Using Wordless Picture Books with the Language Experience Approach: A Method for Teaching Pre-emergent and At-Risk Readers

Proposes using wordless picture books in conjunction with Roach Van Allen\u27s Language Experience Approach as a method for teaching pre-emergent and at-risk readers. The original work that comprises the bulk of this study is a wordless picture book of Aesop\u27s fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper. The author describes the developmental and artistic considerations taken during the creation of the book as well as potential classroom applications for its use

Mass spectrometry of B. subtilis CopZ: Cu(I)-binding and interactions with bacillithiol

CopZ from Bacillus subtilis is a well-studied member of the highly conserved family of Atx1-like copper chaperones. It was previously shown via solution and crystallographic studies to undergo Cu(I)-mediated dimerisation, where the CopZ dimer can bind between one and four Cu(I) ions. However, these studies could not provide information about the changing distribution of species at increasing Cu(I) levels. To address this, electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry using soft ionisation was applied to CopZ under native conditions. Data revealed folded, monomeric CopZ in apo- and Cu(I)-bound forms, along with Cu(I)-bound dimeric forms of CopZ at higher Cu(I) loading. Cu4(CopZ)2 was the major dimeric species at loadings >1 Cu(I)/CopZ, indicating the cooperative formation of the tetranuclear Cu(I)-bound species. As the principal low molecular weight thiol in B. subtilis, bacillithiol (BSH) may play a role in copper homeostasis. Mass spectrometry showed that increasing BSH led to a reduction in Cu(I)-bound dimeric forms, and the formation of S-bacillithiolated apo-CopZ and BSH adducts of Cu(I)-bound forms of CopZ, where BSH likely acts as a Cu(I) ligand. These data, along with the high affinity of BSH for Cu(I), determined here to be β2(BSH) = ∼4 × 1017 M−2, are consistent with a role for BSH alongside CopZ in buffering cellular Cu(I) levels. Here, mass spectrometry provides a high resolution overview of CopZ–Cu(I) speciation that cannot be obtained from less discriminating solution-phase methods, thus illustrating the potential for the wider application of this technique to studies of metal–protein interactions

Matching algorithms to assist in designing with reclaimed building elements

Reuse of building components is one of the recommended circular strategies to reduce the environmental impact of new buildings. However, reclaimed building components are more difficult to design with than new products. While new products can be made to match exact needs, the salvaged components have predefined dimensions and quality limitations. Following the Design Science Research methodology, we attempt to answer how the reuse design can be aided by a digital design tool. The developed matching algorithms suggest the optimal assignment of available elements for the desired configuration, considering user-defined constraints and optimisation criteria. In the test cases, we seek to optimise the global warming potential of timber framing elements, defined by life cycle assessment, though the tool is not limited to this objective. The implementation includes greedy algorithms, bipartite graphs, and mixed integer linear programming. The usefulness of the proposed solution is evaluated on simulated sets of building elements in terms of embodied emission reduction and speed of the calculation. The paper contributes with methodologies, algorithms, and test cases to assess their performance. Practitioners can apply the proposed solution to reduce the time of designing with salvaged materials, which can lead to the popularisation of the circular design.publishedVersio

Aluminium nodes for timber gridshells: Parametric detailing of node principles

Gridshell nodes are key elements regarding structural performance, visual appearance and assembly of any gridshell that have been given little attention in recent research. This paper explores aluminium as a material for timber gridshell nodes. First, existing gridshell nodes are categorised regarding bulk materials, gripper types and connection methods and based on this, a set of novel node principles in aluminium are deducted and proposed for a timber gridshell on the geometry of the British Museum Great Court. A finite element analysis is done on the proposals to increase the understanding of the node principles’ structural behaviour and feasibility. Together, the set of node principles, their evaluation and the utilised procedure can provide new options in the future design of gridshells and gridshell nodes.publishedVersio

A Grasshopper Plugin for Finite Element Analysis with Solid Elements and Its Application on Gridshell Nodes

Linking architectural models to structural analyses can be demanding and time-consuming, especially when the architectural models cannot be accurately analysed using readily available one- or two-dimensional finite elements. This paper presents a tool for finite element analysis using solid elements developed as a plugin for Grasshopper 3D® that enables designers to include analyses of complex objects within the same software as the design exploration. A benchmark using the tool on a cantilever beam is compared with both ANSYS® and the theoretical solution, before the versatility of the tool is demonstrated by analyzing the metal part in timber gridshell nodes. The results were satisfying and the tool can prove especially useful for early phase design and collaboration between diciplines.publishedVersio

Metal ion mediated transition from random coil to β-sheet and aggregation of Bri2-23, a natural inhibitor of Aβ aggregation

Furin-dependent maturation of the BRI2 protein generates the Bri2-23 fragment that is able to arrest the aggregation of amyloidβ, the peptide implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Bri2-23 contains cysteines at positions 5 and 22, which are likely to bind to metal ions such as Cu(i). Metal ions may play a role in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD, and in this work we explore the metal ion induced folding and aggregation of Bri2-23 using Hg(ii) and Ag(i) as spectroscopic probes with structural and ligand preferences similar to those of Cu(i), while not displaying redox activity under the experimental conditions. In general, interaction of Bri2-23 with soft metal ions changes the structural properties and solution behavior of the peptide that tune to increasing metal to peptide stoichiometry. Potentiometric, (199m)Hg PAC and ESI-MS data indicate that addition of up to 0.5 equivalents of Hg(ii) to Bri2-23 yields a two-coordinated HgS2 structure at the metal site. While the free peptide is inherently unstructured, the presence of Ag(i) and Hg(ii) gives rise to β-sheet formation. NMR spectroscopy supports the formation of β-sheet structure in the presence of 0.5 equivalents of Hg(ii), and displays an interesting and marked change in the TOCSY spectra when increasing the Hg(ii) to peptide stoichiometry from 0.5 to 0.7 equivalents, indicating the equilibrium between two structural analogues of the complex. Addition of more than 0.7 equivalents of Hg(ii) gives rise to line broadening, presumably reflecting aggregation. This is further supported by ThT fluorescence studies showing that the Bri2-23 peptide does not aggregate over 24 hours, while addition of over 0.7 equivalents of Ag(i) or Hg(ii) leads to increase of fluorescence, indicating that these metal ions induce aggregation. Thus, a model integrating all data into a coherent picture is that the metal ion binding to the two thiolates gives rise to folding of the peptide into a structure that is prone to aggregation, forming aggregates with a considerable amount of β-sheets. Molecular dynamics simulations initiated with structures that agree with NMR data additionally support this model

Recommendations to reduce semi-tractor trailer incidents on Indiana's major roadways

The following analysis summarizes research and recommendations regarding the importance of safety associated with drivers utilizing Indiana’s major roadways, specifically, drivers operating semi-tractor trailers. This 34-page analysis including references, has been compiled over the course of one semester and details extensive themes related to the overall well-being of semi-tractor trailers. Based on extensive research, the following items are recommended to reduce semi-tractor trailer accidents on Indiana’s major roadways: • Install ignition interlocks on semi-tractor trailers • Implementing cable barriers is a cost-effective method to eliminate the risk of cars crossing the centerline while driving • Encourage the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and its partners to conduct research on where to place cable and steel barriers • Create speed restrictions in non-interstate highways for vehicles with a gross weight greater than 26,000 pounds (lbs.) to improve the safety of rural roadways • Increase the width of these roadways will decrease the possibility of vehicles departing the road • Create situational speed restrictions for the counties listed in the “Other Restrictions Regarding Semi-Tractor Trailers” section • Post speed limit and no passing zone signs in regular intervals with proper placement in rural areas where vehicles may attempt to pass local vehicles, including farm equipment, with limited knowledge of the architecture of the roadways • Consider advocating for rest areas to be implemented on U.S. state roads in addition to interstate roadways • Construct additional rest areas on I-69 near Petersburg, IN and on I-70 in either Vermillion or Gibson County • Expand upon the rest area in White County to resolve issues of capacity and safety The transportation infrastructure continues to be a vital instrument for the Crossroads of America. As a global center of transportation and logistics, the economy of Indiana relies heavily on freight movement (INDOT, n.d.). Freight movement will continue to aid the State of Indiana in competitive advantage compared to other states. By 2040, the expected increase of freight flow is 60 percent (INDOT, n.d.). The work behind this analysis directly supports the expansion of freight mobility while promoting Indiana as a leader in prioritizing driving safety

Buiding in Dubai and Abu Dhabi - Field excursion of the faculty of civil engineering of the HTWG Konstanz 2009

Die 1,8-Millionenstadt Dubai und die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate sind eine der Regionen der Welt mit den größten Bauaktivitäten. Der Exkursionsbericht schildert die Eindrücke bei der Exkursion der Fakultät Bauingenieurwesen der HTWG Konstanz im März 2009. Auf dem Programm standen die Baustellen der künstlichen Palmeninsel "Palm Jebel Ali", des "Iris Bay"-Turms mit seiner außergewöhnlichen Architektur sowie des "Latifa Tower", einem "normalen" Hochhaus von 255 Meter Höhe. Geotechnik im Wüstensand unter der Leitung deutscher Firmen waren ebenso zu sehen wie der Bau des weltweit größten Trinkwasserreservoirs. Weitere Höhepunkte der Reise waren die Baustellen des "Khalifa National Stadium" und der 1455 Meter langen Saadiyat-Brücke in Abu Dhabi, die die zukünftige Kulturmeile Abu Dhabis auf der Saadiyat Insel mit dem Festland verbinden wird.Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are one of the regions in the world with the greatest building activities. The report depicts the impressions during a student field excursion of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz, Germany, in March 2009