bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infecções relacionadas à assistência a saúde baseada em critérios internacionais, realizada em unidade neonatal de cuidados progressivos de referência de Belo Horizonte, MG
Authors: Romanelli Roberta Maia de Castro , Anchieta Lêni Márcia , Mourão Maria Vitória Assumpção , Campos Flávia Alves , Loyola Flávia Carvalho , Jesus Lenize Adriana de , Armond Guilherme Augusto , Clemente Wanessa Trindade
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVO: Descrever a ocorrência de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em uma unidade neonatal de serviço público de referência em Belo Horizonte, MG, baseando-se em critérios internacionais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, realizado por busca ativa, na Unidade Neonatal de Cuidados Progressivos do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC/UFMG), de 2008 a 2009. A notificação de infecções baseou-se nos critérios do National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). O banco de dados e análise foi realizado em programa interno do serviço. RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 325 episódios de infecção nos recém-nascidos, com densidade de incidência de 22,8/1.000 pacientes-dia e incidência proporcional geral de infecção de 36,7%. A sepse foi a principal infecção (62,5%) notificada. A densidade de incidência de infecções foi maior em neonatos com peso menor que 750g (42,4/1.000 pacientes-dia). Observou-se 18,15 episódios de Sepse Relacionada a Cateter/1.000 Cateter Venoso Central-dia e 19,29/1.000 episódios de Sepse Relacionada a Cateter Umbilical/1.000 Cateter umbilical-dia. Em 122 (37,5%) casos de infecção notificada houve isolamento de microorganismos, predominando Staphylococcus coagulase negativo e Staphylococcus aureus (51 casos). A mortalidade e letalidade foram 4,3% e 17,12%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de critérios padronizados para notificação de infecções é necessária para a construção de indicadores em neonatologia, que são escassos no país e ressaltam a necessidade de avaliação dos critérios nacionais propostos pela Agencia Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA).
Validade de peso, altura e índice de massa corporal autorreferidos na população adulta de Brasília
Authors: Thomaz Priscilla Marcondelli Dias , Silva Eduardo Freitas da , Costa Teresa Helena Macedo da
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade do peso, altura e índice de massa corporal (IMC) autorreferidos em adultos de Brasília e identificar os fatores associados às diferenças entre os valores medidos e autorreferidos. MÉTODOS: Em amostra por conglomerados de 250 domicílios foram aferidos peso e altura de todos os adultos residentes, após entrevista. A concordância entre os parâmetros medidos e autorreferidos foi feita por Bland & Altman (B&A). Utilizou-se análise de variância múltipla e estimou-se a sensibilidade e especificidade para o excesso de peso (IMC ? 25 kg/m2), estratificado por anos de estudo e faixa etária. RESULTADOS: As entrevistas e mensurações foram feitas em 469 indivíduos. Os resultados de B&A mostram viés (diferença dos valores medidos e autorreferidos) não significativo para o peso (-0,17 kg, p = 0,1) e significativo para a altura (-1 cm, p < 0,001). Os limites de concordância (LC) foram amplos: de ±4 kg e de -6 cm a 4 cm. O viés do IMC foi de - 0,06 kg/m2 e não significativo (p = 0,08) e os LC de - 1,5 a +1,4 kg/m2. Observou-se que homens com IMC < 25 kg/m2 superestimam o peso, enquanto aqueles com sobrepeso e obesos o subestimam (p < 0,01). Homens com + 60a de idade (p = 0,037) e mulheres com < 12a de estudo (p < 0,01) superestimam a altura. A sensibilidade e a especificidade para o excesso de peso foram para homens e mulheres, respectivamente: 94% e 88%; 90% e 98%. A sensibilidade foi de 77% para mulheres acima de 60 anos, de 75% para mulheres com 9 a 11 anos de estudo, e a especificidade de 78% para homens entre 30 e 39 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Em Brasília, a altura autorreferida pode ser utilizada para subgrupos de homens < 60anos de idade e mulheres com + 12 anos de estudo. Homens com IMC adequado superestimam o peso corporal quando comparados com aqueles com sobrepeso ou obesos. As medidas autorreferidas prestam-se para acompanhamento populacional do excesso de peso.
Fatores associados ao aleitamento materno em dois municípios com baixo índice de desenvolvimento humano no Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Mirella Gondim Ozias Aquino de , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de , Batista Filho Malaquias , Lima Marília de Carvalho
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a duração do aleitamento materno e verificar os fatores associados ao aleitamento exclusivo/predominante (AMEP), em crianças menores de dois anos de idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado nos municípios de Gameleira, situado na Zona da Mata Sul do Estado de Pernambuco e em São João do Tigre, pertencente à Zona Semi-Árida do Estado da Paraíba, no período de março a junho de 2005. A amostra foi composta por 504 crianças menores de dois anos (280 residentes em Gameleira e 224 em São João do Tigre). Utilizou-se a análise de sobrevida para estimar a mediana do aleitamento materno e das associações com a condição socioeconômica, com fatores relacionados às mães e crianças e assistência à saúde. RESULTADOS: As durações medianas do tempo de sobrevida do aleitamento materno exclusivo, exclusivo/predominante e aleitamento materno foram de 19, 79 e 179 dias em Gameleira e de 23, 91, e 169 dias em São João do Tigre, respectivamente. Mães com melhores condições socioeconômicas, representadas pela escolaridade, saneamento básico e posse de bens de consumo apresentaram maior duração do aleitamento exclusivo/predominante em ambos os municípios. Assistência pré-natal representada pelo maior número de consultas, início mais precoce e com orientação referente à alimentação e ao aleitamento materno influenciaram positivamente na duração do aleitamento exclusivo/predominante. CONCLUSÕES: A duração do aleitamento esteve aquém da recomendada. Apesar das precárias condições de vida das famílias, uma melhor condição socioeconômica e assistência ao pré-natal foram fatores protetores na duração do aleitamento exclusivo/predominante nessas áreas.
Índice de Saúde Aplicado ao Município de Araraquara, SP: um instrumento para o acompanhamento da Atenção Básica
Authors: Mattos Augustus Tadeu Relo de , Caccia-Bava Maria do Carmo G.G. , Barbosa Débora Cristina Modesto
Published: June 2013

O aprimoramento do processo de avaliação da Atenção Básica, compreendida como organizadora de todo o sistema de saúde e não apenas como um nível assistencial, vem sendo almejado pelos gestores do Sistema Único de Saúde. O presente trabalho buscou identificar aspectos da assistência à saúde no município de Araraquara/SP, valorizando as características particulares presentes na área de adscrição de cada unidade de saúde. Adotando um indicador composto aplicado a cada unidade de saúde, o estudo visou contemplar a emergência de fenômenos favorecendo uma visão mais abrangente de cada unidade e distrito sanitário em relação à Mortalidade Infantil, Incidência de Tuberculose, Mortalidade por Causas Externas e Mortalidade Precoce por Doenças Crônicas. Valeu-se da metodologia desenvolvida no Índice de Saúde de Drumond Jr, obtido pela média dos valores dos componentes de cada Distrito de Saúde para os indicadores acima, agregando, ainda, a Taxa de Alfabetização e Rendimento Médio Mensal do Responsável pelo Domicílio. As áreas de abrangência das Unidades de Saúde foram classificadas segundo os valores obtidos na relação entre estes componentes. Os resultados apontaram diferenciais intraurbanos para a maioria dos componentes e revelou a presença dos piores valores nas Unidades de Saúde da periferia. O conhecimento dessa realidade pela gestão municipal é de fundamental importância para avançar no aprimoramento do processo de avaliação da Atenção Básica no município.
Microarray Analysis of Two Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Transforming Growth Factor Alpha in Patients with Nonsyndromic Cleft of North China
Authors: Xu Wei , Han Weitian , Lu Yongping , Yao Wang , Li Zengjian , Fang Kai , Liu Qiang , Li Jianxin
Published: June 2013

Objective

To investigate the association between the TGFA:c.3851T > C (rs11466285) and TGFA:c.3822G > A (rs3771523) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) with microarray in north China.

Design and Setting

Test association by both case-control and case-parent analysis.

Subjects and Methods

Two SNPs of 150 controls, 166 cases, and 271 of their parents were genotyped using microarray based on the allele-specific primer extension, and chi-square statistics and family-based association test analyses were performed.

Results

Both sequencing and microarray analysis produced identical results. We found significant evidence of overtransmission of the C allele of c.3851 T > C and the A allele of C.3822G > A in case-parent trios for CL/P but not for cleft palate only (CP). Significant differences for both genotypic and allelic distributions between cases and controls were found at C.3822G > A and c.3851 T > C for CL/P but not for CP. The TGFA [C; G] and [T; A] haplotypes showed significant overtransmission.

Conclusions

These results support that two SNPs are associated with nonsyndromic CL/P but not for CP in northern Chinese populations. It was demonstrated that this microarray is suitable to test SNPs associated with nonsyndromic CL/P.
Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel and CG1940/CG8711 Followed by Radical Prostatectomy in Patients With High-Risk Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Vuky Jacqueline , Corman John M. , Porter Christopher , Olgac Semra , Auerbach Evan , Dahl Kathryn
Published: June 2013

Background.

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed noncutaneous malignancy in American men. PC, which exhibits a slow growth rate and multiple potential target epitopes, is an ideal candidate for immunotherapy. GVAX for prostate cancer is a cellular immunotherapy, composed of PC-3 cells (CG1940) and LNCaP cells (CG8711). Each of the components is a prostate adenocarcinoma cell line that has been genetically modified to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Hypothesizing that GVAX for prostate cancer could be effective in a neoadjuvant setting in patients with locally advanced disease, we initiated a phase II trial of neoadjuvant docetaxel and GVAX. For the trial, the clinical effects of GVAX were assessed in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods.

Patients received docetaxel administered at a dose of 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. GVAX was administered 2–3 days after chemotherapy preoperatively for four courses of immunotherapy. The first dose of GVAX was a prime immunotherapy of 5×108 cells. The subsequent boost immunotherapies consisted of 3×108 cells. After RP, patients received an additional six courses of immunotherapy. Pathologic complete response, toxicity, and clinical response were assessed. The primary endpoint of the trial was a pathologic state of pT0, which is defined as no evidence of cancer in the prostate.

Results.

Six patients completed neoadjuvant docetaxel and GVAX therapy. No serious drug-related adverse events were observed. Median change in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following neoadjuvant therapy was 1.47 ng/ml. One patient did not undergo RP due to the discovery of positive lymph nodes during exploration. Of the five patients completing RP, four had a downstaging of their Gleason score. Undetectable PSA was achieved in three patients at 2 months after RP and in two patients at 3 years after RP.

Conclusions.

Neoadjuvant docetaxel/GVAX is safe and well tolerated in patients with high-risk locally advanced PC. No evidence of increased intraoperative hemorrhage or increased length of hospital stay postoperatively was noted. These results justify further study of neoadjuvant immunotherapy.
Progress in the Biological Understanding and Management of Breast Cancer-Associated Central Nervous System Metastases
Authors: Dawood Shaheenah , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M.
Published: June 2013

Metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS) is a devastating neurological complication of systemic cancer. Brain metastases from breast cancer have been documented to occur in approximately 10%–16% of cases over the natural course of the disease with leptomeningeal metastases occurring in approximately 2%–5% of cases of breast cancer. CNS metastases among women with breast cancer tend to occur among those who are younger, have larger tumors, and have a more aggressive histological subtype such as the triple negative and HER2-positive subtypes. Treatment of CNS metastases involves various combinations of whole brain radiation therapy, surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy. We will discuss the progress made in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer-associated CNS metastases and will delve into the biological underpinnings of CNS metastases including evaluating the role of breast tumor subtype on the incidence, natural history, prognostic outcome, and impact of therapeutic efficacy.
Investigation of centreline strain path during tube penetration using transparent soil and particle image velocimetry
Authors: Hover E. D. , Ni Q. , Guymer I.
Published: June 2013

A small-scale physical modelling system was developed and employed to investigate the effects of tube sampling. Amorphous silica and an oil blend of matching refractive index were mixed to form a transparent soil, and black glass beads were embedded within the soil body on the vertical central plane. After consolidation in a Perspex box, round-tipped thick- wall model tube samplers made of glass were pushed into the transparent soil. Movements within the soil body were recorded using digital photography; these images were later analysed by particle image velocimetry. The centreline strain path (CSP) of the sample during tube penetration was calculated and compared to an existing analytical model, and some degree of correlation was observed. However, it was shown that the CSP was not constant throughout the sample, but varied with depth below the base of the borehole. It was also noticed that, after tube penetration, some residual extension strain existed for soil on the centreline. To quantify the effects of sampler geometry parameters on the CSP, further experiments are required to gain an insight into the design of tube samplers, with the aim of producing high-quality soil samples without significantly raising the cost of site investigation.
Network transmission inference: Host behavior and parasite life cycle make social networks meaningful in disease ecology
Authors: Grear Daniel A. , Luong Lien T. , Hudson Peter J.
Published: June 2013

The process of disease transmission is determined by the interaction of host susceptibility and exposure to parasite infectious stages. Host behavior is an important determinant of the likelihood of exposure to infectious stages but is difficult to measure and often assumed to be homogenous in models of disease spread. We evaluated the importance of precisely defining host contact when using networks that estimate exposure and predict infection prevalence in a replicated, empirical system. In particular, we hypothesized that infection patterns would be predicted only by a contact network that is defined according to host behavior and parasite life cycle. Two competing host contact criteria were used to construct networks defined by parasite life cycle and social contacts. First, parasite‐defined contacts were based on shared space with a time delay corresponding to the environmental development time of nematode parasites with a direct fecal–oral life cycle. Second, social contacts were defined by shared space in the same time period. To quantify the competing networks of exposure and infection, we sampled natural populations of the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and infection of their gastrointestinal helminth community using replicated longitudinal capture–mark–recapture techniques. We predicted that (1) infection with parasites with direct fecal–oral life cycles would be explained by the time delay contact network, but not the social contact network; (2) infection with parasites with trophic life cycles (via a mobile intermediate host; thus, spatially decoupling transmission from host contact) would not be explained by either contact network. The prevalence of fecal–oral life cycle nematode parasites was strongly correlated to the number and strength of network connections from the parasite‐defined network (including the time delay), while the prevalence of trophic life cycle parasites was not correlated with any network metrics. We concluded that incorporating the parasite life cycle, relative to the way that exposure is measured, is key to inferring transmission and can be empirically quantified using network techniques. In addition, appropriately defining and measuring contacts according the life history of the parasite and relevant behaviors of the host is a crucial step in applying network analyses to empirical systems.
When Students Take Control: Investigating the Impact of the CREST Inquiry-Based Learning Program on Self-Regulated Processes and Related Motivations in Young Science Students
Authors: Moote Julie K. , Williams Joanne M. , Sproule John
Published: June 2013

The CREativity in Science and Technology (CREST) scheme, a student-run science project supported by the science, engineering, and technology network, is currently being implemented in schools across the United Kingdom to increase student engagement and motivation in science. The central aim of this research was to explore the influence of CREST participation on students’ self-regulated processes and related motivations. This study followed a quasi-experimental design with a control group (n = 34) and a “CREST” group (n = 39) of students between the ages of 11 and 12 years from a Scottish school. Because multiple measures were used, this study also provides a contribution to the literature regarding measurement issues relating to self-regulated learning (SRL) and motivation. Covariance analyses controlling for academic performance in science revealed significant effects for the intervention regarding changes in SRL, test anxiety, and career motivation in science. Delayed posttest results for the experimental group are also presented and discussed.
Generic Versus Context-Specific Prompts for Supporting Self-Regulation in Mathematical Problem Solving Among Students With Low or High Prior Knowledge
Authors: Kramarski Bracha , Weiss Itzhak , Sharon Sarit
Published: June 2013

We compared how 61 seventh graders, with low or high prior knowledge in mathematics, capitalized on two self-regulated learning approaches—generic versus context specific—to (a) enhance self-regulated learning, (b) foster procedural knowledge of routine algebraic tasks, and (c) transfer knowledge to novel mathematical problem solving. The generic approach was based on “IMPROVE” question prompts for comprehension, connection, strategy, and reflection modeled in a free context. The context-specific approach was based on what, when, why, and how (WWWH) question prompts directed explicitly to specific examples in a particular mathematical content area. Findings indicated no difference between the two approaches regarding short-term effects on algebraic procedural tasks; however, differential effects emerged between the two approaches on the self-regulation measure and on long-term transfer to novel tasks (near and far) among students with low or high prior knowledge. The practical and scientific significance of this study are discussed.
Social Support as a Mediator Between Internalized Stigma and Coping Behaviors of Individuals With Substance Abuse Issues
Authors: Chou Chih-Chin , Robb Jayci Lynn , Clay Matthew Christopher , Chronister Julie Ann
Published: June 2013

In this study, 51 individuals from online substance abuse support groups were surveyed to investigate the mediating role of social support on the relationship between internalized stigma and coping. Regression and bootstrapping were conducted to perform mediation analysis. Findings suggest that social support mediates the negative impact of internalized stigma by facilitating the use of active coping behaviors. This preliminary study sheds light on how rehabilitation counselors integrate social support into substance abuse treatment with particular focus on protecting clients from internalized stigma and its role in facilitating adaptive coping behaviors linked to substance abuse recovery.
Susceptibility for antibiotics among faecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria in sewage treated effluents
Authors: AL-Gheethi Adel A. S. , Ismail Norli , Lalung J. , Talib Azieda , Efaq A. N. , Kadir Mohd Omar Ab.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this work was to study the prevalence of antibiotic resistance phenotypes among total coliforms (TC), E. coli, E. faecalis and Salmonella spp. in the sewage treated effluents generated from three sewage treatment plants in Penang Malaysia. Among the isolates tested, TC and E. coli occurred high resistance for cephalexin (100 and 90.47%), ampicillin (80.93 and 95.23%) and ciprofloxacin (19.06 and 14.3%) compared to E. faecalis (42.86, 71.4 and 4.7%) and Salmonella spp. (59.8, 47.46 and 14.3%) respectively. All E. coli strains, 76.18% of TC, 66.66% of E. faecalis and 35% of Salmonella spp. were multi-resistant.
Caustic stable anion-exchange membranes for EDR applications in municipal and industrial wastewater recovery: piloting and field investigations
Authors: Ramanan Harikrishnan , Praturi Purnima , Moe Neil , MacDonald Russell , Goh Li May , Gudipati Chakravarthy , Barber John , Sridharan Varshneya , Chaudhari Bhishma , Narayanswamy Babu
Published: June 2013

GE membrane based Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) systems offer attractive characteristics such as higher water recovery, increased resistance to scaling and fouling, and membrane stability in oxidative environments. Research activity at GE Water & Process Technologies, have extended these capabilities to include high pH environments, through the development of a new high performance anion exchange membrane that tolerates aggressive caustic cleaning conditions. This will enable the expanded application of EDR systems in markets that are limited by the currently practiced cleaning-in-place procedures.
Trophic conditions in rivers and streams – significance for biological quality elements of the European Water Framework Directive
Authors: Weyand Michael , Döppner Theresia , Podraza Petra
Published: June 2013

In the past, saprobic and trophic conditions were both used as indicators to assess and monitor the quality of surface water bodies. Now, with the introduction of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), the focus in the assessment of aquatic systems has shifted towards better integration of biocoenotic parameters, expressed as biological quality elements. With this change, saprobity is still used, at least as partially, in the evaluation of benthic invertebrate fauna. The term ‘trophic status’, however, no longer appears as a separate criterion. It is the aim of this paper to show that all quality components depend to a greater or lesser extent on the water bodies' trophic status, so that this term will maintain its significance as a key influencing factor.
Uniform protocol for wastewater UV validation applications
Authors: Whitby G. E. , Lawal O. , Ropic P. , Shima S. , Ferran B. , Dussert B.
Published: June 2013

The treatment objective of an ultraviolet disinfection system used in a wastewater application is to protect the aquatic environment and users of water that receive discharges from wastewater treatment plants. To ensure this objective is adequately met it is important to validate, or verify equipment performance for a specific application. The widely accepted method for completing this validation is by determining the UV dose delivery performance using biodosimetry. Until now a standard bioassay did not exist for UV equipment that is used to disinfect treated wastewater from a biological treatment plant that is achieving an average effluent quality of less than 30 mg/L BOD/TSS and disinfection requirements of 126 cfu/100 mL E. coli over a 30 day geometric mean or 200 cfu/100 mL fecal coliforms over a 30 day geometric mean. A uniform bioassay for wastewater UV equipment that can be widely adopted by industry and regulatory bodies was developed and approved by the International Ultraviolet Association. This bioassay for UV equipment is described.
Plant-wide modelling and simulation using steady-state data: a case study of the Gliwice WWTP, Poland
Authors: Sochacki Adam , Kubiatowicz Jakub , Surmacz-Górska Joanna , Ćwikła Joanna
Published: June 2013

In last decade the focal point of the activated sludge (AS) modelling shifted from a secondary-treatment to a plant-wide level. This new approach offers more possibilities, therefore demands more effort and expertise from a modeller.

This paper presents a plant-wide approach to modelling and simulation of a full-scale AS wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The construction and routine operational data of the full-scale Central WWTP in Gliwice (Poland) were used in this study to develop an integrated model of the water and sludge lines of the plant. The core of the plant model was the Activated Sludge Model No.1 (ASM1), which combined with sub-models of the other processes, was implemented in the WEST® Software version 3.7.6. The calibration strategy, verification and predictive capacity of the model are discussed. The calibrated model permitted acceptable accuracy of the simulation, yet limited data restrained its scope. Thus, the obtained mathematical description of the plant is a preliminary yet sound basis for a more versatile model. The model limitations and opportunities for its further applications and development are discussed.
Thiohistidine Biosynthesis
Authors: Seebeck Florian P.
Published: June 2013

Ergothioneine and ovothiol A are sulfur-containing histidine derivatives produced by microorganisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Trypanosoma cruzi or Erwinia amylovora and may also play important roles in human physiology. Based on our recent identification
of thiohistidine biosynthetic enzymes from Mycobacterium smegmatis and Erwinia tasmaniensis we investigate several aspects of sulfur-based redox biochemistry. For example, we are characterizing the catalytic mechanism of two thiohistidine biosynthetic enzymes which afford O2-dependent
sulfur insertion into the C(5)–H and C(2)–H bonds of the imidazolyl side chain of histidine.
Photoinduced Electron and Proton Transfer with Metal Complexes and Organic Molecules
Authors: Wenger Oliver S.
Published: June 2013

This article provides an overview of some of the research performed in the author's group over the past few years. This includes work on organic mixed-valence species with photoisomerizable components, as well as studies of proton-coupled electron transfer between photoexcited metal
complexes and organic reaction partners. This research relies on a combination of synthetic work with optical spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, and the results are relevant in the greater context of light-to-chemical energy conversion.
Enhancing Durability - Forensic Investigation of Deteriorating Structures
Authors: Wood Jonathan G. M.
Published: June 2013

Forensic Engineering investigation of premature deterioration and, in extremes cases collapse, of concrete structures shows that the Eurocode theories for ‘probability’ of failure and ‘design life’ do not relate to reality for concrete. Design and construction need to be refocused on materials, detailing, site practice and quality control based on lessons from investigation of structures whose inadequate performance has led to premature replacement. These investigations can also provide the basis for predicting and extending the service life of our deteriorating concrete infrastructure.
Study on the mechanical properties of a confined concrete deteriorated by Alkali-aggregate reaction
Authors: Kubo Yoshimori , Mori Hiroaki
Published: June 2013

Recently, in Japan, some concrete structures deteriorated severely by an excessive alkali-silica expansion have been reported and the decrease of compressive strength and Young’s modulus of inside concrete, the fracture and/or yield of steel bar in the bending part have found in these deteriorated concrete structures. On the other hand, in previous studies, it was clear that the structural performance of ASR deteriorated members was not significantly reduced in cases where alkali-silica expansion was appropriately confined by steel bars arranged in the concrete member. However, it is inferred that the influence of Alkali-silica expansion on structural performance of ASR deteriorated concrete member is affected by the confinement ratio of steel bars in a concrete member. In this study, the mechanical properties of the confined concrete deteriorated by alkali- silica expansion were investigated. Thereby, a concrete specimen that had a various confinement level was loaded when these specimens attained at the maximum alkali-silica expansion. As the results, it was cleared that the influence of alkali-silica expansion on the mechanical properties of confined concrete deteriorated by alkali-silica reaction was not significant in cases where the confinement level of concrete member was as much as the normal existing concrete member.
Recalculation of Hubertus Viaduct in The Hague
Authors: Gabra Refky
Published: June 2013

The Hubertus viaduct in The Hague is built in 1970 as a continuation of the Hubertus Tunnel. The Tunnel has been designed for traffic class 60 (vehicle of 600 kN with a distributed load of 4 kN/m2) , the viaduct for traffic class 30 (vehicle of 300 kN with a distributed load of 2 kN/m2). Given this difference, the Hubertus Viaduct had to be made suitable for future traffic situation after opening

the tunnel, by recalculation and with possible reinforcement of the structure. The recalculation was done according to the NEN6706 of 2007, the Dutch standard based on the Euro code.

After recalculation the structure did not meet the requirements for collapse prevention and a number of the cross-sections did not meet the requirements in respect to durability.

Therefore a recalculation using the new preparatory guideline NPR BBK – the Dutch Practice Guideline for the Assessment of Existing Structures – [1] was done, using a lower load factor. Eventually the structure met with requirements regarding collapse prevention, but not with the durability requirements.

Therefore the dead weight was weighed accurately. The difference between weighing results and theoretical values was acceptably small. Using a lower load factor was therefor justified.
Union Depot: Assessment of Historic Concrete and Timber Pile Structures
Authors: Johnson Arne , Michols Kevin
Published: June 2013

Rehabilitation of the historic Union Depot railroad terminal in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA hinged on whether the 90-year-old structure, which exhibited widespread and locally severe deterioration, had sufficient remaining capacity or could be effectively and practically repaired to support the anticipated loads of the rehabilitated facility. The unique approach used to assess the concrete superstructure and timber pile foundations of this very large facility, which relied on comprehensive field inspections followed by targeted testing and structural analysis, allowed most of the original structure to be salvaged and effectively repaired for the desired service life of 50 years.
Transformation of unused road infrastructure to combined road-railway infrastructure
Authors: Thielemans Jonas , De Pauw Bart
Published: June 2013

The article discusses the transformation of a highway median to railway infrastructure. The emphasis is on the retrieving of an existing, unused viaduct, part of an interchange on one of the busiest highways in Belgium. Both substructure and superstructure are modified, and the installation of railway track on the structure is provided. Further, other modifications on structures are shortly discussed.
Load capacity assessment and strengthening of a railway arch bridge with backfill
Authors: Andersson Andreas
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a load capacity assessment and strengthening measures of a multi-span railway arch bridge with backfill are presented. The bridge is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and constitutes a vital link for the national railway network. The bridge consists of 20 concrete arches with overlying backfill, each with a span of 20 m. After more than 80 years of service, severe deterioration of the concrete was found during conditional assessments. A load capacity assessment was performed and the theoretical ultimate load was found to be highly dependent on the development of soil pressures along the arch barrel. The demands from the railway authority are to increase the allowable axle load from 22,5 to 25 tonnes and extend the service life by 50 years. Due to the uncertainties in structural behaviour and progressing degradation, extensive strengthening measures for the arch barrels were decided. To allow for full traffic at all times, the strengthening was performed in stages, to minimize any temporary reduction in load capacity due to removal of existing material. The strengthening was designed using non-linear finite element analysis and each stage of strengthening has been verified using in-situ field measurements.
Ready for Schengen – New Construction and Renovation of Dock B at Zurich Airport
Authors: Kunze Matthias
Published: June 2013

After a planning and construction period of only four years, the new Dock B at Zürich Airport was taken into service at the end of 2011. The building is 250 metres long and 48 metres wide and is crowned by a strikingly designed roof. It is an outstanding example of how existing structures can be treated responsibly and creatively in the planning process. Thorough prior examination showed that the existing steel structure had a load-carrying capacity which meets the new demands. This laid the groundwork for the decision to implement the new dock on the principle of “building within the existing fabric using the old structures”. The load-bearing structure was enhanced and extended with simple structural elements. The flexibility of the old structure also allowed an uncomplicated implementation of openings for the new site access zones and spacious atriums.
Reinforcing concrete box girder bridges with external post-tensioning and steel
Authors: van Lier Jaap , Pronk Marco
Published: June 2013

The webs of the box girders of the Lower Rhine Bridge at Heteren (The Netherlands) have insufficient shear resistance. The bridge needed to be reinforced by introducing a vertical, upward force into the bridge a short distance from the bearing. An unique structure was designed for this purpose, using external post-tensioning applied to the bridge at an angle of approximately 32 degrees. A steel structure was attached under the bridge which bears the vertical and horizontal forces that are released. The reactive forces in the bridge are redirected to the abutments by means of a steel deviator. The reinforcement was successfully implemented as described and was completed in 2010.
Marat/Sade: The Politics of Experience, or the Experience of Politics?
Authors: Parham Sidney
Published: June 2013

SINCE ITS PREMIERE in Berlin in 1964, Peter Weiss's Die Verfolgung und Ermordung Jean Paul Marats dargestellt durch die Schauspie1gruppe des Hospizes zu Charenton unter Anleitung des Herrn de Sade has been hailed as "the play" of the 1960's and "a find for any teacher of drama to sum up major histrionic innovations and exemplify techniques of the twentieth-century theater." Nearly every critic was stunned by the theatrical means of the play and cited such diverse influences as Artaud, Brecht, Ionesco, and Genet as elements that went into Weiss's thinking. These critics have seen the play as an exemplum of the modem theater. Peter Brook sums up this reaction: "One of the London critics attacked the play on the ground that it was a fashionable mixture of all the best theatrical ingredients around Brechtian-didactic-absurdist-Theatre of Cruelty. He said this to disparage but I repeat this as praise."
Pavel Kohout: The Barometer of Czechoslovakia's Theatre
Authors: Stankiewicz Marketa Goetz
Published: June 2013

"PAVEL KOHOUT was given to our theatre so that there would not be any peace and quiet." With these words a well-known Czech critic begins an essay on Kohout in which he commiserates with an imaginary scholar writing a book on contemporary Czechoslovak theatre. Faced with this enfant terrible of the Czech stage who has evoked more praise and more abuse than any other contemporary Czechoslovak writer, the hapless imaginary scholar would apparently feel himself "sliding down a curving ramp" which permitted neither foothold nor sense of direction. Appreciative of this unsolicited a priori description of the problematic nature of the task at hand, I shall try merely to suggest some areas of interest and value in Kohout's colourful body of work.
Hedda Gabler: The Past Recaptured
Authors: Saari Sandra
Published: June 2013

MOST SCHOLARLY CRITICISM of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler inevitably focuses on an analysis of Hedda's character and motives. But a dramatic consideration prior to the why of character and motive is: what is Hedda doing? Plot, the most important element of tragedy according to Aristotle, is an imitation of an action. Yet the character of Hedda is so compelling that the action of Hedda Gabler has been denied even by Henry James: his drama is essentially that supposedly undramatic thing, the picture not of an action but of a condition and has been severely de-emphasized by a critic of such stature as M. C. Bradbrook. As, however, the centre of the play is not a problem but a personality there is less emphasis on the story-on the links of cause and effect.Obviously it is not readily apparent what Hedda is doing. However, an analysis of the structure of the play, and in particular the structure of the four dominant image patterns, reveals the nature of Hedda's actions and that, together with an analysis of the secondary characters' actions, establishes the unity of the play's action.
Book Reviews
Authors: Page Malcolm
Published: June 2013

John Elsom, Post-War British Theatre, reviewed by Maclcolm Page

Michael Andersen, Anger and Detachment: A Study of Arden, Osborne and Pinter, reviewed by Malcolm Page
The Theology of Barmen: Its Partisan-Political Dimension
Authors: Reimer A.
Published: June 2013

The first article of the Barmen Declaration asserts, without any qualification, that 'Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we are to hear, whom we are to trust and obey in life and in death' . Here we have expressed the exclusive norm or authority of the Confessing Church - Christ as the one Word of God - by which it alleged to judge all else. This positive assertion is followed immediately by a negation: 'We must reject the false doctrine that the Church could and would have to acknowledge as a source for its proclamation still other events and powers, forms and truths as God's revelation, outside of and besides this one Word of God.’ How, in the particular historical circumstances, did the delegates at the Barmen Synod in May, 1934, arrive at such unanimity in declaring an exclusively christological standard of judgment?
Moral Woman and Immoral Society: Schleiermacher on Female and Male
Authors: Nicol Iain
Published: June 2013

The primary purpose of the following brief analysis is to examine some of Schleiermacher's statements on the subject of the relationships between male and female and to explore some implications of this aspect of his thought in their relation to the consistent emphasis in his philosophical and theological ethics on a social theory of part and whole.
Christian Community and the Promotion of Healing: Theological Reflection in a Therapeutic Context
Authors: Sheehan Mary
Published: June 2013

Emily Dickinson, a well known nineteenth century New England poet, spent much of her creative gift in describing starkly the raw experience of psychic suffering. She often dwelt on the solitary and separating character of suffering, even to the point of insinuating frequently in her poetry that the afflicted one is beyond any form of human consolation.
Who Do You Say That I Am? Reflections on Christology after the Shoah
Authors: Fritz Maureena
Published: June 2013

In 1980, Pope John Paul II talked to official representatives of the Jewish community in Mainz about the covenant with the Jewish people "which has never been revoked." The notion of the "covenant never revoked" is referred to again in the Vatican "Notes" of 1985, and frequently since then. This article concerns itself with integrating the new teaching of the "covenant with the Jewish people never revoked" into a comprehensive Christian view of the world. Such an integration into explicit Church teaching entails a paradigm shift as well as repentance and teshuvah. First, I will discuss paradigm shifts and the process of teshuvah, and then I will look at different paradigms wherein Jesus Christ is presented in a range of worldviews ranging from an exclusive Christology in which there is salvation in no other name to theocentric paradigms that attempt to include "the other," that is, the nonbaptized. I will conclude with suggestions for future action. Since the Shoah, and with the publication of Nostra Aetate
Waiting for Godot: Scripture, Tradition and Church at Century's End
Authors: Schner George
Published: June 2013

No era of the Christian faith has been without reflection on its three defining elements: Scripture, tradition, church. Grounded in pastoral engagement, such theological reflection was essential to the invention of the three elements, and both activities remain the vehicles for the affirmation of these elements as fundamental to the continuance of Christian life, and for the critical assessment of their use. Terms like "invention," "affirmation," and "assessment," particularly given our present secular common sense, signal our preoccupation with the human role in, even dominion over, the emergence and continuance of Christian discipleship. Though this is a proper preoccupation, even an inevitable one, this essay will explore certain Christian contradictions which have emerged in the last several centuries as the divine role essential to the existence of Scripture, tradition, and church has been eclipsed. Terms such as "reception," "acknowledgement," and "obedience" have become increasingly difficult to use, or worse, have been taken up by reactionary elements in Christian churches in order to develop integralist programmes to counteract accommodationist trends, often at the expense of setting Scripture, tradition and church at odds with one another. The more gentle and painstaking task of rediscovering the unity of these three notions is greatly aided by attention to the ways in which they need to be understood as notions through which one can approach the same reality. That reality, difficult though the application of the word is, is God. Stated briefly, the theme of this essay concerns the ways in which we are not in control of God, with the important corollary that we are not in control of our facticity either.
“In the Shadow of Biblical Work:” Barth and Bonhoeffer on Reading the Bible
Authors: Webster John
Published: June 2013

Two things at least are clear about the relationship of Barth and Bonhoeffer: that disentangling the history of their relation is of considerable importance for making sense of Bonhoeffer, if not of Barth; and that the disentangling is a rather delicate operation which involves some discriminating interpretation of the writings of two complex theologians. Much, for example, hangs on what we are to make of Bonhoeffer's scattered remarks on Barth, revelation and non-religious interpretation in the prison writings, and of Barth's puzzled response to them. Bonhoeffer experts will no doubt put me straight, but my own-highly corrigible-judgment is that the prison texts do not contain the most important or interesting things which Bonhoeffer had to say: there is much more theological good sense on questions of the presentation of the gospel to be found in the Finkenwalde homiletics lectures, for example. The common attempt to display the coherence of these writings from the end of Bonhoeffer's life with more developed aspects of his thought-his appropriation of Barth's early critique of religion, Bonhoeffer's fondness for the Old Testament and his concern with the gospel as moral and social reality-is only partially successful, and the fragmentary state of the remarks leaves them perilously exposed to abuse by interpreters invoking Bonhoeffer's shade for modish theological or ecclesiastical projects. Again, a good deal in clarifying Bonhoeffer's relation to Barth hangs on pondering Bonhoeffer's worry that Barth gave insufficient weight to the ethical. Barth was, I believe, quite right when he pointed out in his letter to Bethge that Bonhoeffer's emphasis on the ethical was in fact "just the outlook which I presupposed"; indeed, Barth was from the beginning no less a moral theologian than Bonhoeffer, and his Ethics deserves at least the same kind of serious study that has been devoted to Bonhoeffer's work of the same title
Rethinking Religious Pluralism from an Asian Perspective
Authors: Kim Seung Chul
Published: June 2013

Theology, understood as Christians' seeking understanding of their own faith, is charged with the task of answering questions that arise from the encounters of Christianity with other world religions. Many Christian theologians have been aware of both the importance of and the difficulties attendant upon those encounters. Throughout the history of Christianity, numerous theological attempts to address such problems have been undertaken and should be carefully examined for their validity and relevance. This paper, however, does not aim to evaluate all these attempts, an undertaking well beyond the scope of the present study. Instead, this paper seeks to shed light on ways in which a theological self-awareness of Asian Christianity might contribute to ongoing discussions of the relation between Christianity and other religious traditions. In other words, the paper proceeds from the assumption that traditional Western Christian thinking about non-Christian religions can and should be critically revised by means of Asian Christian theology. In this approach, the religious traditions of Asia that may be used to interpret Western theology are, from the Asian Christian perspective, not the object of theological interpretation, but the subject that constitutes the Asian Christian point of view.
Book Reviews
Authors: Friessen Ivan , Irwin William , Yee Gale , Kozar Joseph , Cotter Wendy , Wells Harold , Brown Schuyler , Amico Charles , Chiasson Cyril , Powles Cyril , Handy Robert , McArdle Joe
Published: June 2013

Norman K. Gottwald, The Hebrew Bible — A Socio-Literary Introduction, reviewed by Ivan Friesen

Burton L. Mack, Wisdom and the Hebrew Epic: Ben Sira' s Hymn in Praise of the Fathers, reviewed by William H. Irwin

Athalya Brenner, The Israelite Woman: Social Role and Literary Type in Biblical Narrative, reviewed by Gale A. Yee

Stephen G. Wilson, ed., Anti-Judaism in Early Christianity, reviewed by Joseph Kozar

James Olthuis, A Hermeneutics of Ultimacy: Peril or Promise?, reviewed by Wendy J. Cotter

Juan Luis Segundo, The Historical Jesus of the Synoptics, reviewed by Harold Wells

Kenneth Lawrence, ed., Classic Themes of Disciples' Theology: Rethinking the Traditional Affirmations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), reviewed by Schuyler Brown

Jay Newman, The Mental Philosophy of John Henry Newman, reviewed by Charles Amico

David L. Shields, Growing Beyond Prejudices: Overcoming Hierarchical Dualism, reviewed by Cyril J. Chiasson

Alvyn J. Austin, Saving China: Canadian Missionaries in the Middle Kingdom, reviewed by Cyril H. Powles

Martin E. Marty, Modern American Religion, reviewed by Robert T. Handy

Maggie Ross, The Fountain & the Furnace: The Way of Tears and Fire, reviewed by Joe McArdle