Shape optimization of RC flexural members

A natural velocity field method for shape optimization of reinforced concrete (RC) flexural members has been demonstrated. The possibility of shape optimization by modifying the shape of an initially rectangular section, in addition to variation of breadth and depth along the length, has been explored. Necessary shape changes have been computed using the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) technique. Genetic algorithm (Goldberg and Samtani 1986) has been used to optimize the diameter and number of main reinforcement bars. A limit-state design approach has been adopted for the nonprismatic RC sections. Such relevant issues as formulation of optimization problem, finite-element modeling, and solution procedure have been described. Three design examples-a simply supported beam, a cantilever beam, and a two-span continuous beam, all under uniformly distributed loads-have been optimized. The results show a significant savings (40-56%) in material and cost and also result in aesthetically pleasing structures. This procedure will lead to considerable cost saving, particularly in cases of mass-produced precast members and a heavy cast-in-place member such as a bridge girder.

Genetic analysis of an Indian family with members affected with Waardenburg syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Purpose: Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentation defects of the eye, skin, and hair. It is caused by mutations in one of the following genes: PAX3 (paired box 3), MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), EDNRB (endothelin receptor type B), EDN3 (endothelin 3), SNAI2 (snail homolog 2, Drosophila) and SOX10 (SRY-box containing gene 10). Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene. The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic causes of WS and DMD in an Indian family with two patients: one affected with WS and DMD, and another one affected with only WS. Methods: Blood samples were collected from individuals for genomic DNA isolation. To determine the linkage of this family to the eight known WS loci, microsatellite markers were selected from the candidate regions and used to genotype the family. Exon-specific intronic primers for EDN3 were used to amplify and sequence DNA samples from affected individuals to detect mutations. A mutation in DMD was identified by multiplex PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method using exon-specific probes. Results: Pedigree analysis suggested segregation of WS as an autosomal recessive trait in the family. Haplotype analysis suggested linkage of the family to the WS4B (EDN3) locus. DNA sequencing identified a novel missense mutation p.T98M in EDN3. A deletion mutation was identified in DMD. Conclusions: This study reports a novel missense mutation in EDN3 and a deletion mutation in DMD in the same Indian family. The present study will be helpful in genetic diagnosis of this family and increases the mutation spectrum of EDN3.

Comparative Efficacy of Diquat for Control of Two Members of the Hydrocharitaceae: Elodea and Hydrilla

The submersed plants hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle) and elodea (Elodea canadensis Rich.) are both members of the Hydrocharitaceae family and cause problems in waterways throughout the world. Diquat (6,7-dihydrodipyrido[1,2-α:2’,1’-c]pyrazinediium dibromide) is a contact herbicide used to control nuisance submersed and floating aquatic macrophytes. There is no readily available information in the literature on the control of elodea under various diquat concentration and exposure times (CET) and other than a study by Van et. al 1987, little on hydrilla. Since CET relationships are critical in controlling submersed plants in areas influenced by water exchange, this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of diquat on hydrilla and elodea under various CET scenarios. (PDF has 3 pages.)

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of management strategies and regulations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary by commercial fishers, dive operators, and environmental group members: A baseline characterization and 10-year comparison

This research is part of the Socioeconomic Research & Monitoring Program for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), which was initiated in 1998. In 1995-96, a baseline study on the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of proposed FKNMS management strategies and regulations of commercial fishers, dive operators and on selected environmental group members was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Atmospheric and Marine Science (RSMAS). The baseline study was funded by the U.S. Man and the Biosphere Program, and components of the study were published by Florida Sea Grant and in several peer reviewed journals. The study was accepted into the Socioeconomic Research & Monitoring Program at a workshop to design the program in 1998, and workshop participants recommended that the study be replicated every ten years. The 10-year replication was conducted in 2004-05 (commercial fishers) 2006 (dive operators) and 2007 (environmental group members) by the same researchers at RSMAS, while the University of Florida researchers were replaced by Thomas J. Murray & Associates, Inc., which conducted the commercial fishing panels in the FKNMS. The 10-year replication study was funded by NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program. The study not only makes 10-year comparisons in the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of FKNMS management strategies and regulations, but it also establishes new baselines for future monitoring efforts. Things change, and following the principles of “adaptive management”, management has responded with changes in the management plan strategies and regulations. Some of the management strategies and regulations that were being proposed at the time of the baseline 1995-96 study were changed before the management plan and regulations went into effect in July 1997. This was especially true for the main focus of the study which was the various types of marine zones in the draft and final zoning action plan. Some of the zones proposed were changed significantly and subsequently new zones have been created. This study includes 10-year comparisons of socioeconomic/demographic profiles of each user group; sources and usefulness of information; knowledge of purposes of FKNMS zones; perceived beneficiaries of the FKNMS zones; views on FKNMS processes to develop management strategies and regulations; views on FKNMS zone outcomes; views on FKNMS performance; and general support for FKNMS. In addition to new baseline information on FKNMS zones, new baseline information was developed for spatial use, investment and costs-and-earnings for commercial fishers and dive operators, and views on resource conditions for all three user groups. Statistical tests were done to detect significant changes in both the distribution of responses to questions and changes in mean scores for items replicated over the 10-year period. (PDF has 143 pages.)

Statistical energy analysis of a built-up structure excited through its stiffening members

A new method of analysing high frequency vibrations in stiffened structures requires the calculation of a "power absorbing impedance matrix" for each plate in the system. The present paper is concerned with formulating this matrix by using point collocation in conjunction with basis functions representing incoming cylindrical waves. Key numerical issues are highlighted by considering the special case of a membrane, rather than a plate, and conclusions are made regarding the utility of the method.

Karyotype Differentiation in Newly Discovered Members of the Drosophila obscura Species Group from Yunnan , China

观察了新近发现于我国云南的果蝇属暗果蝇种组( Drosophila obscura species group ) 种类 D1luguensis 、D1 dianensis 和D1limingi 的有丝分裂中期核型, 并将3 个种的核型与各自的近缘种类进行了比较。 D1luguensis 具2n = 12 条染色体, 包括3 对中央着丝粒(V 形) 染色体、2 对近端着丝粒(棒状) 染色体以及1 对微小(点状) 染色体。其中X 和Y染色体均为中央着丝粒染色体。D1 dianensis 和D1limingi 具2n = 10 条染 色体, 包括1 对大的V 形常染色体, 1 对小的V 形常染色体, 2 对J 形(亚中着丝粒型) 常染色体和1 对点状染 色体。其中X 染色体为J 形, Y染色体为短棒状。基于核型比较的结果以及D1sinobscura 亚组地理分布的资料, 结合种间系统发育关系研究结果, 认为D1 luguensis 可能保留了该亚组祖先种类的核型。D1sinobscura 的核型(2n = 12 : 2V , 1J , 2R , 1D) 可能由一个pre2“sinobscura2hubeiensis”谱系的一个分支通过臂间倒位演化而来, 而D1 hubeiensis 的核型(2n = 10 : 4V , 1D) 可能由该谱系的另一分支通过着丝粒融合(2 对近端着丝粒常染色 体的融合) 而形成。推测在D1 dianensis 和近缘欧洲种D1subsilvestris (2n = 12 : 3V , 2R , 1D) 间、D1limingi 和 东亚近缘种D1tsukubaensis (2n = 12 : 3V , 2R , 1D) 间的物种分化过程中, 可能有相似的染色体变异类型发生。