bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How inter- and intra-organisational coordination affect product development performance: the role of slack resources
Authors: Chen Yen-Chun , Li Po-Chien , Lin Ya-Hui
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enable a better understanding of the influences of alliance coordination (i.e. inter-organisational coordination) and interfunctional coordination (i.e. intra-organisational coordination) on product development performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current study tests a posited research model and its hypotheses using the data from Taiwan's electronics industry. A survey of 159 senior executives is analyzed using a partial least squares approach. The analytic result shows that slack resources may link alliance coordination and interfunctional coordination to two product development performance metrics (i.e. product innovativeness and product development speed).

Findings

– This investigation reveals that both alliance coordination and interfunctional coordination positively affect product development performance, not only directly but also indirectly, through the existence of slack resources they help engender. In addition, it also finds that interfunctional coordination positively relates to alliance coordination.

Practical implications

– The current research provides additional knowledge regarding the associations among alliance coordination, interfunctional coordination and product development performance. This knowledge would be useful for practitioners to achieve a superior product development performance. Moreover, this research articulates the managerial implications of the link between interfunctional coordination and alliance coordination for product development executives.

Originality/value

– This empirical study tests an integrative model (which is one of only a few to incorporate slack resources) to explain how different types of coordination (i.e. inter- and intra-organisational coordination) may influence product development performance. Moreover, this empirical research provides initial evidence on the association between interfunctional coordination and alliance coordination.
Cross‐border M&A as a trigger for network change in the Russian bakery industry
Authors: Degbey William , Pelto Elina
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the consequences of a cross‐border acquisition on business network changes in the Russian bakery industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the IMP group's network approach to analyse the empirical single case study with two embedded sub‐cases.

Findings

The empirical study offers a typology on the forms of network change that may be triggered by mergers and acquisitions (M&As), while the conceptual framework broadens understanding of the change sequence and reciprocal interaction among actors, activities, resources and the external environment, with implications for network change analysis.

Research limitations/implications

While the theoretical position developed fits the unique characteristics of the case studied in the industry and country settings, it is necessary to be cautious in generalising the study beyond this context.

Practical implications

For managers of merging parties to garner superior performance from the network changes they initiate, it is critical for them to have precise insights into their network. Other connected actors must also adapt to the changes triggered by the merging parties, if they want to maintain their network positions.

Originality/value

For academicians, the paper attempts to broaden the understanding of different forms of network change that M&As may evoke. For practitioners, it offers a picture of what internal and external adjustments may be required of them following an M&A.
The direct costs of raising external equity capital for US REIT IPOs
Authors: Bairagi Ranajit Kumar , Dimovski William
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the total direct costs of raising external equity capital for US real estate investment trust (REIT) initial public offerings (IPOs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study provides recent evidence on total direct costs for a comprehensive dataset of 125 US REIT IPOs from 1996 until June 2010. A multivariate OLS regression is performed to determine significant factors influencing the level of total direct costs and also underwriting fees and non‐underwriting direct expenses.

Findings

The study finds economies of scale in total direct costs, underwriting fees and non‐underwriting expenses. The equally (value) weighted average total direct costs are 8.33 percent (7.52 percent), consisting of 6.49 percent (6.30 percent) underwriting fees and 1.87 percent (1.22 percent) non‐underwriting direct expenses. The study finds a declining trend of total direct costs for post 2000 IPOs which is attributed to the declining trend in both underwriting fees and non‐underwriting direct expenses. Offer size is a critical determinant for both total direct costs and their individual components and inversely affects these costs. The total direct costs are found significantly higher for equity REITs than for mortgage REITs and are also significantly higher for offers listed in New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Underwriting fees appear to be negatively influenced by the offer price, the number of representative underwriters involved in the issue, industry return volatility and the number of potential specific risk factors but positively influenced by prior quarter industry dividend yield and ownership limit identified in the prospectus. After controlling for time trend, the paper finds REIT IPOs incur higher non‐underwriting direct expenses in response to higher industry return volatility prior to the offer.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the international REIT IPO literature by exploring a number of new influencing factors behind total direct costs, underwriting fees and non‐underwriting direct expenses. The study includes data during the recent GFC period.
Financial structure of property companies and capital market development
Authors: Le Thao T.T. , Ooi Joseph T.L.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the state of development in the capital market and the debt ratios of 579 property companies publicly listed in 13 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of two indices are first constructed to measure the maturity of the debt and equity capital market in each country from 1994 to 2007. Panel regressions are then carried out to examine the impact of capital market maturity on the financial gearing of property companies.

Findings

The authors observe that the maturity of the capital market is correlated with the stage of development of the respective economies. The panel regression results show that the maturity of the debt capital market has a significant and positive influence on the firms' capital structure. In contrast, developments in the equity capital market have an inverse impact on the debt ratios of property companies.

Practical implications

Overall, the development of the capital markets is good for capital intensive property companies who may face challenges to obtain external funding in transition economies with underdeveloped capital markets. As the capital markets of these economies mature, coupled with improvements in the legal and institutional framework, property companies will have more scope to raise capital to expand their operations.

Originality/value

The paper offers international evidence on, first, the capital structure practices of property companies in different regions, and second, how capital market development influences the firms' financing decisions.
Towards a Theory of Asylum as Reparation for past Injustice
Authors: Souter James
Published: February 2013

In this article, I contend that asylum should at times act as a form of reparation for past injustice. This function, I argue, stems from states' special obligation to provide asylum to refugees for whose lack of state protection they are responsible. After suggesting that the development of a theory of asylum as reparation necessitates a diachronic approach, I outline the conditions under which asylum should function reparatively, and draw on the reparations framework within international law to suggest that asylum can provide refugees with meaningful restitution, compensation and satisfaction. In particular, I seek to identify the conditions under which asylum constitutes the most fitting form of reparation for the harm of refugeehood that is available to states. Finally, I explore the question of how direct the causal link between a state's actions and a refugee's flight must be for the former to owe asylum to the latter.
Effect of trehalose and lactose as cryoprotectant during freeze‐drying, in vitro gastro‐intestinal transit and survival of microencapsulated freeze‐dried Lactobacillus casei 431 cells
Authors: Nag Arup , Das Shantanu
Published: February 2013

A novel microencapsulation technique for Lactobacillus casei 431 cells was developed, and the bacterial stability was studied. Cryoprotective solutes were incorporated in the encapsulation mix to improve freeze‐drying survival. The losses of viable cells during drying were recorded as 1.7, 0.84 and 0.38 log Colony‐forming units (cfu)/g for control and samples with trehalose and lactose, respectively. During the simulated gastric‐intestinal transit, trehalose and lactose contributed to higher survivals of 3.1 and 3.0 log cfu/g, respectively, in gastric fluid and 1.3 log and 0.9 log cfu/g, respectively, in 1% bile extract solution. Higher temperature storage was found to be detrimental for cell viability.
Hemoglobin Maintenance and Dosing Strategies Using Intravenous Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hirai Takayuki , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Nakazono Hiroshi , Asai Mariko , Yamashita Hideki , Sasaki Ayako , Yamashita Tetsumasa , Yamashita Kazuomi , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Harada Satoru , Mizuiri Sonoo
Published: February 2013

Methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta, a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), is reported to be effective in managing renal anemia but there is little data about CERA in Japan. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of CERA in Japanese hemodialysis patients and the appropriate starting dose of CERA when switching from other erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents. We switched 61 stable hemodialysis patients to 4‐weekly intravenous CERA, from either epoetin beta (rHuEPO) or darbepoetin alpha (DA). When determining the initial dose of CERA, we used guidelines recommended by the Japanese supplier for switching from rHuEPO, but for DA we based the CERA dose on European reports, because no Japanese guidelines exist. Fifty‐two patients completed the 28‐week study. Hemoglobin was maintained within the target range (10.0–12.0 g/dL). The required CERA dose decreased over the 28 weeks. The hemoglobin level and CERA dose stabilized faster when switching from DA. CERA showed similar efficacy in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. The effect of CERA is similar regardless of whether patients switch from low‐ or high‐dose erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents. In conclusion, CERA is effective for Japanese hemodialysis patients at a lower dose than expected.
Lipidomics of familial longevity
Authors: Gonzalez‐Covarrubias Vanessa , Beekman Marian , Uh Hae‐Won , Dane Adrie , Troost Jorne , Paliukhovich Iryna , van der Kloet Frans M. , Houwing‐Duistermaat Jeanine , Vreeken Rob J. , Hankemeier Thomas , Slagboom Eline P.
Published: March 2013

Middle‐aged offspring of nonagenarians, as compared to their spouses (controls), show a favorable lipid metabolism marked by larger LDL particle size in men and lower total triglyceride levels in women. To investigate which specific lipids associate with familial longevity, we explore the plasma lipidome by measuring 128 lipid species using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in 1526 offspring of nonagenarians (59 years ± 6.6) and 675 (59 years ± 7.4) controls from the Leiden Longevity Study. In men, no significant differences were observed between offspring and controls. In women, however, 19 lipid species associated with familial longevity. Female offspring showed higher levels of ether phosphocholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) species (3.5–8.7%) and lower levels of phosphoethanolamine PE (38:6) and long‐chain triglycerides (TG) (9.4–12.4%). The association with familial longevity of two ether PC and four SM species was independent of total triglyceride levels. In addition, the longevity‐associated lipid profile was characterized by a higher ratio of monounsaturated (MUFA) over polyunsaturated (PUFA) lipid species, suggesting that female offspring have a plasma lipidome less prone to oxidative stress. Ether PC and SM species were identified as novel longevity markers in females, independent of total triglycerides levels. Several longevity‐associated lipids correlated with a lower risk of hypertension and diabetes in the Leiden Longevity Study cohort. This sex‐specific lipid signature marks familial longevity and may suggest a plasma lipidome with a better antioxidant capacity, lower lipid peroxidation and inflammatory precursors, and an efficient beta‐oxidation function.
Influence of sampling effort on saproxylic beetle diversity assessment: implications for insect monitoring studies in European temperate forests
Authors: Parmain Guilhem , Dufrêne Marc , Brin Antoine , Bouget Christophe
Published: March 2013

Saproxylic beetle diversity monitoring provides a tool for estimating the efficiency of forest conservation measures. Flight interception traps are commonly employed to monitor beetle assemblages, although little explicit knowledge of the efficiency of this trapping method is available.

The present study investigated how slight changes in sampling effort can influence species richness and species composition of assemblages in data sets from standard window‐flight traps.

At both trap and plot levels, an additional year or an additional trap provided a 50% increase in the number of species detected (a 75% increase for rare species) and resulted in a different estimated composition of the assemblages. Adding 2 or 3 years of sampling gave twice as many species and resulted in assemblages that were 50% dissimilar. Increases in the detection of species and the dissimilarity of assemblages were similarly affected along a gradient of forest conditions, suggesting that changes in sampling effort were not affected by forest condition.

At the forest level, year or trap replication provided smaller increases in species richness (31% and 25%, respectively). Within sites, distance measures in species composition between traps did not differ significantly when based on 1 or 2 years of data. Using two traps per plot compared with one trap influenced comparisons between stand types, based on species richness, in 25% of the cases.

Species detection was similarly increased by either year replication or trap replication. The results of the present study highlight the significant role played by finescale patterns of habitat structure and inter‐annual variation with respect to determining catch size and assemblages of saproxylic species.
How do delivery mode and parity affect pelvic organ prolapse?
Authors: Yeniel A. Özgür , Ergenoglu A. Mete , Askar Niyazi , Itil Ismaİl Mete , Meseri Reci
Published: March 2013

Objective

To determine the association between mode of delivery, parity, and pelvic organ prolapse, as assessed by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center, Turkey.

Population

A total of 1964 women with benign gynecological disorders who presented between October 2009 and July 2011.

Methods

Evaluation using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system and questionnaire assessing previous obstetrics and medical history.

Main outcome measures

Difference in pelvic organ prolapse stages between nulliparous and multiparous women, impact of parity and mode of delivery.

Results

In the study population, 86.4, 7.2 and 6.4% had pelvic organ prolapse of stages 0–I, II, and III–IV, respectively, and 7.9% had significant prolapse beyond the hymen. The mean age, parity, and number of vaginal deliveries were significantly higher in the prolapse than in the non‐prolapse group. Vaginal delivery was associated with an odds ratio of 2.92 (95% confidence interval 1.19–7.17) for prolapse when compared with nulliparity. Each vaginal delivery increased the risk of prolapse (odds ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.35) after controlling for all confounding factors. Cesarean delivery had no impact on the odds for prolapse.

Conclusions

Vaginal delivery was an independent risk factor for prolapse, and additional vaginal deliveries significantly increased the risk. However, cesarean delivery had no effect on the development of prolapse in this material.
The Effect of Accelerated Alteration on the Discrimination between Baltic and Romanian Amber
Authors: Teodor E. S. , Petroviciu I. , Truică G. I. , Şuvăilă R. , Teodor E. D.
Published: February 2013

Ten geological samples (five from each source—Romanian amber and Baltic amber) in duplicate for five different media (air, water, saline, acid and basic) were subjected to thermal alteration at 80 ± 2°C for 12 weeks, in the dark. The samples were analysed before and after the accelerated alteration experiment by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, both in transmittance and reflectance mode, and the acquired spectra were statistically processed by multivariate data analysis, mainly using principal component analysis. The results of the experiment are useful in giving a better picture of how to discriminate between archaeological amber artefacts.
What Should Business Schools Teach Managers?
Authors: Parker Martin , Pearson Gordon
Published: March 2013

This article is the fourth dialogue in a series in which two characters, a pro‐business experienced manager and a critical management academic idealist, debate contemporary management. In this dialogue, the discussion concerns the curriculum of business and management courses. Though as usual there is little agreement between the two participants, the discussion clearly shows just how difficult it will be to change business education without also changing the market position of business schools. Other topics concern the sort of economic assumptions embedded in much of the curriculum, and the relationship between practical skills and political descriptions of capitalism.
E‐Communications: An Aspect of Union Renewal or Merely Doing Things Electronically?
Authors: Kerr Allan , Waddington Jeremy
Published: March 2013

Drawing on questionnaire‐based survey data and web‐based data, this article examines the introduction of virtual branch websites within 12 branches of UNISON. The article situates e‐communications within a union communications strategy from the perspective of union members and shows how the virtual branch websites contribute to aspects of union renewal including organization and participation, union democracy and the conduct of industrial disputes.
Disconnected Amid the Networks and Chains: Employee Detachment from Company and Union after Offshoring
Authors: McCann Leo
Published: March 2013

Much has been written about the relocation of services jobs away from OECD nations by offshoring. But what happens to those who remain employed at workplaces where offshoring has been carried out? Based on survey and interview data of UK insurance and banking staff, this article explores employees' subjective understandings of the impacts of offshoring. The article brings together literature on Global Commodity Chains and Labour Process Theory, as it expands the focus of research on offshoring from macro/meso discussions of globalization and firm strategy into more micro‐level analysis of employee interpretations of workplace change. The data indicate a collapse in morale and work dignity for UK financial services workers and suggest that offshoring is not associated with a rise in skill levels of surviving jobs. Many staff reported a climate of detachment and cynicism after offshoring. Detachment and disaffection applies to employees' feelings towards their employer and their union, and is discussed as a paradoxical by‐product of the growing incorporation of services work into Global Commodity Chains or Global Production Networks.
Assessing the Relative Efficiency of Termite Sampling Methods along a Rainfall Gradient in African Savannas
Authors: Davies Andrew B. , Eggleton Paul , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Parr Catherine L.
Published: March 2013

Although termites are ecosystem engineers in tropical and sub‐tropical environments, the study of termite ecology is often constrained by sampling difficulties and a lack of established sampling protocols, particularly for savannas. The efficiency and relevance of different methods along climatic gradients, even within a single biome, is largely unknown. Here, we compare the relative contribution of two commonly used sampling methods, cellulose baits and active searching transects, in quantifying savanna termite diversity along a rainfall gradient in South Africa; sampling was conducted during the wet season across four markedly different savanna types. We also assessed the usefulness of different forms of baiting techniques. The relative efficiency of sampling method varied with annual rainfall. In arid savannas, baiting was as effective as active searching transects at sampling termite diversity and we recommend the use of baiting rather due to it being less labor intensive. In savannas of moderately low to intermediate rainfall, baiting and transects sampled different termite species and so both are deemed necessary for an accurate assessment of termite diversity. In contrast, in wetter savannas transects gave a better assessment of diversity, with cellulose baits not contributing much to diversity assessment. The efficiency of baiting techniques differed across the rainfall gradient, with baits needing to be left in the field for a longer period in more arid savannas. We conclude that habitat type, even within a single biome, will determine the sampling method or methods necessary to quantify termite diversity accurately.
Parathyroid hormone changes following denosumab treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Makras Polyzois , Polyzos Stergios A. , Papatheodorou Athanasios , Kokkoris Panagiotis , Chatzifotiadis Daniel , Anastasilakis Athanasios D.
Published: March 2013

Objective

Denosumab is a new potent antiresorptive treatment of osteoporosis that can potentially induce a compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. We aimed to evaluate the alteration of PTH 1 and 6 months after denosumab's administration with different regimens of calcium and vitamin D (Ca/D) supplementation.

Design

Prospective, multicenter, study in a relatively small, heterogeneous sample of postmenopausal women followed for 6 months.

Patients

Forty seven postmenopausal women followed in 2 outpatient clinics, requiring onset or continuation of osteoporosis treatment. We administered 1 g calcium carbonate and 800 IU cholecalciferol daily for 6 months (Group A) or the double dose for the first month followed by the 1 g/800 IU Ca/D regimen for the next 5 months (Group B).

Measurements

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) alterations between and within groups, and their associations with serum Ca and bone markers.

Results

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher at month 1 and 6 only in Group A; Ca levels were significantly decreased at month 1 and returned to baseline values at month 6 within the same Group. The mean per cent change between month 1 and baseline for PTH [Δ(PTH1‐0)] was significantly higher in Group A than B (63·5% ± 28·2% vs −3·0% ± 4·7%, P = 0·029). Δ(PTH1‐0) was correlated with the reciprocal Δ‐changes of Ca (rs = −0·610; P = 0·002) and collagen type I C‐terminal telopeptide (rs = −0·697; P = 0·003) only in Group A.

Conclusions

An increase in PTH should be expected, at least following the first administration of denosumab in common clinical practice. The effect of this compensatory onsequence in bone metabolism warrants further investigation.
Pregabalin attenuates dysautonomia as well as painful dysesthesia caused by Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Kuroda Hiroshi , Fujihara Kazuo , Nakashima Ichiro , Tateyama Maki , Kaneko Kimihiko , Tano Ohito , Kusunoki Susumu , Aoki Masashi
Published: March 2013

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is frequently accompanied by dysautonomia, which potentially leads to a fatal outcome. Pregabalin binds to the α2δ subunit of voltage‐gated calcium channels and has been used as a drug for neuropathic pain. We present a 47‐year‐old woman who had GBS with severe dysautonomia and painful dysesthesia, in whom pregabalin promptly attenuated both symptoms. After symptoms of respiratory infection lasting a week, she showed mydriatic pupils, ophthalmoparesis, weakness in four limbs with areflexia, cerebellar ataxia and limb dysesthesia. Even after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was started, her neurological symptoms deteriorated; furthermore, she developed severe dysautonomia including intractable hypertension, bradycardia–tachycardia syndrome, paroxysmal facial flushing and paroxysmal nausea. However, promptly after the first dose of pregabalin, both dysautonomia and dysesthesia were attenuated, and her circulatory condition became stable. Thereafter, her neurological symptoms gradually improved. The present case report suggests that pregabalin can be effective in treating dysautonomia, as well as painful dysesthesia in GBS.
Mitomycin C versus 5‐fluorouracil as an adjunctive treatment for trabeculectomy: a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: De Fendi Lígia I , Arruda Gustavo V , Scott Ingrid U , Paula Jayter S
Published: February 2013

Mitomycin C (MMC) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) are the most frequently utilized adjuvant therapies in trabeculectomy (TRAB), but there is no general consensus as to the direct comparative efficacy and safety of these two adjuvants. In this study, the authors conducted a meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of augmenting TRAB with MMC or 5‐FU. A systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted and five randomized controlled clinical trials comparing MMC versus 5‐FU as adjunctive therapies were identified, totaling 416 participants. A lower pooled mean IOP and higher complete and qualified success rates were observed in the MMC arm than in the 5‐FU arm. Epithelial corneal defects were the unique complication reported more frequently with 5‐FU compared to MMC treatment. Compared to TRAB with 5‐FU, TRAB with MMC was associated with higher rates of complete and qualified surgical success and was not associated with increased incidences of postoperative complications.
Hospitalization rates of children who are blind
Authors: Crewe Julie M , Lam Geoff , Clark Antony , Spilsbury Katrina , Mukhtar Aqif S , Morlet Nigel , Morgan William H , Crowley Margaret , Semmens James B
Published: February 2013

Background

To evaluate the impact of blindness on hospitalization rates of children.

Design

Matched cohort study.

Participants

Children confirmed as legally blind (2003–2009), age‐ and gender‐matched to control cohort of normally sighted children from the state register of births.

Methods

The rates and reasons for admission to hospital were compared using hospital morbidity records. The association of blindness with rates of admission and length of stay in hospital, 2003–2010, were estimated using multivariate negative binomial regression models.

Main Outcome Measures

Descriptive statistics, incident rate ratios, and predicted means for hospital separations and length of stay.

Results

Fifty‐nine blind and 59 control children had a combined total of 107 separations accounting for 237 bed days in hospital after the index date of legal blindness. The median age at the index date was 8 years. Over 90% of separations and 92% of bed days were incurred by 22 blind children. Blind children had four (95% confidence interval 1.9–9.3) times more hospital separations and stayed in hospital six (95% confidence interval 1.9–17.5) times longer than the control cohort children. There were more than 40 times as many comorbidities recorded by the blind children (n = 201) compared with the control children (n = 5). A third of the blind children were hospitalized for respiratory conditions.

Conclusions

Children who are born or become blind in childhood have more and longer periods in hospital than sighted children likely because of complex comorbid health problems. There was a disproportionate incidence of comorbid respiratory diseases in the blind children.
Applying resource selection functions at multiple scales to prioritize habitat use by the endangered Cross River gorilla
Authors: Sawyer Sarah C. , Brashares Justin S.
Published: March 2013

Aim

The critically endangered Cross River gorilla is a patchily distributed taxon for which habitat selection has been modelled only at coarse spatial scales, using remotely sensed landscape data and large‐scale species distribution maps. These coarse‐scale models fail to explain why Cross River gorillas (CRG) display a highly fragmented distribution within what appears to be a large, continuous area of suitable habitat. This study aimed to refine our understanding of CRG habitat use to inform conservation planning both for the subspecies and for other fragmented species of conservation concern.

Location

Cross River gorillas occur only in a discontinuous distribution in the southern portion of the Cameroon‐Nigeria border region, an area that represents one of Africa's biodiversity hotspots. This study was carried out in the Northern Mone‐Mt. Oko region, part of the Mone/Mbulu forest system located in the Manyu division of the South‐west Province of Cameroon.

Methods

We used resource selection functions to understand habitat use by CRG at multiple scales. Specifically, we employed generalized additive models at the scale of the annual subpopulation range and conditional logistic regression at the scale of individual movements.

Results

Cross River gorillas habitat selection is highly scale dependent. Localized measures of habitat quality strongly influenced selection at the subpopulation or landscape scale, while human activity and food availability were the best predictors of selection at finer scales.

Main conclusions

Understanding why CRG do not occur in seemingly suitable habitat is crucial for designating critical habitat both within and between CRG subpopulations. Our results indicate that conservation planning to maintain critical habitat and connectivity among CRG populations will require an integrative, multi‐scale planning approach incorporating large‐scale landscape characteristics, human use patterns and CRG food availability.
The Turning of the Tide: Theology, Religion, and Economics1
Authors: Rieger Joerg
Published: March 2013

Abstract:  Although capitalist free market economics is in crisis, its assumptions continue to shape not only how we do business or politics but also how we think and feel, and even what we believe. For theologians and scholars of religion this means that we can no longer do our work without taking into consideration what is happening in the economy and how it affects us; before religion can become part of the solution we need to understand how it has become part of the problem. This article investigates how economics has shaped religion and theology and develops alternative perspectives.
The need for better insulin therapy
Authors: Grunberger G.
Published: March 2013

Insulin replacement therapy corrects a core defect of diabetes pathophysiology. Since its introduction as a therapeutic modality almost 100 years ago, insulin therapy has undergone remarkable changes in purity and ability to provide more physiologic control of blood glucose levels. With glucose‐lowering potential limited only by risks of hypoglycaemia, which remains the major limitation in our ability to achieve glycaemic goals, insulin replacement therapy remains a cornerstone of therapy. Major progress in reducing the risks of hypoglycemia has occurred with the development of insulin analogs. This review article briefly chronicles the evolution of insulin replacement strategies, highlighting both challenges in pharmaceutical development and patient acceptance, underscoring achievements, as well as denoting what improvements are still needed.
A comparison of health‐related quality of life (health utility) between insulin degludec and insulin glargine: a meta‐analysis of phase 3 trials
Authors: Freemantle N. , Evans M. , Christensen T. , Wolden M. L. , Bjorner J. B.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To evaluate health‐related quality of life (health utility) scores in patients with diabetes receiving insulin degludec (IDeg) or insulin glargine (IGlar).

Methods

Patient‐level data from six, randomized, controlled, open‐label, multicentre, confirmatory, treat‐to‐target trials of 26‐ or 52 weeks' duration were pooled in this analysis. The Short Form 36 (SF‐36) version‐2 health questionnaire was completed by patients at baseline and end‐of‐trial. SF‐36 scores for 4001 individual patients were then mapped onto the EuroQol‐5D health utility scale, which has a range from −0.59 (a state worse than death) to 1.00 (perfect health).

Results

IDeg treatment exhibited a significant improvement in health status of 0.005 (CI: 0.0006; 0.009) points compared with IGlar (p < 0.024). Gender, region, trial and age also had a significant influence on estimated utility scores as did baseline utility scores, p < 0.05. Prior to the removal of interaction variables a difference of 0.008 points was observed, p < 0.045. Previous insulin treatment did not have an impact on the final outcome.

Conclusion

This study shows that IDeg is associated with a modest, but statistically significant, improvement in health utility compared with IGlar in patients with diabetes.
Memory‐guided saccades in youth‐onset psychosis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: White Tonya , Mous Sabine , Karatekin Canan
Published: February 2013

Aim

Working memory deficits have been shown to be present in children and adolescents with schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Considering the differences in clinical characteristics between these disorders, it was the goal of this study to assess differences in the specific components of working memory in children and adolescents with psychosis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methods

Children and adolescents (age range 8–20 years) with either a non‐affective psychotic disorder (n = 25), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 33) and controls (n = 58) were administered an oculomotor delayed‐response task using both a recall and a control condition. Memory‐guided saccades were measured during delay periods of 2, 8 and 20 s.

Results

Although both clinical groups were less accurate than controls, there was no evidence of a disproportionate impairment in recall. In addition, there was no evidence of a delay‐dependent impairment in psychosis; however, there was a delay‐dependent impairment in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when corrective saccades were included. Speed of information processing was correlated with distance errors in psychosis, suggesting that speed of encoding the stimulus location may have constrained the accuracy of the saccades.

Conclusions

Our findings support impairments during encoding in the psychosis group and a delay‐dependent deficit in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group.
Applications of X‐ray computed tomography for examining biophysical interactions and structural development in soil systems: a review
Authors: Helliwell J. R. , Sturrock C. J. , Grayling K. M. , Tracy S. R. , Flavel R. J. , Young I. M. , Whalley W. R. , Mooney S. J.
Published: March 2013

Soil systems are characterized by the spatial and temporal distribution of organic and mineral particles, water and air within a soil profile. Investigations into the complex interactions between soil constituents have greatly benefited from the advent of non‐invasive techniques for structural analysis. In this paper we present a review of the application of one such technique, X‐ray computed tomography (CT), for studies of undisturbed soil systems, focusing on research during the last 10 years in particular. The ability to undertake three‐dimensional imaging has provided valuable insights regarding the quantitative assessment of soil features, in a way previously unachievable because of the opaque nature of soil. A dynamic approach to the evaluation of soil pore networks, hydro‐physical characteristics and soil faunal behaviour has seen numerous scanning methodologies employed and a diverse range of image analysis protocols used. This has shed light on functional processes across multiple scales whilst also bringing its own challenges. In particular, much work has been carried out to link a soil's porous architecture with hydraulic function, although new technical improvements allowing the characterization of organic matter and the influence of soil biota on structural development are showing great promise. Here we summarize the development of X‐ray CT in soil science, highlight the major issues relating to its use, outline some of the applications for overcoming these challenges and describe the potential of future technological advances for non‐invasive soil characterization through integration with other complementary techniques.
Does habitat disturbance increase infectious disease risk for primates?
Authors: Young Hillary , Griffin Randi H. , Wood Chelsea L. , Nunn Charles L.
Published: March 2013

Many studies have suggested that ecosystem conservation protects human and wildlife populations against infectious disease. We tested this hypothesis using data on primates and their parasites. First, we tested for relationships between species' resilience to human disturbance and their parasite richness, prevalence and immune defences, but found no associations. We then conducted a meta‐analysis of the effects of disturbance on parasite prevalence, which revealed no overall effect, but a positive effect for one of four types of parasites (indirectly transmitted parasites). Finally, we conducted intraspecific analyses of malaria prevalence as a function of mammalian species richness in chimpanzees and gorillas, and an interspecific analysis of geographic overlap and parasite species richness, finding that higher levels of host richness favoured greater parasite risk. These results suggest that anthropogenic effects on disease transmission are complex, and highlight the need to define the conditions under which environmental change will increase or decrease disease transmission.
Interplay between BDF1 and BDF2 and their roles in regulating the yeast salt stress response
Authors: Fu Jiafang , Hou Jin , Liu Liangyu , Chen Lei , Wang Mingpeng , Shen Yu , Zhang Zhaojie , Bao Xiaoming
Published: March 2013

The homologous genes BDF1 and BDF2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encode bromodomain‐containing transcription factors. Although double deletion of BDF1 and BDF2 is lethal, single deletion does not affect cell viability. The bdf2∆ cells showed normal growth upon salt stress. However, the absence of Bdf1p resulted in a salt‐sensitive phenotype, and the salt sensitivity was suppressed by overexpression of BDF2. In this study, we further demonstrated that BDF2 shows dosage compensation in suppressing the salt sensitivity of bdf1∆. None of the tested domains replaced the function of intact Bdf1p. The 494–626 region in Bdf1p was more important than the other domains for salt resistance. In addition, Bdf1p negatively regulated the expression of BDF2 by binding its promoter at loci −387 to −48. However, Bdf2p did not affect the expression of BDF1. In addition, Bdf1p and its defective functional domain mutants could combine with Bdf2p. This physical interaction increased the salt tolerance of bdf1∆. The mitochondrial dysfunctions caused by BDF1 deletion were restored by overexpression of BDF2 under salt stress conditions.

Structured digital abstract

BDF2 physically interacts with BDF1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

BDF2 physically interacts with BDF1 by pull down (View interaction)
Functional dysregulation of stem cells during aging: a focus on skeletal muscle stem cells
Authors: García‐Prat Laura , Sousa‐Victor Pedro , Muñoz‐Cánoves Pura
Published: March 2013

Aging of an organism is associated with the functional decline of tissues and organs, as well as a sharp decline in the regenerative capacity of stem cells. A prevailing view holds that the aging rate of an individual depends on the ratio of tissue attrition to tissue regeneration. Therefore, manipulations that favor the balance towards regeneration may prevent or delay aging. Skeletal muscle is a specialized tissue composed of postmitotic myofibers that contract to generate force. Satellite cells are the adult stem cells responsible for skeletal muscle regeneration. Recent studies on the biology of skeletal muscle and satellite cells in aging have uncovered the critical impact of systemic and niche factors on stem cell functionality and demonstrated the capacity of aged satellite cells to rejuvenate and increase their regenerative potential when exposed to a youthful environment. Here we review the current literature on the coordinated relationship between cell extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate the function of satellite cells, and ultimately determine tissue homeostasis and repair during aging, and which encourage the search for new anti‐aging strategies.
Autoprocessing mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 3C‐like protease (SARS‐CoV 3CLpro) from its polyproteins
Authors: Muramatsu Tomonari , Kim Yong‐Tae , Nishii Wataru , Terada Takaho , Shirouzu Mikako , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: March 2013

Like many other RNA viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) produces polyproteins containing several non‐structural proteins, which are then processed by the viral proteases. These proteases often exist within the polyproteins, and are excised by their own proteolytic activity (‘autoprocessing’). It is important to investigate the autoprocessing mechanism of these proteases from the point of view of anti‐SARS‐CoV drug design. In this paper, we describe a new method for investigating the autoprocessing mechanism of the main protease (Mpro), which is also called the 3C‐like protease (3CLpro). Using our method, we measured the activities, under the same conditions, of the mature form and pro‐forms with the N‐terminal pro‐sequence, the C‐terminal pro‐sequence or both pro‐sequences, toward the pro‐form with both N‐ and C‐terminal pro‐sequences. The data indicate that the pro‐forms of the enzyme have proteolytic activity, and are stimulated by the same proteolytic activity. The stimulation occurs in two steps, with approximately eightfold stimulation by N‐terminal cleavage, approximately fourfold stimulation by C‐terminal cleavage, and 23‐fold stimulation by the cleavage of both termini, compared to the pro‐form with both the N‐ and C‐terminal pro‐sequences. Such cleavage mainly occurs in a trans manner; i.e. the pro‐form dimer cleaves the monomeric form. The stimulation by N‐terminal pro‐sequence removal is due to the cis (intra‐dimer and inter‐protomer) effect of formation of the new N‐terminus, whereas that by C‐terminal cleavage is due to removal of its trans (inter‐dimer) inhibitory effect. A numerical simulation of the maturation pathway is presented.
Evaluation of terrestrial carbon cycle models for their response to climate variability and to CO2 trends
Authors: Piao Shilong , Sitch Stephen , Ciais Philippe , Friedlingstein Pierre , Peylin Philippe , Wang Xuhui , Ahlström Anders , Anav Alessandro , Canadell Josep G. , Cong Nan , Huntingford Chris , Jung Martin , Levis Sam , Levy Peter E. , Li Junsheng , Lin Xin , Lomas Mark R , Lu Meng , Luo Yiqi , Ma Yuecun , Myneni Ranga B. , Poulter Ben , Sun ZhenZhong , Wang Tao , Viovy Nicolas , Zaehle Soenke , Zeng Ning
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 10 process‐based terrestrial biosphere models that were used for the IPCC fifth Assessment Report. The simulated gross primary productivity (GPP) is compared with flux‐tower‐based estimates by Jung et al. [Journal of Geophysical Research 116 (2011) G00J07] (JU11). The net primary productivity (NPP) apparent sensitivity to climate variability and atmospheric CO2 trends is diagnosed from each model output, using statistical functions. The temperature sensitivity is compared against ecosystem field warming experiments results. The CO2 sensitivity of NPP is compared to the results from four Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments. The simulated global net biome productivity (NBP) is compared with the residual land sink (RLS) of the global carbon budget from Friedlingstein et al. [Nature Geoscience 3 (2010) 811] (FR10). We found that models produce a higher GPP (133 ± 15 Pg C yr−1) than JU11 (118 ± 6 Pg C yr−1). In response to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, modeled NPP increases on average by 16% (5–20%) per 100 ppm, a slightly larger apparent sensitivity of NPP to CO2 than that measured at the FACE experiment locations (13% per 100 ppm). Global NBP differs markedly among individual models, although the mean value of 2.0 ± 0.8 Pg C yr−1 is remarkably close to the mean value of RLS (2.1 ± 1.2 Pg C yr−1). The interannual variability in modeled NBP is significantly correlated with that of RLS for the period 1980–2009. Both model‐to‐model and interannual variation in model GPP is larger than that in model NBP due to the strong coupling causing a positive correlation between ecosystem respiration and GPP in the model. The average linear regression slope of global NBP vs. temperature across the 10 models is −3.0 ± 1.5 Pg C yr−1 °C−1, within the uncertainty of what derived from RLS (−3.9 ± 1.1 Pg C yr−1 °C−1). However, 9 of 10 models overestimate the regression slope of NBP vs. precipitation, compared with the slope of the observed RLS vs. precipitation. With most models lacking processes that control GPP and NBP in addition to CO2 and climate, the agreement between modeled and observation‐based GPP and NBP can be fortuitous. Carbon–nitrogen interactions (only separable in one model) significantly influence the simulated response of carbon cycle to temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration, suggesting that nutrients limitations should be included in the next generation of terrestrial biosphere models.
Geography/internet: ethereal alternate dimensions of cyberspace or grounded augmented realities?
Authors: Graham Mark
Published: March 2013

Many of the ways in which we discuss, imagine and envision the internet rely on inaccurate and unhelpful spatial metaphors. This paper focuses on the usage of the ‘cyberspace’ metaphor and outlines why the reliance by contemporary policymakers on this inherently geographic metaphor matters. The metaphor constrains, enables and structures very distinct ways of imagining the interactions between people, information, code and machines through digital networks. These distinct imaginations, in turn, have real effects on how we enact politics and bring places into being. The paper broadly traces the history of ‘cyberspace’, explores the scope of its current usage and highlights the discursive power of its distinct way of shaping our spatial imagination of the internet. It then concludes by arguing that geographers should take the lead in employing alternate, nuanced and spatially grounded ways of envisioning the myriad ways in which the internet mediates social, economic and political experiences.