bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ductile cement-based spray-applied fire-resistive materials
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Victor C.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Spray-applied fire-resistive materials (SFRMs) are the most commonly used passive fire protection for steel structure in the USA. However, they are often called into question because of their poor durability (cohesive and adhesive) performance. Being an inherently brittle material with low tensile strength, SFRM tends to dislodge and delaminate under extreme loads and service loads. Such loss of fire protection greatly endangers the steel structures, especially under multi-hazards like post-earthquake/impact fires. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new technology of a ductile cement-based SFRM, namely, spray-applied fire-resistive engineered cementitious composite (SFR-ECC) that overcomes the aforementioned problems and contributes toward enhanced fire safety of steel structures.

Design/methodology/approach

SFR-ECC has been developed as a durable alternative to conventional SFRM by adopting engineered cementitious composite (ECC) technology in the material design process. Various experimental studies have also been conducted to fully evaluate the performance of SFR-ECC.

Findings

It is found that SFR-ECC possesses much better durability performance under both static and high-rate loading compared to conventional SFRMs. With many unique properties, applications of SFR-ECC for pre-fabrication of passive fire protection are also found to be feasible.

Originality/value

This paper is a comprehensive introduction of the newly developed SFR-ECC. It summarizes the key properties of SFR-ECC and provides a useful guideline for further investigation and field application of SFR-ECC.
Performance assessment on high strength steel endplate connections in fire
Authors: Qiang Xuhong , Jiang Xu , Bijlaard Frans , Kolstein Henk
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and assess a perspective of combining high-strength-steel endplate with mild-steel beam and column in endplate connections.

Design/methodology/approach

First, experimental tests on high strength steel endplate connections were conducted at fire temperature 550°C and at an ambient temperature for reference.

Findings

The moment-rotation characteristic, rotation capacity and failure mode of high-strength-steel endplate connections in fire and at an ambient temperature were obtained through tests and compared with those of mild-steel endplate connections. Further, the provisions of Eurocode 3 were validated with test results. Moreover, the numerical study was carried out via ABAQUS and verified against the experimental results.

Originality/value

It is found that a thinner high-strength-steel endplate can enhance the connection’s rotation capacity both at an ambient temperature and in fire (which guarantees the safety of an entire structure) and simultaneously achieve almost the same moment resistance with a mild steel endplate connection.
Computational simulation of steel moment frame to resist progressive collapse in fire
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Jeffers Ann E. , Kodur Venkatesh
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to address a need for improving the structural resilience to multi-hazard threats including fire and progressive collapse caused by the loss of a column.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus is on a steel moment frame that uses welded-unreinforced flange-bolted web connections between the beams and columns. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was created in ABAQUS with temperature-dependent properties for steel based on the Eurocode. The model was validated against experimental data at ambient and elevated temperature.

Findings

The failure mechanisms in the FE model were consistent with experimental observations. Two scenarios were considered: fixed load with increasing temperature (i.e. simulating column failure prior to fire) and fixed temperature with increasing load (i.e. simulating column failure during fire).

Originality/value

A macro element (or component-based) model was also introduced and validated against the FE model and the experimental data, offering the possibility of analyzing large-scale structural systems with reasonable accuracy and improved computational efficiency.
Explosive spalling of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete beams under fire
Authors: Kahanji C. , Ali F. , Nadjai A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the spalling phenomenon in ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) beams on exposure to a standard fire curve (ISO 834) under a sustained load.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables in this study were steel fibre dosage, polypropylene (PP) fibres and loading levels. The research investigated seven beams – three of which contained steel fibres with 2 vol.%, another three had steel fibres with 4 vol.% dosage and the seventh beam had a combination of steel fibres (2 vol.%) and PP fibres (4 kg/m3). The beams were tested for 1 h under three loading levels (20, 40 and 60 per cent) based on the ambient temperature ultimate flexural strength of the beam.

Findings

Spalling was affected by the loading levels; it exacerbated under the load level of 40 per cent, whereas under the 60 per cent load level, significantly less spalling was recorded. Under similar loading conditions, the beams containing steel fibres with a dosage of 4 vol.% spalled less than the beams with fibre contents of 2 vol.%. This was attributed to the additional tensile strength provided by the excess steel fibres. The presence of PP fibres eliminated spalling completely.

Originality/value

There is insufficient research into the performance of UHPFRC beams at elevated temperature, as most studies have largely focussed on columns, slabs and smaller elements such as cubes and cylinders. This study provides invaluable information and insights of the influence of parameters such as steel fibre dosage, PP fibres, loading levels on the spalling behaviour and fire endurance of UHPFRC beams.
Geochemistry of hydrothermally altered rocks with gold mineralization hosted in alkaline complex in Hongshan area, Taihang Orogen, North China
Authors: Zhang Jingsen , Zhang Jing , Zhai Yanchao
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate the geochemical characteristics of the hydrothermally altered rocks with gold mineralization and the elemental transfers in hydrothermal alteration hosted in alkaline complex in Hongshan area, Taihang Orogen, North China, and preliminarily discuss the relationship between the gold mineralization and the hydrothermal alteration.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on detailed field investigation, sampling and petrographical observation, major oxides and trace elements of nine rock samples are analyzed, and the method of mass balance equation is used in calculation of the elemental transfer.

Findings

Three alteration stages in the Hongshan area are identified, which are the early, main and late alterations. The early one is characteristic of extensive pyritization in the complex, which is related to the mantle-derived magmas and occurs before gold mineralization. The main one is characterized by developing a great deal of altered rock in fracture zones with the gain of many elements and the loss of a few elements. The late one is dominated by limonitization, that is limonite replacing the early pyrite or Fe2O3replacing FeO in rocks. In the main alteration, the altered rocks obviously gain fluid component (LOI, i.e. loss on ignition) and elements such as V, As, Rb, Au, La, Ce and Nd and total rare earth elements (REEs). Elements such as K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Y, Mo, Sb, W, Re and U are gained in some altered rocks. Na and Sr are lost in all altered rocks, and Th and Bi are lost in some ones in the meantime. The following elements: Si, Mg, Mn, Ca, Li, Sc, Cr, Co, Ni, Zr, Ag, Ba and Hg show either gain or loss in different altered rocks. Au is notably enriched in the hydrothermal alteration. The elemental gain or loss in the altered rocks indicates that the main mineralization develops extensive de-alkalinization, local potassic metasomatism, silicification or desilicification.
Utilization of renewable energy sources in bioclimatic architecture in Greece
Authors: Kartal Semiha , Chousein Ömer
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to propose solutions to ensure comfort conditions for users by taking advantage of the bioclimatic architecture. This could serve as a solution to the energy shortage problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, 40 bioclimatic buildings located in Greece were analyzed. These bioclimatic buildings were classified according to their climatic zones, functions, parameters pertaining to the physical and built environment, and the passive methods used for heating, cooling and lighting.

Findings

The high share of residential buildings in the distribution of Greece’s bioclimatic buildings according to climatic zones can be attributed to the large number of users that residential buildings have when compared to other types of buildings. Among the physical environmental parameters, climatic parameters were found to be highly influential. Other parameters had less significant effects, depending on land conditions.

Originality value

This study revealed the importance of bioclimatic applications in creating energy-efficient buildings. It is also important in terms of setting an example for creating bioclimatic architectural profiles of other countries.
Memory features of water cyclically treated with magnetic field
Authors: Azoulay Jacob
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the properties of cyclically treated pure water in magnetic fields and its comparison with pure untreated water.

Design/methodology/approach

The magnetic treatment was carried out using a static permanent magnetic field and alternating electromagnetic field. We have measured the magnetic effect on the rising level of the water in capillary tubes and the relaxation time for restoration after removing the magnetic field. The dependence on the magnetic field intensity and on the cyclical time treatments was investigated and discussed. The results of magnetization by static field and electromagnetic field were compared and discussed. It is well known that the clustering structure of hydrogen-bonded chains and polarization effects of water molecules are enhanced after magnetization. Therefore, each experimental series was followed by a “memory” test, the results of which enabled us to have some insights into the molecular and hydrogen bonds of water.

Findings

It was found that water remembers and keeps the impact of its passing through a magnetic field for several hours and also that many mechanical features were changed under cyclical treatment of a magnetic field.
User-oriented seamless service handoff in the ubiquitous computing environment
Authors: Ren Danping , Zhao JiJun , Hu Jinhua
Published: January 2017

Purpose

User-oriented seamless service handoff is prosperous in the ubiquitous computing environment. This paper aims to present an open architecture for the user-oriented seamless service handoff across heterogeneous platforms. The migration of service environment is the key to implement the user-oriented service handoff. A distributed service handoff scheme based on the binary sensor network and context-aware middleware has been proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate this scheme, a test-bed has been constructed in the lab environment.

Findings

The experimental results show that the proposed scheme can reduce the service handoff delay compared to the centralized scheme.

Originality/value

The experimental results show that the scheme can reduce the delay of service handoff compared to the traditional centralized scheme.
Bio-oil production from fast pyrolysis of maple fruit (acer platanoides samaras): product yields
Authors: Bahadir Ali , Kar Turgay , Keles Sedat , Kaygusuz Kamil
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fast pyrolysis of maple fruit as an energy sources. This could serve as a solution to the energy sources problem.

Design/methodology/approach

Fast pyrolysis of maple fruit (samara) was achieved in a fixed bed reactor. The pyrolysis experiments have been conducted on the sample of maple seeds to particularly determine the effects of pyrolysis temperature, particle size and sweep gas flow rate on the pyrolysis product yields.

Findings

The oil of maple fruit from fast pyrolysis has good properties to be a potential candidate as a biofuel or as a source of chemicals. In addition to being environmentally desirable, it can reduce the energy cost, e.g. that Turkey imports a majority of its energy.

Originality/value

The use of maple fruit for fast pyrolysis and pyrolysis conditions impact on the yields of pyrolysis liquid can be considered as novel aspects of this paper.
Analysis of 24Slot wound field salient rotor switched-flux machine based on 2D-FEA
Authors: Khan Faisal , Sulaiman Erwan , Ali Soomro Hassan , Omar Fairoz , Ahmad Zarafi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to propose and compare two new structures of a three-phase wound field salient rotor (WFSR) switched-flux motor (SFM) with 24 stator slots and 10 or 14 rotor poles, respectively, for high-speed operation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the motor general construction and design concept of proposed machines. Flux linkage, average torque, rotor mechanical strength and torque–speed characteristics of both machines were analyzed and compared by two-dimensional finite element analysis (2D-FEA). Deterministic optimization method was adopted to enhance the characteristics of 24Slot-10Pole WFSR SFM.

Findings

The paper provides simulation results and discusses how 24Slot-10Pole WFSR SFM structure is superior to the 24Slot-14Pole in the aspects of flux linkage, average torque and power. It further concludes that the optimized design of 24Slot-10P has achieved 58 and 72 per cent higher average torque and power compared to initial design, as well as high average torque and power compared to 24Slot-14P design.

Originality value

Optimized structure of the 24Slot-10Pole WFSR SFM with non-overlapping windings has been proposed.
Estimation of solar radiation from digital elevation model in area of rough topography
Authors: Mahmoud Sabo Lurwan , Mariun Norman , Hizam Hashim , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Zakaria Azmi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the technique for estimating solar radiation in areas of rough topography and to detect the source of error and means for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Spatial data of the study area in the form of digital elevation model (DEM) coupled with geographic information system (GIS) were used to estimate the monthly solar radiation at locations with rough topography. The generated data were compared with measured data collected from all the selected locations using NASA data.

Findings

The results show that the variation in topographic parameters has a strong influence on the amount of solar radiation received by two close locations. However, the method performed well for solar radiation estimated in the areas of rough topography.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach overestimates the monthly solar radiation as compared with NASA data due to the impact of topographic parameters accounted for by the model which are not accounted by conventional methods of measurements. This approach can be improved by incorporating the reflected component of radiation in the model used to estimate the solar radiation implemented in the GIS.

Originality/value

The approach of using GIS with DEM to estimate solar radiation enables to identify the spatial variability in solar radiation between two closest locations due to the influence of topographic parameters, and this will assist in proper energy planning and decision making for optimal areas of solar photovoltaic installation.
Evaluation of some mathematical models of solar radiation received by a ground collector
Authors: Zaatri Abdelouahab , Azzizi Norelhouda
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Using modeling approaches, this paper aims to propose different mathematical models for estimating the different components of the solar radiation as well as the received solar energy by a collector.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the authors consider three mathematical models to estimate the solar radiation captured at ground level by a solar collector. These models are Capderou model, Liu & Jordan model and R.sun model. In the context of the design of experiments, we performed measurements of solar radiation received by a collector using a pyranometer. The obtained measurements were compared with the three mathematical models.

Findings

The comparison enabled the subsequent evaluation to determine the most appropriate model that best fit for our region. As a result, the Capderou model reveals to be the most suitable for our region.

Originality/value

Estimation of solar radiation at ground level (received by a collector) is of paramount importance for the design and optimization of solar energy systems. Nevertheless, many factors influence the amount of energy received by a collector situated at a ground, such as the longitude of the location, latitude, altitude, tilt collector orientation, temperature and humidity of the environment, wind speed, etc. Because of the complex influence of these parameters, the received solar radiation by the collector is a dynamical and a random process.
Experimental investigation into the adherence of novel coating of auto-catalyst on cordierite supports
Authors: Obada David O. , Dauda Muhammad , Anafi Fatai O. , Ahmed Abdulkarim S. , Ajayi Olusegun A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A structural and textural characterization study has been performed to investigate the adherence of zeolite-based catalyst washcoated onto honey-comb-type cordierite monoliths. The supports were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

SEM/EDS provided quantitative estimate of the washcoated monolith as the elemental composition of catalyst coating. The XRD pattern deduced that the zeolite-based catalysts were successfully mounted on the cordierite support, showing the characteristic peaks of zeolites (Zeolite Socony Mobil–5; ZSM-5) at Braggs angles of 7.88°, 8.76°, 23.04°, 23.88° and 24.36°, whereas the characteristic peak of cordierite is seen at a Braggs angle of 10.44°.

Findings

The BET results proved that a monolayer of zeolite may serve the need for surface area and porosity. This was evident in the increase of surface area of washcoated support as against the bare support. The obtained isotherms were of Type IV, illustrating the presence of mesopores. The adsorption and desorption isotherm branches coincided over the interval 0 < P/P0 < 0.50 and 0 < P/P0 < 0.45, showing N2 reversible adsorption for the two samples, respectively.

Originality/value

It was concluded that the composite materials which are ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 25) and precursors of the transition salts of copper, zinc and ceria powders were deposited on the catalyst supports, establishing the success of the coating procedure relative to the adherence of the catalyst compositions on the ceramic support.
A semi-analytical analysis on beam-column ultimate strength with different initial deflections
Authors: Li Zhongwei , Yu Xiaochuan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A new beam-column ultimate strength calculation method has been developed and compared with nonlinear finite element analysis by ANSYS and ABAQUS.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer code ULTBEAM2 based on this method has been used for one and three span beam-columns with I-shaped cross-section under axial compression.

Findings

This paper studies the ultimate strength of beam-columns with various initial deflections of different shapes and magnitudes.

Originality/value

The comparison of ULTBEAM2 and finite element analysis shows good agreement for all cases with different initial deflections.
Estimation of monthly wind speed distribution basing on hybrid Weibull distribution
Authors: Ihaddadene Razika , Ihaddadene Nabila , Mostefaoui Marouane
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare four numerical methods to estimate the most suitable one which describes wind speed distribution of M’Sila, a province of northern Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The site chosen in this investigation is characterized by calm winds; in this case, the appropriate wind speed distribution is that of hybrid Weibull.

Findings

The four numerical methods used in the present paper are the maximum likelihood method, the graphical method, the moment method and the energy pattern factor method. The hybrid Weibull distributions using the abovementioned approaches are compared with the measured data via three statistical parameters, namely, the correlation coefficient, the root mean square error and the Chi-square error.

Originality/value

The obtained results showed that the moment method is the suitable one in describing month and annual wind speed hybrid Weibull parameters of this region.
The design of Viterbi decoder for low power consumption space time trellis code without adder architecture using RTL model
Authors: Abu Mohd Azlan , Harun Harlisya , Yazdi Harmin Mohammad , Abdul Wahab Noor Izzri , Abdul Kadir Muhd Khairulzaman
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the real-time design and implementation of a Space Time Trellis Code decoder using Altera Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD).

Design/methodology/approach

The code uses a generator matrix designed for four-state space time trellis code (STTC) that uses quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation scheme. The decoding process has been carried out using maximum likelihood sequences estimation through the Viterbi algorithm.

Findings

The results showed that the STTC decoder can successfully decipher the encoded symbols from the STTC encoder and can fully recover the original data. The data rate of the decoder is 50 Mbps.

Originality/value

It has been shown that 96 per cent improvement of the total logic elements in Max V CPLD is used compared to the previous literature review.
On firefly algorithm: optimization and application in mobile robot navigation
Authors: Patle B.K. , Parhi Dayal R. , Jagadeesh A. , Kashyap Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an optimized overview of firefly algorithm (FA) over physical-natural impression of fireflies and its application in mobile robot navigation under the natural intelligence mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The brightness and luminosity are the decision variables in proposed study. The paper achieves the two major goals of robot navigation; first, the optimum path generation and, second, as an obstacle avoidance by co-in-centric sphere-based geometrical technique. This technique comprises the optimum path decision to objective function and constraints to paths and obstacles as the function of algebraic-geometry co-relation. Co-in-centric sphere is the proposed technique to correlate the constraints.

Findings

It is found that the present FA based on concentric sphere is suitable for efficient navigation of mobile robots at the level of optimum significance when compared with other approaches.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a novel approach to implement the FA for unknown and uncertain environment.
Plant, soil and microbial controls on grassland diversity restoration: a long‐term, multi‐site mesocosm experiment
Authors: Fry Ellen L. , Pilgrim Emma S. , Tallowin Jerry R.B. , Smith Roger S. , Mortimer Simon R. , Beaumont Deborah A. , Simkin Janet , Harris Stephanie J. , Shiel Robert S. , Quirk Helen , Harrison Kate A. , Lawson Clare S. , Hobbs Phil J. , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: January 2017

The success of grassland biodiversity restoration schemes is determined by many factors; as such their outcomes can be unpredictable. There is a need for improved understanding of the relative importance of below‐ground factors to restoration success, such as contrasting soil type and management intensities, as well as plant community composition and order of assembly.

We carried out an 8‐year mesocosm experiment across three locations in the UK to explore the relative and interactive roles of various above‐ground and below‐ground factors in the establishment of target species, to determine general constraints on grassland restoration. Each location had a series of mesocosms with contrasting soil types and management status, which were initially sown with six grasses typical of species‐poor grasslands targeted for restoration.

Over 5 years, sets of plant species were added, to test how different vegetation treatments, including early‐coloniser species and the hemiparasite Rhinanthus minor, and soil type and management, influenced the establishment of target plant species and community diversity.

The addition of early‐coloniser species to model grasslands suppressed the establishment of target species, indicating a strong priority effect. Soil type was also an important factor, but effects varied considerably across locations. In the absence of early‐coloniser species, low soil nutrient availability improved establishment of target species across locations, although R. minor had no beneficial effect.

Synthesis and applications. Our long‐term, multi‐site study indicates that successful restoration of species‐rich grassland is dependent primarily on priority effects, especially in the form of early‐coloniser species that suppress establishment of slow‐growing target species. We also show that priority effects vary with soil conditions, being stronger in clay than sandy soils, and on soils of high nutrient availability. As such, our work emphasises the importance of considering priority effects and local soil conditions in developing management strategies for restoring plant species diversity in grassland.
When road‐kill hotspots do not indicate the best sites for road‐kill mitigation
Authors: Zimmermann Teixeira Fernanda , Kindel Andreas , Hartz Sandra Maria , Mitchell Scott , Fahrig Lenore
Published: January 2017

The effectiveness of measures installed to mitigate wildlife road‐kill depends on their placement along the road. Road‐kill hotspots are frequently used to identify priority locations for mitigation measures. However, in situations where previous road mortality has reduced population size, road‐kill hotspots may not indicate the best sites for mitigation.

The purpose of this study was to identify circumstances in which road‐kill hotspots are not appropriate indicators for the selection of the best road‐kill mitigation sites. We predicted that: (i) road‐kill hotspots can move in time from high‐traffic road segments to low‐traffic segments, due to population depression near the high‐traffic segment caused by road mortality; (ii) this shift will occur earlier for more mobile species because they should interact more often with the road; (iii) this shift can occur even if the low‐traffic segment runs through lower quality habitat than the high‐traffic segment. To test these predictions, we simulated population size and road‐kill over time for two populations, one exposed to a road segment with high traffic and the other to a road segment with low traffic.

Our simulation results supported Predictions 1 and 3, while Prediction 2 was not supported.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that, for new roads, road‐kill hotspots can be useful to indicate appropriate sites for mitigation. On older roads, road‐kill hotspots may not indicate the best sites for road mitigation due to population depression caused by road mortality. Direct measures of the road impact on the population, such as per capita mortality, are better indicators of appropriate mitigation sites than road‐kill hotspots.
Content and cultural validity in the development of the Indigenous Play Partner Scale
Authors: Dender Alma M. , Stagnitti Karen E.
Published: January 2017

Background/aim

Culturally relevant assessments of Australian Indigenous children's social pretend play do not exist. This study investigated the content validity and cultural validity of the Indigenous Play Partner Scale (I‐PPS).

Methods

Six pairs of children (i.e. 12 children) aged four–six years from a remote Australian town were videoed playing in pairs, and 14 community elders and mothers participated across three focus groups. The social interactions between the children were transcribed from the videos. Nineteen verbs, grouped into five categories of social interaction, described the social interactions between the pairs of children. The descriptions of the social interaction verbs were presented to the community elders and mothers in a focus group.

Results

The themes from the focus groups were ‘background of Indigenous understanding of play’ and ‘proposed social interaction verbs’. The first theme reflected community collaboration, children playing in multi‐aged groups and the role of older children within the play. Guided by the focus group discussion, the videos were re‐analysed and 20 social interaction verbs were described that reflected the cultural context of play.

Conclusions

The content and cultural validity of the I‐PPSwas established through community consultation. Twenty social interaction verbs, which form the basis of the items of the I‐PPS, reflected Indigenous cultural values of being non‐judgemental of Indigenous children's social interactions during pretend play. Culturally relevant assessments for Australian Indigenous children do not disadvantage this population group and are essential for practice in occupational therapy.
Cholestyramine alters bile acid amounts and the expression of cholesterol‐related genes in rabbit intestinal and hepatic tissues
Authors: Qiu Dong Ni , Shang Quan , Sun Da Yu , Ding Wei Qun , Luo Zhong Guang , Chen Jian , Jiang Wei Ru , Huang Jian Ping , Jiang Xiao Yun
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Cholestyramine (CHO), as a bile acid sequestering exchange resin, has been widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to explore how CHO regulated serum cholesterol amounts and bile acid levels in animal models.

METHODS

New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to the control (given distilled water) and CHO‐treated (given CHO solution 1 g/kg per day for 2 weeks) groups. To assess bile acid pool size, bile fistulas were constructed in five rabbits in each group. Serum cholesterol levels and biliary and fecal bile outputs were determined. Liver cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (
CYP7A1
), small heterodimer partner (
SHP
), bile salt export pump (
BSEP
), ileal bile acid‐binding protein (
IBABP
) and LDL receptor (
LDL‐R
) mRNA expressions were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. CYP7A1 activity was also determined.

RESULTS

CHO treatment decreased serum cholesterol levels by 12.1%. Although CHO did not change the bile acid pool size and biliary bile acid output, it significantly increased fecal bile acid output. Interestingly, CHO also significantly increased the expression and activity of CYP7A1, as well as
IBABP
and
LDL‐R
mRNA expressions, but decreased hepatic
SHP
and
BSEP
gene expressions.

CONCLUSION

CHO markedly alters bile acid and cholesterol amounts in rabbit intestinal and liver tissues, downregulating genes responsible for cholesterol homeostasis.
Enhanced education for bowel preparation before colonoscopy: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Liu Zhu , Zhang Ming Ming , Li Yue Yue , Li Li Xiang , Li Yan Qing
Published: January 2017

Colonoscopy remains the mainstay in diagnosing and monitoring colorectal cancer and other colorectal lesions. The diagnostic efficiency of colonoscopy greatly depends on the quality of bowel preparation, which is closely associated with the patient’s compliance with the preparation instructions. In addition, the procedural requirements of bowel preparation are often complex and difficult for patients to comprehend and memorize, especially those with lower health literacy and motivation. Therefore, in recent years, many educational methods have been developed, such as educational booklets, cartoon visual aids, educational videos, short message service, telephone, social media and smart phone applications. These educational methods have significantly improved compliance with the instructions for bowel preparation and ultimately promoted the visualization of the colon in patients undergoing colonoscopy.
Evaluation of an acoustic telemetry transmitter designed to identify predation events
Authors: Halfyard Edmund A. , Webber D. , Del Papa J. , Leadley T. , Kessel S. T. , Colborne S. F. , Fisk A. T.
Published: January 2017

The field of acoustic telemetry has evolved rapidly and now permits the remote sensing of animal behaviour, movement, physiology and survival in environments, and species not previously possible. However, an inability to detect when a telemetered animal is consumed by a predator can complicate accurate interpretation of the telemetry data. In this paper, we describe the efforts taken to test the two generations of a novel prototype acoustic telemetry transmitter designed specifically to detect predation.

Testing involved either staged predation events where tagged prey (Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Yellow Perch Perca flavescens) were fed to captive Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, or false‐positive testing where prey fish were tagged and held without the risk of predation. Metrics of interest were (i) the rate of correctly identifying the predation events, (ii) signal lag (i.e. the time required to detect a predation event), (iii) tag retention time in the predator's gut, and (iv) the rate of false‐positive triggering in both live and dead prey fishes.

Staged predation events were successfully identified in 61/65 and 52/55 trials for generation 1 and 2 tags, respectively. Signal lag time was reduced in generation 1 tags (generally between 1 and 9 h) relative to generation 2 (3–29 h); although signal lag was highly variable. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) indicated strong evidence that signal lag and tag retention were both negatively correlated with water temperature, but were not affected by prey species and only slightly by individual predator traits. There was preliminary evidence that prey size may be an important determinant of both signal lag and tag retention. False‐positives in live fish were absent after 120 days for generation 1 tags (n = 31), however, the false‐positive rates were significantly higher (10/44) after only 66 days for generation 2 tags. False‐positives in dead fish showed that 20% of the generation 2 predation tags would falsely trigger 2–3 days post‐mortem.

Testing of the novel predation tags was encouraging, however, further testing is recommended. Predation tags will be an important contribution to the field of acoustic telemetry, thus, permitting the improved data interpretation and less‐subjective estimates of predation rates in biotelemetry studies.
Sensitivity of functional diversity metrics to sampling intensity
Authors: van der Plas Fons , van Klink Roel , Manning Pete , Olff Han , Fischer Markus
Published: January 2017

Functional diversity (FD) metrics are increasingly used in ecological research, particularly in the studies of community assembly and ecosystem functioning. However, studies using the FD metrics vary greatly in the intensity by which ecological communities were sampled and it is largely unknown how sensitive these metrics are to low sampling intensity (undersampling).

In this study, we used a combination of simulations with theoretically assembled communities and three comprehensive, independent, empirical datasets on plant, ground beetle, and bird communities to investigate the sensitivity of nine commonly used FD metrics to undersampling.

Simulations with both theoretical communities and empirical data showed that in a wide range of contexts, the measurement of various FD metrics requires a much higher sampling effort to reach an ‘adequate’ precision (defined as an r2 of at least 0·7 between different subsets of the same population), than that required for commonly used taxonomic diversity metrics (e.g. species richness), although the ‘accuracy’ (their deviation from the diversity value of a completely sampled community) of their measurements is not more sensitive to undersampling than species richness. We also found that some FD metrics (e.g. Functional Dispersion) are consistently less sensitive to undersampling than others (e.g. nearest neighbour distance‐metrics). Problems of undersampling were generally most severe in datasets with high overall species richness and low overall abundances.

We found that the precision of many FD metrics is highly sensitive to undersampling, and more so than commonly used taxonomic diversity metrics. Therefore, to ensure reproducible results in functional biodiversity research, we recommend that thorough sampling designs are used to sample communities and that datasets originally collected for studying taxonomic diversity should only be used for FD when it can be shown that undersampling is not a major issue. In cases where undersampling is suspected or logistically unavoidable, the FD metrics that are relatively insensitive to its effects (e.g. Functional Dispersion) should be prioritized.
Evaluation of short mitochondrial metabarcodes for the identification of Amazonian mammals
Authors: Kocher Arthur , de Thoisy Benoit , Catzeflis François , Huguin Mailis , Valière Sophie , Zinger Lucie , Bañuls Anne‐Laure , Murienne Jérôme
Published: January 2017

DNA barcoding and metabarcoding are increasingly used as alternatives to traditional morphological identifications. For animals, the standard barcode is a c. 658‐bp portion of the COI gene, for which reference libraries now cover a large proportion of described mammal species. Unfortunately, because its sequence is too long and does not contain highly conserved primer binding sites, this marker is not adapted for metabarcoding. Although alternative metabarcodes have been developed, their performances are generally seldom assessed.

We evaluate the reliability of a short metabarcode located in the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA for the identifications of Amazonian mammals. We (i) constitute a nearly exhaustive reference library for species found in French Guiana, (ii) assess the taxonomic resolution of the marker and validate its use with dipteran blood meal analyses, (iii) assess the conservation of the primer binding sites, and (iv) compare its theoretical performances with that of a newly designed metabarcode located within the standard COI barcode.

About 576 specimens representing 164 species were gathered and sequenced. We show that the 12S marker allows remarkably accurate taxonomic assignations despite its very short size, and that primer binding sites are highly conserved, which is important to avoid PCR amplification bias potentially leading to detection failure. Additionally, our results stress that the identifications should only be considered at the generic level when they are based on incomplete reference libraries, even when a stringent similarity cut‐off is used. A new short COI metabarcode was designed based on 569 reference sequences of mammals retrieved on BOLD. Our results clearly show that, while both markers provide similar taxonomic resolution, much higher rates of primer mismatches are found with COI.

Besides demonstrating the accuracy of the short 12S marker for the identification of Amazonian mammals and providing a reliable molecular reference database, this study emphasizes that the accuracy of taxonomic assignations highly depends on the comprehensiveness of the reference library and that great caution should be taken for interpreting metabarcoding results based on scarce reference libraries. The comparison with a short COI metabarcode also provides novel evidence in support for the use of ribosomal markers in metabarcoding studies.
Gendered Movement: Negotiating Youth,Sex and Harm in the US Carceral State
Authors: Meiners Erica R.
Published: January 2017

Exempt from the current bipartisan reassessment of the US carceral state are people with convictions for sex offenses. While movements against public registries for sex offenders are scant, a grassroots movement is underway. This article offers a preliminary analysis of the complex consequence of women's political work to extract their sons from the US carceral state. This gendered advocacy is mapped against shifts in the racialised US criminal justice system, where the fluid category of child/juvenile is often unavailable to youth of colour and/or queer youth, and criminalisation is offered to regulate sexuality, consent, age and potential harm.
The effect of teeth in mandibular fracture lines
Authors: Sipahi Calis Aylin , Efeoglu Candan , Koca Huseyin
Published: January 2017

Background/Aim

The decision to retain or extract teeth in the line of mandibular fractures has been a subject of debate in the scientific literature, and there is a need for further evidence to clear this issue. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects on healing of teeth in the line of mandibular fractures in order to contribute to the field.

Material and Methods

The case notes of 100 patients with teeth in the line of 106 mandibular fractures were reviewed. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation (ORIF) was used if elastic intermaxillary reduction failed to achieve a satisfactory occlusion and/or anatomical reduction in the fragments as assessed by orthopantomogram (OPG) and clinical examination. The remaining cases had maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with an arch bar and bridle wire.

Results

Three of the 106 teeth involved in the fracture lines healed with complications. In the cases where the teeth had been removed prior to fracture treatment, or in cases of delayed extractions, no complications were noted.

Conclusion

The factors which should be considered for removal include the condition of the teeth and alveolar bone, the timing and the type of treatment. This decision should be made on an individual basis considering potential risks to avoid complications.
A novel technique of delivering viral vectors to trigeminal ganglia in rats
Authors: Long Hu , Liao Lina , Zhou Yang , Shan Di , Gao Meiya , Huang Renhuan , Yang Xin , Lai Wenli
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to develop a viable and reliable technique of delivering viral vectors to rat trigeminal ganglia. Adult Sprague‐Dawley rats (200–300 g) were used, and lentiviral vectors containing enhanced green fluorescence protein and calcitonin gene‐related peptide short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were generated. Following general anesthesia, viral vectors were delivered to rat trigeminal ganglia using the technique described in this study. Both X‐ray and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) were employed to verify the position of the needles when injecting the vectors. In vivo fluorescence imaging and immunostaining against enhanced green fluorescence protein were performed to determine the success of viral transduction.The levels of calcitonin gene‐related peptide in trigeminal ganglia were determined using real‐time PCR, and pain levels following injections were evaluated using the Rat Grimace Scale. Our results show that injection needles can be advanced precisely at the trigeminal fossa and that viral vectors can successfully transduce trigeminal ganglia. Moreover, the levels of calcitonin gene‐related peptide at trigeminal ganglia were down‐regulated on day 7 after viral transduction. Pain levels returned to baseline by day 7 following injection. Therefore, we suggest that our trigeminal ganglion‐targeting technique could be used for delivering genes or drugs to rat trigeminal ganglia.
Native arteriovenous fistula placement in three patients after implantation of a left ventricular assist device with non‐pulsatile blood flow
Authors: Schaefers Johannes F. , Ertmer Christian
Published: January 2017

Patients with left ventricular assist device have an increased risk for postoperative acute kidney injury and long‐term requirement of dialysis. As a chronic access for dialysis, native arteriovenous fistulae are uncommon options due to suspected maturation failure. We present three patients who received successful arteriovenous fistulae placement after left ventricular assist device implantation with assisted long term patency.
Updating the neuropsychological test system in Japan for the elderly and in a modern touch screen tablet society by resetting the cut‐off values
Authors: Kawaguchi Takumi , Konishi Mika , Kato Akinobu , Kato Motoichiro , Kooka Yohei , Sawara Kei , Endo Ryujin , Torimura Takuji , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: January 2017

Aim

Covert hepatic encephalopathy is frequently seen in cirrhotic patients. This condition can be diagnosed by a computerized neuropsychological test system (NPT); however, NPT has not been updated for approximately two decades in Japan. The aim of this study is to update the NPT to be more suitable for both the elderly and modern society by resetting of cut‐off values.

Methods

We enrolled 367 healthy subjects aged between 40 and 79 years old between 2003 and 2010. The NPT consists of the following eight tests: number connection tests (NCT)‐A and ‐B, a figure position test, a digit symbol test, a block design test, and reaction time tests (RTT)‐A, ‐B, and ‐C. All subjects were classified into eight groups (5‐year quartile ranges from 40 to 79 years old), and the cut‐off value for each test was compared to the former cut‐off value (NPT version 1).

Results

In all eight tests, most of the cut‐off values were different from those in NPT version 1. The difference was minimal in RTT‐A, RTT‐B, and RTT‐C. However, the difference was evident in the NCT‐A, NCT‐B, digit symbol test, and block design test. In particular, a 57.8‐s decrease in the cut‐off value was seen in the 65–69‐year‐old group for the NCT‐B test (71.3 s vs. 129.1 s).

Conclusions

We updated the NPT by covering subjects aged 40–79 years and resetting the cut‐off values. Thus, the updated NPT is an elderly and modern subject‐compliant application. This update may improve the diagnostic ability of covert hepatic encephalopathy in contemporary cirrhotic patients.
Fatigue, depression, maternal confidence, and maternal satisfaction during the first month postpartum: A comparison of Japanese mothers by age and parity
Authors: Mori Emi , Tsuchiya Miyako , Maehara Kunie , Iwata Hiroko , Sakajo Akiko , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to assess fatigue, depressive symptoms, and maternal confidence or satisfaction among older primiparae during the first month postpartum. The number of older Japanese primiparae has rapidly increased. Older primiparae are believed to be at high risk for puerperal morbidity. A multicentre prospective cohort study design was used. Data were examined from 2854 Japanese women who participated in a 6‐month prospective cohort study conducted between May 2012 and September 2013. The women were classified into 4 groups based on maternal age and parity. All participants completed the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale, Japanese Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Postpartum Maternal Confidence Scale, and Postpartum Maternal Satisfaction Scale. Primiparae in all age groups were more severely fatigued and had a higher risk of postpartum depression than multiparous mothers during the first month postpartum. Older primiparae had significantly lower scores on maternal confidence and maternal satisfaction than the other 3 groups at 1 month postpartum. These findings suggest that postpartum nursing should focus on promoting adequate sleep, providing emotional support, and fostering the process of maternal role adaptation among older Japanese primiparae, particularly during the first postpartum month.