Debonding- and Fatigue-Related Strain Limits for Externally Bonded FRP

Available guidance for mitigating debonding failure of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites applied to concrete is evaluated based on data obtained from large- and full-scale experimental programs. Current recommendations are inadequate to effectively mitigate intermediate crack-induced debonding in flexural members. An improved, although still simple to apply, equation for determining limiting FRP material properties to mitigate debonding is presented and evaluated. Additionally, the effect of fatigue loading on the debonding behavior of externally bonded FRP is not adequately addressed in practice. In the limited data presented, a degradation of bond behavior is observed even under fatigue loading conditions amounting to an FRP stress range of no more than 4% of the FRP capacity.     

Brain potentials implicate temporal lobe abnormalities in criminal psychopaths.

Psychopathy is associated with abnormalities in attention and orienting. However, few studies have examined the neural systems underlying these processes. To address this issue, the authors recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) while 80 incarcerated men, classified as psychopathic or nonpsychopathic via the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (R. D. Hare, 1991, 2003), completed an auditory oddball task. Consistent with hypotheses, processing of targets elicited larger frontocentral negativities (N550) in psychopaths than in nonpsychopaths. Psychopaths also showed an enlarged N2 and reduced P3 during target detection. Similar ERP modulations have been reported in patients with amygdala and temporal lobe damage. The data are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that psychopathy may be related to dysfunction of the paralimbic system--a system that includes parts of the temporal and frontal lobes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Equivalent lateral force procedure for the seismic story drift design of tall frames using a hand‐calculated approach

The basic theory of the cantilever moment distribution method and the application of this method to conduct the equivalent lateral force procedure for the seismic design of tall frames are discussed in detail. Deflection–rotation formulas are introduced in this paper to determine the relative lateral story deflections and the joint rotations of laterally loaded rigid frames. An example is presented to conduct the seismic story drift design of a multistory, multi‐bay, moment‐resisting reinforced concrete frame using the cantilever moment distribution method and the deflection–rotation formulas developed in this paper. The hand‐calculated approach presented in the example can be used as a rapid and accurate method to determine the story drift for any laterally loaded multistory, multi‐bay rigid frames that are composed of identical single‐bay symmetrical bents. The following are the advantages of using this rapid approach: (1) this approach can be carried out by using hand calculations only (without the use of computer computations); (2) the results obtained from this approach are as accurate as those derived from the traditional moment distribution and the slope deflection methods; and (3) the results obtained from this approach can be used to verify the accuracy of the results obtained from computer computations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhanced T-cell immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vaccine regimen consisting of consecutive priming with DNA and boosting with recombinant fowlpox virus

The induction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific T-cell responses is widely seen as critical to the development of effective immunity to HIV type 1 (HIV-1). Plasmid DNA and recombinant fowlpox virus (rFPV) vaccines are among the most promising safe HIV-1 vaccine candidates. However, the immunity induced by either vaccine alone may be insufficient to provide durable protection against HIV-1 infection. We evaluated a consecutive immunization strategy involving priming with DNA and boosting with rFPV vaccines encoding common HIV-1 antigens. In mice, this approach induced greater HIV-1-specific immunity than either vector alone and protected mice from challenge with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing HIV-1 antigens. In macaques, a dramatic boosting effect on DNA vaccine-primed HIV-1-specific helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses, but a decline in HIV-1 antibody titers, was observed following rFPV immunization. The vaccine regimen protected macaques from an intravenous HIV-1 challenge, with the resistance most likely mediated by T-cell responses. These studies suggest a safe strategy for the enhanced generation of T-cell-mediated protective immunity to HIV-1.     

Effects of the PIPC model on outcome measures of productivity and costs

The purpose of this experimental research was to determine the effects of the Partners in Care Practice Model (PIPC) on the outcomes of productivity and costs. Over an 18-month study period, no significant differences were found in costs per patient day between the pilot and control units; however, significant differences were found in actual salaries, amount of time spent in documentation, and supply costs. Differences in costs and productivity reflected increased training costs and costs for additional supplies on the pilot unit.     

Prostaglandin E2 induction of labor for fetal demise

Intrauterine fetal demise is a source of anxiety to both patient and physician. Heretofore, the standard treatment was either careful observation until the patient went into labor or attempt at induction of labor with oxytocin. Unfortunately, oxytocin stimulation has not proven to be uniformly successful for this problem. Prostaglandin E2 suppositories have been shown to be effective in inducing uterine evacuation after intrauterine fetal demise. In the opinion of the authors, this approach will in the future replace the sometimes dangerous and emotionally laden convention of watchful delayed therapy.     

Experiments utilizing FeO4 for purifying water

The reduction of the metal ion content of river and well water by chemical treatment with Na₂FeO₄ has been studied.Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) Fe(III), Hg(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) are reduced to low levels by the addition of Na₂FeO₄ and its subsequent decomposition to a Fe(OH)₃ gel. The odors (presumably due to sulfur compounds) are completely removed, the bacterial action greatly reduced and the sedimentation rate significantly increased by this reagent.