bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction: is life worth living?
Authors: Rahme Ralph , Zuccarello Mario , Kleindorfer Dawn , Adeoye Opeolu M. , Ringer Andrew J.
Published: August 2012

Object

Although decompressive hemicraniectomy has been shown to reduce death and improve functional outcome following malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction, there is ongoing debate as to whether surgery should be routinely performed, considering the very high rates of disability and functional dependence in survivors. Through a systematic review of the literature, the authors sought to determine the outcome from a patient's perspective.

Methods

In September 2010, a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature was performed using various combinations of 12 key words. A total of 16 papers were reviewed and individual study data were extracted.

Results

There was significant variability in study design, patient eligibility criteria, timing of surgery, and methods of outcome assessment. There were 382 patients (59% male, 41% female) with a mean age of 50 years, 25% with dominant-hemisphere infarction. The mortality rate was 24% and the mean follow-up in survivors was 19 months (range 3–114 months). Of 156 survivors with available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, 41% had favorable functional outcome (mRS Score ≤ 3), whereas 47% had moderately severe disability (mRS Score 4). Among 157 survivors with quality of life assessment, the mean overall reduction was 45%: 67% for physical aspect and 37% for psychosocial aspect. Of 114 screened survivors, depression affected 56% and was moderate or severe in 25%. Most patients and/or caregivers (77% of the 209 interviewed) were satisfied and would give consent again for the procedure.

Conclusions

Despite high rates of physical disability and depression, the vast majority of patients are satisfied with life and do not regret having undergone surgery.
Distinctive flow pattern of wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index: similarity and dissimilarity in ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysm blebs
Authors: Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Nishimura Shinjitsu , Kanamori Masayuki , Takazawa Hiroki , Omodaka Shunsuke , Sato Kenya , Maeda Noriko , Yokoyama Yoko , Midorikawa Hiroshi , Sasaki Tatsuya , Nishijima Michiharu
Published: August 2012

Object

The difference in the hemodynamics of wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms is not well understood. The authors investigated the hemodynamic similarities and dissimilarities in ruptured and thin-walled unruptured aneurysm blebs.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging–based fluid dynamics analysis was used to calculate WSS and OSI, and hemodynamic and intraoperative findings were compared. The authors also compared ruptured and unruptured thin-walled blebs for the magnitude of WSS and OSI.

Results

Intraoperatively, 13 ruptured and 139 thin-walled unruptured aneurysm blebs were identified. Twelve of the ruptured (92.3%) and 124 of the unruptured blebs (89.2%) manifested low WSS and high OSI. The degree of WSS was significantly lower in ruptured (0.49 ± 0.12 Pa) than in unruptured (0.64 ± 0.15 Pa; p < 0.01) blebs.

Conclusions

Ruptured and unruptured blebs shared a distinctive pattern of low WSS and high OSI. The degree of WSS at the rupture site was significantly lower than in the unruptured thin-walled blebs.
Incremental Clustering of News Reports
Authors: Azzopardi Joel , Staff Christopher
Published: August 2012

When an event occurs in the real world, numerous news reports describing this event start to appear on different news sites within a few minutes of the event occurrence. This may result in a huge amount of information for users, and automated processes may be required to help manage this information. In this paper, we describe a clustering system that can cluster news reports from disparate sources into event-centric clusters—i.e., clusters of news reports describing the same event. A user can identify any RSS feed as a source of news he/she would like to receive and our clustering system can cluster reports received from the separate RSS feeds as they arrive without knowing the number of clusters in advance. Our clustering system was designed to function well in an online incremental environment. In evaluating our system, we found that our system is very good in performing fine-grained clustering, but performs rather poorly when performing coarser-grained clustering.
Comprehensive Thermal Modeling of ElectroThermoElastic Microstructures
Authors: Mayyas Mohammad
Published: August 2012

Bent and folded beam configurations have been popularly used in electrothermoelastic (E-T) actuation. This paper introduces new designs of thermal end-effector with micro-grasping and micro-heating capabilities. We obtained analytical models for all possible steady state temperature responses of suspended and overhanging microstructures that constitute bent beam, folded beam, and combined actuators. Generally, the thermal response of E-T microstructures is sensitive to the boundary conditions, particularly for high power input. Thermal models have predicted the failure due to melting, which is the most common reason for failure of E-T devices, and it often occurs in the longest and the thinnest microstructure.
Efficiency of Silver Impregnated Porous Pot (SIPP) Filters for Production of Clean Potable Water
Authors: Mahlangu Oranso , Mamba Bhekie , Momba Maggie
Published: August 2012

The Silver Impregnated Porous Pot (SIPP) filter is a product of the Tshwane University of Technology manufactured for the production of safe drinking water at a household (home) level. Two SIPP devices were assessed for the reduction efficiency of chemical contaminants such as calcium, magnesium, iron, arsenic, fluorides and total organic carbon (TOC) as well as microbial contaminants from environmental samples. Turbidity change after filtration, together with correlation between chlorophyll a in the feed water and SIPP’s flow rates were also evaluated in order to give comprehensive guidelines on the quality of intake water that could be filtered through the filter without causing a significant decrease in flow rate. The SIPP filters removed contaminants from environmental water samples as follows: 70% to 92% iron, 36% to 68% calcium, 42% to 82% arsenic, 39% to 98% magnesium, 39% to 95% fluorides, 12% to 35% TOC and 45% to 82% turbidity. The SIPP filters had initial flow rates of 1 L/h to 4 L/h but the flow rates dropped to 0.5 L/h with an increase in cumulative volume of intake water as the filter was used. Turbidity and chemical contaminant reduction rates decreased with accumulating volume of intake water but the filter removed Ca, Fe and Mg to levels that comply with the South African National Standards (SANS 241) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values. However, the SIPP filters cannot produce enough water to satisfy the daily drinking water requirement of a typical household (25 L/p·d). Chlorophyll a was associated with a decrease in the flow rate through the SIPP filters.
The Impact of the Built Environment on Young People’s Physical Activity Patterns: A Suburban-Rural Comparison Using GPS
Authors: Collins Peter , Al-Nakeeb Yahya , Nevill Alan , Lyons Mark
Published: August 2012

The built environment in which young people live has a significant influence on their physical activity (PA). However, little is known regarding how youth from suburban and rural settings utilise their surrounding environments to participate in free-living PA. 50 adolescents aged 13–14 years old (22 rural; 28 suburban) wore an integrated GPS and heart rate device during non-school hours and completed a daily PA diary over 7 days. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance were used to explore differences in the amount and location of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between genders and youth from different geographical settings. Suburban youth participated in significantly (p = 0.004) more daily PA (52.14 minutes MVPA) and were more extensive in their utilisation of their surroundings, compared to rural youth (26.61 minutes MVPA). Suburban youth visited more public recreational facilities and spent significantly more time outdoors and on local streets (109.71 minutes and 44.62 minutes, respectively) compared to rural youth (55.98 minutes and 17.15 minutes, respectively) during weekdays. Rural youth on average spent significantly more time within the home (350.69 minutes) during weekends compared to suburban youth (214.82 minutes). Rural females were the least active group of adolescents, participating in the least amount of daily PA (20.14 minutes MVPA) and spending the least amount of time outdoors (31.37 minutes) during weekdays. Time spent outdoors was positively associated with PA. The findings highlight the disparity in PA levels and the utilisation of the surrounding built environment between youth from two different geographical settings and possible environmental causes are discussed. The study supports the use of GPS (combined with other methods) in investigating geographical differences in young people’s PA and movement patterns. This method provides a wealth of information that may assist future policies and interventions in identifying environmental characteristics that promote PA in youth from different geographical settings.
Recent Advances in Intracellular and In Vivo ROS Sensing: Focus on Nanoparticle and Nanotube Applications
Authors: Uusitalo Larissa M. , Hempel Nadine
Published: August 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increasingly being implicated in the regulation of cellular signaling cascades. Intracellular ROS fluxes are associated with cellular function ranging from proliferation to cell death. Moreover, the importance of subtle, spatio-temporal shifts in ROS during localized cellular signaling events is being realized. Understanding the biochemical nature of the ROS involved will enhance our knowledge of redox-signaling. An ideal intracellular sensor should therefore resolve real-time, localized ROS changes, be highly sensitive to physiologically relevant shifts in ROS and provide specificity towards a particular molecule. For in vivo applications issues such as bioavailability of the probe, tissue penetrance of the signal and signal-to-noise ratio also need to be considered. In the past researchers have heavily relied on the use of ROS-sensitive fluorescent probes and, more recently, genetically engineered ROS sensors. However, there is a great need to improve on current methods to address the above issues. Recently, the field of molecular sensing and imaging has begun to take advantage of the unique physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles and nanotubes. Here we discuss the recent advances in the use of these nanostructures as alternative platforms for ROS sensing, with particular emphasis on intracellular and in vivo ROS detection and quantification.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 and ΔctsR Mutant Strains Under Physiological and Heat Stress Conditions
Authors: Russo Pasquale , De la Luz Mohedano María , Capozzi Vittorio , De Palencia Pilar Fernández , López Paloma , Spano Giuseppe , Fiocco Daniela
Published: August 2012

Among Gram-positive bacteria, CtsR (Class Three Stress gene Repressor) mainly regulates the expression of genes encoding the Clp ATPases and the ClpP protease. To gain a better understanding of the biological significance of the CtsR regulon in response to heat-shock conditions, we performed a global proteomic analysis of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 and ∆ctsR mutant strains under optimal or heat stress temperatures. Total protein extracts from bacterial cells were analyzed by two-dimensional gel fractionation. By comparing maps from different culture conditions and different L. plantarum strains, image analysis revealed 23 spots with altered levels of expression. The proteomic analysis of L. plantarum WCFS1 and ctsR mutant strains confirms at the translational level the CtsR-mediated regulation of some members of the Clp family, as well as the heat induction of typical stress response genes. Heat activation of the putative CtsR regulon genes at transcriptional and translational levels, in the ∆ctsR mutant, suggests additional regulative mechanisms, as is the case of hsp1. Furthermore, isoforms of ClpE with different molecular mass were found, which might contribute to CtsR quality control. Our results could add new outlooks in order to determine the complex biological role of CtsR-mediated stress response in lactic acid bacteria.
Immunomodulating Activity of Nymphaea rubra Roxb. Extracts: Activation of Rat Dendritic Cells and Improvement of the TH1 Immune Response
Authors: Cheng Jai-Hong , Lee Shau-Yu , Lien Yi-Yang , Lee Meng-Shiou , Sheu Shyang-Chwen
Published: August 2012

Polysaccharides play a key role in enhancing immune function and facilitating cellular communication. Here, we purified Nymphaea rubra Roxb. polysaccharides (NR-PS) by treating them with pullulanase. They were then cultured with immature dendritic cells (DCs) derived from rat bone marrow hematopoietic cells (BMHCs). After treatment with bioactive NR-PS with a degree of polymerization (DP) value of 359.8, we found that the DCs underwent morphological changes indicative of activation. CD80/86 (87.16% ± 8.49%) and MHC class II (52.01% ± 10.11%) expression levels were significantly up-regulated by this treatment compared to the controls (65.45% ± 0.97% and 34.87% ± 1.96%). In parallel, endocytosis was also reduced (167.94% ± 60.59%) after treatment with 25 μg/mL of NR-PS as measured by the medium fluorescence intensity compared to the control (261.67% ± 47.26%). Furthermore, the DCs after treatment with 25 μg/mL NR-PS showed increased IL-12 (102.09 ± 10.16 to 258.78 ± 25.26 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (11.76 ± 0.11 to 15.51 ± 1.66 pg/mL) secretion together with reduced IL-10 secretion (30.75 ± 3.35 to 15.37 ± 2.35 pg/mL), which indicates a TH1 immune response. In conclusion, NR-PS exhibits stimulatory effects on rat DCs and promotes the secretion of TH1 cytokines. Taken together, our studies are the first to show that NR-PS is an immunomodulator affecting the maturation and functioning of DCs.
Titanium as a Reconstruction and Implant Material in Dentistry: Advantages and Pitfalls
Authors: Özcan Mutlu , Hämmerle Christoph
Published: August 2012

Commercial pure titanium (cpTi) has been the material of choice in several disciplines of dentistry due to its biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion and mechanical properties. Despite a number of favorable characteristics, cpTi as a reconstruction and oral implant material has several shortcomings. This paper highlights current knowledge on material properties, passive oxidation film formation, corrosion, surface activation, cell interactions, biofilm development, allergy, casting and machining properties of cpTi for better understanding and potential improvement of this material for its clinical applications.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of Marine Macroalgae: Potential for Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Pereira Hugo , Barreira Luísa , Figueiredo Filipe , Custódio Luísa , Vizetto-Duarte Catarina , Polo Cristina , Rešek Eva , Engelen Aschwin , Varela João
Published: August 2012

As mammals are unable to synthesize essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), these compounds need to be taken in through diet. Nowadays, obtaining essential PUFA in diet is becoming increasingly difficult; therefore this work investigated the suitability of using macroalgae as novel dietary sources of PUFA. Hence, 17 macroalgal species from three different phyla (Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta) were analyzed and their fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile was assessed. Each phylum presented a characteristic fatty acid signature as evidenced by clustering of PUFA profiles of algae belonging to the same phylum in a Principal Components Analysis. The major PUFA detected in all phyla were C18 and C20, namely linoleic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The obtained data showed that rhodophytes and phaeophytes have higher concentrations of PUFA, particularly from the n-3 series, thereby being a better source of these compounds. Moreover, rhodophytes and phaeophytes presented “healthier” ∑n-6/∑n-3 and PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratios than chlorophytes. Ulva was an exception within the Chlorophyta, as it presented high concentrations of n-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid in particular. In conclusion, macroalgae can be considered as a potential source for large-scale production of essential PUFA with wide applications in the nutraceutical and pharmacological industries.
Determination of the Optical GAP in Thin Films of Amorphous Dilithium Phthalocyanine Using the Tauc and Cody Models
Authors: Sánchez-Vergara María Elena , Alonso-Huitron Juan Carlos , Rodriguez-Gómez Arturo , Reider-Burstin Jerry N.
Published: August 2012

Semiconducting thin films were grown on quartz substrates and crystalline silicon wafers, using dilithium phthalocyanine and the organic ligands 2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone and 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone as the starting compounds. The films, thus obtained, were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), fast atomic bombardment (FAB+) mass and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies. The surface morphology of these films was analyzed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the temperature-dependent electric current in all cases showed a semiconductor behavior with conductivities on the order of 10−6·S cm−1, whereas the highest value corresponded to the thin film based upon the bidentate amine. The Tauc and Cody optical band gap values of thin films were calculated from the absorption coefficients and were found to be around 1.5 eV, with another strong band between 2.3 and 2.43 eV, arising from non-direct transitions. The curvature in the Tauc plot influencing the determination of the optical gap, the Tauc optical gap corresponding to the thicker film is smaller. The dependence of the Cody optical gap on the film thickness was negligible.
Two New Daucane Sesquiterpenoids from Daphne aurantiaca
Authors: Zhao You-Xing , Huang Sheng-Zhuo , Ma Qing-Yun , Mei Wen-Li , Dai Hao-Fu
Published: August 2012

Two new daucane sesquiterpenoids 1β,2β-epoxy-10(H)α-dauca-11(12)-ene-7α,14-diol (1) and 1α,2α-epoxy-10(H)α-dauca-11(12)-ene-7α,14-diol (2) were isolated from the plateau medicinal plant Daphne aurantiaca Diels. (Thymelaeceae). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as HR-ESI-MS data.
4-Ferrocenylpyridine- and 4-Ferrocenyl-3-ferrocenylmethyl-3,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles: Multi-Component Synthesis, Structures and Electrochemistry
Authors: Klimova Elena I. , Flores-Alamo Marcos , Maya Sandra Cortez , Martínez Mark E. , Ortiz-Frade Luis , Klimova Tatiana
Published: August 2012

The reactions of 2-cyano-3-ferrocenylacrylonitrile (1) with malononitrile (2) in a MeOH/H2O or 2-PrOH/H2O medium in the presence of Na2CO3 afforded 6-alkoxy-2-amino-4-ferrocenylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles 3a,b (multi-component condensation) and 6-alkoxy-2-amino-4-ferrocenyl-3-ferrocenylmethyl-3,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles 4a,b (multi-component cyclodimerization). Analogous reactions of 1 with 2 in an MeOH/H2O medium in the presence of NaOH, piperidine, or morpholine gave compounds 3a, 4a and 2-amino-4-ferrocenyl-6-hydroxy-, 6-piperidino- and 6-morpholinopyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles 3c–e, respectively. The structures of the compounds 3b, 4a and 4b were established by the spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical behaviour of compounds 3b, 3d and 4b was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry.
Ameliorative Effects of Curculigoside from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn on Learning and Memory in Aged Rats
Authors: Wu Xiu-Ying , Li Jian-Zhong , Guo Jian-Zheng , Hou Bao-Yuan
Published: August 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of curculigoside from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn on learning and memory in aged rats. In the present study, the ameliorating effects of curculigoside were determined through animal behaviour studies (including step-down test and Y-maze test), and the possible mechanisms were explored by evaluation of the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and determination of the expression of BACE1. Oral adminstration of the curculigoside (20, 40 mg/kg/day) for 14 days can significantly improve the latency and number of errors in aged rats based on the behaviour study results. In addition, the activity of AchE can be decreased by treatment of the curculigoside (10, 20, 40 mg/kg/day). Moreover, the expression of BACE1 can be down-regulated in the hippocampus of aged rats treated with curculigoside. The results of our present work have indicated that curculigoside can improve cognitive function in aged animals, possibly by decreasing the activity of AchE in the cerebra and inhibiting the expression of BACE1 in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our results suggested that curculigoside can be possible developed as a new drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibiting Activity of Salicylanilide N-Alkylcarbamates and Their Molecular Docking
Authors: Imramovsky Ales , Stepankova Sarka , Vanco Jan , Pauk Karel , Monreal-Ferriz Juana , Vinsova Jarmila , Jampilek Josef
Published: August 2012

A series of twenty-five novel salicylanilide N-alkylcarbamates were investigated as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from electric eel (Electrophorus electricus L.). Experimental lipophilicity was determined, and the structure-activity relationships are discussed. The mode of binding in the active site of AChE was investigated by molecular docking. All the discussed compounds expressed significantly higher AChE inhibitory activity than rivastigmine and slightly lower than galanthamine. Disubstitution by chlorine in C'(3,4) of the aniline ring and the optimal length of hexyl-undecyl alkyl chains in the carbamate moiety provided the most active AChE inhibitors. Monochlorination in C'(4) exhibited slightly more effective AChE inhibitors than in C'(3). Generally it can be stated that compounds with higher lipophilicity showed higher inhibition, and the activity of the compounds is strongly dependent on the length of the N-alkyl chain.
An Assessment of the Impact of Fortification of Staples and Condiments on Micronutrient Intake in Young Vietnamese Children
Authors: Laillou Arnaud , Mai Le Bach , Hop Le Thi , Khan Nguyen Cong , Panagides Dora , Wieringa Frank , Berger Jacques , Moench-Pfanner Regina
Published: August 2012

Targeted fortification programs for infants and young children are an effective strategy to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries, but the role of large-scale fortification of staple foods and condiments is less clear. Dietary modeling in children aged 6–60 months was undertaken, based on food consumption patterns described in the 2009 national food consumption survey, using a 24-h recall method. Consumption data showed that the median intake of a child for iron, vitamin A and zinc, as a proportion of the Vietnamese Recommended Dietary Allowance (VRDA), is respectively 16%–48%, 14%–49% and 36%–46%, (depending on the age group). Potential fortification vehicles, such as rice, fish/soy sauces and vegetable oil are consumed daily in significant amounts (median: 170 g/capita/day, 4 g/capita/day and 6 g/capita/day, respectively) by over 40% of the children. Vegetable oil fortification could contribute to an additional vitamin A intake of 21%–24% of VRDA recommended nutrient intake, while fortified rice could support the intakes of all the other micronutrients (14%–61% for iron, 4%–11% for zinc and 33%–49% of folate requirements). Other food vehicles, such as wheat flour, which is consumed by 16% of children, could also contribute to efforts to increase micronutrient intakes, although little impact on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies can be expected if used alone. The modeling suggests that fortification of vegetable oil, rice and sauces would be an effective strategy to address micronutrient gaps and deficiencies in young children.
Enhancing Health Care Delivery through Ambient Intelligence Applications
Authors: Kartakis Sokratis , Sakkalis Vangelis , Tourlakis Panagiotis , Zacharioudakis Georgios , Stephanidis Constantine
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the implementation of a smart environment that employs Ambient Intelligence technologies in order to augment a typical hospital room with smart features that assist both patients and medical staff. In this environment various wireless and wired sensor technologies have been integrated, allowing the patient to control the environment and interact with the hospital facilities, while a clinically oriented interface allows for vital sign monitoring. The developed applications are presented both from a patient’s and a doctor’s perspective, offering different services depending on the user’s role. The results of the evaluation process illustrate the need for such a service, leading to important conclusions about the usefulness and crucial role of AmI in health care.
Provision of Ubiquitous Tourist Information in Public Transport Networks
Authors: García Carmelo R. , Pérez Ricardo , Alayón Francisco , Quesada-Arencibia Alexis , Padrón Gabino
Published: August 2012

This paper outlines an information system for tourists using collective public transport based on mobile devices with limited computation and wireless connection capacities. In this system, the mobile device collaborates with the vehicle infrastructure in order to provide the user with multimedia (visual and audio) information about his/her trip. The information delivered, adapted to the user preferences, is synchronized with the passage of vehicles through points of interest along the route, for example: bus stops, tourist sights, public service centres, etc.
Avoiding transport bottlenecks in an expanding root system: Xylem vessel development in fibrous and pioneer roots under field conditions
Authors: Bagniewska‐Zadworna Agnieszka , Byczyk Julia , Eissenstat David M. , Oleksyn Jacek , Zadworny Marcin
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: Root systems develop to effectively absorb water and nutrients and to rapidly transport these materials to the transpiring shoot. In woody plants, roots can be born with different functions: fibrous roots are primarily used for water and nutrient absorption, whereas pioneer roots have a greater role in transport. Because pioneer roots extend rapidly in the soil and typically quickly produce fibrous roots, they need to develop transport capacity rapidly so as to avoid becoming a bottleneck to the absorbed water of the developing fibrous roots and, as we hypothesized, immediately activate a specific type of autophagy at a precise time of their development.

• Methods: Using microscopy techniques, we monitored xylem development in Populus trichocarpa roots in the first 7 d after emergence under field conditions.

• Key results: Newly formed pioneer roots contained more primary xylem poles and had larger diameter tracheary elements than fibrous roots. While xylogenesis started later in pioneer roots than in fibrous, it was completed at the same time, resulting in functional vessels on the third to fourth day following root emergence. Programmed cell death was responsible for creating the water conducting capacity of xylem. Although the early xylogenesis processes were similar in fibrous and pioneer roots, secondary vascular development proceeded much more rapidly in pioneer roots.

• Conclusions: Compared to fibrous roots, rapid development of transport capacity in pioneer roots is not primarily caused by accelerated xylogenesis but by larger and more numerous tracheary elements and by rapid initiation of secondary growth.
A CYCLIC ALGORITHM FOR THE SPLIT COMMON FIXED POINT PROBLEM OF DEMICONTRACTIVE MAPPINGS IN HILBERT SPACES
Authors: Tang Yu-Chao , Peng Ji-Gen , Liu Li-Wei
Published: August 2012

The split common fixed point problem has been investigated recently, which is a generalization of the split feasibility problem and of the convex feasibility problem. We construct a cyclic algorithm to approximate a solution of the split common fixed point problem for the demicontractive mappings in a Hilbert space. Our results improve and extend previously discussed related problems and algorithms.
MODELLING AND ANALYSING THE INFORMATION PROCESSING CAPABILITIES OF SIMPLE BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Moskon Miha , Mraz Miha
Published: August 2012

Biological systems that present basic logic primitives for information processing have already been realized. Models for simulating their dynamics have also been implemented. However there is a lack of metrics that would objectively evaluate the information processing capabilities of these primitives and possibilities of their interconnectivity. With the introduction of such processing and performance descriptive quantities complex biological systems capable of information processing could be built more straightforwardly. That would bring us closer to the realization of a biological computer.
A PLANKTON ALLELOPATHIC MODEL DESCRIBED BY A DELAYED QUASILINEAR PARABOLIC SYSTEM
Authors: Tian Canrong , Zhu Peng
Published: August 2012

The quasilinear parabolic system has been applied to a variety of physical and engineering problems. However, most works lack effective techniques to deal with the asymptotic stability. This paper is concerned with the existence and stability of solutions for a plankton allelopathic model described by a quasilinear parabolic system, in which the diffusions are density-dependent. By the coupled upper and lower solutions and its associated monotone iterations, it is shown that under some parameter conditions the positive uniform equilibrium is asymptotically stable. Some biological interpretations for our results are given.
La musique, ou le sujet à son commencement. Vers une phénoménologie de l'invisible
Authors: Félix François
Published: August 2012

Abordées dans leur radicalité, les thèses de Schopenhauer consacrées à la musique font plus encore que rassembler le mouvement entier de sa pensée. S’y réalise en effet une véritable phénoménologie de la musique avant la lettre, plus pénétrante et plus adéquate à l’ordre musical que toutes les tentatives depuis élaborées à partir de la conscience intentionnelle, dont elle a comme anticipé les insuffisances. Ce faisant, elles pointent en direction d’une phénoménologie d’avant le phénomène, d’une phénoménologie du pâtir, où en amont de la visibilité, au désaisissement de tout projet, préalablement encore à la structure perceptive, se contractent ensemble l’existence elle-même et la possibilité d’un monde.
Temps et causalité chez Kant et Schopenhauer
Authors: François Arnaud
Published: August 2012

Le présent article tente de se demander pourquoi Schopenhauer demeure un philosophe important pour nous aujourd’hui, c’est-à-dire qu’il vise à déterminer quel fut le geste propre de cet auteur en philosophie. Pour cela, nous cherchons à situer son point de rupture avec Kant, et nous pensons le trouver dans la question des rapports entre temps et causalité, à l’occasion de laquelle Schopenhauer institue une critique de Kant. Nous présentons quatre observations au sujet de cette critique, qui concernent respectivement les notions de corps et de volonté, de rêve, de connaissance, enfin d’objet, de perception et d’expérience. À l’issue de cette analyse, l’innovation de Schopenhauer apparaît dans un certain retournement qu’il fait subir à la question critique elle-même.
Distribution of Low-Elevation American Pika Populations in the Northern Great Basin
Authors: Collins Gail H. , Bauman Bradley T.
Published: August 2012

The recent discovery that a portion of the historically described populations of American pikas Ochotona princeps in the Great Basin of North America appear to be extinct added emphasis to earlier warnings that these populations may be highly vulnerable, in particular those occurring at low elevations (<2,500 m). Pikas in the Great Basin have received increased scientific interest; however, there is still little known about the distribution or number of populations throughout their range. Here we report on the discovery of several previously undescribed low-elevation pika populations in Southeast Oregon and Northwest Nevada. The average elevation of sites currently occupied by pikas was 1,993 m (range  =  1,648–2,357 m). This and other recent discoveries suggest that pikas may be more common at low elevations in portions of the northern Great Basin than previously suspected (i.e., >2,500 m).
Study on Seismic Performance of a New Multi-Layer Frame-Bent Industrial Building by Pushover Analysis
Authors: Ding Jian Guo , Qiao Zhi
Published: August 2012

With the sustainable economic development, a new multi-layer frame-bent industrial building is developed in the southeastern of China, based on a traditional bent industrial building. In this kind of structure, a framework is used in the longitudinal direction, the precast prestressed double-T plates is used in the middle layer, and the precast prestressed saddle plates is used on the roof. At present,the research achievements for this new multi-layer frame-bent industrial building under the action of earthquake .are seldom at home and abroad. In order to analyze the damaged mechanism and destroyed process on the structure of a new multi-layer frame-bent under the action of earthquake, elastic-plastic analysis of the structure must be completed. In this paper, the seismic performance of this new multi-layer frame-bent industrial building is studied by pushover analysis. The result shows that in the zone of a seismic fortification intensity as 70, both the elastic story drift under the action of frequently occurred earthquake and the elastic-plastic story drift under the action of rarely occurred earthquake for this new multi-layer frame-bent industrial building meet the requirements for the regulations of PROC;the plastic hinges appear first in the second floor, then develop to the first floor until the structure is destroyed.
Time Dependent Rotational Displacement of Retaining Wall under Seismic Condition
Authors: Dong Jie
Published: August 2012

A simple pseudo-dynamic method to predict the seismic rotational displacement of retaining wall is developed. The proposed method, which soil-structure interaction is considered, is a combination of the free-field seismic response of soil and pseudo-dynamic method. It is supposed that soil and structure is connected by a series of springs, the dynamic earth pressure is determined by the deformation of springs. So both active and passive conditions can be taken into account by means of different movement direction of retaining wall, no need to know whether active or passive earth pressure happens before analysis. A significant difference between this analysis and published method is that in the present analysis the time dependent process of earth pressure and displacement is obtained by iterative calculation. Although present analysis is limit to elastic state, comparisons with Mononobe-Okabe method show satisfactory agreement in the value of resultant forces acting on retaining wall. Moreover, it is revealed by numerical examples that the height of the resultant force from the base of the wall is underestimated by the Mononobe- Okabe method, this may cause unsafe factors. Furthermore, the effect of wide range of parameters like time, height of retaining wall, wall friction, horizontal and vertical seismic coefficients are taken into account to evaluate the seismic response of retaining wall. Apart from its intrinsic theoretical interest, the proposed analysis can be used for the assessment of the safety of retaining wall under seismic condition.
Methods of Quantifying of Structural Robustness
Authors: Wang Min Rong , Zhou Zhi Jun
Published: August 2012

Structural robustness as a property of structural systems has gained renewed following several recent failures, where the consequences were disproportionate to the initating image. There have been some methods developed towards quantifying robustness or vulnerability and achieving greater robustness in structures recently but they remain scattered. In this paper, basis for the development of measures to quantify structural robustness are formulated. Various approaches for quantifying robustness are distinguished into measures based on structural behaviors and structural attributes of systems. It is shown that measures based on structural behaviors often seem to be expressive but require complex calculation. Measures based on structural attributes are usually calculable while their expressiveness is not yet adequate. Different types of structure which have a tendency for different types of collapse can be described favorably by different measures of robustness.
Selective Disassembly Strategy Based on the CAD Model Assembly Building
Authors: Zhong Ji Xiang
Published: August 2012

The assembly building is sought after by people For its speed, subject to the constraints of climate conditions, seismic energy saving and environmental protection, construction of low cost, flexible and diverse housing. However, in the assembly building maintenance, scrap processing and recycling of how to improve the efficiency of demolition is a new issue to be resolved. In this paper, based on the components of the demolition wave optional disassembly planning algorithm, by the definition of prefabricated building demolition wave is a topological relationship of certain components in the assembly building to reflect the components of the demolition order. The calculation of the algorithm is small, easy to use it to carry out efficient search, optional optimal component disassembly sequence, and thus improve the efficiency of disassembly.
The Detection and Reinforcement of a Flyover by Fire
Authors: Li Zheng Jian , He Yan
Published: August 2012

Against the characteristic of the concrete bridge suffered from the fire, with an engineering example, some methods of detecting and estimating the damaged bridges are introduced in the paper, and the treatment plans for reinforcement are put forward, a useful reference for dealing with the concrete bridge with similar diseases.
The Structure of the Performance that Resist the Static Wind on the Reinforced of Steel Structure
Authors: Wu Li Ming , Luo Xiao Liang , Wang Zi Jian
Published: August 2012

Taking a 5-story reinforced concrete frame structure on the transformed 3-layer steel frames for an example, use finite element software ANSYS to reformation as a whole building model under static wind load changes for comparative analysis of internal force and displacement of the corresponding node. Analysis results show that in the transformation of steel on reinforced concrete frame structure, should fully take into account the structural stiffness change on construction of the overall effect of wind resistance, so that the transformation of the steel concrete frame structure more reasonable.
Application of Renewable Energy in the Construction
Authors: Ren Yue , Qi Zhi
Published: August 2012

We discuss the form of application of renewable sources of energy including solar energy and geothermal energy in the environment of construction, and an integrated project on renewable sources of energy is taken as a case study. We also analyze the feasible plans that utilize multiple renewable sources of energy in the construction. The significance of the energy conservation and reduction is presented as well.
Study on Use Planning of City Natural Gas
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Dong Xiu Cheng , Huang Rong
Published: August 2012

As a high-efficiency and clean fuel, natural gas has been used intensively by the world, its contribution to environment protect has been received more and more attention. The gas source structure of city gas is changing greatly, and natural gas will be the dominant gas instead of artificial coal gas and liquefied petroleum. Many coastal cities are working actively on use planning and feasibility of city natural gas now, so the use planning study is important. This paper presents the key problems in city natural gas planning, and analysis the gas source plan, gas amount predict, and pressure level selection of pipe network, some advices and suggestions are given.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Behaviors of Concrete Bridge in China Existing Railway Speed Increase to 200~250km/h
Authors: Liu Peng Hui , Yang Yi Qian , Yao Jing Chuan , Wang Wei , Dong Zhen Sheng
Published: August 2012

On April fifteenth, 2007, the 4 vertical and 2 horizontal railway lines were increased the sixth time by the Chinese Ministry of Railways. The electrical multiple unit (EMU) was running at speed of 200km/h in these sections. In some sections, the EMU maximum speed has reached 250km/h. Dynamic behaviors of bridges and piers under the loads of the train were analyzed with different spans and types in existing speed-raising trunk lines. The critical parameters, such as lateral and vertical natural frequency, dynamic factor, lateral amplitude, lateral natural frequency and lateral amplitude of pier and so on, which play important roles in dynamic behaviors of bridge, are analyzed by experimental data. The lateral rigidity and dynamic behaviors of bridge including beams and piers are the most obvious problems in existing speed-raising lines. Based on years of research, especially lots of dynamic behavior tests of concrete bridge in recent year, the dynamic behaviors of bridges are analyzed comprehensively considering the vibration of bridge and train characteristics. Many results are got and used in the relevant codes.
Analysis on the Causes of the Formation of Antoni Gaudi’s Architectural Style
Authors: Wang Li Li
Published: August 2012

Antoni Gaudi is recognized as a great architect whose works were once controversial, but finally has stood the test of time. Many people are fascinated with his unique architectural style. When we study Gaudi’s architectural style, the causes behind the style are also worth our thinking and attention. This paper is trying to explore the causes of the formation of Gaudi’s architectural style in the perspectives of material foundation, geographical location, the influence of other artistic style and so on.
Experimental Study and Numerical Analysis of CFRP Reinforced Beam Bending Performance
Authors: Qian Bo , Xia Jian Zhong , Shi Xian Hao , Pan Xiao Dong
Published: August 2012

This paper describes both the development and the mechanism of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), through Abaqus finite element software simulations to complete before and after joining the CFRP plate bending performance in two cases of RC beams, as well as in the loads of the load-displacement relations and stress-strain relationship, through the control of different pre-split value of working conditions, and the comparison of the data of the actual concrete beam experimental results prove that the Abaqus finite element of the feasibility and effectiveness in CFRP research, provide a reference for the actual project.
The Seismic Performance Analysis of Brick Masonry Wall between Windows with Central Reinforced Concrete Constructional Columns
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Wen Fang
Published: August 2012

To research the seismic performance and failure mode of longitudinal independent brick masonry wall between or not between windows with setting central reinforced concrete constructional columns under the lateral function and vertical load, this paper used ABAQUS finite element analysis software to model the walls between or not between windows and be in stress analysis, obtaining the reaction force- displacement curve of loading location and the maximum horizontal displacement at the top of wall. Calculate and compare the shear strength and flexural capacity of walls. The results show that the brick masonry wall between windows with central constructional columns occurred shear failure, but the wall without windows occurred flexural failure. And compared with the wall between windows, the ductility increased, the shear capacity reduced and the seismic performance improved. Propose that can set up a isolated seam between the windowsill wall and longitudinal wall invented by Zhang Wenfang etc., and turn window wall to wall without windows to improve the seismic behavior of wall between windows.
The Protection and Utilization of Daowai Characteristic Building Facade in Harbin
Authors: Yan Xue
Published: August 2012

As a renowned Historic District, Harbin Dao Wai District involves great numbers of old buildings with Chinese Baroque style, especially European-style architecture. They Primarily decorate with European-style plants, Mixing with Chinese auspicious patterns, such as dragon, phoenix, unicorn, tortoise, tiger, deer, birds and so on. Can not help appreciating the perfection of combination of Chinese and Western .In this paper, an introduction of the context of landscape block in Harbin has been showed. The protected significance, updated methods and updated principle have been presented. The new eyesight on protection and utilization of Daowai characteristic building elevation in Harbin has been put forward, aiming to be worthy of reference.
Probability Density Evolution Method for Stochastic Earthquake Response and Reliability Analysis of Large-Scale Aqueduct Structures
Authors: Liu Zhang Jun , Fang Xing , Wan Yong , Xing Yan Fu
Published: August 2012

The probability density evolution method (PDEM) has been used to research the stochastic earthquake response and reliability analysis of large-scale aqueducts structures, with the changeable water level in tub and under the condition of the interaction between water and boundary of the tub. The results show that，the probability distribution of stochastic seismic responses about aqueduct structure is rules distribution, the response and failure probability of large-scale aqueduct structures under the stochastic earthquake are increased as the rising of water level, however, with the water level unchangeably, the seismic response is distinctness smaller while the seismic reliability much higher after considering the water sloshing effect on the aqueduct structures. Within the calculation of seismic resistance about the large aqueduct structures, the impact should be considered including the changeable water level and water sloshing.
Engineering Planning and Management Control in High-Rise Building Construction
Authors: Zhang Min
Published: August 2012

Various challenges should be considered in the development of an effective model for the planning and control of high-rise building construction. These challenges have been identified as results of the construction process. This paper discusses the engineering planning and management control in high-rise building construction. The methodology should also be able to address the concerns and considerations regularly faced in the industry and thus providing flexible modeling, which can be used by different levels of management
Optimizing Research on the Clad Façade of a High-Rise Building Using CFD Method
Authors: Yuan Lei , Shao Li Li , Xu Xue Song
Published: August 2012

Using Airpak as CFD tool, the study simulates and analyses how the openings and thermal characteristics of the clad façade work on the distribution of temperature and ventilation in the atrium of a high-rise building in Shenzhen. The result shows that, with the atrium roof open to the air, openings on the lower part of the clad façade can significantly improve air ventilation and reduce the temperature in the atrium in summer. It is also found that clad glazing of large U-value and large SHGC helps to release the residual heat in the atrium, which make laminated glass made of clear float glass smart choice for the clad glazing of the building.