bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Boundary Conditions on Finite Element Analysis Convergence Curves
Authors: Melosh Robert , Raju Rangnadha
Published: November 2008

Abstract: This Paper explores the relation between the number of generalized displacement coordinates and finite element solution accuracy as a function of the class of boundary conditions. The study concludes that strain energy estimates for well‐behaved potential energy element models may be mulitvalued for successively finer grids. When the only non‐zero boundary values are nodal forces, the problem is minimax. When the only non‐zero boundary conditions are settlements, the problem is minimin. When boundary conditions involve a mix of nodal forces and settlements, multivalued convergence curves may arise. The authors suggest the use of superposition to circumvent non‐monotonic convergence.
A Two‐Step Iterative Technique for Analysis of Piles in Nonlinear Soils
Authors: Vaziri Hans H.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Using a two‐step iterative technique, a solution is obtained for the response of axially‐loaded piles embedded in yielding soils. The proposed method can be applied to both floating and end‐bearing piles and examples have been provided to demonstrate such analyses. For the case of an end‐bearing pile model is shown to provide a close match against a collocation based model. As shown in the appended listing of the code, the proposed model is easy to implement and can perform efficiently on conventional micro‐computers.
A Knowledge‐Based Structural Analysis Based on an Object‐Oriented Approach
Authors: Nakai Shoichi , Katukura Hiroshi , Ebihara Manabu , Niimi Katsuyuki , Hirose Keiichi , Fukuwa Nobuo
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Analysis is one of the key issues in realizing complex large structures. In spite of the tremendous accumulation of methods and theories in the field of structural analysis, there is still a need to include newly developed methodologies into analysis codes for production use. This paper describes the initial development of a platform to accommodate the future needs in this area. The system being developed is a knowledge‐based system which first accepts the user's description of an analysis problem, comes up with a suitable analysis method and a corresponding computational algorithm, then develops a program along with input data to solve the problem, and finally gives a result to the user. Program generation is done by selecting appropriate building‐block codes from a program database. To construct a prototype system, a problem solving model called an ‘organizational model’ is introduced, which is developed to imitate the problem solving in a real life. The main part of the system, which functions as described above, is written in CLOS (common LISP Object System), while generated codes are written in either FORTRAN or C++. The performance of the prototype system shows that this approach can be effective.
An Approach to Numerical Modelling of Flexible Orbiting Space Structures
Authors: Modi V. J. , Ng A. C. , Suleman A.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: A relatively general formulation for studying the dynamics of a large Class of seacecraft characterized by interconnected flexible memebers forming a tree topology is presented. Extremely lengthy, hightly nonlinear, nonautonomous, and coupled equations of motion are amenable only to numerical solution using a high performacnce computer. Discretization of the continuum system is accopolished through either component or system modes obtained through a finite element analysis. Its evolving Space Station Freedom. The modal spectra suggest that: (i) the appendage flexibility plays an important role in governing the system dynamics: (ii) close spacing of the frequencies with possible overlap will make the response extremely complex and the control equally challenging; (iii) the system modes are siginificantly influenced by the growth of the main truss and module clusters. versatility of the general formulation is demonstrared systems: the permanently manned configuration (PMC) of the Space Station: and a system similar to the space flyer unit (SFU) under development in Japan. The PMC study shows that even a small main truss disturbance can excite not only large amplitude motion of the appendages, but also truss velocity and acceleration levels exceeding the specified limit. The deployment of the solar array pedal (SAP) of the SFU shows that the spacecraft remains stable under both symmetric and asymmetric deployments. Advantage of out‐of‐plane symmetric retrieval is found to be stable: the in‐plane retrieval induces unsatisfactory librational motion. For an asymmetric retrieval, the spacecrat response is untable and an active control would be required.
Fuzzy Theory for the Active Control of the Dynamic Response in Buildings
Authors: Tachibana Eizaburo , Inoue Yutaka , Creamer Bernardo C.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: A new fuzzy control method for the reduction of the dynamic response of structures is presented, and is compared with the instantaneous optimal control method. The control forces are determined from preformulated fuzzy rules regarding the velocity and the acceleration of the system. The triangular membership function and the mini‐max‐gravity method are used in the fuzzyfication and the defuzzyfication process, respectively. In these processes, no material property of the structure such as the mass matrix or the stiffness matrix are needed. This characteristic nature is definitely different from that of optimal control algorithms. Numerical examples are shown in order to compare the performances both of the proposed fuzzy control method and the optimal control method. It appeared that the fuzzy control method is quite useful as regards reliability and robustness.
An Integrated BEM Algorithm for Transient 2‐D Flow in Unconfined Aquifers
Authors: Rizos Dimitris C. , Karabalis Dimitris L.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: A new algorithm based on a time stepping BEM formulation for problems of transient or steadystate 2‐D groundwater flow is discussed. Of particular interest is the location of moving boundaries, such as the free surface in unconfined groundwater flow and/or the fresh‐salt water interface in coastal aquifers. A variety of transient external forcing functions, e.g., rainfall, tidal effects, etc., or combinations of the above, are considered. Numerical results from two example problems demonstrate the versatility and accuracy of the proposed methodology.
GIS for Radioactive Materials Transportation
Authors: Souleyrette Reginald R. , Sathisan Shashi K.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Stimulated by debate surrounding the potential siting of a national repository, critical issues related to transporting high‐level radioactive material (HLRM) are emerging. Techniques such as route characterization and risk/impact analysis are being developed or refined to facilitate routing decisions. Key inputs to analysis include demographic data, environmental features, and transportation system characteristics—inputs that are spatial in nature and difficult to manage without appropriate technology. This paper demonstrates the application of geographic information systems (GISs) to HLRM transportation analysis and identifies three transportation risk‐analysis methodologies: comparative study, worst‐case assessment, and probabilistic risk assessment. While known for its ability to integrate, manage, process, and effectively present large amounts of complex spatial data, the GIS technology potential for HLRM transportation risk analysis has not been fully exploited. This potential is demonstrated here in applications of GIS technology to develop estimates of resident and visitor population and ecologically sensitive areas along transportation corridors. The applicability of GIS technology is also illustrated through a discussion of linking models for risk assessment and examples of effective display of data and results.
An Object‐Oriented Diagnostic System for Prestressed Concrete Bridges
Authors: Gupta Supratic , Itoh Yoshito , Niwa Jun‐ichiro
Published: November 2008

Abstract:A prototype knowledge‐based diagnostic system for understanding the problems in prestressed concrete bridges is presented. The object‐oriented approach is used for the system development. The system is completely interactive, making extensive use of pictures and diagrams along with textual explanation to explain difficult concepts in a multilingual environment. The system compares the new case of damage with the various types of damages that are stored in the knowledge base. It explains to the user the details of design and construction that may lead to this damage and the related repair methods. The system indicates the applicability of textual and pictorial explanations in developing an environment for the diagnosis of problems in prestressed concrete bridges.
OPIS: An Object Model–Based Project Information System
Authors: Froese Thomas M. , Paulson Boyd C.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Future computer‐aided project management (CAPM) software will be greatly improved through the technologies of project modeling—the rich, general‐purpose representation of the project in the computer—and system integration—the sharing of computer models among applications. Our approach is to achieve system integration by establishing standard models that all applications can adopt and share. This requires a standard data model that specifies the general data‐representation approach, a standard domain model that provides a schema or language for representing construction information, and a project model or database for information about a specific project that can be shared among multiple computer applications. This paper reviews these standard models and then describes our prototype integrated system called the object model–based project information system, or OPIS. OPIS uses a shared object–oriented database as the central unifying core of an integrated project planning system that includes an interface to an intelligent CADD program, a plan‐generation expert system, an estimating application, and a scheduling application. OPIS demonstrates the feasibility and power of using standard object‐oriented project models to achieve CAPM system integration.
Integrated Assessment of Seismic Damage in Structures
Authors: Stephens Jerry E. , VanLuchene R. Daniel
Published: November 2008

Abstract: A new approach is explored for assessing the safety condition of civil engineering structures following strong‐motion earthquakes that utilizes artificial intelligence to collectively consider several factors in the assessment process. Following this approach, various types of information related to the damage condition of the structure are input into a neural network computer program that has been trained to generate safety assessments. The network acts on the input information according to weighting factors established from data on past seismic events to generate a condition assessment. This study focused on utilizing various quantitative damage indices in formulating a safety assessment. Development of a neural network for this purpose was accomplished using response data from structural systems tested in the laboratory. The neural network generated more reliable assessments than could be obtained using any single indicator or from a linear regression model that utilized all indicators. The network was used successfully to assess the condition of a real structure damaged in an earthquake. A network of this kind may be useful in automatic and immediate condition assessment following a seismic event and as an aid to an expert in determining such assessments.
A Backpropagation Neural Network Model for Semi‐rigid Steel Connections
Authors: Abdalla K. M. , Stavroulakis G. E.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The analysis of semirigid steel structure connections based on exact theoretical modeling, which is demanding and time consuming if all the nonlinear parameters of the problem are taken into account, can be avoided provided that enough experimental measurements exist and an appropriate predictor can be constructed from them. A supervised learning backpropagation neural network approach is proposed in this paper for the construction of this model free predictor. A number of experimental momentrotation curves for single‐angle and single‐plate beam‐to‐column connections are used in this paper to train the neural network. The trained network provides us with an estimator for the mechanical behavior of the steel structure connection element.
Incorporating Membership Functions and Certainty Factors in Fuzzy Expert Systems
Authors: Chew Gerard , Schneider Moti , Kandel Abraham , Langholz Gideon
Published: November 2008

Abstract: This paper demonstrates a mechanism for incorporating and independently evaluating membership functions and certainty factors during the preprocessing phrase in fuzzy expert systems. By providing this flexibility within the framework of a fuzzy expert system tool, the expert system becomes better equipped to model real‐world control applications.
Caveats and Boons of Multicriteria Optimization
Authors: Stadler W.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: There are many similarities and connections between the optimization of a single criterion and multicriteria optimization. Their exploitation does require care, and I shall explore some of the pitfalls. In general, I hope to illustrate the ease with which one may apply multicriteria optimization while at the same time illustrating the possible pitfalls. The central optimality concept is Edgeworth‐Pareto optimality; however, I shall also discuss some other optimality concepts. I close with a discussion of some boons and caveats in structural optimization.
Automated Erection of Structures Utilizing ATLSS Connections and a Robotic Crane
Authors: Viscomi B. Vincent , Lu Le‐Wu , Perreira N. Duke , Michalerya William D. , Larrabee Adam B.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The need to automate the process of erecting structural frames has long been recognized by the engineering profession, especially in construction of multistory structures in which members of similar sizes and floor panels of similar dimensions are to be erected repeatedly. Modern automated construction processes, when properly applied, have the potential of producing cost‐effective and higher‐quality structures as well as providing a safer environment for workers during construction. Since 1986, the Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems at Lehigh University has been working on the development of an integrated building system that has features particularly suited for construction automation. One of these features is the new types of structural connections that are easy to fabricate and lend themselves to multiple automated construction techniques. The second is a computer‐controlled, cable‐driven platform that can be attached to a crane. The combination of these technologies leads to a process that can effectively increase productivity, quality, and safety at the job site. This paper discusses these technologies as well as a preliminary economic assessment of the new system.
Automatic Segment Assembly Robot for Shield Tunneling Machine
Authors: Tanaka Yasuo
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Tunnels are formed with the aid of precast reinforced‐concrete segments. Erecting and positioning such segments using conventional erectors is tough and hazardous work. Labor‐saving automation has long been awaited. Our development of an automatic segment assembly robot that manipulates approximately 5‐ton weight segments to form a 9.5‐m‐diameter ring should help the situation. The robot has already found use in a 600‐m‐long tunnel construction site in Tokyo. High‐precision assembly is achieved thanks to a light‐section method that applies laser‐slit lighting and to digital servo technology. The benefit of automation tied in with a manual‐remote hybrid control system reduces assembly time.
A Fuzzy Expert System for Damage Assessment Using Genetic Algorithms and Neural Networks
Authors: Furuta Hitoshi , He Jianhong , Watanabe Eiichi
Published: November 2008

Abstract: An efficient knowledge‐acquisition support method is required for improvement and maintenance of the knowledge base in durability evaluation of an RC bridge deck. Such a method is proposed in this paper to automatically acquire fuzzy production rules. This method makes joint use of genetic algorithms and a neural network. Using a neural network as a subsystem, the evaluation function of genetic algorithms can be provided with the weights of the neural network. Introducing a neural network into genetic algorithms, it is possible to acquire new knowledge so that the method is useful when it is difficult to acquire knowledge in the field.
Structural Analysis with Fuzzy Variables
Authors: Chao Ru‐Jen , Ayyub Bilal M.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The analysis of existing structures requires engineers to model two types of uncertainty, cognitive and non‐cognitive. The objective of this paper is to reexamine structural analysis methods by considering the cognitive type of uncertainty. Two analytical approaches are proposed for this purpose: (1) combining the displacement method with fuzzy arithmetic and (2) considering all possible permutations of extreme values of any uncertain variables in a structure using the displacement method. The first approach, which is based on fuzzy arithmetic, requires less computing time as compared with the permutations method but only obtains approximate solutions. However, the second approach produces the exact solution. For the purpose of illustration, the modulus of elasticity E is assumed to be an uncertain variable and is modeled as a triangular fuzzy number. The structural behavior was investigated due to this cognitive uncertainty in E. The results based on the second approach show that if E is a triangular fuzzy number, the member forces can be either fuzzy numbers or crisp values, depending on the structural type. In addition, modified definitions for fuzzy division and fuzzy subtraction are proposed in this paper. Applications of these modified definitions and proposed methods are also presented.
A Fuzzy Neural Network Approach to Evaluation of Slope Failure Potential
Authors: Ni S. H. , Lu P. C. , Juang C. H.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Stability of natural slopes depends highly on their existing geologic conditions and surrounding environment. However, the conditions of a natural slope and its environment usually cannot be described with precise numbers. Thus an approach that is capable of dealing with vagueness in the stability evaluation of natural slopes is essential. This paper presents a fuzzy neural network approach for evaluating the stability of natural slopes. In this approach, fuzzy sets are used to represent the parameters of the neural network. A total of 13 factors that are believed to be important to the stability of natural slopes are used as input parameters. A two‐stage training method is used for establishing fuzzy parameters. A fuzzy artificial neural network is developed and tested. A number of hypothetical natural slopes are evaluated, and the results appear to be reasonable compared with those obtained by different approaches in a previous study.
Multisensory Integration
Authors: Lugo J.E. , Doti R. , Wittich Walter , Faubert Jocelyn
Published: November 2008

Multisensory integration in humans is thought to be essentially a brain phenomenon, but theories are silent as to the possible involvement of the peripheral nervous system. We provide evidence that this approach is insufficient. We report novel tactile-auditory and tactilevisual interactions in humans, demonstrating that a facilitating sound or visual stimulus that is exactly synchronous with an excitatory tactile signal presented at the lower leg increases the peripheral representation of that excitatory signal. These results demonstrate that during multisensory integration, the brain not only continuously binds information obtained from the senses, but also acts directly on that information by modulating activity at peripheral levels. We also discuss a theoretical framework to explain this novel interaction.
False Memory 1/20th of a Second Later
Authors: Intraub Helene , Dickinson Christopher A.
Published: November 2008

Errors of commission are thought to be caused by heavy memory loads, confusing information, lengthy retention intervals, or some combination of these factors. We report false memory beyond the boundaries of a view, boundary extension, after less than 1/20th of a second. Photographs of scenes were interrupted by a 42-ms or 250-ms mask, 250 ms into viewing, before reappearing or being replaced with a different view (Experiment 1). Postinterruption photographs that were unchanged were rated as closer up than the original views; when the photographs were changed, the same pair of closer-up and wider-angle views was rated as more similar when the closer view was first, rather than second. Thus, observers remembered preinterruption views with extended boundaries. Results were replicated when the interruption included a saccade (Experiment 2). The brevity of these interruptions has implications for visual scanning; it also challenges the traditional distinction between perception and memory. We offer an alternative conceptualization that shows how source monitoring can explain false memory after an interruption briefer than an eyeblink.
Is It Important to Prevent Early Exposure to Drugs and Alcohol Among Adolescents?
Authors: Odgers Candice L. , Caspi Avshalom , Nagin Daniel S. , Piquero Alex R. , Slutske Wendy S. , Milne Barry J. , Dickson Nigel , Poulton Richie , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: November 2008

Exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs during early adolescence has been associated with poor outcomes in adulthood. However, many adolescents with exposure to these substances also have a history of conduct problems, which raises the question of whether early exposure to alcohol and drugs leads to poor outcomes only for those adolescents who are already at risk. In a 30-year prospective study, we tested whether there was evidence that early substance exposure can be a causal factor for adolescents' future lives. After propensity-score matching, early-exposed adolescents remained at an increased risk for a number of poor outcomes. Approximately 50% of adolescents exposed to alcohol and illicit drugs prior to age 15 had no conduct-problem history, yet were still at an increased risk for adult substance dependence, herpes infection, early pregnancy, and crime. Efforts to reduce or delay early substance exposure may prevent a wide range of adult health problems and should not be restricted to adolescents who are already at risk.
War mementos and the souls of missing soldiers: returning effects of the battlefield dead
Authors: Harrison Simon
Published: November 2008

This article discusses acts of restitutive giving, a range of practices similar to the gift except that they express sociability by reaffirming between donors and recipients the existence of social boundaries rather than connections. The particular case discussed concerns military personnel in the major wars of the twentieth century, who took personal items from the enemy dead as battle trophies. Focusing on the Pacific War, the article explores the meaning of these objects for the servicemen who kept them, and the ways in which this meaning altered during their later lives. In particular, the article seeks to explain why some veterans in old age, or their families after their deaths, traced the original owners' surviving kin and returned the objects to them.

Le présent article discute des actes de restitution, des pratiques proches du don à ceci près qu’elles expriment la sociabilité en réaffirmant entre celui qui donne et celui qui reçoit l’existence de frontières sociales plutôt que de liens. Le cas particulier discuté ici concerne des militaires ayant participé aux grands conflits armés du XXème siècle, qui avaient emporté comme trophées de guerre des biens personnels de leurs ennemis morts au combat. Dans le cas plus précis de la guerre du Pacifique, l’auteur explore la signification de ces objets pour les militaires qui les ont gardés, et la manière dont cette signification a changé par la suite au fil de leur vie. Il s’agit en particulier d’expliquer pourquoi certains anciens combattants, devenus vieux, ou leur famille après leur mort, ont recherché les parents survivants des anciens propriétaires de ces objets pour leur rendre ceux‐ci.
The commensality of ‘contact’, ‘pacification’, and inter‐ethnic relations in the Amazon: Kayabi autobiographical perspectives
Authors: Oakdale Suzanne
Published: November 2008

This article builds upon research that calls for seeing the historically specific processes often labelled as ‘contact’ and ‘acculturation’ in Amazonia from indigenous perspectives, perspectives that focus on the centrality of the body and bodily transformations. Through a discussion of two Tupi‐speaking Kayabi men's accounts of their own and their relatives' relations with non‐indigenous Brazilians over the course of the twentieth century, I argue that autobiographical and biographical narratives provide a privileged means for understanding how these processes are conceptualized. They also offer a sense for the uneven, reversible nature of these processes as they focus on the experiences of particular persons' bodies over many years. In these two men's accounts, gifts of food and commensality are featured as key activities that transform self and other over a variety of inter‐ethnic, interpersonal interactions.

Le présent article s’appuie sur des recherches qui invitent à considérer du point de vue autochtone les processus historiquement spécifiques que l’on appelle souvent « contact » et « acculturation » en Amazonie. Ce point de vue se fonde sur la place centrale du corps et de ses transformations. Par le biais d’une discussion des récits faits par deux Kayabis, locuteurs du tupi, à propos de leurs relations et de celles de leurs proches avec les Brésiliens non autochtones au fil du XXèmesiècle, l’auteure avance que les narrations autobiographiques et biographiques constituent un moyen privilégié de comprendre comment ces processus sont conceptualisés. Ils font également toucher du doigt la nature irrégulière et réversible de ces processus, en cela qu’ils sont centrés sur l’expérience des corps de certaines personnes au fil de plusieurs années. Dans les récits de ces deux hommes, les offrandes de nourriture et la commensalité sont présentées comme des activités essentielles, qui transforment soi‐même et l’autre par le biais de diverses interactions interethniques et interpersonnelles.
Childhood disability and parental moral responsibility in northern Vietnam: towards ethnographies of intercorporeality
Authors: Gammeltoft Tine M.
Published: November 2008

This article explores the roles played by parents living in Hanoi, Vietnam, in shaping the subjectivities of children who are categorized as physically or intellectually impaired. In an effort to comprehend disability in terms of an active and embodied engagement with the world, I employ a phenomenologically inspired ‘intercorporeal’ perspective as a conceptual alternative to ‘medical’ and ‘social’ models of disability. Through this approach I show how, in northern Vietnam, disability in children brings into question the moral integrity of their parents and how this compels parents to define their children's subjectivities in ways that diminish their personhood. The analysis identifies Buddhist notions of karma, everyday ethics of reciprocity, and party‐state discourses of productivity as particularly important forces structuring such social responses to human impairment.

L’article explore le rôle joué par des parents vivants à Hanoï, au Vietnam, dans la formation de la subjectivité d’enfants considérés comme handicapés physiques ou mentaux. En s’efforçant d’appréhender le handicap en termes d’engagement actif et incarné dans le monde, l’auteure adopte un point de vue « intercorporel », d’inspiration phénoménologique, pouvant constituer une alternative conceptuelle aux modèles « médicaux » et « sociaux » du handicap. Par cette approche, elle montre comment, dans le Nord du Vietnam, le handicap des enfants remet en question l’intégrité morale de leurs parents, et comment il oblige ceux‐ci à définir la subjectivité de leurs enfants d’une manière qui diminue leur valeur en tant que personne. L’analyse identifie les notions bouddhistes de karma, l’éthique quotidienne de la réciprocité et les discours relatifs à la productivité tenus par l’État‐parti comme des forces particulièrement importantes à l’œuvre dans la structuration de ces réponses sociales au handicap humain.
Immigrant Remittances, Stability of Employment and Relative Deprivation
Authors: Lianos Theodore P. , Cavounidis Jennifer
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the factors affecting immigrant remittances on the basis of the experience of immigrants to Greece. In addition to factors commonly used in similar analyses, we examine two new ones: stability of employment and relative deprivation. Our results show that the stability of employment has no significant effect on the decision to remit, while relative deprivation does. Immigrants from less relatively deprived families are more likely to send money back home. As for their effects on the size of remittances, our results show that the relative deprivation variable is insignificant, while those in steady jobs remit less money than those employed in unsteady jobs. The latter finding suggests that fluctuations in migrant employment and migrant income are borne by migrants themselves, whose goal appears to be to secure a steady flow of remittances to country of origin. This type of remittance behaviour has implications for the interpretation of volatility in remittance flows to migrant–sending countries. Specifically, variation in flows may be attributable to changes in the numbers of migrants and not only to changes in the economic and employment conditions in destination countries.
Of Skilled Migration, Brain Drains and Policy Responses*
Authors: Skeldon Ronald
Published: November 2008

Developed countries are increasingly trying to attract skilled migrants, rarely giving any consideration to the impact that this migration might have on countries of origin. The debate on the “brain drain” is not new but it has taken on greater urgency in the context of a globalizing economy and ageing societies and this article reviews the evidence over time and space. It examines opposing interpretations of the impact of the skilled from countries of origin and goes on to examine the particular case of the migration of health professionals. Health workers are seen to be key to achieving basic welfare objectives in any country and their loss may be critical to countries of origin. Hence, the movement of health professionals may be central to any understanding of a brain drain. However, the case for a brain drain, even in this sector, is not straightforward. Specific country and place of origin of the skilled, place of training, appropriateness of training, fit of skills to needs, and the role of return and inmigration of health professionals all need to be taken into consideration. The article examines the case for a two‐tiered health training system, one for global markets and the other for local markets. Retention and return of the skilled are examined through the potential for outsourcing in both education and health care. The article concludes with an examination of policy approaches towards skilled migration and offers pointers towards a more balanced and integrated approach by placing the emphasis on development rather than control of migrants.
I‐CAN: A New Instrument to Classify Support Needs for People with Disability: Part I
Authors: Riches Vivienne C. , Parmenter Trevor R. , Llewellyn Gwynnyth , Hindmarsh Gabrielle , Chan Jeff
Published: November 2008

Background  The supports paradigm has shifted focus from assessing competence and deficits among people with disabilities to identifying supports needed to live meaningful and productive lives in inclusive settings. Consequently, a rigorous and robust system is required that is capable of accurately determining the type and intensity of support needed and of allocating resources accordingly. The aim of the present study was to develop such a system to identify and classify support needs of people with disabilities based on the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) [WHO, The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), Author, Geneva, 2001], and the supports concept [Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification and Systems of Support, 9th edn (1992), 10th edn (2002), American Association on Mental Retardation, Washington, DC).

Method  A total of 1012 individuals with disabilities who were supported by accommodation and day programme organizations across the eastern states of Australia were assessed. The instrument was used in a team setting involving the person, their family and friends and staff as appropriate. Version 1 was administered with 595 people with disability. This version was refined according to qualitative and quantitative analyses. Another 342 individuals were assessed using Version 2, resulting in a combined data set for 936 individuals. Version 3 was then trialled with a further 76 individuals with disabilities.

Results  Ten domain scales in Health and Well Being (HWB) and Activities and Participation (A&P) were explored and refined. The scales effectively discriminated a range of intensities of support for people with various disabilities, with the highest support needs generally recorded by individuals with multiple disabilities who were ageing. The instrument can be used to develop a profile of needed supports across the domain scales. These measure current and predicted support needs, and contribute to future planning. The team approach proved beneficial in this regard.

Conclusions  The I‐CAN is a useful instrument for effectively assessing the support needs of people with a disability using a person centred approach. It is effective in identifying support needs across health and well‐being areas, and activities of daily living.
The Reliability, Validity and Practical Utility of Measuring Supports using the I‐CAN Instrument: Part II
Authors: Riches Vivienne C. , Parmenter Trevor R. , Llewellyn Gwynnyth , Hindmarsh Gabrielle , Chan Jeff
Published: November 2008

Background  There is an urgent need for developing reliable, valid and practical instruments that assess and classify the support needed by persons with disability to function in their chosen living, working and social environments. I‐CAN is an instrument that addresses the frequency and level of support needed (not individual skills or deficits) for each individual with a disability.

Method  Studies were conducted to assess the test–retest reliability and inter‐rater reliability. Concurrent validity was investigated by exploring the relationship between the I‐CAN domain scales and the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) (Bruininks et al. 1986) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL‐Q) (Schalock & Keith 1993). Predictive validity studies were undertaken using day‐ and night‐time support hours. Regression analyses were run using these measures with I‐CAN domain scales. Two independent studies were also conducted to ascertain the practical utility of the instrument.

Results  The I‐CAN instrument demonstrated excellent inter‐rater and test–retest reliability in the Activities and Participation domains. Low‐to‐moderate test–retest results in Physical Health, Mental Emotional Health and Behaviour domains were tracked to actual change in support needs in these areas. Validity proved acceptable. The relationships between I‐CAN domain scales and adaptive behaviour were mixed but in the expected direction. Low‐to‐moderate correlation coefficients were evident between the I‐CAN scales and the QOL‐Q Total, but greater support needed in certain domains was associated with less empowerment and independence, and less community integration and social belonging. Attempts to explain current support hours against the I‐CAN scales were disappointing and suggest that a number of other factors apart from individual support need to play a significant role. There was general satisfaction with the assessment process from stakeholders and participant groups.

Conclusions  I‐CAN is a reliable, valid and user‐friendly instrument for assessing the support needs of people with disabilities. It uses a process that involves the persons with disability, their family and friends and staff as appropriate. It is also apparent that the current provision of paid support hours by agencies is a complex phenomenon that is not based solely on individual support needs. Further research is warranted on the influence of the environment and the perceptions of need for support based on negotiable and non‐negotiable support needs.
Do Genetic Factors Influence Religious Life? Findings from a Behavior Genetic Analysis of Twin Siblings
Authors: BRADSHAW MATT , ELLISON CHRISTOPHER G
Published: November 2008

Social scientific research assumes that religious involvement is primarily, if not exclusively, the product of social‐environmental influences There is growing evidence, however, that genetic or other biological factors also play a role Analyzing twin sibling data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), this study addresses this issue by showing that individual‐level variation on four different aspects of religious life—organizational involvement, personal religiosity and spirituality, conservative ideologies, and transformations and commitments—is indeed the product of both genetic and environmental influences Specifically, genetic factors explain 19–65 percent of the variation, while environmental influences account for the remaining 35–81 percent depending upon the aspect of religion under investigation Research of this type enhances contemporary social science by providing a new perspective that nicely supplements existing ones, but it also highlights potential implications, including explanatory power deficiencies and potentially bias
Alternative Schooling Strategies and the Religious Lives of American Adolescents
Authors: UECKER JEREMY E.
Published: November 2008

I analyze the effects of Catholic schooling, Protestant schooling, and homeschooling on adolescents' religious lives and test three mechanisms through which these schooling strategies might influence religiosity: friendship networks, network closure, and adult mentors. Data from Wave 1 of the National Survey of Youth and Religion suggest that Catholic schoolers attend religious services more frequently and value their faith more highly than public schoolers, but attend religious education classes and youth group less often. Protestant schoolers' involvement in their local congregation is similar to public schoolers', but their faith plays a more salient role in their life and they are more active in private religious activities. Homeschoolers do not differ significantly from public schoolers on any outcome considered. Moreover, friendship networks, network closure, and adult mentors play a very limited role in mediating the relationships between schooling strategies and adolescent religiosity. Interpretations of these findings are presented and discussed.
Estimating the Religious Composition of All Nations: An Empirical Assessment of the World Christian Database
Authors: HSU BECKY , REYNOLDS AMY , HACKETT CONRAD , GIBBON JAMES
Published: November 2008

The international religious data in the World Christian Database (WCD), and its print predecessor, the
World Christian Encyclopedia (WCE) have been used frequently in academic studies and the popular press. Scholars have raised questions about the WCD's estimates categories, and potential bias, but the data have not yet been systematically assessed. We test the reliability of the WCD by comparing its religious composition estimates to four other data sources (World Values Survey, Pew Global Assessment Project,CIA World Factbook, and the U.S. Department of State), finding that estimates are highly correlated. In comparing the WCD estimates for Islamic countries and American Christian adherents with local data sources, we identify specific groups for which estimates differ. In addition, we discuss countries where the data sets provide inconsistent religious estimates. Religious composition estimates in the WCD are generally plausible and consistent with other data sets. The WCD also includes comprehensive nonreligious data. Recommendations regarding the use of the WCD are given.
Disaggregating Conservative Protestant Groups in Northern Ireland: Overlapping Categories and the Importance of a Born‐Again Self‐Identification
Authors: MITCHELL CLAIRE , TILLEY JAMES
Published: November 2008

Rather than treating conservative Protestantism as a homogenous phenomenon, recent literature has underlined the importance of disaggregating this group to illuminate important attitudinal and behavioral differences between conservative Protestants. However, the methods used to empirically operationalize conservative Protestantism have not always been able to capture variations within the groupings. Based on analysis of the 2004 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, we argue that religious self‐identification is a more useful way of analyzing conservative Protestant subgroups than denomination or religious belief. We show that many of these identifications are overlapping, rather than stand‐alone, religious group identifications. Moreover, the identification category of born‐again has seldom been included in surveys. We find having a born‐again identification to be a better predictor than the more frequently asked fundamentalist and evangelical categories of the religious and social beliefs that are seen as indicative of conservative Protestantism.
Exercise‐induced metacarpophalangeal joint adaptation in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: Muir P. , Peterson A. L. , Sample S. J. , Scollay M. C. , Markel M. D. , Kalscheur V. L.
Published: November 2008

Repetitive bone injury and development of stress fracture is a common problem in humans and animals. The Thoroughbred racehorse is a model in which adaptive failure and associated development of stress fracture is common. We performed a histologic study of the distal end of the third metacarpal bone in two groups of horses: young Thoroughbreds that were actively racing (n = 10) and a group of non‐athletic horses (n = 8). The purpose of this study was to determine whether development of articular microcracks was associated with specific alterations to subchondral plate osteocytes. Morphometric measurements were made in five regions of the joint surface: lateral condyle, lateral condylar groove, sagittal ridge, medial condylar groove, and medial condyle. The following variables were quantified: hyaline cartilage width; calcified cartilage width; the number of tidemarks; microcrack density at the articular surface; blood vessel density entering articular cartilage; the presence of atypical bone matrix in the subchondral plate; bone volume fraction; and osteocyte density. Adaptation of articular cartilage was similar in both groups of horses. Vascularization of articular cartilage was increased in the group of non‐athletic horses. Microcracks, which typically had an oblique orientation to the joint surface, were co‐localized with blood vessels, and resorption spaces. Microcracking was increased in the condylar grooves of athletic horses compared with the other joint regions and was also increased compared with the condylar groove regions of non‐athletic horses. Coalescence of microcracks also led to development of an intracortical articular condylar stress fracture in some joints and targeted remodeling of affected subchondral plate. The subchondral plate of the condyles in athletic horses was sclerotic, and contained atypically stained bone matrix with increased numbers of osteocytes with atypical morphology. However, osteocyte numbers were not significantly different between groups. We conclude that differences in site‐specific microdamage accumulation and associated targeted remodeling between athletic and non‐athletic horses are much greater than differences in subchondral osteocyte morphology. However, the presence of atypical subchondral bone matrix in athletic horses was associated with extensive osteocyte loss. Although osteocyte mechanotransduction is considered important for functional adaptation, in this model, adaptation is likely regulated by multiple mechanotransduction pathways.
Age‐related increase in the immunoproteasome content in rat hippocampus: molecular and functional aspects
Authors: Gavilán M. Paz , Castaño Angélica , Torres Manuel , Portavella Manuel , Caballero Cristina , Jiménez Sebastián , García‐Martínez Ana , Parrado Juan , Vitorica Javier , Ruano Diego
Published: November 2008

Alterations in the proteasome activity in the CNS have been described during aging. However, a detailed study of all proteasome subunits is actually lacking. We have analyzed, in vivo, the age‐related modifications in the molecular composition of hippocampal proteasomes. We found that the immunoproteasome/proteasome ratio was increased in aged hippocampus. The processing of the low‐molecular‐mass protein (LMP)7/β5i subunit, practically absent in young hippocampus, was increased in aged animals. Among the potential factors underlying these modifications we evaluated the neuroinflammation and the transcription factor Zif268. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced neuroinflammation in young rats, up‐regulated the expression of immunoproteasome subunits and increased the processing of the LMP7/β5i protein. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of cellular peptides, analyzed by liquid chromatography, increased in both, young LPS‐injected animals and aged rats, suggesting that immunoproteasomes including the LMP7/β5i subunit could, at least in part, account for this modification. Also, the mRNA expression of the transcription factor Zif268, which down‐regulates the immunoproteasome subunit LMP7/β5i by binding to sequences within the promoter regions, was decreased in both, aged hippocampus and young LPS‐injected animals. Finally, we found that spatial memory training in young animals, a situation in which the expression of Zif268 is increased, modified the mRNA expression of the constitutive and catalytic subunits in an opposite manner. Based on present data, we propose that the age‐related increases in the content of hippocampal immunoproteasome is mostly because of neuroinflammatory processes associated to aging.
A novel mechanism of methylglyoxal cytotoxicity in neuroglial cells
Authors: Lee Hyun Kyoung , Seo In Ae , Suh Duk Joon , Lee Hye Jeong , Park Hwan Tae
Published: November 2008

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is an endogenous dicarbonyl compound that is highly produced in hyperglycemic conditions. It forms advanced glycation endproducts that are believed to contribute, as etiological factors, to the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. In addition, MGO suppresses cell viability through the induction of apoptosis in vitro. In this study, we have, for the first time, demonstrated the effect of MGO on the gp130 cytokine‐induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) responses in RT4 schwannoma, PC12 pheochromocytoma and U87MG glioma cells. At dose that very mildly affects cell viability, MGO rapidly induces endocytotic degradation of gp130, which involves the di‐leucine internalization motif in the cytoplasmic domain of gp130, without affecting other growth factor receptors. Concomitant inhibition of basal and interleukin‐6‐induced STAT3 activation was observed following pre‐treatment with MGO. The inhibitory effect of MGO on the gp130/STAT3 signaling was prevented by the pre‐treatment with an advanced glycation endproduct scavenger aminoguanidine. Finally, these deleterious effects of MGO on STAT3 signaling led to down‐regulation of a STAT3 target gene, Bcl‐2, and sensitized cellular toxicity induced by H2O2 and etoposide. Our data indicate that MGO affects cell viability via desensitization of gp130/STAT3 signaling, which is the key signaling pathway for cell survival, and thereby promotes cytotoxicity.