The Hazar pull-apart along the East Anatolian Fault: Structure and active deformation

Understanding the irregularity of seismic cycles: A case study in Turke

The Hazar pull-apart along the East Anatolian Fault: Structure and active deformation

Understanding the irregularity of seismic cycles: A case study in Turke

500,000 Years of Environmental History in Eastern Anatolia: The PALEOVAN Drilling Project

International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) drilled a complete succession of the lacustrine sediment sequence deposited during the last ~500,000 years in Lake Van, Eastern Anatolia (Turkey). Based on a detailed seismic site survey, two sites at a water depth of up to 360 m were drilled in summer 2010, and cores were retrieved from sub-lake-floor depths of 140 m (Northern Basin) and 220 m (Ahlat Ridge). To obtain a complete sedimentary section, the two sites were multiple-cored in order to investigate the paleoclimate history of a sensitive semi-arid region between the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean seas. Further scientific goals of the PALEOVAN project are the reconstruction of earthquake activity, as well as the temporal, spatial, and compositional evolution of volcanism as reflected in the deposition of tephra layers. The sediments host organic matter from different sources and hence composition, which will be unravelled using biomarkers. Pathways for migration of continental and mantle-derived noble gases will be analyzed in pore waters. Preliminary 40Ar/39Ar single crystal dating of tephra layers and pollen analyses suggest that the Ahlat Ridge record encompasses more than half a million years of paleoclimate and volcanic/geodynamic history, providing the longest continental record in the entire Near East to date

Underutilization of prescribed drugs use among first generation elderly immigrants in the Netherlands

Background. In developed countries, health care utilization among immigrant groups differs where the dominant interpretation is unjustified overutilization due to lack of acculturation. We investigated utilization of prescribed drugs in native Dutch and various groups of immigrant elderly. Methods. Cross-sectional study using data from the survey "Social Position, Health and Well-being of Elderly Immigrants" (the Netherlands, 2003). Ethnicity-matched interviewers conducted the survey among first generation immigrants aged 55 years and older. Outcome measure is self-reported use of prescribed drugs. Utilization is explained by need, and by enabling and predisposing factors, in particular acculturation; analysis is conducted by multiple logistic regression. Results. The study population consisted of immigrants from Turkey (n = 307), Morocco (n = 284), Surinam (n = 308) and the Netherlands Antilles (n = 300), and a native Dutch reference group (n = 304). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), COPD and musculoskeletal disorders was relatively high among immigrant elderly. Drug utilization in especially Turkish and Moroccan elderly with DM and COPD was relatively low. Drugs use for non-mental chronic diseases was explained by more chronic conditions (OR 2.64), higher age (OR 1.03), and modern attitudes on male-female roles (OR 0.74) and religiosity (OR 0.89). Ethnicity specific effects remained only among Turkish elderly (OR 0.42). Drugs use for mental health problems was explained by more chronic conditions (OR 1.43), better mental health (OR 0.95) and modern attitudes on family values (OR 0.59). Ethnicity specific effects remained only among Moroccan (OR 0.19) and Antillean elderly (OR 0.31). Explanation of underutilization of drugs among diseased with diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders are found in number of chronic diseases (OR 0.74 and OR 0.78) and regarding diabetes also in language proficiency (OR 0.66) and modern attitudes on male-female roles (OR 1.69). Conclusions. Need and predisposing factors (acculturation) are the strongest determinants for drugs utilization among elderly immigrants. Significant drugs underutilization exists among migrants with diabetes and musculoskeletal disorde

Different skeletal effects of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)α agonist fenofibrate and the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>All the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are found to be expressed in bone cells. The PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone has been shown to decrease bone mass in mice and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have recently been found to increase bone loss and fracture risk in humans treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the PPARα agonist fenofibrate (FENO) and the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) on bone in intact female rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Rats were given methylcellulose (vehicle), fenofibrate or pioglitazone (35 mg/kg body weight/day) by gavage for 4 months. BMC, BMD, and body composition were measured by DXA. Histomorphometry and biomechanical testing of excised femurs were performed. Effects of the compounds on bone cells were studied.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The FENO group had higher femoral BMD and smaller medullary area at the distal femur; while trabecular bone volume was similar to controls. Whole body BMD, BMC, and trabecular bone volume were lower, while medullary area was increased in PIO rats compared to controls. Ultimate bending moment and energy absorption of the femoral shafts were reduced in the PIO group, while similar to controls in the FENO group. Plasma osteocalcin was higher in the FENO group than in the other groups. FENO stimulated proliferation and differentiation of, and OPG release from, the preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We show opposite skeletal effects of PPARα and γ agonists in intact female rats. FENO resulted in significantly higher femoral BMD and lower medullary area, while PIO induced bone loss and impairment of the mechanical strength. This represents a novel effect of PPARα activation.</p

Development of a Low-Cost Single-Axis Shake Table Based on Arduino

DAMCI, Erdem/0000-0003-2295-1686; SEKERCI, CAGLA/0000-0001-7070-1804Experimental setup for studying the behavior of structures are large and require high investment costs. However, comparing theoretical results to the dynamic behavior of structures using scaled structure models is a preferred research method in civil engineering. Therefore, a low-cost shake table named SARSAR with Arduino microcontroller boards has been developed for earthquake simulations. The horizontal components of the acceleration records obtained from past earthquakes are scaled and transferred to the shake table by developing software programs using an Arduino DUE board. For verification, the response of the table is measured by a data acquisition unit based on an Arduino MEGA board. The seismic ground motion along the horizontal axis is transferred to the shake table via a linear actuator system built with a ball screw assembly, linear bearings and a stepper motor

Effects of pyrite ash and silica fume on compressive strength properties of briquettes

Environmental pollution have become one of the most serious problems today in the world. The basic aim of this study is to contribute preventing environmental pollution. For this purpose industrial wastes were used to evaluate. In this study silica fume and pyrite ash were used as industrial wastes. The wastes were evaluated in producing briquettes as mineral admixtures. It is very significant that utilization of various industrial wastes such as silica fume and)pyrite ash causes to produce useful building materials is an important process because it not only converts the waste into useful materials but it also prevents the environmental pollution. In this study, it was investigated the effects of addition silica fume and pyrite ash on the compressive strength properties of briquettes)y using industrial wastes. Before preparing the briquettes hydrometer analysis, sieve analysis (particle size distribution oy thermal gravinnetric analysis (TG) analysis, IR analysis and tests of consistency limits were performed for clay. After the tests different mixtures were prepared in the ratio of 5%, 10%, 20% with,and without lime. The mixtures were moulded and sintered at 950 and 1000 C-circle in the sintering oven. After sintering of the briquettes, compressive strength tests were performed according to the Turkish Standard(TS 705). It is concluded that briquettes with compressive strength value of 353.72 kgf/cm(2) can be produced. This result was obtained from briquette which was prepared with silica fume in ratio of 20% and the same result was obtained briquette which was prepared with silica fume in ratio of 10% These are very high values because Turkish Standard (TS 705) requires 100-240 kgf/cm2. It is also recorded that compressive strength values at, 1000 degrees C are higher than 950 degrees C for every briquette which was prepared pyrite ash and silica fume. After compressive strength testing of sintered briquettes, XRD analysis of briquettes with 10% pyrite ash and 20% silica fume which have the most compressive strength value were performed

The Earthquake Sedimentary record of The Lake Hazar along the East Anatolian Fault in Turkey

Understanding the irregularity of seismic cycles: A case study in Turke

Structure and evolution of a main segment boundary along the East Anatolian fault, Turkey 2008

Understanding the irregularity of seismic cycles: A case study in Turke