bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Dere’s Not Just One Kind of Fat”
Authors: Norman Moss E.
Published: September 2013

In the current sociopolitical context, the lean, muscular body has come to epitomize masculine health and beauty. Not all boys and young men, however, unequivocally subscribe to dominant constructions that position fatness as unhealthy and unattractive. Using qualitative inquiry with thirty-two “skinny” or “normal”-bodied young men (thirteen to fifteen years of age), I demonstrate that fat talk is a prominent resource through which “normal” masculine embodiment is achieved. More specifically, I reveal that sociocultural positioning influences how young men take up, make sense of, and articulate constructions of fatness and demonstrate how such articulations function in the materialization of their “normal” embodied subjectivities. I also examine how fat masculinities operate differently within diverse emplaced contexts and in relation to distinct discursive communities. Such a line of investigation I argue helps to reveal the ways in which power relations of privilege and oppression are performatively embodied in everyday contexts.
Randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention targeting symptoms and physical activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pilutti LA , Dlugonski D , Sandroff BM , Klaren R , Motl RW
Published: September 2013

Background:

Exercise training is beneficial, but most persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are sedentary and physically inactive. This has prompted a new focus on the promotion of lifestyle physical activity in MS. We previously designed, tested, and refined a behavioral intervention delivered through the Internet that successfully increased lifestyle physical activity in MS, but have not evaluated the effects on secondary symptomatic and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.

Objective:

We conducted a 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examined the efficacy of an Internet-delivered, behavioral intervention for improving outcomes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and HRQOL in 82 ambulatory persons with MS. The secondary aim was to replicate previous results regarding change in free-living physical activity.

Results:

There was a significant and positive effect of the intervention on fatigue severity ( p=.001, ηρ2=.15) and its physical impact ( p=.008, ηρ2=.09), depression ( p=.006, ηρ2=.10), and anxiety ( p=.006, ηρ2=.10). There were non-significant improvements in pain ( p=.08, ηρ2=.04), sleep quality ( p=.06, ηρ2=.05), and physical HRQOL ( p=.06, ηρ2=.05). We replicated our previous results by demonstrating an increase in self-reported physical activity ( p=.001, ηρ2=.13).

Conclusions:

Our results support behavioral interventions targeting lifestyle physical activity as an alternative approach for managing symptoms in MS.
How ethnic media producers constitute their communities of practice: An ecological approach
Authors: Matsaganis Matthew D , Katz Vikki S
Published: September 2013

Almost 60 million Americans regularly get their news and other information from ethnically targeted television, radio, newspapers, and websites (Allen, 2009). However, there is little research on ethnic media producers. Data collected in group discussions with media producers serving a variety of immigrant populations in Los Angeles were analyzed to investigate how they negotiate and develop their professional identities.Husband’s (2005) work on ethnic media newsrooms as communities of practice provided an explanatory framework for how respondents managed professional constraints resulting from their managers’ priorities and limited institutional resources. Moreover, though, we found that respondents were deeply influenced by ecological forces beyond their workplaces – specifically, by their encounters with mainstream media producers and organizations, mainstream society institutions, and the ethnic communities they serve. How respondents negotiated challenges to their professional identities sheds light on changes in the US media landscape and civil society.
Modeling of piezo-induced ultrasonic wave propagation in composite structures using layered solid spectral element
Authors: Lonkar Kuldeep , Chang Fu-Kuo
Published: September 2013

This article presents the development of a three-dimensional spectral element-based Piezo-Enabled Spectral Element Analysis code to simulate piezo-induced ultrasonic wave propagation in composite structures. Piezo-Enabled Spectral Element Analysis solves the coupled electromechanical governing equations for a given arbitrary voltage input to a piezoelectric actuator and outputs the voltage response of the piezoelectric sensors. In case of modeling laminated composites, one element per ply is computationally expensive, and smeared material properties may give inaccurate results; hence, a layered solid spectral element is introduced. Layered solid spectral element can model several plies per element and uses combined nodal quadrature and Simpson’s 1/3 integration rule for numerical integration of mechanical stiffness matrix. It is worth noting that Piezo-Enabled Spectral Element Analysis can interface with commercial finite element mesh generators such as Abaqus/CAE to model structures with complex configuration. Delaminations and debonds are modeled by separating the nodes in the damaged area to create a volume split. Experiments and simulations have been carried out to verify and validate Piezo-Enabled Spectral Element Analysis for composites. This article also presents simulations of ultrasonic wave propagation in a stiffened composite plate with delamination and debond.
A dynamic adaptive light field sampling approach for smart lighting control
Authors: Dong F , Sanderson AC
Published: September 2013

Smart lighting is used to provide the right light to meet occupants’ needs for efficiency, productivity and health. The development of adaptive control in smart lighting requires advanced real-time sensing technologies for monitoring the generated light field. This paper introduces a systematic approach to dynamic light field sampling using a distributed sensor network. A dynamic adaptive sampling algorithm is introduced to guide the adaptive selection and real-time reallocation of sample locations to track and estimate the generated light field and the daylight field. This approach generates a multi-scale functional representation of the light field, which can be an effective basis for lighting control. Experimental results have shown that a systematic dynamic selection of sensor locations can significantly reduce the error in representation of the light field with corresponding improvement in the lighting control.
The welcoming of Levinas in the philosophy of education – at the cost of the Other?
Authors: Nordtug Birgit
Published: September 2013

This article focuses on the turn towards the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas’s (1906–1995) ethical perspective in educational philosophy, which many theorists promise can promote an educational practice that is more sensitive of the diversity of teaching and learning, and the uniqueness of students and teachers. I call this into question by asking for whom is the Levinasian ethics for the better? In the article I discuss this question in the light of Levinas’s insistence on the deposition of the autonomous and knowing subject, and his embracing of a subject who is always already for the Other and who welcomes the Other before any assessments of the Other and of his own capabilities of being responsible for the Other.

The article is divided into two parts. The first part explores what has been welcomed in the welcoming of Levinas through a critical reading of some educational philosophical publications on Levinas’s ethics. I argue that Levinas’s idea of welcoming the Other in many cases has been displaced to a welcoming of Levinas. This shift appears to have created a reception context where Levinas’s uncritical approach to the Other has been transferred to an uncritical approach to Levinas’s ethics. Thus, it seems as if this lack of critical commentators has caused a lack of attention to other subjects and other Others whom Levinas does not see. The second part focuses on possible costs of the welcoming of Levinas for these other subjects and other Others. The discussion adopts a stance inspired by semiotics and French psychoanalysis.
Parental education and public reason: why comprehensive enrolment is justified
Authors: Giesinger Johannes
Published: September 2013

Matthew Clayton claims that ‘comprehensive enrolment’ – raising one’s children in accordance with one’s own conception of the good – is illegitimate. In his argument against comprehensive enrolment, Clayton refers to Rawls’s idea of public reason. In a recent response to Clayton, Christina Cameron not only rejects Clayton’s conclusions, but also denies that the idea of public reason can be applied to the parent–child relationship. This article responds to both Clayton and Cameron: It is stated, first, that political arrangements concerning children’s upbringing must be acceptable in the light of public reason. Second, it is claimed that comprehensive enrolment can nevertheless be considered as legitimate.
Reflecting on Gender and Digital Networked Media
Authors: Humphreys Sal , Vered Karen Orr
Published: September 2013

This article explores gendered practices in new media formations. We consider the ways that emergent practices in new media bring to the fore and make more explicit some previously submerged practices. In identity construction, in spatial practices, and in the productive labor of users of new media, we see examples of how the fluidity of gender can be highlighted, the cultural specificity of some often taken for granted and naturalized practices can be more readily understood as constructed, and ironically, how the overt and self-congratulatory crowing of some gamer and geek cultures draws attention to their misogyny, creating a much bigger and more easily identifiable target for counterstrategies. The intersection of emergent technologies and sociocultural practices creates new areas of gendered negotiations.
Using goal analysis to drive improvements in performance and outcomes
Authors: Lawlor David , Spitz Romy , York Michaela , Harvey Brenda
Published: September 2013

Economic pressures for public health and human services systems to control budgets are increasing the need for demonstrating value of support services provided to persons with intellectual disabilities. In this article, we build from earlier work that presented a method for assessing goal attainment to expand the study of goal characteristics as a means to gain an improved understanding of individual outcomes and service performance. The study results suggest a positive relationship between targeting intentional skill teaching in person-centered planning and service delivery and increasing the ability of individuals to live more independently in communities with decreased levels of paid staff support. Additional areas meriting further exploration are presented and implications for current system trends are discussed.
The discrepancy of meaning of citizenship between the state and society in China: Implications for citizenship education and policymaking
Authors: Chen Sicong
Published: September 2013

Although citizenship education has received significant official attention in China in recent years, its aim remains vague. At a time when social demands increasingly influence policymaking by the state, this article examines the meaning of citizenship to the state and society in China. Data are derived from a content analysis of the use of gongmin (the Chinese term for citizen or citizenship) in two distinct newspapers: People’s Daily and Southern Metropolis Daily. The results indicate that there is discrepancy of meaning of citizenship between the state and society. The terminology used by the state tends to highlight the responsibilities and participation of citizenship while societal discourses are likely to articulate the notion of citizenship in terms of rights. Four implications are drawn for developing citizenship education that not only balances rights and responsibilities but also promotes participation in China.
Occupy: A case illustration of social movements in global citizenship education
Authors: Catalano Theresa A
Published: September 2013

Due to the complex nature of global understanding and practice of citizenship, it is essential to understand how to educate for a responsive public sphere with active and emancipated citizens. This study aims to clarify how social movements (through a case illustration of Occupy) are representative of global citizenship goals while illuminating Occupy’s main goals and dynamic nature. Data collection consisted of 45 interviews conducted at four different Occupy locations in the United States. Interviewee comments entwined with key elements representative of global citizenship education are outlined, and findings indicate not only how social movements can be an integral part of citizenship education but also shed light on a unique ‘we are here’ movement that has transformed public discourse.
Corneal abrasion: assessment and management
Authors: Shahid Syed M , Harrison Nigel
Published: September 2013

Corneal abrasions result from a superficial lesion to the most anterior aspect of the eye, the corneal epithelium. Patients can present to the GP with an array of symptoms including pain, foreign body sensation, decreased visual acuity/blurring, epiphora (excess watering) and photophobia. Most corneal abrasions are self-limiting and appropriate management can be instituted in the GP surgery. However, some require referral for specialist ophthalmology assessment. This article looks at the assessment and management of corneal abrasions and provides evidence-based guidance for ophthalmology referral.
Cataracts
Authors: Nash Emma
Published: September 2013

Cataracts are one of the main causes of visual impairment, accounting for 47.9% of blindness worldwide. It is estimated that more than half of people over the age of 65 years have some degree of cataract development in one or both the eyes. In England and Wales, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists estimates that 2.4 million people aged 65 years or older have at least one visually impairing cataract. Surgical treatment accounted for 329 447 operations in 2008–2009: the most common elective surgical procedure. Familiarity with the diagnosis, consequent functional limitations and the role of secondary care are essential in order to provide effective management of this common condition.
Mental wellbeing in the workplace for GPs
Authors: Riasat Rahhiel
Published: September 2013

The aim of this article is to define wellbeing and why a GP’s wellbeing should be given special consideration. As social and economic pressures escalate, the demands on GPs also increase. This article presents some of the challenges with which GPs are faced, how a work/life balance can be achieved and describes the resources and support available to GPs. It also explores how reforms suggested by the RCGP in the document ‘Patients, doctors and the NHS 2022’ may impact on GP wellbeing.
College Sports, Losing Seasons, and Image Repair Through Open Letters to Fans
Authors: Compton Josh , Compton Jordan L.
Published: September 2013

College sports coaches and administrators can use open letters to repair images and weather crises, especially during losing seasons. Our rhetorical analysis uses Benoit’s typology of image repair to reveal three primary strategies attempted during losing seasons: evading responsibility, reducing offensiveness, and corrective action. We take note of how open letters distributed via electronic media channels widen the audience of such letters, but also, complicate issues of timing and of targeted audience analysis. We offer five implications for scholars and practitioners, including the importance of audience analysis, the value of corrective action, the ineffectiveness of attacking accusers, and the unique value of transcendence in sport communication image repair rhetoric.
Associations Between Adolescent Sibling Conflict and Relationship Quality During the Transition to College
Authors: Lindell Anna K. , Campione-Barr Nicole , Greer Kelly Bassett
Published: September 2013

Family researchers have acknowledged the importance of sibling relationships across the life span, but little is known about how this relationship functions during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. The present study therefore examined how two domains of adolescent sibling conflict (equality and fairness issues and personal domain invasions) are related to sibling relationship quality after firstborns leave home to attend college, from the perspectives of firstborn and secondborn siblings from the same families. Our findings suggest that frequent or intense sibling conflicts during adolescence may be related to more positive and less negative sibling relationships the first year after older siblings leave home, and that conflicts surrounding issues of equality and fairness may facilitate more egalitarian relationships during emerging adulthood for some siblings. It therefore seems that the sibling relationship during the adolescent years may have important implications for its long-term functioning into adulthood.
An Intriguing Endoscopic Case of Asymptomatic Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Boules Mena , Gordon Ilyssa O. , Kirsh Brian , Rizk Maged K.
Published: September 2013

We present the case of a 64-year old male with Crohn’s disease, who has intriguing endoscopic findings. Upon initial diagnosis at age 20, he received steroid therapy, but has not required any further medical intervention. He has remained relatively asymptomatic and keeps a healthy lifestyle. At routine colonoscopy, we identified pseudopolyps as well as tissue bridges within the colon, giving an unusual “swiss cheese” appearance. This case exemplifies the heterogeneity of Crohn’s disease, emphasizing the possibility of finding evidence of ongoing disease despite lack of symptoms.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Decreased neuroinflammation and increased brain energy homeostasis following environmental enrichment after mild traumatic brain injury is associated with improvement in cognitive function
Authors: Briones Teresita L , Woods Julie , Rogozinska Magdalena
Published: September 2013

Background

Persistent neuroinflammation and disruptions in brain energy metabolism is commonly seen in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because of the lack of success of most TBI interventions and the documented benefits of environmental enrichment (EE) in enhancing brain plasticity, here we focused our study on use of EE in regulating injury-induced neuroinflammation and disruptions in energy metabolism in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats were used in the study and randomly assigned to receive either: mild TBI (mTBI) using the controlled cortical injury model or sham surgery. Following surgery, rats from each group were further randomized to either: EE housing or standard laboratory housing (CON). After 4 weeks of recovery, cognitive testing was performed using the non-matching-to-sample and delayed non-matching-to-sample tasks. After completion of behavioral testing, levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were measured. In addition, levels of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), phosphorylated AMPK and uMtCK (ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase) were assessed as measures of brain energy homeostasis.

Results

Our results showed that EE: (1) decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and enhanced levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 after mTBI; (2) mitigated mTBI-induced cognitive impairment; and (3) attenuated mTBI-induced downregulation in pAMPK/AMPK ratio and uMtCK levels.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated the potential of EE to modulate the persistent: (1) neuroinflammatory response seen following mTBI, and (2) persistent disturbance in brain energy homeostasis. It is possible that through the mechanism of modulating neuroinflammation, EE housing was able to restore the disruption in energy metabolism and enhanced functional recovery after mTBI.
Detection of a perfect conductor with an airborne electromagnetic system: The Gemini Field Test
Authors: Smiarowski Adam , Macnae James
Published: September 2013

The cores of high-grade nickel and copper sulphides appear as “perfect conductors” to most electromagnetic (EM) and airborne electromagnetic (AEM) systems, because they have bulk electrical conductivities of the order of [Formula: see text]. The EM response of these highly conductive cores is essentially undetectable with off-time measurements or when using nonrigid towed-bird systems. Compact AEM systems with accurate primary field bucking and on-time or in-phase measurements are sensitive to perfect conductors, but are incapable of detecting deep targets. Using a GPS system to define geometry, calculations suggest that it should be easy for an AEM system to detect “perfect conductors” provided the receiver was several hundred meters distant from the transmitter. A twin (Gemini) aircraft test was undertaken to test this concept in 2005. The field test successfully demonstrated detection of very conductive targets. Errors associated with geometric changes were better than 0.5% of the primary field at 400 m separation, allowing detection and characterization of the 30 Hz, in-phase response of small and extended conductors. The test shows that a 200 × 100 m very-strongly conductive thin-sheet target would be detectable to depths of 200 m below surface using off-the-shelf technology. Larger conductors would be detectable at greater depths.
Seismic interpretation of tectonic and paleogeomorphologic controls on sediment dispersal patterns in a continental rift basin: A case study from the Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhu Hongtao , Zeng Hongliu , Yang Xianghua , He Yawen
Published: September 2013

Tectono-paleogeomorphologic frameworks exert a major control on sediment dispersal patterns and types of depositional systems, both of which influence reservoir geometry and quality. In this study, we analyze the framework of the [Formula: see text] Member of the Dongying Formation in QHD29-2 Block, Bohai Bay Basin, China. The framework is constructed through (1) conventional sedimentologic study of single-well facies, cumulative frequency curves, and thin section analysis, (2) seismic stratigraphic interpretation of sectional seismic facies, and (3) seismic sedimentologic mapping through stratal slicing and seismic multiattribute analysis. The structural system is marked by a master boundary fault in the Shijiutuo Uplift that has greater displacement at its center than at the propagating fault tips. The resulting paleogeomorphologic architecture is characterized by a steep slope in the central part of the boundary fault and two gentle slopes at fault tips. Sediment dispersal patterns indicate that fan-shaped and lobate proximal fan deltas were rapidly deposited in the central steep slope and belt-shaped distal river deltas were deposited in the gentle slopes after long-distance transport. Proposed sediment dispersal patterns for the central fault segment and the propagating fault tips should serve as a useful reference for the stratal geometry, depositional patterns, distribution of depositional facies and of potential reservoir and source rocks, and evaluation of hydrocarbon reservoirs in extensional rift basins in eastern China and similar basins around the world.
Identifying effective interpretation methods for magnetic data by profiling and analyzing human data interactions
Authors: Sivarajah Yathunanthan , Holden Eun-Jung , Togneri Roberto , Dentith Michael
Published: September 2013

Geoscientific data interpretation is a highly subjective and complex task because human intuition and biases play a significant role. Based on these interpretations, however, the mining and petroleum industries make decisions with paramount financial and environmental implications. To improve the accuracy and efficacy of these interpretations, it is important to better understand the interpretation process and the impact of different interpretation techniques, including data processing and display methods. As a first step toward this goal, we aim to quantitatively analyze the variability in geophysical data interpretation between and within individuals. We carried out an experiment to analyze how individuals interact with magnetic data during the process of identifying prescribed targets. Participants performed two target spotting exercises where the same magnetic image was presented at different orientations. The task was to identify the magnetic response from porphyry-style intrusive systems. The experiment involved analyzing the data observation pattern during the interpretation process using an eye tracker system that captures the interpreter’s eye gaze motion and the target-spotting performance. The time at which targets were identified was also recorded. Fourteen participants with varying degrees of experience and expertise participated in this study. The results show inconsistencies within and between the interpreters in target-spotting performance. The results show a correlation between a systematic data observation pattern and target-spotting performance. Improved target-spotting performance was obtained when the magnetic image was observed from multiple orientations. These findings will help to identify and quantify the effective interpretation practices, which can provide a roadmap for the training of geoscientific data interpreters and contribute toward the understanding of the uncertainties in the data interpretation process.
Mudstone (“shale”) depositional and diagenetic processes: Implications for seismic analyses of source-rock reservoirs
Authors: Hart Bruce S. , Macquaker Joe H. S. , Taylor Kevin G.
Published: September 2013

Source-rock reservoirs are fine-grained petroleum source rocks (“shales” or “mudstones”) having geomechanical properties that allow those rocks to produce hydrocarbons at economic rates after stimulation by hydraulic fracturing. Many of the assumptions commonly adopted by geophysicists to characterize shales cannot be applied to source-rock reservoirs. For example, the mineralogies of many source-rock reservoirs are not dominated by clay minerals and so mathematical and/or conceptual models developed for clay-dominated mudstones are not appropriate and cannot be applied to them. Instead, mudstones of shale plays are generally dominated by biogenic calcite and/or quartz. We use terminology of sedimentary geology to show that anisotropy is scale-dependent in source-rock reservoirs, and we discuss the depositional and diagenetic processes that control these and other geophysical properties of interest. The mudstones of source-rock reservoirs may or may not be anisotropic at the lamination scale (i.e., millimeters), the scale commonly used to measure anisotropic parameters via core plugs, but they are nearly always anisotropic at the bedset (centimeters to several meters) and member (tens of meters) scales. Because of the anisotropic nature of mudstones, elastic properties are not scalars at the length/thickness scales that can be defined using seismic methods. Properties of interest are likely to be different parallel to bedding compared to perpendicular to bedding. Because of the subseismic scale of much of this variability, thin-bed effects are likely to influence the AVO behavior of source-rock reservoirs.
Resolving subtle stratigraphic features using spectral ridges and phase residues
Authors: Davogustto Oswaldo , de Matos Marcílio Castro , Cabarcas Carlos , Dao Toan , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: September 2013

Seismic interpretation is dependent on the quality and resolution of seismic data. Unfortunately, seismic amplitude data are often insufficient for detailed sequence stratigraphy interpretation. We reviewed a method to derive high-resolution seismic attributes based upon complex continuous wavelet transform pseudodeconvolution (PD) and phase-residue techniques. The PD method is based upon an assumption of a blocky earth model that allowed us to increase the frequency content of seismic data that, for our data, better matched the well log control. The phase-residue technique allowed us to extract information not only from thin layers but also from interference patterns such as unconformities from the seismic amplitude data. Using data from a West Texas carbonate environment, we found out how PD can be used not only to improve the seismic well ties but also to provide sharper sequence terminations. Using data from an Anadarko Basin clastic environment, we discovered how phase residues delineate incised valleys seen on the well logs that are difficult to see on vertical slices through the original seismic amplitude.
New insights into seismic stratigraphy of shallow-water progradational sequences: Subseismic clinoforms
Authors: Zeng Hongliu , Zhu Xiaomin , Zhu Rukai
Published: September 2013

Seismic clinoforms are the key building blocks for constructing the seismic stratigraphy of progradational depositional sequences. However, not all progradational systems are necessarily represented by seismic clinoforms. We evaluated the definition and interpretation of progradational systems that do not associate with seismic clinoforms. Nonclinoform (or subseismic clinoforms) seismic facies are mainly related to shallow-water deltas where the thickness of a prograding clinoform complex is too thin to be imaged as an offlapping reflection configuration. The clinoform detection limit for clinoform imaging is defined as one wavelength (the thickness of two seismic events) and is related to the predominant frequency of the seismic data and the velocity of the sediments. Three examples from the Songliao Basin of China and Gulf of Mexico illustrated ancient shallow-water deltas with various morphologies in lacustrine and marine environments by integrating the analysis of the core, wireline logs, and amplitude stratal slices made from nonclinoform seismic events. A seismic model of an outcrop carbonate clinoform complex in west Texas further demonstrated the seismic frequency control on clinoform seismic stratigraphy, including transitions between different types of clinoforms and between clinoforms and nonclinoform seismic facies. Ambiguity in interpreting nonclinoform seismic facies can be reduced by high-resolution acquisition, high-frequency enhancement processing, and seismic sedimentology.
Critical reflection illumination analysis
Authors: Cao Jun , Brewer Joel D.
Published: September 2013

Poor imaging is frequently observed in many subsalt regions, making the subsalt stratigraphy interpretation and prospect evaluation challenging. We propose a critical reflection illumination analysis to evaluate subsalt illumination in areas where high-velocity contrasts create illumination and imaging shadows. Critical reflection often occurs at the base or flank of salt bodies. If critical reflection occurred, continued iterations of processing and imaging would generate little, if any, improvement in imaging results. Similarly, increasing the offset/azimuth of the acquisition would offer limited or no advantage. We introduce the critical reflection illumination map and illumination rose diagram to efficiently and effectively evaluate the probability of critical reflection for the target. This analysis can help avoid expensive processing, imaging, and acquisition efforts for areas that are in the critical/postcritical reflection regime. Critical reflection illumination analysis can also be applied to other high-velocity contrast scenarios.
Seismic geomorphology of early North Atlantic sediment waves, offshore northwest Africa
Authors: Dunlap Dallas B. , Wood Lesli J. , Moscardelli Lorena G.
Published: September 2013

The lower continental rise of Morocco’s Atlantic Margin contains three varying morphologies of buried deepwater sediment waves. The 3D mapping of a [Formula: see text] seismic survey acquired in the Safi Haute Mer seismic block revealed numerous linear features that range from small, less than 17-m-thick Jurassic-age amplitude striations up to 110-m-thick migrating Cretaceous contourite sediment waves. Early proto-Atlantic deposition in Safi Haute Mer initiated in the Triassic, with syn- and postrift accumulation in basement half-grabens basinward of the modern Moroccan salt front. Sedimentation continued through the Mesozoic with deposition of turbidites, progradation of clinoforms, and culminating in multiple Late Cretaceous, regionally expansive, mass-transport deposits ([Formula: see text]). Tertiary stratigraphy consists of multiple thin, pelagic drapes and unconformities. The complex history of sedimentation and tectonics gave rise to three styles of sediment waves found within the study area: (1) type J1 — small and poorly imaged, Jurassic age, locally generated wave forms that have wavelengths of up to 12 km and crest-to-crest separations of less than 1 km with little or no vertical expression; (2) type K1 — early Aptian constructional sediment waves ([Formula: see text] thick) built by contour currents that traveled in and near a contourite moat at the base of a seafloor high produced by shallowly buried mobile salt; and (3) type K2 — latest Albian and earliest post-Albian sediment waves built by along-slope currents on a relatively stable slope, showing evidence of updip migration. The type K2 sediment wavefield exhibits wave heights of 40 m and crest-to-crest separations of 1 km, and it is continuous over the entire study area.
Discovery of polymetallic porphyry at the Silver Queen, British Columbia using airborne EM and TITAN-24 DCIP and MT surveys
Authors: Bournas Nasreddine , Clements Ellen , Hearst Rob
Published: September 2013

Airborne electromagnetic, ground direct current and induced polarization (DCIP), and magnetotelluric (MT) surveys have extensively been used in mining exploration and more particularly for the exploration of base metal mineralization. The continuous development of geophysical techniques with advances in the instrumentation and signal processing and the recent development of robust 3D inversion algorithms make possible the detection and accurate delineation of deep-seated mineralization of economic interest. Recently, a deep-penetrating TITAN-24 DCIP and MT survey was conducted over the Silver Queen project area, located in British Columbia, Canada in two phases (2011 and 2012, respectively) by Quantec Geoscience Ltd. on behalf of New Nadina Explorations Ltd. for the exploration of porphyry-style polymetallic mineralization. The ground survey was carried out as a follow-up to the helicopter-borne z-axis tipper electromagnetic survey flown during the spring of 2011 by Geotech Ltd. with the aim to delineate favorable areas for the exploration of porphyry-style deposits. A deep-seated significant zone of anomalously high chargeability occurring in coincidence with a conductive zone was detected by the ground DCIP and MT survey. Drill-testing based on the 3D inversion results of the data led to the discovery of a new significant deep-seated porphyry-style mineralization. The discovery drillhole contained visible disseminated to semimassive sulphide mineralization, gold and molybdenite over 350 m for a total drillhole depth of approximately 800 m and occurs in association with a significant mineralized stockwork zone open at depth.
Time-Dependent Confidence Factor for Structures with Cumulative Damage
Authors: Tolentino Dante , Ruiz Sonia E.
Published: September 2013

An approach is proposed to evaluate the confidence factor implicit in structures over an interval of time, considering that the structural capacity and structural demand vary simultaneously over time. A new closed-form mathematical expression of the confidence factor over a time interval is used, assuming that the structural capacity degradation is represented by a second degree polynomial function in the total interval. This formulation is made in accordance with the demand and capacity factor design format. Confidence factors at the ends of different time intervals are evaluated for an old ten-story building. The confidence factors and their confidence levels, calculated under the assumption that the structural capacity degradation follows a linear function, and alternatively, a polynomial function, are compared. The maximum difference between confidence factors assuming both types of functions is 5% after 100 years of structure construction, which represents a small difference for the engineering practice.
Code-Oriented Methodology for the Seismic Design of Regular Steel Moment-Resisting Braced Frames
Authors: Tapia-Hernández Edgar , Tena-Colunga Arturo
Published: September 2013

In order to help improve the seismic design of regular steel buildings structured with ductile moment-resisting concentrically braced frames (MRCBFs) using the general design methodology of Mexico's Federal District Code (MFDC-04), suitable design parameters were first assessed using the results of pushover analyses of 13 regular MRCBFs. In order to insure collapse mechanisms consistent with the assumptions implicit in a code-based design (strong-column/weak-beam/weaker-brace), it is proposed to relate the minimum strength ratio for the resisting columns of the moment frames and the bracing system. Improved equations are proposed for a more realistic assessment of ductility and overstrength factors. In a second stage, the effectiveness of the improved methodology was assessed with the design of six regular steel buildings with MRCBFs. Buildings were evaluated by performing both pushover and nonlinear time-history analyses under ten selected artificial ground motions related to the corresponding design spectrum.
Effects of Liquefaction on Inelastic Demands on Extended Pile Shafts
Authors: Khosravifar Arash , Boulanger Ross W. , Kunnath Sashi K.
Published: September 2013

Inelastic response of extended pile shafts subjected to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading is investigated using nonlinear dynamic analyses (NDA) covering a range of soil, pile and ground motion conditions. Each soil-structure scenario was analyzed for three cases: a baseline case with soil liquefaction and superstructure inertia; a case with liquefaction, but without superstructure inertia (i.e., superstructure mass removed); and a case without liquefaction (i.e., pore pressure generation eliminated), but with superstructure inertia. Results show that the combined effects of lateral spreading and superstructure inertia produce larger demands (often by more than 50%) than are produced by either loading case alone, such that the combined demand cannot be enveloped by analyzing the two load cases separately. The results of these parametric analyses provide a database that is used in subsequent development of an equivalent static analysis (ESA) design procedure.
Design of Extended Pile Shafts for the Effects of Liquefaction
Authors: Khosravifar Arash , Boulanger Ross W. , Kunnath Sashi K.
Published: September 2013

An equivalent static analysis (ESA) procedure is proposed for the design of extended pile shafts subjected to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading during earthquake loading. The responses of extended pile shafts for a range of soil, structure and ground motion conditions were examined parametrically using nonlinear dynamic finite element analyses (NDA). The results of those parametric analyses were used to develop and calibrate the proposed ESA procedure. The ESA procedure addresses both the nonliquefaction and liquefaction cases, and includes criteria that identify conditions which tend to produce excessive demands or collapse conditions. The ESA procedure, its limitations, and issues important for design are discussed.
Vibration-Based Damage Detection and Seismic Performance Assessment of Bridges
Authors: Özer Ekin , Soyöz Serdar
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes a reliability estimation methodology which utilizes system identification results obtained from vibration measurements. A series of earthquake and white noise excitations are imposed to a three-bent reinforced concrete bridge by three-shaking tables, simultaneously. Progressive structural damage is measured and observed, in accordance with increasing intensities of damaging events. Response measurements are obtained by accelerometers located on the deck and the columns of the bridge. Finite element models for non-updated and updated cases were obtained with and without considering acceleration measurements, respectively. Afterwards, damage detection and reliability estimation were carried out for these two cases using fragility curves. Consequently, it is shown that fragility curves of updated models significantly differ from fragility curves of non-updated models. The distinction stems from the difference between stiffness and especially damping parameters of updated and non-updated models. Such difference becomes more prominent at the extreme levels of damage.
Seismic Response of 20-Story-Tall Reinforced-Concrete Special Moment-Resisting Frames Designed with Current Code Provisions
Authors: Visnjic Tea , Panagiotou Marios , Moehle Jack P.
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the two-dimensional nonlinear seismic response of four 20-story reinforced-concrete special moment-resisting frames designed according to ASCE 7-10 and ACI 318-11 code provisions. Analytical models of the buildings are subjected to a set of ground motions scaled to the smooth design spectra for the design basis earthquake (DBE) and the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) for a site located in Los Angeles, California. Significant inelastic deformations of beams are observed at both hazard levels, but the deformations at the MCE level result in large inelastic tensile strains at the base of the columns. Current code provisions have been found to appreciably underestimate column axial forces and, depending on the procedure used, shear forces in columns as well. Beam growth effects were found to significantly contribute to the shear forces in the columns near the base. Methods for improving estimates of column axial and shear forces are presented.
Development of Steel Dual-Core Self-Centering Braces: Quasi-Static Cyclic Tests and Finite Element Analyses
Authors: Chou Chung-Che , Chen Ying-Chuan
Published: September 2013

This work presents mechanics, tests, and finite element analyses of a novel steel dual-core self-centering brace (SCB) with flag-shaped re-centering responses. The axial deformation capacity of the brace is doubled with respect to the SCED brace by serial deformations of two sets of parallel tensioning elements when both braces use the same tensioning elements. The mechanics of the brace is first explained; six tensioning elements and four dual-core SCBs are tested to evaluate their cyclic performance. The braces exhibit excellent performance up to a drift of 2% with a maximum axial force around 1,400 kN. The braces also survive 15 low-cycle fatigue tests at a drift of 1.5%. Tensioning elements fail when the braces are overloaded to 2.5–3% drift. Finite element analysis is conducted to further verify hysteretic responses of the dual-core SCB in cyclic tests. A design procedure for the proposed dual-core SCB is also included in the paper.
Effect of Earthquake-Induced Damage on the Sidesway Response of Steel Moment-Frame Buildings during Fire Exposure
Authors: Keller Wesley J. , Pessiki Stephen
Published: September 2013

Spray-applied fire-resistive material (SFRM) is prone to debonding, cracking, and spalling in steel moment-frame plastic hinge regions during inelastic seismic response. To evaluate the effect of experimentally observed earthquake-induced SFRM spall patterns on building sidesway response during an ensuing fire, an analytical case study is developed for a steel special moment-frame building with a seismic hazard representative of coastal California. Response data from numerical earthquake simulations indicate that damage to SFRM insulation in beam hinge regions should be anticipated following ground shaking representative of the maximum considered seismic hazard. Thermomechanical post-earthquake fire simulations demonstrate that earthquake-induced SFRM spalling significantly increases thermal degradation in the affected beam hinge regions during fire exposure, leading to pronounced softening of moment-rotation response for the beam-column assemblies. This temperature-induced moment-frame connection softening increases the flexibility of the structural system for sidesway motion and exacerbates drift demands under the action of residual destabilizing forces.
Antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine Protects Pancreatic β-Cells Against Aldosterone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Female db/db Mice and Insulin-Producing MIN6 Cells
Authors: Jin Hui Min , Zhou Dong Chi , Gu Hui Fang , Qiao Qing Yan , Fu Shun Kun , Liu Xiao Li , Pan Yu
Published: September 2013

Previous studies have shown that primary aldosteronism is associated with glucose-related metabolic disorders. However, the mechanisms by which aldosterone (ALDO) triggers β-cell dysfunction remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether oxidative stress is involved in and whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone (SPL) could prevent or delay β-cell damage in vivo and in vitro. As expected, 8 weeks after ALDO treatment, 12-week-old female diabetic db/db mice exhibited impaired oral glucose tolerance, decreased β-cell mass, and heightened levels of oxidative stress marker (urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine). NAC reversed these symptoms completely, whereas SPL treatment did so only partially. After exposure to ALDO, the mouse pancreatic β-cell line MIN6 exhibited decreased viability and increased caspase-3 activity, as well as reduced expression of Bcl-2/Bax and p-AKT, even if mineralocorticoid receptor was completely suppressed with small interfering RNA. NAC, but not SPL, suppressed oxidative stress in MIN6 cells, as revealed by the decrease in inducible NOS levels and expression of the proteins p22-phox and p67-phox. These findings suggest that oxidative stress may be involved in ALDO-induced β-cell dysfunction and that NAC, but not SPL, may protect pancreatic β-cells of mice from ALDO-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in a manner independent of its receptor.