Large Members Research Articles

Delayed ettringite formation symptoms on mortars induced by high temperature due to cement heat of hydration or late thermal cycle

Cases of delayed ettringite formation (DEF) have mainly been detected on mortars or precast concretes steam-cured according to a predefined temperature cycle during hydration. The present study shows that other situations in which the material is submitted to a temperature cycle can induce DEF expansions. Mortar bars were made with three different cements (types 10, 20M, and 30). As a first heat treatment, the mortar bars were steam-cured to reproduce the temperature cycle they would undergo if they were at the center of a large mortar member. The dimensional variations of these specimens were studied for 1 year. After 1 year, half of the specimens were steam-cured for 1 month at 85 °C. The expansions were followed for two more years. The early-age steam-cure-induced expansions for mortar types 10 and 30. Late steam-curing induced expansions for the three cements tested. In one case (cement type 20M), the early-age steam cure has suppressed or delayed the expansion induced by the late steam cure. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed that typical DEF symptoms are associated with the expansions.

Assignment of Weights to the Member States of the European Union in Order to Model Their Relative Power Positions

Relative power of the member states of the European Union is expressed by weights assigned to the states on the basis of five criteria: population, gross domestic product, national area, political stability, and contributions to the European culture and civilization. The underlying idea is that ratios of these weights should approximate ratios of the five corresponding indicators. In addition, relative power can be moderated when the large member states save their power for issues about which they care more, and it can be amplified when the large states coordinate their efforts in order to dominate a coalition of smaller states. The results of the analysis are used to sketch a power distribution in the enlarged European Union.

The Stability Study of an Innovative Steel Dome

Global stability of an innovative dome comprising of double-layer space frame sections together with curved flexural members has been studied. The dome had both an outer flat and an inner spherical double-layer grid space frames and formed the roof over a joint ballroom and meeting space of 3,100 square metres. The relatively wide spans between the outer and the inner space structures were covered using thirty six curved flexural pipe members laid on a synclastic surface. These members were employed for architectural purposes to provide a clear glazed area for the roof. Introducing relatively large span flexural members joining the two lattice space frames together complicated the overall structural response of the dome. It also made the dome susceptible to different premature instability modes. The non-linear FE program ABAQUS [1] was utilised to study the global stability of the dome and to investigate fully both its pre and post failure behaviour. Different member configurations were considered for the dome and their effects on the behaviour; stability, snap through buckling and the collapse load of the structure were investigated. In the dome responses, several failure modes such as overall torsional buckling, in-plane ring buckling and symmetrical and non-symmetrical vertical snap through were identified. It was noted that the presence of restraints placed between the flexural members could prevent the occurrence of premature torsional and vertical snap through buckling in the dome. The global behaviour of the dome appeared to be very sensitive to both the type and configuration of the restraints applied along the flexural members. The dome was also found to be remarkably sensitive to non-symmetric loads.

The Combinatorial Synthesis of Purine, Pyrimidine and Triazine‐based Libraries

AbstractWith the advent of combinatorial chemistry, heterocyclic scaffolds can be efficiently used for the generation of large member libraries. Due to the pressing need for such compound libraries, unique synthesis reactions and techniques have been developed to expedite and further improve the process. Present review article summarizes synthetic strategies for the construction of purine, pyrimidine and triazine libraries in both solution and solid phase syntheses. Typical strategy includes the nucleophilc aromatic substitution, such as amination. Also, metal‐mediated synthesis has been used as a driving tool in expanding the diversity of the libraries. Demonstrated biological properties of these libraries, as a rich source of bioactivities, are also highlighted.

A study of Trans-Neptunian object 55636 (2002 TX$\mathsf{_{300}}$)

We report on physical properties of the bright Trans-Neptunian Object 2003 TX300 based on a large set of observa- tions taken in different wavelength ranges. Broad band CCD observations aimed at studying the short-term rotational variability show a low amplitude periodic signal of 7.89 ± 0.03 h. We cannot yet determine whether the lightcurve is single-peaked (i.e. the rotation period would be 7.89 h) or double-peaked (i.e. the actual spin period would be 15.78 h). From a sinusoidal fit, the peak to peak amplitude of the brightness changes is 0.09 ± 0.08 mag. If the brightness changes are due to irregular shape, this amplitude implies a minimum axial ratio of 1.09. BVRI photometry indicates similar colors as other large Kuiper Belt members, with B − V = 0.64 ± 0.04, V − R = 0.40 ± 0.07, and R − I = 0.22 ± 0.05. Thermal observations at 250 GHz (1.2 mm) result in no confident detection of the body, with a measured flux of 0.22 ± 0.51 mJy. Combining all the data and using the same thermophysical model as in Lellouch et al. (2002) we find (at a 3-σ confidence level) a lower limit for the geometric albedo (pv > 0.06) and an upper limit for the size of this object (D 0.08, which is significantly higher than the typical 0.04 cometary value and also higher than that of Varuna.

Normal development and fertility of knockout mice lacking the tumor suppressor gene LRP1b suggest functional compensation by LRP1.

LRP1b and the closely related LRP1 are large members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. At the protein level LRP1b is 55% identical to LRP1, a multifunctional and developmentally essential receptor with roles in cargo transport and cellular signaling. Somatic LRP1b mutations frequently occur in non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial cancers, suggesting a role in the modulation of cellular growth. In contrast to LRP1, LRP1b-deficient mice develop normally, most likely due to its restricted expression pattern and functional compensation by LRP1 or other receptors. LRP1b is expressed predominantly in the brain, and a differentially spliced form is present in the adrenal gland and in the testis. Despite the presence of a potential furin cleavage site and in contrast to LRP1, immunoblotting for LRP1b reveals the presence of a single 600-kDa polypeptide species. Using a yeast two-hybrid approach, we have identified two intracellular proteins, the postsynaptic density protein 95 and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein, that bind to the intracellular domain of LRP1b. In addition, we have found several potential ligands that bind to the extracellular domain. Analysis of LRP1b knockout mice may provide further insights into the role of LRP1b as a tumor suppressor and into the mechanisms of cancer development.

W13.317 Characterization of LRP1b, a large member of the LDL receptor family and putative tumor suppressor, in the mouse

Elevated plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are atheroprotective and HDL-dependent reverse cholesterol transport has been related to this effect. HDL particles may, however, undergo modifications that affect their biological activities. Lipoxygenases (LOs) belong to a family of lipid peroxidizing enzymes; among them, reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO-1) appears to play a pathophysiological role in atherosclerosis, as its expression is increased in atherosclerotic plaques and it has been shown to oxidize low-density lipoproteins to an atherogenic form. In this work we investigated the impact of in vitro 15-lipoxygenase-catalyzed modification of HDL3 on their ability to act as cholesterol acceptor and found that 15-LO-modified HDL3 were less effective in mediating cholesterol efflux from lipid-laden J774 cells. A reduced binding of 15-LO-modified HDL3 to scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI), due to HDL apoproteins cross-linking, explained, at least in part, the observed reduction of cholesterol efflux. In addition, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-mediated cholesterol efflux was also reduced, as a consequence of pre-β-particles loss after HDL3 modification. These results suggest that 15-lipoxygenase might induce structural alterations of HDL3 particles that impair their capability of triggering reverse cholesterol transport.

W13.317 Characterization of LRP1b, a large member of the LDL receptor family and putative tumor suppressor, in the mouse

W13.317 Characterization of LRP1b, a large member of the LDL receptor family and putative tumor suppressor, in the mouse

Mechanical properties of rolled H section steel joined by a newly developed flash welding system

In the civil engineering and architecture, welding for large sectional steel members, such as I section and H section, are usually required. A flash welding system, by which large I section or H section can be welded for a short time, was newly developed. A series of experiments was carried out in order to know the characteristics of the flash welded joints. The joint efficiency of welded joints by flash welding was 100 % for the specimens with reinforcements and 93 % for without reinforcements. The fatigue strength of welded joints with reinforcement was about 50 % of that of the base metal. The fatigue strength of welded joints without reinforcement was 75 % of that of the base metal. After a couple of fatigue cracks had propagated, in case of welded joints with reinforcement, ductile fracture of occurred at the toe. On the other hand, in welded joints without reinforcement, fracture occurred at the bond or at HAZ (the heat affected zone). In case of fracture at the bond, fracture was brittle, and in case fracture at HAZ, fracture was ductile. Flash welded joints with reinforcement had the same grade of fatigue strength as arc welded butt joints with reinforcement and the non-load-carrying fillet joints by arc welding. The flash welded joints without reinforcement had the same grade of fatigue strength as the arc welded butt joints without reinforcements.

Understanding EU Crisis Decision‐making: The Case of Chechnya and the Finnish Presidency

Why did the European Union accept a limited policy risk by adopting sanctions against a difficult target, Russia, in the Chechnya conflict and what does this case tell about the EU's crisis management practice? The explanation of the decision is based on problem framing, the exertion of power and the justifications of decision‐making. The analysis shows that occasionally the Union may adopt a bold policy, if a situation is framed as a grave crisis, a strong leadership of large members emerges advocating a firm response and pressures of public opinion preclude passivity; in addition, the policy is considered justified by groupthink based on anticipation, by institutional arguments as well as lessons learnt, which are likely to lead to stronger commitments. Yet the policy is likely to be a bounded one because of constraining values and goals, previous institutional commitments and practices, countervailing policy lessons and rational recognition of the Union's limited influence. Moreover, a bold policy may prove to be inconsistent over time. As a rule the pivotal role of large EU members, established practices as well as the decentralisation and consensus‐seeking tendencies combine to limit the Union's crisis response to a restricted and supporting diplomatic and economic role. The ongoing efforts to enhance the EU's crisis management capacity are yet to change significantly these habitual patterns.

Nutrient Sensing and Gene Expression

Prefoldins belong to a family of small-molecular-weight proteins that act as molecular chaperones. Gstaiger et al. describe an unusually large member of this family, URI, that forms a large (>1 megadalton) complex with other small-molecular-weight prefoldins and a subunit shared by all three RNA polymerases. In yeast and human cells, URI is a target of nutrient signaling and participates in the control of nutrient-sensitive gene expression. Thus, URI may act as a molecular scaffold for a signaling pathway that coordinates nutrient availability with gene expression. M. Gstaiger, B. Luke, D. Hess, E. J. Oakeley, C. Wirbelauer, M. Blondel, M. Vigneron, M. Peter, W. Krek, Control of nutrient-sensitive transcription programs by the unconventional prefoldin URI. Science 302 , 1208-1212 (2003). [Abstract] [Full Text]

Control of nutrient-sensitive transcription programs by the unconventional prefoldin URI.

Prefoldins (PFDs) are members of a recently identified, small-molecular weight protein family able to assemble into molecular chaperone complexes. Here we describe an unusually large member of this family, termed URI, that forms complexes with other small-molecular weight PFDs and with RPB5, a shared subunit of all three RNA polymerases. Functional analysis of the yeast and human orthologs of URI revealed that both are targets of nutrient signaling and participate in gene expression controlled by the TOR kinase. Thus, URI is a component of a signaling pathway that coordinates nutrient availability with gene expression.

Power Analysis of the Nice Treaty on the Future of European Integration

I carry out a power analysis of changes in voting weights and rules in the Nice Treaty of the EU on the widening and deepening of European integration, by applying methods that use Shapley-Shubik and Banzhaf indices. Significant decrease in voting power of small countries makes widening of integration more acceptable to incumbent members due to small size of the applicants. Relative increase in the conciliatory power of smaller members, and relative increase in the independent power of bigger members make smaller members compromise more in the coalitions they form, and improve the position of large members for further deepening of the integration. Lastly, the fairness analysis reveals a more federalist face for the EU in the way votes are distributed in Nice.

Differential distribution of low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein (LRP) and megalin in polarized epithelial cells is determined by their cytoplasmic domains.

Megalin and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) are two large members of the LDL receptor family that bind and endocytose multiple ligands. The molecular and cellular determinants that dictate the sorting behavior of these receptors in polarized epithelial cells are largely unknown. Megalin is found apically distributed, whereas the limited information on LRP indicates its polarity. We show here that in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, both endogenous LRP and a minireceptor containing the fourth ligand-binding, transmembrane and LRP cytosolic domains were basolaterally sorted. In contrast, minireceptors that either lacked the cytoplasmic domain or had the tyrosine in the NPTY motif mutated to alanine showed a preferential apical distribution. In LLC-PK1 cells, endogenous megalin was found exclusively in the apical membrane. Studies were also done using chimeric proteins harboring the cytosolic tail of megalin, one with the fourth ligand-binding domain of LRP and the other two containing the green fluorescent protein as the ectodomain and transmembrane domains of either megalin or LRP. Findings from these experiments showed that the cytosolic domain of megalin is sufficient for apical sorting, and that the megalin transmembrane domain promotes association with lipid rafts. In conclusion, we show that LRP and megalin both contain sorting information in their cytosolic domains that directs opposite polarity, basolateral for LRP and apical for megalin. Additionally, we show that the NPTY motif in LRP is important for basolateral sorting and the megalin transmembrane domain directs association with lipid rafts.

Black Hole Mass and Spin Coevolution by Mergers

Massive black holes appear to be present in the nuclei of almost all galaxies, but their genesis and evolution are not well understood. As astrophysical black holes are completely characterized by their masses and spins, the observed joint distribution of these quantities contains important clues to their history. We examine the coevolution of mass and spin in binary merger growth scenarios. We find that holes are typically spun down by mergers. Rapid rotation results only if the binary's larger member already spins quickly and the merger with the smaller hole is consistently near prograde, or if the binary's mass ratio approaches unity. If, as some observations have suggested, observed black holes spin rapidly, then this limits the importance of merger scenarios for the growth of black holes.

Wage-Setting and Inflation Targets in EMU

Although the operation of national coordinated wage‐bargaining systems in EMU has produced low inflation rates, EMU‐wide inflation has been above the ECB target rate for the last 3 years. By contrast, under the ERM, inflation rates declined steadily after 1992 to below 2 per cent in both the last 2 years of the regime. It is argued that this was the consequence of two low‐inflation incentives under ERM: (i) the Maastricht inflation condition for EMU entry; and (ii) the combination of the Bundesbank threat to raise interest rates if German wage and price inflation rose above acceptable limits, linked to the need for other ERM members to follow low German inflation to stay within the exchange‐rate bands. These incentives no longer operate under EMU, where individual economies do not have an incentive to contribute to low EMU‐wide inflation. We suggest that inflation coordination between the large EMU member states might contribute to a solution while permitting the continuation of real exchange‐rate adjustments of smaller economies.

Disruption of fragmented parent bodies as the origin of asteroid families.

Asteroid families are groups of small bodies that share certain orbit and spectral properties. More than 20 families have now been identified, each believed to have resulted from the collisional break-up of a large parent body in a regime where gravity controls the outcome of the collision more than the material strength of the rock. The size and velocity distributions of the family members provide important constraints for testing our understanding of the break-up process, but erosion and dynamical diffusion of the orbits over time can erase the original signature of the collision. The recently identified young Karin family provides a unique opportunity to study a collisional outcome almost unaffected by orbit evolution. Here we report numerical simulations modelling classes of collisions that reproduce the main characteristics of the Karin family. The sensitivity of the outcome of the collision to the internal structure of the parent body allows us to show that the family must have originated from the break-up of a pre-fragmented parent body, and that all large family members formed by the gravitational reaccumulation of smaller bodies. We argue that most of the identified asteroid families are likely to have had a similar history.

630 直下型地震評価用実大振動試験体の動的挙動解析

The great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake has brought a large number of structural failures, and some of them of them are considerably different from the failures in the past earthquakes. One of them is the brittle fracture of steel box column of a high building. In this study, to clarify the fracture process in large members such as the steel box column and H-steel beam subjected to severe land movements caused by strong near-source earthquake, dynamic behavior of full-scale shaking table specimen was analyzed. In the analysis, specimen was modeled in detail in order to compare analytical results with the experimental results. Through the comparisons, an effective earthquake-proof construction was discussed.

圧延Ｈ形鋼フラッシュ溶接継手の機械的性質

In the civil engineering and architecture, welding for large sectional steel members, such as I section and H section, are usually required. A flash welding system, by which large I section or H section can be welded for a short time, was newly developed. A series of experiments was carried out in order to know the characteristics of the flash welded joints. The joint efficiency of welded joints by flash welding was 100 % for the specimens with reinforcements and 93 % for without reinforcements. The fatigue strength of welded joints with reinforcement was about 50 % of that of the base metal. The fatigue strength of welded joints without reinforcement was 75 % of that of the base metal. After a couple of fatigue cracks had propagated, in case of welded joints with reinforcement, ductile fracture of occurred at the toe. On the other hand, in welded joints without reinforcement, fracture occurred at the bond or at HAZ (the heat affected zone). In case of fracture at the bond, fracture was brittle, and in case fracture at HAZ, fracture was ductile. Flash welded joints with reinforcement had the same grade of fatigue strength as arc welded butt joints with reinforcement and the non-load-carrying fillet joints by arc welding. The flash welded joints without reinforcement had the same grade of fatigue strength as the arc welded butt joints without reinforcements.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FISHERMEN IN THE SUNDERBANS MANGROVE FOREST, BANGLADESH

The study on socio-economic status and constraints of the fishermen engaged in Sundarbans fishing revealed that the age group of the fishermen varied between <12 to 60 years of which 31-40 year group was dominant (26.91%), Most were scheduled Muslim (73.07%) and scheduled Hindus (23.08%) where higher caste was totally absent. Main occupation was fishing by bom (88.46%) with 11-20 years of experience. Among them 61.54% were illiterate, 30.77% were primary educated. Most of the fishermen were married (75.00%), leading joint family status with large family members (5-6). Most of the fishermen had own Dingi type hand operated wooden boat, the size varied from 10.6-11.6 m. They also had nylon made, own set bag net. A section of them had no boats and nets. They caught fish 261-280 days/year (71.15%) and spent an average of 8 hours/day (65.08%). The average general catch during pick season was 111-130 kg/month provided the income of 801-900 Tk./month, but during off season the income decreased to 401-500 Tk./month. During off-season they were found to be engaged in net making, mending, repairing, boat making and repairing, daily labour, fish sale, crab and fry collection etc. Most of the poor fishermen had grown the habit of taking loan or borrowing: most often (59.62%), some often (21.15%), a bit regular (11.54%) and never (7.69%). The resourceful poor fishermen suffered from various problems like unavailability of fund, piracy and extortion, licensing complication, ownership right of boat and net, lack of organized market, ice, electricity and mechanization. They also suffered very often physically by intoxication, stomach disease and so.