bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russia’s energy in 2030: future trends and technology priorities
Authors: Proskuryakova Liliana
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to discuss and critically assess the outcomes of the Foresight study of the Russian energy sector, undertaken in 2014 in the course of a large-scale national Foresight exercise – “Science and Technology (S&T) Foresight 2030”.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author performs an ex post evaluation of the Foresight study. The methods used are the literature review of the research and analytical publications that appeared after 2014, policy analysis of new national energy regulations and technologies, interviews and expert panels, and performing a final SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the Foresight study.

Findings

As a result of the study, the expediency, efficacy, process efficiency, quality, impact and process improvement of the National S&T Foresight 2030 were assessed. Moreover, the SWOT for the National Foresight and its energy-related outcomes were identified. The National Foresight methodology and its outcomes are critically reviewed, and recommendations for their refinement are made.

Research limitations/implications

Future research on the topic may include subsequent ex ante and ex post evaluations of energy technology foresights that will include revised lists of technologies, given the rapidly changing energy markets, as well as an assessment of the integration of the study results in the energy and S&T policy documents.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the study are linked with turning the prospective R&D areas identified through the Foresight into state priorities for funding energy research. Energy companies may utilize the study results in their development plans and R&D strategies.

Originality/value

This paper offers a valuable insight in the future of energy research and technologies in Russia. It is a comprehensive study that covers all energy aspects from extraction of hydrocarbons to fuel cells and nuclear energy. An ex post assessment of the study is made with implications for the future research.
Russian S&T Foresight 2030: case of nanotechnologies and new materials
Authors: Vishnevskiy Konstantin , Yaroslavtsev Andrei
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply Foresight methodology to the area of nanotechnologies and new materials within the framework of Russian S&T Foresight 2030 aimed at revelation of major trends, most promising products and technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this goal, best international practice was analyzed that provided a solid basis for Russian S&T Foresight 2030 (section “Nanotechnology and new materials”). The study used a wide range of advanced Foresight methods adapted to Russian circumstances. During the Foresight study, the authors integrated “market pull” and research “technology push” approaches including both traditional methods (priority-setting, roadmaps, global challenges analysis) and relatively new approaches (horizon scanning, weak signals, wild cards, etc.).

Findings

Using the methods of the Foresight, the authors identified trends with the greatest impact on the sphere of nanotechnology and new materials, promising markets, product groups and potential areas of demand for Russian innovation technologies and developments in this field. The authors assessed the state-of-the-art of the domestic research in the area of nanotechnologies and new materials to identify “white spots”, as well as parity zone and leadership, which can be the basis for integration into international alliances and positioning of Russia as a center of global technological development in this field.

Originality/value

The results of applying Foresight methodology toward revelation of the most prospective S&T areas in the field of nanotechnologies and new materials can be used by a variety of stakeholders including federal and regional authorities, technology platforms and innovation and industrial clusters, leading universities and scientific organizations in formulation of their research and strategic agenda. Russian businesses including both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises can use results of the study in creating their strategic R&D programs and finding appropriate partners.
Unsteady double-diffusive buoyancy-induced flow in a triangular solar collector shape enclosure with corrugated bottom wall
Authors: Rahman M.M. , Saha Sourav , Mojumder Satyajit , Rabbi Khan Md. , Hasan Hasnah , Ibrahim Talaat A.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the nature of the flow field, temperature distribution and heat and mass transfer in a triangular solar collector enclosure with a corrugated bottom wall in the unsteady condition numerically.

Design/methodology/approach

Non-linear governing partial differential equations (i.e. mass, momentum, energy and concentration equations) are transformed into a system of integral equations by applying the Galerkin weighted residual method. The integration involved in each of these terms is performed using Gauss’ quadrature method. The resulting non-linear algebraic equations are modified by the imposition of boundary conditions. Finally, Newton’s method is used to modify non-linear equations into the linear algebraic equations.

Findings

Both the buoyancy ratio and thermal Rayleigh number play an important role in controlling the mode of heat transfer and mass transfer.

Originality/value

Calculations are performed for various thermal Rayleigh numbers, buoyancy ratios and time periods. For each specific condition, streamline contours, isotherm contours and iso-concentration contours are obtained, and the variation in the overall Nusselt and Sherwood numbers is identified for different parameter combinations.
A scholar-practitioner perspective to promoting minority success in STEM
Authors: Covington Megan , Chavis Terry , Perry April
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to present the existing research on already effective programmatic efforts designed to increase diversity in STEM fields and to subsequently encourage researchers and practitioners to more intentionally build upon and design effective interventions around this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research findings accredit this success to various forms of support, such as mentors, study groups, student programs and student organizations (Hurtado et al., 2012; Maton et al., 2000; May and Chubin, 2003).

Findings

Higher education professionals have experienced a rise in concern regarding the alarming disparities of minority students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors and careers. Because of this, researchers are interested in exploring and addressing some of the reasons.

Originality/value

Through the discussion of ideas for action and the proposing of a theoretical foundation from the field of student development, the authors offer recommendations for future research and strategies to further improve recruitment, retention and performance for minority students in STEM fields.
Demystifying emergence of organizational routines
Authors: Stańczyk-Hugiet Ewa , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Stańczyk Sylwia
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discourse the essence and utility of (re)emergence theory as the starting point of understanding and interpreting organizational routines dynamics as well as to propose a conceptual framework reflecting both epistemological and methodological value as the keystone of analysing the rationale of organizational routines and the process of their emergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on extensive literature studies.

Findings

Referring to the research problem concerning the reconciliation organizational routines and the emergence phenomenon, the findings complement the insights of the dominant theoretical perspectives in organizational routine theory, providing a more comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics by directly addressing the heretofore intractable phenomenon of emergence. In addition, it is going to be a well-justified epistemological base to operationalize routines – not onlyper se, but also with regard to the mechanisms enacted.

Originality/value

Routines change over time and the current studies results are not sufficient to understand these changes yet. Interpreting organizational routines from the emergence theory perspective reveals their soft, indeterministic, and unpredictable nature and ought to render the scholars dealing with that phenomenon interpretatively and methodologically cautious. Emergence is a priori embedded in organizational routines’ context. The considerations included in the paper are salient regarding ontological and epistemological issues as they emphasize specific thought and research directions in the field of organization study eventually. Emergence ideas may play a part in discussions of spontaneous order, particularly by implementing it to routines construct. A major issue is the role of these ideas and processes within organizational evolution.
Procedural justice as a moderator of the relationship between organizational change intensity and commitment to organizational change
Authors: Lee Kyootai , Sharif Monica , Scandura Terri , Kim Jongweon
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why different forms of organizational change have different levels of organizational intensity, which in turn differentiate its impact on commitment to organizational change (COC). Its purpose is to also identify how procedural justice can reduce change-related stress and buffer the strain inducing effects of job demands.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the hypotheses using data collected from two sources in Korea. First, the authors conducted a survey in several organizations to identify employees’ attitudes and stress during organizational change. Second, the author surveyed MBA students to evaluate the degree of organizational change intensity (severity) across the types of change.

Findings

There is a hierarchy of the severity of organizational change and the most severe forms of change are the ones that impact employees’ job security and organizational identity. The influence of job demands (represented as organizational change intensity-severity) on COC can depend on the nature of COC. Procedural justice not only facilitates employees to accept values and goals pertaining to organizational change but also adapt themselves to pressures of external change. Buffering effects of job resources (represented as job resources) had significant impacts only on normative commitment to organizational change (NCOC).

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the job demands-resources model by considering organizational change intensity as job demands and procedural justice as job resources and showing the relationships among them. Future studies can further extend the model by identifying other variables related to job demands and resources during organizational change and extending the nomological networks of NCOC and continuance commitment to organizational change.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide important insights for human resource managers who plan and implement organizational changes. Procedural justice and organizational change intensity-severity should be considered to increase commitment to change.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies to identify the different types of organizational change and quantify them to measure organizational change intensity-severity. A new finding is that the buffering role of job resources (procedural justice in this study) can be marginal when the influence of job demands on employees’ attitudes is strong.
Examining the roles of shared vision and career growth opportunity in developing new employees
Authors: Huang Rui-Ting , Chou Tsung Piao , Chen Chia-Pin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between career growth opportunity (CGO), well-being and turnover intention of new employees, and also probe into the moderating role of shared vision (SV) in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 253 new employees participated in this study, and the partial least squares analysis was adopted to analyze the data.

Findings

The study findings have indicated that CGO will play a key role in determining emotional exhaustion (EE) and job satisfaction. Additionally, a positive connection between EE and turnover intention, a negative relationship between EE and job satisfaction, as well as a negative link between job satisfaction and turnover intention have been found in this study. Finally, it has been demonstrated that SV will moderate the connection between CGO and EE, the relationship between CGO and job satisfaction, the link between EE and turnover intention as well as the correlation between job satisfaction and turnover intention.

Originality/value

Although there are numerous studies related to CGO, well-being and turnover intention, relatively little attention has been paid to the connection between CGO, well-being and turnover intention of new employees. With particular respect to the impact of SV on organizational outcomes, there is still a dearth of research examining the moderating role of SV in organizations.
Development and characterization of 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers for Livistona chinensis R. Br. var. subglobosa Becc., a fan palm in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan
Authors: Kondo Toshiaki , Kajita Rie , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: May 2017

Livistona chinensis R. Br. var. subglobosa Becc. is a subtropical fan palm distributed mainly in the islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Some small populations, separated by a few 100 km from the main species range, are also established on islands around northern Kyushu and Cape Ashizuri, Shikoku. Most of those are designated as national or prefectural natural treasures. We developed 20 microsatellite markers for this species and characterized them for polymorphisms within six populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine, with an average of 4.2; the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.16 to 0.61, with an average of 0.46. These markers will be useful for investigating disjunct range formation within L. chinensis var. subglobosa and the origins of the remote populations, providing crucial information for conservation of the populations.
Differential responses of marine, mesohaline and oligohaline bacterial communities to the addition of terrigenous carbon
Authors: Herlemann D. P. R. , Manecki M. , Dittmar T. , Jürgens K.
Published: May 2017

In response to global warming, increasing quantities of tDOM are transported through estuaries from land to the sea. In this study, we investigated microbial responses to increased tDOM concentrations in three salinity regimes (salinity: 32, 7 and 3) characteristic of the Baltic Sea. Mesocosm experiments performed in May and November revealed low (0–6%) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) utilisation. Molecular DOM analyses using ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry identified the terrigenous signal in the tDOM manipulation, but the molecular changes in DOM levels over the course of the experiment were subtle. However, tDOM had significant stimulatory effects on bacterial production in the oligohaline mesocosms. The shift in the bacterial community composition was especially prominent in the tDOM‐amended marine and mesohaline mesocosms, but not in the oligohaline mesocosms after 7 and 11 days of incubation. These results suggested the inherent ability of oligohaline bacterial communities to adapt to high tDOM concentrations and therefore to use tDOM. The higher rates of bacterial activity and DOC removal in mesocosms containing UV‐pretreated tDOM supported the increased bioavailability of photoinduced, modified tDOM. The overall low rates of microbial tDOM utilisation highlights the importance of abiotic factors in determining the distribution and dynamics of tDOM in estuaries.
Effects of calcium chelating agents on the solubility of milk protein concentrate
Authors: McCarthy Noel A , Power Orla , Wijayanti Heni B , Kelly Philip M , Mao Like , Fenelon Mark A
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of calcium chelating agents on the dissolution and functionality of 10% (w/w) milk protein concentrate (MPC) powder. MPC powder dissolution rate and solubility significantly (P > 0.05) increased with addition of sodium phosphate, trisodium citrate (TSC) and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), compared to MPC dispersions alone. Trisodium citrate and SHMP addition increased viscosity as a result of micelle swelling. However, dispersions containing SHMP showed a decrease in viscosity after prolonged time due to micelle dissociation. Overall, MPC powder dissolution was aided by the addition of calcium chelating agents.
Effect of Out‐of‐Pocket Cost on Medication Initiation, Adherence, and Persistence among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE)
Authors: Karter Andrew J. , Parker Melissa M. , Solomon Matthew D. , Lyles Courtney R. , Adams Alyce S. , Moffet Howard H. , Reed Mary E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To estimate the effect of out‐of‐pocket (OOP) cost on nonadherence to classes of cardiometabolic medications among patients with diabetes.

Data Sources/Setting

Electronic health records from a large, health care delivery system for 223,730 patients with diabetes prescribed 842,899 new cardiometabolic medications during 2006–2012.

Study Design

Observational, new prescription cohort study of the effect of OOP cost on medication initiation and adherence.

Data Collection

Adherence and OOP costs were based on pharmacy dispensing records and benefits.

Principal Findings

Primary nonadherence (never dispensed) increased monotonically with OOP cost after adjusting for demographics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, Medicare, medical financial assistance, OOP maximum, deductibles, mail order pharmacy incentive and use, drug type, generic or brand, day's supply, and comorbidity index; 7 percent were never dispensed the new medication when OOP cost ≥$11, 5 percent with OOP cost of $1–$10, and 3 percent when the medication was free of charge (p < .0001). Higher OOP cost was also strongly associated with inadequate secondary adherence (≥20 percent of time without adequate medication). There was no clinically significant or consistent relationship between OOP costs and early nonpersistence (dispensed once, never refilled) or later stage nonpersistence (discontinued within 24 months).

Conclusions

Cost‐sharing may deter clinically vulnerable patients from initiating essential medications, undermining adherence and risk factor control.
Ethanol production from dilute‐acid steam exploded lignocellulosic feedstocks using an isolated multistress‐tolerant Pichia kudriavzevii strain
Authors: Yuan Shuo‐Fu , Guo Gia‐Luen , Hwang Wen‐Song
Published: May 2017

Renewable and low‐cost lignocellulosic wastes have attractive applications in bioethanol production. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most widely used ethanol‐producing microbe; however, its fermentation temperature (30–35°C) is not optimum (40–50°C) for enzymatic hydrolysis in the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. In this study, we successfully performed an SSF process at 42°C from a high solid loading of 20% (w/v) acid‐impregnated steam explosion (AISE)‐treated rice straw with low inhibitor concentrations (furfural 0.19 g l−1 and acetic acid 0.95 g l−1) using an isolate Pichia kudriavzevii SI, where the ethanol titre obtained (33.4 gp l−1) was nearly 39% greater than that produced by conventional S. cerevisiae BCRC20270 at 30°C (24.1 gp l−1). In addition, P. kudriavzevii SI exhibited a high conversion efficiency of > 91% from enzyme‐saccharified hydrolysates of AISE‐treated plywood chips and sugarcane bagasse, although high concentrations of furaldehydes, such as furfural 1.07–1.21 g l−1, 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural 0.20−0.72 g l−1 and acetic acid 4.80–7.65 g l−1, were present. This is the first report of ethanol fermentation by P. kudriavzevii using various acid‐treated lignocellulosic feedstocks without detoxification or added nutrients. The multistress‐tolerant strain SI has greater potential than the conventional S. cerevisiae for use in the cellulosic ethanol industry.
Accounting Quality, Liquidity Risk, and Post‐Earnings‐Announcement Drift
Authors: Chen Jeff Zeyun , Lobo Gerald J. , Zhang Joseph H.
Published: May 2017

Recent microstructure research finds that liquidity risk, in particular its information component, plays an important role in explaining the post‐earnings‐announcement drift (PEAD). We decompose liquidity risk into an accounting‐associated component and a nonaccounting‐associated component and examine their relative importance in explaining PEAD. Our research is motivated by recent findings that liquidity risk is a systematic risk and earnings quality is negatively associated with liquidity risk. We find that the accounting‐associated component is more strongly related to PEAD returns than is its nonaccounting‐associated counterpart. Further analyses reveal that the relation between accounting‐associated liquidity risk and PEAD returns is weaker for firms with greater analyst following. We also find that in a significant market downturn, the relation between accounting‐associated liquidity risk and PEAD returns becomes more pronounced. Our study is the first to document a liquidity risk‐based role of accounting quality in explaining the PEAD phenomenon. It parses out the PEAD risk premia associated with accounting versus nonaccounting sources and, by so doing, sheds light on the role of accounting quality in shaping the liquidity risk‐PEAD returns relation.
Mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase 2 is elevated in long‐lived primate as well as rodent species and extends fly mean lifespan
Authors: Pickering Andrew M. , Lehr Marcus , Gendron Christi M. , Pletcher Scott D. , Miller Richard A.
Published: May 2017

In a survey of enzymes related to protein oxidation and cellular redox state, we found activity of the redox enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) to be elevated in cells from long‐lived species of rodents, primates, and birds. Elevated TXNRD activity in long‐lived species reflected increases in the mitochondrial form, TXNRD2, rather than the cytosolic forms TXNRD1 and TXNRD3. Analysis of published RNA‐Seq data showed elevated TXNRD2 mRNA in multiple organs of longer‐lived primates, suggesting that the phenomenon is not limited to skin‐derived fibroblasts. Elevation of TXNRD2 activity and protein levels was also noted in liver of three different long‐lived mutant mice, and in normal male mice treated with a drug that extends lifespan in males. Overexpression of mitochondrial TXNRD2 in Drosophila melanogaster extended median (but not maximum) lifespan in female flies with a small lifespan extension in males; in contrast, overexpression of the cytosolic form, TXNRD1, did not produce a lifespan extension.
Editorial: variability in adalimumab trough and peak serum concentrations
Authors: Vande Casteele N. , Gils A.
Published: May 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ward et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13992 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14091.
Editorial: risk factors for persistent villus atrophy in coeliac disease – is it time to reconsider definitions for refractory coeliac disease?
Authors: Braude M. R. H. , Newnham E. D.
Published: May 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Mahadev et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13988 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14086.
Editorial: sorafenib toxicity, a biomarker of effect? Authors’ reply
Authors: Sharma R.
Published: May 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Howell et al and Clare et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13977 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14033.
Editorial: the impact of the placebo effect in Crohn's disease – author's reply
Authors: Jairath V. , Feagan B. G.
Published: May 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Jairath et al and Bernstein papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13973 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14036.
Editorial: variability in adalimumab trough and peak serum concentrations – authors’ reply
Authors: Ward M. G. , Gibson P. R. , Sparrow M. P.
Published: May 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ward et al and Vande Casteele, Gils papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13992 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14049.
Patients' preferences for labor analgesic counseling: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Toledo Paloma , Pumarino Javiera , Grobman William A. , Wong Cynthia A. , Holl Jane L. , Hasnain‐Wynia Romana
Published: May 2017

Background

The decision to use, or not use, neuraxial labor analgesia is complex, with both maternal and fetal considerations. Fears and concerns about neuraxial analgesia may influence analgesic decision‐making. Little is known about patients’ preferences for analgesic counseling. Therefore, the objectives of this qualitative study were to evaluate the sources of information used by patients, the timing and content of antepartum counseling about labor analgesia, and patients’ preferences for such counseling.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview guide was developed. Survey domains included the sources of information used by patients, the timing and content of antenatal counseling, patients’ perceptions of intrapartum analgesic counseling, and their preferences for analgesic counseling. Interviews occured on postpartum day 1. Interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

The interviews of 45 women were analyzed. The Internet was the most frequently mentioned source of information (44%). The majority of women (78%) discussed analgesic options with their obstetric providers before delivery. All women were counseled intrapartum by an anesthesiologist, but several women commented on the difficulty of concentrating while laboring. Seventy‐three percent of women stated that they would want counseling on analgesic options from their obstetric provider during the second or third trimester.

Conclusions

Women prefer to be counseled about labor analgesia by their obstetric providers, as they have an established relationship. Patients would prefer the counseling to occur during pregnancy, before the onset of labor. However, given the frequent use of the Internet, the content and quality of online materials should also be evaluated.
Loss of SMARCE1 expression is a specific diagnostic marker of clear cell meningioma: a comprehensive immunophenotypical and molecular analysis
Authors: Tauziede‐Espariat Arnault , Parfait Béatrice , Besnard Aurore , Lacombe Joëlle , Pallud Johan , Tazi Sanaa , Puget Stéphanie , Lot Guillaume , Terris Benoît , Cohen Joëlle , Vidaud Michel , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Monnien Franck , Polivka Marc , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Varlet Pascale
Published: May 2017

Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is a rare grade II histopathological subtype that usually occurs in young patients and displays high recurrence rate. Germline SMARCE1 mutations have been described in hereditary forms of this disease and more recently in small syndromic and sporadic CCM series. The diagnostic value of SMARCE1 in distinguishing between CCM and other meningioma variants has not been yet established. The aim of our study was to investigate the status of SMARCE1 in a series of CCMs and its morphological mimickers. We compared the performance of an anti‐SMARCE1 antibody and the molecular analysis of the SMARCE1 gene in a retrospective multicenter series of CCMs. All CCMs lossed SMARCE1 immunoexpression. Bi‐allelic inactivating events were found by NGS‐based sequencing in all of these cases, except for one, which was incompletely explored, but had a wild‐type sequence. We then validated the anti‐SMARCE1 antibody specificity by analyzing additional 305 pediatric and adult meningiomas of various subtypes and 15 non‐meningioma clear cell tumors by SMARCE1 immunohistochemistry. A nuclear immunostaining was preserved in all other meningioma variants, as well as non‐meningioma clear cell tumors. In conclusion, our series showed, for the first time, that SMARCE1 immunostaining is a highly sensitive biomarker for CCM, useful as a routine diagnostic biomarker.
Protein timing during the day and its relevance for muscle strength and lean mass
Authors: Buckner Samuel L. , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: May 2017

Protein consumption and its association with changes in body composition, muscle function and different strategies to optimize the muscle protein synthetic response have received considerable attention. However, we are not aware of any epidemiological study examining the time‐of‐day consumption (afternoon versus evening) of protein on strength and lean mass. The purpose was to examine the associations between afternoon and evening protein consumption, at different protein thresholds (i.e. 15, 20, 25 and 30 g), in relation to leg lean mass and knee extensor strength in men. Dietary protein consumption was assessed using 24‐h dietary interview format. Knee extensor strength was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Leg lean mass was estimated from whole‐body DXA scans. Participants who consumed 20 g, 25 g and 30 g of protein in the evening had greater leg lean mass than those who consumed protein in the afternoon (P<0·05). However, there was no difference in leg lean mass for 15 g of protein consumption in the evening compared to the afternoon (P>0·05). For strength, there were no differences between evening and afternoon consumption of protein for 15 g, 20 g or 25 g (P>0·05); however, those consuming at least 30 g of protein in the evening had greater knee extensor strength compared to those consuming similar amounts in the afternoon (P = 0·05). These findings suggest that evening protein consumption is associated with greater leg lean mass and knee extensor strength when compared to afternoon protein consumption. Based on these findings, we cautiously hypothesize that there may be a circadian rhythm in muscle protein metabolism.
Pancreatic α‐cell mass in obesity
Authors: Ellenbroek Johanne H. , Töns Hendrica A. M. , Hanegraaf Maaike A. J. , Rabelink Ton J. , Engelse Marten A. , Carlotti Françoise , de Koning Eelco J. P.
Published: May 2017

While it is well recognized that obesity is associated with an increased β‐cell mass, the association with α‐cell mass is less clear. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) associated with obesity is a bihormonal disease characterized by inadequate insulin secretion and hyperglucagonaemia. We examined β‐ and α‐cell mass throughout the pancreas in obese and lean subjects. Pancreatic tissue of the head, body and tail region of the pancreas was examined from 15 obese subjects (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 27 kg/m2) and 15 age‐matched lean subjects (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2) without diabetes. In obese subjects both β‐ and α‐cell mass were proportionally higher compared with lean subjects, thereby maintaining the α‐ to β‐cell ratio. The adaptation to obesity occurred preferentially in the head of the pancreas. As data so far have been derived from histological studies of β‐ and α‐cell adaptation, in which the head region of the human pancreas was not included, the adaptive capacity of humans to obesity has previously been underestimated. Obesity is associated with an increased α‐cell mass, which could contribute to the hyperglucagonaemia observed in people with T2DM.
Experimental and numerical study on effect of forming process on low‐cycle fatigue behaviour of high‐strength steel
Authors: Talemi R. H. , Chhith S. , De Waele W.
Published: May 2017

Application of high‐strength steel on different structural components is becoming more attractive. In spite of their great advantages of high yield strength, the use of these steel grades faces some important challenges as well. There are many formed steel components of different structures that are subjected to fatigue loading conditions. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of pre‐bending process of high‐strength steel subjected to low‐cycle fatigue loading conditions. For this purpose, a new test set‐up has been designed to take into consideration the effect of pre‐bending process when the fatigue load is applied. To detect fatigue crack initiation onset, lock‐in thermography technique is used to monitor the incremental temperature variation during fatigue cycling. Furthermore, to estimate fatigue lifetime of the formed fatigue sample, continuum damage mechanics approach is applied by means of numerical modelling.
Cyclic strain rate effect on martensitic transformation and fatigue behaviour of an austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Pegues J. W. , Shao S. , Shamsaei N. , Schneider J. A. , Moser R. D.
Published: May 2017

In this study, the effect of strain rate on the cyclic behaviour of 304L stainless steel is investigated to unveil the complex interrelationship between martensitic phase transformation, secondary hardening, cyclic deformation and fatigue behaviour of this alloy. A series of uniaxial strain controlled fatigue tests with varying cyclic strain rates were conducted at zero and non‐zero mean strain conditions. Secondary hardening was found to be closely related to the volume fraction of strain‐induced martensite which was affected by adiabatic heating due to increasing cyclic strain rates. Tests with lower secondary hardening rates maintained lower stress amplitudes during cyclic loading which resulted in longer fatigue lives for similar strain amplitudes. Fatigue resistance of 304L stainless steel was found to be more sensitive to changes in strain rate than the presence of mean strain. The mean strain effect was minimal due to the significant mean stress relaxation in this material.
Gender, generation and sustainable consumption: Exploring the behaviour of consumers from Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Bulut Zeki Atıl , Kökalan Çımrin Füsun , Doğan Onur
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the relationship between consumers’ sustainable consumption behaviour and both gender and generation‐related individual differences in a sample of Turkish consumers. A total of 393 participants from different generations and gender took part in the study. To measure sustainable consumption behaviour, we used four‐dimensional sustainable consumption behaviour scale. The results showed that generation is associated with unneeded consumption as a dimension of sustainable consumption behaviour. Consumers who are Baby Boomers found to have the highest level of unneeded consumption behaviour while Gen‐Zers have fewest. Additionally, data supported the association between gender and sustainable consumption behaviour. Women showed a higher level of sustainable consumption behaviour both in overall behaviour and tendency to reuse products. Taken together, the findings suggest that gender and generation of consumers can differentiate sustainable consumption behaviour. The implications of these findings, as well as the limitations and future directions, are also discussed.
Exacerbations of oral lichen planus and elevated levels of aminotransferases
Authors: Bombeccari Gian P. , Tettamanti Mauro , Pallotti Francesco , Spadari Francesco , Giannì Aldo B.
Published: May 2017

Background

Liver enzymes appear to be involved in oral lichen planus (OLP), but it is not known whether the elevation develops concomitantly with exacerbations of disease. We compared the levels of serum hepatic aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases as markers of OLP exacerbation in patients with chronic hepatitis C from those with chronic liver disorders, seronegative for hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods

We studied 71 patients with OLP, (48 HCV seropositive and 23 HCV seronegative with chronic liver diseases) measuring AST and ALT. Association of HCV infection status with serum aminotransferase levels in relation to several types of OLP, exacerbations, and clinical score was studied by means of logistic and linear regression (correcting for age and sex).

Results

Of 476 patients screened, 71 were eligible for the study. Patients in the HCV seropositive group had more elevation of AST and ALT levels (mean level, 51.0 U/l; normal level, <45) than patients in the HCV seronegative group (mean level, 47.5 U/l). Mean serum AST and ALT exceeded the upper limit of the normal range in 33 of 48 (68.8%) in the HCV antibody‐positive group and in 9 of 23 (39.5%) in the HCV antibody‐negative group. Exacerbations of OLP were more frequent in the high‐level AST and ALT group, while HCV status group played a minor role.

Conclusions

Among patients with OLP, mild elevation in aminotransferase levels was more common in patients infected with HCV. AST and ALT concentrations were elevated in association with exacerbation of OLP.
Solubility of a cruciferin‐rich protein product purified from rapeseed pressed cake (Brassica napus L.) by an aqueous processing method
Authors: Rehder Alina , Sulewska Anna Maria , Markedal Keld Ejdrup , Sørensen Susanne , Sørensen Jens Christian
Published: May 2017

Pressed cake from rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a promising plant protein source not yet utilised for human consumption due to the presence of antinutrients such as glucosinolates. Protein solubility is a crucial parameter influencing the functionality and thereby the applicability of proteins as food ingredients. A novel cruciferin‐rich rapeseed protein product was produced by an aqueous processing method in pilot plant scale. Intact glucosinolates were conserved by this procedure and largely removed from the protein products. Protein solubility in this product was examined when dispersed in 50 mm phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 with varying NaCl concentration (0–500 mm). Unexpectedly, a salting‐out effect was observed of the globulin proteins, as 15.9 ± 0.6% protein was in solution at 500 mm added NaCl, whereas 21.5 ± 1.1% was solubilised without added NaCl; whether the observed effects originates from lipid and fibre constituents in the product remains to be resolved.
Risks of yield loss due to variation in optimum density for different maize genotypes under variable environmental conditions
Authors: Solomon K. F. , Chauhan Y. , Zeppa A.
Published: May 2017

Understanding the nature of complex genotype‐by‐environment‐by‐management interactions is crucial to identify risks and opportunities for increasing maize yield and profitability in rainfed production systems. The objectives of this study were to (i) define the conditions where hybrids of different maturity and plant densities are viable options in terms of improving productivity, and (ii) quantify the risk levels associated with different genotype‐by‐management combinations in relation to target environments. Responses to plant density were analysed on field experimentation with different genotypes representing early, medium and late maturity types and 2, 4 and 6 plant/m2 plant densities at three major or potential dryland maize production environments in Queensland, Australia. Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM)‐Maize module was employed to simulate yield responses and compute the cumulative probability distribution. APSIM simulations suggested that the risk of expecting a yield level less than 2 t/ha increased up to about 17 and 27% for quick and late maturing types, respectively, when density increased to 10 plants/m2 in marginal environments such as Emerald. In relatively better environments, however the risk increased only up to 10% for late hybrids, and 7% for a quick hybrid at 10 plants/m2. In both high and low potential environments, choice of hybrids and plant densities should be based on seasonal weather forecasts to minimize risks and maximize opportunities for higher yields.
Diffraction effects and inelastic electron transport in angle‐resolved microscopic imaging applications
Authors: WINKELMANN A. , NOLZE G. , VESPUCCI S. , NARESH‐KUMAR G. , TRAGER‐COWAN C. , VILALTA‐CLEMENTE A. , WILKINSON A.J. , VOS M.
Published: May 2017

We analyse the signal formation process for scanning electron microscopic imaging applications on crystalline specimens. In accordance with previous investigations, we find nontrivial effects of incident beam diffraction on the backscattered electron distribution in energy and momentum. Specifically, incident beam diffraction causes angular changes of the backscattered electron distribution which we identify as the dominant mechanism underlying pseudocolour orientation imaging using multiple, angle‐resolving detectors. Consequently, diffraction effects of the incident beam and their impact on the subsequent coherent and incoherent electron transport need to be taken into account for an in‐depth theoretical modelling of the energy‐ and momentum distribution of electrons backscattered from crystalline sample regions. Our findings have implications for the level of theoretical detail that can be necessary for the interpretation of complex imaging modalities such as electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) of defects in crystals. If the solid angle of detection is limited to specific regions of the backscattered electron momentum distribution, the image contrast that is observed in ECCI and similar applications can be strongly affected by incident beam diffraction and topographic effects from the sample surface. As an application, we demonstrate characteristic changes in the resulting images if different properties of the backscattered electron distribution are used for the analysis of a GaN thin film sample containing dislocations.
Refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty—A therapeutic option in very elderly patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Roik Marek , Wretowski Dominik , Łabyk Andrzej , Irzyk Katarzyna , Lichodziejewska Barbara , Dzikowska‐Diduch Olga , Piotrowska‐Kownacka Dorota , Pruszczyk Piotr
Published: May 2017

Introduction/Objectives

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a developing treatment for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, to our knowledge there are no published data on BPA in CTEPH subjects aged 75 or over. The aim of the study was to analyze clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of sequential BPA in very elderly patients disqualified from pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA).

Patients and Methods

We enrolled 10 patients (4 male, 6 female, median age 81 [75‐88]) with confirmed CTEPH, mPAP > 30 mmHg, and WHO class > II, disqualified from PEA. Overall, 10 patients underwent 39 BPA sessions (mean 3.9 sessions per patient, range 1‐9), and 70 pulmonary arteries were dilated, (mean 6.5 vessels per patient, range 1‐14).

Results

Pulmonary angioplasty resulted in significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement in every patient: 6 MWT distance increased from a median of 221 m (80‐320) to 345 (230‐455) and plasma NT‐proBNP levels decreased (P < 0.01). Sequential BPA resulted in normalization of mPAP (<25 mmHg) in 6 of 10 patients and mPAP decreased to 25‐30 mmHg in three others. In the whole group mPAP decreased from 41 (31‐53) mmHg to 23 (17‐33) mmHg (P < 0.01). Overall, mean PAP and PVR decreased significantly in all cases, while CO and CI increased (P < 0.01). No severe complications occurred during BPA and over a median follow‐up of 553 days (range 81‐784), and all patients are still alive and in good general health.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of refined BPA in CTEPH patients aged 75 or over, disqualified from PEA. Refined BPA may emerge as an alternative therapeutic strategy in very elderly CTEPH patients who are suitable for surgery, but this requires further validation in a large prospective study.
Poison frog tadpoles seek parental transportation to escape their cannibalistic siblings
Authors: Schulte L. M. , Mayer M.
Published: May 2017

Parental care is a limited resource which in many species is acquired by the offspring through begging behaviours and often causes competition between siblings. The Neotropical poison frog Ranitomeya variabilis provides a very specific form of parental care: because its tadpoles are cannibalistic males usually separate them from their siblings after hatching by transporting them singly to small water bodies. However, in some cases parents do not transport their tadpoles but let them all hatch into the same pool. Here, we investigate if abandoned tadpoles of R. variabilis actively seek parental care in form of transportation. We conducted experiments where tadpoles of the same clutch were presented with con‐ and heterospecific frogs, and both moving and non‐moving frog models. Our results revealed that abandoned tadpoles actively approached all frogs and sometimes even climbed onto their backs. We suggest that this tadpole behaviour may function to allow tadpoles to escape sibling competition and cannibalism. Being the first (and possibly the only one) to leave the shared pool should give a tadpole a high survival advantage over its brood‐mates. We further found that tadpoles did not approach artificial models, suggesting that these where either not natural enough or that tadpoles do not recognize frogs by visual or tactile cues but might use chemical or multiple stimuli. The latter is also the case in related egg‐feeding species where tadpoles beg for food. We therefore discuss our results in relation to potential begging behaviours, as well as fixed action patterns and parent–offspring conflict, being potential questions opening up for future examinations regarding our findings.
Transforming Land‐Taking Disputes in Socialist Asia: Engaging an Authoritarian State
Authors: Gillespie John
Published: May 2017

Few studies have responded to the calls by sociolegal scholars to explore how disputes evolve. This article takes up the challenge by examining how intermediaries in socialist Asia resolve land‐taking disputes that are intractable for administrative appeals and courts. Exploring alternatives to state‐based dispute resolution is a pressing issue for conflicts that pit citizens against authoritarian regimes. Using in‐depth interviews, this article investigates how intermediaries such as retired state officials navigate in and around authoritarian regimes, flattening power asymmetries between citizens and land officials. This analysis draws from, links, and advances three literatures that examine dispute resolution in different ways: the sociolegal “naming, blaming, and claiming” literature examines the trajectory of disputes, regulatory studies use legitimacy expectations to analyze how disputants evaluate and prioritize competing regulatory frameworks, and the collective identity literature analyzes how communities respond to disputes. This article contributes to the literature by developing a theoretical framework that explains how intermediaries circumvent conceptual differences and transform disputes. The findings compel researchers to consider the use of intermediaries as an alternative to state‐sponsored dispute resolution in authoritarian settings.