bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of varying involvement level within a television program on recall of cognitive versus affective advertisement
Authors: Soni Mayank Jyotsna
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore how different involvement levels within a single television program influence recall of cognitive vs affective advertisements aired during that television program.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies of 2 (program involvement: high vs low) × 2 (advertisement involvement: cognitive vs affective) between subject design were conducted; one study was for cognitive program and other study was for affective program. Existing scales were used after conducting reliability and validity tests.

Findings

The influence of different levels of involvement with a television program on recall of cognitive and affective advertisements was found. Specifically, recall of cognitive advertisement was found to be higher when involvement with television program is low than when involvement with program is high. Recall of affective advertisement was found to be lower when involvement with program is low than when involvement with program is high.

Practical implications

Results indicate that cognitive advertisements are recalled more at point of low involvement with program, whereas affective advertisements are recalled at point of high involvement with program. The implications are in the field of understanding and making advertisement airing decisions.

Originality/value

When the television program progresses, the story tends to build, and hence, the involvement increases. Therefore, involvement level with the program at initial point and later point can vary. This study identified the possibility of cognitive advertisement being recalled more at initial point of a television program, i.e. at low involvement, and affective advertisement being recalled more at the later point of the same television program, i.e. at high involvement.
Consumer interpretation of brand prominence signals: insights for a broadened typology
Authors: Meyer Heather M. , Manika Danae
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Brand prominence describes the conspicuousness of a brand on a product. The purpose of this research is to investigate the types of brand prominence variation.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing an exploratory approach, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted where respondents created five outfits for anticipated social scenarios. The prominence of brands on these outfits were photographed, catalogued and qualitatively analyzed for thematic variation. Then, the brand prominence data points were quantitatively content analyzed.

Findings

The results from the qualitative analysis is an organizing framework describing three major types of brand prominence variation: brand visibility, brand frequency and brand distribution. In addition, heat maps were generated to visually display the prominence of brands distributed on the individual’s body. Subsequent results from the quantitative content analysis revealed that brands on shoes and pants were most likely to display significant levels of prominence in relation to frequency and visibility dimensions. Significant differences across participant demographic groups were also found in terms of the brand visibility.

Practical implications

This new information on brand prominence variation provides business brand managers with insight on how to measure and monitor their own levels of brand prominence displays. They, in turn, can engage in more strategic placement and prominence of their brands in the future production of fashionable clothes, shoes and accessories.

Originality/value

The conspicuous consumption literature has long been interested in studying how consumers display their brands. The current study demonstrates how consumer researchers can measure brand prominence variation and therefore gain better insight on the consumer who engages in conspicuous consumption via brand prominence variation.
The influence of board characteristics on corporate illegality
Authors: Kaur Virk Gundeep
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In light of frequent corporate scams and frauds, this paper aims to investigate the relationship of corporate illegality with the board of directors’ characteristics in Indian manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The board of director characteristics of sample companies charged with violation of the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations from 2008 to 2013 are matched to an equivalent-sized control data set. A cross-sectional logistic regression model is applied to test the hypothesized association.

Findings

The findings suggest that the SEBI violations are less likely to occur when a large fraction of the board of directors consists of independent directors and when the individual directors have multiple appointments on the boards of other companies. However, it is observed that the size of the board and its meetings have no observable association with violation of the SEBI regulations.

Research limitations/implications

This work is likely to aid future research in exploring the impact of governance mechanisms on the occurrence of illegality. In future, studies may be conducted to investigate the probability of illegal corporate events using a larger sample size and corporate governance variables which have not been examined in the present study.

Practical implications

The analysis provides corporate policy makers and investors an insight to evaluate the vulnerability of a company being engaged in illegality based on its board features.

Originality/value

The present study is distinct from previous reports as it makes a novel attempt to gauge the relationship between the board of directors’ characteristics and the occurrence of illegality in the Indian corporate section.
A probabilistic approach to IT risk management in the Basel regulatory framework
Authors: Ibrahimovic Semir , Franke Ulrik
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the connection between information system (IS) availability and operational risk losses and the capital requirements. As most businesses today become increasingly dependent on information technology (IT) services for continuous operations, IS availability is becoming more important for most industries. However, the banking sector has particular sector-specific concerns that go beyond the direct and indirect losses resulting from unavailability. According to the first pillar of the Basel II accord, IT outages in the banking sector lead to increased capital requirements and thus create an additional regulatory cost, over and above the direct and indirect costs of an outage.

Design/methodology/approach

A Bayesian belief network (BBN) with nodes representing causal factors has been used for identification of the factors with the greatest influence on IS availability, thus helping in investment decisions.

Findings

Using the BBN model for making IS availability-related decisions action (e.g. bringing a causal factor up to the best practice level), organization, according to the presented mapping table, would have less operational risk events related to IS availability. This would have direct impact by decreasing losses, related to those events, as well as to decrease the capital requirements, prescribed by the Basel II accord, for covering operational risk losses.

Practical implications

An institution using the proposed framework can use the mapping table to see which measures for improving IS availability will have a direct impact on operational risk events, thus improving operational risk management.

Originality/value

The authors mapped the factors causing unavailability of IS system to the rudimentary IT risk management framework implied by the Basel II regulations and, thus, established an otherwise absent link from the IT availability management to operational risk management according to the Basel II framework.
Dynamic lag structure of deposits and loans interest rates and business cycles formation
Authors: Bidabad Bijan , Hassan Abul
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the structural dynamic behaviour of the depositors, banks and investors and the role of banks in the business cycles. The authors test the hypothesis: do banks’ behaviour make oscillations in the economy via interest rate?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors dichotomized banking activities into two markets: deposit and loan. The first market forms deposit interest rate, and the second market forms credit interest rate. The authors show that these two types of interest rates have non-synchronized structures, and that is why money sector fluctuation starts. As a result, the fluctuation is transferred to the real economy through saving and investment functions.

Findings

The empirical results show that in the USA, the banking system creates fluctuations in money and real economy, as well as through interest rates. Short-term interest rates had complex roots in their characteristic, while medium and long-term interest rates, though they were second-order difference equations, had real characteristic roots. However, short-term interest rates are the source of oscillation and form the business cycles.

Research limitations/implications

The authors tested the hypothesis for USA economy, while it needs to be tested for other economies as well.

Practical implications

The results show that though the source of fluctuations in the real economy comes from short-term interest rates, medium- and long-term interest rates dampen real economy fluctuations and also work as economic stabilisers.

Originality/value

Regarding the applied method, the topic is new.
Strategy as nonsense: strategies for hunting the snark
Authors: Henderson Steven John
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that there is a degree of nonsense in the idea that that an organisation has a strategy, since firms have no mind, heart or soul they cannot have a sense of purpose about themselves and their futures. The lecture considers the ways that those working in organisations, and those responsible for strategy, deflect their thoughts from this idea and the nonsense that results from it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper recasts Whittington’s Schools of Strategy as deflection strategies, arguing that they are coherent means of displacing attention from the absurdities that result from attributing strategies to organisations rather than people. The key points are illustrated by quotes from Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of the Snark, as the leader of the heroic band faces and overcomes most of the key strategizing problem experience in business strategy.

Findings

Important issues such rationality, benchmarking, learning, leadership, followership and corporate social responsibility crumble into nonsense when it is recalled that these are all human, rather than organisational qualities.

Practical implications

Most strategies do not succeed and most management of change seldom achieves the changes desired. The paper argues that this is chiefly because pragmatic stratagems are frequently idealised into truth claims and prescriptions of doubtful provenance. Scholars of management must bear some responsibility for the resulting nonsense.

Social implications

The paper argues that it is not possible to do strategy and change without invoking nonsense. Yet, this is a remarkable achievement, nonetheless, for a creature that evolved to chase small game across a savannah.

Originality/value

The paper raises important ontological and epidemiological issues of strategy and change in ways that neither create impenetrable language barriers nor require a philosophical background to grasp.
Learning how to cope with uncertainty
Authors: Schulz Klaus-Peter , Geithner Silke , Mistele Peter
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Manufacturing companies increasingly have to deal with uncertainty and complexity without being sufficiently prepared for it. High-reliability organizations (HROs) successfully deal with dynamic and unknown situations. The authors ask the question whether learning concepts of HROs can be a role model for manufacturing companies and if their learning principles can be successfully applied there. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ research is based on high-reliability theory and former qualitative empirical studies on learning and development of mission-based HRO. The authors compare their learning practice with learning and development demands of the own empirical cases studies of three manufacturing firms.

Findings

Learning concepts in the manufacturing firms are disconnected from their practical demands. In HRO in contrast, learning and development follows a distinct choreography, with a focus on collective reflection. Manufacturing firms can learn from HROs about learning principles especially with respect to collective reflection-on-action in order to develop situational awareness. However, the HROs’ learning should not be seen as a strict role model as their work organization differs significantly from that of manufacturing firms.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on in-depth case analyses (e.g. interviews and observation). The outcomes are case specific and focus on manufacturing firms. Hence, only patterns or principles can be generalized. To gain a more complete picture, the authors suggest further case analyses in different industries.

Practical implications

Manufacturing firms can benefit from learning principles of HROs, like combining formal and informal learning and collective reflection on practice.

Originality/value

The paper connects previous research on HRO with original empirical research on manufacturing firms. Through the matching of data, the authors contribute to the discussion on whether the concept of HROs can be seen as a role model for learning and development in manufacturing firms.
A link between post-acquisition acculturation and project management maturity
Authors: Carvalho Bruno de Oliveira , Ogasavara Mario Henrique
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Numerous firms in the automotive industry, to improve their competitiveness, have recently adopted mergers and acquisitions (M&As) strategies, particularly those in which a multinational enterprise from a developed country (DMNE) or a multinational enterprise from an emerging market (EMNE) acquires a DMNE. However, DMNEs in the industry typically do not acquire emerging market firms. In response, this paper aims to analyze that uncommon M&As process by focusing on the relationship between modes of post-acquisition acculturation and project management (PM) maturity. Because the literature addressing M&As does not correlate the acculturation process with project team maturity, this study seeks to partly fill that gap by proposing a framework for the relationship that draws upon Nahavandi and Malekzadeh’s (1988) research and Holmes and Walsh’s (2005) model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper present qualitative research based on a case study in the automotive industry of a DMNE’s acquisition of a Brazilian firm. For data collection, this research conducted 14 in-depth interviews with managers, the transcripts of which were analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

Content analysis revealed differences between modes of acculturation perceived by the acquired and acquirer firms, as well as a gap between PM teams from both types of firm. A direct relationship emerged between the mode of acculturation and PM team, which constituted a factor driving the evolution of PM practices within the company. In recognizing that relationship, this research proposes and elucidates a framework that relates the mode of acculturation following the M&A process to PM maturity.

Originality/value

No previous research in the literature on M&As has analyzed post-acquisition acculturation and PM maturity in conjunction. For managers in post-acquisition companies, the proposed framework of this study is useful for understanding good management practices and, for project teams, for understanding the acculturation process.
Transferring acquisition knowledge – sources, directions and outcomes
Authors: Öberg Christina
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The literature has described knowledge transfer in terms of how companies advance their merger and acquisition activities through experience. This indicates a knowledge transfer from one acquisition to the next, with the acquiring party being the carrier of such knowledge. The present paper aims to add to this view through pointing out how knowledge on how to acquire and how to integrate, follows also from other parties and their experiences. The paper discusses and classifies sources, directions and outcomes of knowledge transfer on acquisitions from a stakeholder point of view. Focus is on external stakeholders and knowledge is divided between knowledge on acquiring and knowledge on integrating, thus dealing with the pre- and post-merger stages of acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a multiple case study research design to illustrate its point. While the individual acquisitions are interconnected through the acquirer or acquired party being the same company, indications are that knowledge on how, when and what party to acquire and how to integrate (degree, direction, timing and function) follows from external stakeholders and their previous experiences.

Findings

The findings suggest that knowledge on acquiring follows from general knowledge on sector levels, while specific parties – including customers, competitors and the acquired party – are the sources of knowledge on integration. Knowledge on acquiring is imitative, while knowledge on integrating rests more on the external stakeholders’ failures.

Originality/value

The paper provides a research design contribution to acquisition studies, as most such studies adopt a quantitative, secondary data approach. The main contribution is though the focus on external stakeholders as sources of knowledge on acquiring and integrating. The previous literature seems to suggest that it is the experience accumulated through the acquirer’s previous acquisitions that provides the acquisition knowledge. The paper’s perspective, which includes several external stakeholders, provides a rather unique piece of research on stakeholders in mergers and acquisitions.
Political skill, participation in decision-making and organizational commitment
Authors: Thompson Geir , Buch Robert , Kuvaas Bård
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Research has demonstrated that political skill is associated with leadership effectiveness. However, the field still lacks understanding of how political skill makes leaders more effective. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the political skill literature by investigating a specific mechanism through which political skill may relate to follower commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population was drawn from 148 supervisors and 988 subordinates from top, middle and operational levels in the business organizations.

Findings

Structural equation model analysis showed that political skill was positively related to Participation in decision making (PDM) and PDM was positively related to organizational commitment (OC). Furthermore, political skill indirectly predicted OC via PDM. In addition, the direct relationship between political skill and OC was not significant, suggesting “full” mediation. Finally, politically skilled leaders’ desire to encourage followers to participate in decision making was amplified by their ability to build strong, beneficial alliances and coalitions, resulting in increased social capital and even greater influence.

Practical implications

Involving subordinates in decision processes is likely to inspire trust and confidence, promote credibility, help develop a favorable relationship with the leader and enhance pride of participation in the organization.

Originality/value

The findings in the present study are of great importance for future research on political skill. It may change the approach for testing the validity of the theory by focusing on influence tactics. This approach will, in the authors’ view, constitute the future research avenue for research on political skill.
Factors affecting cultural intelligence and its impact on job performance
Authors: Jyoti Jeevan , Kour Sumeet
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social intelligence (SQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) on cultural intelligence (CQ) and to further examine the mediating role played by cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) in the relationship between CQ and job performance. Furthermore, the role played by experience and perceived social support between CQ and CCA has also been assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 342 managers working in nationalized banks in J&K (India). Exploratory factor analysis was used for scale purification. Data were validated using confirmatory factor analysis and hypotheses have been tested through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study reveals that EQ and SQ significantly affect CQ. In addition, CCA mediates the relationship between CQ and job performance. Finally, perceived social support and experience moderates the relationship between CQ and CCA. The implications and limitations of the study have also been discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The study is cross-sectional in nature. The study has been carried out in the Indian cultural context, which can be extended to other Asian countries.

Practical implications

The study enhances the knowledge about CQ as an effective intercultural competency. Organization can use the CQ scale as a selection tool.

Originality/value

This study empirically examined the relationship between the predictors and the outcomes of CQ. Further, the study examines the moderated mediation effect of the interaction of CQ and experience and CQ and perceived social support through CCA on job performance.
Internalized stigma in psoriasis: A multicenter study
Authors: Alpsoy Erkan , Polat Mualla , FettahlıoGlu‐Karaman Bilge , Karadag Ayse Serap , Kartal‐Durmazlar Pelin , YalCın Basak , Emre Selma , Didar‐Balcı Didem , Bilgic‐Temel Asli , Arca Ercan , Koca Rafet , Gunduz Kamer , Borlu Murat , Ergun Tulin , Dogruk‐Kacar Seval , Cordan‐Yazici Ayca , Dursun Pınar , BilgiC Ozlem , Gunes‐Bilgili Serap , Sendur Neslihan , Baysal Ozge , Halil‐Yavuz Ibrahim , Yagcioglu Gizem , Yilmaz Ertan , Kavuzlu Ufuk , Senol Yesim
Published: April 2017

Internalized stigma is the adoption of negative attitudes and stereotypes of the society regarding a person's illness. It causes decreased self‐esteem and life‐satisfaction, increased depression and suicidality, and difficulty in coping with the illness. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the internalized stigma state of psoriatic patients and to identify the factors influencing internalized stigma. The secondary aim was to identify the correlation of internalized stigma with quality of life and perceived health status. This multicentre, cross‐sectional study comprised 1485 patients. There was a significant positive correlation between mean values of Psoriasis Internalized Stigma Scale (PISS) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Body Surface Area, Dermatological Life Quality Index and General Health Questionnaire‐12 (P < 0.001 in all). Lower percieved health score (P = 0.001), early onset psoriasis (P = 0.016), family history of psoriasis (P = 0.0034), being illiterate (P < 0.001) and lower income level (P < 0.001) were determinants of high PISS scores. Mean PISS values were higher in erythrodermic and generalized pustular psoriasis. Involvement of scalp, face, hand, genitalia and finger nails as well as arthropathic and inverse psoriasis were also related to significantly higher PISS scores (P = 0.001). Our findings imply that psoriatic patients experience high levels of internalized stigma which are associated with psoriasis severity, involvement of visible body parts, genital area, folds or joints, poorer quality of life, negative perceptions of general health and psychological illnesses. Therefore, internalized stigma may be one of the major factors responsible from psychosocial burden of the disease.
Retrospective evaluation of factors influencing successful skin grafting for patients with skin cancer of the foot
Authors: Goto Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Mori Keita , Otsuka Masaki , Omodaka Toshikazu , Yoshimi Kosuke , Yoshida Yuichi , Yamamoto Osamu , Kiyohara Yoshio
Published: April 2017

Skin grafting is a simple method for reconstruction of a large defect on the foot. Although skin grafting on the foot sometimes fails, it is not clear what factors influence the success rate of skin grafting. We analyzed data for 71 patients with skin cancer of the foot who underwent reconstruction of defects with skin grafting. The factors we evaluated were success rate of skin grafting, weight‐bearing or non‐weight‐bearing area, immediate or delayed reconstruction, and whether a tie‐over bolster was used or not. The success rates were higher in patients with lesions in non‐weight‐bearing areas than in patients with lesions in weight‐bearing areas and in patients who underwent delayed reconstruction than in patients who received immediate reconstruction. On the other hand, the use of a tie‐over bolster did not improve the success rate. In conclusion, delayed reconstruction is desirable if the lesion is located in a weight‐bearing area.
Progressive Responses to Populism: A Polanyian Critique of Liberal Discourse
Authors: Yarrow David
Published: April 2017

This article explores the recent rise of populist politics from the perspective of Karl Polanyi's theory of the ‘double movement’. It firstly introduces Polanyi's understanding of interwar populism, and relates this to his broader critique of liberal economic thought. This framework is then used to analyse three prominent explanations for populism which emerged in the wake of the UK's 2016 EU referendum: globalisation; cultural reaction; and social media. I show how each of these explanations exogenises contemporary populist movements, narrating them as something external to the liberal economic restructuring pursued globally since the 1980s. Failing to diagnose adequately the causes of contemporary populist movements, which lie in this utopian attempt to treat labour as a commodity, they cannot support an intellectually coherent progressive response to Brexit. Finally, I outline a political agenda centred on labour de‐commodification, which could directly address populist grievances and reclaim the discourse of ‘taking back control’ for the left.
Lethal Bentazone Intoxication – A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Škavić Petar , Duraković Zijad , Nestić Marina
Published: April 2017

This study presents two cases of lethal bentazone poisonings, their clinical presentation, the course of the disease and the autopsy findings. The first is a 50‐year‐old male who had sprayed corn with a solution of bentazone and was admitted to the hospital with sweating, fever, nausea, vomiting of aqueous and hemorrhagic content, and bloody, watery stools. He was treated according to the symptoms including extracorporeal hemodialysis, but eventually suffered from multiorgan failure (acute respiratory failure, acute liver failure, coagulopathy, acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding) and died 11.35 h after admittance. The cause of death was probable bentazone intoxication. The second case, also a male, aged 49 who committed suicide by ingesting a bentazone solution. He was transferred to the hospital prostrated and cyanotic and died 14.15 h after admittance despite all efforts by the hospital staff. The cause of death was acute bentazone intoxication.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Snow Depletion Curves Derived from SNODAS for the Conterminous United States, 2004‐2013
Authors: Driscoll Jessica M. , Hay Lauren E. , Bock Andrew R.
Published: April 2017

Assessment of water resources at a national scale is critical for understanding their vulnerability to future change in policy and climate. Representation of the spatiotemporal variability in snowmelt processes in continental‐scale hydrologic models is critical for assessment of water resource response to continued climate change. Continental‐extent hydrologic models such as the U.S. Geological Survey National Hydrologic Model (NHM) represent snowmelt processes through the application of snow depletion curves (SDCs). SDCs relate normalized snow water equivalent (SWE) to normalized snow covered area (SCA) over a snowmelt season for a given modeling unit. SDCs were derived using output from the operational Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) snow model as daily 1‐km gridded SWE over the conterminous United States. Daily SNODAS output were aggregated to a predefined watershed‐scale geospatial fabric and used to also calculate SCA from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2013. The spatiotemporal variability in SNODAS output at the watershed scale was evaluated through the spatial distribution of the median and standard deviation for the time period. Representative SDCs for each watershed‐scale modeling unit over the conterminous United States (n = 54,104) were selected using a consistent methodology and used to create categories of snowmelt based on SDC shape. The relation of SDC categories to the topographic and climatic variables allow for national‐scale categorization of snowmelt processes.
Applying the multistate capture–recapture robust design to characterize metapopulation structure
Authors: Chabanne Delphine B. H. , Pollock Kenneth H. , Finn Hugh , Bejder Lars
Published: April 2017

Population structure must be considered when developing mark–recapture (MR) study designs as the sampling of individuals from multiple populations (or subpopulations) may increase heterogeneity in individual capture probability. Conversely, the use of an appropriate MR study design which accommodates heterogeneity associated with capture occasion varying covariates due to animals moving between ‘states’ (i.e. geographic sites) can provide insight into how animals are distributed in a particular environment and the status and connectivity of subpopulations.

The multistate closed robust design (MSCRD) was chosen to investigate: (i) the demographic parameters of Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) subpopulations in coastal and estuarine waters of Perth, Western Australia; and (ii) how they are related to each other in a metapopulation. Using 4 years of year‐round photo‐identification surveys across three geographic sites, we accounted for heterogeneity of capture probability based on how individuals distributed themselves across geographic sites and characterized the status of subpopulations based on their abundance, survival and interconnection.

MSCRD models highlighted high heterogeneity in capture probabilities and demographic parameters between sites. High capture probabilities, high survival and constant abundances described a subpopulation with high fidelity in an estuary. In contrast, low captures, permanent and temporary emigration and fluctuating abundances suggested transient use and low fidelity in an open coastline site.

Estimates of transition probabilities also varied between sites, with estuarine dolphins visiting sheltered coastal embayments more regularly than coastal dolphins visited the estuary, highlighting some dynamics within the metapopulation.

Synthesis and applications. To date, bottlenose dolphin studies using mark–recapture approach have focussed on investigating single subpopulations. Here, in a heterogeneous coastal–estuarine environment, we demonstrated that spatially structured bottlenose dolphin subpopulations contained distinct suites of individuals and differed in size, demographics and connectivity. Such insights into the dynamics of a metapopulation can assist in local‐scale species conservation. The MSCRD approach is applicable to species/populations consisting of recognizable individuals and is particularly useful for characterizing wildlife subpopulations that vary in their vulnerability to human activities, climate change or invasive species.
Altered white matter integrity in adults with autism spectrum disorder and an IQ >100: a diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Nickel K. , Tebartz van Elst L. , Perlov E. , Endres D. , Müller G. T. , Riedel A. , Fangmeier T. , Maier S.
Published: April 2017

Objective

White matter (WM) alterations have been reported in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, impaired connectivity of limbic structures may be related to social deficits. Heterogeneous findings could be explained in terms of differences in sample characteristics and methodology. In this context, non‐syndromic forms might differ substantially in WM structure from secondary ASD forms.

Method

In an attempt to recruit a homogeneous study sample, we included adults with high‐functioning ASD and an IQ > 100 to decrease the influence of syndromic forms being often associated with cognitive deficits. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in 30 participants with ASD and 30 pairwise‐matched controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) as surrogate imaging markers for WM integrity were calculated.

Results

We found a significant FA decrease in the ASD group in the genu and body of the corpus callosum (CC). Increased MD was detected in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sACC).

Conclusion

The finding of decreased WM integrity in the genu of the CC is in line with earlier studies reporting a decreased number of interhemispheric fibers in the frontal lobe of ASD. Alterations in the sACC might be associated with ‘Theory of mind’ deficits.
The association of sleep disturbances with endocrine and perceived stress reactivity measures in male employees
Authors: Jackowska Marta , Fuchs Reinhard , Klaperski Sandra
Published: April 2017

Evidence on the relationship between stress reactivity and sleep is conflicting. This study examined the association between disturbed sleep and perceived and endocrine stress reactivity independently of age, body mass index (BMI), and chronic stress. One hundred and twenty middle‐aged men were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale were used to assess sleep and perceived stress reactivity, respectively. Endocrine stress reactivity was examined by assessing salivary cortisol levels. Regression analyses showed that men with disturbed sleep had blunted overall cortisol responses (b = −18.246, p = .044), but the association did not survive adjustment for age, BMI, and chronic stress. In contrast, poor sleep was associated with heightened perceived stress reactivity independently of age and BMI (b = 0.235, p = .005), but additional adjustment for chronic stress attenuated the relationship and only chronic stress remained a significant predictor of perceived stress reactivity (b = 0.470, p < .001). Cortisol and perceived stress reactivity were uncorrelated. In summary, our study indicates associations between sleep disturbances and stress reactivity were not independent of BMI and chronic stress levels, and endocrine and perceived stress reactivity were dissociated.
Adrenomedullin 2/intermedin: a putative drug candidate for treatment of cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Zhang Song‐Yang , Xu Ming‐Jiang , Wang Xian
Published: April 2017

Adrenomedullin (ADM) 2/intermedin (IMD) is a short peptide that belongs to the CGRP superfamily. Although it shares receptors with CGRP, ADM and amylin, ADM2 has significant and unique functions in the cardiovascular system. In the past decade, the cardiovascular effect of ADM2 has been carefully analysed. In this review, progress in understanding the effects of ADM2 on the cardiovascular system and its protective role in cardiometabolic diseases are summarized.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
Glycogen phosphorylase inhibition improves beta cell function
Authors: Nagy Lilla , Márton Judit , Vida András , Kis Gréta , Bokor Éva , Kun Sándor , Gönczi Mónika , Docsa Tibor , Tóth Attila , Antal Miklós , Gergely Pál , Csóka Balázs , Pacher Pal , Somsák László , Bai Péter
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) is the key enzyme for glycogen degradation. GP inhibitors (GPi‐s) are glucose lowering agents that cause the accumulation of glucose in the liver as glycogen. Glycogen metabolism has implications in beta cell function. Glycogen degradation can maintain cellular glucose levels, which feeds into catabolism to maintain insulin secretion, and elevated glycogen degradation levels contribute to glucotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to assess whether influencing glycogen metabolism in beta cells by GPi‐s affects the function of these cells.

Experimental Approach

The effects of structurally different GPi‐s were investigated on MIN6 insulinoma cells and in a mouse model of diabetes.

Key Results

GPi treatment increased glycogen content and, consequently, the surface area of glycogen in MIN6 cells. Furthermore, GPi treatment induced insulin receptor β (InsRβ), Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation, as well as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1(PDX1) and insulin expression. In line with these findings, GPi‐s enhanced non‐stimulated and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6 cells. The InsRβ was shown to co‐localize with glycogen particles as confirmed by in silico screening, where components of InsR signalling were identified as glycogen‐bound proteins. GPi‐s also activated the pathway of insulin secretion, indicated by enhanced glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidation and calcium signalling. Finally, GPi‐s increased the size of islets of Langerhans and improved glucose‐induced insulin release in mice.

Conclusion and Implications

These data suggest that GPi‐s also target beta cells and can be repurposed as agents to preserve beta cell function or even ameliorate beta cell dysfunction in different forms of diabetes.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc
A sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor type 1 agonist, ASP4058, suppresses intracranial aneurysm through promoting endothelial integrity and blocking macrophage transmigration
Authors: Yamamoto Rie , Aoki Tomohiro , Koseki Hirokazu , Fukuda Miyuki , Hirose Jun , Tsuji Keiichi , Takizawa Katsumi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Miyata Haruka , Hamakawa Nozomu , Kasuya Hidetoshi , Nozaki Kazuhiko , Hirayama Yoshitaka , Aramori Ichiro , Narumiya Shuh
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Intracranial aneurysm (IA), common in the general public, causes lethal subarachnoid haemorrhage on rupture. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to prevent the IA from rupturing. However, there is currently no medical treatment. Recent studies suggest that IA is the result of chronic inflammation in the arterial wall caused by endothelial dysfunction and infiltrating macrophages. The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor type 1 (S1P1 receptor) is present on the endothelium and promotes its barrier function. Here we have tested the potential of an S1P1 agonist, ASP4058, to prevent IA in an animal model.

Experimental Approach

The effects of a selective S1P1 agonist, ASP4058, on endothelial permeability and migration of macrophages across an endothelial cell monolayer were tested in vitro using a Transwell system, and its effects on the size of IAs were evaluated in a rat model of IA.

Key Results

S1P1 receptor was expressed in endothelial cells of human IA lesions and control arterial walls. ASP4058 significantly reduced FITC‐dextran leakage through an endothelial monolayer and suppressed the migration of macrophages across the monolayer in vitro. Oral administration of ASP4058 reduced the vascular permeability, macrophage infiltration and size of the IAs by acting as an S1P1 agonist in the rat model. This effect was mimicked by another two structurally‐unrelated S1P1 agonists.

Conclusion and Implications

A selective S1P1 agonist is a strong drug candidate for IA treatment as it promotes the endothelial cell barrier and suppresses the trans‐endothelial migration of macrophages in IA lesions.
Antitumor effect of focal adhesion kinase inhibitor PF562271 against human osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hu Chuanzhen , Chen Xu , Wen Junxiang , Gong Liangzhi , Liu Zhuochao , Wang Jun , Liang Jing , Hu Fangqiong , Zhou Qi , Wei Li , Shen Yuhui , Zhang Weibin
Published: April 2017

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) overexpression is related to invasive and metastatic properties in different kinds of cancers. Target therapy by inhibiting FAK has achieved promising effect in some cancer treatments, but its effect in human osteosarcoma has not been well studied. In the present study, we analyzed the antitumor efficacy of PF562271, an FAK inhibitor, against osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylated FAK (Y397) was highly expressed in primary human osteosarcoma tumor samples and was associated with osteosarcoma prognosis and lung metastasis. PF562271 greatly suppressed proliferation and colony formation in human osteosarcoma cell lines. In addition, treatment of osteosarcoma cell lines with PF562271 induced apoptosis and downregulated the activity of the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. PF562271 also impaired the tube formation ability of endothelial cells in vitro. Finally, oral treatment with PF562271 in mice dramatically reduced tumor volume, weight, and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma xenografts in vivo. These results indicate that FAK inhibitor PF562271 can potentially be effectively used for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Risk of metachronous colorectal cancer following colectomy in Lynch syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Anele C. C. , Adegbola S. O. , Askari A. , Rajendran A. , Clark S. K. , Latchford A. , Faiz O. D.
Published: April 2017

Aim

Lynch syndrome (LS) accounts for 2–4% of all colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, and is associated with an increased risk of developing metachronous colorectal cancer (mCRC). The role of extended colectomy in LS CRC is controversial. There are limited studies comparing the risk of mCRC following segmental colectomy and extended colectomy. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the risk of developing mCRC following segmental and extended colectomy for LS CRC and endoscopic compliance.

Method

A systematic review of major databases was performed using predefined terms. All original articles published in English comparing the risk of mCRC in LS patients after segmental and extended colectomy from 1950 to January 2016 were included.

Results

The search retrieved 324 studies. Six studies involving 871 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 705 (80.9%) underwent segmental colectomy and 166 (19.1%) extended colectomy. Average follow‐up was 91.2 months. The mCRC rate was 22.8% and 6% in the segmental and extended colectomy groups, respectively. The segmental group were over four times more likely to develop mCRC (OR 4.02, 95% CI: 2.01–8.04, P < 0.0001). mCRC occurred in patients after segmental colectomy despite 1–2‐yearly postoperative endoscopic surveillance.

Conclusion

This result suggests that extended colectomy reduces the risk of mCRC by over four‐fold compared with segmental colectomy. mCRC occurred in the segmental group despite postoperative endoscopic surveillance. This needs to be borne in mind when deciding on the appropriate surgical management of LS patients with CRC. We recommend that extended colectomy should be considered for patients with confirmed LS CRC.
Impact of insulin glargine and lixisenatide on β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized open‐label study
Authors: Meier Juris J. , Schenker Nina , Kahle Melanie , Schliess Freimut , Kapitza Christoph , Menge Björn A.
Published: April 2017

It is known that β‐cell function can be enhanced by direct stimulation of insulin secretion or by induction of β‐cell rest, but whether both strategies can complement each other has not yet been examined. A total of 28 people with type 2 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin 7.8% ± 0.5%) were treated with either lixisenatide or titrated insulin glargine, followed by their combined administration, each over 4 weeks. First‐ and second‐phase insulin secretion during an intravenous glucose challenge were calculated. First‐ and second‐phase insulin secretion were not increased with glargine alone, but increased after addition of lixisenatide (
P
 < .001). Lixisenatide alone increased first‐ and second‐phase insulin secretion (
P
 < .01). Addition of insulin glargine tended to further increase first‐phase insulin secretion (P = .054), as well as insulin and C‐peptide concentrations (
P
 < .05). Second‐phase insulin secretion was not affected by the addition of glargine. The sequence of initiating lixisenatide or glargine had no effect on the final measures of glycaemia or insulin secretion. Thus, lixisenatide and, to a lesser extent, insulin glargine, increase glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in an additive manner.
Use of contrast media in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in horses: Techniques, adverse events and opportunities
Authors: Nelson B. B. , Goodrich L. R. , Barrett M. F. , Grinstaff M. W. , Kawcak C. E.
Published: April 2017

The use of contrast media in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasing in horses. These contrast‐enhanced imaging techniques provide improved tissue delineation and evaluation, thereby expanding diagnostic capabilities. While generally considered safe, not all contrast media exhibit the same safety profiles. The safety of contrast media use and descriptions of adverse events occurring in horses are sparsely reported. This review summarises the reported evidence of contrast media use and adverse events that occur in horses, with added contribution from other veterinary species and studies in man for comparison. This comprehensive data set empowers equine clinicians to develop use and monitoring strategies when working with contrast media. Finally, it summarises the current state‐of‐the‐art and highlights the potential applications of contrast‐enhanced CT and MRI for assessment of diseased or injured equine tissues, as well as (patho)physiological processes.
High quality factor microwave dielectric ceramics in the (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O2–ZrO2–TiO2 ternary system
Authors: Li Wen‐Bo , Zhou Di , Pang Li‐Xia , Dai Yan‐Zhu , Qi Ze‐Ming , Wang Qiu‐Ping , Liu Han‐Chen
Published: April 2017

Novel high quality factor microwave dielectric ceramics (1−x)ZrTiO4−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)TiO4 (0.325≤x≤0.4) and (ZrTi)1−y(Mg1/3Nb2/3)yO4 (0.2≤y≤0.5) with the addition of 0.5 wt% MnCO3 in the (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O2–ZrO2–TiO2 ternary system were prepared, using solid‐state reaction method. The relationship between the structure and microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics was studied. The XRD patterns of the sintered samples reveal the main phase belonged to α‐PbO2‐type structure. Raman spectroscopy and infrared reflectivity (IR) spectra were employed to evaluate phonon modes of ceramics. The 0.65ZrTiO4−0.35(Mg1/3Nb2/3)TiO4−0.5 wt% MnCO3 ceramic can be well densified at 1240°C for 2 hours and exhibits good microwave dielectric properties with a relative permittivity (εr) of 42.5, a quality factor (Q×f) value of 43 520 GHz (at 5.9 Ghz) and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) value of −5ppm/°C. Furthermore, the (ZrTi)0.7(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.3O4−0.5 wt% MnCO3 ceramic sintered at 1260°C for 2 hours possesses a εr of 31.8, a Q×f value of 35 640 GHz (at 6.3 GHz) and a near zero τf value of −5.9 ppm/°C. The results demonstrated that the (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O2–ZrO2–TiO2 ternary system with excellent properties was a promising material for microwave electronic device applications.