bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portfolio Project Management System Architecture for a Large Corporation with Divisional Management Structure
Authors: Volkov Andrey , Kraynov Dmitriy
Published: July 2014

Currently, more and more companies are coming to the point where it becomes obvious that it’s dangerous to drive investment and project activities of the enterprise without usage of specialized IT-systems in the face of fierce competition in the market.
Significance Analysis on the Affecting Factors of Basic Reserve Fund in Power Engineering Based on FAT
Authors: Hou Xue Liang , Li Yue , Yang Ying Rong
Published: July 2014

Basic reserve fund is a part of the power engineering total cost. Reducing its quantity can obviously increase the utilization efficiency of engineering cost. But how can reduce the quantity of basic reserve fund, we can start from its affecting factors. To this, for the affecting factors of basic reserve fund, this paper constructed the significance analysis model about affecting factors based on its actual application situation and Fault Tree Analysis (FAT). Finally, we got the degree and prior about affecting factors of basic reserve fund. Thereby the empirical research result provided a theory reference value which can control the quantity of basic reserve fund in the engineering practice.
Study on Seismic Design of Primary and Middle School Campus Planning of Disaster Prevention
Authors: Zuo Yun
Published: July 2014

Japan is an earthquake-prone country since ancient times. A lot of valuable experience has been accumulated. One of the mature and effective measures is that primary and middle schools are used as refuge of community residents. Introduce the advanced concept in China, the availability and practicability of the emergency shelters should be improved. Research on the earthquake disaster prevention, effective measures of aseismic should be adopted in primary and middle school planning to mitigate the damage. A safe social environment should be built.
The Risk Management of Reducing Merger and Acquisitions Risks for Construction Enterprise
Authors: Ma Fang Jing
Published: July 2014

In order to study the Merger and Acquisition (M&A) risk management for construction enterprise with the Hierarchical Holographic Modeling (HHM) is used to identify potential risks during different phases of M&A. In addition, Risk Filtering, Ranking and Management, which is short for RFRM, can also be used as a tool of risk level assessment to find more effective risks and find the suitable solutions. If M&A is used to identify the potential risks and analyze the risk factors of construction enterprises, they can be very helpful for finding out the solutions for the potential risk factors. At the same time it is useful for managing the M&A project potential risks and implementing well to increase the successful rate.
Practical Application of Industrialized Single-Floor Workshop Construction System
Authors: Cui Bao Xia
Published: July 2014

Through a application examples of industrialized single-floor workshop construction system to illustrate that construction industrialization is the use of modern industrial production methods to build houses by means of using advanced scientific and technological achievements, with minimal working hours, the shortest possible time and at the most reasonable prices.
Methods of Green Residence Evaluation Indicator System Establishment and Indicator Weights Assignment — Taking Fujian Province for Instance
Authors: Hou Xiang Chao , Li Zhao Juan
Published: July 2014

To negate the disadvantage in the current evaluation indicator of green residence where no weight difference is included, an indicator system is established based on the Evaluation Standard for Green Buildings in Fujian Province through questionnaire. By combining the regional features of Fujian Province, analytic hierarchy process is applied to assign weight for green residence evaluation indicator in accordance with the statistical result of questionnaire survey data, so as to improve the effectiveness of green residence evaluation.
Description of the State of Public Buildings Property Management in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mican Viktor , Česelský Jan
Published: July 2014

Securing a good technical condition of the building and the technical equipment is an essential part of the management of each property owner. The buildings form a background for the purpose of building use and indirectly significantly influence the smooth running of the entire operation. Therefore, it is very important for each owner that this background works seamlessly and it is not discussed too often.Within the technical management, the technical condition of the property of the customer is completely organized. The professional approach and modern technical facilities increase the life of the building and thereby inflate the value of assets and level of benefit from it.Property and its environment make a reputation of its owner. Well technically managed property increases convenience for users and is a good sign for those who visit it.
Application of Building Information Modeling on Sidewalk Management
Authors: Huang Long Sheng , Song Hung Chi
Published: July 2014

In recently years, Governments actively transform urban landscape construction in Taiwan, causing substantial increase in the pavement area and maintenance of the sidewalk. However, the recurring damage to sidewalk could lead to the risk of pedestrian injury. This study investigated the damage to the sidewalk, and introduced the Building Information Modeling (BIM) to develop a management mechanism applicable to the sidewalk. Analysis results are shown as follows: 1. BIM can create the sidewalk sections, floor tiles destruction type, location and other information with the damaged area. Sidewalk elements of BIM can provide proper sidewalk tiles location and information. 2. Application mode can effectively utilize the characteristics of BIM. The model is through visual control to manage operations. 3. BIM can help managers with quickly destroy the recorded contents and disposal measures. Identification color of damage condition for tiles, and automated statistics can be applied to analyze the damage results of sidewalk. Therefore, it can improve the efficiency and quality for overall maintenance operations.
Research of Cost Control Based on Engineering Change during Design Phase
Authors: Li Jing , Xu Zong Rong
Published: July 2014

design period is the most critical period that influences construction cost. So it is essential for the research on construction cost control of this period. As for engineering change is the critical element for influencing construction cost, this article start with engineering cases, it quantifies influence degree by different change forms, and comes up with effective measurements of stopping change in the design period to control engineering cost.
Study on the Cultivation of Engineering Management Specialty Innovative Talents Based on Demand Orientation
Authors: Wei Teng Zhan , Zha Fei
Published: July 2014

With the developing and change of domestic engineering construction market, the demand of employee of engineering management is more and more. Based on the demand theory and combined with the current employment status and professional training statues of college engineering management major, analyzing from the growing demand of the market and the student, retargeted the training objectives of the college engineering management specialty innovative talents as “responsible, practical, technological, manageable, innovative”, building the educational platform as “social responsibility cultivation, professional quality tamping, innovative quality promotion ”.
Architecture Design Teaching Reform Research Based on Green Building Concepts
Authors: Li Huan , Yang Jin , Li Yan Ju , Mo Ni Na
Published: July 2014

For the current popularity of "green building" concept, traditional architectural design teaching model is monotonous. The papers analyze the architectural design teaching problems in context of the New Times conditions. Green building concepts combine to architectural design with putting ecological ideas into the whole teaching of architectural design. The open teaching use mode "raise questions - analysis of the problem - solve the problem" to enhance learning ability. Finally, under the guidance of green building concept the results of teaching evaluation system need to reform.
The Research of the Teaching Mode Based on the Concept of CDIO Architectural Design
Authors: Chen Wu Ying
Published: July 2014

CDIO has become in recent years, guiding the teaching reform of advanced education concept, especially in the engineering personnel training mode and widespread application in the engineering curriculum.At home and abroad well-known colleges and universities according to the CDIO mode to cultivate students welcome by society and enterprises.Introducing the concept of CDIO architectural design teaching, research and establish a practice, pay attention to team collaboration and innovation of new course teaching mode.
Analysis of Ancient Urban Planning and Urban Structure of Xuzhou
Authors: Rui Yang , Zhao Wang
Published: July 2014

This text is a brief analysis of the ancient urban planning and urban structure of Xuzhou, which is also known as Pengcheng in ancient times. It will firstly present some introductions of Xuzhou’s history background, then following with some detail information of ancient Xuzhou’s urban planning. And finally it will discuss the development and changes in Xuzhou’s urban structure.
The Cultural Center Planning and Design of Shenyang
Authors: Wei Yuan Yi , Guo Yu Chen
Published: July 2014

Cultural center of a city is mainly composed of large or important cultural facilities and institutions, whose development has a close connection with the construction and future of the city. In this paper, by analyzing the influence that the cultural center has on the development of the city and researching design practice of domestic and foreign cultural centers. Attempting from programming point of view, we can demonstrate an excellent main idea and method of cultural center planning and design which is praised by urban residents, meanwhile clear an urban planner’s design content in cultural center planning and design. Through the planning and design of Shenyang cultural center project analysis, we can provide some reference and experience to the planning and design alike of cultural center.
The Research of Central Plains’ Urban Aesthetics and the Optimization of Urban Public Facilities — From Aesthetic Perspective to Consider the Optimized Design and Layout of Public Facilities
Authors: Niu Yu Hui
Published: July 2014

Central Plains’ Urban Agglomeration is a modern city cluster which possess human unity and urban diversity. Through holistic consideration about the impact of pubic facilities on nature and human being and from the perspective of human needs to explore the basic connotation and principles of the central plains urban aesthetics, we aim to provide theoretical results for reference on the optimized design and layout of public facilities, harmonious city life and even the development of Central Plains Economic Zone.
The Planning and Architectural Design Research about Guang'an Temple Based on Ritual Culture
Authors: Cheng Bin , Liu Jia Ping
Published: July 2014

The temple as a city of ritual significance type, has a complete concept of architectural culture. In the project's decision-making for Guang'an Temple planning and design, Designer has the problem of how to position, including the function, the temple complex space positioning and construction temple ranks .Paper based on the Confucian temple ritual culture, combined with the new city park functional requirements, according to the site topography and landform, determine the spatial structure of building community; Through comparison of its kind in sichuan, to determine the rules of construction; The planning and design of the temple are integration of the area of urban design, create a new urban landscape, so as to provide reference for the design of the same kind of antique buildings.
Research on Comprehensive Evaluation on Campus Greenbelt Landscape and Satisfaction
Authors: Zhang Lin Ying , Jiang Yan Rong , Zhao Hai Xia
Published: July 2014

It is still a challenge to make a comprehensive evaluation on greenbelt landscapes of universities, which would lay a solid basis to improve the quality and ecological effects of greenbelts and enhance the satisfaction of people in these universities. Aiming at this problem, a comprehensive evaluation approach based on entropy method was proposed to make the evaluation be more actual and precise. Some related indexes, such as greenbelt coverage, temperature, and humidity, etc. are combined with the evaluation method. Taking the greenbelt landscapes of the nine universities in Guangzhou as research objects, the results show the effectiveness of our proposal, and some significant suggestions are provided to promote the in-depth construction of greenbelt landscapes of universities.
Decision of Environment Color
Authors: Zhang Chang Jiang , Lin Lin
Published: July 2014

Under the instruction of a comprehensive theory, this article elaborates some elements in decision on urban environment color such as the systematic nature, its purpose, coordination and economic consideration so as to prove the importance of such decision as a core on the basis of some disputable cases.
Traditional Residence Sunshade Measures in Zhuhai
Authors: Zhang Nan
Published: July 2014

Local climate, materials, technology and the natural environment fully reflected in traditional residence is the local residents continue to try and accumulated practical experience. This paper tries to by the analysis Zhuhai traditional residence in the architectural design, spatial layout, planning and design of the building Shading manner to describe Zhuhai traditional residence specific practices of humid climate adaptation, to make the industry have a comprehensive understanding about the shading measures of Zhuhai traditional residence.
The Continuation of "the Spirit of Place" — Architectural Design of Side Hall of Baise Uprising Memorial
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhao Ye , Qin Shu Feng
Published: July 2014

Side hall of Baise Uprising Memorial hall is located in the northwest side of the main hall, is the continuation of the function space of the main hall . This paper first analyzed the macro and micro environment, and then from the of point of view the continuation of "spirit of place", one by one analysis of the side hall in the location and layout design, modeling and indoor and outdoor space design on the original place and respect for the spirit of the continuation of. Finally, the architect's task is to create meaningful place, gradually disappeared in the regional character of architecture today, responsible architects more should pay attention to building the spirit of place.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis for the Flexural Behavior of Concrete Beams Strengthened with NSM CFRP-PCPs Composite Bars
Authors: Liang Jiong Feng , Yang Ze Ping , Yi Ping Hua , Wang Jian Bao
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the development of a detailed 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) numerical model that can accurately predict the load-carrying capacity and response of RC beams strengthened with NSM CFRP-PCPs composite bars subjected to four-point bending loading. The predicted FE mid-span deflection responses agreed very well with the corresponding measured experimental tested data at all stages of flexural loading.
Research on Performance of Concrete Made with Mineral Fillers and Fly Ash Admixed Desulphurization Gypsum
Authors: Sun Li , Zhang Hou Tian , Qian Da Xing
Published: July 2014

In order to improve the performance of concrete, reasonably use industrial waste and realize the sustainable development target of economy and environment, mineral admixtures have been widely used in concrete. But, widely using mineral admixtures reduces the overall performance of concrete, the reason is that the mineral admixtures dilutes the SO3 content in cementitious material, restricts generating the hydrates in the later concrete. If also add industrial by-products desulphurization gypsum in concrete, the added desulphurization gypsum as admixture not only improves the SO3 content in concrete, but also prime and crystal sulfate active, promote other admixtures pozzolanic effect, configuration effect and micro-aggregated effect. Experiments show that, when the desulphurization gypsum that added into cementitious material content is following 10%, in other words the desulphurization gypsum content is 3.1%, it can improve the mechanical performance of the concrete. Considering the early strength and work performance of cement, the desulphurization gypsum content that added into cementitious material should be controlled in the range of 8%, early strength increases by 16.9% and late strength also increases.
Experimental Study of Concrete Strengthened by Stiffened Aluminum Plate
Authors: Zhu Ji Hua , Wei Liang Liang , Wu Wen Ting , Xing Feng , Feng Ran
Published: July 2014

A noval concrete structure strengthening technique which employs aluminum alloy plate of stiffened sections was presented. Aluminum plate width, stiffener number and height were considered for bond performance investigations. Based on the simlple shear test, three types of failure mode were observed in this study. Test results indicates that the couple effect of aluminum width and stiffener number is more remarkable than stiffener height for strengthening behaviour. A set of comparison over the behaviour of aluminum laminate were carried out among EBR, NSM and stiffened plates. It shows that the siffened plates can be used sucessfully in concrete strengthening.
Development of Prediction Model for Doweled Joint Concrete Pavement Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Sii How Bing , Chai Gary W. , Staden Rudi Van , Guan Hong
Published: July 2014

The load transfer mechanism between the dowel and the concrete is a complex phenomenon. This mechanism depends mainly on a parameter known as the modulus of dowel support (K), the value of which can be determined by load testing. A high modulus of dowel support value indicates a good contact between the concrete and the steel dowel. There is a lack of sound approach to identify with any degree of accuracy the modulus of dowel support (k), which makes it difficult to rely on the analytically developed formulas that are sensitive to its value. The obtained numerical results were validated with classical analytical solutions of shear and moment along the dowel. The group action of the dowel bar system was examined and useful relationships have been developed for estimation of the relative load shared by individual dowel bars. These useful relationships have been used to developed prediction Model to predict the shear force in dowel group action of dowel bar system and deflection at the loading nodal point. The prediction Model results for shear force in dowel group action of dowel bar system and deflection at the loading nodal point were relatively close to the F.E. Model results, with the different range between 2.2% to 7%.
Progenitor Cells in Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Yeager Michael E. , Frid Maria G. , Stenmark Kurt R.
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by cellular and structural changes in the walls of pulmonary arteries. Intimal thickening and fibrosis, medial hypertrophy and fibroproliferative changes in the adventitia are commonly observed, as is the extension of smooth muscle into the previously non‐muscularized vessels. A majority of these changes are associated with the enhanced presence of a‐SM‐actin+ cells and inflammatory cells. Atypical abundances of functionally distinct endothelial cells, particularly in the intima (plexiform lesions), and also in the perivascular regions, are also described. At present, neither the origin(s) of these cells nor the molecular mechanisms responsible for their accumulation, in any of the three compartments of the vessel wall, have been fully elucidated. The possibility that they arise from either resident vascular progenitors or bone marrow‐derived progenitor cells is now well established. Resident vascular progenitor cells have been demonstrated to exist within the vessel wall, and in response to certain stimuli, to expand and express myofibroblastic, endothelial or even hematopoietic markers. Bone marrow–derived or circulating progenitor cells have also been shown to be recruited to sites of vascular injury and to assume both endothelial and SM‐like phenotypes. Here, we review the data supporting the contributory role of vascular progenitors (including endothelial progenitor cells, smooth muscle progenitor cells, pericytes, and fibrocytes) in vascular remodeling. A more complete understanding of the processes by which progenitor cells modulate pulmonary vascular remodeling will undoubtedly herald a renaissance of therapies extending beyond the control of vascular tonicity and reduction of pulmonary artery pressure.
Protein Trafficking Dysfunctions: Role in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Sehgal Pravin B. , Lee Jason E.
Published: July 2014

Earlier electron microscopic data had shown that a hallmark of the vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in man and experimental models includes enlarged vacuolated endothelial and smooth muscle cells with increased endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi stacks in pulmonary arterial lesions. In cell culture and in vivo experiments in the monocrotaline model, we observed disruption of Golgi function and intracellular trafficking with trapping of diverse vesicle tethers, SNAREs and SNAPs in the Golgi membranes of enlarged pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Consequences included the loss of cell surface caveolin‐1, hyperactivation of STAT3, mislocalization of eNOS with reduced cell surface/caveolar NO and hypo‐S‐nitrosylation of trafficking‐relevant proteins. Similar Golgi tether, SNARE and SNAP dysfunctions were also observed in hypoxic PAECs in culture and in PAECs subjected to NO scavenging. Strikingly, a hypo‐NO state promoted PAEC mitosis and cell proliferation. Golgi dysfunction was also observed in pulmonary vascular cells in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) in terms of a marked cytoplasmic dispersal and increased cellular content of the Golgi tethers, giantin and p115, in cells in the proliferative, obliterative and plexiform lesions in IPAH. The question of whether there might be a causal relationship between trafficking dysfunction and vasculopathies of PAH was approached by genetic means using HIV‐nef, a protein that disrupts endocytic and trans‐Golgi trafficking. Macaques infected with a chimeric simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) containing the HIV‐nef gene (SHIV‐nef), but not the non‐chimeric SIV virus containing the endogenous SIV‐nef gene, displayed pulmonary arterial vasculopathies similar to those in human IPAH. Only macaques infected with chimeric SHIV‐nef showed pulmonary vascular lesions containing cells with dramatic cytoplasmic dispersal and increase in giantin and p115. Specifically, it was the HIV‐nef–positive cells that showed increased giantin. Elucidating how each of these changes fits into the multifactorial context of hypoxia, reduced NO bioavailability, mutations in BMPR II, modulation of disease penetrance and gender effects in disease occurrence in the pathogenesis of PAH is part of the road ahead.
Clinical Demonstration of Efficiency and Reversibility of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in a Patient Presenting with Unilateral Incomplete Bronchial Occlusion
Authors: Jafri Syeda , Sivasothy Pasupathy , Wells Francis , Morrell Nicholas W.
Published: July 2014

Although hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is a well‐recognized physiological phenomenon it is unusual to observe and assess its efficiency in clinical practice. Here, we report the case of a 50‐year‐old female who presented with unilateral incomplete bronchial occlusion due to a carcinoid tumor involving the left main bronchus in the absence of atelectasis. Ventilation‐perfusion imaging revealed absent ventilation and perfusion to the left lung. She underwent bronchotomy and removal of the tumor. One month after the operation a further ventilation‐perfusion lung scan revealed complete restoration of ventilation to the left lung and almost complete recovery of the perfusion. This unusual case demonstrates the marked efficiency of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction at the level of a single lung and its reversible nature following relief of regional hypoxia.
Expression of Mutant BMPR‐II in Pulmonary Endothelial Cells Promotes Apoptosis and a Release of Factors that Stimulate Proliferation of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Yang Xudong , Long Lu , Reynolds Paul N. , Morrell Nicholas W.
Published: July 2014

Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor gene (BMPR‐II) are the major cause of heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although both endothelial and smooth muscle cell BMPR‐II dysfunction have been seen to contribute to pulmonary hypertension in vivo, little is known about the impact of BMPR‐II mutation on the interaction between these two important cell types. We employed adenoviral vectors to overexpress wild type or mutant (kinase‐deficient mutation, D485G) BMPR‐II in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs). PAECs transfected with mutant BMPR‐II demonstrated increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Conditioned media from PAECs transfected with mutant BMPR‐II increased the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), when compared with conditioned media from PAECs transfected with wild‐type BMPR‐II. PAECs transfected with mutant BMPR‐II released higher levels of TGF‐β1 and FGF2 into the conditioned media than the wild‐type BMPR‐II‐transfected cells. Conditioned media from PAECs expressing mutant BMPR‐II also showed increased activation of luciferase activity in a TGF‐β bioassay. The increased proliferation observed in PASMCs exposed to conditioned media from PAECs expressing mutant BMPR‐II was inhibited by neutralizing the antibodies to TGF‐β1, or small molecule inhibitors of ALK‐5 (SD208) or FGFR1 (SU5402). We conclude that mutation in BMPR‐II increases susceptibility to apoptosis of PAECs and leads to secretion of growth factors that stimulate the proliferation of PASMCs. These processes may contribute to the remodeling of pulmonary arteries observed in patients with familial or heritable PAH.
Is Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) a Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Authors: Green David E. , Sutliff Roy L. , Hart C. Michael
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a progressive disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality, is caused by complex pathways that culminate in structural and functional alterations of the pulmonary circulation and increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure. Diverse genetic, pathological, or environmental triggers stimulate PH pathogenesis culminating in vasoconstriction, cell proliferation, vascular remodeling, and thrombosis. We conducted a thorough literature review by performing MEDLINE searches via PubMed to identify articles pertaining to PPARΓ as a therapeutic target for the treatment of PH. This review examines basic and preclinical studies that explore PPARΓ and its ability to regulate PH pathogenesis. Despite the current therapies that target specific pathways in PH pathogenesis, including prostacyclin derivatives, endothelin‐receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, morbidity and mortality related to PH remain unacceptably high, indicating the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Consequently, therapeutic targets that simultaneously regulate multiple pathways involved in PH pathogenesis have gained attention. This review focuses on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARΓ), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand‐activated transcription factors. While the PPARγ receptor is best known as a master regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism, a growing body of literature demonstrates that activation of PPARγ exerts antiproliferative, antithrombotic, and vasodilatory effects on the vasculature, suggesting its potential efficacy as a PH therapeutic target.
Doppler‐Defined Pulmonary Hypertension in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients: Retrospective Investigation of Risk Factors and Impact on Mortality
Authors: Stamm Jason A. , McVerry Bryan J. , Mathier Michael A. , Donahoe Michael P. , Saul Melissa I. , Gladwin Mark T.
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is poorly characterized in the critically ill. No prior studies describe the burden of or outcomes associated with PH in a general medical intensive care unit population. We hypothesize that PH is an important comorbidity prevalent in the modern medical intensive care unit. We undertook a preliminary investigation to define the consequences of Doppler‐defined PH in the critically ill. A single‐center retrospective case–control study of medical intensive care patients admitted over a 1‐year period was conducted. Eligible patients had an echocardiogram within 4 days of admission. PH was defined to include both pulmonary arterial and venous hypertension and required a tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥3 m/sec. Cases and controls were compared for comorbidities, illness severity, diagnoses, and mortality. Multivariable regression was performed to identify clinical features associated with PH and mortality. 299 (21% of admissions) patients had an eligible echocardiogram. Patients with PH (N=126) had a higher unadjusted mortality than did controls (N=173) (37% vs. 25%, P=0.04) and PH remained significantly associated with mortality after controlling for other clinical factors (HR=1.59, 95% CI=1.03‐2.44, P=0.036). Low ejection fraction (OR=2.21, 95% CI=1.19‐4.11, P=0.012) and pulmonary embolism (OR=4.28, 95% CI=1.59‐11.5, P=0.004) were independently associated with PH. Doppler‐defined PH is associated with mortality in the critically ill. Prospective studies are needed to define the prevalence of pulmonary venous hypertension versus pulmonary arterial hypertension, and the clinical consequences of each, in a general medical intensive care unit population.
STIM2 Contributes to Enhanced Store‐Operated Ca2+ Entry in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Song Michael Y. , Makino Ayako , Yuan Jason X.‐J.
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling are two major causes for elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). An increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is a major trigger for pulmonary vasoconstriction and an important stimulus for PASMC proliferation, which causes pulmonary vascular remodeling. Store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), induced by depletion of stored Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), can increase [Ca2+]cyt in PASMC, independent of other means of Ca2+ entry. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins, STIM1 and STIM2, were both recently identified as sensors for store depletion and also signaling molecules to open store‐operated Ca2+ channels. We previously reported that SOCE was significantly enhanced in PASMC from IPAH patients compared to PASMC from normotensive control subjects. Enhanced SOCE plays an important role in the pathophysiological changes in PASMC associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this study, we examine whether the expression levels of STIM1 and STIM2 are altered in IPAH‐PASMC compared to control PASMC, and whether these putative changes in the STIM1 and STIM2 expression levels are responsible for enhanced SOCE and proliferation in IPAH‐PASMC. Compared to control PASMC, the protein expression level of STIM2 was significantly increased in IPAH‐PASMC, whereas STIM1 protein expression was not significantly changed. In IPAH‐PASMC, the small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of STIM2 decreased SOCE and proliferation, while knockdown of STIM2 in control PASMC had no effect on either SOCE or proliferation. Overexpression of STIM2 in the control PASMC failed to enhance SOCE or proliferation. These data indicate that enhanced protein expression of STIM2 is necessary, but not sufficient, for enhanced SOCE and proliferation of IPAH‐PASMC.
Oxidative Injury is a Common Consequence of BMPR2 Mutations
Authors: Lane Kirk L. , Talati Megha , Austin Eric , Hemnes Anna R. , Johnson Jennifer A. , Fessel Joshua P. , Blackwell Tom , Mernaugh Ray L. , Robinson Linda , Fike Candice , Roberts L. Jackson , West James
Published: July 2014

Hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is usually caused by mutations in BMPR2. Mutations are found throughout the gene, and common molecular consequences of different types of mutation are not known. Knowledge of common molecular consequences would provide insight into the molecular etiology of the disease. The objective of this study was to determine the common molecular consequences across classes of BMPR2 mutation. Increased superoxide and peroxide production and alterations in genes associated with oxidative stress were a common consequence of stable transfection of the vascular smooth muscle cells, with three distinct classes of BMPR2 mutation, in the ligand binding domain, the kinase domain and the cytoplasmic tail domain. Measurement of oxidized lipids in whole lung from transgenic mice expressing a mutation in the BMPR2 cytoplasmic tail showed a 50% increase in isoprostanes and a two‐fold increase in isofurans, suggesting increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) of mitochondrial origin. Immunohistochemistry on BMPR2 transgenic mouse lung showed that oxidative stress was vascular‐specific. Electron microscopy showed decreased mitochondrial size and variability in the pulmonary vessels from BMPR2‐mutant mice. Measurement of oxidized lipids in urine from humans with BMPR2 mutations demonstrated increased ROS, regardless of disease status. Immunohistochemistry on hereditary PAH patient lung confirmed oxidative stress specific to the vasculature. Increased oxidative stress, likely of mitochondrial origin, is a common consequence of BMPR2 mutation across mutation types in cell culture, mice and humans.
Relative effectiveness of context-based teaching strategy on senior secondary students’ achievement in inorganic chemistry in Rivers State
Authors: Nbina JB , Avwiri E
Published: July 2014

This study adopted the quasi experimental research design to examine the relative effectiveness of context-based teaching strategy on senior secondary school students’ achievements in inorganic chemistry. The sample consists of 451 SSII chemistry students (224 males and 227 females) drawn from four out of 46 secondary schools in Port Harcourt Zone in Rivers State of Nigeria. Three research questions were answered and three null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05 level of significance. Stratified random sampling techniques were used in selection and classification of the sample into the experiment and control groups. Inorganic Chemistry Achievement Test (ICAT) was employed in data  collection. The instrument was validated and its reliability coefficient was 0.56. The ICAT instrument was administrated on both the pre-test and post- test. The data obtained from the administration of the instrument was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). The study found out that context –based teaching strategy was significantly better than the expository method in enhancing students’ transfer of learning in inorganic chemistry. The result also showed that there was no significant difference in the mean achievement scores of male and female students taught inorganic chemistry using the same method. In the same vein, the rural students performed significantly better than their urban counterparts taught using the context-based teaching strategy. Based on the findings, recommendations were made among which were that context-based teaching strategy be adopted in teaching and learning of inorganic chemistry in the secondary and tertiary levels of the  educational systems.Keywords: Context-based, teaching strategy, students, achievement, inorganic chemistry
Quality assurance in education: The role of ICT and quality control measures in tertiary institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Oduma CA
Published: July 2014

Quality assurance in education is perceived in this paper to be a product of the impact of information and communication technologies as well as the statutory control measures especially in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The paper reviews the concept of quality and quality assurance and their  general application to education. Specifically, the paper views quality  assurance in education as an effort and process of improving the general standard and value of education in order to benefit the recipients and the public at large. This is, in fact, the goals and targets which learners,  teachers, staff and administration aspire to attain. The paper also reviews few shortfalls in the education system that provokes the quality assurance agenda. The paper perceives information and communication technologies impact as well as the administration of general and specific control  measures as the lee ways in assuring and upgrading the quality and standard of education especially at tertiary institution levels in Nigeria. The paper concludes that providing quality education especially in tertiary institutions help to project the system to international standard and  recognition. Thus, quality assurance underscores quality capacity building within an institution to benefit recipients and the general stakeholders. The paper recommends amongst other measures that quality assurance in  tertiary institutions involves the collective thinking and shared actions of management, staff and students.
Improving accuracy and precision of ice core δD(CH4) analyses using methane pre-pyrolysis and hydrogen post-pyrolysis trapping and subsequent chromatographic separation
Authors: Bock M. , Schmitt J. , Beck J. , Schneider R. , Fischer H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Firn and polar ice cores offer the only direct palaeoatmospheric archive. Analyses of past greenhouse gas concentrations and their isotopic compositions in air bubbles in the ice can help to constrain changes in global biogeochemical cycles in the past. For the analysis of the hydrogen isotopic composition of methane (δD(CH4) or δ2H(CH4)) 0.5 to 1.5 kg of ice was hitherto used. Here we present a method to improve precision and reduce the sample amount for δD(CH4) measurements in (ice core) air. Pre-concentrated methane is focused in front of a high temperature oven (pre-pyrolysis trapping), and molecular hydrogen formed by pyrolysis is trapped afterwards (post-pyrolysis trapping), both on a carbon-PLOT capillary at −196 °C. Argon, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, unpyrolysed methane and krypton are trapped together with H2 and must be separated using a second short, cooled chromatographic column to ensure accurate results. Pre- and post-pyrolysis trapping largely removes the isotopic fractionation induced during chromatographic separation and results in a narrow peak in the mass spectrometer. Air standards can be measured with a precision better than 1‰. For polar ice samples from glacial periods, we estimate a precision of 2.3‰ for 350 g of ice (or roughly 30 mL – at standard temperature and pressure (STP) – of air) with 350 ppb of methane. This corresponds to recent tropospheric air samples (about 1900 ppb CH4) of about 6 mL (STP) or about 500 pmol of pure CH4.
A baseline probabilistic drought forecasting framework using standardized soil moisture index: application to the 2012 United States drought
Authors: AghaKouchak A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The 2012 drought was one of the most extensive drought events in half a century, resulting in over USD 12 billion in economic loss in the United States and substantial indirect impacts on global food security and commodity prices. An important feature of the 2012 drought was rapid development and intensification in late spring/early summer, a critical time for crop development and investment planning. Drought prediction remains a major challenge because dynamical precipitation forecasts are highly uncertain, and their prediction skill is low. Using a probabilistic framework for drought forecasting based on the persistence property of accumulated soil moisture, this paper shows that the US drought of summer 2012 was predictable several months in advance. The presented drought forecasting framework provides the probability occurrence of drought based on climatology and near-past observations of soil moisture. The results indicate that soil moisture exhibits higher persistence than precipitation, and hence improves drought predictability.
Atypical Presentation of Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in a Dog
Authors: Parker Kristen , Snead Elisabeth
Published: July 2014

A 2 yr old spayed female dog presented for evaluation of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, dysuria, and frantic licking of her vulva. A midventral, soft, fluctuant mass was detected on abdominal palpation. Diagnostic testing and exploratory celiotomy revealed remnant ovarian tissue and a cystic uterine remnant. The ovary and cystic uterine remnant were removed and submitted for histopathological evaluation. Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is an infrequently encountered condition of dogs. This dog had none of the classic signs of estrus associated with ORS but instead presented for sharp, intermittent, abdominal pain that is similar to women with ORS.
QUESTÕES DE GÊNERO E O TRÁFICO DE MULHERES NEPALESAS
Authors: Mota Alice Agnes Spíndola
Published: July 2014

Observando as questões de gênero e os crescentes direitos adquiridos pelas mulheres em todo omundo nas últimas décadas, este artigo procura analisar situações de riscos ainda vivenciadas pelo gênero feminino no Nepal atualmente. O estudo focado no tráfico de mulheres para exploração sexual entre o Nepal e a Índia tem como objetivo estudar a importância e significado das questões de gênero neste contexto, bem como sua correlação com aspectos socioeconómicos e culturais ocultos na problemática do tráfico humano. Sem contudo propor análise e compreensão de todas as dimensões do mercado de prostituição feminina entre Nepal e Índia o trabalho propõe uma reflexão sobre a realidade feminina contemporânea nestes países asiáticos.
ESTUDO DA DISCIPLINA DE LIBRAS EM DUAS LICENCIATURAS NO LITORAL DO PARANÁ
Authors: Andrade Érica Alves Fernandes de
Published: July 2014

Esta pesquisa se reporta aos resultados sobre as reflexões dos estudantes de duas licenciaturas da Universidade Estadual do Paraná, campus Paranaguá, sobre a Língua Brasileira de Sinais, em relação ao conhecimento prévio dessa, à carga horária ministrada, às dificuldades e mudanças de paradigmas com relação ao mundo surdo. Os dados foram sistematizados a partir de um questionário com seis perguntas fechadas, com o objetivo de pesquisar a oferta da disciplina da Língua Brasileira de Sinais no curso de Pedagogia e Letras, investigando a visão dos licenciandos e do professor sobre os limites e possibilidades da carga horária e dos objetivos do ementário sugerido, tendo como parâmetro os pressupostos da educação bilíngue discutidos pelas pesquisadoras Dorziat (2009), Felipe (2007), Martins (2011), Mercado (2011), Mercado (2012), Quadros; Karnopp (2004), Quadros; Schimidt (2006), Stroebel (2008), Stroebel (2011) and Witkoski (2012) and by Skliar (2011). O produto contribuirá para um (re)pensar na formação de docentes no exercício futuro da função.
ELEMENTOS PARA EMBASAR UMA PROPOSTA DE INTERVENÇÃO PAISAGÍSTICA NA ORLA DE PONTAL DO PARANÁ
Authors: Fazion Fabiano
Published: July 2014

Este artigo apresenta as definições conceituais adotadas para a elaboração do Projeto Paisagístico, parte integrante do Projeto de Urbanização da Orla de Pontal do Paraná, bem como as estratégias a serem adotadas nesta elaboração e na sua subsequente implantação. Enquanto o projeto de urbanização está sendo elaborado pela equipe da Prefeitura de Pontal do Paraná, o projeto paisagístico está sendo realizado pela Unidade de Arquitetura e Planejamentoda UFPR-Setor Litoral, no âmbito de uma parceria institucional. As definições conceituais estão centradas nos princípios de utilização de espécies nativas e busca do equilíbrio entre ocupação urbana e meio ambiente. Este equilíbrio será buscado através da adoção do princípio de sustentabilidade dos sistemas simbólicos, conceito em elaboração que contém em sua lógica uma complementação recíproca entre as noções estética, material, psíquica e ambiental, transcendendo, em relação às noções de desenvolvimento e sustentabilidade, as abordagens materialistas dominantes. O projeto paisagístico abrangerá o tratamento paisagístico da área urbanizada (calçadão) e as ações de revitalização da restinga adjacente como forma de compensação ambiental para as intervenções propostas na orla. O trabalho projetual será completado por ações de monitoramento da sua implantação e desenvolvimento, que poderão resultar em ajustes e complementações. Além disso, serão desenvolvidas ações educativas e pesquisas qualitativas junto à população local. Todas as etapas serão sistematizadas na forma de artigos subsequentes a serem publicados, de modo que seja possível conhecer e acompanhar seu desenvolvimento com as problematizações respectivas.
Economics instruments for the sustainable management of Mediterranean watersheds
Authors: Daly-Hassen H. , Pettenella D. , Jemal Ahmed T.
Published: July 2014

Problems of unsustainable watershed use in the Mediterranean areas (overgrazing, forest degradation and clearing, soil erosion, fires, etc) often result from the reduced profitability of traditional land use systems, lack of clearly defined property rights, insufficient enforcement of existing rules, and lack of adequate economic instruments. The paper tries to analyze these problems from two complementary economic perspectives: the first one, based on a Cost-Benefit Analysis approach, highlight the gap between public interest and local private profitability in ordinary watershed management activities through three case studies in Tunisia. Once we have demonstrated that free market mechanisms are unable to allocate efficiently watershed resources, we assume a more normative perspective focusing on the implementation of voluntary instruments related to payments for environmental services. Due to the lack of experiences in the Mediterranean basin, we discus the results of a comparison among six case-studies of payments for water provision services in some developing countries underlying the role of transaction costs and social capital in the successful implementation of these new voluntary systems for the sustainable management of Mediterranean watershed resources.
The legacy of forest management in tropical forests: analysis of its long-term influence with ecosystem models
Authors: Blanco J. A. , González E.
Published: July 2014

Forest management can modify key ecosystem attributes, affecting tree growth long after the end of forest management. Long-term influence of current management on forest recovery has been explored with the FORECAST model in Pinus caribaea Morelet plantations in western Cuba. Management for three different products was simulated: biomass, fibre and timber, with differences in rotation length and harvest intensity. Our results show that biomass production can produce ecosystem degradation that may need centuries to recover. If fibre is the objective of management, ecosystem recovery would be faster than managing for bioenergy. However, only if timber is the final objective the ecosystem might be able to keep similar conditions to the natural forest. In conclusion, our results show that forest management legacies can be a key factor in accelerating of delaying forest ecosystem recovery, depending on the exploitation intensity. These results also show the utility of ecosystem-level management models to analyze alternative management scenarios and their effects on the forest ecosystem.