Narrow Panels Research Articles

Abstract 3867: Identification of novel biomarkers of immune toxicity from CAR T-cell therapy using ultrasensitive NULISA™ proteome technology

Abstract Introduction: The efficacy of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is limited by acute toxic events, most notably cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Identification of biomarkers of toxicities can allow for selection of high-risk patients and elucidate targetable mechanisms for mitigation. Previous biomarker studies have been constrained by relatively narrow panels of potential mediators and limited time points. Here, we employed NULISA, a novel ultrasensitive assay capable of simultaneously quantifying 204 inflammatory proteins from a single sample, to identify temporal proteome associations with acute toxicities in anti-CD19 CAR T-cell treated patients. Methods: Baseline and post-treatment peripheral blood samples from 80 patients with LBCL who underwent anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy were collected within specific time intervals. Plasma samples (n=480) were analyzed with NULISA. CRS and ICANS were graded according to ASTCT consensus criteria. Patients were grouped according to their maximum CRS and ICANS scores. Differential protein abundance across the toxicity groups was assessed using linear mixed effects models fit for each protein, including a time by toxicity group interaction. Proteins showing significant associations were subjected to pathway enrichment and network analysis. Results: Severe CRS and ICANS patient groups showed proteome upregulation beginning on day 1-2 and peaking at day 6-9, followed by extensive downregulation on day 11-16. The strongest upregulated pathway associations of severe CRS and ICANS were inflammatory response, IL-17 signaling, non-genomic action of vitamin D3, regulation of leukocyte proliferation, and cellular extravasation. Downregulated pathways included anti-microbial humoral response and TNFs binding to receptors. In addition to the previously identified inflammatory proteins IL-6, IFNγ, sIL-2Rα, CXCL8, CCL2, our analysis revealed significant association of several novel immune regulators and mediators. These included upregulated Th2 cytokines, IL-17A, IL-22, GZMB, CTLA4, IFNA1;IFNA13, and downregulated S100A12, IL-12B, CCL22, BDNF and TNFSFs, revealing exquisite temporal orchestration of lymphoid and myeloid activities during CRS and ICANS development. Conclusions: This study represents the most comprehensive characterization of immune response to CAR T-cell therapy to date. Using the novel NULISA technology, we identified new proteins and functional pathways associated with CAR T-cell-induced toxicity, implicating them as potential biomarkers. These previously unidentified factors also provide a platform to further investigate the causative immune mechanisms of acute toxicities in CAR-T cell therapy. Citation Format: Riley Kirkpatrick, Joanne Beer, Manishkumar S. Patel, Akansha Jalota, Agrima Mian, Ishara S. Ariyapala, Qinyu Hao, Wei Feng, Xiao-Jun Ma, Yuling Luo, Brian T. Hill, Neetu Gupta. Identification of novel biomarkers of immune toxicity from CAR T-cell therapy using ultrasensitive NULISA™ proteome technology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3867.

Real-world Trends, Rural-urban Differences, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Utilization of Narrow versus Broad Next-generation Sequencing Panels.

We identified socioeconomic and rurality disparities in the use of genomic tests and trial matching by panel size, which may have implications for equal access to targeted therapies. The lack of association between large panel tests and clinical trial matching by socioeconomic status, suggests a potential health equity impact, while removing barriers in access to large panels for rural patients may improve access to trials. However, further research is needed.

Strength of I-Girders with Narrow Panels Subjected to Concentrated Loads

This technical note deals with the strength of web panels under concentrated loads, with emphasis on girders with closely spaced transverse stiffeners (commonly referred to as narrow panels). A review of experimental data and data from simulations suggest that girders with closely spaced panels exhibit substantially higher strength to concentrated loads than that calculated in accordance with the 2016 AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. A simple equation to account for a fraction of the excess in strength is proposed.

Abstract 4111: Trends in the use of broad genomic sequencing-directed therapy among Medicare patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer in the United States from 2018-2020: A retrospective analysis from the SEQUENCE study

Abstract Introduction/Purpose: Recent advances have led to approval of multiple new targeted drugs across a variety of indications based on genomic markers. In part due to the increasing number of therapeutically actionable genomic markers in many cancers, whether a strategy of upfront broad next-generation sequencing (NGS) could potentially improve selection of patients for targeted drugs compared to narrow/single gene panels remains uncertain. We examined recent trends in the proportions of patients receiving sequencing-directed therapy following the use of broad NGS panel testing among newly diagnosed patients with advanced cancer in the United States (US). Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study design to analyze administrative claims data on patients (65-89 years) enrolled in a national US payer Medicare Advantage plans from 2018 through 2020, we identified patients with select incident advanced/metastatic cancer diagnoses (lung, colorectal [CRC], breast, ovarian) based on previously validated algorithms. We defined 2 cohorts by the occurrence of broad NGS (51+ genes) versus narrow (≤50 genes) sequencing within 182 days of diagnosis using a previously validated algorithm based on laboratory tax identification numbers, current procedural terminology codes, and diagnosis codes. We described the rates of sequencing-directed therapy (defined as receipt of an FDA-approved genomically targeted drug) within 90 days of testing by broad NGS versus narrow panels across tumor types and subgroups defined by race (White versus Black) and annual income (<$50,000 versus ≥$50,000) data. Results: We identified 32,130 patients with incident advanced cancer during the study period. Overall (broad plus narrow panels) testing rates varied by cancer type (lung, 40.1%; CRC 28.6%; breast 53.9%; ovarian 41.7%). Compared to narrow gene panels, a higher proportion of patients with lung and ovarian cancer sequenced with broad NGS panels initiated an FDA-approved genomically targeted drug within 90 days of testing (lung: 8.6% versus 7.5%; ovarian: 9.2% versus 5.5%). For CRC and breast cancer, narrow gene panels matched a higher proportion of patients with targeted drug within 90 days of testing versus broad NGS panel testing (CRC: 5.1 versus 4.5%; breast: 41.7% versus 35.7%). Conclusions: A higher proportion of patients initiated a genomically-targeted drug after broad NGS panel testing compared with narrow gene panels in lung and ovarian cancer. As the number of actionable genomic markers in advanced cancers increase, it will be important to ensure that this technology is adopted to improve upon the existing standard of care and that aligns with values important to patients. Citation Format: Gboyega Adeboyeje, Eleanor O. Caplan, Yihua Xu, Monica Chase, Sheetal Sheth, Brandon T. Suehs, Nicole Myer. Trends in the use of broad genomic sequencing-directed therapy among Medicare patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer in the United States from 2018-2020: A retrospective analysis from the SEQUENCE study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 4111.

Cyclic behavior of non-seismically detailed full-scale exterior beam-column subassemblies with setback in columns

Discontinuity in cross-section depth may exist in RC columns. If present in a non-seismically detailed frame, such a discontinuity (termed herein setback in columns, SBC) may trigger unexpected seismic damage. However, this typology of irregularity within connections has long been overlooked. This paper offers initial experimental evidence showing how vulnerable these irregular, non-conforming RC connections would be under earthquake-like loading. Four full-scale exterior beam-column subassemblies with SBC were constructed and cyclically tested, including three “as-built” units and a control one improved with seismic detailing. Results indicated that all the units succumbed to joint shear failure, and exhibited distinctly asymmetric responses in different loading directions. Particularly, when subjected to a positive (sagging) beam moment, the “as-built” units displayed a very steep joint cracking pattern and, hence, remarkably lower peak loads as compared to the case where a negative (hogging) beam moment was applied. Possible causes inducing such a salient failure mode are discussed, and a detailed account of the cyclic behaviors of the four units presented. Moreover, based on the concept of wide and narrow joint panels, existing major code provisions and analytical procedures for regular connections were adapted to evaluate the joint shear capacity of the current irregular subassemblies. A practical modeling approach was also developed through ABAQUS user-defined subroutine for capturing the observed global hysteretic responses. Overall, the outcomes of this study highlight the vulnerability of non-seismically detailed exterior connections with SBC, and provide a reference for future related research.

Lateral loading performance of end narrow panel reinforced light wood frame shear walls

PurposeThe sheathing panels of traditional light wood frame shear walls mainly use oriented strand board (OSB) panels, and the damage of the traditional walls is mainly caused by the tear failure at the bottom corner of the OSB panel. In order to improve the lateral performance of the traditional light wood frame shear wall, a new type of end narrow panels reinforced light wood frame shear wall is proposed.Design/methodology/approachThe monotonic loading tests and finite element analysis of nine groups of walls, with different types of end narrow panel, types of fasteners used on the end narrow panels and the end narrow panels edge fastener spacing, are carried out. The effects of different characters on lateral performance of light wood frame shear walls are reported and discussed.FindingsThe failure modes of the wall reinforced by parallel strand bamboo narrow panels with 150 mm edge nails spacing are similar to the traditional wall. Conversely, the failure modes of other groups of walls reinforced by end narrow panels are the tears of the bottom narrow panel or the bottom beam. The end narrow panel reinforced light wood frame shear wall can make full use of the material property of sheathing panels. Compared with the lateral performance of traditional walls, the new-type end narrow panels reinforced walls have better lateral performance.Originality/valueA new type of end narrow panels reinforced light wood frame shear wall is proposed, which can enhance the lateral performance of the traditional light wood frame shear wall. The new-type walls have advantages of convenient operation, manufacture cost saving and important value of engineering application.

Stochastic finite element model assessing length effect for unreinforced masonry walls subjected to one-way vertical bending under out-of-plane loading

The strength of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls subjected to one-way vertical bending under out-of-plane loading (no pre-compression) is known to be affected by the tensile bond strength. Factors such as batching, workmanship, and environmental exposure alter the strength of this bond, resulting in spatial variability for any URM assembly. In narrow wall panels a single weak joint may dictate the failure load of a masonry wall, whereas for longer walls there is higher potential for weak joints to occur and load redistribution. This paper focuses on a stochastic assessment of clay brick URM walls with spatially variable tensile bond strength subjected to uniformly distributed out-of-plane loads in one-way vertical bending and assessing the effect of wall length on the ultimate failure load. Stochastic computational modelling combining 3D non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is used to account for bond strength variability when estimating the walls ultimate failure loads. For this assessment FEA MCS has been applied to a set of existing test data for walls 1, 2, 4, and 10 units long, by ten different masons. Models were also developed to consider walls in the intermediate length range, 7 units long, and walls outside of this range, 15 units long. For each set of simulations the peak pressure and load–displacement data was extracted and analysed, showing agreement with the results of wall test data. The panel strength is shown to increase with wall length from 1 to 4 units, then stabilize with further length increase. The variability of the failure load is shown to decrease with increasing wall length.

Experimental evaluation of the ultimate strength of stiffened panels under longitudinal compression

Seven stiffened panels subjected to in-plane longitudinal compression are tested to investigate the load carrying capacity of the specimens, which are considered as part of the hull girder of ship structures. The initial deflections have been measured before testing, which is used to determine the realistic levels of plate distortions. The strain gauges are set on the plate, stiffeners and frames to record the evolution of strain distribution of the stiffened panels under compressive loading. To study the influence of the unsupported lateral edges on the plates, narrow and wide panels having two and four stiffeners are adopted. The experimental results of the present study are compared with the other test results. It is found that the constraint on the end loading edges and on the lateral edges of the stiffened panels are very important. The imposed compressive load is symmetrical to reduce the influence of the boundary conditions.

Seismic Performance of Three-Story Cross-Laminated Timber Structures in Japan

To promote the development of cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures, the Japanese Government Notifications on Structural Design of CLT Buildings (GN 611) was issued in 2016. In GN 611, three types of platform-framing CLT structures were classified in the simple calculation method of Route-1. Compared with a platform-framing structure, which has been clarified in GN 611, a balloon-framing structure is superior in shortening the construction period and reducing the number of CLT panels and metal connectors. To study the seismic properties of balloon-framing CLT structures and develop new structures for a CLT building, four full-scale, 3-story CLT structures were tested under quasi-static cyclic loading: Specimen 1 was a platform-framing structure with narrow wall panels; Specimen 2 was a balloon-framing structure with continuous wall panels; Specimen 3 a was platform-framing structure with wide wall panels; and Specimen 4 was a balloon-framing structure with continuous wall panels and glulam beams. In this study, experiments were conducted, and the seismic performance of the balloon- and platform-framing CLT structures were evaluated and compared. The test results indicated that the seismic properties of Specimens 1, 2, and 3 were similar and that the design method of Specimen 1, as specified in GN 611, was applicable for Specimens 2 and 3. Specimen 4 exhibited higher lateral load resistance than the other three specimens. The performance of Specimen 4 depended on the moment-resisting performance of the glulam beam and CLT wall joint. In this case, the moment-resisting performance obtained through the experiment was significantly higher than the predicted performance.

Predicting fugitive gas emissions from gob-to-face in longwall coal mines: Coupled analytical and numerical modeling

Understanding gas emission and transport from the gob to the active working face in longwall coal mines is necessary for mine ventilation and gas control planning and optimization. We document a mine-wide ventilation pressure and flow rate survey (p-Q survey) to establish a ventilation network model – including methane gas concentrations recorded at selected face locations. We propose an analytical pressure gradient model to evaluate gob gas emission and its interaction with the ventilation system. This model combines viscous energy losses along a tortuous gas flow path within the gob materials with kinetic energy losses at irregular cross-sections. A numerical gas emission model was also established to predict gas emission rates at the longwall face and to dynamically determine the gas emission rate from the compacted gob. Field monitoring indicates that steady methane concentrations increase monotonically and almost linearly from headgate to tailgate. The average methane emission rates are estimated as 0.0061 m3/s, 0.0044 m3/s and 0.00215 m3/s for wide, intermediate-width and narrow panels. A numerical network model of the mine was validated then calibrated against the field methane monitoring results at our partner mine. We observe that gob compaction and related porosity reduction significantly affects gas emission rate. An eleven-fold increase in stress (1.70–18.68 MPa) results in a nonlinear decrease in porosity of only ∼75% (from 0.368 to 0.093) but a 56-fold reduction on gas emission rate (compared to the maximum transient gas emission rate). The mine-wide ventilation system is especially sensitive to methane emission rates – a 50% increase in emission rate (from 0.00455 m3/s to 0.00637 m3/s) clearly impacts concentrations in the return branches. Peak methane concentration at related branches increase 39.7%, from 2.24% to 3.13% with the potential to trigger elevated methane alarms. These results can ultimately provide the data for analyzing the interactions between the caved gob and the ventilation system and define mitigation strategies to minimize gas concentrations and hazard.

Genotype-guided diagnostic reassessment after exome sequencing in neuromuscular disorders: experiences with a two-step approach.

Background and purposeNext‐generation sequencing has greatly improved the diagnostic success rates for genetic neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). Nevertheless, most patients still remain undiagnosed, and there is a need to maximize the diagnostic yield.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 72 patients with NMDs who underwent exome sequencing (ES), partly followed by genotype‐guided diagnostic reassessment and secondary investigations. The diagnostic yields that would have been achieved by appropriately chosen narrow and comprehensive gene panels were also analysed.ResultsThe initial diagnostic yield of ES was 30.6% (n = 22/72 patients). In an additional 15.3% of patients (n = 11/72) ES results were of unknown clinical significance. After genotype‐guided diagnostic reassessment and complementary investigations, the yield was increased to 37.5% (n = 27/72). Compared to ES, targeted gene panels (<25 kilobases) reached a diagnostic yield of 22.2% (n = 16/72), whereas comprehensive gene panels achieved 34.7% (n = 25/72).ConclusionExome sequencing allows the detection of pathogenic variants missed by (narrowly) targeted gene panel approaches. Diagnostic reassessment after genetic testing further enhances the diagnostic outcomes for NMDs.

A seismic behavior and numerical model of narrow paneled cross-laminated timber building

A national research project to investigate proper structural design methods for cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings has been initiated by a subsidiary of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan since 2011. In the final stage of the project, shaking table tests were conducted for CLT buildings designed according to a proposed structural design procedure which confirmed damage limit state, safety limit state, allowable stress, and ductile factors, etc.This paper presents results of shaking table testing for full-scaled CLT building and a design procedure. The three different systems examined are buildings composed of narrow panels, wide panels with an edge tensile connection, and wide panels with an edge tensile connection for each no-window shear part. The focus of this paper is the building of narrow panels. This building system is suitable for midrise CLT building with high ductility produced through rocking. The structure was shown to behave well during severe strong motion as specified in the Japanese building standard law and to have survived the 1995 Kobe earthquake despite the occurrence of a compressive rupture in shear walls which are support elements against the vertical load. Story shear capacity calculated from a numerical model and element tests (such as connections) were safely evaluated; but to evaluate the capacity correctly, further research is required in the element and system levels. Though a variety of undetermined issues and challenges remains, the Building Standard Law and Notification for three different CLT construction systems was enforced in April 2016 to ensure the construction of safe CLT buildings.

Abstract 4280: Improving the sensitivity of wide targeted cancer gene panels via novel genome analysis tools

Abstract In the recent years, wide targeted gene panels have gained popularity, due to their ability to interrogate many genes at the same time. In cancer, particularly, there is a set of ~600 genes known as Cancer Gene Census for which mutations have been causally implicated. Many of the wide cancer panels, therefore, target a subset of these genes. As targeted panels widen, the average coverage of them reduces, if the total budget of the DNA reads remains constant. Therefore, wide panels usually have a more modest coverage, as compared to narrow panels. The reduction in coverage, along with the biases that exist in targeted enrichment approaches make a challenging environment for genome assembly pipelines. We argue that, in such systems, false negatives are prone to increase to non-trivial values, primarily due to: 1) inefficiencies in the enrichment methods, especially if they are hybridization-based; 2) sporadic insufficiency of coverage; 3) biases in the analysis pipelines; 4) filtering operations that take place, in attempt to reduce false positives. As much of the losses are due to the dependency of the assays and the pipelines to the reference genome, we have approached this issue by designing a tandem set of tools: 1) A hybrid-denovo genome assembly pipeline, which has significantly less bias to the reference genome, as compared to the conventional align-to-reference methods. This pipeline can be used in lieu of or in combination with the conventional pipelines; 2) An in-silico verification (ISV) tool that provides the experts with a multifaceted visual and textual information, to gauge the evidence (or lack thereof) for the variants of interest. While not meant to necessarily be a replacement to wet validation, ISV provides the ability to identify the errors that may otherwise seep through the system. In order to show feasibility of this approach, a small set of FFPE TruSight Tumor 170 samples including cases of lung and breast cancer was used. The comparisons were done for all RefSeq exonic bases on a hereditary cancer gene subset. Our preliminary analysis using this data shows that by using our proprietary genome analysis pipeline and ISV tool, the sensitivity of the reported variants could be improved from ~80% to ~98% or higher, without impairing the specificity. If we consider intronic bases which have reasonable coverage, including those involved in splicing, the sensitivity improvements could be even larger. Citation Format: Bahram G. Kermani, Evans L. Roberts, Theresa A. Boyle, Anthony M. Magliocco. Improving the sensitivity of wide targeted cancer gene panels via novel genome analysis tools [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4280.

La decoración pictórica del Municipium Urbs Victrix Osca (Huesca)

En este estudio se analizan cuatro conjuntos pictóricos hallados en la excavación urbana realizada en la calle Dormer nº 8-10. El primero presenta zócalo con imitaciones marmóreas y zona media en la que alternan paneles anchos y estrechos; un friso decorado con flores de loto estilizadas debía corresponder al remate superior de la pared. El segundo conjunto es el que ofrece un mayor interés; el zócalo presenta una serie de placas que imitan mármoles de distintas variedades y en la zona media se desarrolla un sistema de relación continua sobre fondo negro. Del tercero únicamente se conserva un zócalo moteado y, finalmente, el último conjunto muestra un fondo blanco decorado con filetes rojos que articulaban una serie de paneles; el interés radica en la presencia de un graffito con una serie de numerales. La cronología de las pinturas, a tenor de los datos arqueológicos y los derivados del estudio estilístico, puede establecerse en la segunda mitad del s. I d.C.

Validation of CZECANCA (CZEch CAncer paNel for Clinical Application) for targeted NGS-based analysis of hereditary cancer syndromes.

BackgroundCarriers of mutations in hereditary cancer predisposition genes represent a small but clinically important subgroup of oncology patients. The identification of causal germline mutations determines follow-up management, treatment options and genetic counselling in patients’ families. Targeted next-generation sequencing-based analyses using cancer-specific panels in high-risk individuals have been rapidly adopted by diagnostic laboratories. While the use of diagnosis-specific panels is straightforward in typical cases, individuals with unusual phenotypes from families with overlapping criteria require multiple panel testing. Moreover, narrow gene panels are limited by our currently incomplete knowledge about possible genetic dispositions.MethodsWe have designed a multi-gene panel called CZECANCA (CZEch CAncer paNel for Clinical Application) for a sequencing analysis of 219 cancer-susceptibility and candidate predisposition genes associated with frequent hereditary cancers.ResultsThe bioanalytical and bioinformatics pipeline was validated on a set of internal and commercially available DNA controls showing high coverage uniformity, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The panel demonstrates a reliable detection of both single nucleotide and copy number variants. Inter-laboratory, intra- and inter-run replicates confirmed the robustness of our approach.ConclusionThe objective of CZECANCA is a nationwide consolidation of cancer-predisposition genetic testing across various clinical indications with savings in costs, human labor and turnaround time. Moreover, the unified diagnostics will enable the integration and analysis of genotypes with associated phenotypes in a national database improving the clinical interpretation of variants.

Experimental Response of Reinforced Concrete Frames With AAC Masonry Infill Walls to In-plane Cyclic Loading

The paper presents an experimental investigation to assess some aspects of the influence of non-structural masonry infill walls on seismic resistance of RC frames. Low cycle horizontal loading of nine half-scale specimens, employing autoclave-cured aerated concrete (AAC) blocks as infill, is designed to test the influence of four parameters. The main effects indicated by the results are: The overall influence of the masonry infill walls, as compared with frames without infill walls, is some 200% increase in the yield load (the capacity) and close to 60% decrease in ductility. While the influence of the aspect ratio (height/width) on capacity appears to be small, narrow panels (high aspect ratio) have substantially higher ductility. The influence of the infill wall's construction method is a mild increase in capacity and a slight reduction in ductility of integral wall (built before frame casting) as compared to non-integral wall (built following frame casting) construction. Vertical prestress of the masonry wall panel has a large positive effect on both, capacity and ductility of integral infill panels. While the method of prestress applied does not represent adequately the effect of gravity loads, it could serve as a potential method for seismic upgrade. Openings in masonry infill walls produce capacity and ductility values that are intermediate between those of the frame with full infill wall and the frame without infill.

Effect of a central dent on the ultimate strength of narrow stiffened panels under axial compression

This paper studies the effect of a central dented imperfection on the load carrying capacity of stiffened panels considering the residual stress caused by the indentation, and identifying the type of boundary conditions to adopt for a model to be used in an experimental programme for damaged panels. A quasi-static nonlinear finite element analysis is used to simulate the production of the local dent, followed by an ultimate strength analysis of the stiffened panels under uniaxial compressive load. The structural plastic strain causes the residual stress and the dent, which are included in the ultimate strength analysis of the stiffened panels under compressive load. To prescribe appropriately the boundary conditions for the central span of stiffened panels, two and three spans models are adopted in the FE analyses. The effects of residual stress, geometric range and dent depth on the ultimate strength of the stiffened panels with a central dented imperfection are investigated using nonlinear quasi-static finite-element analysis.

Designing and Manufacturing of a Flexible Longitudinally Laminated Sandwich Panel Forming Tool

The main aim of the study was to develop forming tools for wide (over 1.2 meter) sandwich panels. Longitudinal laminating technology was selected for tool manufacturing due to its flexibility and cost efficiency. Laminating technology enables easy modification of the tool dimensions afterwards. The function to optimize or vary the dimensions of the tool was set as a secondary objective for the study. Forming tools for sandwich panels are usually complicated structures and joining of the plates can be difficult in some cases. Typically sandwich forming tools are capable to produce only narrow panels (less than 1 meter) and optimization must be done during designing of the tool. In this study, a rapid designing and manufacturing of a flexible sandwich panel forming tool was investigated. Sandwich panels are usually applied in light structures or voice covers due to their very low weight, high stiffness, durability and production cost savings. Designing of the forming tool was made by using a 3D CAD program. Conventional steel plates were used for the forming tool and the assembly was done by fixing the plate parts longitudinally together (laminating). Most important criterion for the forming tool was its capability to produce high quality geometry for the core. Laser welding assembly showed that the quality of the core was good enough for welding the lap joints properly. Both of the objectives were fulfilled: 1) forming tools were suitable for forming of wide cores (1.2 meter) and 2) the structure of the laminated tool enables to change or add new plate parts to change the dimensions of the final product.

Splices of FRP Stay-in-Place Structural Forms in Concrete Bridge Decks

AbstractThis experimental study focuses on the design and spacing of splices of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) stay-in-place structural forms used in concrete bridge decks. The ribbed FRP panels, which span the gap between girders, are typically of limited width, and therefore are spliced by overlapping. A total of 23 auxiliary lap splice tension tests addressed various bond systems including adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners of various diameters and spacing. Seven scaled bridge deck systems were built with FRP panels of various widths, some with bonded splices and some with no bond at all at the overlap region. The study showed that using narrow FRP plates of small width-to-deck thickness (b/t) ratio significantly reduces deck capacity when no splice bond is provided because narrow panels may force the punching shear crack to terminate at a splice, at a steeper angle, thereby reducing punching shear capacity. The deck with b/t=1.9 exhibited a 24% lower capacity than that with b/t=7.2. In bonded-splice...

Daisy Gets Lost by Chris Raschka (review)

Reviewed by: Daisy Gets Lost by Chris Raschka Jeannette Hulick Raschka, Chris. Daisy Gets Lost; written and illus. by Chris Raschka. Schwartz & Wade, 2013. 32p Library ed. ISBN 978-0-449-81742-1 $20.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-449-81741-4 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-449-81743-8 $10.99 R 3-5 yrs Long-eared dog Daisy (of A Ball for Daisy) is back; this time her ball-chasing leads her to encounter—and subsequently chase—a squirrel. In her enthusiasm to catch the squirrel, Daisy leaves her ball behind and becomes lost in the woods. Her young owner, realizing that Daisy has gone missing, searches for her, and a mournful howl from Daisy eventually leads the girl to her lost dog. The bold ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations, in rich, saturated colors, carry the spare story; scenes that fill the spreads alternate, very effectively, with scenes broken into a series of panels that show a progression of events. Daisy’s initial pursuit of the bright blue ball, for example, is broken down into four narrow panels, each extending across the width of the spread; the following spread is completely filled as Daisy, ball in her mouth and ears cocked forward, and the squirrel make eye contact, thus slowing the action to focus on the dramatic weight of that moment. The lack of text (“Go get it, Daisy!,” calls for “Daisy!,” and Daisy’s desperate howl are the only words in the book), may make this a bit challenging to share with larger groups, but small groups and lap-sitters will enjoy figuring out the action from the pictures and narrating the events themselves. Young pet owners and animal lovers will especially enjoy the drama—and happy resolution—of this doggy tail, er, tale. Copyright © 2013 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois