with GTN FIGO score 5–6. UAPI ≤1 predicted MTX‐R independent of the FIGO score (hazard ratio 2.9, P = 0.04), with an absolute risk of MTX‐R in women with a UAPI ≤1 of 67% (95% CI 53–79%) compared with 42% (95% CI 24–61%) with a UAPI >1 (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

Our results suggest UAPI is an independent predictor of MTX‐R in women with FIGO 5–6 GTN.
Ovarian cancer prediction: development of a scoring system for primary care
Authors: Grewal K , Hamilton W , Sharp D
Published: March 2013

Objective

Recent studies have identified specific symptoms of ovarian cancer at all stages, raising the hope of reducing diagnostic delays. We aimed to devise a scoring system for symptoms of ovarian cancer in primary care.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a case–control study.

Setting

Thirty‐nine general practices in Exeter, mid‐Devon and east Devon.

Population

Two hundred and twelve women with ovarian cancer and 1060 age‐, sex‐ and practice‐matched controls.

Methods

Conditional logistic regression was used to produce an additive scoring system and its receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Several different cut‐offs were then tested using a simple costs model.

Main outcome measures

The ROC curve value.

Results

Each woman was assigned a score based on her symptoms in the year before diagnosis: we added a score for women aged ≥50 years, reflecting their increased incidence of ovarian cancer. The area under the ROC curve was 0.883 (95% confidence interval 0.853–0.912). The chosen cut‐off had a sensitivity of 72.6% and a specificity of 91.3%.

Conclusion

This scoring system could potentially direct general practitioners to appropriate investigations for ovarian cancer on the basis of symptoms and save a substantial number of unnecessary ultrasound scans being requested.
Venous thromboembolism does not share strong familial susceptibility with pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia: a nationwide family study in Sweden
Authors: Zöller B , Li X , Sundquist J , Sundquist K
Published: March 2013

Objective

Genetic variants associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia (PEC/EC). This nationwide study aimed to determine whether VTE shares familial susceptibility with PEC/EC.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Sweden.

Sample

A total of 941 841 Swedish women delivering their first child between 1987 and 2008.

Methods

Data from the Swedish Multigeneration Register were linked to the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register. The risk of PEC/EC was determined in primiparous women with a family history of VTE (in parents and/or siblings), compared with primiparous women without a family history of VTE. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression.

Main outcome measure

PEC/EC in first pregnancy.

Results

In total, 43 621 women had PEC/EC in association with their first pregnancy. The OR for PEC/EC in women with a family history of VTE was 1.06 (95% CI 1.01–1.11); however, a family history of VTE was associated with higher odds of PEC/EC among women with previous hypertension (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.25–1.52).

Conclusion

A family history of VTE is weakly associated with PEC/EC risk, and is not clinically useful for the prediction of PEC/EC. The results of the present study suggest that it is unlikely that strong disease‐causing mutations shared by VTE and PEC/EC are common in the Swedish population. The novel association between family history and PEC/EC among the subgroup with previous hypertension needs further confirmation in future studies.
Physical Characterization and Recovery of Corroded Fingerprint Impressions from Postblast Copper Pipe Bomb Fragments
Authors: Bond John W. , Brady Thomas F.
Published: March 2013

Pipe bombs made from 1 mm thick copper pipe were detonated with a low explosive power powder. Analysis of the physical characteristics of fragments revealed that the copper had undergone work hardening with an increased Vickers Hardness of 107HV1 compared with 80HV1 for unexploded copper pipe. Mean plastic strain prior to fracture was calculated at 0.28 showing evidence of both plastic deformation and wall thinning. An examination of the external surface showed microfractures running parallel with the length of the pipe at approximately 100 μm intervals and 1–2 μm in width. Many larger fragments had folded “inside out” making the original outside surface inaccessible and difficult to fold back through work hardening. A visual examination for fingerprint corrosion revealed ridge details on several fragments that were enhanced by selective digital mapping of colors reflected from the surface of the copper. One of these fingerprints was identified partially to the original donor.
Evolution of the Psychological Autopsy: Fifty Years of Experience at the Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner‐Coroner's Office
Authors: Botello Timothy , Noguchi Thomas , Sathyavagiswaran Lakshmanan , Weinberger Linda E. , Gross Bruce H.
Published: March 2013

The origin of the psychological autopsy was in the late 1950s and the result of a collaboration between the Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner‐Coroner's Office and the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center. It was conceptualized as a thorough retrospective analysis of the decedent's state of mind and intention at the time of death. It was used initially in “equivocal” deaths where the manner of death was possibly either suicide or accident. Later, it was used in cases where a party (primarily family members) protested the Medical Examiner‐Coroner's suicide determination. Over the past 25 years, the University of Southern California Institute of Psychiatry, Law, and Behavioral Science has served as the psychiatric/psychological consultants to the Coroner's Department. Research findings, the use of this approach in high‐profile cases, and the most recent manner in which the psychological autopsy is conducted are discussed.
The Morphology of Fecal and Regurgitation Artifacts Deposited by the Blow Fly Lucilia cuprina Fed a Diet of Human Blood
Authors: Durdle Annalisa , van Oorschot Roland A. H. , John Mitchell R.
Published: March 2013

Fly feces and regurgitation deposits may be mistaken for bloodstain patterns at a crime scene, potentially compromising event reconstruction and/or misdirecting police resources. In some instances, these artifacts contain sufficient human biological material to generate a full DNA profile, sometimes 2 years after deposition. Clearly, it is important that investigators can make the distinction between artifacts and bloodstains. This study examined 6645 artifacts deposited on a smooth, nonporous surface after Lucilia cuprina were fed human blood. Artifacts were also compared with bloodstains on a variety of other surfaces. Both similarities and differences were found between artifacts and bloodstains, highlighting the need for an identification system to assist personnel with little training in bloodstain pattern analysis. The morphology of the artifacts has been described so that these deposits may be more clearly distinguished from bloodstains, targeted by crime scene personnel as potential sources of human DNA, and/or identified as potential evidence contaminants. Flowcharts have been devised to facilitate the analysis.
Is the non‐verbal behavioural emotion‐processing profile of bipolar disorder impaired? A critical review
Authors: Van Rheenen T. E. , Rossell S. L.
Published: March 2013

Objective

Growing evidence suggests that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are impaired in their ability to process non‐verbal emotion, although few comprehensive reviews of the behavioural literature exist, and there has been little consideration of methodological issues that may account for discrepant empirical findings. This review examines the behavioural facial, prosodic and multimodal processing literature in BD and discusses methodological issues in the context of this evidence.

Method

Major computer databases including Google Scholar and PsychINFO were consulted to conduct a comprehensive review of quantitative behavioural differences in the emotion‐processing literature in BD. Articles were accepted only if the target population sample met criteria for a DSM‐III, DSM‐IV or ICD‐10 diagnosis, and they contained a healthy control group.

Results

The current literature suggests that facial emotion processing is impaired, and there is preliminary evidence for some behavioural impairment in the processing of emotional prosody.

Conclusion

The specificity or generalisability of impairments in facial emotion processing and the effects of mood state are unclear. Similarly, the lack of clarity around the impact of auditory processes on emotional prosody processing warrants a comprehensive examination of the auditory profile in BD.
Attenuation of TNF production and experimentally induced inflammation by PDE4 inhibitor rolipram is mediated by MAPK phosphatase‐1
Authors: Korhonen Riku , Hömmö Tuija , Keränen Tiina , Laavola Mirka , Hämäläinen Mari , Vuolteenaho Katriina , Lehtimäki Lauri , Kankaanranta Hannu , Moilanen Eeva
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

3′,5′‐Cyclic nucleotide PDE4 is expressed in several inflammatory and immune cells, and PDE4 catalyses the hydrolysis of cAMP to 5′AMP, down‐regulating cAMP signalling in cells. MAPK phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1) is an endogenous p38 MAPK signalling suppressor and limits inflammatory gene expression and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a PDE4 inhibitor rolipram on MKP‐1 expression and whether MKP‐1 is involved in the anti‐inflammatory effects of rolipram.

Experimental Approach

The effect of rolipram on TNF production was investigated in J774 mouse macrophage cell line and in primary mouse peritoneal macrophages (PM) from wild‐type (WT) and MKP‐1(–/–) mice. We also investigated the effect of rolipram on carrageenan‐induced paw inflammation in WT and MKP‐1(–/–) mice.

Key Results

MKP‐1 expression was enhanced by rolipram, by a non‐selective PDE inhibitor IBMX and by a cAMP analogue 8‐Br‐cAMP in J774 cells and in PM. Enhanced MKP‐1 mRNA expression by rolipram was reversed by a PKA inhibitor. Rolipram, IBMX and 8‐Br‐cAMP also inhibited TNF production in activated macrophages. Accordingly, rolipram inhibited TNF production in PMs from WT mice but, interestingly, not in PMs from MKP‐1(–/–) mice. Furthermore, rolipram attenuated carrageenan‐induced paw inflammation in WT but not in MKP‐1(–/–) mice.

Conclusions and Implications

PDE4 inhibitor rolipram was found to enhance the expression of MKP‐1, and MKP‐1 mediated, at least partly, the anti‐inflammatory effects of PDE4 inhibition. The results suggest that compounds that enhance MKP‐1 expression and/or MKP‐1 activity hold potential as novel anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Cannabidiol attenuates deficits of visuospatial associative memory induced by Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Wright M Jerry , Vandewater Sophia A , Taffe Michael A
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Recent human studies suggest that recreational cannabis strains that are relatively high in cannabidiol (CBD) content produce less cognitive impairment than do strains with negligible CBD and similar Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Self‐selection in such studies means it is impossible to rule out additional variables which may determine both cannabis strain selection and basal cognitive performance level. Controlled laboratory studies can better determine a direct relationship.

Experimental Approach

In this study, adult male rhesus monkeys were assessed on visuospatial Paired Associates Learning and Self‐Ordered Spatial Search memory tasks, as well as additional tests of motivation and manual dexterity. Subjects were challenged with THC (0.2, 0.5 mg·kg−1, i.m.) in randomized order and evaluated in the presence or absence of 0.5 mg·kg−1 CBD.

Key Results

CBD attenuated the effects of THC on paired associates learning and a bimanual motor task without affecting the detrimental effects of THC on a Self‐Ordered Spatial Search task of working memory. CBD did not significantly reverse THC‐induced impairment of a progressive ratio or a rotating turntable task.

Conclusions and Implications

This study provides direct evidence that CBD can oppose the cognitive‐impairing effects of THC and that it does so in a task‐selective manner when administered simultaneously in a 1:1 ratio with THC. The addition of CBD to THC‐containing therapeutic products may therefore help to ameliorate unwanted cognitive side‐effects.

Linked Article

This article is commented on by Mechoulam and Parker, pp 1363–1364 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12400
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Tricyclic Guanidine Analogues of Batzelladine K for Antimalarial, Antileishmanial, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti‐HIV Activities
Authors: Ahmed Nafees , Brahmbhatt Keyur G. , Khan Shabana I. , Jacob Melissa , Tekwani Babu L. , Sabde Sudeep , Mitra Debashis , Singh Inder P. , Khan Ikhlas A. , Bhutani Kamlesh K.
Published: March 2013

Fifty analogues of batzelladine K were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antimalarial (Plasmodium falciparum), antileishmanial (Leishmania donovani), antimicrobial (panel of bacteria and fungi), antiviral (HIV‐1) activities. Analogues 14h and 20l exhibited potential antimalarial activity against chloroquine‐sensitive D6 strain with IC50 1.25 and 0.88 μm and chloroquine‐resistant W2 strain with IC50 1.64 and 1.07 μm, respectively. Analogues 12c and 14c having nonyl substitution showed the most potent antileishmanial activity with IC50 2.39 and 2.78 μm and IC90 11.27 and 12.76 μm, respectively. Three analogues 12c, 14c, and 14i were the most active against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi with IC50 < 3.02 μm and MIC/MBC/MFC <6 μm. Analogue 20l having pentyl and methyl substituents on tricycle showed promising activities against all pathogens. However, none was found active against HIV‐1. Our study demonstrated that the tricyclic guanidine compounds provide new structural class for broad spectrum activity.
3‐Year‐Old Children Make Relevance Inferences in Indirect Verbal Communication
Authors: Schulze Cornelia , Grassmann Susanne , Tomasello Michael
Published: March 2013

Three studies investigated 3‐year‐old children's ability to determine a speaker's communicative intent when the speaker's overt utterance related to that intent only indirectly. Studies 1 and 2 examined children's comprehension of indirectly stated requests (e.g., “I find Xs good” can imply, in context, a request for X; N = 32). Study 3 investigated 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children's and adults' (N = 52) comprehension of the implications of a speaker responding to an offer by mentioning an action's fulfilled or unfulfilled precondition (e.g., responding to an offer of cereal by stating that we have no milk implies rejection of the cereal). In all studies, 3‐year‐old children were able to make the relevance inference necessary to integrate utterances meaningfully into the ongoing context.
Nongrafted Sinus Floor Elevation with a Space‐Maintaining Titanium Mesh: Case‐Series Study on Four Patients
Authors: Atef Mohammed , Hakam Maha Mohammed , ElFaramawey Mohamed Ibrahim , Abou‐ElFetouh Adel , Ekram Mohamed
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Numerous materials and techniques have been introduced to augment the maxillary sinus floor for future dental implant placement. Schneiderian membrane tenting above simultaneously placed implants proved to be a successful technique. The present study investigated the use of a titanium micromesh for lateral‐window sinus floor elevation without bone grafting.

Material and Methods

Four patients indicated for two‐stage sinus lifting were included. Through a lateral window, a titanium micromesh was tailored and placed into the sinus to maintain the elevated membrane in place. Immediate and 6‐month postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed to measure the gained bone height. During implant placement, bone core biopsies were retrieved for histomorphometry.

Results

The average residual ridge height among the eight sinuses was 3.6 mm ± 1.6 mm. Six months postoperatively, it reached 9.63 mm ± 1.47 mm. Histomorphometry revealed that the average bone volume of the native bone was 30.3% ± 9.1%, while that of the newly formed bone was 55.3% ± 11.4%.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study due to the small sample size, the use of the titanium micromesh as a space‐maintaining device after schneiderian membrane elevation is a reliable technique to elevate the floor of the sinus without grafting.
Immediately Loaded Platform‐Switched Implants in the Anterior Mandible with Fixed Prostheses: A Randomized, Split‐Mouth, Masked Prospective Trial
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Malmstrom Hans , Feng Changyong , Ercoli Carlo , Caton Jack
Published: March 2013

Background

Platform‐switched implants have been demonstrated to maintain marginal bone‐level stability after immediate loading. The present study evaluated crestal bone loss and soft tissue stability around ANKYLOS plus® implants (A‐implants) and Certain® PREVAILTM (B‐implants).

Materials and Methods

Patients were identified to receive three A‐ or three B‐implants on each side of their mandibles, with randomization. All implants were loaded immediately after their insertion and splinted with a cemented provisional prosthesis. Final prostheses were delivered 3 months after implantation. Peri‐implant crestal bone loss, gingival recession, and other soft tissue changes were evaluated throughout a 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of one hundred seven implants were placed in 18 patients. Two of the group A‐implants and one group B‐implant failed. At the final 24‐month assessment, bone loss of at least 2 mm (mesially or distally) was recorded at 5 of the 44 surviving A‐implants (11%) and 33 of the 47 B‐implants (70%), a success rate of 88.63% for the A‐ and 29.78% for the B‐implants.

Conclusions

Significant changes in the level of the crestal bone loss around immediately loaded platform‐switched dental implants seem to be related to the platform shape and size, as well as the implant‐abutment connection, when abutments are not removed.
Rescue of cAMP Response Element‐Binding Protein Signaling Reversed Spatial Memory Retention Impairments Induced by Subanesthetic Dose of Propofol
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Shao‐Bo , Zhang Qing‐Qing , Liu Meng , He Xing‐Ying , Zou Zui , Sun Hai‐Jing , You Zhen‐Dong , Shi Xue‐Yin
Published: March 2013

Aims

The intravenous anesthetic propofol caused episodic memory impairments in human. We hypothesized propofol caused episodic‐like spatial memory retention but not acquisition impairments in rats and rescuing cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) signaling using selective type IV phosphodiesterase (PDEIV) inhibitor rolipram reversed these effects.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: control; propofol (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal); rolipram; and rolipram + propofol (pretreatment of rolipram 25 min before propofol, 0.3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Sedation and motor coordination were evaluated 5, 15, and 25 min after propofol injection. Invisible Morris water maze (MWM) acquisition and probe test (memory retention) were performed 5 min and 24 h after propofol injection. Visible MWM training was simultaneously performed to resist nonspatial effects. Hippocampal CREB signaling was detected 5 min, 50 min, and 24 h after propofol administration.

Results

Rolipram did not change propofol‐induced anesthetic/sedative states or impair motor skills. No difference was found on the latency to the platform during the visible MWM. Propofol impaired spatial memory retention but not acquisition. Rolipram reversed propofol‐induced spatial memory impairments and suppression on cAMP levels, CaMKIIα and CREB phosphorylation, brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and Arc protein expression.

Conclusions

Propofol caused spatial memory retention impairments but not acquisition inability possibly by inhibiting CREB signaling.
SCALE EFFECT VERSUS INDUCED POLICY RESPONSE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL KUZNETS CURVE: THE CASE OF U.S. WATER POLLUTION
Authors: LAI CHING‐YAO IRENE , YANG C.C.
Published: March 2013

The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) could arise from the scale effect in abatement technology as emphasized by Andreoni and Levinson (2001) or from the induced policy response as suggested by Grossman and Krueger (1995). This paper incorporates these two contrary views into a model and quantitatively evaluates their relative importance in shaping the EKC of U.S. water pollution. Our main findings include: (a) some scale effect in abatement technology must exist, otherwise the turning point of the EKC will be unreasonably high; (b) the scale effect alone is not sufficient to explain the practical occurrence of the turning point of the EKC; and (c) the scale effect features critically in the induced policy response as well. (JEL H41, O40, Q20)
Assessment of insulin action on carbohydrate metabolism: physiological and non‐physiological methods
Authors: Dube S. , Errazuriz I. , Cobelli C. , Basu R. , Basu A.
Published: March 2013

Carbohydrate metabolism in humans is regulated by insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells and glucose disposal by insulin‐sensitive tissues. Insulin facilitates glucose utilization in peripheral tissues and suppresses hepatic glucose production. Any defects in insulin action predispose an individual to glucose intolerance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Early detection of defects in insulin action could provide opportunities to prevent or delay progression of the disease state. There are different approaches to assess insulin action. Initial methods, such as peripheral insulin concentration and simple indices, have several limitations. Subsequently, researchers developed methodologies using intravenous glucose infusion to determine glucose fluxes. However, these methodologies are limited by being non‐physiological. Newer, innovative techniques that have been developed are more sophisticated and physiological. By modelling glucose kinetics using isotope dilution techniques, several robust parameters can be obtained that are physiologically relevant and sound. This brief review summarizes most of the non‐physiological and physiological methodologies used to measure the variables of insulin action.
Pulmonary Venous Flow Index as a Predictor of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Variability in Congenital Heart Disease with Increased Pulmonary Flow: A Comparative Study before and after Oxygen Inhalation
Authors: Rivera Ivan Romero , Mendonça Maria Alayde , Andrade José Lázaro , Moises Valdir , Campos Orlando , Silva Célia Camelo , Carvalho Antonio Carlos
Published: March 2013

Aims

There is no definitive and reliable echocardiographic method for estimating the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) to differentiate persistent vascular disease from dynamic pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the pulmonary venous blood flow velocity‐time integral (VTIpv) and PVR.

Methods and Results

Eighteen patients (10 females; 4 months to 22 years of age) with congenital heart disease and left to right shunt were studied. They underwent complete cardiac catheterization, including measurements of the PVR and Qp:Qs ratio, before and after 100% oxygen inhalation. Simultaneous left inferior pulmonary venous flow VTIpv was obtained by Doppler echocardiography. The PVR decreased significantly from 5.0 ± 2.6 W to 2.8 ± 2.2 W (P = 0.0001) with a significant increase in the Qp:Qs ratio, from 3.2 ± 1.4 to 4.9 ± 2.4 (P = 0.0008), and the VTIpv increased significantly from 22.6 ± 4.7 cm to 28.1 ± 6.2 cm (P = 0.0002) after 100% oxygen inhalation. VTIpv correlated well with the PVR and Qp:Qs ratio (r = −0.74 and 0.72, respectively). Diagnostic indexes indicated a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 75%, accuracy of 83%, a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 60%.

Conclusion

The VTIpv correlated well with the PVR. The measurement of this index before and after oxygen inhalation may become a useful noninvasive test for differentiating persistent vascular disease from dynamic and flow‐related pulmonary hypertension.
THREE‐PLAYER TRUST GAME WITH INSIDER COMMUNICATION
Authors: SHEREMETA ROMAN M. , ZHANG JINGJING
Published: March 2013

We examine behavior in a three‐player trust game in which the first player may invest in the second and the second may invest in the third. Any amount sent from one player to the next is tripled. The third player decides the final allocation among three players. The baseline treatment with no communication shows that the first and second players send significant amounts and the third player reciprocates. Allowing insider communication between the second and the third players increases cooperation between these two. Interestingly, there is an external effect of insider communication: the first player who is outside communication sends 54% more and receives 289% more than in the baseline treatment. As a result, insider communication increases efficiency from 44% to 68%. (JEL C72, C91, D72)