scholarly journals Animal models of narcolepsy and the hypocretin/orexin system: Past, present, and future

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan K Tisdale ◽  
Akihiro Yamanaka ◽  
Thomas S Kilduff
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Sleep Disorder ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Neuron Degeneration ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Hypocretin Neuron ◽  
Initial Description ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Animal models have advanced not only our understanding of the etiology and phenotype of the sleep disorder narcolepsy but have also informed sleep/wake regulation more generally. The identification of an inheritable narcolepsy phenotype in dogs in the 1970s allowed the establishment of a breeding colony at Stanford University, resulting in studies that provided the first insights into the genetics and neurotransmitter systems that underlie cataplexy and rapid-eye movement sleep atonia. Although the discovery of the hypocretin/orexin neuropeptides in 1998 initially seemed unrelated to sleep/wake control, the description of the phenotype of the prepro-orexin knockout (KO) mouse as strongly resembling cataplexy, the pathognomonic symptom of narcolepsy, along with identification of a mutation in hypocretin receptor-2 gene as the source of canine narcolepsy, unequivocally established the relationship between this system and narcolepsy. The subsequent discovery of hypocretin neuron degeneration in human narcolepsy demystified a disorder whose etiology had been unknown since its initial description 120 years earlier. These breakthroughs prompted the development of numerous other animal models that have allowed manipulation of the hypocretin/orexin system, thereby advancing our understanding of sleep/wake circuitry. While animal models have greatly informed understanding of this fascinating disorder and the role of the hypocretin/orexin system in sleep/wake control, the question of why these neurons degenerate in human narcolepsy is only beginning to be understood. The development of new immune-mediated narcolepsy models are likely to further inform the etiology of this sleep disorder and animal models will undoubtedly play a critical role in the development of novel narcolepsy therapeutics.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Social Support and Student Academic Involvement: The Mediating Role of School Belonging

2021 ◽  
pp. 082957352110347
Author(s):  
Luis Francisco Vargas-Madriz ◽  
Chiaki Konishi
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
School Belonging ◽  
School Students ◽  
Academic Involvement ◽  
The Relationship

Canada’s high school graduation rates are still low when compared to other members of the OECD. Previous studies have found academic involvement is associated with positive trajectories toward graduation, that social support promotes student engagement, and that school belonging could mediate this relationship. Still, little is known about the specificity of such mediation, especially in Québec. Therefore, this study examined the role of belonging as mediator of the relationship between social support and academic involvement. Participants ( N = 238) were high-school students from the Greater Montréal Area. All variables were measured by the School-Climate Questionnaire. Results from hierarchical multiple regressions indicated parental support had a direct relationship, whereas peer and teacher support had a mediated relationship by school belonging with academic involvement. Results highlight the critical role of school belonging in promoting academic involvement in relation to social support.

Institutional effect on born global firms in China: the role of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Zhang ◽  
Qian Gao ◽  
Jane V. Wheeler ◽  
Jungsook Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Born Global ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Performance ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Born Global Firms

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the role of Sun Tzu’s significant strategies on the relationship between the institutional environment and international performance of Chinese born global firms, a type of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) characterized by the company’s limited resources and its early efforts to internationalize. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on a multi-case analysis of interviews conducted with four chosen born global firms, coupled with public database and Web site searches. Through the use of qualitative methods, propositions were developed. Findings – This paper provides insights regarding how the institutional environment, both formal and informal, has a strong positive relationship with born global firm’s international performance. Moreover, Sun Tzu’s significant strategies play a critical role in the internationalization process of born global firms in emerging markets. Originality/value – Although existing studies discuss the application of Eastern philosophical strategies adopted by firms in emerging markets, to the best of our knowledge, this is one of the earliest studies which evaluates the moderation effect of Sun Tzu’s significant strategies on the relationship between institutional environment and business performance. The paper contributes to scholarly discourse on the influencing factors of born global firm’s internationalization process. It also has practical relevance to international entrepreneurs and SMEs from emerging markets.

scholarly journals From animal models to patients: the role of placental microRNAs, miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148a/152 in preeclampsia

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (8) ◽  
pp. 1001-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya Frazier ◽  
Martin W. McBride ◽  
Helen Mulvana ◽  
Delyth Graham
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Rodent Model ◽  
Hypertensive Disorder ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Genetic Components ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Hypertensive Disorder Of Pregnancy

Abstract Placental microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the placental transcriptome and play a pathological role in preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Three PE rodent model studies explored the role of placental miRNAs, miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148/152 respectively, by examining expression of the miRNAs, their inducers, and potential gene targets. This review evaluates the role of miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148/152 in PE by comparing findings from the three rodent model studies with in vitro studies, other animal models, and preeclamptic patients to provide comprehensive insight into genetic components and pathological processes in the placenta contributing to PE. The majority of studies demonstrate miR-210 is upregulated in PE in part driven by HIF-1α and NF-κBp50, stimulated by hypoxia and/or immune-mediated processes. Elevated miR-210 may contribute to PE via inhibiting anti-inflammatory Th2-cytokines. Studies report an up- and downregulation of miR-126, arguably reflecting differences in expression between cell types and its multifunctional capacity. MiR-126 may play a pro-angiogenic role by mediating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Most studies report miR-148/152 family members are upregulated in PE. Evidence suggests they may inhibit DNA methylation of genes involved in metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Given the genetic heterogeneity of PE, it is unlikely that a single placental miRNA is a suitable therapeutic target for all patients. Investigating miRNAs in PE subtypes in patients and animal models may represent a more appropriate approach going forward. Developing methods for targeting placental miRNAs and specific placental cell types remains crucial for research seeking to target placental miRNAs as a novel treatment for PE.

scholarly journals LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Abbas ◽  
Asif Ali ◽  
Muhammad Ahsan Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Missing Link ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

The paper investigates the critical role of organisational commitment between leadership style and employees’ performance. Generally, the relationship between leadership style and the organisational performance has been discussed widely but ignoring the employees’ performance. It has been accepted that the organisational commitment leads to higher employee performance but the existing literature has not focused much on this view. A conceptual model has been developed which links the constructs together.The model reveals the missing link of organisational commitment between leadership style and employees’ performance. The sample of 242 was collected from the managers and employees of manufacturing and service organisations. The finding confirmed that organisational commitment acted as a mediator between the leadership style and employees’ performance.  

scholarly journals The role of the Th1 transcription factor T-bet in a mouse model of immune-mediated bone-marrow failure

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Tang ◽  
Marie J. Desierto ◽  
Jichun Chen ◽  
Neal S. Young
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Interleukin 17 ◽  
Immune Mediated

Abstract The transcription factor T-bet is a key regulator of type 1 immune responses. We examined the role of T-bet in an animal model of immune-mediated bone marrow (BM) failure using mice carrying a germline T-bet gene deletion (T-bet−/−). In comparison with normal C57BL6 (B6) control mice, T-bet−/− mice had normal cellular composition in lymphohematopoietic tissues, but T-bet−/− lymphocytes were functionally defective. Infusion of 5 × 106 T-bet−/− lymph node (LN) cells into sublethally irradiated, major histocompatibility complex–mismatched CByB6F1 (F1) recipients failed to induce the severe marrow hypoplasia and fatal pancytopenia that is produced by injection of similar numbers of B6 LN cells. Increasing T-bet−/− LN-cell dose to 10 to 23 × 106 per recipient led to only mild hematopoietic deficiency. Recipients of T-bet−/− LN cells had no expansion in T cells or interferon-γ–producing T cells but showed a significant increase in Lin−Sca1+CD117+CD34− BM cells. Plasma transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-17 concentrations were increased in T-bet−/− LN-cell recipients, possibly a compensatory up-regulation of the Th17 immune response. Continuous infusion of interferon-γ resulted in hematopoietic suppression but did not cause T-bet−/− LN-cell expansion or BM destruction. Our data provided fresh evidence demonstrating a critical role of T-bet in immune-mediated BM failure.

Proactive coping mediates the relationship between the narcissism phenotypes and psychological health

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Seungju Hyun ◽  
Xyle Ku
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Proactive Coping ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Vulnerable Narcissism ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Relationship

Although the relationship between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and psychological health is widely accepted, little is known about whether and how coping strategies explain this relationship. We examined the mediating role of proactive coping in this relationship, with a sample of 280 participants from five colleges in Korea. We used four parallel multiple mediation models, and controlled for the indirect effects of coping flexibility, self-esteem, and covariates (age and gender). Results show that grandiose narcissism predicted higher life satisfaction and lower perceived stress, whereas vulnerable narcissism exhibited the opposite pattern, and all of these relationships were mediated by proactive coping. Overall, our results highlight the critical role of proactive coping in the prediction of psychological health among narcissists.

Indian study shows that encouraging knowledge sharing at work can help spark innovative behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Innovative Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Implicit And Explicit ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The authors wanted to find out the most important mechanisms for encouraging innovative behavior in the Indian manufacturing sector. Design/methodology/approach The researchers collected data from Indian manufacturing organizations. They distributed questionnaires and received 288 complete ones. Items measured critical concepts. For OJ one example was “I have been fairly rewarded for the effort I put forth”. For KS, one sample was, “When I have learned something new, I tell my colleagues about it” and, “When they have learned something new, my colleagues tell me about it”. Meanwhile, IB was measured using items such as “I generate original solutions for problems”. Findings It highlighted the pivotal role of OJ in bolstering employees’ IB. When companies treat employees fairly, it encourages positive social interactions that lead to perceptions of supportiveness and trustworthiness. Employees reciprocate these sentiments with positive behavior. The study also showed the positive predictive influence of KS on IB. Finally, the results showed that the relationship between OJ and IB is complex, but KS is a pivotal mediator. Promotion of OJ, KS and IM is “vital” to spark innovation. Originality/value The authors felt their most important finding was to highlight the critical role of the underlying mechanism of KS, which is where individuals exchange implicit and explicit knowledge to create new knowledge. In addition, previous researchers have looked at the role of organizational justice in encouraging innovative behavior, but evidence from non-Western countries is scarce.

Introduction: Religion and the Novel

2019 ◽  
pp. 3-33
Author(s):  
Christina Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Postcolonial Studies ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Postcolonial Literature ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Religion And Literature ◽  
Religious Other ◽  
Role Of Religion ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter introduces the topic of religion and literature, theorises the novel as a secular genre, and develops a concept of religion as the other in the Arabic novel. It begins with a discussion of the relationship between religion and literature, identifying imagination, metaphorical language and mythos as areas of overlap, before turning to the question of religion and the Arabic novel as a modern form which eschews faith and dogma but is nevertheless packed with religious themes, images, characters, language and intertextuality. This is accounted for by the form’s secularism, which is theorised in terms of Charles Taylor’s conditions of belief. Literary secularism is not static and stable however, thus religion emerges as the other in the Egyptian novel, with all the ambivalence which alterity characteristically entails. This religious other calls into question postcolonial studies’ over-valorisation of the East/West binary insofar as it has obscured the critical role of religion in Arab postcolonial literature and identity.

Assessing the role of product category involvement and relationship proneness in the satisfaction–loyalty link in retailing

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Choukri Menidjel ◽  
Abderrezzak Benhabib ◽  
Anil Bilgihan ◽  
Melih Madanoglu
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Retail Industry ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Product category involvement and relationship proneness are crucial in explaining relationship outcomes. Nevertheless, the authors know little about their roles in the formation of loyalty, especially in the retail industry. Individual consumer traits and preferences are likely to play a critical role in the success of relationship marketing. Yet, relationship marketing studies have fallen short of considering such individual differences. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effects of product category involvement and relationship proneness on the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty in retail clothing stores. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained using a survey of 220 consumers. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed theoretical model. Findings The results show that satisfaction significantly affects product category involvement and relationship proneness, which, in turn, significantly affect purchase intention and word-of-mouth (WOM). The results also show that product category involvement and relationship proneness partially mediate the impact of satisfaction on purchase intention and WOM. Research limitations/implications Product category involvement and relationship proneness play a critical role in explaining the satisfaction–loyalty link. Future research could consider the role of potential moderating variables. Practical implications Retail managers should not only focus on improving customer satisfaction to achieve customer loyalty, but should also consider the importance of product category involvement and relationship proneness, and their role in the formation of customer loyalty both in traditional and online environments. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the mediating effects of product category involvement and relationship proneness on the relationship between satisfaction, purchase intention and WOM in the retail industry.

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