bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social capital, portfolio management capability and exploratory innovation: evidence from China
Authors: Li Yao , Zhang Yu , Zheng Songyue
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Social capital is critical for firms to conduct business activities; however, whether it is always beneficial for exploratory innovation and the specific and contingent effects of each dimension remain unknown. This paper aims to examine the role of three dimensions of social capital in determining exploratory innovation and investigate how firms’ portfolio management capabilities shape these links.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 276 firms in high-tech industries in China are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that cognitive social capital negatively affects exploratory innovation, whereas relational and structural social capital both demonstrate inverted U-shaped relationships with exploratory innovation. In addition, portfolio management capability positively moderates the relationships between the three dimensions of social capital and exploratory innovation.

Practical implications

Given the advantages and disadvantages, managers should be prudent in the establishment of social capital; moreover, firms should develop and improve their portfolio management capabilities to effectively manage their relationships in the pursuit of exploratory innovation.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the social capital theory and innovation literature in two ways. First, it provides a multi-dimensional examination of the effects of social capital on exploratory innovation and the empirical evidence of the negative side of social capital. Second, it extends the extant literature by introducing a more holistic perspective and proposing that portfolio management capability helps firms to overcome the negative effects and strengthen the positive effects of social capital on exploratory innovation.
The effect of network structure on radical innovation in living labs
Authors: Leminen Seppo , Nyström Anna-Greta , Westerlund Mika , Kortelainen Mika J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study aims to focus on living labs as a means of achieving radical innovation by discussing the differences in their network structure and its effect on the type of innovation outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyses 24 living labs in four countries using qualitative methods.

Findings

A specific network structure referred to as a distributed multiplex supports radical innovation in living labs, while distributed and centralized network structures support incremental innovations. Also, the results suggest that radical innovation depends on the driving actor and objectives in a living lab.

Research limitations/implications

A bias on the perceived novelty of innovation may exist when analyzing data collected through interviews with a limited number of living lab participants compared to a large number of informants. This study proposes a two-dimensional framework based on the network structure to investigate innovation in living labs.

Practical implications

This paper offers a classification tool to identify, categorize and make sense of organizations’ participation in open innovation networks and in living labs.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence that, although the distributed multiplex network structure supports the emergence of radical innovations, the distributed and centralized network structures support incremental innovation. A combination of a provider- or utilizer-driven living lab and a distributed multiplex network structure, with a clearly defined and future-oriented strategic objective, offers good potential for radical innovation to occur.
Mobilising resources to bridge technological discontinuities
Authors: Chou Hsin-Hui
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This research aims to address how a firm can mobilise resources through interfirm relationships to bridge technological discontinuities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a processual single case study to undertake an empirical investigation from the perspective of a technology-bundled net as the research boundary.

Findings

This research produces three key findings. First, mobilising resources across firm boundaries to create an adequate bundling of product, process and marketing technologies is the cornerstone of bridging technological discontinuities. Second, resource mobilisation between firms in the transition to a new technological trajectory is affected by the sediments accrued in the existing (old) trajectory. Third, technological discontinuities may be competence-enhancing, and their radical effects may originate from non-technical causes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the research of radical innovation from an interaction and networks perspective and also by focusing on resource mobilisation taking place in the transition from an existing technological trajectory to a new one. In particular, this paper takes into account the relatedness of resources and the influences of past interaction underpinning an old trajectory in the bridging of technological discontinuities.
Interpartner learning, dependence asymmetry and radical innovation in customer-supplier relationships
Authors: Jean Ruey-Jer “Bryan” , Chiou Jyh-Shen , Sinkovics Rudolf R.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study aims to explore how absorptive and joint learning can foster radical innovation. Furthermore, dependence asymmetry is investigated as a moderator of the effects of these factors on radical innovation. Radical innovation is an important source of any firm’s success. Yet, there has been a dearth of research in the literature on how different types of inter-partner learning cultivate the process of generating such innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a sample of 204 Taiwanese electronics suppliers to test the effects of joint learning and absorptive learning on radical innovation. The empirical analysis adopts a structural equations modeling approach.

Findings

The authors find that a supplier’s joint learning has a stronger effect on radical innovation than its absorptive learning. However, when accounting for the moderating effect of dependence asymmetry, the analysis shows that absorptive learning does have a significant effect on radical innovation. The effect of joint learning on radical innovation is not moderated by the degree of dependence asymmetry.

Practical Implications

This study broadens and deepens the understanding of how radical innovation by suppliers can be generated in customer–supplier relationships, and how this is shaped by the power-dependence structure.

Originality/value

Inter-partner learning; radical innovation; power; dependence.
The impact of social and contractual enforcement on reseller performance: the mediating role of coordination and inequity during adoption of a new technology
Authors: Osmonbekov Talai , Gregory Brian , Chelariu Christian , Johnston Wesley J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social and contractual enforcement on the performance of business-to-business relationship. The research also tests the mediating role of perceived inequity and coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey methodology was used to obtain responses from 224 decision-makers at reseller organizations. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

It was found that both social and contractual enforcement impact relationship performance. Perceived inequity and coordination are important moderators of those relationships, as social enforcement increases coordination and reduces perceived inequity, while contractual enforcement increases perceived inequity.

Originality/value

While previous studies examined enforcement impact on coordination and conflict, this study links it to relationship performance. Importantly, enforcement’s relationship with perceived inequity is also examined in the context of B2B relationship.
US bank failure and bailout during the financial crisis
Authors: Lu Wenling , Whidbee David A.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the characteristics of banks that were the target of intervention in the form of bailout or failure during the financial crisis and, of those subjected to intervention, what characteristics distinguish those that received bailout funds from those that were deemed failures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study estimates a series of logit regressions in an effort to identify the causes of regulatory intervention while controlling for bank-level characteristics and the economic and regulatory environment.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that many of the same characteristics associated with banks receiving bailout funds are similar to the characteristics associated with failed banks. However, non-performing loans increased the likelihood of failure, but reduced the likelihood of a bank receiving Capital Purchase Program (CPP) funds, suggesting that regulatory authorities discriminated in their use of CPP funds based on the quality of a bank’s asset portfolio. Further, those banks located in states with limits on de novo branching and those banks that are part of a multi-bank holding company structure were less likely to fail but were more likely to receive CPP funds.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of regulatory intervention in the banking industry during the late 2000s financial crisis and the impact of different banking organizational structures, economic circumstances, and financial fragility on the likelihood of a bank failing or receiving bailout funds.
Inflation expectations, economic policy ambiguity and micro-level consumer behavior
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to augment existing literature by examining how specific macroeconomic conditions (economic policy uncertainty and inflation expectations) influence micro-level (instead of macro-level) behavioral dynamics exhibited by the average consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted empirical analysis using structural vector autoregressive estimation technique.

Findings

The average consumer tends to exhibit significantly varied micro-level expenditure behavioral patterns not readily observed at the macro- or aggregate-level expenditures. For instance, this study finds that in the short run, inflation expectations tend to have a significant positive impact on both non-durable goods and service expenditures; the same condition, however, tends to have a negative impact on durable goods. Additionally, this study also finds that economic policy uncertainty, unlike inflation expectations, tends to constrain consumption expenditures at all micro levels with very significant variations in decline in expenditures made.

Originality/value

Unlike legion of empirical work based on macro-level analysis, this study adopts a micro-level analysis and also engages two macroeconomic conditions (inflation expectations and economic policy uncertainty) not already examined in existing studies.
Villages and their old farmsteads are hot spots of bird diversity in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Rosin Zuzanna M. , Skórka Piotr , Pärt Tomas , Żmihorski Michał , Ekner‐Grzyb Anna , Kwieciński Zbigniew , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: August 2016

To counteract the decline of farmland biodiversity in Europe, it is crucial to recognize habitats that are hot spots. Old rural settlements (e.g. villages) may be such important habitats, although these presumably biodiversity‐rich habitats have received little attention. Socio‐economic changes in central‐eastern Europe since 1989 mean that old homesteads and farmsteads are being replaced by new ones.

We investigated bird species composition, richness and abundance at three spatial scales (single rural property, village and landscape) in the farmland of Poland to test: (i) their association with age (built before vs. after 1989) and type of property (farmstead vs. homestead), (ii) their relationship with the increasing share of new homesteads at the village scale and (iii) the difference in diversity between the village environment and four other environments (open fields, forest–field ecotones, forests and towns) at the landscape scale.

At the single property scale, 15 out of 33 species preferred old farmsteads, while only one species preferred new homesteads. Old properties hosted a higher number of species and individuals than new ones, and farmsteads hosted a higher number of species than homesteads.

At the village scale, bird species richness and abundance were markedly negatively associated with the proportion of new homesteads. At the landscape scale, species composition differed between villages and the other environments, and villages had the highest average bird abundance.

Synthesis and applications. Rural villages and old farmsteads are important habitats for many farmland birds; thus, the increasing number of new homesteads not associated with farmland production will likely lead to a substantial further decline of farmland bird numbers and biodiversity. To counteract this process, we recommend (i) implementing educational programmes to develop rural residents’ awareness about the importance of farmsteads and homesteads for biodiversity, (ii) including villages and farmsteads and consideration of bird‐friendly habitats within these as part of EU conservation policies and (iii) compensating for changes in the structure of rural villages by increasing the amount of similar alternative habitats in the surrounding landscape.
Differences in endophyte communities of introduced trees depend on the phylogenetic relatedness of the receiving forest
Authors: Gundale Michael J. , Almeida Juan P. , Wallander Håkan , Wardle David A. , Kardol Paul , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Fajardo Alex , Pauchard Aníbal , Peltzer Duane A. , Ruotsalainen Seppo , Mason Bill , Rosenstock Nicholas
Published: August 2016

Plant species sometimes perform extraordinarily well when introduced to new environments, through achieving higher growth rates, individual biomasses or higher densities in their receiving communities compared to their native range communities. One hypothesis proposed to explain enhanced performance in species’ new environments is that their soil microbial communities may be different and provide greater benefit than microbial communities encountered in species’ native environments. However, detailed descriptions of soil biota associated with species in both their native and introduced environments remain scarce.

We established a global network of sites in regions where the tree species Pinus contorta has been introduced (Chile, New Zealand, Finland, Scotland and Sweden), as well as native range sites where the introduced populations originated (Canada and USA). We conducted pyrosequencing analysis to compare the root fungal endophyte communities associated with P. contorta in its native environments and in introduced environments with phylogenetically similar and dissimilar tree species (i.e. P. sylvestris in Europe and Nothofagus spp. in the Southern Hemisphere).

Fungal communities associated with P. contorta consistently differed between its introduced and native environments. In Europe, P. contorta associated with the same community as P. sylvestris, where one particular species (Piloderma sphaerosporum) was particularly abundant relative to Canadian sites. In the Southern Hemisphere, P. contorta fungal communities were composed primarily of North American taxa and exhibited very little overlap with fungal communities associated with native Nothofagus spp.

Synthesis. Our work shows that plants exhibit considerable plasticity in their interaction with fungi, by associating with different fungal communities across native and introduced environments. Our work also indicates that fungal communities associated with introduced plants can assemble through different mechanisms, that is by associating with existing fungal communities of phylogenetically close species, or through reassembly of co‐introduced and co‐invading fungi. The identification of different fungal communities in a plant species new environment provides an important step forward in understanding how soil biota may impact growth and invasion when a species is introduced to new environments.
Grassland invasibility varies with drought effects on soil functioning
Authors: Schrama Maarten , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: August 2016

Although it is known that ecosystems are more susceptible to invasion when disturbed, our knowledge of the mechanisms involved remains limited. Recent studies indicate that disturbance‐induced changes in soil nutrient availability could influence community invasibility, but the importance of this mechanism in the real world is not known.

We tested the hypotheses that (i) exotic plant species profit from drought effects on soil functioning more than do natives; and (ii) grassland invasibility depends on soil responses to drought disturbance, which are greater in soils that exhibit a larger nutrient pulse following drought.

This was tested in a series of grassland sites of contrasting management intensity which we subjected to an extreme (40‐day) drought, after which seeds from four different plant families of native species and related exotics were added to soils originating from the drought and control treatments under greenhouse conditions. We also examined the performance of seeded native species in the field. We expected that intensively managed grasslands with bacterial‐dominated soils would exhibit a larger nutrient pulse following drought, and hence a greater window of opportunity for invasion, than in extensively managed grassland soils with fungal‐dominated microbial communities.

Results from the greenhouse experiment indicated that exotic species grew better in soil that had experienced drought, and had higher survival and growth rates than natives in both grassland types. Field results showed that drought increased invasibility in intensively managed grasslands, but had little impact on survival and growth of seeded species on extensively managed grassland soils. Increased invasibility of intensively managed grassland soils was associated with a significant soil nitrogen pulse following rewetting, which was not detected in the extensively managed grasslands.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that intensively managed grasslands are more prone to invasion following drought than are extensively managed grasslands and that this response is in part related to differences in microbial community composition which regulate nutrient availability in soil following disturbance events. Given that extreme climate events are predicted to increase, our findings suggest that invasion of exotic species will increase in ecosystems with soils that are less resilient to disturbance.
Identifying the role of soil microbes in plant invasions
Authors: Dawson Wayne , Schrama Maarten
Published: August 2016

Understanding how invasions by exotic plant species occur has been and still is a fundamental goal in the field of invasion ecology. Recently, research focus has shifted to below‐ground mechanisms of invasion, which has provided valuable insights into the role of soil microbes in the invasion process.

Research on how soil microbes drive plant invasions has produced a multitude of potential mechanisms and hypotheses, and we have taken this timely opportunity to organize these hypotheses, explore interrelations among them and with other drivers of invasion and identify areas requiring more in‐depth study.

Synthesis. This special feature brings together current research on soil microbes as drivers and responders of invasion, highlighting the methods that can be used to advance our understanding of how, when and which soil microbes play a role in the invasion process. Further advances in the field can be made by increasing realism in experiments, making wider use of molecular methods and culturing of microbial isolates and considering the importance of microbes relative to other invasion drivers.
Processes of social flourishing and their liminal collapse: elements to a genealogy of globalization
Authors: Szakolczai Arpad
Published: August 2016

This article aims at exploring a long‐term historical perspective on which contemporary globalization can be more meaningfully situated. A central problem with established approaches to globalization is that they are even more presentist than the literature on modernization was. Presentism not only means the ignoring of history, but also the unreflective application to history of concepts taken from the study of the modern world. In contrast, it is argued that contemporary globalization is not a unique development, but rather is a concrete case of a historical type. Taking as its point of departure the spirit, rather than the word, of Max Weber, this article extends the scope of sociological investigation into archaeological evidence. Having a genealogical design and introducing the concept of ‘liminality’, the article approaches the modern process of globalization through reconstructing the internal dynamics of another type of historical change called ‘social flourishing’. Taking up the Weberian approach continued by Eisenstadt in his writings on ‘axial age’, it moves away from situations of crisis as reference point, shifting attention to periods of revival by introducing the term ‘epiphany’. Through the case of early Mesopotamia, it shows how social flourishing can be transmogrified into globalizing growth, gaining a new perspective concerning the kind of ‘animating spirit’ that might have driven the shift from Renaissance to Reformation, the rise of modern colonialism, or contemporary globalization. More generally, it will retrieve the long‐term historical background of the axial age and demonstrate the usefulness and importance of archaeological evidence for sociology.
The realization of absolute beauty: an interpretation of the fairytale Snow White
Authors: Takenaka Nanae
Published: August 2016

This paper interprets the fairytale Snow White (Bruder Grimm 1857) in terms of the realization of absolute beauty. Jung's understanding that ‘in myths and fairytales, as in dreams, the soul speaks about itself’ (Jung 1945, para. 400), underpins such an approach. From this perspective a fantasy image is not about us, not about our unconsciousness, but is essentially about itself. The idea of absolute beauty first arises in the Queen's mind as a wish. Despite the Queen's strong desire to be named as the most beautiful person in the world, her mirror reflects that it is actually her daughter Snow White who is the fairest. Snow White might be regarded in the language of Giegerich as her internal other. Effectively they are separated into the Real that conceives the idea of absolute beauty and the Ideal that embodies it. The exchange that takes place between the two – mediated by mirror and window – generates the corpse of surpassing beauty that never decays but lies inaccessible behind the glass coffin. However the loving and penetrating gaze of the Prince, representing masculinity, succeeds in reanimating Snow White. Thus the Prince as the Other that is completely external and unknown to both the Queen and Snow White, specifically to their femininity, facilitates the realization of absolute beauty as the Ideal in the Real.
Race, religion and a cat in the clinical hour
Authors: Heyer Gretchen
Published: August 2016

Racial and religious identities are complex, often mired in dynamics of ‘othering’. Such dynamics easily become a means of distancing the pain, fear and rage of intergenerational traumas, thus undermining ways race and religion can be powerful vehicles for the transference and countertransference. Drawing from a history of race in America as well as Jung's anxiety when meeting the stranger within himself, this paper focuses on 17 years of work between a black female patient and white female clinician (me). Together we encountered themes of hatred, silence, guilt and intimacy in the transference and countertransference, themes eventually symbolized by the presence of my cat which was locked into the bathroom for each session. This cat came to represent a bridge through developmental traumas and wounds of racism.
Evaluation of point‐of‐care maternal glucose measurements for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Daly N , Carroll C , Flynn I , Harley R , Maguire PJ , Turner MJ
Published: August 2016

Objective

Using updated laboratory standards as the reference, we aimed to compare point‐of‐care (POC) maternal capillary glucose testing with the diagnostic accuracy of reference and customary venous samples.

Design, setting, population

Women screened selectively with a one‐step 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks’ gestation were conveniently recruited to this prospective observational study.

Methods

Two venous samples and one capillary sample were taken at each OGTT time point. Venous sample one was a fluoride‐EDTA (FE) tube placed on an ice‐slurry until cell separation and analysis within 30 minutes (reference standard). Venous sample two was transported in a tube containing FE (without ice) (customary practice). A capillary sample was used for POC testing. Various cut‐off points for the POC sample were examined to evaluate diagnostic accuracy.

Main outcome measures

The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of POC capillary glucose for the diagnosis of GDM.

Results

Of 108 women, GDM was detected in 47.2% (n = 51), 17.6% (n = 19) and 24.1% (n = 26) using the reference standard, customary practices and POC, respectively (P < 0.001). However, based on adjustment of the POC fasting diagnostic threshold from ≥5.1 to ≥4.8 mol/l (aPOC), sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy improved to 92.5, 76.5, 69.8, 94.5 and 94.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

POC capillary maternal glucose tests were superior to customary laboratory practices for diagnosing GDM. This has considerable potential, particularly in healthcare settings where facilities for phlebotomy are distant from the laboratory or pre‐analytical sample handling is substandard.

Tweetable abstract

Adjusted point‐of‐care glucose measurements have potential in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Double‐balloon catheter versus prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening and labour induction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Du YM , Zhu LY , Cui LN , Jin BH , Ou JL
Published: August 2016

Background

Induction of labour has become an increasingly common procedure. Ripening methods, including mechanical devices and pharmacological agents, improve the success rate of labour induction.

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of the double‐balloon catheter with prostaglandin E2 agents used for labour induction.

Search strategy

We searched electronic sources from MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science, the Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov website.

Selection criteria

Only randomised controlled trials comparing the PGE2 agents with the double‐balloon catheter for cervical ripening and labour induction in women with unfavourable cervices were included in the analysis.

Data collection and analysis

The main outcomes included the vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours and risk of caesarean section. We calculated relative risks and mean differences using fixed‐ and random‐effects models.

Main results

Nine studies (1866 patients) were included in this systematic review. Both the double‐balloon catheter and PGE2 agents were comparable with regard to rate of caesarean section (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.79, 1.07), vaginal delivery within 24 hours (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.78, 1.16) and maternal adverse events, but the risk of excessive uterine activity (RR 10.02; 95% CI 3.99, 25.17) and need for neonatal intensive care unit admissions (RR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01, 1.69) were significantly increased in women who received PGE2 agents.

Conclusions

The double‐balloon catheter demonstrated greater safety and cost‐effectiveness than PGE2 agents for cervical ripening and labour induction. The efficacy profiles of both methods were similar.

Tweetable abstract

Double‐balloon catheter versus prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening and labour induction
Disseminated leiomyoma cells can be identified following conventional myomectomy
Authors: Sandberg EM , van den Haak L , Bosse T , Jansen FW
Published: August 2016

Objective

Uncontained morcellation of leiomyomas during laparoscopic surgery has recently been discouraged, as undetected malignant tumours, namely leiomyosarcomas, could be fragmented which may result in upstaged disease. However, enucleating leiomyomas per se may be inappropriate from an oncological perspective because complete, radical resection of malignant tumours to prevent further tumour growth or recurrence is not achieved. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether spillage of leiomyoma cells occurs during laparotomic myomectomy.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Tertiary academic centre in the Netherlands.

Population

Women undergoing laparotomic myomectomy were included in the study.

Methods

Peritoneal abdominal washings were obtained on two occasions during the myomectomy procedure; the first one immediately after opening the abdomen and the second one after resection of the leiomyoma(s). Cytological evaluation of the fluids was performed.

Main outcome measures

The presence of leiomyoma cells in any of the washings.

Results

Five patients were included in this pilot study. All first washings were negative for leiomyoma cells. However, cytology positive for the presence of leiomyoma cells was found in three of the five second, post‐myomectomy washings.

Conclusion

Tissue spillage from leiomyoma(s) occurs during conventional open myomectomy. The clinical relevance of tissue dissemination after myomectomy is unclear but it cannot be excluded that this may negatively affect the patient's outcome if there is malignant change within the enucleated leiomyoma(s). Therefore, it is questionable whether morcellation in specially designed containment bags after laparoscopic myomectomy, guarantees any additional oncological safety.

Tweetable abstract

Even during conventional myomectomy, tissue spillage occurs during resection of leiomyoma(s).
Relationship between limited joint mobility of the hand and diabetic foot risk in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mineoka Yusuke , Ishii Michiyo , Tsuji Akiko , Komatsu Yoriko , Katayama Yuko , Yamauchi Mitsuko , Yamashita Aki , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Nakamura Naoto , Katsumi Yasukazu , Isono Motohide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: August 2016

Background

Foot ulceration is a serious problem for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the early detection of risks for this condition is important to prevent complications. The present cross‐sectional study in T2D patients determined the relationship between limited joint mobility (LJM) of the hand and diabetic foot risk classified using the criteria of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF).

Methods

Relationships between LJM of the hand and foot risk according to IWGDF category, HbA1c, age, body mass index, blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR), and diabetic complications (including diabetic peripheral neuropathy [DPN] and peripheral arterial disease [PAD]) were evaluated in 528 consecutive T2D patients. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥ 7%.

Results

Patients with LJM of the hand were older and had a longer duration of diabetes, a higher prevalence of diabetic complications, including DPN and PAD, and a higher IWDGF category (all P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the foot risk assessed with IWDGF category was correlated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.06; P = 0.001), poor glycemic control (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.00–2.77; P = 0.04), eGFR (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97–0.99; P = 0.02), and the presence of LJM of the hand (OR 3.86; 95% CI 2.21–6.86; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate a correlation between LJM of the hand and foot risk. Diagnosis of diabetic hand is simple and non‐invasive, and is thus a useful method for assessing the risk of diabetic foot in T2D patients.
History Denied: Theories of Harmony in the tournant des Lumières
Authors: Menin Marco
Published: August 2016

In a somewhat clichéd historiography, the introduction of the variable of temporality into conventional natural history marks the dissolution of the concept of ‘harmony’, expressed by the spatial doctrine of the great chain of beings, in temporalised history. The aim of this article is to show how – in the period known as ‘le tournant des Lumières’ (c.1770‐1820) – the relationship that the theories of harmony established with the time variable is more complex. The attempt to reinstate the harmonic perspective on the level of temporal development has its fullest expression in the work of Bernardin de Saint‐Pierre and Charles Fourier.
warbleR: an r package to streamline analysis of animal acoustic signals
Authors: Araya‐Salas Marcelo , Smith‐Vidaurre Grace
Published: August 2016

Animal acoustic communication is one of the most fruitful research areas in behavioural and evolutionary biology. Work in this area depends largely on quantifying the structure of acoustic signals, which has often depended upon closed‐source or graphical user interface (GUI)‐based software.

Here, we describe the r package warbleR, a new package for the analysis of animal acoustic signal structure. The package offers functions for downloading avian vocalizations from the open‐access online repository Xeno‐Canto, displaying the geographic extent of the recordings, manipulating sound files, detecting acoustic signals or importing detected signals from other software, assessing performance of methods that measure acoustic similarity, conducting cross‐correlations, measuring acoustic parameters and analysing interactive vocal signals, among others. Functions working iteratively allow parallelization to improve computational efficiency.

We present a case study showing how warbleR functions can be used in a workflow to evaluate the structure of acoustic signals. We analyse geographic variation in long‐billed hermit hummingbirds (Phaethornis longirostris) songs obtained from Xeno‐Canto.

The code in warbleR can be executed by less experienced r users, but has also been thoroughly commented, which will facilitate further customization by advanced users. The combination of the tools described here with other acoustic analysis packages in r should significantly expand the range of analytical approaches available.
How to predict plant functional types using imaging spectroscopy: linking vegetation community traits, plant functional types and spectral response
Authors: Schweiger Anna K. , Schütz Martin , Risch Anita C. , Kneubühler Mathias , Haller Rudolf , Schaepman Michael E.
Published: August 2016

The comparable and integrated nature of plant functional types and advances in high‐spectral‐resolution remote sensing techniques (i.e. imaging spectroscopy) make their combination highly interesting for spatially continuous and repeatable large‐scale ecosystem monitoring. Depending on physical environment and stress, plants invest in covarying biochemical and structural traits, influencing spectral characteristics of vegetation. These traits are assumed to bear a more direct causal relationship to plant functional types than to plant life/growth forms. However, the connection between a vegetation community's functional and spectral response remains to be established.

We assessed the correlation structure between (i) biochemical and structural vegetation traits (biomass, dry matter content, nitrogen content, neutral detergent fibre content), (ii) plant life/growth forms and (iii) seven plant functional types of two categories (strategy types, indicator values) collected in heterogeneous alpine grassland. We then used airborne imaging spectroscopy data from the same area to model and predict plant life/growth forms and plant functional types at the vegetation community level using partial least squares regression and validated our models based on an independent data set.

We found high correlations between many of the biochemical and structural vegetation traits, plant life/growth forms and plant functional types tested. Using airborne imaging spectroscopy data, we successfully modelled and predicted most plant life/growth forms (R2 max. = 0·56) and all plant functional types (R2 max. = 0·62). However, model performance for plant life/growth forms decreased substantially during external validation and overall model consistency was low (average change in R2 = 72%), while plant functional type models were much more consistent (average change in R2 = 20%). Based on our findings, we developed a conceptual framework using the theory and methodology of vegetation ecology and imaging spectroscopy to link the vegetation community's functional to its spectral signature.

Our results encourage the use of plant functional types in imaging spectroscopy in order to aid the large‐scale monitoring of ecosystems, which is particularly important given the increased availability of airborne data and the prospective launches of spaceborne instruments in the near future.
Does the accruals quality premium arise from information risk?
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wilson Mark
Published: August 2016

In this study, we examine whether the accruals quality premium arises from information risk through the following: (i) an investigation of the accruals quality (AQ) premium conditioned by market competition levels; (ii) a test of the impact of an exogenous shock on tax‐loss‐selling incentives; and (iii) an examination of the quality of specific accruals. Consistent with an information risk explanation, we find that the pricing effect of AQ is concentrated in firms with low market competition; that tax‐loss selling is unlikely to explain the observed AQ premium; and that specific accruals quality measures which are more likely to reflect information risk are priced.
Effect of volcanic ash deposition on length and radial growths of a deciduous montane tree (Nothofagus pumilio)
Authors: Magnin Amaru , Villalba Ricardo , Torres Cristian Daniel , Stecconi Marina , Passo Alfredo , Sosa Claudia Maricel , Puntieri Javier Guido
Published: August 2016

Extreme environmental events such as volcanic eruptions can trigger plant responses that largely exceed those recorded for moderate‐intensity disturbances. We assessed the effects of the June 2011 eruption of the Puyehue – Cordón Caulle volcano on the length and radial growths of juvenile Nothofagus pumilio trees at two sites located 20 (with >40 cm ash accretion) and 75 (without ash) km from the volcano. Variations in length and radial growth were evaluated for the periods 1999–2013 and 1993–2013 respectively; pre‐ and post‐eruption growth rates were computed. The length growth of the N. pumilio trees located close to the volcano increased significantly after the eruption: shoot extensions during the growing season after the eruption were, on average, two to three times longer than average according to ontogenetic growth trends. Variations in radial growth after the eruption were comparatively less noticeable than those in length growth. No significant effects of the eruption were observed in those trees located 75 km from the volcano. In order to explain the exceptionally positive response of N. pumilio's length growth to the volcanic eruption, three non‐exclusive explanations were proposed: (i) thick ash layers increase water retention in the soil; (ii) volcanic ash facilitates the access of plants to nutrients; and (iii) volcanic ashes decrease herbivory and competition. The comparatively lower sensitivity of radial growth to this extreme volcanic event is also noteworthy. These findings highlight the need to further examine how large‐scale volcanic events influence structure and/or functioning of ecosystem in the Patagonian forest.
How do women seeking abortion choose between surgical and medical abortion? Perspectives from abortion service providers
Authors: Newton Danielle , Bayly Chris , McNamee Kathleen , Hardiman Annarella , Bismark Marie , Webster Amy , Keogh Louise
Published: August 2016

Background

Depending on availability, many Australian women seeking an abortion will be faced with the choice between surgical or medical abortion. Little is known about the factors that influence Australian women's choice of method.

Aim

Through the perspectives of abortion service providers, this study aimed to explore the factors that contribute to Australian women's decision to have a surgical or medical abortion.

Materials and Methods

In 2015, in‐depth interviews were conducted with fifteen Victorian‐based key informants (KIs) directly providing or working within a service offering medical abortion. Ten KIs were working at a service that also provided surgical abortion. Interviews were semi‐structured, conducted face‐to‐face or over the telephone, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

KIs described varying levels of awareness of medical abortion, with poorer awareness in regional areas. When it comes to accessing information, women were informed by: their own research (often online); their own experiences and the experiences of others; and advice from health professionals. Women's reasons for choosing surgical or medical abortion range from the pragmatic (timing and location of the method, support at home) to the subjective (perceived risk, emotional impact, privacy, control, and physical ability).

Conclusions

Women benefit from an alternative to surgical abortion and are well‐placed to choose between the two methods, however, challenges remain to ensure that all women are enabled to make an informed choice. KIs identify the need to: promote the availability of medical abortion; address misconceptions about this method; and increase general practitioner involvement in the provision of medical abortion.
Newly Developed Neutralized pH Icodextrin Dialysis Fluid: Nonclinical Evaluation
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoya , Miyamoto Keiichi , Murata Tomohiro , Ishikawa Eiji , Horiuchi Takashi
Published: August 2016

A two‐compartment system (NICOPELIQ; NICO, Terumo Co., Tokyo, Japan) has recently been developed to neutralize icodextrin peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF). In this study, a nonclinical evaluation of NICO was carried out to evaluate biocompatibility as well as water transport ability. Glucose degradation products (GDPs) in the icodextrin PDFs were analyzed via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cell viability of human peritoneal mesothelial cells derived from peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE‐HPMCs) was evaluated as well as the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released after exposure to different PDFs (NICO and EXTRANEAL [EX, Baxter Healthcare Corp., Chicago, IL, USA]) and neutralized pH glucose PDF MIDPELIQ 250 (M250, Terumo). The water transport ability of NICO, EX, and M250 was tested using dialysis tube membranes with various pore sizes: 1, 2, 6–8, and 12–16 kDa. Although cell viability decreased by 30% after 30 min exposure to NICO, it was maintained for 6 h while a significant decrease was observed after 6 h exposure to EX. However, following adjustment of the pH to the same pre‐exposure pH value, there was no significant difference in cell viability within the same pH group despite a doubling of the difference in the total amount of GDPs (44.6 ± 8.6 µM in NICO and 91.9 ± 9.5 µM in EX, respectively). In contrast, a significant decrease in cell viability was observed when the pH decreased to less than pH 6. Levels of released LDH, a cytotoxic marker, were within 5% after a 6‐h exposure of NICO to PDE‐HPMCs. There was no significant difference in water transport ability represented as overall osmotic gradients between NICO and EX. In conclusion, neutralization of icodextrin PDF is beneficial for maintaining cell viability and minimizing LDH release while water transport ability is comparable to the conventional icodextrin PDF.
Managing drug–drug interactions with new direct‐acting antiviral agents in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Talavera Pons Sarah , Boyer Anne , Lamblin Geraldine , Chennell Philip , Châtenet François‐Thibault , Nicolas Carine , Sautou Valérie , Abergel Armand
Published: August 2016

Several direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have marketing authorization in Europe and in the USA and have changed the landscape of hepatitis C treatment: each DAA has its own metabolism and drug–drug interactions (DDIs), and managing them is a challenge. To compile the pharmacokinetics and DDI data of the new DAA and to provide a guide for management of DDI. An indexed MEDLINE search was conducted using the keywords: DAA, hepatitis C, simeprevir, daclatasvir, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, 3D regimen (paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir), DDI and pharmacokinetics. Data were also collected from hepatology, and infectious disease and clinical pharmacology conferences abstracts. Food can play a role in the absorption of DAAs. Most of the interactions are linked to metabolism (cytochrome P450‐3 A4 [CYP3A4]) or hepatic and/or intestinal transporters (organic anion‐transporting polypeptide and P‐glycoprotein [P‐gp]). To a lesser extent other pathways can be involved such as breast cancer resistance protein transporter or UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase metabolism. DDI are more likely to occur with 3D regimen, daclatasvir, simeprevir and ledipasvir, as they are all both substrates and inhibitors of P‐gp and/or CYP3A4, than with sofosbuvir. They can increase concentrations of coadministered drugs and their concentrations may be influenced by P‐gp or CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. Overdosage or low dosage can be encountered with potent inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 or drugs with a narrow therapeutic range. The key to interpret DDI data is a good understanding of the pharmacokinetic profiles of the drugs involved. Their ability to inhibit CYP450‐3A4 and transporters (hepatic and/or intestinal) can have significant clinical consequences.
The conformational IgE epitope profile of soya bean allergen Gly m 4
Authors: Husslik F. , Nürnberg J. , Seutter von Loetzen C. , Mews T. , Ballmer‐Weber B. K. , Kleine‐Tebbe J. , Treudler R. , Simon J.‐C. , Randow S. , Völker E. , Reuter A. , Rösch P. , Vieths S. , Holzhauser T. , Schiller D.
Published: August 2016

Background

Birch pollen‐related soya allergy is mediated by Gly m 4. Conformational IgE epitopes of Gly m 4 are unknown.

Objective

To identify the IgE epitope profile of Gly m 4 in subjects with birch pollen‐related soya allergy utilizing an epitope library presented by Gly m 4‐type model proteins.

Methods

Sera from patients with (n = 26) and without (n = 19) allergy to soya as determined by oral provocation tests were studied. Specific IgE (Bet v 1/Gly m 4) was determined by ImmunoCAP. A library of 59 non‐allergenic Gly m 4‐type model proteins harbouring individual and multiple putative epitopes for IgE was tested in IgE binding assays. Primary, secondary and tertiary protein structures were assessed by mass spectrometry, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

All subjects were sensitized to Gly m 4 and Bet v 1. Allergen‐specific serum IgE levels ranged from 0.94 to > 100 kUA/L. The avidities of serum IgE were 5.06 ng (allergic) and 1.8 ng (tolerant) as determined by EC50 for IgE binding to Gly m 4. 96% (46/48) of the protein variants bound IgE. Model proteins had Gly m 4‐type conformation and individual IgE binding clustered in six major surface areas. Gly m 4‐specific IgE binding could be inhibited to up to 80% by model proteins harbouring individual IgE binding sites in an epitope‐wise equimolar fashion. Receiver operating curve analysis revealed an area under fitted curve of up to 0.88 for model proteins and 0.66 for Gly m 4.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Serum levels and avidity of Gly m 4‐specific IgE do not correlate with clinical reactivity to soya. Six IgE‐binding areas, represented by 23 amino acids, account for more than 80% of total IgE binding capacity of Gly m 4. Model proteins may be used for epitope‐resolved diagnosis to differentiate birch‐soya allergy from clinical tolerance.