bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Dynamic Characteristics of a Dual Core-Wall and Frame Building in Chile Using Aftershocks of the 27 February 2010 (Mw = 8.8) Maule, Chile, Earthquake
Authors: Çelebi Mehmet , Sereci Mark , Boroschek Ruben , Carreño Rodrigo , Bonelli Patricio
Published: August 2013

Following the 27 February 2010 (Mw = 8.8) Offshore Maule, Chile earthquake, a temporary, 16-channel, real-time data streaming array was installed in a recently constructed building in Viña del Mar to capture its responses to aftershocks. The cast-in-place, reinforced concrete building is 16 stories high, with 3 additional basement levels, and has dual system comprising multiple structural walls and perimeter frames. This building was not damaged during the main-shock, but other buildings of similar design in Viña del Mar and other parts of Chile were damaged, although none collapsed. Dynamic characteristics of the building identified from the low-amplitude (PGA of about 2 Gal) response recordings of aftershocks are found to compare well with those determined from modal analyses using a design level FEM model. Distinct “major-axes” translational and torsional fundamental frequencies, as well as frequencies of secondary modes, are identified. Evidence of beating is consistently observed in the response data for each earthquake. Results do not match well with U.S. code formulas.
Effect of Column-Base Flexibility on the Seismic Response and Safety of Steel Moment-Resisting Frames
Authors: Zareian Farzin , Kanvinde Amit
Published: August 2013

The effect of column-base flexibility on the response of steel moment frames is assessed through parametric simulation. The response of four frames (2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-story), designed as per current codes, is investigated through static push-over simulations and sophisticated nonlinear response-history simulations, including collapse simulation. For each frame, a range of base fixities is interrogated, including realistic values that are calculated from the designed connections. The results indicate that a reduction in base fixity alters the force distribution and the plastic mechanism, significantly reducing ductility capacity and strength, as well as collapse resilience, while increasing member forces. For the 4-, 8-, and 12-story frames, this trend suggests that the expected response of such frames is worse than is implied by simulations and design approaches that assume a fixed-base condition. However, the trend is beneficial for the 2-story frame, which is analyzed and designed assuming a pinned base.
Influence of Isolation Gap Size on the Collapse Performance of Seismically Base-Isolated Buildings
Authors: Qu Zhe , Kishiki Shoichi , Nakazawa Toshiyuki
Published: August 2013

The pounding of retaining walls forms a potential risk of degrading the performance of seismically base-isolated buildings subjected to strong, especially near-fault, earthquake ground motions. Incremental dynamic analysis is employed to generate the so-called gap graph, in which two characteristic gap sizes of a base-isolated building are related with the isolation period of the building and the strengthof the superstructure. Thegapgraph canbe usedto evaluate the required gap size for a base-isolated building to have certain collapse performance. By means of gap graphs, the interdependent relations of gap size with other important factors that influence the seismic performance of the base-isolated building are examined. In particular, the results show that near-fault pulse-like ground motions are likely to impose much higher demand for the isolation gap than far-field ones.
Seismic Reliability Assessment of Aging Highway Bridge Networks with Field Instrumentation Data and Correlated Failures, I: Methodology
Authors: Ghosh Jayadipta , Rokneddin Keivan , Padgett Jamie E. , Dueñas-Osorio Leonardo
Published: August 2013

The state-of-the-practice in seismic network reliability assessment of highway bridges often ignores bridge failure correlations imposed by factors such as the network topology, construction methods, and present-day condition of bridges, among others. Additionally, aging bridge seismic fragilities are typically determined simply using historical estimates of deterioration parameters. This research presents a methodology to estimate bridge fragilities using spatially interpolated and updated deterioration parameters from a limited set of instrumented bridges in the network, while incorporating the impacts of overlooked correlation factors in bridge fragility estimates. Simulated samples of correlated bridge failures are used in an enhanced Monte Carlo method to assess bridge network reliability, and the impact of different correlation structures on the network reliability is discussed. The presented methodology aims to provide more realistic estimates of seismic reliability of aging transportation networks and to potentially help network stakeholders to more accurately identify critical bridges for maintenance and retrofit prioritization.
Scale Model Shake Table Testing of an Underground Tunnel Cross Section in Soft Clay
Authors: Moss Robb Eric S. , Crosariol Victor A.
Published: August 2013

Underground structures exist in many active earthquake regions, but empirical data of the seismic behavior of these structures is very limited. This research works toward filling that empirical data gap with scale model shake table testing. Underground seismic soil-structure interaction (USSSI) effects were investigated for a stiff tunnel embedded within soft clay. Young Bay mud was used as a prototype soil for developing a scale model soil mixture. A Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) cut-and-cover subway tunnel was used as the prototype for the one-tenth scale model subway cross section. The flexible wall test container in these tests allowed the soil to deform in simple shear. Similitude analysis scaled critical variables to properly capture prototype behavior at the model scale subjected to 1-g shake table testing. The measured horizontal “racking” distortions of the model structure compared to numerical analyses suggest that current simplified design methods may overestimate distortions in soft-soil/stiff-structure situations.
Seismic Response of High-Voltage Transformer-Bushing Systems Incorporating Flexural Stiffeners I: Numerical Study
Authors: Koliou Maria , Filiatrault Andre , Reinhorn Andrei M.
Published: August 2013

High-voltage bushings have exhibited vulnerability during past earthquakes. The good performance of bushings mounted on a rigid base observed during shake table testing does not correlate well with their performance in the field. It is suspected that the seismic performance of high-voltage bushings is improved when mounted on a rigid base, as opposed to when mounted on more flexible cover plates of transformers. In this first of two companion papers, the seismic response of bushings was investigated numerically for various mounting conditions. The addition of flexural stiffeners on the transformer cover plates was explored as a means to stiffen the base of the bushings and mitigate their seismic vulnerability. Linear dynamic analyses conducted on four transformer-bushing system models showed that the simple approach of stiffening the cover plates of transformers is beneficial to the seismic response of high-voltage bushings.
Direct Displacement-Based Design of Industrial Rack Clad Buildings
Authors: Rafiqul Haque A. B. M. , Alam M. Shahria
Published: August 2013

A rack clad building (RCB) is a type of warehouse building system built using steel storage racks as the seismic force resisting system. Generally, these rack systems are larger and taller compared to the conventional steel storage racks commonly used in warehouses. These buildings have peripheral racks that can support the claddings. These rack systems possess some unique properties, such as the members built using thin-walled perforated steel sections and the beam-to-column connection utilizing a teardrop connector in the down-aisle direction. Due to the pinched-type hysteretic behavior of these connections, the structure shows unique behavior under lateral loading. To date, very little research has been carried out to determine the seismic performance of an RCB. Current building codes have no provisions for designing a RCB against seismic loading. This study presents a direct displacement-based design (DDBD) procedure for designing these structures in the down-aisle direction.
Annualized and Scenario Earthquake Loss Estimations for California
Authors: Chen Rui , Branum David M. , Wills Chris J.
Published: August 2013

We update annualized and scenario earthquake loss estimations for California using HAZUS, a loss estimation tool developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and evaluate the effects of changes in input ground motions over the last decade on estimated earthquake losses. Our estimated statewide average earthquake loss to building stock from shaking is approximately $2.8 billion per year, with 32% of it occurring in Los Angeles County and 23% in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan statistical area. This estimate reflects a 25% to 28% reduction because of changes in input ground motions. Scenario results indicate a 28% to 63% reduction in estimated building economic losses because of changes in input ground motions. Changes in input ground motions are mainly attributed to the use of next generation attenuation relations and, to a lesser extent, to updated earthquake source models and differing approaches for incorporating near-surface site effects.
Seismic Performance of Stone Masonry Buildings Used in the Himalayan Belt
Authors: Ali Qaisar , Khan Akhtar Naeem , Ashraf Mohammad , Ahmed Awais , Alam Bashir , Ahmad Naveed , Javed Mohammad , Rahman Shahzad , Fahim Mohammad , Umar Mohammad
Published: August 2013

Rubble-stone masonry structures are found abundantly in the Asian countries along the Himalayan range. Such structures are usually constructed in dry-stone masonry or are constructed in mud mortar, which makes them susceptible to damage and collapse in earthquakes. In order to study the seismic behavior of these structures, dynamic shake table tests on three reduced-scale rubble-stone masonry models were conducted. The models comprised a representative school building, a residential building, and a model incorporating simple cost-effective features in the form of horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete elements. This paper presents the results of shake table tests carried out on rubble-stone masonry buildings including: damage pattern, capacity curves, damage limit states, and response modification factors of these structures. Test data indicates that seismic performance of rubble-stone masonry structures can be significantly improved by incorporating cost-effective features such as vertical members and relatively thin horizontal bands.
Evaluation of Nonlinear Static Procedures in the Assessment of Building Frames
Authors: Pinho Rui , Marques Mário , Monteiro Ricardo , Casarotti Chiara , Delgado Raimundo
Published: August 2013

In recent years a number of nonlinear static procedures (NSPs) have been developed and proposed. Such pushover-based seismic assessment procedures are relatively straightforward to employ and are generally chosen over nonlinear dynamic analysis, especially within the realm of design office application. Parametric comparisons between the different NSPs available, however, are still somewhat sparse. In this work, five commonly employed NSPs (the N2 method, capacity spectrum method, modal pushover analysis, adaptive modal combination procedure, and the adaptive capacity spectrum method) are applied in the assessment of 16 frames subjected to a large number of input motions with a view to assess the accuracy level of such approaches through comparison with nonlinear dynamic analysis results. The evaluation shows that all the NSPs are able to accurately predict displacements and to produce reasonable estimates for other response parameters, with limited dispersion. Even though no single NSP tested led to consistently superior results, modal pushover analysis and the adaptive capacity spectrum method seemed to perform slightly better.
Ductility Reduction Factors for Masonry-Infilled Reinforced Concrete Frames
Authors: Kumar Manish , Rai Durgesh C. , Jain Sudhir K.
Published: August 2013

Masonry-infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames are popular structural systems; however, there is much uncertainty in their response under seismic loads. Using the data from past experimental studies, a simple force-deformation model with three control points was developed. The effect of the model parameters on the ductility reduction factor (DRF) and ductility demand (DD) was examined. Statistical tests indicated that the ratio of residual strength to peak strength was the most significant parameter. The traditional approach to determining DRF ordinates through iteration for an assumed value of ductility may result in inappropriate DRF values because of the nonmonotonic relationship between DRF and DD. Constant ductility charts were developed to appropriately account for nonmonotonicity. It was found that the allowable DRF may be much higher if relatively weaker infill compared to the strength of the frame is used, which underscores the need for modifying code provisions because they allow relatively strong infill.
Application of Nonlinear Static Procedures for the Seismic Assessment of Regular RC Moment Frame Buildings
Authors: Fragiadakis Michalis , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Aschheim Mark
Published: August 2013

The applicability of nonlinear static procedures for estimating the seismic demands of typical regular RC moment-resisting frames is evaluated. This work, conducted within the framework of the ATC-76-6 project, shows the degree to which nonlinear static methods can characterize global and local response demands vis-à–vis those determined by nonlinear dynamic analysis for three RC moment-frame buildings. The response quantities (engineering demand parameters) considered are peak story displacements, story drifts, story shears, and floor overturning moments. The single-mode pushover methods evaluated include the N2 and the ASCE-41 coefficient methods. Multi-modal pushover methods, such as modal pushover analysis and the consecutive modal pushover method, were also evaluated. The results indicate that the relatively good performance of the single-mode methods observed for low-rise buildings rapidly deteriorates as the number of stories increases. The multi-modal techniques generally extend the range of applicability of pushover methods, but at the cost of additional computation and without ensuring the reliability of the results.
New Design Method to Evaluate the Seismic Stress of Single Deck Floating Roof for Storage Tanks
Authors: Goudarzi Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2013

Liquid sloshing causes severe damage to the floating roofs of storage tanks. Liquid–roof interaction imposes a complicated distribution of out-of-plane deformation in a single deck floating roof (SDFR), which is the primary source of high seismic stress. This paper proposes a new seismic design procedure for evaluating the seismic stress of an SDFR. This method revises the relationship between vertical deformation of the deck plate and the radial shrinkage of the pontoon, and estimates the nonlinear behavior of the free surface. Moreover, the attenuation of the sloshing wave height attributable to the presence of an SDFR is analytically evaluated. A design flowchart according to the new method is suggested. This method emphasizes the nonlinear effects of large amplitude wave for smaller capacity tanks, and the seismic stress caused by the second sloshing mode for broad tanks.
Seismic Analysis of Wind Turbines
Authors: Díaz Otoniel , Suárez Luis E.
Published: August 2013

An analytical model of an operating wind turbine to obtain the seismic response due to three base accelerations is presented. The model considers the flexibility of the blades in the flapping direction and the flexibility of the tower in bending and twisting. Blade aerodynamics and gyroscopic moments are included. A Vestas-V82 turbine is selected to demonstrate the methodology. The results show that only the first two tower modes in each direction (fore-aft and lateral) are mostly excited. It is found that the lateral motion of the wind turbine is more susceptible to experiencing large displacements since the aerodynamic effects are negligible in this direction. The stresses due to combined operational and seismic loads and due to extreme wind loads are less than the allowable stresses. The stresses calculated at the tower top section due to combined operational and seismic loads are larger than those due to extreme wind loads.
TGF-β Superfamily Member Nodal Stimulates Human β-Cell Proliferation While Maintaining Cellular Viability
Authors: Boerner Brian P. , George Nicholas M. , Targy Natalie M. , Sarvetnick Nora E.
Published: August 2013

In an effort to expand human islets and enhance allogeneic islet transplant for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, identifying signaling pathways that stimulate human β-cell proliferation is paramount. TGF-β superfamily members, in particular activin-A, are likely involved in islet development and may contribute to β-cell proliferation. Nodal, another TGF-β member, is present in both embryonic and adult rodent islets. Nodal, along with its coreceptor, Cripto, are pro-proliferative factors in certain cell types. Although Nodal stimulates apoptosis of rat insulinoma cells (INS-1), Nodal and Cripto signaling have not been studied in the context of human islets. The current study investigated the effects of Nodal and Cripto on human β-cell proliferation, differentiation, and viability. In the human pancreas and isolated human islets, we observed Nodal mRNA and protein expression, with protein expression observed in β and α-cells. Cripto expression was absent from human islets. Furthermore, in cultured human islets, exogenous Nodal stimulated modest β-cell proliferation and inhibited α-cell proliferation with no effect on cellular viability, apoptosis, or differentiation. Nodal stimulated the phosphorylation of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD)-2, with no effect on AKT or MAPK signaling, suggesting phosphorylated SMAD signaling was involved in β-cell proliferation. Cripto had no effect on human islet cell proliferation, differentiation, or viability. In conclusion, Nodal stimulates human β-cell proliferation while maintaining cellular viability. Nodal signaling warrants further exploration to better understand and enhance human β-cell proliferative capacity.
Testosterone Protects Against Glucotoxicity-Induced Apoptosis of Pancreatic β-Cells (INS-1) and Male Mouse Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Hanchang Wanthanee , Semprasert Namoiy , Limjindaporn Thawornchai , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai , Kooptiwut Suwattanee
Published: August 2013

Male hypogonadism associates with type 2 diabetes, and T can protect pancreatic β-cells from glucotoxicity. However, the protective mechanism is still unclear. This study thus aims to examine the antiapoptotic mechanism of T in pancreatic β cells cultured in high-glucose medium. T (0.0005–2 μg/mL) was added to INS-1 cells cultured in basal glucose or high-glucose media. Then cellular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cell viability were measured. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers and sensors and the antiapoptotic protein (B-cell lymphoma 2) were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. ER stress markers were also measured in male mouse pancreatic islet cultured in similar conditions. T (0.05 and 0.5 μg/mL) did not have any effect on apoptosis and viability of INS-1 cells cultured in basal glucose medium, but it could reduce apoptosis and increase viability of INS-1 cells cultured in high-glucose medium. The protective effect of T is diminished by androgen receptor inhibitor. T (0.05 μg/mL) could significantly reduce nitrotyrosine levels, mRNA, and protein levels of the ER stress markers and sensor those that were induced when INS-1 cells were cultured in high-glucose medium. It could also significantly increase the survival proteins, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase-2, and B-cell lymphoma 2 in INS-1 cells cultured in the same conditions. Similarly, it could reduce ER stress markers and increase sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase protein levels in male mouse pancreatic islets cultured in high-glucose medium. T can protect against male pancreatic β-cell apoptosis from glucotoxicity via the reduction of both oxidative stress and ER stress.
Efficacy and Safety of an Octreotide Implant in the Treatment of Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: Chieffo Carla , Cook David , Xiang Qinfang , Frohman Lawrence A.
Published: August 2013

Context:

Acromegaly is caused by excessive GH secretion and IGF-I overproduction. The goals of treatment are to reduce GH and IGF-I values to normal and relieve the associated symptoms.

Objective:

The purpose of this article was to demonstrate that an octreotide implant (84 mg) is safe and efficacious in patients with acromegaly who were responsive to prior monthly octreotide long-acting release (LAR) injections.

Design:

This was a phase 3, open-label study. Before treatment, subjects received a stable monthly dose of octreotide LAR injections (10−40 mg) for ≥3 months. Randomization was in a 3:1 ratio to either a 6-month octreotide implant or monthly octreotide LAR injections.

Setting:

This was a multicenter, international study conducted in private or institutional practices.

Subjects:

Enrollment included 163 subjects (aged ≥18 years) with acromegaly.

Main Outcome Measure:

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the octreotide implant during 24 weeks of treatment was evaluated.

Results:

After 24 weeks, the success rate of the implant for maintenance of IGF-I and GH levels was 86% (95% confidence interval, 80.3%) compared with a rate of 84% (95% confidence interval, 73.8%) for octreotide LAR. Serum octreotide concentrations after implant insertion increased within 8 days and peaked between days 14 and 28. The overall safety of the octreotide implant and octreotide LAR were similar. Diarrhea and headache were more frequent with the implant, whereas cholecystitis and hypertension were more frequent with octreotide LAR.

Conclusions:

In this pivotal phase 3 study, the octreotide implant maintained reduced blood levels of GH and IGF-I with continuous octreotide release over 6 months, which was well tolerated.
Azazeeland the Politics of Historical Fiction in Egypt
Authors: Mahmood Saba
Published: August 2013

Based on fourth-century Christological debates and the travels of an Egyptian monk, the Arabic novel Azazeel (2008) was accused by the Coptic Orthodox Church of defaming Christianity and fomenting Christian-Muslim sectarian strife in Egypt. The conflict over the novel was quickly characterized as a standoff between religious proscription and the right to freedom of expression. This way of casting the debate failed to comprehend the complex stakes Azazeel mobilized, eliding substantive disagreements about religion, history, and literature. Through a careful reading of the novel, the response it elicited from the church, as well as the Christological controversy at the heart of the novel, this essay forces us to reconsider what it means to claim the autonomy of literature from history, to cast religion as a human invention, and to ponder the humanity of Christ.
Secular Aesthetics: Form, Theme, and Method in the Study of American Literature
Authors: Stein Jordan Alexander
Published: August 2013

Borrowing a turn of phrase from Talal Asad, this essay asks: What might an aesthetic study of secularism look like? Examining four case studies between roughly 1880 and 1930 (with attention to the critical writings of Walt Whitman, T.W. Higginson, Matthew Arnold, Barrett Wendell, W.D. Howells, Charles Chesnutt, and Norman Foerster), this essay demonstrates how a methodological or theoretical focus on aesthetic formalism is a symptom of the secularization of knowledge in the nineteenth century. The variations in the use of “form” among this essay's case studies are ultimately less significant than the methodological persistence of formal (and later thematic) analysis across the cases, which will be shown to tie the study of American literature to an unexamined secularism that, consequently, it lacks the methods to investigate. The rise of American literary studies offers comparative literature a position from which to view some roads not taken and perhaps to pursue its commitments to internationalism apart from the claims to a “secularism” that has, we shall see, proved irremediably problematic for the study of American literature.
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Structure-Structure Interaction in the Frequency Response
Authors: Kawamura T. , Kako T.
Published: August 2013

Various vibration phenomena of buildings occurred in recent earthquakes. Some of them were very complicated and might be caused by unknown structure-structure interactions through foundations and/or ground soil.

The aim of this research is to investigate such complicated structure-structure interaction by numerical simulation. After formulating the problem mathematically, we develop a simulation algorithm for linear elastic bodies that have distributional material constants. As for the discretization procedure, we adopt the finite element method (FEM) combined with the perfectly matched layer (PML) technique.

Using the algorithm, we succeeded in computing several interesting phenomena of frequency response of the system caused by structure-structure interaction.
Development and L2-Analysis of a Single-Step Characteristics Finite Difference Scheme of Second Order in Time for Convection-Diffusion Problems
Authors: Notsu Hirofumi , Rui Hongxing , Tabata Masahisa
Published: August 2013

A new finite difference scheme based on the method of characteristics is presented for convection-diffusion problems. The scheme is of single-step and second order in time, and the matrix of the derived system of linear equations is symmetric. Since it is a finite difference scheme, we can get rid of numerical integration which may cause some instability in the characteristics finite element method. An optimal error estimate is proved in the framework of the discrete L2-theory. Numerical results are shown to recognize the convergence order and advantages of the scheme.
Automated classification of RNA 3D motifs and the RNA 3D Motif Atlas
Authors: Petrov Anton I. , Zirbel Craig L. , Leontis Neocles B.
Published: August 2013

The analysis of atomic-resolution RNA three-dimensional (3D) structures reveals that many internal and hairpin loops are modular, recurrent, and structured by conserved non-Watson–Crick base pairs. Structurally similar loops define RNA 3D motifs that are conserved in homologous RNA molecules, but can also occur at nonhomologous sites in diverse RNAs, and which often vary in sequence. To further our understanding of RNA motif structure and sequence variability and to provide a useful resource for structure modeling and prediction, we present a new method for automated classification of internal and hairpin loop RNA 3D motifs and a new online database called the RNA 3D Motif Atlas. To classify the motif instances, a representative set of internal and hairpin loops is automatically extracted from a nonredundant list of RNA-containing PDB files. Their structures are compared geometrically, all-against-all, using the FR3D program suite. The loops are clustered into motif groups, taking into account geometric similarity and structural annotations and making allowance for a variable number of bulged bases. The automated procedure that we have implemented identifies all hairpin and internal loop motifs previously described in the literature. All motif instances and motif groups are assigned unique and stable identifiers and are made available in the RNA 3D Motif Atlas (http://rna.bgsu.edu/motifs), which is automatically updated every four weeks. The RNA 3D Motif Atlas provides an interactive user interface for exploring motif diversity and tools for programmatic data access.
Mitochondrial protein BmPAPI modulates the length of mature piRNAs
Authors: Honda Shozo , Kirino Yoriko , Maragkakis Manolis , Alexiou Panagiotis , Ohtaki Akashi , Murali Ramachandran , Mourelatos Zissimos , Kirino Yohei
Published: August 2013

PIWI proteins and their associated PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) protect genome integrity by silencing transposons in animal germlines. The molecular mechanisms and components responsible for piRNA biogenesis remain elusive. PIWI proteins contain conserved symmetrical dimethylarginines (sDMAs) that are specifically targeted by TUDOR domain-containing proteins. Here we report that the sDMAs of PIWI proteins play crucial roles in PIWI localization and piRNA biogenesis in Bombyx mori-derived BmN4 cells, which harbor fully functional piRNA biogenesis machinery. Moreover, RNAi screenings for Bombyx genes encoding TUDOR domain-containing proteins identified BmPAPI, a Bombyx homolog of Drosophila PAPI, as a factor modulating the length of mature piRNAs. BmPAPI specifically recognized sDMAs and interacted with PIWI proteins at the surface of the mitochondrial outer membrane. BmPAPI depletion resulted in 3′-terminal extensions of mature piRNAs without affecting the piRNA quantity. These results reveal the BmPAPI-involved piRNA precursor processing mechanism on mitochondrial outer membrane scaffolds.
The first structure in a family of peptidase inhibitors reveals an unusual Ig-like fold
Authors: Rigden Daniel J , Xu Qingping , Chang Yuanyuan , Eberhardt Ruth Y , Finn Robert D , Rawlings Neil D
Published: August 2013

We report the crystal structure solution of the Intracellular Protease Inhibitor (IPI) protein fromBacillus subtilis, which has been reported to be an inhibitor of the intracellular subtilisin Isp1 from the same organism. The structure of IPI is a variant of the all-beta, immunoglobulin (Ig) fold. It is possible that IPI is important for protein-protein interactions, of which inhibition of Isp1 is one. The intracellular nature of ISP is questioned, because an alternative ATG codon in theipigene would produce a protein with an N-terminal extension containing a signal peptide. It is possible that alternative initiation exists, producing either an intracellular inhibitor or a secreted form that may be associated with the cell surface.  Homologues of the IPI protein from other species are multi-domain proteins, containing signal peptides and domains also associated with the bacterial cell-surface. The cysteine peptidase inhibitors chagasin and amoebiasin also have Ig-like folds, but their topology differs significantly from that of IPI, and they share no recent common ancestor. A model of IPI docked to Isp1 shows similarities to other subtilisin:inhibitor complexes, particularly where the inhibitor interacts with the peptidase active site.
Creativity as conversation in the interactive audience culture of YouTube
Authors: Duncum Paul
Published: August 2013

YouTube videos produced by school-aged youth in their own time of their own accord are described, and their implications for art education are considered. The videos are conceived as creative conversations, their productions being the consequence of social networks and self-organizing systems rather than individual psychology. The videos primarily emerge from collaborative interaction between two or more contributors. The phenomenal success of YouTube is noted, including how its interface helps to facilitate conversation. Particular examples of videos are described involving Barbie torture, blending machines and aquatic disasters. Educational implications are drawn, partly by considering what art educators have suggested in the past with regard to former kinds of unsolicited creativity by youth. These include pairing students to create collaboratively, teaching appropriate skills, and going beyond the oftentimes-transgressive subject matter to consider the deeper developmental roles played by unsolicited creativity. The adoption of a mix of pedagogies is advocated.
Hands on: The importance of studio learning in design education
Authors: Lynas Emma , Budge Kylie , Beale Claire
Published: August 2013

Studio learning and teaching in art and design is still a relatively under-explored zone. While a growing body of literature is beginning to explore what kind of learning and teaching occurs in studio, there is less literature available that explicates why studio learning is important. Three elements highlighting the importance of studio in design learning and teaching are at the centre of this article: the development of artistic/design skills and understanding; the internal and external processes and practices of studio; and how studio models future working environments. This argument has been presented in the context of the authors’ experiences in teaching and supporting a university textile design programme, and has drawn from 2009 student data from a study in the same context. This article has framed such experiences and data in the context of contemporary thinking as expressed in the literature on studio.
Bind to build: An interdisciplinary art project for learning of community development
Authors: Ng-He Carol
Published: August 2013

In Spring 2012, I brought my undergraduate course ‘Arts and Community Development’ at Columbia College Chicago outside of the classroom and into the community – Albany Park – a neighbourhood on Chicago’s north side, known for its cultural and ethnic diversity. Building upon Chicago’s nineteenth-century activism legacy of noted pioneer settlement worker and founder of the Hull-House, this essay presents the process of my students’ art-based action research and creative workshop projects in an independently artist-run book-bindery, North Branch Projects, as a way of community engagement. The article will conclude with a personal reflection on the success of student-artist collaboration.
Intergranular Corrosion Susceptibility of Alloy 600 after Autogenous Tungsten Inert Gas and Laser Beam Welding using Electrochemical Technique
Authors: Abraham Geogy J. , Bhambroo Rajan , Kain V. , Dey G. K. , Raja V. S.
Published: August 2013

Intergranular corrosion and intergranular stress corrosion cracking is influenced by precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries and formation of chromium depletion regions. The present study focuses on understanding the carbide precipitation and subsequent sensitization in the weldments of Alloy 600 using two different welding techniques. The effect of heat input on microstructure and IGC susceptibility was measured using electrochemical reactivation test. The SEM studies were done to evaluate the presence of chromium depleted regions. The carbide was indentified to be Cr7C3 using TEM. The laser beam weldments showed an increased resistance to IGC as compared to TIG weldments.
Nurse Educators’ Perspectives on Student Development of Reflection for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice
Authors: Karpa Jane V. , Chernomas Wanda M.
Published: August 2013

Psychiatric nursing, in various parts of the world, including regions of Canada, is recognized as a distinct nursing profession. In psychiatric mental health nursing practice, reflection is considered a foundational skill given the relational nature of nurses’ therapeutic work. Communicating the significance of reflection for practice to students and teaching this intangible skill is challenging for educators. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore with psychiatric mental health nurse educators their views on how they develop reflective practitioners. Participants’ perspectives and experiences in teaching reflective practice were captured in four themes: building the use of self as an agent of change, building skills of reflection/building the habit of reflection, building a bridge between theory and practice, and building a continuing reflective practice – from student to practitioner. Recommendations include a systematic incorporation of reflection into a curriculum and creating supportive learning environments that facilitate the development of reflective practitioners.
Integrated Assessment on Profitability of the Chinese Aviation Industry
Authors: Li Zhi-yuan , Bender Jacob
Published: August 2013

With the increasing economic development and gradual opening of China’s aviation market, the Chinese aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth and is facing some problems at the same time. Many scholars have assessed the profitability of the Chinese aviation industry using a single assessment approach. Both theory and methods in assessing the profitability of the airlines need to be developed and improved. This article presents a new integrated approach – a combination of factor analysis, principal component analysis, and gray relational analysis. Based on the theory of decision making and data mining, this more reasonable and effective model overcomes the one-sidedness and limitations of the individual methods and has significant impact in theory and practice.
Katena und Konstruktion: Ein Vorschlag zu einer dependenziellen Konstruktionsgrammatik
Authors: Groß Thomas , Osborne Timothy
Published: August 2013

The paper claims that a marriage of the Dependency Grammar (DG)
understanding of word and sentence structure with the axioms of Construction
Grammar is possible and desirable. The catena unit – the validity of which has
been established in syntax – is extended to morphosyntax. In syntax, a word
catena is defined as a word or a combination of words that is continuous with
respect to dominance. This definition is extended to morphosyntax, where a
morph catena is defined analogously as a morph or a combination of morphs
that is continuous with respect to dominance. The validity and utility of the
catena concept for construction grammars is demonstrated in a particular area,
namely regarding the functional meanings expressed by periphrastic verb
chains (e.g. modality, aspect, and voice). The morph combinations (= the constructs)
that express these functional meanings form morph catenae.
Laboratory Evaluation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Recycled Clay Masonry Blends in Pavement Applications
Authors: Azam A. M. , Cameron D. A.
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the assessment of blends of recycled clay masonry (RCM) with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for applications in pavements. The study reviewed materials from two South Australian suppliers with the proportion by dry mass of RCM being up to 30 % of the total aggregate mass. Testing included drying shrinkage, static undrained triaxial shear strength and multi-stage repeated loading triaxial testing (RLTT). Although the target dry density ratio was set at 98 % of maximum dry density (MDD) for all compacted specimens, moulding moisture content was varied to investigate the influence of moisture on strength and stiffness of the materials. Static shear strength decreased almost linearly as the initial moisture content increased. The importance of shear strength was demonstrated on RLTT testing and the applied stress states in later stages of the test. A review of the RLTT data showed that both resilient modulus and permanent strain were sensitive to molding moisture content, as well as the applied stresses. Recommendations based on the permanent strain behavior and resilient modulus of the tested specimens, were made regarding the general applications of the various blends in road construction. Potential applications ranged from upper or lower sub-base and base for various traffic levels, depending on percentage of crushed masonry, or RCM, initial moisture content, and product supplier.
Ultrasonic Studies of Some Mono-, Di-, and Tri-Saccharides in Aqueous Sodium Acetate Solutions at Different Temperatures
Authors: Kaur Banipal Parampaul , Singh Vickramjeet , Singh Banipal Tarlok , Singh Harpreet
Published: August 2013

Standard partial molar isentropic compressibilities,
K
○
s,2 at infinite dilution
of some mono-, di- and trisaccharides were determined in water and
in (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) mol kg
–1
aqueous sodium acetate solutions at temperatures,
T = (288.15, 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15) K from
precise speed of sound measurements. From these data, the standard
partial molar isentropic compressibilities of transfer,
Δ
t
K
○
s,2,
pair and triplet interaction coefficients
(K
AB,
K
ABB) and hydration numbers,
N
w have been calculated. These
parameters have been discussed in terms of various molecular
interactions occurring in solutions. Effect of sodium acetate on
the taste quality of various saccharides has been discussed on the
basis of apparent massic volume and apparent massic isentropic
compressibility parameters. Acoustical properties have also been
discussed in relation to previously reported volumetric and
rheological studies for these systems.
Changes in the prevalence of hypothyroidism: the HUNT Study in Norway
Authors: Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Vatten Lars J , Bjøro Trine
Published: August 2013

Objective

Untreated hypothyroidism is common in iodine-replete areas. Frequent thyroid function testing and use of levothyroxine treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism suggest that the prevalence may have decreased. Therefore, in this study, we examined changes in the prevalence of hypothyroidism in a Norwegian county from 1995–1997 to 2006–2008.

Design

Population surveys of 33 917 individuals in 1995–1997 and 49 180 individuals in 2006–2008 were carried out.

Methods

We compared the prevalence of untreated overt, untreated subclinical, and treated hypothyroidism between 1995–1997 and 2006–2008.

Results

The prevalence of untreated overt hypothyroidism among women decreased by 84% from 1995–1997 (0.75%) to 2006–2008 (0.12%) (prevalence ratio (PR) 0.16; 95% CI 0.10–0.26). The corresponding decrease among men was 43% from 0.21 to 0.12% (PR 0.57; 95% CI 0.28–1.16). The prevalence of untreated subclinical hypothyroidism decreased by 64% from 3.0 to 1.1% in women (PR 0.36; 95% CI 0.31–0.42) and decreased by 54% from 2.1 to 1.0% in men (PR 0.46; 95% CI 0.38–0.56). Conversely, the prevalence of treated hypothyroidism among women increased by 60% from 5.0 to 8.0% (PR 1.60, 95% CI 1.50–1.71), and the corresponding prevalence in men doubled from 1.0 to 2.0% (PR 1.96; 95% CI 1.59–2.41). The prevalence of any form of hypothyroidism remained essentially similar at 9% in women and 3% in men.

Conclusions

The prevalence of untreated hypothyroidism in this Norwegian county decreased strongly from 1995–1997 to 2006–2008. The findings suggest that the prevalence of untreated hypothyroidism in populations with easy access to thyroid function testing and levothyroxine treatment may now be low.
Sódio e potássio no líquido cefalorraqueano em condições normais e patológicas
Authors: Reis João Baptista dos , Reis Filho Isnard dos , Bei Antonio
Published: August 2013

Os autores determinaram o conceito de normalidade para as taxas de sódio e potássio do líquor e verificaram, para o sódio, uma variação de 140 a 150 mEq/1 (média de 145 mEq/1) e, para o potássio, uma variação de 2,3 a 3,4 mEq/1 (média de 2,9 mEq/1), utilizando-se do fotômetro de chama. Estudando os distúrbios do equilíbrio hidrossalino em pacientes com afecções neurológicas graves, reuniram um grupo de 99 casos, incluindo variadas moléstias agudas e crônicas. Apreciando os resultados das dosagens do potássio nos pacientes com perturbações da osmolaridade do meio extracelular, verificaram relativa invariabilidade de sua taxa nos casos de hiposmolaridade parece existir algum paralelismo entre sódio e potássio, embora com dispersão muito grande. A maior taxa de potássio verificada foi de 4,3 mEq/1. Êstes resultados mostram que, enquanto a determinação da taxa de sódio no líquor tem grande sabor na caracterização de distúrbios do equilíbrio hidrossalino em pacientes neurológicos, a determinação da taxa do potássio no líquor não tem valor para o estudo de perturbação do seu metabolismo no organismo.
Proteinorraquia total: variações relacionadas ao sexo e à idade
Authors: Spina-França A. , Amar Isaac
Published: August 2013

Foi estudada a proteinorraquia total de 1.011 pacientes com LCR normal para investigar a influência da idade e do sexo. O método empregado para a determinação da concentração protêica foi o turbidimétrico do ácido tricloracético. A influência do fator etário foi estudada entre 3 meses e 70 anos de idade. Os resultados permitiram verificar que a concentração protêica do LCR é maior entre 3 e 6 meses de idade. Entre 1 e 40 anos de idade os valores médios são próximos entre si, situando ao redor de 16 e 18 mg por 100 ml. A partir de 40 anos de idade verifica-se tendência para ser progressivamente maior a proteinorraquia total. Essa tendência se acentua com o avançar da idade. Em relação ao sexo, foi verificado que a proteinorraquia total tende a ser maior no homem do que na mulher. A diferença entre as médias encontradas para os homens e mulheres foi estatisticamente significante. Êsses dados confirmam observações anteriores, caracterizando-os em relação ao método empregado para a determinação da concentração protêica do LCR.
Sintomas sem doença distúrbios da homeostase e surgimento de sintomas preferenciais
Authors: Pires Nelson
Published: August 2013

Discute-se a aparição de sintomas "aprendidos" com certas doenças e que, depois da extinção destas, perduram ou reaparecem facilmente, já agora "sem causa". Pequenos agravos à homeostase ensejam a reaparição dos sintomas aprendidos e gravados. Não se trata de reflexos condicionados, pois que, nestes, o estímulo condicionador é específico, ao passo que nos casos aqui comentados (síndrome de esforço, rinite alérgica, hiperfagia, falso hipertireoidismo, colon irritável, úlcera péptica, enxaqueca) os agravos à homeostase eram inespecíficos, sempre diversos entre si, ora psíquicos ora somáticos. O desencadeamento psicógeno evidente tem ocasionado equívocos e permitido pensar em etiologia psicógena, quando há apenas fatores desencadeadores não só psicógenos, mas também somatógenos. Destacamos fatôres inespecíficos das crises e não causas psicógenas específicas da doença. Estuda-se a presença do sentido dos sintomas, hoje tão buscada pelos psicoterapeutas. O sentido finalista dos sintomas pode ser adicional secundário e não torna ilegítima a avaliação médico-legal do sintoma. A ocorrência cada vez mais fácil dêsses sintomas acaba por ser uma contingência singular a que chamamos "reação predileta pessoal" porque toda alteração da homeostase, desencadeia, invariàvelmente, os mesmos sintomas. É então fácil a sua "psiquização", isto é, os sintomas somáticos contraem relações profundas com o equilíbrio psíquico, de modo que, a tôda alteração dêste equilíbrio, irrompem os sintomas preferenciais. Apesar dêsses vínculos evidentes entre sintomas e equilíbrio emocional, êles são cegos de sentido, pelo menos no início, antes da "psiquização". A gravação de ciclos funcionais preferenciais é um conhecimento registrado em Neurofisiologia, aqui aplicado à clínica e que vai enriquecer o capítulo da "escolha do sintoma". Velhos problemas que sempre intrigaram os estudiosos da psicossomática - porque, por exemplo, em vez de causas específicas para enxaqueca, úlcera péptica, colopatias, etc, só se encontram fatôres inespecíficos - são abordados e respondidos: a gravação de ciclos funcionais preferenciais é ativada por qualquer desequilíbrio da homeostase e o organismo tem uma "resposta predileta pessoal", sempre a mesma. Estudou-se, enfim, a autenticidade, ou não, de sintomas nas "neuroses de renda".
Ambientoterapia: comunidade terapêutica
Authors: Blaya Marcelo
Published: August 2013

Revisa-se neste relato o conceito de comunidade terapêutica, destacando-se a importância do ambiente como fator terapêutico, ao lado de outras formas de tratamento (físicos, químicos, psicológicos e sociais). Essa nova feição do tratamento psiquiátrico hospitalar capitaliza sobretudo a utilização das várias relações interpessoais que o paciente estabelece dentro do hospital. São "amizades" transitórias capazes de fortalecerem os conceitos de relacionamento interpessoal do enfermo e, dêsse modo, constituem fator de primeira grandeza no processo curativo. Chama-se a atenção para as possibilidades dêsse esquema em unidades psiquiátricas de um hospital geral.