Backanalysis of Deformations for Case Histories Involving Flow-Type Failures

The results obtained from back analyses of two case histories of failures of small earth dams resulting from liquefaction of foundation soils are presented. The analyses have been performed in order to evaluate the deformation parameters used in a finite difference model (developed by Woodward-Clyde Associates), specifically those relevant to the liquefied soil layer. For both case histories, the final deformed shape of the earth dam is known and serves as a basis for comparing the results from the numerical study, in terms of the deformation moduli employed

Microzonation Studies for Lake Maracaibo Coastal Protection System

The methodology used for an initial seismic zonation is briefly introduced and then developed to provide details of a microzonation presently in progress for the Costa Oriental del Lago Maracaibo coastal dyke protection system. The microzonation is focused towards the evaluation of dynamic site response of selected representative soil profiles. The results of the study are to be applied for evaluation of seismic stability and deformation mechanisms for the coastal dyke system with a view to defining remedial measures for critical sections of the linear earth structure

Rationale, design, and progress of the ENhanced Control of Hypertension ANd Thrombolysis strokE stuDy (ENCHANTED) trial: An international multicenter 2x2 quasi-factorial randomized controlled trial of low- vs. standard-dose rt-PA and early intensive vs. guideline-recommended blood pressure lowering in patients with acute ischaemic stroke eligible for thrombolysis treatment

Artículo de publicación ISIRationaleControversy exists over the optimal dose of intravenous (iv) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and degree of blood pressure (BP) control in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Asian studies suggest low-dose (06mg/kg) is more efficacious than standard-dose (09mg/kg) iv rt-PA, and guidelines recommend reducing systolic BP to <185mmHg before and <180mmHg after use of iv rt-PA, despite observational studies indicating better outcomes at much lower (<140mmHg) systolic BP levels in this patient group. AimsThe study aims to assess in thrombolysis-eligible AIS patients whether: (i) low-dose (06mg/kg body weight; maximum 60mg) iv rt-PA has non-inferior efficacy and lower risk of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) compared to standard-dose (09mg/kg body weight; maximum 90mg) iv rt-PA; and (ii) early intensive BP lowering (systolic target 130-140mmHg) has superior efficacy and lower risk of any ICH compared to guideline-recommended BP control (systolic target<180mmHg). DesignThe ENhanced Control of Hypertension And Thrombolysis strokE stuDy (ENCHANTED) trial is an independent,2x2 quasi-factorial, active-comparison, prospective, randomized, open blinded endpoint (PROBE), clinical trial that is evaluating Arm [A] rt-PA dose' and/or Arm [B] BP control', using central Internet randomization and data collection in patients fulfilling local criteria for thrombolysis and clinician uncertainty over the study treatments. The treatment arms will be analyzed separately. Study outcomesThe primary study outcome in both trial Arms is death or disability according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS, scores 2-6) assessed at 90 days. Secondary outcomes include sICH, any ICH, a shift (improvement') in function across mRS scores, separately on death and disability, early neurological deterioration, recurrent major vascular events, health-related quality of life, length of hospital stay, need for permanent residential care, and health care costs. ResultsFollowing launch of the trial in February 2012, the study has recruited more than 2500 patients across a global network of approximately 100 sites in 15 countries. The required sample sizes are 3300 for Arm [A] and 2300 for Arm [B], which will provide >90% power to detect non-inferiority of low-dose iv rt-PA and superiority of intensive BP lowering on the primary clinical outcome, respectively. ConclusionsLow-dose iv rt-PA and early intensive BP lowering could provide more affordable and safer use of thrombolysis treatment for patients with AIS worldwide.National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia 1020462 Stroke Association of United Kingdom TSA 2012/01 National Council for Scientific and Technological Development of Brazil (CNPq) 467322/2014-

Austrian counter-hegemony: Critiquing ethnic exclusion and globalization

This article examines select discursive contributions to Austrian civil society as counter-hegemonic forms of engagement with (trans)national structures of power and exclusion. Their ideological opposition is shown to unfold around three thematic areas: (1) conceptualizations of (ethnic) identities that subvert discourses of ethnonationalism; (2) initiatives that challenge everyday racism and asylum seekers’ structural marginalization; (3) a recurring critique of neo-liberalism and economic globalization. The article also demonstrates that the political agency in question is informed by a narrative of interpretation, which partly converges with seminal contributions to the sociology of globalization and which differs radically from neo-nationalist responses to the dislocations and uncertainties of contemporary capitalism