Knowledge-Based Landslide Susceptibility Zonation System

The landslide susceptibility of a region is important for socioeconomic considerations and engineering applications. Thus, an automated system for mapping of landslide susceptibility could be of significant benefit for society. In this paper, a knowledge-based landslide susceptibility zonation (LSZ) system has been proposed. The system consists of input, understanding, expert, and output modules. The input module accepts thematic images of contributing factors for landslides. The understanding module interprets input images to extract relevant information as required by the expert module. The expert module consists of knowledge base and inference strategy to categorize a region into different landslide intensities. Finally the output module provides a LSZ map. It is a pixel-based system and provides output having the scale same as that of the input maps. The system has been tested to prepare a landslide susceptibility map for the Tehri-Garhwal region in India’s lower Himalayas, and further validated with studies for two other different regions. The proposed system provides output commensurate with that provided by experts. The categories of hazard zones have a discrepancy as little as 6.2% in high hazard zones and near to 1.5% and 4% in moderate and low hazard zones, respectively. The high hazard zones in the LSZ maps from the proposed system are supersets of that obtained by experts (i.e., the proposed system provides safer LSZ map). Thus, it can be concluded that the proposed system can be used for preparation of LSZ maps. In the future, the methodology may be extended for real time assessment and prediction of landslide hazards.     

Midwifery education for safe motherhood

A series of new safe motherhood midwifery education modules was evaluated in nursing and midwifery education institutions, regional training centers, acute care hospitals, and community settings in Ethiopia, Fiji, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Nepal in 1995. The series was developed by the World Health Organization's Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood Program. A total of 36 teachers, 82 midwives or nurse-midwives, and 60 post-basic midwifery students were enrolled in a 2-week clinical skills course and an 8-day training in module use. In subsequent questionnaires and focus group discussions, participants indicated the modules were understandable, relevant, easy to use, and of high quality and the guidelines for assessing competence were adequate. Difficulties encountered included insufficient recommended time frames for some of the sessions, a limited availability of clinical cases for teaching the specific skills in the modules, difficulties obtaining data for a community profile, and a lack of resources to support application of skills learned. Participants indicated they would benefit from having copies of the technical material used in the modules for reference after the course. Overall, these findings indicate the modules have the potential to strengthen the education of midwives in developing countries and thereby to make motherhood safer. Weak health system infrastructures, including regulatory measures, represent the major obstacle to successful program application.     

Sorption Behavior and Long-Term Retention of Reactive Solutes in the Hyporheic Zone of Streams

This paper analyzes the transport of sorbing solutes by extending the advective storage path model developed for longitudinal transport of inert solutes in streams coupled with flow-induced uptake in the hyporheic zone. Independent observations of a conservative (3H) and a reactive (51Cr) tracer in both the stream water and the hyporheic zone were used to differentiate between hydraulic and sorption processes. The method of temporal moments was found to be inadequate for parameter determination, whereas fitting versus the entire tracer breakthrough curves with special emphasis on the tail indicates that the proposed model could be used to represent both conservative and reactive transport. Information on the tracer inventory of the conservative tracer in the hyporheic zone was found to be of vital importance to the evaluation of the hydraulic exchange. A model evaluation based on stream water data alone can yield predictions of a wash-out in the hyporheic zone that deviates markedly from the observed wash-out. This prohibits long-term predictions of the wash-out from the hyporheic zone as well as the evaluation of sorption properties. The sorption in the hyporheic zone was found to follow a two-step model, where the first step is instantaneous and the second kinetic. A model with a single-step sorption process could not reproduce the observed breakthrough curves. An evaluation of the relative importance of including sorption kinetics in solute stream transport models is elucidated by means of the analytical expressions for the temporal moments. The omission of the kinetics in the second sorption step in the hyporheic zone will result in relative errors in the moments of second order or higher. The error will increase with decreasing residence time in the hyporheic zone. Especially, long-term predictions of the wash-out from the hyporheic zone require consideration of the rate-limited sorption.     

An Integrated Theory of the Mind.

Adaptive control of thought-rational (ACT-R; J. R. Anderson & C. Lebiere, 1998) has evolved into a theory that consists of multiple modules but also explains how these modules are integrated to produce coherent cognition. The perceptual-motor modules, the goal module, and the declarative memory module are presented as examples of specialized systems in ACT-R. These modules are associated with distinct cortical regions. These modules place chunks in buffers where they can be detected by a production system that responds to patterns of information in the buffers. At any point in time, a single production rule is selected to respond to the current pattern. Subsymbolic processes serve to guide the selection of rules to fire as well as the internal operations of some modules. Much of learning involves tuning of these subsymbolic processes. A number of simple and complex empirical examples are described to illustrate how these modules function singly and in concert. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Solution structure of the glycosylated second type 2 module of fibronectin

Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that plays a role in a number of physiological processes involving cell adhesion and migration. The modules of the fibronectin monomer are organized into proteolytically resistant domains that in isolation retain their affinity for various ligands. The tertiary structure of the glycosylated second type 2 module (2F2) from the gelatin-binding domain of fibronectin was determined by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and simulated annealing. The structure is well defined with an overall fold typical of F2 modules, showing two double-stranded antiparallel beta-sheets and a partially solvent-exposed hydrophobic cluster. An N-terminal beta-sheet, that was not present in previously determined F2 module structures, may be important for defining the relative orientation of adjacent F2 modules in fibronectin. This is the first three-dimensional structure of a glycosylated module of fibronectin, and provides insight into the possible role of the glycosylation in protein stability, protease resistance and modulation of collagen binding. Based on the structures of the isolated modules, models for the 1F22F2 pair were generated by randomly changing the orientation of the linker peptide between the modules. The models suggest that the two putative collagen binding sites in the pair form discrete binding sites, rather than combining to form a single binding site.     

连铸二冷参数的优化和控制研究

近些年连铸过程模拟成为研究的重点,模拟的根本目的在于优化连铸过程.为在保证连铸坯质量的前提下进一步提高连铸生产率,基于数学上的子问题接近优化技术建立了连铸过程二冷参数优化系统,可对不同钢种、不同拉速、不同冶金限制准则下的二冷各段配水进行最优化.运用优化后的这些过程参数,将使铸机以最大生产率、最小消耗运行,同时又保证了生产无缺陷铸坯.整个优化系统包括两个模块,一个是热过程模拟模块,另一个是设计优化模块,系统靠在两个模块之间反复自动循环调用而使参数得到优化.     

Engineered intermodular and intramodular polyketide synthase fusions

BACKGROUND: Modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) are very large multifunctional enzyme complexes that synthesize a number of medicinally important natural products. The modular arrangement of active sites has made these enzyme systems amenable to combinatorial manipulation for the biosynthesis of novel polyketides. Here, we investigate the involvement of subunit interactions in hybrid and artificially linked PKSs with several series of intermodular and intramodular fusions using the erythromycin (6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase; DEBS) and rapamycin (RAPS) PKSs. RESULTS: Several two-module and three-module derivatives of DEBS were constructed by fusing module 6 to either module 2 or module 3 at varying junctions. Polyketide production by these intramodular fusions indicated that the core set of active sites remained functional in these hybrid modules, although the ketoreductase domain of module 6 was unable to recognize unnatural triketide and tetraketide substrates. Artificial trimodular PKS subunits were also engineered by covalently linking modules 2 and 3 of DEBS, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of constructing single-chain PKSs. Finally, a series of fusions containing DEBS and RAPS domains in module 2 of an engineered trimodular PKS revealed the structural and functional tolerance for hybrid modules created from distinct PKS gene clusters. CONCLUSIONS: The general success of the intermodular and intramodular fusions described here demonstrates significant structural tolerance among PKS modules and subunits and suggests that substrate specificity, rather than protein-protein interactions, is the primary determinant of molecular recognition features of PKSs. Furthermore, the ability to artificially link modules may considerably simplify the heterologous expression of modular PKSs in higher eukaryotic systems.     

Development and Initial Validation of Sustainable Construction Safety and Health Rating System

This paper presents a study to develop and validate a sustainable construction safety and health (SCSH) rating system. The rating system provides an opportunity to rate projects based on the importance given to construction worker safety and health and the degree of implementation of safety and health elements. A Delphi survey using an expert panel of 12 experienced safety and health professionals representing different sectors of the construction industry was employed to develop the SCSH rating system. The study resulted in a rating system consisting of a total of 50 safety and health elements organized into 13 categories. Each category contains safety and health elements which carry credits based on their effectiveness in preventing construction worker injuries and illnesses. The rating system was initially validated based on data from 25 construction projects and found to accurately represent the safety performance of large projects. The SCSH rating system can be used as an effective tool to develop and plan construction safety and health programs and evaluate the potential safety performance of construction projects.     

Analytical Modeling of Contaminant Transport through Vadose and Saturated Soil Zones

Screening level analyses for risk-based corrective actions and preliminary remediation investigations and feasibility studies for contaminated sites require simple and conservative models for the transport of contaminants to potential receptor locations. A quasi-analytical method is presented to analyze the transport of contaminants originating at a source located near the ground surface separated from the water table by a relatively thick vadose zone. The method includes one segment to compute source decay rate, a second to simulate vertical transport through the vadose zone, and a third to simulate saturated zone transport to the receptor. Practical application of the method is demonstrated by an illustrative example. The method may be useful and convenient for situations where the objectives of the analysis do not warrant the use of sophisticated numerical models.     

基于改进AHP-未确知测度理论的选矿厂防尘工程评价模型及应用

选矿厂防尘工程评价涉及多因素,采用层次分析法和未确知测度理论相结合的理论模型对某有色金属矿山选矿厂防尘工程进行评价。从防尘工艺、作业环境与卫生、组织与管理水平和防尘设备等4方面22个指标建立综合评价指标体系,以专家打分的形式获得指标测度矩阵,基于置信度识别准则获得该选矿厂防尘工程评价等级为好,与实际调查结果一致。该模型具有一定的合理性与应用价值。     

Multimodular penicillin-binding proteins: an enigmatic family of orthologs and paralogs

The monofunctional penicillin-binding DD-peptidases and penicillin-hydrolyzing serine beta-lactamases diverged from a common ancestor by the acquisition of structural changes in the polypeptide chain while retaining the same folding, three-motif amino acid sequence signature, serine-assisted catalytic mechanism, and active-site topology. Fusion events gave rise to multimodular penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). The acyl serine transferase penicillin-binding (PB) module possesses the three active-site defining motifs of the superfamily; it is linked to the carboxy end of a non-penicillin-binding (n-PB) module through a conserved fusion site; the two modules form a single polypeptide chain which folds on the exterior of the plasma membrane and is anchored by a transmembrane spanner; and the full-size PBPs cluster into two classes, A and B. In the class A PBPs, the n-PB modules are a continuum of diverging sequences; they possess a five-motif amino acid sequence signature, and conserved dicarboxylic amino acid residues are probably elements of the glycosyl transferase catalytic center. The PB modules fall into five subclasses: A1 and A2 in gram-negative bacteria and A3, A4, and A5 in gram-positive bacteria. The full-size class A PBPs combine the required enzymatic activities for peptidoglycan assembly from lipid-transported disaccharide-peptide units and almost certainly prescribe different, PB-module specific traits in peptidoglycan cross-linking. In the class B PBPs, the PB and n-PB modules cluster in a concerted manner. A PB module of subclass B2 or B3 is linked to an n-PB module of subclass B2 or B3 in gram-negative bacteria, and a PB module of subclass B1, B4, or B5 is linked to an n-PB module of subclass B1, B4, or B5 in gram-positive bacteria. Class B PBPs are involved in cell morphogenesis. The three motifs borne by the n-PB modules are probably sites for module-module interaction and the polypeptide stretches which extend between motifs 1 and 2 are sites for protein-protein interaction. The full-size class B PBPs are an assortment of orthologs and paralogs, which prescribe traits as complex as wall expansion and septum formation. PBPs of subclass B1 are unique to gram-positive bacteria. They are not essential, but they represent an important mechanism of resistance to penicillin among the enterococci and staphylococci. Natural evolution and PBP- and beta-lactamase-mediated resistance show that the ability of the catalytic centers to adapt their properties to new situations is limitless. Studies of the reaction pathways by using the methods of quantum chemistry suggest that resistance to penicillin is a road of no return.     

Rating and Reliability of Existing Bridges in a Network

Currently, the load rating is the method used by State DOTs for evaluating the safety and serviceability of existing bridges in the United States. In general, load rating of a bridge is evaluated when a maintenance, improvement work, change in strength of members, or addition of dead load alters the condition or capacity of the structure. The AASHTO LRFD specifications provide code provisions for prescribing an acceptable and uniform safety level for the design of bridge components. Once a bridge is designed and placed in service, the AASHTO Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges provides provisions for determination of the safety and serviceability of existing bridge components. Rating for the bridge system is taken as the minimum of the component ratings. If viewed from a broad perspective, methods used in the state-of-the-practice condition evaluation of bridges at discrete time intervals and in the state-of-the-art probability-based life prediction share common goals and principles. This paper briefly describes a study conducted on the rating and system reliability-based lifetime evaluation of a number of existing bridges within a bridge network, including prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete, steel rolled beam, and steel plate girder bridges. The approach is explained using a representative prestressed concrete girder bridge. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between rating and reliability results in order to relate the developed approach to current practice in bridge rating and evaluation. The results presented provide a sound basis for further improvement of bridge management systems based on system performance requirements.     

Tension-compression method in the simulation of multistage plastic deformation

The utility of extension-compression cycles in the simulation of multistage plastic deformation on a Gleeble thermomechanical complex is confirmed. In the experiments, the microstructure and properties of the metal are compared after rolling on a 210 laboratory mill and after treatment on the MaxStrain, Torsion, HydraWedge, and Pocket Jaw modules of the Gleeble-3800 simulator. Those modules differ in terms of the stress-strain state reproducible within the deformation zone. The results show that the tension-compression method developed for the Pocket Jaw module may be successfully used in simulating complex processes of multistage plastic deformation: rolling, forging, stamping, etc.     

Inhibitory effects of novel nucleoside and nucleotide analogues on Epstein-Barr virus replication

Analysis of the mechanistic basis by which sodium-coupled transport systems respond to changes in membrane potential is inherently complex. Algebraic expressions for the primary kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) consist of multiple terms that encompass most rate constants in the transport cycle. Even for a relatively simple cotransport system such as the Na+/alanine cotransporter in LLC-PK1 cells (1:1 Na+ to substrate coupling, and an ordered binding sequence), the algebraic expressions for Km for either substrate includes ten of the twelve rate constants necessary for modeling the full transport cycle. We show here that the expression of Km of the first-bound substrate (Na+) simplifies markedly if the second-bound substrate (alanine) is held at a low concentration so that its' binding becomes the rate limiting step. Under these conditions, the expression for the KNam includes rate constants for only two steps in the full cycle: (i) binding/dissociation of Na+, and (ii) conformational 'translocation' of the substrate-free protein. The influence of imposed changes in membrane potential on the apparent KNam for the LLC-PK1 alanine cotransporter at low alanine thus provides insight to potential dependence at these sites. The data show no potential dependence for KNam at 5 micron alanine, despite marked potential dependence at 2 mm alanine when the full algebraic expression applies. The results suggest that neither translocation of the substrate-free form of the transporter nor binding/dissociation of extracellular sodium are potential dependent events for this transport system.     

Decision-Support System for the Rehabilitation of Deteriorating Sewers

This paper describes an automated and integrated detection, structural assessment, and rehabilitation method selection system for sewers based on the processing of video footage obtained by closed circuit television surveys. The system is based on a neural network classifier (NNC) trained to identify longitudinal cracks in sewers. Results obtained from experimentation with the NNC indicate that crack detection based on single-frame processing is not sufficient, and frame sequence processing substantially improves crack recognition rates. Based on the location of the cracks, local and global structural damage is assessed and a rehabilitation method is selected. Based on the significance of damaged sewers, the rehabilitation projects are being prioritized. An expert system coordinates the various modules in the system and connects them to a geographic information system.     

基于模糊数学的矿区土壤重金属污染评价——以信丰稀土矿区为例

根据土壤重金属污染评价具有的模糊性和渐变性特点,建立模糊数学污染评价模型分析重金属的污染程度.结果显示单个重金属无污染,矿区综合土壤质量等级为1级,评价分值为97.034,属于安全水平. 在此基础上,与传统的污染指数对比分析,单因子污染指数显示Ni和Pb为轻度污染,地累积指数显示Pb为中度污染,内梅罗指数和潜在生态危害指数显示为无污染和轻微生态危害.研究表明:模糊评价法不仅可以对土壤重金属进行评价,还可以建立隶属度函数描述土壤重金属污染状况的模糊性和渐变性,解决传统污染指数评价法存在的不足,比传统污染指数评价法更为客观、准确,可以作为一种有效的矿区土壤重金属污染程度的评价方法.      

Concurrent validity of a rule-based system

The purpose of this project was to test the concurrent validity of the diagnoses recommended by a rule-based expert system. Concurrent validity was determined first by comparing the expert system's computerized diagnostic recommendations with that of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS Assessor) who assessed the patient, and secondly by comparing the expert system's candidate diagnoses with those of a panel of 10 clinical nurse specialists (CNS Panel). The expert system rule base for generating diagnoses was programmed for some of the most common nursing diagnoses (Metzger & Hiltunen, 1987) including: alteration in comfort, acute pain; impaired physical mobility; sleep pattern disturbance; impairment of skin integrity and self-care deficit (bathing, feeding, toileting, and dressing). Activity intolerance and potential for infection were also programmed as diagnostic possibilities in the rule base.     

The three-dimensional structure of a type I module from titin: a prototype of intracellular fibronectin type III domains

BACKGROUND: Titin is a huge protein ( approximately 3 MDa) that is present in the contractile unit (sarcomere) of striated muscle and has a key role in muscle assembly and elasticity. Titin is mainly composed of two types of module (type I and II). Type I modules are found exclusively in the region of titin localised in the A band, where they are arranged in a super-repeat pattern that correlates with the ultrastructure of the thick filament. No structure of a titin type I module has been reported so far. RESULTS: We have determined the structure of a representative type I module, A71, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The structure has the predicted fibronectin type III fold. Titin-specific conserved residues are either located at the putative module-module interfaces or along one side of the protein surface. Several proline residues that contribute to two stretches in a polyproline II helix conformation are solvent-exposed and line up as a continuous ribbon extending over more than two-thirds of the module surface. Homology models of the type I module N-terminal to A71 (A70) and the double module A70-A71 were used to discuss possible intermodule interactions and their role in module-module orientation. CONCLUSIONS: As residues at the module-module interfaces are highly conserved, we speculate that similar interactions govern all of the interfaces between type I modules in titin. This conservation would lead to a regular multiple array of similar surface structures. Such an arrangement would allow arrays of contiguous type I modules to expose multiple proline stretches in a highly regular way and these may act as binding sites for other thick filament proteins.