bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing scour potential of unlined rock spillways with the Block Scour Spectrum / Beurteilung der Kolkbildung in nicht ausgekleideten Hochwasserentlastungen in Fels mittels des Block Scour Spectrums
Authors: Kieffer Daniel Scott , Goodman Richard E.
Published: October 2012

Scour of jointed rock is an important safety issue for dams worldwide, with the cases of Kariba Dam and Ricobayo Dam illustrating the severe consequences of dam and spillway foundation erosion. Leading state‐of‐the‐practice methods for assessing rock scour, such as the Erodibility Index Method and Comprehensive Scour Model, consider the influence of rock mass jointing on scour development, but current models have yet to fully consider the three dimensional mechanics and kinematics of rock block removal.

This contribution introduces the Block Scour Spectrum (BSS), a three dimensional analytic approach for determining the resistance rock blocks offer to removal when subjected to hydraulic flow or jet impingement. With the BSS, the resistance offered by different block types comprising the rock mass is determined as a function of resultant block loading direction. The results obtained can be used to optimize spillway direction or anchoring schemes. Application of the BSS is illustrated with a case study of spillway scour at the Ricobayo Dam in Zamora, Spain.

Die Kolkbildung in geklüftetem Fels ist ein bedeutendes Sicherheitsproblem für Talsperren in der ganzen Welt. Die schwerwiegenden Auswirkungen der Erosion im Gründungsbereich von Talsperren und Entlastungsbauwerken können anhand der Kariba‐Talsperre und der Ricobayo‐Talsperre anschaulich betrachtet werden. Die gängigsten Methoden zur Beurteilung der Kolkbildung im Fels wie die Erodibility Index Methode und das Comprehensive Scour Model berücksichtigen zwar den Einfluss der Klüftung auf die Kolkentwicklung, jedoch nicht die dreidimensionale Mechanik und Kinematik der Felsblockablösung.

In diesem Beitrag wird das Block Scour Spectrum (BSS) vorgestellt, ein dreidimensionaler analytischer Ansatz zur Bestimmung des Widerstands von Felsblöcken gegenüber einer Beanspruchung durch einen hydraulischen Abfluss oder das Auftreffen eines Wasserstrahls. Mit dem BSS kann der Widerstand unterschiedlicher Blocktypen eines Felsverbandes und als eine Funktion der resultierenden Belastungsrichtung bestimmt werden. Die Ergebnisse können anschließend genutzt werden, um beispielsweise die Ausrichtung der Entlastungsrinne oder Verankerungsmaßnahmen zu optimieren. Die Anwendung des BSS wird am Beispiel der Ricobayo‐Talsperre in Zamora, Spanien, veranschaulicht, deren Entlastungsrinne durch Kolkbildung massiv beschädigt wurde.
Findings from disc cutting tests on alpine lithologies / Erkenntnisse aus Diskenschneidversuchen an alpinen Lithologien
Authors: Entacher Martin , Lassnig Klaus
Published: October 2012

Full scale linear cutting tests with variable cutter spacing and penetration were conducted on different Alpine lithologies. The analysis focusses on different aspects: First, the investigation of excavated material regarding grain‐size distribution curves and aspect ratios. Second, the investigation of cutting forces to better understand rock breakage and the directional dependence of cutting forces in an anisotropic rock mass. A critical view of TBM performance prediction models is also presented. Results show that the percentage of coarse grain is positively correlated with increased cutter spacing, and changing penetration did not result in significant changes of grain‐size distribution. Analysis of cutting forces shows that knowledge of cutting forces enables a deeper understanding of rock breakage. Furthermore, it is shown that common performance prediction models are not able to cover certain types of rock satisfactorily.

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden Linearschneidversuche mit variablem Schneidspurabstand und Penetration an repräsentativen alpinen Lithologien präsentiert. Das Schwergewicht der Auswertung liegt in der Analyse des Ausbruchmaterials hinsichtlich Sieblinien und Kornform sowie in der Betrachtung der gemessenen Schneidkräfte zum besseren Verständnis des Gesteinsbruchvorgangs, der richtungsabhängigen Kräfte bei anisotropen Gesteinen sowie der kritischen Betrachtung von TBM‐Leistungsprognosemodellen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der Grobkornanteil bei steigendem Schneidspurabstand zunimmt. Die Änderung der Penetration zeigt keinen gravierenden Einfluss auf die Kornsummenkurve. Die Analyse der Schneidkräfte zeigt, dass die Kenntnis von Schneidkräften wertvolle Einblicke in den Gesteinsbruchmechanismus bietet. Als weiteres Ergebnis wird deutlich, dass gängige TBM‐Leistungsprognosemodelle die Schneidbarkeit bestimmter Gesteinsarten nicht adäquat vorhersagen können.
Evaluation of the tendency of clogging and separation of fines on shield drives / Bewertung der Neigung zur Verklebungsbildung und zur Feinkornfreisetzung bei Schildvortrieben
Authors: Hollmann Fritz , Thewes Markus
Published: October 2012

Shield drives in fine‐grained clay soils are often associated with clogging. The tendency of soils to clog depends on numerous parameters. The separation of fines out of the cohesive soil structure also often leads to negative effects. Whether a certain clay soil can become critical depends not only on the soil properties but also the hydrogeological and operating conditions. According to the quantity of water available (groundwater, support fluid), the soil can be altered to a critical consistency range. An evaluation diagram, which takes into account possible changes of water content during the tunnel drive, can be used to evaluate soils under changing conditions (change of available water quantity).

Schildvortriebe in feinkörnigen, tonhaltigen Böden sind häufig mit Verklebungen verbunden. Die Verklebungsneigung von Lockergesteinen hängt von einer Vielzahl an Parametern ab. Auch das Auflösen von Feinkorn aus dem kohäsiven Bodengefüge führt vielfach zu negativen Auswirkungen. Ob ein bestimmtes tonhaltiges Lockergestein kritisch werden kann, hängt neben den Bodeneigenschaften auch von den hydrogeologischen und baubetrieblichen Randbedingungen ab. Je nach Angebot an freiem Wasser (Bergwasser, Stützflüssigkeit) können die Böden in kritische Konsistenzbereiche überführt werden. Mit einem Bewertungs‐Diagramm, das mögliche Wassergehaltsänderungen während des Vortriebs berücksichtigt, können Böden auch unter wechselnden Randbedingungen (unterschiedliches Wasserangebot) beurteilt werden.
Safety on the construction sites of the Koralm Tunnel / Sicherheit auf den Baustellen am Koralmtunnel
Authors: Lauffer‐Neumann Dagmar , Fehleisen Susanne
Published: October 2012

Safety in tunnels – during construction and in operation – is a subject that has been brought to attention again and again in recent years – influenced by incidents, media and authorities. Through the example of the major Koralm Tunnel project, it is explained how the requirements, but also the understanding and the implementation of safety on the construction site have changed and developed over the years of project development. Various project phases are described like EIA, design handed in for approval, tendering and construction. The client was, for example, required to produce a detailed safety concept as part of the preparation of tenders and prepare for its implementation during the construction phase. Client and design team thus intrude into areas, which were formerly left to or transferred to the contractor. In the implementation, it turned out that the delineation of responsibility between contractor and client becomes ever more complex and blurred due to this “preliminary work” by the client. The challenge for the future is to increasingly create awareness of the responsibility of the individual in the implementation of the concept and clarification of open questions. This is described through details from the contract Koralm Tunnel 2 (KAT2).

Sicherheit im Tunnel – in der Bau‐ wie in der Betriebsphase – ist ein Thema, das in den letzten Jahren immer mehr in den Fokus der Menschen gerückt ist – beeinflusst durch Ereignisse, Medien und Behörden. Anhand des Großprojekts Koralmtunnel soll gezeigt werden, wie sich über die Jahre der Projektabwicklung die Anforderungen, aber auch das Verständnis und die Umsetzung der Sicherheit auf der Baustelle geändert und entwickelt haben. Dabei werden die verschiedenen Projektphasen wie UVE, Einreichplanung, Ausschreibung und Ausführung beleuchtet. Der Bauherr war hier u. a. gefordert, in der Ausschreibungsplanung ein detailliertes Sicherheitskonzept zu entwerfen und dessen Umsetzung in der Ausführungsphase vorzubereiten. Bauherr und Planungsteam drangen damit in Bereiche ein, die bisher weitgehend den ausführenden Firmen überlassen bzw. übertragen wurden. In der Umsetzung zeigt sich, dass die Abgrenzung der Verantwortung zwischen Auftragnehmer und Auftraggeber durch diese “Vorarbeit” des Arbeitgebers immer komplexer und unschärfer wird. Die Herausforderung für die Zukunft besteht darin, verstärkt das Bewusstsein für die Verantwortung des Einzelnen bei der Umsetzung des Konzepts und Klärung offener Detailfragen zu schaffen. Beispielhaft wird dies am Baulos Koralmtunnel 2 (KAT2) dargestellt.
Impact of a Pharmacist‐Led Warfarin Self‐Management Program on Quality of Life and Anticoagulation Control: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Verret Lucie , Couturier Justine , Rozon Andréanne , Saudrais‐Janecek Sarah , St‐Onge Amélie , Nguyen Angela , Basmadjian Arsène , Tremblay Simon , Brouillette Denis , de Denus Simon
Published: October 2012

Study Objective

To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist‐led warfarin patient self‐management program on quality of life and anticoagulation control compared with management in a physician‐led specialized anticoagulation clinic.

Design

Prospective, randomized, controlled, open‐label trial.

Setting

Tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients

A total of 114 patients aged 18–75 years who were followed at a specialized anticoagulation clinic, had received warfarin for at least 6 months, and were expected to continue warfarin for a minimum of 4 months.

Intervention

All patients attended an educational session on anticoagulation provided by a pharmacist. Patients randomized to the self‐management group (58 patients) also received practical training to use the CoaguChek XS device and a self‐management dosing algorithm. Patients in the control group (56 patients) continued to undergo standard management at the anticoagulation clinic.

Measurements and Main Results

Patients completed a validated quality‐of‐life questionnaire and the validated Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge test at the beginning and end of the study. The quality of anticoagulation control was evaluated by using the time spent in therapeutic range. After 4 months of follow‐up, a significant improvement in the self‐management group was observed compared with the control group in four of the five quality‐of‐life topics (p<0.05). Improvements in knowledge were observed in both groups after the training session and persisted after 4 months (p<0.05 for all). The time spent in the therapeutic range (80.0% in the self‐management group vs 75% in the control group, p=0.79) and in the extended therapeutic range ([target international normalized ratio ± 0.3] 93.2% in the self‐management group vs 91.1% in the control group, p=0.30) were similar between groups.

Conclusion

A self‐management warfarin program led by pharmacists resulted in significant improvement in the quality of life of patients receiving warfarin therapy as well as a reduction in the time required for anticoagulation monitoring, while maintaining a level of anticoagulation control similar to a high‐quality specialized anticoagulation clinic.
Distribution characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances and cells of aerobic granules cultivated in a continuous‐flow airlift reactor
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Dong Shuangshi , Gao Linlin , Liu Mengyuan , Niu Shu
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: Most studies on the cultivation of aerobic granules to date have been based on the sequencing batch reactor (SBR). A continuous flow airlift fluidized bed reactor (CAFB) was set up, and the operating conditions which promoted granulation in the SBR were not controlled. The distribution characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and cells of the aerobic granules were studied under these operating conditions.

RESULTS: Cells, polysaccharide and protein were all distributed uniformly throughout the granules, confirmed by both confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations. However, for the granules in the SBR, the core of the granules was usually composed of protein and dead cells, and living cells survived only in their outer layers. Such a distribution of granules in the CAFB was confirmed to be related to the advanced oxygen transfer ability and strong shear force in the CAFB. Even microbial cells in the center were supplied with sufficient food to maintain bioactivity. Thus, the CAFB performed COD removal very efficiently.

CONCLUSION: Cells and EPS in the aerobic granules of a CAFB were more uniformly distributed compared with those in granules of the reported SBR reactors, owing to the particular operating conditions of the CAFB. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Substituent effect on structure and surface activity of N‐methylpyridinium salts studied by FT‐IR, FT‐RS, SERS and DFT calculations
Authors: Marzec K. M. , Jaworska A. , Malek K. , Kaczor A. , Baranska M.
Published: October 2012

The substituent effect on structure and surface activity of mono‐ and disubstituted N‐methylpyridinium salts was investigated by means of Raman, infrared and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The significant differences observed in Raman and infrared spectra have been correlated with marker bands assigned to in‐plane and out‐of‐plane vibrations, respectively. This vibrational analysis, complemented by quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p)) was a basis for investigation of the surface activity of the studied compounds. Significant differences in their SERS spectra related to the enhancement mechanism and adsorbate orientation have been observed and analyzed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of quality of life with the multiple system atrophy health‐related quality of life scale
Authors: Meissner Wassilios G. , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Dupouy Sandrine , Gerdelat‐Mas Angélique , Debs Rachel , Marquant Fabienne , De Cock Valérie Cochen , Rascol Olivier , Tison François , Pavy‐Le Traon Anne
Published: October 2012

Background:

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) has considerable effect on health‐related quality of life (Hr‐QoL). The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate Hr‐QoL by using the MSA health‐related Quality of Life (MSA‐QoL) scale.

Methods:

Evaluation of 100 patients at baseline and after a mean follow‐up of 11.5 months was performed. Assessment was made of potential associations with established markers of disease progression. Calculation was performed of sample‐size estimates for various effect sizes.

Results:

MSA‐QoL scale scores were less responsive to change than Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS) scores. Responsiveness was largely improved and reasonable sample‐size estimates were obtained when limiting the analysis to items with significant change over time.

Conclusions:

The UMSARS remains the “gold standard” for disease‐modifying/neuroprotection trials. An MSA‐QoL Change Scale, based on the most responsive items, may become a valuable tool. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Psychogenic facial movement disorders: Clinical features and associated conditions
Authors: Fasano Alfonso , Valadas Anabela , Bhatia Kailash P. , Prashanth L.K. , Lang Anthony E. , Munhoz Renato P. , Morgante Francesca , Tarsy Daniel , Duker Andrew P. , Girlanda Paolo , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Espay Alberto J.
Published: October 2012

The facial phenotype of psychogenic movement disorders has not been fully characterized. Seven tertiary‐referral movement disorders centers using a standardized data collection on a computerized database performed a retrospective chart review of psychogenic movement disorders involving the face. Patients with organic forms of facial dystonia or any medical or neurological disorder known to affect facial muscles were excluded. Sixty‐one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for psychogenic facial movement disorders (91.8% females; age: 37.0 ± 11.3 years). Phasic or tonic muscular spasms resembling dystonia were documented in all patients most commonly involving the lips (60.7%), followed by eyelids (50.8%), perinasal region (16.4%), and forehead (9.8%). The most common pattern consisted of tonic, sustained, lateral, and/or downward protrusion of one side of the lower lip with ipsilateral jaw deviation (84.3%). Ipsi‐ or contralateral blepharospasm and excessive platysma contraction occurred in isolation or combined with fixed lip dystonia (60.7%). Spasms were reported as painful in 24.6% of cases. Symptom onset was abrupt in most cases (80.3%), with at least 1 precipitating psychological stress or trauma identified in 57.4%. Associated body regions involved included upper limbs (29.5%), neck (16.4%), lower limbs (16.4%), and trunk (4.9%). There were fluctuations in severity and spontaneous exacerbations and remissions (60%). Prevalent comorbidities included depression (38.0%) and tension headache (26.4%). Fixed jaw and/or lip deviation is a characteristic pattern of psychogenic facial movement disorders, occurring in isolation or in combination with other psychogenic movement disorders or other psychogenic features. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Robust microarray production of freshly expressed proteins in a human milieu
Authors: Festa Fernanda , Rollins Sean M. , Vattem Krishna , Hathaway Margarita , Lorenz Phillip , Mendoza Eliseo A. , Yu Xiaobo , Qiu Ji , Kilmer Greg , Jensen Penny , Webb Brian , Ryan Ed T. , LaBaer Joshua
Published: October 2012

Purpose

In vitro transcription/translation (IVTT) systems are widely used in proteomics. For clinical applications, mammalian systems are preferred for protein folding and activity; however, the level of protein obtained is low. A new system extracted from human cells (1‐Step Human Coupled IVT (HCIVT)) has the potential to overcome this problem and deliver high yields of protein expressed in a human milieu.

Experimental design

Western blots and self‐assembled protein microarrays were used to test the efficiency of protein synthesis by HCIVT compared to rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL). The arrays were also used to measure the immune response obtained from serum of patients exposed to pathogens or vaccine.

Results

HCIVT performed better than RRL in all experiments. The yield of protein synthesized in HCIVT is more than ten times higher than RRL, in both Western blot and protein microarrays. Moreover, HCIVT showed a robust lot‐to‐lot reproducibility. In immune assays, the signals of many antigens were detected only in HCIVT‐expressed arrays, mainly due to the reduction in the background signal and the increased levels of protein on the array.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

HCIVT is a robust in vitro transcription and translation system that yields high levels of protein produced in a human milieu. It can be used in applications where protein expression in a mammalian system and high yields are needed. The increased immunogenic response of HCIVT‐expressed proteins will be critical for biomarker discovery in many diseases, including cancer.
Dynamics and functional differences between dendroaspin and rhodostomin: Insights into protein scaffolds in integrin recognition
Authors: Cheng Chun‐Ho , Chen Yi‐Chun , Shiu Jia‐Hau , Chang Yao‐Tsung , Chang Yung‐Sheng , Huang Chun‐Hau , Chen Chiu‐Yueh , Chuang Woei‐Jer
Published: October 2012

Dendroaspin (Den) and rhodostomin (Rho) are snake venom proteins containing a PRGDMP motif. Although Den and Rho have different 3D structures, they are highly potent integrin inhibitors. To study their structure, function, and dynamics relationships, we expressed Den and Rho in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant Den and Rho inhibited platelet aggregation with the KI values of 149.8 and 83.2 nM. Cell adhesion analysis showed that Den was 3.7 times less active than Rho when inhibiting the integrin αIIbβ3 and 2.5 times less active when inhibiting the integrin αvβ3. In contrast, Den and Rho were similarly active when inhibiting the integrin α5β1 with the IC50 values of 239.8 and 256.8 nM. NMR analysis showed that recombinant Den and Rho have different 3D conformations for their arginyl‐glycyl‐aspartic acid (RGD) motif. However, the comparison with Rho showed that the docking of Den into integrin αvβ3 resulted in a similar number of contacts. Analysis of the dynamic properties of the RGD loop in Den and Rho showed that they also had different dynamic properties. These results demonstrate that protein scaffolds affect the function, structure, and dynamics of their RGD motif.
Determination of amyloid core structure using chemical shifts
Authors: Skora Lukasz , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: October 2012

Amyloid fibrils are the pathological hallmark of a large variety of neurodegenerative disorders. The structural characterization of amyloid fibrils, however, is challenging due to their non‐crystalline, heterogeneous, and often dynamic nature. Thus, the structure of amyloid fibrils of many proteins is still unknown. We here show that the structure calculation program CS‐Rosetta can be used to obtain insight into the core structure of amyloid fibrils. Driven by experimental solid‐state NMR chemical shifts and taking into account the polymeric nature of fibrils CS‐Rosetta allows modeling of the core of amyloid fibrils. Application to the Y145X stop mutant of the human prion protein reveals a left‐handed β‐helix
Group consensus control for double‐integrator dynamic multiagent systems with fixed communication topology
Authors: Feng Yuanzhen , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Baoyong
Published: October 2012

The problem of group consensus is investigated in this paper, where all agents possess double‐integrator dynamics. Two different kinds of consensus protocols are proposed for networks with fixed communication topology to reach group consensus for the agents’ positions and velocities. Convergence analysis is discussed, and necessary and/or sufficient conditions are presented for multiagent systems to achieve group consensus. The first protocol leads to dynamic consensus where positions of all agents reach time‐varying consensus values. By applying the second protocol, both the agents’ positions and their velocities reach constant consensus values. That is, static consensus is achieved. Simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term Effects of Social Exclusion at Work and Worries on Sleep
Authors: Pereira Diana , Meier Laurenz L. , Elfering Achim
Published: October 2012

The present study investigated short‐term effects of daily social exclusion at work on various indicators of sleep quality and tested the mediating role of work‐related worries using a time‐based diary study with ambulatory assessments of sleep quality. Ninety full‐time employees participated in a 2‐week data collection. Multilevel analyses revealed that daily workplace social exclusion and work‐related worries were positively related to sleep fragmentation in the following night. Daily social exclusion, however, was unrelated to sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency and self‐reported sleep quality. Moreover, worries did not mediate the effect of social exclusion at work on sleep fragmentation. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Druckbeanspruchte Fachwerkstäbe mit exzentrischen Knotenblechanschlüssen – Teil 2
Authors: Dietz Horst , Wörner Markus
Published: October 2012

Im Zusammenhang mit einem schweren Baustellenunfall, bei dem die Schadensursache auf einen mit exzentrisch gestoßenen Knotenblechen angeschlossenen Fachwerkstab zurückgeführt wurde, sind im Nachgang hierzu Fragen hinsichtlich einer ausreichenden Stabilitätsbemessung mit Erfassung der wesentlichen Einflüsse aus den Anschlussbereichen aufgetreten. Dazu zählen Auswirkungen infolge Steifigkeitsabfall und Blechexzentrizitäten, Imperfektionsannahmen sowie der Ansatz der maßgebenden Biegeknickfigur. Der nachfolgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit grundsätzlichen Überlegungen und gibt Hinweise und Anregungen für die praktische Bemessung (Teil 1 s. H. 8/2012).

Trussed compression members with excentric junction plates. After a serious accident at a construction site, which cause was attributed to a trussed compression member jointed with excentric junction plates, questions occurred, concerning a sufficient design for stability considering effects related to the joint. Those effects include consequences due to a loss of stiffness and excentricity of junction plates, estimated imperfections and the decisive buckling mode. The following article deals with basic thoughts about the topic and gives advices and suggestions for a practical design.
Erster Bauabschnitt der Eisenbahnüberführung Peeneklappbrücke in Anklam
Authors: Stelzer Barbara , Dorrer Günther
Published: October 2012

Die 1938 errichtete Eisenbahnüberführung Peeneklappbrücke Anklam ist Teil der Bahnstrecke 6081 von Berlin nach Stralsund. Im Rahmen des Ausbaus des zweigleisigen Streckenabschnitts zur europäischen Hochgeschwindigkeitsstrecke werden die insgesamt vier Brückentragwerke (zwei Klappbrücken, zwei Trogbrücken) rückgebaut und durch Neubauten, die den heutigen Anforderungen entsprechen, ersetzt. Eine der denkmalgeschützten alten Klappbrücken wird neben den Neubauten als Denkmal wiedererrichtet. Derzeit ist der erste Bauabschnitt abgeschlossen und die Arbeiten des zweiten Bauabschnitts laufen. Nach Abschluss der Arbeiten ermöglichen die Neubauten eine Geschwindigkeit von 120 km/h im Bereich der Wasserstraßenquerung.

First stage of construction of the railway overpass Peeneklappbrücke in Anklam, Germany – Dismantling and erection of the steel superstructure. The 1938 constructed Eisenbahnüberführung Peeneklappbrücke Anklam is part of the railroad No. 6081 connecting Berlin with Stralsund. Within the development of the double tracked railroad into a European high speed route the four bridge structures (two bascule bridge, two trough bridges) are removed and substituted by new structures, which are in accordance with today’s requirements. One of the heritage‐protected old moveable bridges will be reassembled as a monument next to the new constructed bridges. At this time the first construction stage has been finished and the operations for the second construction stage are processing. When the works will be finished next year, it will be possible to drive at a speed of 120 km/h on the new railway bridges.
2K‐PUR‐Zwischenbeschichtungen an Brückenbauwerken
Authors: Gelhaar Andreas , Schneider Andreas
Published: October 2012

Bei der Herstellung des Korrosionsschutzes an einem Brückenbauwerk wurde ein modifiziertes Beschichtungssystem in Anlehnung an Blatt 87 der TL/TP‐KOR‐Stahlbauten mit einer 2K‐PUR‐Zwischenbeschichtung eingesetzt. Im Zuge der baustellenseitigen Ausführung der Deckbeschichtung des eine Einzelfallzulassung der BASt aufweisenden Beschichtungssystems wurden Probeflächen zur Überprüfung der Eigenschaftskennwerte angelegt. Die nach Abschluss der Korrosionsschutzarbeiten und zum Ende der Gewährleistungszeit durchgeführte gutachterliche Prüfung ergab in beiden Fällen einen sehr guten Haftverbund des Gesamtsystems mit einem ausschließlichen Trennfall Kohäsionsbruch bei der Abreißprüfung.
Der Bau der Autobahnbrücken Itzehoe im Zuge der A23
Authors: Menzel Nadine , Rilling Jan , Rings Ralph , Heiland Uwe
Published: October 2012

Im Bereich der Ortslage Itzehoe wurde im Jahr 1967 der Neubau einer ca.1200 m langen Spannbetonbrücke fertig gestellt. Die Lebensdauer und Nutzungszeit dieser Brücke war aufgrund ihres Zustandes durch Gutachten auf das Jahr 2009 begrenzt worden. Zum Ersatz dieses Bauwerkes wurde ein nach aktuellen Entwurfskriterien konzipierter Verbundbrückenzug gleicher Länge errichtet, der aus drei Einzelbauwerken, der Vorlandbrücke Nord, der Strombrücke über den Fluss Stör und die Vorlandbrücke Süd besteht. Die Außerdienststellung des Bestandes und sein Ersatz erfolgt in zwei Bauabschnitten, bei denen im 1. Bauabschnitt parallel zum vorhandenen Bauwerk der neue Brückenzug für die Richtungsfahrbahn Heide gebaut wurde. Im 2. Bauabschnitt erfolgt der Abbruch des Spannbetonbrückenzuges und anschließend der Neubau des Brückenzuges der Richtungsfahrbahn Hamburg. Für alle drei Bauaufgaben, dem Neubau zweier Verbundbrücken für die Überführung der Richtungsfahrbahnen der A23 auf der Ortslage Itzehoe und der Demontage eines Spannbetonbauwerkes, wurden unterschiedliche Lösungen umgesetzt, die teilweise grundsätzliche Vorgehensweisen darstellen oder weiterentwickeln.

New Motorway Bridges Itzehoe in the Course of Autobahn A23. In the vicinity of the city of Itzehoe the new construction of a prestressed concrete bridge, 1200 meters long, was finished in 1967. Due to the condition of this bridge the durability and operational life span was limited to the year 2009. As replacement for this construction a new composite bridge of the same length was built according to current design criteria. The new bridge consists of three single structures, the approach bridge north, the part crossing the river Stör and the approach bridge south. The decommissioning of the existing structure and its replacement will be effected in two phases. In the first phase the new bridge for the direction Heide was built parallel to the existing structure. In the second phase the demolition of the prestressed concrete bridge was carried out followed by the new building of the bridge for the direction Hamburg. For all the three construction jobs, the building of two composite bridges for the overpass the carriageway of the autobahn A23 on the site Itzehoe and the disassembly of a prestressed concrete building, different solutions have been realised, which represent or develop partially basic procedures.
The Architectural Patronage of Two Late Medieval Bishops: Edington, Wykeham and the rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral nave
Authors: Hare John
Published: October 2012

This paper reassesses the transformation of Winchester Cathedral nave in the second half of the fourteenth century from the Romanesque to its present form. It argues for a more complex and earlier development than traditionally accepted, with the rebuilding of the nave itself beginning in the early 1370s rather than in 1394. After the construction of the new porches Edington had planned to rebuild the nave completely, but by the time of his death even the west end was incomplete. His successor, Wykeham, adopted a more cautious and staged remodelling, starting with the creation of a new great arcade which he began in the 1370s and resumed in 1394. Subsequently, Wykeham began to complete the rebuilding with remodelled aisles, the clerestory and the vault. The implications of this proposed earlier dating are explored, including providing a major work in the 1370s for William Wynford, one of the most important architects of the period.
Use of diagnostic information submitted to the United Kingdom Central Cardiac Audit Database: development of categorisation and allocation algorithms
Authors: Brown Kate L. , Crowe Sonya , Pagel Christina , Bull Catherine , Muthialu Nagarajan , Gibbs John , Cunningham David , Utley Martin , Tsang Victor T. , Franklin Rodney
Published: October 2012

Objective

To categorise records according to primary cardiac diagnosis in the United Kingdom Central Cardiac Audit Database in order to add this information to a risk adjustment model for paediatric cardiac surgery.

Design

Codes from the International Paediatric Congenital Cardiac Code were mapped to recognisable primary cardiac diagnosis groupings, allocated using a hierarchy and less refined diagnosis groups, based on the number of functional ventricles and presence of aortic obstruction.

Setting

A National Clinical Audit Database.

Patients

Children undergoing cardiac interventions: the proportions for each diagnosis scheme are presented for 13,551 first patient surgical episodes since 2004.

Results

In Scheme 1, the most prevalent diagnoses nationally were ventricular septal defect (13%), patent ductus arteriosus (10.4%), and tetralogy of Fallot (9.5%). In Scheme 2, the prevalence of a biventricular heart without aortic obstruction was 64.2% and with aortic obstruction was 14.1%; the prevalence of a functionally univentricular heart without aortic obstruction was 4.3% and with aortic obstruction was 4.7%; the prevalence of unknown (ambiguous) number of ventricles was 8.4%; and the prevalence of acquired heart disease only was 2.2%. Diagnostic groups added to procedural information: of the 17% of all operations classed as “not a specific procedure”, 97.1% had a diagnosis identified in Scheme 1 and 97.2% in Scheme 2.

Conclusions

Diagnostic information adds to surgical procedural data when the complexity of case mix is analysed in a national database. These diagnostic categorisation schemes may be used for future investigation of the frequency of conditions and evaluation of long-term outcome over a series of procedures.
Triage During Mass Gatherings
Authors: Turris Sheila A. , Lund Adam
Published: October 2012

Triage is a complex process and is one means for determining which patients most need access to limited resources. Triage has been studied extensively, particularly in relation to triage in overcrowded emergency departments, where individuals presenting for treatment often are competing for the available stretchers. Research also has been done in relation to the use of prehospital and field triage during mass-casualty incidents and disasters.

In contrast, scant research has been done to develop and test an effective triage approach for use in mass-gathering and mass-participation events, although there is a growing body of knowledge regarding the health needs of persons attending large events. Existing triage and acuity scoring systems are suboptimal for this unique population, as these events can involve high patient presentation rates (PPR) and, occasionally, critically ill patients. Mass-gathering events are dangerous; a higher incidence of injury occurs than would be expected from general population statistics.

The need for an effective triage and acuity scoring system for use during mass gatherings is clear, as these events not only create multiple patient encounters, but also have the potential to become mass-casualty incidents. Furthermore, triage during a large-scale disaster or mass-casualty incident requires that multiple, local agencies work together, necessitating a common language for triage and acuity scoring.

In reviewing existing literature with regard to triage systems that might be employed for this population, it is noted that existing systems are biased toward traumatic injuries, usually ignoring mitigating factors such as alcohol and drug use and environmental exposures. Moreover, there is a substantial amount of over-triage that occurs with existing prehospital triage systems, which may lead to misallocation of limited resources. This manuscript presents a review of the available literature and proposes a triage system for use during mass gatherings that also may be used in the setting of mass-casualty incidents or disaster responses.

TurrisSA, LundA. Triage during mass gatherings. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(6):1-5.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND THE BUSINESS CYCLE: SHOULD BENEFIT ENTITLEMENT DURATION REACT TO THE CYCLE?
Authors: Moyen Stéphane , Stähler Nikolai
Published: October 2012

The aim of this paper is to study the optimal duration of unemployment benefit entitlement across the business cycle. We analyze whether the entitlement duration should be prolonged in bad and shortened in good times. Because of consumption smoothing, such a countercyclical policy can be welfare-enhancing as long as it does not affect labor market adjustment too severely and/or as long as it can even help to reduce inefficiencies there. If, however, the labor market is already quite inflexible, procyclical behavior may be preferable. In a calibrated dynamic business cycle framework, we find that countercyclical benefit entitlement duration may be preferable in the United States but not in Europe.
Is dairy product consumption associated with the incidence of CHD?
Authors: Avalos Elisea E , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Kritz-Silverstein Donna , Wingard Deborah L , Bergstrom Jaclyn N , Al-Delaimy Wael K
Published: October 2012

Objective

Studies examining the association of dairy consumption with incident CHD have yielded inconsistent results. The current prospective study examined the association between dairy consumption and CHD in a population-based sample of older community-dwelling adults.

Design

Baseline CHD risk factors were assessed and an FFQ was self-administered. Participants were followed for morbidity and mortality with periodic clinic visits and annual mailed questionnaires for an average of 16·2 years, with a 96 % follow-up rate for fatal and non-fatal CHD.

Setting

Community.

Subjects

Participants were 751 men and 1008 women aged 50–93 years who attended a clinic visit in 1984–1987.

Results

At baseline the mean age was 70·6 (sd9·8) years for men and 70·1 (sd9·3) years for women. Participants who developed CHD during follow-up were significantly older (P< 0·001), had higher BMI (P= 0·035) and higher total cholesterol (P= 0·050), and were more likely to be male (P< 0·001), diabetic (P= 0·011) and hypertensive (P< 0·001), than those who did not develop CHD. Multivariate regression analyses adjusting for age, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, LDL-cholesterol and oestrogen use (in women) indicated that women who consumed low-fat cheese ‘sometimes/often’ and women who consumed non-fat milk ‘sometimes/often’ had an increased risk of incident CHD (hazard ratio = 2·32; 95 % CI 1·57, 3·41) and CHD (hazard ratio = 1·48; 95 % CI 1·02, 2·16) compared with women who ‘never/rarely’ ate these dairy products.

Conclusions

Woman with higher intake of low-fat cheese and non-fat milk seem to have a higher risk of incident CHD. This needs further investigation considering recent evidence of cardiovascular benefits from certain dairy fat.
Electron Tomography of HEK293T Cells Using Scanning Electron Microscope–Based Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: You Yun-Wen , Chang Hsun-Yun , Liao Hua-Yang , Kao Wei-Lun , Yen Guo-Ji , Chang Chi-Jen , Tsai Meng-Hung , Shyue Jing-Jong
Published: October 2012

Based on a scanning electron microscope operated at 30 kV with a homemade specimen holder and a multiangle solid-state detector behind the sample, low-kV scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is presented with subsequent electron tomography for three-dimensional (3D) volume structure. Because of the low acceleration voltage, the stronger electron-atom scattering leads to a stronger contrast in the resulting image than standard TEM, especially for light elements. Furthermore, the low-kV STEM yields less radiation damage to the specimen, hence the structure can be preserved. In this work, two-dimensional STEM images of a 1-μm-thick cell section with projection angles between ±50° were collected, and the 3D volume structure was reconstructed using the simultaneous iterative reconstructive technique algorithm with the TomoJ plugin for ImageJ, which are both public domain software. Furthermore, the cross-sectional structure was obtained with the Volume Viewer plugin in ImageJ. Although the tilting angle is constrained and limits the resulting structural resolution, slicing the reconstructed volume generated the depth profile of the thick specimen with sufficient resolution to examine cellular uptake of Au nanoparticles, and the final position of these nanoparticles inside the cell was imaged.
Shear wave velocities in the Pampean flat‐slab region from Rayleigh wave tomography: Implications for slab and upper mantle hydration
Authors: Porter Ryan , Gilbert Hersh , Zandt George , Beck Susan , Warren Linda , Calkins Josh , Alvarado Patricia , Anderson Megan
Published: October 2012

The Pampean flat‐slab region, located in central Argentina and Chile between 29° and 34°S, is considered a modern analog for Laramide flat‐slab subduction within western North America. Regionally, flat‐slab subduction is characterized by the Nazca slab descending to ∼100 km depth, flattening out for ∼300 km laterally before resuming a more “normal” angle of subduction. Flat‐slab subduction correlates spatially with the track of the Juan Fernandez Ridge, and is associated with the inboard migration of deformation and the cessation of volcanism within the region. To better understand flat‐slab subduction we combine ambient‐noise tomography and earthquake‐generated surface wave measurements to calculate a regional 3D shear velocity model for the region. Shear wave velocity variations largely relate to changes in lithology within the crust, with basins and bedrock exposures clearly defined as low‐ and high‐velocity regions, respectively. We argue that subduction‐related hydration plays a significant role in controlling shear wave velocities within the upper mantle. In the southern part of the study area, where normal‐angle subduction is occurring, the slab is visible as a high‐velocity body with a low‐velocity mantle wedge above it, extending eastward from the active arc. Where flat‐slab subduction is occurring, slab velocities increase to the east while velocities in the overlying lithosphere decrease, consistent with the slab dewatering and gradually hydrating the overlying mantle. The hydration of the slab may be contributing to the excess buoyancy of the subducting oceanic lithosphere, helping to drive flat‐slab subduction.
Long‐term changes in stratospheric age spectra in the 21st century in the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry‐Climate Model (GEOSCCM)
Authors: Li Feng , Waugh Darryn W. , Douglass Anne R. , Newman Paul A. , Strahan Susan E. , Ma Jun , Nielsen J. Eric , Liang Qing
Published: October 2012

In this study we investigate long‐term variations in the stratospheric age spectra using a 21st century simulation with the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry‐Climate Model (GEOSCCM). Our purposes are to characterize the long‐term changes in the age spectra, and identify processes that cause the decrease of the mean age in a changing climate. Changes in the age spectra in the 21st century simulation are characterized by decreases in the modal age, the mean age, the spectral width, and the tail decay timescale throughout the stratosphere. Our analyses show that the decrease in the mean age is caused by two processes: the acceleration of the residual circulation that increases the young air masses in the stratosphere, and the weakening of the recirculation that leads to a decrease of the tail of the age spectra and a decrease of the old air masses. Weakening of the stratospheric recirculation is also strongly correlated with the increase of the residual circulation. One important result of this study is that the decrease of the tail of the age spectra makes an important contribution to the decrease of the mean age. Long‐term changes in the stratospheric isentropic mixing are also investigated. Mixing increases in the subtropical lower stratosphere, but its impact on the age spectra is smaller than the increase of the residual circulation. The impacts of the long‐term changes in the age spectra on long‐lived chemical tracers are also investigated.
Supporting cross-cultural brokers is essential for employment among Aboriginal people in remote Australia
Authors: Maru Yiheyis T. , Davies Jocelyn
Published: October 2012

Employment is generally considered as essential for improving individual and social livelihoods and wellbeing in Australia. Typically, employment rates are low among Aboriginal people living in remote regions of Australia. Often this is attributed to a lack of mainstream labour markets. However, Aboriginal employment participation is low even in remote places where there are employment opportunities, creating a seemingly paradoxical situation of lots of job vacancies and lots of unemployed locals. Social networks are one of the factors that contribute to this phenomenon, and that can potentially help to address it. We applied social network and social capital theory in research in the Anmatjere region of central Australia. Our findings indicate that Aboriginal people have strong and dense bonding networks but sparse bridging and linking networks. While the existence of such ties is supported by research and observation elsewhere in remote Australia, the implications for employment have not been considered from the perspective of social network theory. Dense bonding networks reinforce, and are reinforced by, Aboriginal norms of sharing and reciprocity. These underpin the Aboriginal moral economy but can have negative influence on motivation to engage with mainstream employment opportunities that are driven by workplace and market norms. Brokers who can bridge and link Aboriginal individuals and their dense social networks to potential employers are essential for Aboriginal people to be able to obtain trusted information on jobs and have entrée to employment opportunities. Brokers also foster new norms that mediate the conflicting values and expectations held by potential Aboriginal employees and employers, who are generally not Aboriginal people. Social network theory suggests that bridging and linking provides advantage to the broker. However, stress and burnout are readily suffered by the people who broker networks with divergent values in cross-cultural settings. To improve employment outcomes and expand livelihood options for Aboriginal people in remote Australia, it is essential to recognise, support and recruit brokers.
A framework for sustainable rangeland livelihoods
Authors: LaFlamme Michael
Published: October 2012

Natural environments around the world shape their human residents, whose land management practices in turn shape their natural environments. The trial-and-error process of learning how to live within a human-environment system is costly for lands and for people. However, groups who have lived in the same type of place over long periods of time have often developed similar practices. For 20 years, sustainable livelihood frameworks have been used to identify those effective practices and to make them clear to others. I developed the Sustainable Rangeland Framework (SRF) by comparing scientific reports, pastoral management plans, Aboriginal experiences and government programs to identify how very different rangeland landholders could work together to benefit our human-environment system. The SRF focuses on ways to build valuable assets. I found that all groups described six similar categories of assets: landscape, biodiversity, flexibility, skill, information and networks. Land managers use their assets to develop strategies that increase sustainability and reduce vulnerability to risk. The SRF helps land managers visualise how each decision balances productivity and vulnerability in the context of ecological, economic and social variability. I provide a set of six measures for groups to evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies in building stronger assets. Because the SRF clarifies the learning process and highlights the benefits of collaboration, rangeland groups can use this model to work together to develop more secure lives in our increasingly unpredictable environment.