bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquidity creation or de‐creation: evidence from US property and liability insurance industry
Authors: Paul Choi Byeongyong , Park Jin , Ho Chia‐Ling 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is two‐fold. The first purpose is to properly measure the level of US property and liability (P/L) insurers liquidity creation, applying the liquidity creation measure developed by Berger and Bouwman. The second purpose is to identify factors affecting P/L insurers' liquidity creation using a regression. Particularly, this paper tests two competing hypotheses regarding the relationship between the level of capital and liquidity creation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper calculates liquidity creation for the US P/L insurers. First, the paper categorizes all items in assets, liabilities and surplus into liquid, semi‐liquid, or illiquid. This process is based on the ease, cost, and time for insurers to meet their contractual obligation to obtain liquid funds or to pay off their liability. The paper also constructs the regression model to test the impact of insurers' surplus level on liquidity creation while controlling for the firm‐specific variables. The paper examines this relationship for the time period between 1998 and 2007.FindingsContrary to the study of depository institutions, the paper reports that P/L insurers are liquidity destroyers than liquidity creators. This paper also provides that liquidity destruction varies over time and differs among insurers in different size. The total amount of liquidity destruction ranges from 47 to 58 percent of insurer total asset. In addition, the results of a regression show that insurer capital is negatively related to the level of liquidity creation. This provides implications that insurers with lower level of capital face more regulatory requirements and are forced to meet liquidity demand more.Practical implicationsThe level of liquidity creation and the trend of liquidity creation of P/L insurers are of particular interest to regulators and consumers because the level of liquidity creation as shown during the financial crisis has a significant adverse impact on the financial intermediaries.Originality/valueThe paper do not aware of any study that attempts to measure liquidity creation by insurers and its relationship with both organizational and financial characteristics. The paper reports that P/L insurers are, unlike depository institutions, liquidity destroyers. Whether or not P/L insurers create/destroy liquidity is an interesting economic question to shed light on the roles of P/L insurers as a financial intermediary.
Assessing relationship quality and its key constructs from a rival models approach
Authors: Luís Vieira Armando 
Published: August 2013

PurposeRelationship quality (RQ) is nowadays seen as a main source of competitive advantage. This study aims at enhancing our understanding of RQ by testing and comparing three alternative business‐to‐business (B2B) RQ models from an interpersonal perspective.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey was employed and 1,126 firm representatives provided their perceptions of their relationships with their counterparts in hotels, yielding a 48.4 per cent response rate. Data was analysed through structural equations modelling with LISREL.FindingsFindings clarified the way RQ key constructs connect, as well as the relative importance of their dimensions. Trust was the dominant dimension of RQ, which contributed to strengthen the pivotal role of trust as a RQ key construct. Problem‐ solving behaviour and selling orientation were the most important dimensions of customer orientation.Research limitations/implicationsDue to possible limitations inherent to the chosen research approach, longitudinal studies in different research settings that may improve the generalisability of the results are suggested for future investigations.Practical implicationsResults emphasised customer orientation as an additional, crucial building block of RQ, drawing the attention to the pivotal role of (designated) relationship managers, the “part‐time” marketers who act as the “face” of the organization, in maximising B2B RQ.Originality/valueNew and relevant insights are provided regarding the relative importance of the dimensions of each RQ key construct, which will help relationship managers to evolve from a selling to a counselling approach, thereby promoting commitment, trust, and mutuality of goals, towards the improvement of the quality of the relationships between business partners.
An analysis of users' behaviour patterns in the organisation of information
Authors: Chen Ya‐Ning , Ke Hao‐Ren 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviour preferences and patterns of the organisation of information by taggers, including usage of tags, tag categories and implicit patterns embedded in social tags.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was 4,390 social tags (1,777 unique) from 1,661 articles published in 16 library and information science journals selected from CiteULike between February and March 2011. Using application profiles, a tag category model served as a framework to develop two sets of hybrid tag categories for analysing the distribution of tag categories and their implicit patterns.FindingsThe frequency of tag categories was consistent with that of individual tags and obeyed a power law distribution. In total, six implicit patterns embedded in tags – syntactical, semantic, mnemonic, genre, contextual hybrid relations and split term – were discovered.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study focused solely on investigating taggers' behaviour preferences and patterns, the results of this study may shed light on tagging practice, query formulation and construction of controlled vocabularies.Originality/valueA set of hybrid tag categories consisting of title, function, content and topic‐related categories is proposed to delineate the distribution of social tags and taggers' behaviour preferences, and implicit patterns embedded in tags are generalised. These patterns may be useful for tagging practice, query formulation and construction of controlled vocabularies.
Corporate financial communication and the internet: manipulating investor audiences?
Authors: Guillamón‐Saorín Encarna , Martínez‐López Francisco J. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of how the internet interacts with businesses and markets. The authors aims to focus on the internet press releases of annual results to illustrate how corporate communication is used and managed strategically online.Design/methodology/approachThe authors describe the increasing importance of the internet for communicating firms' performance to investors, financial media and the stock market, then identify and discuss a number of techniques that might be used to potentially manipulate the online presentation of financial results. Thus the authors conducted a content analysis of the internet press releases in two consecutive years (2008 and 2009) by a wide range of companies listed in the IBEX 35 share index.FindingsThis paper provides in‐depth insights into content analysis techniques by providing examples of how potentially misleading disclosure practices are included in press releases. Moreover the paper investigates the use of seven potentially misleading disclosure practices appearing in press releases that optimise the way in which company results are presented.Practical implicationsRegulators may consider the normalisation of the content of internet press releases to avoid or reduce opportunistic disclosure practices. Moreover, investors should be aware of the use of these practices to reduce the misleading effect when processing corporate information.Originality/valueThis pioneering study analyses and provides evidence of potentially misleading internet‐based disclosure strategies. Furthermore the paper proposes a set of measures for corporate information presentation.
Effect of maxillary osteotomy on speech in cleft lip and palate: perceptual outcomes of velopharyngeal function
Authors: Pereira Valerie J. , Sell Debbie , Tuomainen Jyrki 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal facial growth is a well‐known sequelae of cleft lip and palate (CLP) resulting in maxillary retrusion and a class III malocclusion. In 10–50% of cases, surgical correction involving advancement of the maxilla typically by osteotomy methods is required and normally undertaken in adolescence when facial growth is complete. Current evidence for the impact of the surgery on velopharyngeal function is weak and mixed.AimsThe first objective of the study was to investigate the nature of the effect of maxillary osteotomy on the perceptual outcomes of velopharyngeal function in CLP. The second objective was to establish if speech changes seen early at 3 months post‐operation persisted for a year after/following surgery’, when it is considered that the maxilla is relatively stable.Methods & ProceduresTwenty consecutive patients with CLP undergoing maxillary osteotomy by a single surgeon were seen pre‐operatively (T1), 3 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) post‐operation. A non‐cleft control group (NonCLP) undergoing surgery was also recruited. Speech data were collected using the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech—Augmented (CAPS‐A). A velopharyngeal composite score‐summary (VPC‐SUM) was derived from specific CAPS‐A‐rated parameters. An external CAPS‐A‐trained therapist, blinded to the study, rated the randomized samples and inter‐rater reliability was established.Outcomes & ResultsFor the CLP group, hypernasality and nasal turbulence increased significantly post‐operation. Planned comparisons were significant for T1–T2 only with a medium effect size. For hypernasality, the CLP group differed statistically from the NonCLP group at T2 and T3. For nasal turbulence, the CLP group differed statistically from the NonCLP group at T2. For VPC‐SUM, there were statistically significant changes post‐operatively between T1–T2 and T1–T3 only with medium effect sizes for the CLP group only.Conclusions & ImplicationsThis study provides evidence that maxillary osteotomy affects patients with and without CLP differently. In patients with CLP, surgery may impact negatively on velopharyngeal function for speech and changes seen early on at 3 months post‐operatively appear to persist at 12 months postoperatively. The findings in this study have implications for the speech care pathway of patients with CLP undergoing maxillary osteotomy in terms of assessment, review and management.
BRAF V600EMutation Is Associated withmTORSignaling Activation in Glioneuronal Tumors
Authors: Prabowo Avanita S. , Iyer Anand M. , Veersema Tim J. , Anink Jasper J. , Schouten‐van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Spliet Wim G. M. , van Rijen Pieter C. , Ferrier Cyrille H. , Capper David , Thom Maria , Aronica Eleonora 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBRAF V600Emutations have been recently reported in glioneuronal tumors (GNTs). To evaluate the expression of theBRAF V600Emutated protein and its association with activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, immunophenotype and clinical characteristics inGNTs, we investigated a cohort of 174GNTs. The presence ofBRAF V600Emutations was detected by directDNAsequencing andBRAF V600Eimmunohistochemical detection. Expression ofBRAF‐mutated protein was detected in 38/93 (40.8%) gangliogliomas (GGs), 2/4 (50%) desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas (DIGs) and 23/77 (29.8%) dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) by immunohistochemistry. In bothGGsandDNTs, the presence ofBRAF V600Emutation was significantly associated with the expression ofCD34, phosphorylated ribosomalS6protein (pS6; marker ofmTORpathway activation) in dysplastic neurons and synaptophysin (P < 0.05). InGGs, the presence of lymphocytic cuffs was more frequent inBRAF‐mutated cases (31 vs. 15.8%;P = 0.001). The expression of bothBRAF V600EandpS6was associated with a worse postoperative seizure outcome inGNT(P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical detection ofBRAF V600E‐mutated protein may be valuable in the diagnostic evaluation of these glioneuronal lesions and the observed association withmTORactivation may aid in the development of targeted treatment involving specific pathogenic pathways.
Indirect activation of the SV23 and SV24 splice variants of human constitutive androstane receptor: analysis with 3‐hydroxyflavone and its analogues
Authors: Lau Aik Jiang , Chang Thomas K H 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeNaturally occurring splice variants of human CAR (hCAR), including hCAR‐SV23 (insertion of amino acids SPTV) and hCAR‐SV24 (APYLT), have been shown to be expressed in liver. However, little is known regarding how hCAR‐SV23 and hCAR‐SV24 are activated. Therefore, we investigated the mode of activation of these hCAR splice variants.Experimental ApproachCell‐based reporter gene assays, including ligand‐binding domain transactivation assays and coactivator recruitment assays, were conducted on cultured HepG2 cells transfected with various constructs and treated with 3‐hydroxyflavone or a hydroxylated (galangin, datiscetin, kaempferol, morin, quercetin or myricetin) or methylated (isorhamnetin, tamarixetin, or syringetin) analogue.Key ResultsAmong the flavonols investigated, only 3‐hydroxyflavone increased hCAR‐SV23 and hCAR‐SV24 activities. 3‐Hydroxyflavone did not transactivate the ligand‐binding domain of these isoforms or recruit steroid receptor coactivators (SRC‐1, SRC‐2, or SRC‐3). By comparison, 3‐hydroxyflavone, galangin, datiscetin, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin and tamarixetin activated hCAR‐WT, whereas none of the flavonols activated hCAR‐SV25 (both SPTV and APYLT insertions). The flavonols 3‐Hydroxyflavone, galangin, quercetin and tamarixetin transactivated the ligand‐binding domain of hCAR‐WT, but only 3‐hydroxyflavone recruited SRC‐1, SRC‐2 and SRC‐3 to the receptor.Conclusion and ImplicationshCAR‐SV23 and hCAR‐SV24 can be activated by a mechanism that does not involve the ligand‐binding domain of the receptor or recruitment of SRC‐1, SRC‐2, or SRC‐3. 3‐Hydroxyflavone and its structural analogues activated hCAR in an isoform‐selective and chemical‐specific manner. Overall, our study provides insight into a novel mode of ligand activation of hCAR‐SV23 and hCAR‐SV24.
Combined subthreshold dose inhibition of myosin light chain phosphorylation and MMP‐2 activity provides cardioprotection from ischaemic/reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart
Authors: Cadete Virgilio J J , Sawicka Jolanta , Bekar Lane K , Sawicki Grzegorz 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposePhosphorylation and degradation of myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) during myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a well‐established phenomenon. It has been established that MMP‐2 is involved in MLC1 degradation and that this degradation is increased when MLC1 is phosphorylated. We hypothesized that simultaneous inhibition of MLC1 phosphorylation and MMP‐2 activity will protect hearts from I/R injury. As phosphorylation of MLC1 and MMP‐2 activity is important for normal heart function, we used a cocktail consisting combination of low (subthreshold for any protective effect alone) doses of MLC kinase, MMP‐2 inhibitors and subthreshold dose of an MLC phosphatase activator.Experimental ApproachIsolated rat hearts were subjected to 20 min of global, no‐flow ischaemia and 30 min reperfusion in the absence and presence of inhibitors of MLC1 phosphorylation and degradation.Key ResultsThe recovery of cardiac function was improved in a concentration‐dependent manner by the MLC kinase inhibitor, ML‐7 (1–5 μM), the MLC phosphatase activator, Y‐27632 (0.05–1 μM) or the MMP inhibitor, doxycycline (Doxy, 1–30 μM). Co‐administration of subthreshold doses of ML‐7 (1 μM) and Y‐27632 (0.05 μM) showed a potential synergistic effect in protecting cardiac contractility and MLC1 levels in I/R hearts. Further combination with a subthreshold concentration of Doxy (1 μM) showed additional protection that resulted in full recovery to control levels.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results of this study exemplify a novel low‐dose multidrug approach to pharmacological prevention of reperfusion injury that will enable a reduction of unwanted side effects and/or cytotoxicity associated with currently available MMP‐2 and kinase inhibiting drugs.
Comparative assessment of PDE 4 and 7 inhibitors as therapeutic agents in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: González‐García C , Bravo B , Ballester A , Gómez‐Pérez R , Eguiluz C , Redondo M , Martínez A , Gil C , Ballester S 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposePDE4 inhibition suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, side effects hinder PDE4 inhibitors clinical use. PDE7 inhibition might constitute an alternative therapeutic strategy, but few data about the anti‐inflammatory potential of PDE7 inhibitors are currently available. We have used the EAE model to perform a comparative evaluation of PDE4 and PDE7 inhibition as strategies for MS treatment.Experimental ApproachTwo PDE7 inhibitors, the sulfonamide derivative BRL50481 and the recently described quinazoline compound TC3.6, were assayed to modulate EAE in SJL mice, in comparison with the well‐known PDE4 inhibitor Rolipram. We evaluated clinical signs, presence of inflammatory infiltrates in CNS and anti‐inflammatory markers. We also analysed the effect of these inhibitors on the inflammatory profile of spleen cells in vitro.Key ResultsTC3.6 prevented EAE with efficacy similar to Rolipram, while BRL50481 had no effect on the disease. Differences between both PDE7 inhibitors are discussed. Data from Rolipram and TC3.6 showed that PDE4 and PDE7 inhibition work through both common and distinct pathways. Rolipram administration caused an increase in IL‐10 and IL‐27 expression which was not found after TC3.6 treatment. On the other hand, both inhibitors reduced IL‐17 levels, prevented infiltration in CNS and increased the expression of the T regulator cell marker Foxp3.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results provide new information about the effects of Rolipram on EAE, underline PDE7 inhibition as a new therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases and show the value of TC3.6 to prevent EAE, with possible consequences for new therapeutic tools in MS.
Epigenetic control of skin differentiation genes by phytocannabinoids
Authors: Pucci Mariangela , Rapino Cinzia , Di Francesco Andrea , Dainese Enrico , D'Addario Claudio , Maccarrone Mauro 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeEndocannabinoid signalling has been shown to have a role in the control of epidermal physiology, whereby anandamide is able to regulate the expression of skin differentiation genes through DNA methylation. Here, we investigated the possible epigenetic regulation of these genes by several phytocannabinoids, plant‐derived cannabinoids that have the potential to be novel therapeutics for various human diseases.Experimental ApproachThe effects of cannabidiol, cannabigerol and cannabidivarin on the expression of skin differentiation genes keratins 1 and 10, involucrin and transglutaminase 5, as well as on DNA methylation of keratin 10 gene, were investigated in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The effects of these phytocannabinoids on global DNA methylation and the activity and expression of four major DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, 3a, 3b and 3L) were also examined.Key ResultsCannabidiol and cannabigerol significantly reduced the expression of all the genes tested in differentiated HaCaT cells, by increasing DNA methylation of keratin 10 gene, but cannabidivarin was ineffective. Remarkably, cannabidiol reduced keratin 10 mRNA through a type‐1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor‐dependent mechanism, whereas cannabigerol did not affect either CB1 or CB2 receptors of HaCaT cells. In addition, cannabidiol, but not cannabigerol, increased global DNA methylation levels by selectively enhancing DNMT1 expression, without affecting DNMT 3a, 3b or 3L.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings show that the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol and cannabigerol are transcriptional repressors that can control cell proliferation and differentiation. This indicates that they (especially cannabidiol) have the potential to be lead compounds for the development of novel therapeutics for skin diseases.
Targeting midkine and pleiotrophin signalling pathways in addiction and neurodegenerative disorders: recent progress and perspectives
Authors: Herradón G , Pérez‐García C 
Published: August 2013

Midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are two neurotrophic factors that are highly up‐regulated in different brain regions after the administration of various drugs of abuse and in degenerative areas of the brain. A deficiency in both MK and PTN has been suggested to be an important genetic factor, which confers vulnerability to the development of the neurodegenerative disorders associated with drugs of abuse in humans. In this review, evidence demonstrating that MK and PTN limit the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse and, potentially, prevent drug relapse is compiled. There is also convincing evidence that MK and PTN have neuroprotective effects against the neurotoxicity and development of neurodegenerative disorders induced by drugs of abuse. Exogenous administration of MK and/or PTN into the CNS by means of non‐invasive methods is proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy for addictive and neurodegenerative diseases. Identification of new molecular targets downstream of the MK and PTN signalling pathways or pharmacological modulation of those already known may also provide a more traditional, but probably effective, therapeutic strategy for treating addictive and neurodegenerative disorders.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and receptor pleiotropic effects mediated by GLP‐1R activation
Authors: Pabreja K , Mohd M A , Koole C , Wootten D , Furness S G B 
Published: August 2013

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in developed countries is increasing yearly with a significant negative impact on patient quality of life and an enormous burden on the healthcare system. Current biguanide and thiazolidinedione treatments for type 2 diabetes have a number of clinical limitations, the most serious long‐term limitation being the eventual need for insulin replacement therapy (Table 1). Since 2007, drugs targeting the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor have been marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs have enjoyed a great deal of success even though our underlying understanding of the mechanisms for their pleiotropic effects remain poorly characterized even while major pharmaceutical companies actively pursue small molecule alternatives. Coupling of the GLP‐1 receptor to more than one signalling pathway (pleiotropic signalling) can result in ligand‐dependent signalling bias and for a peptide receptor such as the GLP‐1 receptor this can be exaggerated with the use of small molecule agonists. Better consideration of receptor signalling pleiotropy will be necessary for future drug development. This is particularly important given the recent failure of taspoglutide, the report of increased risk of pancreatitis associated with GLP‐1 mimetics and the observed clinical differences between liraglutide, exenatide and the newly developed long‐acting exenatide long acting release, albiglutide and dulaglutide.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐5