bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation in evaluating the cultural value of Bian embroidery heritage
Authors: Wang Zhibiao , Yao Lahua
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Bian embroidery is a cultural heritage at the national level in China. Evaluating its cultural value is an important step in determining the heritage value of Bian embroidery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper elaborates on the connotation of the cultural value of Bian embroidery and tries to evaluate specifically the cultural value of the Bian embroidery heritage on the basis of a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The innovation is the construction of a complete evaluation system of cultural value that combines fuzzy comprehensive valuation with a content analysis method from which the cultural value of Bian embroidery heritage can be derived.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of evaluating cultural value put forward in this paper could be further used to evaluate other cultural heritage artifacts.
Interactive shear resistance of corrugated web in steel beam exposed to fire
Authors: Marcin Maslak Mariusz , Lukacz Marcin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss in detail the design approach to shear buckling resistance evaluation for corrugated web being a part of a steel beam exposed to fire.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on the interaction between the local and global elastic instability failure modes as well as on the possible yielding of the whole web cross-section during fire.

Findings

New formulae, adequate for specification of the suitable shear buckling coefficients, depend not only on the web slenderness but also on the temperature of structural steel.

Originality/value

The methodology proposed by the authors can be added to the current European standard recommendations given in EN 1993-1-2 as a well-justified design algorithm helpful in reliable evaluation of a safety level for steel beams with slender corrugated webs subject to fire exposure. It seems to be highly desirable because, at present, there are no detailed instructions in this field.
Fire resistance of primary beam – secondary beam connections in timber structures
Authors: Hofmann Veronika , Gräfe Martin , Werther Norman , Winter Stefan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper deals with the fire resistance of primary and secondary beam connections in timber structures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a series of unloaded and loaded furnace fire tests in different configurations of these types of connectors.

Findings

The main objective is the fire safety design of joist hangers and full thread screws.

Originality/value

Design recommendations are given.
Probabilistic performance-based evaluation of a tall steel moment resisting frame under post-earthquake fires
Authors: Elhami Khorasani Negar , Garlock Maria , Gardoni Paolo
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a framework to assess the reliability of structures subject to a fire following an earthquake (FFE) event. The proposed framework is implemented in one seamless programming environment and is used to analyze an example nine-story steel moment-resisting frame (MRF) under an FFE. The framework includes uncertainties in load and material properties at elevated temperatures and evaluates the MRF performance based on various limit states.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, this work models the uncertainties in fire load density, yield strength and modulus of elasticity of steel. The location of fire compartment is also varied to investigate the effect of story level (lower vs higher) and bay location (interior vs exterior) of the fire on the post-earthquake performance of the frame. The frame is modeled in OpenSees to perform non-linear dynamic, thermal and reliability analyses of the structure.

Findings

Results show that interior bays are more susceptible than exterior bays to connection failure because of the development of larger tension forces during the cooling phase of the fire. Also, upper floors in general are more probable to reach specified damage states than lower floors because of the smaller beam sizes. Overall, results suggest that modern MRFs with a design that is governed by inter-story drifts have enough residual strength after an earthquake so that a subsequent fire typically does not lead to results significantly different compared to those of an event where the fire occurs without previous seismic damage. However, the seismic damage could lead to larger fire spread, increased danger to the building as a whole and larger associated economic losses.

Originality/value

Although the paper focuses on FFE, the proposed framework is general and can be extended to other multi-hazard scenarios.
De-noising interferogram inSAR using variance and absolute deviation functions
Authors: Bentahar Tarek , Benatia Djamel , Boulila Mohamed
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In this paper, a new efficient method to de-noise the interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar interferogram, also called wrapped phase image, is proposed with the aim to reduce the residue number and make the phase unwrapping process easy.

Design/methodology/approach

This method is based on two statistics functions, the former is the phase derivative variance (PDV) defined as a quality map to select the badness areas, the second one is the phase derivative variance (PAD) for a local 3 × 3 pixels filtering which allows to assign an estimated phase for each bad area selected by PDV function. Our filter was tested with a simulated interferograms and compared to other most used filters.

Findings

With this proposed method, the residues in the interferogram are minimized better than using a conventional filters, and the phase unwrapping process gives a better estimation.

Originality/value

Combining two statistical functions (PDV and PAD) is efficient in terms of minimizing the noise in the interferogram; this is very helpful to minimize the processing time of the InSAR image particularly the phase unwrapping treatment and have a good quality of the image.
The physiochemical properties of submicron particles from emissions of industrial furnace
Authors: Niu Hongya , Cheng Wenjing , Pian Wei , Hu Wei
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Smoke and dust emissions from industrial furnaces can do great harm to the environment and human health. This paper aims to analyze the morphology, diameter and elements of the submicron particles from the furnace flues and the nearby ambient air by using two typical industrial furnaces, the sintering furnace and the electric furnace.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Two typical industrial furnaces, the sintering furnace and the electric furnace, were chosen in this study, to analyze the morphology, diameter and elements of the submicron particles from the furnace flues and the near-by ambient air.

Findings

The results show that the particles from the two furnaces are mainly in the small sizes of 0.3-0.6 μm. Particles from sintering plant flue are mainly spherical and rich in K and Cl, whereas those from the electric plant flue are mainly particles rich in metal elements, such as Zn and Fe, and have different morphology.

Originality/value

The particles in the atmosphere nearby the two furnaces contain aged particles from the flue, lots of spherical particles, rectangle particles and various aggregations. The elements of those particles are complex.
Modeling and process simulation of vibration assisted workpiece in micro-EDM using FEM
Authors: Maity Kalipada , Choubey Mayank
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Micro-electro discharge machining (EDM) plays an important role in the fabrication of micro holes in an electrically conductive high-strength material. The flushing of debris poses a great challenge in the micro-EDM operation. The vibration of workpiece plays a significant role in the flushing of debris of the workpiece.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims that the finite element analysis is performed using ANSYS software to find out the maximum displacement of the workpiece at a different location at different frequencies. For the convergence of this analysis, the natural frequency obtained from ANSYS is validated with some available literature.

Findings

The continuous up and down vibration of the workpiece results in the formation of vapor bubbles in a low-pressure region that contributes to material removal due to the fracture of bubbles. The vibration-assisted workpiece in the micro-EDM process causes the pressure variation of dielectric between the electrode and workpiece that enhances material removal rate because of cavitation.

Originality/value

In workpiece vibration-assisted micro-EDM, the selection of correct vibration frequency and displacement is of greater importance because improper frequency selection can cause bending of the wire electrode, affecting machining stability and short circuiting.
Mapping of optimum placement of distributed generation in meshed power networks with appropriate technologies
Authors: Warid Warid Sayel , Hizam Hashim , Mariun Norman , Abdul-Wahab Noor Izzri
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to propose a sensitivity-based methodology for the optimum accommodation of distributed generation (DG) units in meshed power networks with appropriate technologies. The effect of load variation is incorporated into the proposed methodology to identify the most trusted locations for DG placement.

Design/methodology/approach

The effectiveness of minimizing active power losses is considered a key criterion. A priority list comprising both sensitivity indexes and realistic indicators is deduced to rank the optimum sites for the placement of DG units. A sorting index for distinguishing the suitable DG type(s) for each candidate location is organized. Three common DG types are considered in this work. The modified IEEE 30-bus meshed system is chosen to perform the proposed methodology.

Findings

Results demonstrate that the obtained priority index can be used to achieve the best real loss minimization rates. Numerous load buses can be safely excluded as candidate locations using the proposed approach. Consequently, the methodology can minimize the computational process of diagnosing the optimum sites for DG accommodation.

Originality/value

The findings determine that instead of installing many DG units at various locations with one DG type, a few certain load buses can be used to accommodate more than one DG type and significantly reduce losses.
Investigating optimal operating parameters of DI diesel engine: a CFD approach using CONVERGETM
Authors: Rao Ganji Prabhakar , Dhyani Vipin , Kumar Deepak , Raju V.R.K. , Rao S. Srinivasa
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the effects of varying different operating parameters such as Start of Injection (9 to 21 deg bTDC), compression ratio (16 to 12.5), fuel injection pressure (400 to 1,400 bar) and exhaust gas recirculation (0 to 25 per cent) on the performance and emissions of the engine for constant engine speed of 1,600 rpm.

Design/methodology/approach

Simulation results were validated with experimental data available in the literature for baseline configuration. The effect of each parameter on the performance characteristics such as pressure and temperature, emission characteristics such as NOx and soot are presented and discussed. Optimization has been carried out based on the regression equations developed from the simulation results to obtain the optimum set of the parameters to achieve the desired performance and emissions. Numerical simulations have been performed for the optimized set and compared with the reference engine.

Findings

Results of optimization showed that there was a simultaneous reduction in NOx and soot while maintaining the same level of performance as that of the baseline case.

Originality/value

Based on the present work, it can be said that lesser emissions are achieved in terms of NOx and soot while maintaining the same performance in terms of peak pressure.
Wind turbine rank method for a wind park scenario
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Zamri , Albani Aliashim
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a method of the wind turbine ranking, either stall or pitch-regulated wind turbine (WTG), to determine the suitability of wind turbine in a selected site.

Design/methodology/approach

The method included the wind park target capacity, the maximum hub-height, the standard rotor diameter and the characteristic of wind speed on the site. As the method had been applied to a wind park, with more than one wind turbine, the wake losses had been considered by subtracting the gross capacity factor. Besides, the turbine-site matching index (TSMI) was computed by dividing the net capacity factor with the total installed capital cost per kilowatt.

Findings

The components of the total installed capital cost were cost of turbine, installation, as well as operation and maintenance. Meanwhile, the target capacity index (TCI) was calculated by dividing the estimated wind park capacity with the target wind park capacity.

Originality/value

Both TSMI and TCI were used together to rank the wind turbines. Furthermore, a site in the eastern part of Kudat was selected as the case study site, where ten models of wind turbines were tested and ranked.
Influence of an inclined magnetic field on heat and mass transfer of the peristaltic flow of a couple stress fluid in an inclined channel
Authors: Dar Ajaz Ahmad , Elangovan K.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to intend for investigating the influence of an inclined magnetic field on the peristaltic flow of a couple stress fluid through an inclined channel with heat and mass transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

Long wavelength and low Reynolds number methodology is actualized for simplifying the highly nonlinear equations. Mathematical expressions of axial velocity, pressure gradient and volume flow rate are obtained. Pressure rise, frictional force and pumping phenomenon are portrayed and symbolized graphically. Exact and numerical solutions have been carried out. The computed results are presented graphically for various embedded parameters. Temperature and concentration profile are also scrutinized and sketched.

Findings

Results from the current study concluded that the fluid motion can be enhanced by increasing the inclination of both the magnetic field and the channel.

Originality/value

The elemental characteristics of this analysis is a complete interpretation of the influence of couple stress parameter and inclination of magnetic field on the velocity, pressure gradient, pressure rise and frictional forces.
Modeling the effect of entrained sand particles on pressure transverse in a flowing gas well
Authors: Fadairo Adesina , Oyedele-Adeyi Olusegun , Oladepo Adebowale , Temitope Ogunkunle
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The production of natural gas from the reservoir is always associated with entrained solid particle of different sizes mainly sand particles and crystalline salts. Entrained solid transport along the gas phase has been a great concern for gas production engineer, as the detrimental consequences are often associated to a desirable high operational parameters such rate and pressure transverse in producing well.

Design/methodology/approach

A variety of models for predicting pressure transverse in flowing gas wells have been reported in the literatures. Most of the models were based on steady state fluid flow equation that did not consider time factor which results in inaccurate at early production time. Some of the early investigators overlooked the effect of the entrained solid on the pressure transverse phenomena in a gas well. Hence, there is a need for developing a more realistic model for estimating pressure transverse at all times in flowing solid-gas vertical well.

Findings

This study presents equation for pressure drop in flowing vertical well without neglecting any term in the momentum equation by the inclusion of accumulation and kinetic term. The solution of the resulting differential equation gives functional relationship between solid-gas flow rates and pressure at any point in flowing well at any given production time.

Originality/value

The results show improvement over previous studies, as the assumptions previously neglected were all considered.
Using dark diversity and plant characteristics to guide conservation and restoration
Authors: Moeslund Jesper Erenskjold , Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine , Clausen Kevin Kuhlmann , Dalby Lars , Fløjgaard Camilla , Juel Anders , Lenoir Jonathan
Published: January 2017

Dark diversity is a promising concept for prioritising management efforts as it focuses on species that are present in the regional pool, but locally absent even though environmental requirements are met. Currently, we lack knowledge of what characterises species belonging to the dark diversity more often than others, although this is important knowledge for restoration and conservation actions.

We applied the concept to a massive national (Danish) plant diversity data base, containing 236 923 records from 15 160 surveys involving 564 species. This enabled the first geographically comprehensive (43 000 km2) assessment of dark diversity, at a spatial resolution relevant for conservation and restoration planning (78 m2) across multiple terrestrial habitats, thereby maximising the practical applications of this concept. The probability for a given plant species to belong to the dark diversity was computed and logistically regressed against variables representing its ecological preferences (e.g. nutrient availability), strategies (competitor, stress tolerant, ruderal), mycorrhizal relationships, establishment capacities (seed mass) and dispersal abilities.

Forty‐six percent of the species had a high probability (>95%) of being part of dark diversity, whereas for 7% of the species this probability was less than 60%.

Typical dark diversity plant species tended to depend on mycorrhiza, were mostly adapted to low light and low nutrient levels, had poor dispersal abilities and were ruderals and stress intolerant.

Synthesis and applications. Characterising species that are more often absent from suitable sites than others (dark diversity species) has important implications for the planning and management of natural ecosystems. From our study, practitioners gain insight into the factors triggering the absence of individual plant species in a seemingly suitable habitat. We highlight the need to carefully consider mycorrhizal inoculations with a suitable assemblage of fungi to promote the establishment success of dark diversity plants. Additionally, time‐lags in plant species dispersal and establishment as well as spatial connectivity in fragmented habitats are central to consider in nature management although assisted migration might also aid poor dispersers. Finally, nutrient‐poor localities are probably important ‘islets’ allowing nitrophobic dark diversity plant species to thrive within agricultural landscapes that are generally nutrient‐rich.
Stoichiometric N:P flexibility and mycorrhizal symbiosis favour plant resistance against drought
Authors: Mariotte Pierre , Canarini Alberto , Dijkstra Feike A.
Published: January 2017

Drought induces changes in the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycle but most plant species have limited flexibility to take up nutrients under such variable or unbalanced N and P availability. Both the degree of flexibility in plant N:P ratio and of root symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi might control plant resistance to drought‐induced changes in nutrient availability, but this has not been directly tested.

Here, we examined the role of plant N:P stoichiometric status and mycorrhizal symbiosis in the drought‐resistance of dominant and subordinate species in a semi‐natural grassland.

We reduced water availability using rainout shelters (control vs. drought) and measured how plant biomass responded for the dominant and subordinate species. We then selected a dominant (Paspalum dilatatum) and a subordinate species (Cynodon dactylon), for which we investigated the N:P stoichiometric status, mycorrhizal root colonization and water‐use efficiency.

The biomass of all dominant plant species, but not subordinate species, decreased under drought. Drought increased soil available nitrogen, and thus increased soil N:P ratio, due to decreasing plant N uptake. The dominant P. dilatatum showed a high degree of plant N:P homeostasis and a considerable reduction in biomass under drought. At the opposite, the more flexible subordinate species C. dactylon increased its N uptake and water‐use efficiency, apparently due to stronger symbiosis with mycorrhizae, and maintained its biomass.

Synthesis. We conclude that the maintenance of N:P homeostasis in dominant species, possibly because of a large root nutrient foraging capacity, becomes inefficient when water stress limits N mobility in the soil. By contrast, we demonstrate that higher stoichiometric N:P flexibility coupled with stronger mutualistic association with mycorrhizae allow subordinate species to better withstand drought perturbations. Using a stoichiometric approach in a field experiment, our study provides for the first time clear and novel understandings of the mechanisms involved in drought‐resistance within the plant‐mycorrhizae‐soil system.
Invasive plants accelerate nitrogen cycling: evidence from experimental woody monocultures
Authors: Jo Insu , Fridley Jason D. , Frank Douglas A.
Published: January 2017

Although it is widely believed that non‐native invasive species threaten the functional integrity of forest ecosystems, their impact on important ecosystem processes such as nitrogen (N) cycling is not well understood.

To examine how invasive species alter ecosystem N dynamics, we established monocultures of five phylogenetic pairs of native and non‐native invasive understory woody species common to Eastern U.S. forests.

After 3 years, we found invaders increased N cycling by enhancing the flow of N to the soil through greater litter N production and litter N content, and increased the uptake of available soil N, via greater fine root production and specific root length.

Synthesis. Our results highlight the importance of linking above‐ and below‐ground processes to better understand invader impacts on ecosystem nutrient processes. The rapid shifts in soil N processes as a result of invader dominance observed in our study suggest that invaders may be an important driver of forest ecosystem functioning.
A Novel Pixel‐Based Method to Estimate the Instantaneous Velocity of a Vehicle from CCTV Images
Authors: Liu Shengxiong , Yang Xiuju , Cui Jianguo , Yin Zhiyong
Published: January 2017

In traffic forensic identifications, it was usually unfavorable that estimated velocities of questioned vehicles derived from frame‐based methods eventually turned out to be close to but a bit less than speed limits. In this paper, a novel pixel‐based method was presented to estimate vehicles’ relatively instantaneous velocities. First, two adjacent pixels’ actual distance was acquired from the closed‐circuit television (CCTV) images. Then, the instantaneous average velocity within this one frame interval time (FIT) was calculated out. The frame‐based method and its evaluating result were also introduced in this paper. The results showed that the velocity estimated by this new pixel‐based method was higher than which derived from the frame‐based method. Employing this presented novel method in these cases, it could be more accurately identified whether or not the vehicles had exceeded the speed limits, and then the responsibilities could be consequently assigned impartially.
Role of Uremic Toxins on Apoptosis With Varying Periods of Hemodialysis
Authors: Hünkerler Zeynep , Köken Tülay , Koca Buğra , Kahraman Ahmet
Published: January 2017

Increased apoptotic cell death in uremic patients has been confirmed by a variety of studies. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of uremic toxins and duration of hemodialysis (HD) therapy on apoptosis by means of measuring serum caspase cleaved CK18 (CCCK‐18) levels. Seventy chronic HD patients were recruited and divided into three groups with differing periods of HD, from 6 months to 10 years. Twelve healthy subjects served as controls. Serum CCCK‐18 level was found significantly higher in HD patient groups (Group 2; 189 ± 71 IU/L, Group 3; 182 ± 65 IU/L, Group 4; 204 ± 111 IU/L) as compared to the control group (122 ± 20 U/L) (P < 0.05). When all hemodialysis patients considered together serum CCCK‐18 showed positive correlation with serum uric acid and phosphorus (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that apoptosis is enhanced in HD patients, phosphorus and uric acid might play a role in this increment, but duration of HD therapy has no effect on apoptosis.
Acoustic monitoring for conservation in tropical forests: examples from forest elephants
Authors: Wrege Peter H. , Rowland Elizabeth D. , Keen Sara , Shiu Yu
Published: January 2017

The accelerating loss of biodiversity worldwide demands effective tools for monitoring animal populations and informing conservation action. In habitats where direct observation is difficult (rain forests, oceans), or for cryptic species (shy, nocturnal), passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) provides cost‐effective, unbiased data collection.PAMhas broad applicability in terrestrial environments, particularly tropical rain forests.

Using examples from studies of forest elephants in Central African rain forest, we show howPAMcan be used to investigate cryptic behaviour, mechanisms of communication, estimate population size, quantify threats, and assess the efficacy of conservation strategies. We discuss the methodologies, requirements, and challenges of obtaining these data using acoustics. Where applicable, we compare these methods to more traditional approaches.

WhilePAMmethods and associated analysis are maturing rapidly, mechanisms are needed for processing the dense raw data efficiently with standard computer hardware, speeding development of detection algorithms, and harnessing communication networks to move data from the field to research facilities.

Passive acoustic monitoring is a viable and cost‐effective tool for conservation and should be incorporated in monitoring schemes much more broadly. The capability to quickly assess changes in behaviour, population size, and landscape use, simultaneously over large geographical areas, makes this approach attractive for detecting human‐induced impacts and for assessing the success of conservation strategies.
Examination time as a quality indicator of screening upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for asymptomatic examinees
Authors: Kawamura Takuji , Wada Hironori , Sakiyama Naokuni , Ueda Yuki , Shirakawa Atsushi , Okada Yusuke , Sanada Kasumi , Nakase Kojiro , Mandai Koichiro , Suzuki Azumi , Kamaguchi Mai , Morita Atsuhiro , Nishioji Kenichi , Tanaka Kiyohito , Mochizuki Naomi , Uno Koji , Yokota Isao , Kobayashi Masao , Yasuda Kenjiro
Published: January 2017

Background and Aim

The significance of examination time of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for asymptomatic examinees is yet to be established. We aimed to clarify whether endoscopists who allot more examination time can detect higher numbers of neoplastic lesions among asymptomatic examinees.

Methods

We reviewed a database of consecutive examinees who underwent EGD in our hospital from April 2010 to September 2015. Staff endoscopists were classified into fast, moderate, and slow groups based on the mean examination time of EGD without a biopsy. Neoplastic lesion detection rate among these groups was compared using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Of the 55 786 consecutive examinees who underwent EGD, 15 763 asymptomatic examinees who were screened by staff doctors were analyzed. Mean examination time of 13 661 EGD without biopsy was 6.2 min (range, 2–18 min). When cut‐off times of 5 and 7 min were used, four endoscopists were classified into the fast (mean duration, 4.4 ± 1.0 min), 12 into the moderate (6.1 ± 1.4 min), and four into the slow (7.8 ± 1.9 min) groups. Neoplastic lesion detection rates in the fast, moderate, and slow groups were 0.57% (13/2288), 0.97% (99/10 180), and 0.94% (31/3295), respectively. Compared with that in the fast group, odds ratios for the neoplastic lesion detection rate in the moderate and slow groups were 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–3.40) and 1.89 (95% CI, 0.98–3.64), respectively.

Conclusion

Endoscopists who do not allot adequate examination time may overlook neoplastic lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Mechanisms of the prevention and inhibition of the progression and development of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis by genetic and pharmacological decoy receptor 3 supplementation
Authors: Lee Pei‐Chang , Yang Ling‐Yu , Wang Ying‐Wen , Huang Shiang‐Fen , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Yang Ying‐Ying , Hsieh Shie‐Liang , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lin Han‐Chieh , Lee Fa‐Yuah , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: January 2017

Aims

Treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is difficult due to the absence of a proven treatment and its comprehensive mechanisms. In the NASH animal model, upregulated hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress, with the resultant M1 polarization of macrophages as well as imbalanced adipocytokines, all accelerate NASH progression. As a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) not only neutralizes the death ligands, but also performs immune modulations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible non‐decoy effects of DcR3 on diet‐induced NASH mice.

Methods

Methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet feeding for 9 weeks was applied to induce NASH in BALB/c mice. Decoy receptor 3 heterozygous transgenesis or pharmacological pretreatment with DcR3a for 1 month were designed as interventions. Intrahepatic inflammatory status as well as macrophage polarization, oxidative stress, and steatosis as well as lipogenic gene expression and fibrotic status were analyzed. Additionally, acute effects of DcR3a on HepG2 cells, Hep3B cells, and primary mouse hepatocytes in various MCD medium‐stimulated changes were also evaluated.

Results

Both DcR3 genetic and pharmacologic supplement significantly reduced MCD diet‐induced hepatic M1 polarization. In addition, DcR3 supplement attenuated MCD diet‐increased hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress, adipocytokine imbalance, steatosis, and fibrogenesis. Moreover, acute DcR3a incubation in HepG2 cells, Hep3B cells, and mouse hepatocytes could normalize the expression of genes related to lipid oxidation along with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The ability of DcR3 to attenuate hepatic steatosis and inflammation through its non‐decoy effects of immune modulation and oxidative stress attenuation makes it a potential treatment for NASH.
A role for the histone H2A deubiquitinase MYSM1 in maintenance of CD8+ T cells
Authors: Förster Michael , Boora Rupinder K. , Petrov Jessica C. , Fodil Nassima , Albanese Isabella , Kim Jamie , Gros Philippe , Nijnik Anastasia
Published: January 2017

Several previous studies outlined the importance of the histone H2A deubiquitinase MYSM1 in the regulation of stem cell quiescence and haematopoiesis. In this study we investigated the role of MYSM1 in T‐cell development. Using mouse models that allow conditional Mysm1 ablation at late stages of thymic development, we found that MYSM1 is intricately involved in the maintenance, activation and survival of CD8+ T cells. Mysm1 ablation resulted in a twofold reduction in CD8+ T‐cell numbers, and also led to a hyperactivated CD8+ T‐cell state accompanied by impaired proliferation and increased pro‐inflammatory cytokine production after ex vivo stimulation. These phenotypes coincided with an increased apoptosis and preferential up‐regulation of p53 tumour suppressor protein in CD8+ T cells. Lastly, we examined a model of experimental cerebral malaria, in which pathology is critically dependent on CD8+ T cells. In the mice conditionally deleted for Mysm1 in the T‐cell compartment, CD8+ T‐cell numbers remained reduced following infection, both in the periphery and in the brain, and the mice displayed improved survival after parasite challenge. Collectively, our data identify MYSM1 as a novel factor for CD8+ T cells in the immune system, increasing our understanding of the role of histone H2A deubiquitinases in cytotoxic T‐cell biology.
CHILD CARE PRICES AND MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Akgunduz Yusuf Emre , Plantenga Janneke
Published: January 2017

The literature estimates for labor force participation elasticity with regard to child care prices are extensive and varying. While some estimates imply substantial gains from child care subsidies, others find insignificant effects. To determine the causes of the variance, this paper reviews and analyzes the elasticity sizes using estimates from 36 peer‐reviewed articles and working papers in the literature. We start by reviewing the theoretical and empirical aspects related to participation elasticity with regard to child care costs, paying special attention to sample characteristics, methodological aspects, and macro level factors. We conclude by providing a meta‐regression using control variables based on our review of the literature to explain some of the differences between the estimates. As research builds on and improves the methods and assumptions in prior works, elasticity estimates have become smaller over time. This decline might also be partially explained by changes in labor market characteristics. In countries with high rates of part‐time work and very high or very low rates of female labor force participation, we find elasticity rates to be smaller.
Providing More but Receiving Less: Daughters in Intergenerational Exchange in Mainland China
Authors: Hu Anning
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the gender pattern of both downstream and upstream transfers between older parents and their children in China. Based on theories about the generation gap in the understandings of family norm and the heterogeneous effects of the social forces that encourage women to contribute more in elder care by generation, the author proposes a gender asymmetrical pattern in which the patrilineal norm governs parents' decisions of downstream transfers but exerts little effect on children's upstream support for parents. Capitalizing on a survey of the population older than 60 years, the author fitted several simultaneous equation models. Empirical results suggest that, all being equal, daughters provide more monetary and housework assistance to older parents than do sons, but daughters are comparatively disadvantaged in the probability of receiving either type of transfer from their parents. The pattern of “providing more but receiving less” for female caregivers affirms the gender asymmetrical pattern.
Two CYP716A subfamily cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of sweet basil play similar but nonredundant roles in ursane‐ and oleanane‐type pentacyclic triterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Misra Rajesh Chandra , Sharma Shubha , Sandeep  , Garg Anchal , Chanotiya Chandan Singh , Ghosh Sumit
Published: January 2017

The medicinal plant sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) accumulates bioactive ursane‐ and oleanane‐type pentacyclic triterpenes (PCTs), ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, respectively, in a spatio‐temporal manner; however, the biosynthetic enzymes and their contributions towards PCT biosynthesis remain to be elucidated.

Two CYP716A subfamily cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP716A252 and CYP716A253) are identified from a methyl jasmonate‐responsive expression sequence tag collection and functionally characterized, employing yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) expression platform and adapting virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) in sweet basil.

CYP716A252 and CYP716A253 catalyzed sequential three‐step oxidation at the C‐28 position of α‐amyrin and β‐amyrin to produce ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, respectively. Although CYP716A253 was more efficient than CYP716A252 for amyrin C‐28 oxidation in yeast, VIGS revealed essential roles for both of these CYP716As in constitutive biosynthesis of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid in sweet basil leaves. However, CYP716A253 played a major role in elicitor‐induced biosynthesis of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid.

Overall, the results suggest similar as well as distinct roles of CYP716A252 and CYP716A253 for the spatio‐temporal biosynthesis of PCTs. CYP716A252 and CYP716A253 might be useful for the alternative and sustainable production of PCTs in microbial host, besides increasing plant metabolite content through genetic modification.
Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging analysis of dental pulp inflammatory diseases
Authors: Giorgini E , Sabbatini S , Conti C , Rubini C , Rocchetti R , Fioroni M , Memè L , Orilisi G
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy let characterize the macromolecular composition and distribution of tissues and cells, by studying the interaction between infrared radiation and matter. Therefore, we hypothesize to exploit this analytical tool in the analysis of inflamed pulps, to detect the different biochemical features related to various degrees of inflammation.

Materials and Methods

IR maps of 13 irreversible and 12 hyperplastic pulpitis, together with 10 normal pulps, were acquired, compared with histological findings and submitted to multivariate (HCA, PCA, SIMCA) and statistical (one‐way ANOVA) analysis. The fit of convoluted bands let calculate meaningful band area ratios (means ± s.d., P < 0.05).

Results

The infrared imaging analysis pin‐pointed higher amounts of water and lower quantities of type I collagen in all inflamed pulps. Specific vibrational markers were defined for irreversible pulpitis (Lipids/Total Biomass, PhII/Total Biomass, CH2/CH3, and Ty/AII) and hyperplastic ones (OH/Total Biomass, Collagen/Total Biomass, and CH3 Collagen/Total Biomass).

Conclusion

The study confirmed that FTIR microspectroscopy let discriminate tissues’ biological features. The infrared imaging analysis evidenced, in inflamed pulps, alterations in tissues’ structure and composition. Changes in lipid metabolism, increasing amounts of tyrosine, and the occurrence of phosphorylative processes were highlighted in irreversible pulpitis, while high amounts of water and low quantities of type I collagen were detected in hyperplastic samples.
Parasite excretory‐secretory products and their effects on metabolic syndrome
Authors: Crowe J. , Lumb F. E. , Harnett M. M. , Harnett W.
Published: January 2017

Obesity, one of the main causes of metabolic syndrome (MetS), is an increasingly common health and economic problem worldwide, and one of the major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Chronic, low‐grade inflammation is associated with MetS and obesity. A dominant type 2/anti‐inflammatory response is required for metabolic homoeostasis within adipose tissue: during obesity, this response is replaced by infiltrating, inflammatory macrophages and T cells. Helminths and certain protozoan parasites are able to manipulate the host immune response towards a TH2 immune phenotype that is beneficial for their survival, and there is emerging data that there is an inverse correlation between the incidence of MetS and helminth infections, suggesting that, as with autoimmune and allergic diseases, helminths may play a protective role against MetS disease. Within this review, we will focus primarily on the excretory‐secretory products that the parasites produce to modulate the immune system and discuss their potential use as therapeutics against MetS and its associated pathologies.
An Evidential Reasoning‐Based CREAM to Human Reliability Analysis in Maritime Accident Process
Authors: Wu Bing , Yan Xinping , Wang Yang , Soares C. Guedes
Published: January 2017

This article proposes a modified cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM) for estimating the human error probability in the maritime accident process on the basis of an evidential reasoning approach. This modified CREAM is developed to precisely quantify the linguistic variables of the common performance conditions and to overcome the problem of ignoring the uncertainty caused by incomplete information in the existing CREAM models. Moreover, this article views maritime accident development from the sequential perspective, where a scenario‐ and barrier‐based framework is proposed to describe the maritime accident process. This evidential reasoning‐based CREAM approach together with the proposed accident development framework are applied to human reliability analysis of a ship capsizing accident. It will facilitate subjective human reliability analysis in different engineering systems where uncertainty exists in practice.
Arteriovenous Grafts: Much Maligned But in Need of Reconsideration?
Authors: Allon Michael
Published: January 2017

There are substantial variations in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use among hemodialysis patients in different countries, in different regions of the U.S., and even in different hemodialysis units within a single metropolitan area. These variations persist after adjustment for patient demographics and comorbidities, suggesting that practice patterns play a major role in determining the frequency of AVF use. These observations led to vascular access guidelines urging nephrologists and surgeons to increase AVF creation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Over the past 20 years, as clinicians have adopted these guidelines, the prevalence of AVF use in hemodialysis patients has increased substantially. At the same time, clinicians have recognized important limitations of an unwavering “Fistula First” approach. First, a substantial proportion of AVFs fail to mature even when routine preoperative vascular mapping is used, leading to prolonged catheter dependence. Second, certain patient subgroups are at high risk for AVF nonmaturation. Third, nonmaturing AVFs frequently require interventions to promote their maturation. Fourth, AVFs that require such interventions have shortened cumulative patency. Fifth, arteriovenous grafts (AVG) have several advantages over AVFs, including lower primary failure rates, fewer interventions prior to successful cannulation, and shorter duration of catheter dependence with its associated risk of bacteremia. All these observations have led nephrologists to propose an individualized approach to vascular access, with AVG being preferred in patients who initiate hemodialysis with a catheter, particularly if they are at high risk for AVF nonmaturation and have a relatively short life expectancy.
Disseminated Acanthamoeba infection in a heart transplant recipient treated successfully with a miltefosine‐containing regimen: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Brondfield Max N. , Reid Michael J.A. , Rutishauser Rachel L. , Cope Jennifer R. , Tang Jevon , Ritter Jana M. , Matanock Almea , Ali Ibne , Doernberg Sarah B. , Hilts‐Horeczko Alexandra , DeMarco Teresa , Klein Liviu , Babik Jennifer M.
Published: January 2017

Disseminated acanthamoebiasis is a rare, often fatal, infection most commonly affecting immunocompromised patients. We report a case involving sinuses, skin, and bone in a 60‐year‐old woman 5 months after heart transplantation. She improved with a combination of flucytosine, fluconazole, miltefosine, and decreased immunosuppression. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successfully treated disseminated acanthamoebiasis in a heart transplant recipient and only the second successful use of miltefosine for this infection among solid organ transplant recipients. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in transplant recipients with evidence of skin, central nervous system, and sinus infections that are unresponsive to antibiotics. Miltefosine may represent an effective component of a multidrug therapeutic regimen for the treatment of this amoebic infection.
Enteric glial activity regulates secretomotor function in the mouse colon but does not acutely affect gut permeability
Authors: Grubišić Vladimir , Gulbransen Brian D.
Published: January 2017

Key points

The role of enteric glial cell activity in the acute regulation of epithelial barrier and secretomotor functions of the intestines under physiological conditions is not clear.

We used transgenic mice to modify glial activity and found that enteric glia significantly contribute to the neurogenic ion transport while glial activity does not appear to play a major role in the acute regulation of barrier function.

The selective activation of glial activity evoked electrogenic ion transport primarily through neural pathways and was sufficient to drive electrogenic ion transport to an extent equal to the direct activation of neurogenic ion transport.

These findings provide novel insight into the cellular mechanisms that control fluid transport homeostasis in the intestine and might provide novel therapeutic avenues for functional diarrheal diseases.

Enteric glial cells are often implicated in the regulation of epithelial barrier and secretomotor functions of the intestines. But whether glial cell activity regulates these functions acutely under physiological conditions is not clear. We addressed this issue by using transgenic animal models to modify the activity of enteric glia, either reducing glial expression of connexin 43 in Sox10::CreERT2+/−/Cx43f/f mice or activating glial calcium responses in GFAP::hM3Dq mice, and tested the effects on colonic barrier function and electrogenic ion transport in Ussing chambers. We assessed neuronal‐dependent and ‐independent contributions by activating or inhibiting neurogenic activity with veratridine and tetrodotoxin, respectively. Our results show that the reduction of glial Cx43 expression in Sox10::CreERT2+/−/Cx43f/f mice significantly reduced neurogenic ion transport. The selective glial activation in tissues from GFAP::hM3Dq mice evoked electrogenic ion transport to an extent equal to the direct activation of neurogenic ion transport with veratridine and glial driven responses consisted of both tetrodotoxin‐sensitive and ‐insensitive components. The selective glial stimulation did not affect transmural ion conductance or cell‐impermeant dye flux but the baseline ion conductance was more variable in Sox10::CreERT2+/−/Cx43f/f tissues. Together, our findings show that glial activity contributes to the regulation of electrogenic ion transport in the intestine through effects on neurons and possibly direct effects on epithelial cells. However, glial activity does not appear to play a major role in the acute regulation of barrier function. These findings provide novel insight into the cellular mechanisms that control fluid transport homeostasis in the intestine.
‘Looking for the blue, the yellow, all the colours of the rainbow’: the value of participatory arts for young people in social work practice
Authors: Walls Amber , Deane Kelsey L , O'Connor Peter John
Published: January 2017

INTRODUCTION: Emerging from a flourishing field of practice overseas, the growing evidence base on participatory arts engagement demonstrates numerous benefits for young people’s health and wellbeing. In Aotearoa New Zealand, participatory arts engagement is under-valued and under-resourced despite local practice examples suggesting it deserves further attention.METHODS: Focusing on a case example of an Auckland-based creative arts participation project geared to promote positive mental health and wellbeing of marginalised young people, two focus groups were conducted to explore how participants felt arts engagement contributed to their wellbeing. Participatory arts activities were integrated within the focus group process to enable creative expression of their voices.FINDINGS: The youth voices unearthed through this research indicate that an arts based approach can be used as a powerful tool in promoting youth wellbeing and offers significant promise to address local policy priorities.CONCLUSION: We suggest that participatory arts engagement deserves further investment and research to explore further application in social practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Creativity and innovation in social work
Authors: Maidment Jane , Hyslop Ian , Crichton-Hill Yvonne
Published: January 2017

Editoriai for issue 28(4).