Open Panel Research Articles

The National Institute on Aging at its Twentieth Anniversary: Achievements and Promise of Research on Aging

As these distinguished speakers demonstrate, the research community should take enormous pride in its many achievements to date, as well as in the scientific break-throughs that appear to be just on the horizon. However, existing gaps in our knowledge about the aging process certainly will require a great deal more of our attention. As former NIA director Robert N. Butler, MD, cautioned in the symposium's opening panel, "We remain ill-prepared for the 21st Century when population aging will become unprecedented. We already feel the impact of a revolution in longevity that has added 28 years to the life expectancy of Americans since the beginning the century. But we are not prepared for the baby boomers--the largest generation in U.S. history and one-third of our present population, the first of whom will turn 65 in 2011. "I regard the baby boomers as a generation at risk. We still devote relatively few resources to understanding the biology of aging. Although we have made progress in understanding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, we are a long way from a cure. While we have some insights into the demography of aging, the social impact of population aging upon society and, in turn, the psychosocial experiences of growing older, we are a long way from understanding the full implications of any of these." Maintaining and improving the health and well-being of older people will be among the greatest social challenges of the next century. Research into aging and the diseases common to older people undoubtedly holds the key to addressing the health and social needs of older people and reducing the risk factors driving the increased and costly need for long-term care. At the same time, the effects of downsizing and cost constraints in all segments of today's society challenge our ability to address these needs. Although scientists today face serious challenges to completing the work that research already has generated and to initiating new projects, we are energized by the potential for widespread benefit. Using that energy, in 20 years' time we should expect to look back with the same sense of accomplishment and ahead with the same enthusiasm for achievements yet to come.

Three-dimensional buckling analysis of laminated composite hollow cylinders and cylindrical panels

The buckling problem of thick, cross-ply laminated cylinders and cylindrical panels under combined external loading is investigated on the basis of fully three-dimensional elasticity considerations. The three-dimensional pre-buckling state that is initially employed, assumes zero shear stresses and is suitable for the analysis of both open panels and closed cylinders. This assumption leads to a set of three-dimensional linearized buckling equations. Both sets of three-dimensional prebuckling and buckling equations are then solved on the basis of a recursive method. The analysis is suitable for studying the buckling behavior of simply supported cross-ply cylinders, subjected to the single or the combined action of an axial compression and a uniform lateral pressure, or open cross-ply cylindrical panels under axial compression. The numerical results presented and discussed throughout this paper deal with cylinders and cylindrical panels having a symmetric or an antisymmetric cross-ply lay-up.

Special truss moment frames with Vierendeel middle panel

This paper presents an alternative configuration of the special truss segment in special truss moment frames (STMF). The study is an extension of a previous study by Goel and Itani at the University of Michigan in which an integrated analytical and experimental programme was conducted on this system with X-diagonal middle segments for the trusses. The system showed excellent improvement in behaviour over the conventional truss moment frames as used in current practice. However, the X-diagonals in the middle panels may cause undesirable obstruction for ductwork and piping systems in some situations. A Vierendeel middle segment (no Xdiagonals) is proposed in this paper for STMF; thus, the wide opening can be utilized for ductwork and piping. The shear caused by lateral forces in the open panel of the trusses is resisted solely by the chord members. A four-storey study building, which had been designed using X-diagonal configuration in the previous study, was redesigned using the proposed configuration. Excellent inelastic response is obtained through stable and ‘full’ hysteretic loops. Minor reductions in the stiffness and strength of the system resulted due to the absence of X-diagonals.

Approximate elasticity solution for laminated anisotropic finite cylinders

This paper deals with the static response of the axisymmetric problem of arbitrarily laminated, anisotropic cylindrical shells of finite length using three-dimensional elasticity equations. The closed cylinder is simply supported at both ends. The highly coupled partial differential equations (PDEs) are reduced to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with variable coefficients by choosing the solution composed of trigonometric functions along the axial direction. Through dividing each layer into thin laminas, the variable coefficients in ODEs become constants, and the resulting equations can be solved exactly. Numerical examples are presented for ( - 45/0 deg) and ( - 45/457 - 45 deg) laminations under sinusoidal normal loading on the outer surface and uniform internal pressure. From the present study, it is found that, although the general behavior is similar to that of isotropic shells, the coupling is obvious in general, and the shear effect is very important in the edge region. Moreover, the initial curvature effect plays an essential role, especially in stress distributions. TATIC and dynamic responses of composite laminated closed cylindrical shells and curved panels have received wide attention in recent years. Because of the anisotropy in composites and the presence of curvature in shell structures, obtaining exact three-dimensional elasticity solutions for lami- nated closed cylinders and open panels subjected to general loading and arbitrary boundary conditions becomes a chal- lenging task. The mathematical complexity in analyzing three- dimensional elasticity equations usually makes exact solutions difficult to obtain. However, certain problems in which a three-dimensional approach can be used still exist. Most of these problems can be solved by assuming the solution to be composed of trigonometric functions in the axial and circumferential directions. The main reason is that the partial differential equations (PDEs) governing three-di- mensional problems can be reduced to one-dimension al ordi- nary differential equations (ODEs) with variable coefficients. The solution for the resulting ODEs can be obtained by intro- ducing the displacement potential function. Usually, this method is used with isotropic and transversely isotropic mate- rials, whereas the Frobenius method is used with orthotropic materials. When the three-dimensional elasticity solutions are available, they are very useful in evaluating the accuracy of approximate results, e.g., in the case of two-dimensional shell theories. For the static problem, Flugge and Kelkar1 and Yao2 ob- tained an exact solution for closed isotropic long cylinders under general two-dimensional surface traction. Using the Frobenius method, Srinivas3 developed an exact three-dimen- sional solution for orthotropic finite cylinders with simply supported conditions. However, the numerical results are given for free vibration only. Varadan and Bhaskar4 also performed the static stress analysis using the procedures pro- posed by Srinivas. Pagano5 obtained the stress field for a homogeneous, anisotropic closed cylinder under two-dimen- sional surface loads in which the problems are independent of the axial coordinate. However, numerical results are reported only for a single orthotropic layer. Recently, Ren6'7 presented an exact solution for simply supported laminated cross-ply circular cylindrical panels of infinite and finite length in the

Joint CTG/CPTG Symposium

The goal of this symposium is to demonstrate how the unique expertise of market researchers, human factors engineers, and industrial designers can be integrated to create successful new products and services. Specifically, it will explore the appropriate design roles for each of these three disciplines by answering four major questions: (a) WHERE in the new product design process does each discipline become involved? (b) WHAT design question(s) does each accept primary responsibility for answering? (c) HOW does each apply their current state-of-practice in answering these questions? (d) WHO do they interact with at various steps throughout the design process? Through a combination of tutorials, case studies, and open panel discussions, attendees will appreciate the value added to both the design process and the designs themselves by integrating these 3 disciplines.

The Department of the Army Quality Assurance Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibody Testing

The Department of the Army determined that it was essential for all personnel to be tested for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus antibodies. This requirement necessitated the immediate development and implementation of a worldwide screening program. The Department of Virus Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, developed the testing and quality assurance systems required to ensure that this program was performed expeditiously and accurately. Contractor selection and monitoring constituted the two principal program operations. Selection was based on criteria established by a carefully prepared contract that stressed accuracy as well as timely and cost-effective service. Contractor performance was evaluated using eight parameters, which included the use of national certified laboratory facilities, open enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot proficiency panels, blind ELISA and Western blot proficiency panels, internal and external contractor operated ELISA and Western blot quality control testing, daily second-party review of test results; monthly on-site inspections, correlation of test data with clinical findings, and maintenance of a reference serum bank. During the first 12 months of the program, the contractor test panel performance showed a sensitivity of 98.5%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6%. Currently, more than 2,500,000 specimens have been evaluated and over 3,300 patients with positive Western blots have been identified. To date, all positive test results have correlated with clinical findings.

35,000-kW-hr Later- A User's Experience of Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has nearly 3 years' field experience with photovoltaic solar panels powering an extensive chain of microwave radio repeaters along main oil pipelines. Solar generator and load currents are integrated by onsite instrumentation and the results have been recorded monthly. Computer analysis has allowed detailed performance monitoring as well as building up a data bank for the economic design of new stations.

Structural Parts from Epoxy Rim Using Preplaced Reinforcement

Abstract Under the stimuli of reducing product weight and reducing cost through part consolidation, polymers have been replacing metals in many manufacturing operations. One of the newer polymer processes, reaction injection molding (RIM), has enjoyed a rapidly growing market, especially in automotive applications, for low strength appearance parts such as grill opening panels, styled bumper covers, and, more recently, “friendly” fenders. For many applications, RIM competes directly with compression molding processes such as sheet molding compound (SMC) and bulk molding compound (BMC). Generally, RP molding compounds require one or more steps prior to molding where resin, catalysts, fillers, and reinforcing fibers are combined and packaged. When these compounds are compression molded, they require high pressures, usually 500 to 1500 psi, and high strength, relatively expensive molds. In the RIM process, reactive feeds such as polyol and isocyanate or epoxy resin plus curative are instantaneously mixed whi...

SMC: Thinner — Smoother — Tougher a New Generation of Low Profile Additives

The automotive industry's need for thinner, smoother and tougher low profile sheet molding compound (SMC) composites for the evolving body panel parts of the 1980's has prompted the development of Union Carbide Low Profile Additives XLP-4514 and XLP-8521. Composites utiliz ing these aditives have provided Class A surface characteristics at 80 mils thickness and above on developmental deck lid tools. Also improved surfaces on commercial parts such as a variety of models of grill opening panels, truck hoods, etc. have been observed. These studies were conducted using computer assisted experimental designs and results-analysis to ensure valid conclusions.

Headed shear stud connectors in a stub-girder floor system: a preliminary study

The performance of headed shear stud connectors which attach the reinforced concrete slab to the supporting structural steel stubs in a stub-girder structural floor system was examined by testing 28 portions or subassemblages of a complete stub-girder. The major difference which affected the performance of the shear connectors in a stub-girder floor system as compared with conventional composite construction was the increasèd tension which must be carried by critically located shear connectors. One cause of the increase in tension was the secondary bending which resulted from the transverse (beam) shear acting on the concrete slab along the open panel of the stub-girder between interior structural steel stubs. This behavior is similar to the bending which takes place in the chords of a Vierendeel truss.A significant reduction in the shear strength of the connectors resulted from the induced tension. However, the shear strength could be predicted using current Canadian code strengths if allowance was made for the tension in the connectors. The analysis suggested that the resultant of the full applied shear force and 75% of the applied tension force was comparable with the shear connector strength given in the code.

Multipurpose hall design—a new direction

In Beraneks evaluation of concert halls, he attributed 40% of the rating to his own discovery initial time delay gap, 30% to factors associated with reverberation time, and 16% to factors associated with loudness. Multipurpose halls following this design philosophy have emphasized the use of clouds to provide early reflections and moveable curtains behind partially open panels to vary the reverberation time at the expense of loudness, side reflections, and bass. Recent listener preference space sludies have attributed 47% of hall preference to factors associated with sound force, and 28% to factors associated with sensation definition and clearness (i.e., side and front reflections). The direction of this research points overwhelmingly to a return to smaller volume halls with strong side reflections even for multipurpose uses.

Utilization of prepaid dental health care by students in health professional schools.

Utilization of prepaid dental health care was studied, involving health professional students in an open panel program at the University of Alabama Medical Center. Major barriers to treatment were eliminated and optimal conditions for utilization established. Annual utilization ranged from 44-61 per cent during the period extending from 1969-70 to 1975-76. The majority of enrollees treated sought care from the Student Dental Health Plan (SDHP) clinic, rather than from private practitioners. Thirteen per cent of recent graduates presented for treatment at least once each year during their tenure as students, 57 per cent sought care in more than one year, and 24 per cent did not seek care at all. It was concluded that factors other than cost, accessibility, and educational level operate to prevent total utilization of prepaid dental health care in a young adult age group.

Costs, benefits, and management considerations of a prepaid student dental health plan.

Abstract The Student Dental Health Program (SDHP) is an open panel, prepaid dental insurance plan at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. The program was developed primarily to provide optimal dental health service; however the SDHP also serves educational and research functions that are consistent with the objectives of the university. The student bodies of the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Optometry constitute the enrollee population. Total cost rose from $18,418 in 1969–70 with 862 enrollees, to $70,930 in 1975–76 with 1,618 enrollees. During the same period the number of procedures completed increased from 2,868 to 6,796, with the average cost per procedure increasing from $6.42 to $10.44. The number of restorative services declined and preventive services increased. In 1976–77 benefits per student treated were estimated at $80 as compared to the annual fee of $48. The value of unmet needs upon entrance to the program averaged $59 per enrollee in 1974–75. By 1976–77 this figure was reduced to $26 due to implementation of an initial screening. The program is self-supporting due to a variety of cost containment measures. On balance, the program can be considered successful and beneficial to all parties concerned.

The Ohio Conference on Political Cinema

Abstract The 1979 Ohio University Film Conference on Political Cinema held April 25-29 in Athens, Ohio, raised important theoretical and methodological issues for radical film theory. The following schematic summary of the conference sessions, while not exhausting the range and complexity of these issues, may serve to identify a number of current perspectives on political cinema. The opening panel on European Political Filmmaking examined politically significant films. Speaking on Italian cinema during fascism, John Rowe argued that, despite Mussolini's Censor Board, the production of anti-fascist films, whose latent form and content were subversive to fascist ideology and supportive of socialist themes, continued.

Evaluation and Nonreappointment of Residents: Panel Discussion

The following is an open panel discussion that was held on the topic of evaluation and nonreappointment of residents. The panel consisted of otolaryngologists who have a vast experience in the residency programs. Dr Schuknecht: Dr Singleton, from your standpoint as chief of staff at the University of Florida in Gainesville, does the director of a medical school hospital have any responsibility for evaluation of the performance of a resident? If so, what aspects of the performance are of concern to the director? Should the director be concerned with the financial, moral, ethical, and medicolegal problems, as well as professional services of the resident? Are there any suitable methods by which a director can evaluate residents? How much advance notice should be given to a professional individual, such as a resident, before he/she is either nonreappointed or discharged from the residency program? Dr Singleton: The hospital director is not

Aseismic Design of Staggered Truss Buildings

This elastic limit-ultimate strength design procedure for earthquake resistant response of multistory staggered truss framed buildings concentrates the inelastic activity in the chord members in the vicinity of the central open panel of the truss. A detailed description of the design philosophy is presented. Inelastic dynamic responses of two 40-story buildings designed with different levels of elastic lateral force resisting capabilities subject to 1.5 times the El Centro (1940) NS accelerogram are compared. It is shown that this framing system has significant energy absorption capacity and ductile deformation capability.

Barbara's polar bears

An idealistic biologist applies for a small grant for her research project and in the process learns about some of the social and economic conflicts between “basic” research, “applied” research, and. technology. A university dean, an industrial executive, and a young, radical social scientist take three different views of the proposed project in a dramatic confrontation intended to serve as the basis for an open panel discussion of the social implications of science and technology. The paper is written in the form of a play, which can be presented in about 30 minutes.

The Fatal Abstract a Tutorial Farce in One Act

Fatal Abstract is a dramatic exhibit of the superiority of the informative abstract or summary to the conventional descriptive or table of contents variety. It shows how the more effective abstract justifies the far greater effort it requires, and in a digression devoted to the preparation of abstracts for symposia, shows that it is both unethical and self-defeating to offer the same abstract to several meetings at once. A secondary message of this drama, which takes place in a biophysics laboratory responsible for the logistic support of a spacecraft that has landed on Venus, is that the effective communication of the essence of a complex body of information depends on careful selection of the level of generalization and the rigorous elimination of redundancy. The play requires four actors but no properties or scenery, and should be read aloud rather than memorized. However, it is designed to be followed by an open panel discussion in which the actors become the panelists, and the actors must therefore be experienced writers or editors if they are to deal effectively with questions raised by the audience.

The relationship between health status and utilization of outpatient health care services.

A short, self-administered proxy health status score has been shown to correlate highly with physician’s appraisal based on physical examination. The proxy score has been related to rate of use of ambulatory services by subscribers to two different health insurance plans, one a closed panel group practice plan, and one an open panel largely solo practice. It has been found that health status predicts well those who will not use health care services, but does not predict how much the users will use. Differences between the two health plans in health status-utilization dynamics are noted and discussed.

The slide talk: A tutorial drama in one act

This work is the script of a comico-serious half-hour play with a cast of four. It exhibits all the classical blunders in the technical symposium presentation together with their simplest and most effective remedies. Bob, a harassed engineer who just built a nuclear reactor, describes it in a dry run in the presence of Bill, the villainous project engineer who gives him the wrong advice, and Stan and Tom, the editor and chief engineer who show him how to do it better. The playlet is followed by an open panel discussion.