First Set Of Analyses Research Articles

Reliability analysis of RC beams strengthened for torsion with carbon fibre composites

AbstractTwo sets of reliability analyses for two beam series strengthened with carbon fibre composites (CFC) in different ways and subjected to torsional moments are described in this paper. The analyses consider three failure functions and the system is regarded as a series system formed by these three limit state modes.Five random variables are taken into account in the first set of analyses. The analyses are performed for different torsional moment ratios, defined as the ratio of the torsional moment due to live loads to the total torsional moment. The system reliability indexes and the factors of importance associated with each random variable are obtained. In the second set of reliability analyses, only the two most relevant random variables selected in the first set of analyses according to the values of their factors of importance are considered, and new reliability indexes are determined. The examples show that despite the constant value of the total torsional moment, the increase in the torsional moment ratio leads to a decrease in the system reliability levels. The fact that the values of the reliability indexes obtained in both sets of reliability analyses are very similar validates the efficiency of the sensitivity analyses.

Parallel ICA of FDG-PET and PiB-PET in three conditions with underlying Alzheimer's pathology.

The relationships between clinical phenotype, β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are incompletely understood yet have important ramifications for future therapy. The goal of this study was to utilize multimodality positron emission tomography (PET) data from a clinically heterogeneous population of patients with probable AD in order to: (1) identify spatial patterns of Aβ deposition measured by (11C)-labeled Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB-PET) and glucose metabolism measured by FDG-PET that correlate with specific clinical presentation and (2) explore associations between spatial patterns of Aβ deposition and glucose metabolism across the AD population. We included all patients meeting the criteria for probable AD (NIA–AA) who had undergone MRI, PiB and FDG-PET at our center (N = 46, mean age 63.0 ± 7.7, Mini-Mental State Examination 22.0 ± 4.8). Patients were subclassified based on their cognitive profiles into an amnestic/dysexecutive group (AD-memory; n = 27), a language-predominant group (AD-language; n = 10) and a visuospatial-predominant group (AD-visuospatial; n = 9). All patients were required to have evidence of amyloid deposition on PiB-PET. To capture the spatial distribution of Aβ deposition and glucose metabolism, we employed parallel independent component analysis (pICA), a method that enables joint analyses of multimodal imaging data. The relationships between PET components and clinical group were examined using a Receiver Operator Characteristic approach, including age, gender, education and apolipoprotein E ε4 allele carrier status as covariates. Results of the first set of analyses independently examining the relationship between components from each modality and clinical group showed three significant components for FDG: a left inferior frontal and temporoparietal component associated with AD-language (area under the curve [AUC] 0.82, p = 0.011), and two components associated with AD-visuospatial (bilateral occipito-parieto-temporal [AUC 0.85, p = 0.009] and right posterior cingulate cortex [PCC]/precuneus and right lateral parietal [AUC 0.69, p = 0.045]). The AD-memory associated component included predominantly bilateral inferior frontal, cuneus and inferior temporal, and right inferior parietal hypometabolism but did not reach significance (AUC 0.65, p = 0.062). None of the PiB components correlated with clinical group. Joint analysis of PiB and FDG with pICA revealed a correlated component pair, in which increased frontal and decreased PCC/precuneus PiB correlated with decreased FDG in the frontal, occipital and temporal regions (partial r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). Using multivariate data analysis, this study reinforced the notion that clinical phenotype in AD is tightly linked to patterns of glucose hypometabolism but not amyloid deposition. These findings are strikingly similar to those of univariate paradigms and provide additional support in favor of specific involvement of the language network, higher-order visual network, and default mode network in clinical variants of AD. The inverse relationship between Aβ deposition and glucose metabolism in partially overlapping brain regions suggests that Aβ may exert both local and remote effects on brain metabolism. Applying multivariate approaches such as pICA to multimodal imaging data is a promising approach for unraveling the complex relationships between different elements of AD pathophysiology.

Asthma predicts 8-year incidence of obstructive sleep apnea in the Wisconsin sleep cohort

Cross-sectionally, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common among asthmatics, but whether asthma promotes development of OSA in adulthood remains unknown. We investigated whether the presence or development of asthma is associated with risk of new-onset OSA in Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study (WSCS) participants. At four-year intervals, WSCS participants (ages 30–60 years in 1988) completed in-laboratory polysomnography, clinical assessments, and health history questionnaires. We used logistic regression to model the association of presence of asthma and odds of incident 8-year OSA (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ⩾ 5 or OSA treatment initiation) among participants free of OSA (apnea–hypopnea index < 5 events/h and not treated) at baseline. First, asthma was assessed regardless of age of onset (“asthma at any age”); then, categorized by the age of onset as childhood (age < 18 years) or adult (age ⩾ 18 years). The first set of analyses adjusted for baseline variables (age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcoholic drinks/week, and nasal congestion); the second set of models also included new asthma cases and change in BMI. Of 1545 WSCS participants with baseline studies, 773 had no OSA at baseline and an 8-year follow-up study. Of these 773 participants, 201 had asthma (61 childhood-onset, 140 adult-onset). Relative to those without asthma, those with asthma at any age had 1.70 times (95% CI = 1.15–2.51) greater odds of new-onset OSA. Each increment in asthma duration of 5 years was associated with 10% higher odds (1.01–1.19) of new-onset OSA at 8-year follow-up. Relative to no asthma, childhood-onset asthma was associated with 2.34 times (1.25–4.37) and adult-onset asthma with 1.48 times (0.92–2.36) greater odds of new-onset OSA. There were 45 subjects who developed asthma during follow-up. New-onset asthma was unassociated with new-onset OSA, both in the model that included asthma with onset at any age (which remained significantly associated 1.67 times (1.12–2.50) and when stratified by age of onset (childhood- onset 2.28 [1.24–4.20] and adult-onset asthma 1.44 [0.88–2.35]). In adults, presence of asthma, particularly childhood-onset asthma, predicted 8-year risk of developing OSA. Incremental asthma duration by 5 years was associated with 10% higher odds for OSA 8 years later. Whether and how intrinsic disease characteristics or associated features starting early in life affect upper airway patency during sleep remains unknown. This work was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL62252) and the National Center for Research Resources (1UL1RR025011) at the National Institutes of Health.

Continent-wide or region-specific? A geometric morphometrics-based assessment of variation in Clovis point shape

Researchers have debated the existence of regional variation in Clovis points for over 60 years. Here, we report an attempt to resolve this argument using a large sample of Clovis points from dated assemblages and a suite of shape analysis methods known as geometric morphometrics. The study tested the two main hypotheses that have been put forward in the debate: the continent-wide adaptation hypothesis, which holds that Clovis points do not vary regionally, and the regional environmental adaptation hypothesis, which holds that there is regional variation as a consequence of Clovis groups adjusting their food-getting toolkits to local conditions. We used discriminant function analysis and a multivariate extension of the t test to assess whether differences in shape exist at two scales. The first set of analyses compared points from the most obvious environmental regions in North America, the East and the West. The second set of analyses investigated differences among points from subregions within the East and West. The analyses revealed significant differences between points from the East and the West and among points from some subregions. Follow-up analyses demonstrated that these differences are not the result of the most common confounding factors, raw material quality and resharpening. As such, the analyses support the regional environmental adaptation hypothesis rather than the continent-wide adaptation hypothesis. We conclude from this that Clovis people modified their points to suit the characteristics of local prey and/or the habitats in which they hunted.

Are bigger flakes always better? An experimental assessment of flake size variation on cutting efficiency and loading

Previous studies have indicated that the cutting efficiency of flake tools increases with increased tool size. Here, we undertook to examine the relationship between flake size and efficiency parameters using a larger and more variable flake dataset than used in previous analyses. Our analyses were specifically designed to assess whether there is an absolute relationship between ever-increasing flake size and increased efficiency and/or loading potential. An alternative hypothesis is merely that only the smallest flakes are inefficient, and it is this factor which has been driving previous statements linking increasing flake size with increased efficiency. Our first set of analyses, using all experimental flakes, determined that a statistically significant relationship existed between increased flake sizes and increased cutting efficiency, as measured by two different efficiency measures (‘Time taken’ and ‘Number of cutting strokes required’). This analysis also demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between flake size and loading forces. However, our second analysis, which excluded the smallest flakes in our sample, revealed a different pattern. In this second set of analyses, increasing flake size did not indicate a statistically significant relationship with our two measures of cutting efficiency. A statistically significant relationship between increased flake size and increased loading was, however, still evinced. In sum, these results suggest that there is not an unconditional or absolute relationship between increased flake size and increased cutting efficiency in all circumstances. Rather, there is a threshold below which flakes of a certain size will become markedly inefficient. Our results have particular implications relating to flake utility, optimality, and factors potentially influencing flake selection by hominins.

FRI0172 Drug survival of the first course of anti-TNF agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies. results from the monitornet database

BackgroundPharmaco-epidemiological studies on TNF-inhibitors (TNF-I) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are providing useful data about effectiveness and safety in clinical practice.ObjectivesTo compare drug survival in RA and SpA...

Initial results from the 21-gene breast cancer assay registry: A prospective observational study in patients (pts) with ER+, early-stage invasive breast cancer (EBC).

565 Background: Genomic assays such as the 21-gene breast cancer assay (Oncotype DX), have improved the ability to individualize pt treatment based on their individual tumor’s biology. Since 2004, when the 21-gene assay became commercially available, more than 300K assays have been ordered. While several studies have been conducted assessing the impact of having the Recurrence Score (Score) result on treatment decisions, most have been retrospective or evaluating the treatment recommendation. The Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Registry is a large prospective study conducted in clinical practices evaluating the types of pts having the assay ordered and the actual treatments delivered. We report here the first set of analyses. Methods: Pts with ER+ EBC were eligible to enroll. Data collected at baseline (BL) included age, size, grade, ER, PR and HER2 status. Data collected at the 6-month visit included Score and treatment given. Pt demographics, Score distribution, and associations with clinicopathologic (CP) factors are described. Results: A total of 890 pts were enrolled at 15 U.S. sites between 11/09-3/12. 803 eligible pts were included in the analyses. The Table shows BL characteristics, Score distribution and %CT given. Distribution of Score values across the CP factors was similar to the cohort overall. 30% of pts received CT. Among low Score patients, CT was given in 17% of pts &lt;50y, 9% of Grade 3 tumors and 11% of tumors &gt;2cm. Conclusions: A large, prospective registry for pts with EBC receiving the 21-gene breast cancer assay examined the application of the Score to treatment. The Score distribution is consistent with other retrospective cohorts. The association between the Score and the CP factors was modest. The CP factors did not predict the Score. In general, CT decisions followed the Score with the exception of younger pts; 17% received CT despite a low Score. These findings from a real-world cohort underscore the importance of understanding breast cancer biology in order to make more informed and individualized treatment decisions. [Table: see text]

Phosphorus in agricultural soils around the Baltic Sea – comparison of laboratory methods as indices for phosphorus leaching to waters

AbstractIn this study we investigated the phosphorus (P) content of Baltic soils. In the first set of analyses, 99 soil samples from the Baltic states and Sweden (soil set 1, representing seven different catchments or experimental plots) were analysed for soil P using four extraction methods: ammonium lactate (PAL), double lactate (PDL), Mehlich 3 (PM3) and carbonate (POlsen) (r = 0.85–0.97). In absolute values, results from PM3, PDL and POlsen gave means of 71, 61 and 20%, respectively, of the value from the PAL extraction method. Significantly different relationships were found between P soil concentrations and pH of the extract. In addition, soil pH and organic matter content were found to be of importance. Secondly, we tested 110 soil samples (soil set 2) from five different Swedish monitoring fields with clay soils where PAL clearly correlated with soil P extracted in calcium chloride (PCaCl2) (r = 0.95). Values of a single‐point phosphorus sorption index (PSI) correlated with the aluminium concentration (AlAL) in the lactate extract (r = 0.91) and with (AlOX) in the oxalate extract (r = 0.96). None of the soil P tests with different extraction agents – calcium chloride (PCaCl2), water (Pw), POlsen or PAL– correlated with the mean annual flow‐weighted concentration (1999–2010) of dissolved reactive P (DRP) in drainage water. Neither was there any clear relationship between DRP concentration in drainage water and these tests combined with PSI or with other sorption indices including extracted Al and iron (Fe). However, DRP was related to the clay content of the topsoil (r = 0.91, P &lt; 0.05).

The impact of socioeconomic status on changes in the general and mental health of women over time: evidence from a longitudinal study of Australian women.

IntroductionGenerally, men and women of higher socioeconomic status (SES) have better health. Little is known about how socioeconomic factors are associated with changes in health as women progress through mid-life. This study uses data from six survey waves (1996 to 2010) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) to examine associations between SES and changes in the general health and mental health of a cohort of women progressing in years from 45–50 to 59–64.MethodsParticipants were 12,709 women (born 1946–51) in the ALSWH. Outcome measures were the general health and mental health subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36). The measure of SES was derived from factor analysis of responses to questions in the ALSWH baseline survey (1996) on school leaving age, highest qualifications, and current or last occupation.Multi-level random coefficient models, adjusted for socio-demographic factors and health behaviors, were used to analyze repeated measures of general health and mental health. Survey year accounted for changes in factors across time. In the first set of analyses we investigated associations between the SES index, used as a “continuous” variable, and general health and mental health changes over time. To illuminate the impact of different levels of SES on health, a second analysis was conducted in which SES scores were grouped into three approximately equal sized categories or “tertiles” as reported in an earlier ALSWH study. The least square means of general and mental health scores from the longitudinal models were plotted for the three SES tertiles.ResultsThe longitudinal analysis showed that, after adjusting for the effects of time and possible confounders, the general (mental) health of this cohort of mid-aged women declined (increased) over time. Higher SES women reported better health than lower SES women, and SES significantly modified the effects of time on both general and mental health in favor of higher SES women.ConclusionsThis study contributes to our current understanding of how socioeconomic and demographic factors, health behaviors and time impact on changes in the general and mental health of women progressing in years from 45–50 to 59–64.

Educational Mismatches and Entry into Entrepreneurship

In this study educational mismatches among scientists and engineers are examined. I define an educational mismatch as the existence of discrepancies between the skills acquired in formal training and those used in a current job. I complement prior research on mismatching by using the NSF’s longitudinal Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT) to analyze the reasons scientists and engineers report for being mismatched, in order to distinguish between those who voluntarily choose to be mismatched for reasons such as advancements in career, work conditions, and salary opportunities versus those who are forced into a mismatch because no jobs were available in their educational field. In the first set of analyses, the consequences of an educational mismatch are studied. I find that those who are mismatched receive lower salaries and have lower job satisfaction rates than those who are matched but are engaged in a broader set of work activities, especially non R&D activities. In a second set of analyses, I examine the implications of mismatches for entry into entrepreneurship. The results reveal that people who are mismatched have a much higher probability of entering entrepreneurship. In particular, those who are voluntarily mismatched are more likely to enter entrepreneurship in the future than those who are matched or involuntary mismatched, which is partially mediated by the larger number of non-R&D activities performed by those who are voluntarily mismatched. This is consistent with the idea that entrepreneurs require a broader range of skills.

Access to Finance by Small and Medium Enterprises: a Cross‐Country Analysis with A New Data Set

AbstractAccess to finance has always been a challenge for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but the need to address this issue became more pronounced after the global financial crisis, as SMEs are perceived as engines of growth and job creation. However, lack of consistent indicators for SME finance at the country level restricts cross‐country analyses. The present paper introduces a supply‐side data set to fill this gap, and provides the first set of analyses with this new data set. Global SME lending volume is predicted as $US10tn, 70% of which is in high‐income OECD countries. On average, SME loans constitute 13 and 3% of GDP in developed and developing countries, respectively.

Association Between School Engagement and Disclosure of Suicidal Ideation to Adults Among Latino Adolescents

We examined associations between Latino adolescents' school engagement and their likelihood of disclosing suicidal ideation (SI) to adults and of asking for help for SI. A first set of analyses was conducted on a total sample of 14 high schools, and a second set of analyses was conducted on 8 "Latino-representative" high schools. The criterion for Latino representation was that ≥10% of the school's total student population was Latino. Across all 14 high schools, 17% (110/663) of Latino students reported SI in the past year, compared to 13% (359/2,740) of non-Hispanic White students and 11% (78/719) of African American students. Of Latino students with SI, 24% (26/110) told an adult and 35% (38/110) sought help. In the 8 Latino-representative schools, higher levels of reported school engagement were associated with a greater likelihood of seeking help (OR = 6.17) and disclosure of SI to an adult (OR = 7.64) for Latino males. For Latinas, however, school engagement was not associated with either disclosure of SI to an adult or seeking help. Additional research is needed to clarify the processes, including social connectedness, that contribute to the disclosure of and help-seeking for SI among Latino adolescents.

Combining atlas-based parcellation of regional brain data acquired across scanners at 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths

Longitudinal brain morphometric studies designed for data acquisition at a single MRI field strength can be seriously limited by system replacements from lower to higher field strength. Merging data across field strengths has not been endorsed for a variety of reasons, yet the ability to combine such data would broaden longitudinal investigations. To determine whether structural T1-weighted MRI data acquired across MR field strengths could be merged, parcellations of archival SPGR data acquired in 114 individuals at 1.5 T and at 3.0 T within 3 weeks of each other were compared. The first set of analyses examined 1) the correspondence between regional tissue volumes derived from data collected at 1.5 T and 3.0 T and 2) whether there were systematic differences for which a correction factor could be determined and applied to improve measurement agreement. Comparability of regional volume determination at 1.5 T and 3.0 T was assessed with intraclass correlation (ICC) computed on volumes derived from the automated and unsupervised SRI24 atlas registration and parcellation method. A second set of analyses measured the reliability of the registration and quantification using the same approach on longitudinal data acquired in 69 healthy adults at a single field strength, 1.5 T, at an interval < 2 years. The mainstay of the analyses was based on the SRI24 method; to examine the potential of merging data across field strengths and across image analysis packages, a secondary set of analyses used FreeSurfer instead of the SRI24 method. For both methods, a regression-based linear correction function significantly improved correspondence. The results indicated high correspondence between most selected cortical, subcortical, and CSF-filled spaces; correspondence was lowest in the globus pallidus, a region rich in iron, which in turn has a considerable field-dependent effect on signal intensity. Thus, the application of a regression-based correction function that improved the correspondence in regional volume estimations argues well for the proposition that selected T1-weighted regional anatomical brain data can be reliably combined across 1.5 T and 3.0 T field strengths with the application of an appropriate correction procedure.

Who formulates self-regulatory action plans regarding fruit consumption? An application of the Big Five personality theory

Objective: Action planning is regarded as an important correlate and predictor of health behaviour, but little is known about antecedents of action planning. Because personality constructs have been shown to moderate the effect of action planning interventions, the present study tested associations of personality dimensions with action planning and fruit consumption. Design and setting: Cross-sectional data collected with self-administered questionnaires in a university setting. Method: Undergraduate students ( n = 443; mean age = 21.45 (SD = 2.96) years, 68.7% females) who participated for course credits and completed measures of personality dimensions, action planning, intention, and fruit consumption based on validated questionnaires. The first set of analyses focused on antecedents of fruit consumption action planning employing stepwise regression analysis. The second set of analyses focused on intention and action planning as mediators of the personality–fruit consumption link using structural equation modelling. Results: Higher scores for fruit consumption action planning were found for more conscientiousness and less neurotic individuals. Further, more conscientious individuals consumed more fruits and this relationship was mediated by action planning. Conclusion: Findings provide support for action planning as a mediator in the Conscientiousness–fruit consumption link and suggest that personality influences may need to be taken into account when developing action planning strategies aimed at increasing fruit consumption.

Multiparameter Flow Cytometry in Patients with Suspected Myelodysplastic Syndromes Adds Significant Prognostic Information: A Study on 1,013 Patients

Abstract 1722 Backgroundn:Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) has been demonstrated capable of identifying aberrant antigen expression related to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The exact role and place of MFC in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected MDS, however, remains to be defined. Aim: Evaluation of the diagnostic impact of MFC in relation to cytomorphology (CM) and cytogenetic (CG) by determining the association of MFC results to overall survival (OS). Patients and Methods: In 1,013 patients with suspected MDS bone marrow samples had been analyzed in parallel by MFC, CM, and CG. CM confirmed MDS in 511 patients, excluded MDS in 277 patients, and showed dysplastic features but not sufficient to unequivocally diagnose MDS by CM in 225. The MFC diagnostic result was in agreement with MDS (“MDS by MFC”) in 446 patients including 382/511 patients with MDS proven by CM. CG revealed an aberrant karyotype in 245/1,013 patients. The median follow-up time amounted to 14.8 months, a total of 156 deaths was recorded. Results: The first set of analyses was performed on the cohort of 511 patients with MDS confirmed by CM. The median total number of aberrantly expressed antigens amounted to 3 (range, 0–11) and included expression of mature antigens in myeloid progenitors; abnormal CD13-CD16- and CD11b-CD16-expression patterns, aberrant expression of myeloid markers and reduced side scatter signal (SSC) in granulocytes; reduced expression of myelomonocytic markers in monocytes; aberrant expression of CD71 in erythroid cells; as well as expression of lymphoid markers in all myeloid cell lines. A higher total number of aberrantly expressed antigens as a continuous variable correlated with a shorter OS (Cox analysis, p=0.008). Next, patients were categorized based on the three parameters i) at least 3 aberrantly expressed antigens, ii) significantly reduced SSC in granulocytes, and iii) >5% myeloid progenitor cells in MFC. Patients with at least one of these criteria had a significantly shorter OS than those without (median 48.5 months vs. not reached (n.r.), p<0.001). Overall, the global diagnostic rating of “MDS by MFC” was the strongest MFC parameter: Patients with “MDS by MFC” had a shorter OS as compared to patients without (median 56.8 months vs. n.r., p=0.001). Non-MFC parameters related to OS in univariable Cox analysis included WBC count, thrombocyte count, CG (grouped according to IPSS), % blasts by CM (p<0.001 each), Hb level (p=0.001), and age (p=0.002). In order to determine the clinical relevance of “MDS by MFC” a multivariable analysis for OS was performed on this parameter together with non-MFC parameters (blood counts excluded due to incomplete data sets). It revealed an independent relation between “MDS by MFC” and OS (p=0.045). This was also true for relation of OS to the other parameters (CG, p<0.001; age, p=0.001, % blasts by CM p=0.014). Given this strong prognostic value of “MDS by MFC” in cases with MDS proven by CM a second set of analyses on the relation between MFC findings and OS were performed for the complete cohort of 1,013 patients, i.e. additionally including all cases with a diagnostic result by CM of “no MDS” or “dysplastic features not sufficient to diagnose MDS”. Again, significant relations to OS was found for the total number of aberrantly expressed antigens as a continuous variable (Cox analysis, p<0.001), for at least one of the above mentioned criteria i), ii) or iii) (median 75.6 months vs. n.r., p<0.001), as well as for “MDS by MFC” (median 60.5 months vs. n.r., p<0.001). Again, “MDS by MFC” proved to be the most relevant MFC parameter. Multivariable Cox analysis for OS including “MDS by MFC” and non-MFC parameters revealed a trend only for “MDS by MFC” (p=0.135) and significance for the other parameters (age, p<0.001; CG, p<0.001; blasts by CM, p=0.045). Conclusions: 1) The present data indicates the diagnostic use of MFC for MDS results in independent prognostic information for cases with MDS as proven by CM. 2) Furthermore, the diagnosis of MDS by MFC has a strong prognostic impact even without prove of MDS by CM which strengthens the diagnostic value of MFC even more. 3) This analysis therefore argues in favour of diagnosing MDS not only based on a combination of CM and CG but of adding also MFC for better classification and even prognostication in the future. Disclosures:Kern:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Employment, Equity Ownership. Haferlach:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Employment, Equity Ownership. Alpermann:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Employment. Schnittger:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Employment, Equity Ownership. Haferlach:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Seismic response and interaction of complex soil retaining systems

This paper examines the seismic response of a large and complex system comprising a Lock chamber and three neighbouring water saving basins (WSBs). The developed two-dimensional plane strain finite element model included the entire system in order to explore the interaction of the various structures. The first set of analyses was undertaken under static conditions to simulate the construction sequence and to establish the stress regime prior to the examined seismic event. Subsequently, dynamic time domain analyses were performed to examine the response of the system to seismic loading. The ground motion was applied into the finite element mesh employing a sub-structuring technique which enables economic modelling of large computation domains and accurate representation of the semi-infinite half-space. The paper explores some aspects of the numerical modelling of such complex systems, such as the impact on the predicted seismic response of the adopted constitutive model and the modelling of hydrodynamic effects. The discussion of the dynamic analyses results focuses on the main Lock structure, looking at the prevailing modes of deformation, the potential lift-off of the base of the Lock walls and the interaction of the main wall with the other retaining structures.

Is the devil in the details?

Wakefield and Wildeman (2011, this issue) have presented us with the next step in a growing body of research that demonstrates the widespread and long-term human costs of the U.S. imprisonment binge. As they note, this research includes prisoners’ diminished earnings (Western, 2002), their reduced odds of marriage (Western and McLanahan, 2000), their declining health (Massoglia, 2008), and their limited opportunities for civic engagement (Uggen and Manza, 2002). Because this incarceration binge has affected young Black males disproportionately—with roughly one in three African American men having a felony conviction (Wakefield and Uggen, 2010: 389)—these human costs will perpetuate, if not exacerbate, many of the racial disparities that already exist in the United States. Not only will the social and economic trajectories of these individuals be disadvantaged, but also, as others have noted, there is a high probability that there will be intergenerational costs as well (Hagan and Dinovitzer, 1999; Wakefield and Uggen, 2010; Western and Wildeman, 2009). Although research on the effects of paternal incarceration on the well-being of their children has grown substantially, much of it has been limited by sampling constraints and the problems attendant to the nonrandom assignment of individuals to prison (see Murray and Farrington, 2008). Attempting to overcome some of these problems, Wildeman and Wakefield (2011) use two longitudinal data sets that encompass young children and adolescents (Fragile Families and Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods) and propensity score models to assist in reducing the differences between fathers who experience imprisonment and those who do not. In their first set of analyses,

From Exclusion to Destitution: Race, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness

Since the 1980s, Blacks have been overrepresented in the homeless population with respect to their share of the national population and the poverty population, but little research has emerged to explain why this over-representation exists. Previous researchers have suggested that residential segregation and a declining supply of affordable housing push low-income Blacks into homelessness and that greater access to homeless shelters pulls low-income Blacks into homelessness at greater rates than Whites. These hypotheses have not been tested, because longitudinal data linking housing characteristics, service accessibility, and the homeless population do not exist. For these reasons, the study in this article presents analyses of housed and homeless populations separately. The first set of analyses focuses on the segment of the housed population most at risk of becoming homeless: those living in inadequate and overcrowded housing. Using data from the 1990 and 2000 Decennial Censuses and the 1997 American Housing Survey, this study tests the relationship between residential segregation, affordable housing supply, and the extent to which Blacks live in inadequate and overcrowded housing. The study found that high rates of residential segregation and lower affordable housing supply were associated with inadequate housing quality and overcrowding in Black households. Working under the assumption that closer proximity to homeless services decreases migration for such services, in the second set of analyses, this study examines racial differences in migration for homeless services. Using data from the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients, this study reveals that Black homeless clients were less likely than White homeless clients to have migrated for homeless services. Black homeless clients were more likely than White homeless clients to both start their homeless spell in a large central-city location and end up using services in that location or in another large central city. Homeless spells were longer for Black homeless clients but were more transient for White homeless clients, who were more likely to stay in three or more towns during their spell. The study addresses implications for fair housing policy, affordable housing policy, and homeless-services provision; discusses limitations of the research; and proposes areas for future research.

Deer browsing and soil disturbance induce cascading effects on plant communities: a multilevel path analysis

Understanding how large herbivores shape plant diversity patterns is an important challenge in community ecology, especially because many ungulate populations in the northern hemisphere have recently expanded. Because species within plant communities can exhibit strong interactions (e.g., competition, facilitation), selective foraging by large herbivores is likely not only to affect the abundance of palatable species, but also to induce cascading effects across entire plant communities. To investigate these possibilities, we first tested the effects of deer browsing and soil disturbance on herbaceous plant diversity patterns in boreal forest, using standard analyses of variance. Second, we evaluated direct and indirect effects of deer browsing and soil disturbance on the small-scale richness of herbaceous taxa using a multilevel path analysis approach. The first set of analyses showed that deer browsing and soil disturbance influenced herb richness. Path analyses revealed that deer browsing and soil disturbance influenced richness via complex chains of interactions, involving dominant (i.e., the most abundant) browsing-tolerant (DBT) taxa and white birch (Betula papyrifera), a species highly preferred by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We found no evidence that an increase of white birch in fenced quadrats was the direct cause of a decrease in herb richness. However, we found strong evidence that a higher abundance of DBT taxa (i.e., graminoids and Circium arvense), both in fenced and unfenced quadrats, increased herb layer richness. We propose an empirical model in which competitive interactions between white birch and DBT taxa regulate the strength of facilitative relationships between the abundance of DBT taxa and herb richness. In this model, deer browsing and the intensity of soil disturbance initiate a complex chain of cascading effects in boreal plant communities by controlling the abundance of white birch.

College Women’s Feminist Identity: A Multidimensional Analysis with Implications for Coping with Sexism

This study examined components of women’s feminist identity and possible relations to their reported coping responses to sexism. A sample of 169 undergraduate women (M = 19.4 y, SD = 1.2) from diverse ethnic backgrounds completed surveys assessing their experiences and gender-related views. The first set of analyses revealed that women’s social gender identity, exposure to feminism, and gender-egalitarian attitudes independently contributed to feminist identification; moreover, non-stereotyping of feminists further predicted feminist self-identification. A second set of analyses tested the relative contribution of feminist identity components to women’s cognitive appraisals of coping responses to sexual harassment. Seeking social support was predicted by self-identification as a feminist (for White European American women only). Confronting was predicted by social gender identity, non-stereotyping of feminists, and public identification as a feminist. Findings highlight possible components of women’s feminist identity and their possible impact on coping responses to sexism.