bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Strategies to Improve Sinus Surgery Outcomes in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crockett David J. , Wilson Kevin F. , Meier Jeremy D.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Review the literature for intraoperative techniques and postoperative practices after functional endoscopy sinus surgery (FESS) that may improve outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Data Sources

PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed. Articles from 1990 to 2012 were searched using the terms sinus surgery and cystic fibrosis with studies limited to the English language and human subjects. Abstracts were reviewed to identify relevant original manuscripts. Bibliographies of relevant articles were examined to identify additional manuscripts.

Results

The initial PubMed search identified 169 articles. One additional article was identified through the Cochrane Library. After reviewing the abstracts, 41 selected studies were examined in further detail, and 22 articles were ultimately selected for suitability for this review. The bibliographies of these articles were reviewed and no additional articles were identified. Perioperative strategies included postoperative medical therapies, intraoperative techniques and image guidance, intranasal corticosteroid injection, dornase alfa, gene therapy, and second‐look procedures. Most studies were limited to case series with relatively small numbers of patients. Very few randomized controlled studies were identified.

Conclusion

Despite the prevalence of recurrent sinonasal disease after FESS in patients with CF, evidence for definitive perioperative management in this population is lacking. Most recommendations are based on small case series. Multicenter studies to evaluate perioperative strategies that improve FESS outcomes in patients with CF are warranted.
Complex formation with nucleic acids and aptamers alters the antigenic properties of platelet factor 4
Authors: Jaax Miriam E. , Krauel Krystin , Marschall Thomas , Brandt Sven , Gansler Julia , Fürll Birgitt , Appel Bettina , Fischer Silvia , Block Stephan , Helm Christiane A. , Müller Sabine , Preissner Klaus T. , Greinacher Andreas
Published: May 2013

Key Points

PF4 binds to nucleic acids and thereby exposes the epitope to which anti-PF4/heparin antibodies bind. PF4/aptamer complexes can induce an immune response resembling heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Impact of genotype 1 and 2 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses on interferon-α responses by plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Baumann Arnaud , Mateu Enric , Murtaugh Michael P , Summerfield Artur
Published: May 2013

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus (PRRSV) infections are characterized by prolonged viremia and viral shedding consistent with incomplete immunity. Type I interferons (IFN) are essential for mounting efficient antiviral innate and adaptive immune responses, but in a recent study, North American PRRSV genotype 2 isolates did not induce, or even strongly inhibited, IFN-α in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), representing “professional IFN-α-producing cells”. Since inhibition of IFN-α expression might initiate PRRSV pathogenesis, we further characterized PRRSV effects and host modifying factors on IFN-α responses of pDC. Surprisingly, a variety of type 1 and type 2 PRRSV directly stimulated IFN-α secretion by pDC. The effect did not require live virus and was mediated through the TLR7 pathway. Furthermore, both IFN-γ and IL-4 significantly enhanced the pDC production of IFN-α in response to PRRSV exposure. PRRSV inhibition of IFN-α responses from enriched pDC stimulated by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides was weak or absent. VR-2332, the prototype genotype 2 PRRSV, only suppressed the responses by 34%, and the highest level of suppression (51%) was induced by a Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV isolate. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that pDC respond to PRRSV and suggest that suppressive activities on pDC, if any, are moderate and strain-dependent. Thus, pDC may be a source of systemic IFN-α responses reported in PRRSV-infected animals, further contributing to the puzzling immunopathogenesis of PRRS.
Differential transcript isoform usage pre- and post-zygotic genome activation in zebrafish
Authors: Aanes Håvard , Østrup Olga , Andersen Ingrid S , Moen Lars F , Mathavan Sinnakaruppan , Collas Philippe , Alestrom Peter
Published: May 2013

Background

Zebrafish embryos are transcriptionally silent until activation of the zygotic genome during the 10thcell cycle. Onset of transcription is followed by cellular and morphological changes involving cell speciation and gastrulation. Previous genome-wide surveys of transcriptional changes only assessed gene expression levels; however, recent studies have shown the necessity to map isoform-specific transcriptional changes. Here, we perform isoform discovery and quantification on transcriptome sequences from before and after zebrafish zygotic genome activation (ZGA).

Results

We identify novel isoforms and isoform switches during ZGA for genes related to cell adhesion, pluripotency and DNA methylation. Isoform switching events include alternative splicing and changes in transcriptional start sites and in 3’ untranslated regions. New isoforms are identified even for well-characterized genes such aspou5f1,sall4anddnmt1. Genes involved in cell-cell interactions such asf11randmagi1display isoform switches with alterations of coding sequences. We also detect over 1000 transcripts that acquire a longer 3’ terminal exon when transcribed by the zygote compared to their maternal transcript counterparts. ChIP-sequencing data mapped onto skipped exon events reveal a correlation between histone H3K36 trimethylation peaks and skipped exons, suggesting epigenetic marks being part of alternative splicing regulation.

Conclusions

The novel isoforms and isoform switches reported here include regulators of transcriptional, cellular and morphological changes taking place around ZGA. Our data display an array of isoform-related functional changes and represent a valuable resource complementary to existing early embryo transcriptomes.
Exploring the adequacy of smoking cessation support for pregnant and postpartum women
Authors: Borland Tracey , Babayan Alexey , Irfan Saeeda , Schwartz Robert
Published: May 2013

Background

Smoking in pregnancy exemplifies the relationship between tobacco use and health inequalities. While difficulty reaching and engaging this population in cessation support is often highlighted in the literature, there is limited research that explores the factors that shape the provision and use of support by this subpopulation. Using Ontario, Canada, as a case study, this study examines how the use of cessation support by women is encouraged or discouraged by cessation policy, programming and practice; how geographical and sociocultural factors influence provision and uptake of support; and how barriers and challenges can be addressed through a comprehensive approach.

Methods

Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with key informants (31) and pregnant or postpartum women (29) were conducted to examine the cessation needs of this subpopulation, barriers to the provision and uptake of cessation support and directions for policy, service provision and programming.

Results

Key barriers included: the absence of a provincial cessation strategy and funding, capacity and engagement/accessibility issues. Geographical features presented additional challenges to provision/uptake, as did the absence of resources tailored to Aboriginal women and adolescents. Key informants recommended a comprehensive cessation strategy to facilitate coordination of cessation resources provincially and locally and elucidated the need for capacity building within tobacco control and within reproductive, child and maternal health. Participants also highlighted the need to further develop tobacco control policies and target the social determinants of health through poverty reduction, housing and education support. The provision of incentives, transportation, childcare and meals/snacks; adoption of woman-centred, harm-reduction and stigma reduction approaches; and promotion of programs through a variety of local venues were recommended by participants to address engagement and accessibility issues.

Conclusions

The current cessation system in Ontario is not equipped to adequately reduce smoking among pregnant and postpartum women. A comprehensive, multi-sector strategy designed to provide tailored and sustainable support through different system entry points is needed. A cultural shift in practice is also necessary to eliminate mixed messaging, strengthen practice and encourage open channels of communication about smoking between women and their providers. The study highlights the need to address smoking among women in a more holistic manner and for capacity building strategies that focus on strengthening providers’ competency and confidence in practice. Future research should explore: capacity building strategies, especially among rural and remote communities; the smoking and cessation experiences of different subpopulations of pregnant and postpartum women; the effectiveness of tailored strategies; and interventions that address smoking among partners and other family members.
Expression analysis of MND1/GAJ, SPATA22, GAPDHS and ACR genes in testicular biopsies from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients
Authors: Dorosh Andriy , Tepla Olina , Zatecka Eva , Ded Lukas , Koci Karel , Peknicova Jana
Published: May 2013

Background

High-throughput studies provide a wide spectrum of genes for use as predictive markers during testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in combination with ICSI. In this work, we used the specimens from testicular biopsies of men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent TESE to investigate the expression of spermatogenesis-related genesMND1, SPATA22, GAPDHSandACR.

Methods

Testicular biopsy specimens were subdivided into three groups: hypospermatogenesis (HS); maturation arrest (MA); and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). The levels of expression of the spermatogenesis-related genesMND1, SPATA22, GAPDHSandACRin the testes were compared among these three groups using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.

Results

Analysis of the expression of spermatogenic genes in human testes with abnormal spermatogenesis showed different expression patterns in patients from different groups. Fertilization rate for studied set of patients was 66% and pregnancy rate 29%. For HS group fertilization rate was 72% and pregnancy rate 32%, while for MA group fertilization and pregnancy rates were 54% and 26%, respectively. Fertilization rates in relation to the studied genes were uniformly around 70%, pregnancy rates for ACR and GAPDHS genes were surprisingly low at 6% and 8% correspondingly.

Conclusions

Analysis of the expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis can be a fast additional test for the level of spermatogenesis in testicular samples.
Are employability skills learned in U.S. youth education and training programs?
Authors: Lerman Robert I
Published: May 2013

Skills are a central source of high productivity and economic well-being. But what do we mean by productive skills? Both with regard to measurement and policy, the primary focus in the U.S. has been on academic skills, as measured by tests of reading, writing and math abilities and by educational attainment, including degrees completed. However, a new consensus is emerging that an array of non-academic skills and occupational skills may be at least as important for labor market success. After reviewing the evidence on respective roles of various types of skills required by employers, this paper examines the skill-enhancing effects of several youth programs and demonstrations, with an emphasis on how well these efforts raise non-academic skills directly through purposeful activities or indirectly as a result of other employment-enhancing services.

JEL codes

I28, J08, J24
Mind-Tricking Narratives: Between Classical and Art-Cinema Narration
Authors: Klecker Cornelia
Published: May 2013

This article contributes to the recent discussion of what is often referred to in film studies as “complex storytelling.” Unfortunately, complex storytelling is a vague term, and therefore the aim of this article is to identify one specific, clearly distinguishable category of such storytelling, “mind-tricking narratives.” These employ narrative techniques — to be more precise, focused and temporary surprise gaps — that deliberately deceive the audience. They play with the viewers’ experiences, expectations, and responses during the viewing of a film and spring an utterly surprising outcome in the end that calls for a distinct reviewing — as in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense, David Fincher’s Fight Club, and Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. After problematizing recent work on complex storytelling in film studies, this article analyzes mind-tricking narratives in greater detail. It seeks to explain why such narratives are a subtype of complex storytelling despite the fact that many of them are narrated in a seemingly classical way. Furthermore, they will be distinguished according to three main aspects: who deceives, how is it done, and when does the audience find out about the deception?
“The Road Not Taken”: Virtual Narratives inThe Franklin’s Tale
Authors: Narinsky Anna
Published: May 2013

One of the most distinctive features of medieval narratives identified thus far is their tendency to weave into their narrative fabric stories that are briefly referred to or implied but remain undeveloped. Recent research in narrative poetics can, however, help bring to light other, previously unrecognized features of medieval and other premodern texts. Possible world theory and the concept of virtual narratives, in particular, can show that medieval narratives are also structured by events (e.g., plans, dreams) that, though thoroughly described, are never realized: they remain, instead, virtual to the end. This essay studies Geoffrey Chaucer’s Franklin’s Tale because, among medieval narratives, it flaunts the richest domain of the virtual. Its plot largely revolves around not what happens in its story world but what could happen in it and yet does not. Paying attention to virtual strings of events in this tale helps us evaluate the characters’ behavior and draw critical conclusions about Chaucer’s aesthetic purposes. It also enables us to trace the development of the genre of lai, to which this tale belongs. A comparative study of the earlier lais of Marie de France and Sir Orfeo suggests that The Franklin’s Tale marks a moment in the history of genre development when medieval lais, due to Chaucer’s interest in unrealized possibilities, begin to resemble modern psychological narratives more than medieval romances.
Ekphrastic Double Exposure and the Museum Book of Poetry
Authors: Yacobi Tamar
Published: May 2013

As in my previous work, I define ekphrasis (following up Meir Sternberg’s quotation theory) as intermedial quotation or re-presentation (representation in the second degree). My focus here is on the intersection of two of its less common forms: Double Exposure and the Museum Book doublet. However, I would argue, their analysis, apart and a fortiori together, yields theoretical, interpretative, even art-historical conclusions that extend beyond either of the special cases or their joint product. Ekphrastic double exposure simultaneously evokes a number of totally unrelated visual sources, while the recent genre of museum books re-presents an artwork twice: a visual reproduction is published side by side with its verbal re-presentation. The two forms subtly meet in a poem by Paul Durcan, where a fifteenth-century painting by Giovanni di Paolo is reproduced together with a poetic monologue presumably uttered by the twentieth-century painter David Hockney. But where is the ekphrasis? The given two-in-one invites a search for Hockney paintings, concealed behind the text’s ostensible glances at the medieval painting by Giovanni. A close reading discloses that some Hockney artworks are implicitly re-presented within the monologue. This transforms the poem into a complex case of ekphrastic double exposure, at the same time as it reveals Durcan’s surprising but insightful reading, or re-reading, of the juxtaposed artists and artworks, of the medieval and the modern. Reviewing the effects and point of the strange mixture, the article’s final section argues against the scholarly attempts to split ekphrasis between “literary description” and “art critical interpretation.” Rather, literary ekphrastic texts, which Durcan’s brilliantly exemplifies, sometimes combine the two roles. They re-present artworks in a new, estranging manner that suggests not only innovative ways of reading art but also new lines of research for historians and theorists.
Covert Progression Behind Plot Development: Katherine Mansfield’s “The Fly”
Authors: Shen Dan
Published: May 2013

In many fictional narratives, especially shorter ones, the plot exists in tension with a very different and powerful dynamic that runs at a deeper and hidden level throughout the text. I designate this undercurrent as “covert progression” and investigate how the implied author creates it for thematic purposes. Being characteristically ironic in nature, covert progression is first distinguished from known types of irony, then from other types of covert meaning. This is followed by an analysis of the covert progression in Katherine Mansfield’s “The Fly.” The analysis shows that to miss the covert progression is to get only a partial picture of the text’s thematics, a partial image of the characters, and a partial appreciation of the aesthetic values implied.
Adsorption of Naphthalene, Phenanthrene and Pyrene from Aqueous Solution Using Low-Cost Activated Carbon Derived from Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Yakout S. M. , Daifullah A. A. M. , El-Reefy S. A.
Published: May 2013

In this work, the adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from aqueous solution by rice husk activated carbon (RHAC) was compared with adsorption using conventional, powdered activated carbon as the adsorbent. The adsorbent capacity of RHAC was found to be higher than all other agricultural and industrial adsorbents evaluated. The kinetics of PAHs was similar even after 24 hours. The removal of PAH occurred in the following order: naphthalene < phenanthrene < pyrene. Our study results show that molecular weight and solubility play vital roles in the adsorption of PAH on RHAC. The study results pointed to the occurrence of an intra-particle mechanism in all cases. The isotherm models that best represented the data obtained were Freundlich for naphthalene, Redlich–Peterson for phenanthrene, and Langmuir for pyrene. The results of this study were compared with previous studies.
Test on the Suspended Dome Structure and Joints of Dalian Gymnasium
Authors: Nie Gui-Bo , Fan Feng , Zhi Xu-Dong
Published: May 2013

The roof of Dalian Gymnasium, of span 145.4 m ∞ 116 m, rise span ratio 1/10, truss height 2.4 m and strut height 10.0 m, is the largest suspended dome structure in Asia. Different tension schemes have an important effect on the performance of a structure. It is necessary to investigate the characteristics and feasibility of different tension schemes. In addition, to check the accuracy of the numerical model and its calculated results and to investigate the mechanical performance when subjected to construction and design loads, as well as safety considerations during construction and when in service, a scale model of the suspended dome with scaling factor 1:10 was constructed and models of some key joints at full scale. The results show that the theoretical strut internal forces and displacements of joints, are in good agreement with test results. Therefore, tension steps in the cable can be controlled by internal forces in the struts. The lifting of struts is a continuous process of adjustment. The size of the cable needed to be accurate during the test, which indicates that the controllability of this method is relatively difficult. However, when tensioning diagonal cables, the diagonal cable force can be an effective control because these is a sufficient number of controllable tension points and a relatively small cable force. More importantly, because the geometrical dome forming accuracy of this method is higher, the latter method is suggested for use during construction. The displacements of the joints in the upper reticulated shell of the suspended dome, the axial forces in the struts and the stresses in the members present, vary linearly with test load which indicates that the vertical stiffness of the overall structure is well maintained when conducting static tests on the model. The test CHS (circular hollow section) joints which were not internally strengthened, failed with a large amount of plastic deformation. However, the ultimate bearing capacity of CHS joints strengthened by inside gusset plates was obviously improved. Some key CHS joints are suggested for strengthening with inside gusset plates, during the construction process. The work of this paper provides a reference for similar structures.
Numerical Studies on the Buckling Resistance of Prestressed Stayed Columns
Authors: Osofero A. Israel , Wadee M. Ahmer , Gardner Leroy
Published: May 2013

The structural behaviour of prestressed stayed columns is investigated through nonlinear finite element modelling. The models were developed using the commercial software ABAQUS and validated against a series of recently conducted experiments. The sensitivity of the load-carrying capacity to the geometry of the stayed column, the initially applied prestress level within the stays and the initial global imperfection is investigated through parametric studies. It is found that there is a substantial increase in load-carrying capacity with increasing cross-arm length, provided the critical buckling mode remains symmetric. Once the critical buckling mode becomes antisymmetric, mode interaction becomes significant and the load-carrying capacity reaches a plateau and the component generally becomes more sensitive to imperfections. It is also found that the relative level of initial prestress required to maximize the load-carrying capacity of a given stayed column tends to reduce with increasing cross-arm length.
Relevance of Traditional Steel Design and Fabrication Requirements to Structural Stainless Steels
Authors: Annan Charles-Darwin
Published: May 2013

Stainless steel is increasingly used in a number of structural applications and less considered an exotic solution to structural engineering problems. A paradigm shift towards life-cycle costing and sustainable development, as well as superior mechanical, thermal and physical characteristics are often cited as the dominant driving force. While significant progress has been made around the world, particularly over the last two decades, in structural stainless steel research, design methods are largely based on those of the well-known carbon steels. Although there is increased understanding of the material's unique mechanical behaviour and structural characteristics, on-going research efforts seek to fully maximise the desirable properties of the material to improve on structural design and performance. It is also expected to facilitate its wider structural applications, making it a structural material of choice. This paper addresses a broad range of fundamental issues affecting material behaviour, design requirements, fabrication, erection and research development of stainless steels in structural applications, and brings together a number of useful leads for both researchers and practitioners. It also assesses the relevance of design and fabrication procedures customary to carbon steels.
Natural Frequencies of a Shear Beam Standing on an Elastic Base and Carrying a Lumped Mass
Authors: Kang Y.A. , Zhang H. , Li X.F.
Published: May 2013

A tall building may be modeled as a shear beam since its bending is mainly induced by relative sliding of parallel floor slabs. Classical shear beams do not consider the presence of bending moment. Since the bending moment of a building can be originated from tension-compression force couple due to combined effects of strong wall-to-wall and wall-to-slab interactions, a modified shear beam theory cooperating with bending moment is needed. This paper gives a theoretical analysis of a refined shear beam model. Emphasis is placed on the determination of the natural frequencies of a shear beam on an elastic base such as soil and carrying a lumped mass. The characteristic equation for free vibration of a modified shear beam is obtained. The influences of translational and rotational spring stiffnesses, axially compressive loads and attached mass on the natural frequencies are illuminated.
Operational Modal Parameter Identification Based on Covariance-Driven Continuous Wavelet Transform and Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Ren Wei-Xin , Xu Xiao-Xia , Yan Wang-Ji
Published: May 2013

The covariance-driven continuous wavelet transform incorporated with singular value decomposition is proposed in the paper to identify the operational modal parameters of structures. The covariance of operational measurements is converted into the time-scale domain using a continuous wavelet transform. Then, by performing singular value decomposition (SVD) on the covariance matrix of multi-measurements, the ridges of the covariance wavelet coefficient are decomposed. The obtained wavelet ridges of the covariance wavelet coefficient that represent the structural modal features are used to estimate the operational natural frequencies and damping ratios. The ratio of cross-covariance wavelet coefficients to auto-covariance wavelet coefficients is proposed to estimate mode shapes. A numerically simulated frame structure and a full-size bridge tested in the field under operational conditions are studied to verify the proposed technique and to demonstrate its accuracy. It has been shown that the proposed technique is reliable and efficient to identify the dynamic characteristics of full-size structures under operational conditions, especially the damping ratios and mode shapes. It has been shown that the proposed covariance-driven continuous wavelet transform method is capable of identifying the dynamic characteristics of full-size structures under operational conditions.
Wall-Like Reinforced Concrete Columns Externally Confined by Means of Glass FRP Laminates
Authors: De Luca A. , Nardone F. , Lignola G. P. , Prota A. , Nanni A.
Published: May 2013

This paper discusses the laboratory testing of wall-like reinforced concrete (RC) columns externally confined with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates and subjected to pure axial load. Specimens were characterized by an overall length of 3.05 m (10 ft), cross-sectional dimensions of 356 by 1,041 mm (14 by 41 in). Three specimens were tested: one was unstrengthened (benchmark) and two were confined with GFRP laminates. Two different confining reinforcement ratios were considered. The experimental investigation aimed at characterizing: the confinement contribution in terms of axial strength and prevention of instability of longitudinal bars, and the sensitivity of any enhancement in performance to the confining reinforcement ratio. The experimental axial stress – axial strain curves are also discussed.
Seismic Damage Detection for a Masonry Building Using Aftershock Monitoring Data
Authors: Zhou Wensong , Li Hui , Mao Chenxi , Mevel Laurent , Ou Jinping
Published: May 2013

The problem of detecting structural damage by exploiting vibration signal measurements produced from earthquake excitation is addressed in this work. Following the Wenchuan earthquake of 12 May 2008, a residential masonry building was selected for instrumentation with accelerometers by the Harbin Institute of Technology. This building had been damaged in the Wenchuan earthquake. It represents a rare case of an instrumented building that has been previously damaged, thus serving as a full-scale benchmark model to evaluate structural identification and damage detection methods. More than 20 earthquakes were recorded by the system after the building was instrumented. For detecting the structural damage, a vibration-based damage detection algorithm for structures under earthquake excitation is introduced in this paper. This method is based on a residual associated with subspace-based modal identification, with global χ2-tests built on this residual. This method makes effective use of non-stationary and limited duration earthquake excitation, handles the uncertainties, and further detects the structural damage. The results obtained from these structural responses and earthquake excitations are reported using both identification and damage detection methods.
Modification of Ductility Reduction Factor for Vertically Irregular Structures Subjected to Pulse-Like Ground Motions
Authors: Zhou Jing , Bu Guobin , Wang Huiying , Cai Jian
Published: May 2013

This paper reports on investigations into seismic ductility reduction factors for vertically irregular multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems subjected to pulse-like ground motions. Ductility reduction factors of irregular MDOF systems are obtained by modifying those of reference regular MDOF systems through a modification factor. Specifically, the structural vertical irregularities are introduced by changing the combined-strength-and-stiffness at the first storey of a reference regular system. The five main parameters of irregularity ratio, ductility ratio, fundamental period, storey number and velocity pulse of ground motions, have been investigated to gain insight into the modification factors. It is demonstrated that ductility reduction factors for irregular MDOF systems are clearly smaller than those for regular MDOF systems. The modification factor is mainly affected by irregularity ratio, and ductility ratio, decreasing with decreasing irregularity ratio and increasing ductility ratio. However, the storey number and fundamental period are observed to have little influence on this modification. Finally, based on the statistical results of pulse-like and non-pulse-like cases, reference values of the modification factors are suggested, which can somehow accounts for the effects of vertical irregularity and velocity pulse on ductility reduction factor in engineering application.
Effect of Loading Protocols on the Hysteresis Behaviour of Hot-Rolled Structural Steel with Yield Strength up to 420 MPa
Authors: Chen Yiyi , Sun Wei , Chan Tak-Ming
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a series of material tests on hot-rolled structural steel with nominal yield strength ranging from 235 MPa to 420 MPa to study the effect of loading protocols, material thickness and yield strength on the hysteresis behaviour. A total of seven tensile coupon tests were conducted and a total of twenty one experiments were conducted in cyclic axial configuration on hot-rolled structural steel. Three different cyclic loading protocols were adopted namely, Cyclic Ascend, Cyclic Alternate and Cyclic Tensile with strain amplitudes varying between +/–0.5% to +/–2%. The results of the hysteretic responses at different loading protocols were presented and compared. The results revealed the non-masing and accumulated strain-hardening behaviour of the tested materials and the effect of material thickness and yield strength on the characteristics of hysteretic response was minimal. The loading protocols affect the hysteresis behaviour but are insignificant for seismic applications within the range of the strain in the tests.
Study of the Anchorage Connections for Buckling Restrained Braces Part 1: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Li Guo-Qiang , Guo Xiao-Kang , Sun Fei-Fei , Chen Chen
Published: May 2013

This is the first of the two companion papers dealing with anchorage connection for buckling restrained braces (BRBs) used in reinforced concrete frames. In this paper, configuration details of an anchorage connection are proposed. Eight comparative specimens are designed to investigate the monotonic and cyclic behaviors of the proposed connection under tension/compression, shear and combined tension/compression and shear conditions. Test results indicate that static and hysteretic behaviors of the connection under tension/compression are much better than those under shear. In order to guarantee the energy dissipation of BRBs, the connection should work in elastic state to prevent low cycle fatigue failure and to reduce the deformation of the anchorage connections. Furthermore, the design method of the anchorage connections presented in the related Chinese codes (GB 50010–2010 and GB 50011–2010) is examined against the test results. It is found that the code method is accurate enough for predicting the load-bearing capacity of the connections under mere tension and mere shear condition, but is too conservative for prediction under combined tension and shear. At last, the design suggestion is proposed for the anchorage connection against the test results. Due to limitation of the test results, theoretical study is carried out in Part 2 of the companion papers.
Routing Algorithms with Range Restriction in Sparse Supply Networks
Authors: Kämpke Thomas
Published: May 2013

Shortest paths are computed for vehicles with comparatively small maximum range so that they must refuel, recharge or change batteries along a single trip in a road network. Heuristic solutions are given as well as exact algorithms. For sparse networks of service stations, shortest paths within these subnetworks serve as core paths. Extensions from the origin and towards the destination then yield overall shortest paths. Preprocessing shortest paths in sparse subnetworks allows computational speed-up. Parametric problem versions are dealt with by simultaneously minimizing overall path length and minimizing the length of the longest arc in use.
A Distributed Artificial Immune Network for Optimizing Tracer Kinetic Models with MATLAB Distributed Computing Engine
Authors: Lu Rui , Liu Li , Shen Lijun
Published: May 2013

Artificial immune network (AIN) as a branch of artificial immune system has been widely used in many application fields, and shows good ability of global optimization, especially in parameters optimization of the pharmacokinetic models. The search process of AIN for global optimum is based on the principles of clonal selection and immune network. However, as one of the heuristic-based optimal algorithms, the evolution of memory cells in the AIN is more time consuming compared with gradient-based optimal algorithms. In this paper, an AIN with distributed clonal selection strategy is proposed to improve the efficiency of the AIN. Then the distributed AIN is implemented with MATLAB Distributed Computing Engine (MDCE). One of the advantages of MDCE is that it is convenient to run optimal algorithms programmed with MATLAB platform. In the experiments, parameters of the [18F] Fluoro-2-deoxy2D-glucose (FDG) tracer kinetic model are optimized with the distributed AIN algorithms, theory analysis and experiments results indicate the algorithm is capable of improving search speed significantly in successful rate and algorithm stability.
Fast Methods for Solving High Accuracy Surface Modeling
Authors: Zhao Na , Yue Tian Xiang
Published: May 2013

High accuracy surface modeling (HASM) is a novel surface modeling method. The well known preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method is used to solve the equations produced by HASM. In this paper, in order to improve the convergence rate of PCG, we use two preconditioners: incomplete Cholesky decomposition conjugate gradient method (ICCG) and symmetric successive over relaxation-preconditioned conjugate gradient method (SSORCG), which have not previously been available for use with HASM. Furthermore, we give adequate storage scheme of the large sparse matrix and optimize the performance of sparse matrix-vector multiplication. We test the proposed method on a Dell OP990 machine. Numerical tests show that ICCG has the fastest convergence rate of HASM. We also find that both ICCG and SSORCG have much faster convergence rates than some available solvers.
A Rundown of 16 Years of Publication
Authors: Lent John A.
Published: May 2013

The following article provides an introduction to the history of the Asian Cinema Studies Society, the extended version of which will follow in the next issue.
Reporting Catalonia in Belgian newspapers
Authors: Dhoest Alexander , Bastiaensens Sara
Published: May 2013

As two regions with national aspirations for autonomy, Catalonia and Flanders are often compared. This article analyses how this is reflected in the press, focusing in particular on Belgian press reports about Catalonia. On the one hand, we analyse how much Catalonia is written about,
as an indication of the perceived relevance of Catalan news to Belgian readers; in particular, we investigate whether Flemish newspapers (which may feel more proximity to the Catalan case) write more about Catalonia than French-language newspapers. On the other, we analyse how Catalonia is
written about. Specifically, is the Catalan context explicitly compared to Belgium? Is there a focus on particular themes related to national conflicts? And is there a difference between (Flemish) Dutch-language and French-language newspapers in this respect? A full year of reporting (1 June
2010 to 31 May 2011) was analysed, both quantitatively and qualitatively, for our research
Women in blue staging the nation: The gendered articulation of the ‘New State’ in early Francoist propaganda documentaries
Authors: Oroz Elena
Published: May 2013

Although previous studies have underlined how Francoist film propaganda during and immediately after the Spanish Civil War aimed to revive Spain’s glorious past, women’s role in national history and state building has barely been analysed. This article explores cinematographic
representation of the Sección Femenina (Women’s Section) of the Spanish Falange during the early years of Franco’s regime, when the propaganda was led by the Falangist sector. Through textual analysis, the rituals, symbols and rhetorical strategies deployed in two documentaries
are analysed. These documentaries depict the two main public rallies of the Sección Femenina, one in Medina del Campo at the end of the Civil War in 1939 and the other in El Escorial in 1944. A comparative analysis reveals that while the Sección Femenina played an active and
progressive role in the articulation of the nation in 1939, by 1944 its function was mainly to represent tradition but outside the spaces where politics were negotiated and were visible
Infotainment in news reports: The case of the 2010 Catalan elections
Authors: Carrillo Nereida , Ferré-Pavia Carme
Published: May 2013

This article presents the results of an analysis of infotainment elements in news reporting during the electoral campaign for the 2010 Catalan Parliament. The general aim of the research was to analyse the hybridization of genres in political media content in Catalonia by listing the
elements of entertainment that were used in electoral information and studying any patterns that emerged. A sample of 240 units of analysis taken from the Catalan media during the electoral campaign (12–26 November 2010) was evaluated. The general conclusion is that elements of entertainment
are used to refer to the topic and the content, and to describe the political actors. There is a tendency to personalize and to use the emotional language that is such a feature of horserace reporting. The article also contributes to the ongoing debates about infotainment in news and its possible
influence on public life
DOUBLE PESPECTIVES: Multimodal degree projects and society
Authors: Danielsson Helena
Published: May 2013

The aim of this article is to highlight the experiences from a research project that studied the use of multimodal forms in degree projects. A visual representation and a written report were presented. Phenomena that occurred in the process are discussed. The article focuses on parts
that were conducted in the field of Art Education and uses, by way of example, two degree projects, both of which had disabilities and the inclusion of the disabled as their theme. Participants chose a museum to exhibit their finished projects, to share ideas with the community, and to inspire
the industry of pedagogy. The study looked especially at design theory and a socio-cultural view of learning; further, research into visual literacy, media literacy and media reception was used. Using the results, I describe various aspects of tutoring, thesis presentation in a public venue,
and the significance of feedback from a student perspective

Syftet med denna artikel är att belysa erfarenheter från ett forskningsprojekt som studerat användningen av multimodala former i examensarbeten. En visuell representation och en skriftlig rapport presenterades.
Fenomen som inträffade i processen diskuterades. Artikeln fokuserar på en delstudie genomförd inom ämnet bild och använder som exempel, två examensarbeten där funktionshinder och integration av funktionshindrade varit tema. Ett museum valdes för att
visa upp de färdiga projekten, utbyta pedagogiska idéer med det omgivande samhället, och för att inspirera branschen. Studien relaterade särskilt till designteori och en sociokulturell syn på lärande, vidare användes forskning om ´visual literacy´,
mediekunskap och mediereception. Utifrån resultaten beskrivs olika aspekter av handledning, presentation av examensarbete på en offentlig plats och betydelsen av återkoppling (feedback) - diskuterade ur ett studentperspektiv.
REVIEWS
Authors: Thomas Niall , Oliver Rowan
Published: May 2013

THE ART OF RECORD PRODUCTION: AN INTRODUCTORY READER FOR A NEW ACADEMIC FIELD, SIMON FRITH AND SIMON ZAGORSKI-THOMAS (2012) Farnham: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 301 pp., ISBN: 978-1-4094-0678-5, p/bk, £19.99

GROOVE MUSIC: THE ART AND CULTURE OF THE HIP-HOP DJ, MARK KATZ (2012)
New York: Oxford University Press, 333 pp., ISBN: 978-0-19-533111-0, h/bk, £60.00
Skype music lessons in the academy: Intersections of music education, applied music and technology
Authors: Kruse Nathan B. , Harlos Steven C. , Callahan Russell M. , Herring Michelle L.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this particularistic case study was to examine the phenomenon of conducting collegiate-level piano lessons over Skype. Specifically, this research explored (1) the benefits and challenges of piano lessons as experienced by one graduate student and (2) one piano instructor,
and considered (3) the feasibility of implementing distance learning in the music academy and beyond. Data were collected through observations, interviews, e-journals and video artefacts. Findings revealed four themes that chronicled synchronous reality, catalysts to discovery, obstacles to
implementation and redefined roles. Benefits included a natural feel to lessons, the evolution of imagination and enthusiasm and the mastering of equipment and music, while challenges included technological complications that impeded instruction along with literal and figurative disconnectedness.
Implications include examining the feasibility of implementing technology-mediated lessons, acquiring knowledge of equipment tendencies and exploring the possibilities of long-distance learning opportunities.
Trainee teachers’ perceptions: Factors that constrain the use of music technology in teaching placements
Authors: Gall Marina
Published: May 2013

This article reports findings from a study of English pre-service music teachers’ thoughts on their work with ICT within a one-year teacher education course (Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)). The specific focus is on trainee teachers’ perceptions of factors
that hinder their use of music technology during their school placements. Data were gathered from questionnaires completed by student teachers within one university over a six-year period (2006–2012) and follow-up group discussions. Findings suggest that the main inhibitors to trainee
music teachers’ use of technology within music classrooms are lack of computers and other equipment issues, and a lack of music staff sufficiently competent, confident and/or interested in providing effective support. The article offers recommendations in relation to technology and teacher
education, which would also impact positively on the use of technology in secondary school music classrooms
Sensory and Striatal Areas Integrate Auditory and Visual Signals into Behavioral Benefits during Motion Discrimination
Authors: von Saldern Sebastian , Noppeney Uta
Published: May 2013

For effective interactions with our dynamic environment, it is critical for the brain to integrate motion information from the visual and auditory senses. Combining fMRI and psychophysics, this study investigated how the human brain integrates auditory and visual motion into benefits in motion discrimination. Subjects discriminated the motion direction of audiovisual stimuli that contained directional motion signal in the auditory, visual, audiovisual, or no modality at two levels of signal reliability. Therefore, this 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design manipulated: (1) auditory motion information (signal vs noise), (2) visual motion information (signal vs noise), and (3) reliability of motion signal (intact vs degraded). Behaviorally, subjects benefited significantly from audiovisual integration primarily for degraded auditory and visual motion signals while obtaining near ceiling performance for “unisensory” signals when these were reliable and intact. At the neural level, we show audiovisual motion integration bilaterally in the visual motion areas hMT+/V5+ and implicate the posterior superior temporal gyrus/planum temporale in auditory motion processing. Moreover, we show that the putamen integrates audiovisual signals into more accurate motion discrimination responses. Our results suggest audiovisual integration processes at both the sensory and response selection levels. In all of these regions, the operational profile of audiovisual integration followed the principle of inverse effectiveness, in which audiovisual response suppression for intact stimuli turns into response enhancements for degraded stimuli. This response profile parallels behavioral indices of audiovisual integration, in which subjects benefit significantly from audiovisual integration only for the degraded conditions.
Synaptic and Intrinsic Homeostatic Mechanisms Cooperate to Increase L2/3 Pyramidal Neuron Excitability during a Late Phase of Critical Period Plasticity
Authors: Lambo Mary E. , Turrigiano Gina G.
Published: May 2013

Visual deprivation profoundly affects visual cortical response properties, but the activity-dependent plasticity mechanisms that underlie these changes are poorly understood. Monocular deprivation (MD) induces ocular dominance (OD) shifts through biphasic changes in cortical excitability, first decreasing responsiveness to the deprived eye, and then slowly increasing responsiveness to both the deprived and spared eyes. It has been suggested that this slow gain of responsiveness is due to homeostatic synaptic scaling, but this prediction has not been tested directly. Here we show that, in rat monocular and binocular primary visual cortex (V1m and V1b), postsynaptic strength onto layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons is modulated in a biphasic manner by MD, first undergoing a net decrease after 1 and 2 d MD, increasing back to baseline after 3 d, and finally undergoing a net potentiation between 3 and 6 d. The time course and direction of these synaptic changes match well the known changes in visual responsiveness during OD plasticity. Viral-mediated delivery of the GluA2 C-tailin vivoblocked these synaptic changes, indicating that, like synaptic scalingin vitro, AMPA receptor trafficking via the GluA2 C-tail is required for the delayed increase in postsynaptic strength. Finally, we also observed a delayed increase in the intrinsic excitability of L2/3 pyramidal neurons following prolonged MD. These data indicate that synaptic and intrinsic homeostatic mechanisms cooperate to increase excitability of L2/3 pyramidal neurons following prolonged MD, and suggest that these homeostatic mechanisms contribute to the delayed gain of visual responsiveness during OD plasticity.