Large Members Research Articles

Molecular Aspects of FKBP51 that Enable Melanoma Dissemination.

FKBP51 (FKBP5 Official Symbol) is large molecular weight member of the FK506 binding protein family, a subfamily of the immunophilin proteins. FKBP51 exerts multiple biological functions in the cell, including modulation of steroid hormone response, immune regulation, cell proliferation, regulation of pAkt levels and control of NF-κB activation. Several lines of evidence support a role for this protein in cancer biology, especially in resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy. Recent research studies highlighted functions of FKBP51 in promoting the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) transdifferentiation program in melanoma. This process, which is classically regulated by Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β, enables cancer cells to disseminate from primary tumors and spread to distant locations, acquiring resistance to therapy and self-renewal capability. This last, in turn, is crucial to their subsequent expansion at sites of dissemination. The aim of the present article is to review recent literature data that involve FKBP51 in the mechanisms that switch the TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-metastatic invader.

Life-Time Risk, Screening and The Cost of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in CKD Patients.

CKD is a problem of epidemic dimension. The risk of death and cardiovascular complications in this condition is of the same order of that by myocardial infarction, which qualifies CKD as "risk equivalent". Calculations made on the basis of the epidemiological data of the MONICA-Augsburg study and analyses of the costs of myocardial infarction in a large health insurance company in Germany show that the economic burden of cardiovascular comorbidities with CKD in this country is substantial. These estimates, which may be valid also for other large member states of the European Community, represent a call for studies looking at the cost-effectiveness of preventive interventions aimed at reducing the risk for CKD and at lowering the concerning incidence rate of death and disability due to CKD-triggered cardiovascular complications in CKD patients.

Prediction of the structural behaviour of oil palm shell lightweight concrete beams

The use of structural lightweight concrete (LWC) has the potential to substantially reduce construction costs as its lower density allows for longer spans, reduced self-weight and a reduction in foundation size. Despite its usefulness, LWC with natural aggregates sees limited use in design due to a lack of design guidelines. This lack of guidance arises primarily due to the highly empirical nature of the design standards in predicting behaviour at all load levels i.e. empirical equations are used at the serviceability limit to predict for flexural rigidities and crack widths as well as at the ultimate limit to predict hinge rotation and moment redistribution. It is thus costly and time-consuming to conduct large scale member testing for a particular type of LWC in order to establish design guidelines. To address this, a generic, mechanics based, segmental moment–rotation (M/θ) approach has been proposed to simulate the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete at all load levels, in which the only empiricisms required are the definition of fundamental material properties. In this paper, it is shown that the M/θ approach and the subsequent existing closed-form solutions derived based on the approach can predict the full range of flexural behaviours of oil palm shell (OPS) LWC beams such as load–deflection and crack width at all load levels. The successful application of the M/θ approach suggested that the approach can be used as a basis for developing design guidelines for LWC. This was further enforced by the good agreement between the predicted response using the M/θ approach and the published test results for other types of LWC material.

Too Big to Jail? Company Status and Judicial Bias in an Emerging Market

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper examines prosecutorial and judicial decisions to incarcerate the suspect upon indictment or conviction of embezzlement or breach of fiduciary duty in Korean firms. Our aim is to evaluate whether the judicial system is biased in favor of large business groups or chaebols in criminal cases.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a sample of 84 indictments and 78 convictions for embezzlement or breach of duty against managers of publicly traded firms in Korea between 2004 and 2008, we find that the probability of incarceration is much smaller if the indicted are associated with large business groups or large firms. In non‐large business group firms, initial disclosure of such accusation results in an average loss of a quarter of market value, and three quarters of convicted individuals are eventually removed from managerial positions. However, we observe neither such a loss nor turnover in large business group member firms.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe identify a new determinant of judicial bias, namely the status of the company, in addition to individual‐level social status or class that has been examined in the previous literature. Such bias may reflect potential future career concerns of the prosecutors and judges who later become lawyers. The results also suggest that an additional motivation behind empire building or size‐maximizing behavior of top management is to effectively implement a legal strategy, a form of non‐market strategy.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsCorporate managers may apply our findings to manage legal risks and to formulate nonmarket strategies. However, biases in individual sentences may create system risk and economy‐wide inefficiencies. In order to reform the legal system, policymakers should take into account the externalities in individual sentencing decisions.

Experiments on Dented Steel Tubes under Bending

Steel tubular sections are extensively found in many kinds of civil and mechanical engineering structures such as columns and bracing elements, offshore industry, bridge elements, etc. Due to the extensive usage, a considerable amount of research has been carried out on such structural members. Although many studies focused on the bending stability of steel members, very little research can be found on the effect of surface defects, such as dent imperfection, on the bending behavior of such tubular members. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of dent-shaped defects on the flexural capacity of CHS members. The data obtained in this paper can be applied to evaluate the capacity of large scale CHS members with similar D/t ratio when a dent is formed on the tubes during the service life of such members. An interrelation between the capacity and the details of the dent, i.e. size and position of the dent, was proposed.

Space weathering trends among carbonaceous asteroids

We present visible spectroscopic and albedo data of the 2.3Gyr old Themis family and the <10Myr old Beagle sub-family. The slope and albedo variations between these two families indicate C-complex asteroids become redder and darker in response to space weathering. Our observations of Themis family members confirm previously observed trends where phyllosilicate absorption features are less common among small diameter objects. Similar trends in the albedos of large (>15km) and small (⩽15km) Themis members suggest these phyllosilicate feature and albedo trends result from regolith variations as a function of diameter. Observations of the Beagle asteroids show a small, but notable fraction of members with phyllosilicate features. The presence of phyllosilicates and the dynamical association of the main-belt comet 133P/Elst-Pizarro with the Beagle family imply the Beagle parent body was a heterogenous mixture of ice and aqueously altered minerals.

To agree or not to agree? Explaining the cohesiveness of the European Union in the Group of Twenty

ABSTRACTThe article assesses whether the homogeneity of preferences of the largest member states is required for European Union (EU) cohesiveness to materialize ahead of the Group of Twenty (G20) meetings. In particular, it examines the economic preferences of France, Germany and the United Kingdom against the content of the EU-agreed negotiating stance in the G20 Leaders meetings that took place from 2008 to 2012. The analysis focuses on the three main economic dossiers that have characterized the G20 Leaders agenda since its creation, namely: financial regulation, fiscal policy co-ordination and macroeconomic imbalances. In doing so, the article argues and illustrates that preference homogeneity was not a necessary condition for EU cohesiveness but medium levels of cohesiveness materialized on issues and at times when the economic preferences of the large member states were fundamentally different, provided that the issues under negotiations were not politically salient.

Stream Salamanders Accurately Assess Size-Dependent Predation Threats

Individual size is an important determinant of the outcomes of inter- and intraspecific interactions. Different-sized members of a guild might represent prey, competitors, or predators. Although direct predation rates might be low, trait-mediated indirect effects of predators on prey can yield altered activity, microhabitat use, survival, and growth. If individuals respond to all sizes of a predator regardless of the predation threat, antipredator behaviors might incur costs for prey as they forgo foraging opportunities or experience predation by other predators. Accurate assessment of predation risk would minimize costs resulting from antipredator behavior. We evaluated the ability of larval salamanders to assess predation risk and alter their habitat selection in response to intraguild competitors and predators. Specifically, we assessed behavioral responses to the presence of a conspecific, a similarly sized heterospecific, and a small or large individual of a predatory species. We predicted that larval salamanders would select habitat differently in the presence of a large predatory heterospecific, but not in the presence of similarly sized heterospecifics or conspecifics. The focal species occupied habitat 29 6 0.02% farther from a large heterospecific predator than from small heterospecifics, even if the heterospecifics were smaller individuals of the predatory species. The focal species also exhibited escape behaviors only in the presence of the large members of the predatory species. These data indicate that salamander larvae can assess size-specific predation threats, minimizing predation risk through use of antipredator behaviors.

Experimental Performance and Structural Analysis of Plywood-Coupled LVL Walls

AbstractPrestressed-laminated timber (Pres-Lam) design has recently been adopted for multistory timber buildings based on ongoing research at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. This system combines large timber members with unbonded posttensioning for recentering and ductile connections for energy dissipation. This paper describes the experimental, analytical, and numerical investigation of posttensioned laminated veneer lumber (LVL) walls coupled with plywood sheets subjected to both quasi-static cyclic and pseudodynamic seismic testing protocols. Different arrangements of nails, used to connect the plywood coupling panels with the posttensioned timber walls, have been tested to compare their energy dissipation characteristics. Simplified numerical macromodels with rotational spring elements have been developed to accurately represent the recentering contribution from the posttensioning and the pinched hysteric contribution of the nailed connections. The testing results provided good seismic perf...

Functional and Genetic Analysis of Epiplakin in Epithelial Cells.

Epiplakin is a large member (>700 kDa) of the plakin protein family and exclusively expressed in epithelial cell types. Compared to other plakin proteins epiplakin exhibits an unusual structure as it consists entirely of a variable number of consecutive plakin repeat domains (13 in humans, 16 in mice). The only binding partners of epiplakin identified so far are keratins of simple as well as of stratified epithelia. Epiplakin-deficient mice show no obvious spontaneous phenotype. However, ex vivo studies using epiplakin-deficient primary cells indicated protective functions of epiplakin in response to stress. Recent studies using stress models for organs of the gastrointestinal tract revealed that epiplakin-deficient mice develop more pronounced pancreas and liver injuries than their wild-type littermates. In addition, impaired stress-induced keratin network reorganization was observed in the affected organs, and primary epiplakin-deficient hepatocytes showed reduced tolerance for forced keratin overexpression which could be rescued by a chemical chaperone. These findings indicate protective functions of epiplakin in chaperoning disease-induced keratin reorganization. In this review, we describe some of the methods we used to analyze epiplakin's function with the focus on biochemical and ex vivo techniques.

The skull of the Chinese sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis (Acipenseridae)

AbstractThe Chinese sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis, is a large member of Acipenseridae now found only in the Yangtze River and the Yellow and East China seas. The goal of this paper was to describe the skull of A. sinensis in the context of recent anatomical and systematic studies of sturgeons. Five specimens (354–670 mm standard length) were prepared as skeletons. The left and right parietals and frontals are broadly separated by a median fontanelle. The lateral‐most lateral extrascapular variably supports the confluence of the supratemporal, occipital and trunk lateral lines. There is no distinct ventral supraorbital process as found in other sturgeons. The anterodorsal portion of the snout is unique among Acipenseridae by having a single large anamestic dorsal rostral bone instead of a series of separate dorsal rostral bones. There are 0–2 lateral rostral bones on each side positioned anterior to but not in contact with the horizontal arm of the jugal. The dorsal surface of the neurocranium lacks a pineal opening, and its anterior tip is sharply pointed in the smaller specimens examined and gently curved in larger specimens. The anteromedial arm of the palatopterygoid is broad relative to other acipenserids. These new morphological data are discussed and compared among Acipenseridae.

온도와 변위 데이터를 이용한 사장교의 온도신축거동 평가

케이블교량은 교량길이가 길고 규모가 크기 때문에 온도에 의한 이동량과 형상변화는 일반교량보다 훨씬 크다. 따라서 공용 중 온도영향을 분석, 평가하는 것이 중요하며, 온도영향은 온도변화에 따라 교량 상부구조계가 늘어나거나 줄어드는 온도신축거동을 평가하는 것이 가장 기본이다. 이에 공용 중인 사장교에서 장기간 계측된 온도와 이종 변위 데이터를 활용하여 실제적인 온도신축거동을 평가하고자 하였다. 변위 데이터는 기존 신축변위계와 함께 새롭게 도입된 GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System) 수신기에서 계측된 데이터를 활용하였다. 먼저 외기온도, 개별온도, 평균온도, 유효온도의 다양한 온도 조합에 대한 신축거동의 상관성을 분석하여 부재의 평균온도나 유효온도를 사용하는 것이 합리적임을 확인하였다. 부재 유효온도와 신축량의 선형회귀분석으로부터 단위온도신축량을 산정하고, 추가적으로 신축길이와 계측 단위온도 신축량의 선형회귀분석으로부터 선팽창계수와 중립점의 위치를 산정할 수 있었다. 이를 이론과 해석 결과와 비교함으로써 케이블교량의 실제 온도신축거동의 건전성을 평가할 수 있는 방안을 제시하였다. Because cable-supported bridges have long spans and large members, their movements and geometrical changes by temperatures tend to be bigger than those of small or medium-sized bridges. Therefore, it is important for maintenance engineers to monitor and assess the effect of temperature on the cable-supported bridges. To evaluate how much the superstructure expands or contracts when subjected to changes in temperature is the first step for the maintenance. Thermal movements of a cable-stayed bridge in service are evaluated by using long-term temperatures and displacements data. Displacements data are obtained from extensometers and newly installed GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers on the bridge. Based on the statistical data such as air temperatures, each sensor's temperatures, average temperatures and effective temperatures, correlation analysis between temperatures and displacements has been performed. Average temperatures or effective temperatures are most suitable for the evaluation of thermal movements. From linear regression analysis between effective temperatures and displacements, the variation rate's of displacement to temperature have been calculated. From additional regression analysis between expansion length's and variation rate's of displacement to temperature, the thermal expansion coefficient and neutral point have been estimated. Comparing these parameters with theoretical and analytical results, a practical procedure for evaluating the real thermal behaviors of the cable-supported bridges is proposed.

The effect of solvent selection in the gas chromatographic analysis of carbonyls in air samples after derivatization with pentafluorophenyl hydrazine

Carbonyl compounds are an important component of atmospheric chemistry with the potential to form secondary pollutants (in gaseous and/or particulate forms). For their analysis, derivatization by pentafluorophenyl hydrazine has been applied in gas chromatography (GC) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Because of the need for an appropriate solvent, we have evaluated the relative derivatization performance of five solvents (methanol, pentane, hexane, dichloromethane, and water) for GC analysis. Six light and common (C1–C5) aldehydes (i.e., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, i-valeraldehyde, and valeraldehyde) out of a large member of carbonyl compounds were selected in this research. Anomalously large response was observed for the formaldehyde-hydrazone prepared in methanol and water, while that of acetaldehyde-hydrazone was reduced for pentane (by ~89%) relative to the others. If we exclude these biased cases, their response factors were in the order of: methanol>pentane>hexane>dichloromethane>water. This ordering was seen consistently in their relative recovery: methanol>pentane>dichloromethane≈hexane>water. The method detection limits (ng) of the aldehyde-hydrazone (as aldehyde mass) in each solvent were in the order: 1.0 (hexane)<1.2 (dichloromethane)<1.6 (methanol)<2.5 (pentane)<4.0 (water). As such, evidence suggests that solvent should be selected carefully to optimize the GC-based quantitation of aldehyde-pentafluorophenyl-hydrazones.

Bilateralism in the Spanish presidencies of the Council of the European Union: Alliances for the development of European foreign policy

Abstract One consistent strategy of Spain’s European policy has been bilateralism, that is to say, the development of intense relationships with certain other member states in order to gain influence in decisions regarding the process of European integration. In addition, finding allies has proven essential for the success of Spanish proposals in the European Union (EU), especially during the four Spanish presidencies of the Council of the EU. In this sense, successive Spanish governments have promoted a bilateral rapprochement with the EU’s large member states (France, Germany, Italy and secondarily the United Kingdom) through regular meetings with their governmental leaders. One of the fields where Spain’s bilateralist strategy has been more active is European foreign policy, which has become a privileged sphere for the analysis of the power of states within the EU. This article will look at the four Spanish experiences of holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council and compare the different bilateral strategies developed by each Prime Minister in office.

English

The structural system of the building has to support the lateral loads due to earthquake and wind in addition to gravity loads. A lateral load develops high stresses and produces sway causing vibration and drift. If the buildings are not designed to resist the lateral loads, then they may be collapse resulting into the loss of life or its content. Therefore it‟s important for the structure to have not only sufficient strength against gravity loads but also the adequate stiffness to resist lateral forces. Literature review reveals that LLRSS (Lateral load Resisting structural system) is provided in the form of devices like base isolation and dampers which controls the seismic vibration and lateral drift. But these devices are very costly and effective only for high rise buildings. Hence there is a need to study the LLRSS or technology suitable for a particular height of building. The objective of this research is to propose simple but innovative and effective LLRSS or structural technology and methodology for the seismic control which can be used in new as well as old building structures. It is reviewed that since North earthquake (1994), concentrically braced steel frame has gained the popularity as a LRSS in the seismic areas. In spite of increasing popularity, analytical study of braced frame structure and its detailed requirement to control the seismic response is limited in India. Also RC building involves heavy dead load due to large member size which intern is more prompt for seismic loss. Hence, it is proposed to study the response of steel buildings/frames with different types of steel bracings configurations as a LLRSS to control the vibration and storey drift. The structural response parameters selected for the study are time period, natural frequency, and roof displacement. The research work deals with the parametric study of response of Non-linear time history analysis (NLTHA) of 3D industrial steel buildings braced with different bracing configurations using software (Sap-2000) under Bhuj earthquake. The bracing configuration used are SDB, CDB, VVB and INVB in concentric bracing to suggest suitability of particular bracing configurations for the stability of the building structure under seismic loading.

A Simplified Analytical Method of Shrinkage Stresses on Thick Concrete Walls

Concrete shrinks with time due to the evaporation of moisture in the hardened cement paste. Shrinkage develops more slowly in large members. If shrinkage strains do not develop freely due to restraints, excessive tensile stresses can develop, cause crack and then damage the durability, serviceability and long-term reliability of the structure. The purpose of this study is to present a practical analytical method of thick concrete wall considering shrinkage, thermal cracking and construction sequence. Axial stresses due to shrinkage of thick concrete wall and seasonal temperature loads are calculated using SAP2000 software and CRIRA C660 mathematical model. The CEB-FIP model is used for shrinkage calculation. A case-study for five curved walls is also represented to explain the proposed analysis procedures and applicability.

Is Subsidy Good or Bad? An Evaluation of the Energy Sector Subsidy Reform in Egypt

“Lifting or keeping the subsidy” has been a controversial issue, precisely in Egypt it has always been too “hot to touch” when it comes to the right of the unfortunate few. But this has proved for over 50 years to be a sheer myth. Billions of subsidized money has been landing in the pockets of the large industries and higher income sector members, only to increase poverty to over 40% of the population. Poorly implemented energy subsidies are economically costly to taxpayers and damage the environment by creating distorted price signals and result in higher energy consumption or production or barriers to entry for cleaner energy substitutes. In the wake of this the government has taken serious steps in 2004 towards reforming the subsidy on the entire energy sector to wean it gradually and return to full cost as of 2014, only one phase of this plan has been executed on removing 20% of the electricity subsidy, but the remaining phases where put on hold since 2009 due to the global crisis. Talks have been resumed on an implementation plan for the removal of nearly 50% of the subsidy on all energy sectors as of this year, and the return to full cost by 2013. No further details were officially announced regarding this plan. This paper illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of subsidies, and its applicable impact on some aspects of the Egyptian economy, the possible expected outcomes and social/economic implications, should it be abolished based on other countries experiences and the proposed mitigation procedures that the government must carry out to offset the ramifications and compensate the poor.We found that the benefits of subsidy removal by far outweigh the costs on the long run and after adjustment, there is no one-size fits all. The two major concerns are; first, will the government provide transparent and clear information about the detailed plan before, during and continuously share feedback on both levels; the impact on the economy and the people and how much has been saved and where will it go. Second, will the government be wise enough to closely monitor the progress of the reform plan and be able to quickly revert or halt and revisit the plan should the outcomes not meet the anticipated?

Nonlinear Ensemble Parameter Perturbation for Climate Models

Abstract Model parameters can introduce significant uncertainties in climate simulations. Sensitivity analysis provides a way to quantify such uncertainties. Existing sensitivity analysis methods, however, cannot estimate the maximum sensitivity of the simulated climate to perturbations in multiple parameters. This study proposes the concept of nonlinear ensemble parameter perturbation (NEPP), which is independent of model initial conditions, to estimate the maximum effect of parameter perturbations on simulating Earth’s climate. The NEPP is obtained by solving a maximization problem, whose cost function is defined by the maximum deviation of a unique ensemble of short-term predictions with large enough members caused by parameter perturbations and whose optimal solution is obtained by an ensemble-based gradient approach. This method is used to investigate the effects of NEPP on the climate of the Lorenz-63 model and a complex climate model, the Grid-Point Atmospheric Model of IAP LASG, version 2 (GAMIL2). It is found that the NEPP is capable of estimating the maximum change in climate simulation caused by perturbations in multiple parameters when the Lorenz-63 model is used. With a low computational cost, the NEPP can cause remarkable changes in the climatology of GAMIL2. The results also illustrate that the effects of parameter perturbations on short-term weather predictions and those on long-term climate simulations are correlated.

The relationships of Cuspicephalus scarfi Martill and Etches, 2013 and Normannognathus wellnhoferi Buffetaut et al., 1998 to other monofenestratan pterosaurs

The evolution of pterodactyloid pterosaurs occurred in a ‘modular’ fashion with ‘pterodactyloid’-type crania and cervical vertebrae evolving in pterodactyloid sister taxa – early monofenestratan pterosaurs – before later postcervical modifications marked the development of the true pterodactyloid condition. This means of evolution creates problems for distinguishing isolated pterodactyloid crania from those of non-pterodactyloid monofenestratans, and has led to uncertainty over the affinities of two Late Jurassic European pterosaurs known only from skulls, Cuspicephalus scarfi Martill and Etches, 2013 and Normannognathus wellnhoferi Buffetaut et al. , 1998. Some aspects of their cranial anatomy suggest affinities to early pterodactyloids – specifically the Germanodactylidae – while others indicate a relationship with a group of non-pterodactyloid monofenestratans, the Wukongopteridae. Here, we characterise the skulls of Jurassic monofenestratans to provide greater insight into the identity of these pterosaurs. We find a suite of characters indicating that Cuspicephalus is a wukongopterid, notable for being a particularly large and long snouted member of the group, as well as the youngest, and the first European record of this clade. The affinities of Normannognathus are less clear however. We consider its previous allocation to the Germanodactylidae doubtful, and note some similarities it shares with ctenochasmatoid pterodactyloids, but the only known specimen is probably too fragmentary for confident referral to any specific clade within Monofenestrata.

Determinants of Non-Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Modeling Progression of Adherence Level: At Yirgalem Regional Hospital, Ethiopia; January, 2012

Non-adherence is a global problem and has been seen in all diseases. According to WHO, adherence to long-term therapies in chronic illnesses averages 50% in developed countries? Adherence to HAART is challenging, because patients need almost perfect adherence of at least 95 percent to keep viral load at undetectable levels as long as possible and maintain the functionality of the immune system. Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy increases the risk of incomplete viral suppression, disease progression and death. The purpose of this study was to assess the level and factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy. A random sample of 368 patients were taken from the ART clinic at Yirgalem Regional Hospital from September 2006 to July 2011.Adherence levels were measured using methods pill count, pill identification test, and self-report. Descriptive statistics and both Bivariate and multivariate Logistic Regression were used to analyzed the data. Homogeneous Semi-Markov Stochastic Model was used to reveal the conditional probability of staying in non-adherence. The Multivariate Logistic Regression Method showed that the gender (sex), family size, social support available to the patients, ART knowledge of the patients, time on ART in month, and baseline CD4 counts/mm3 were significant factors associated with non-adherence to ART medications. The conditional probability of staying in non-adherence, until a given time in month was higher than staying in adherence. Thus, it is suggested that health-care providers need to be watchful about adherence levels of patients. Specifically males, who have been on ART for several months, living in large family members, lack of social support, having high baseline CD4 counts/mm3, and having poor knowledge of ART.