bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pemetrexed-containing treatments in the non-small cell lung cancer, is -/low thymidylate synthase expression better than +/high thymidylate synthase expression: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Rui , Pan Yunjian , Sun Yihua , Zhang Jie , Chen Haiquan
Published: March 2014

Background

The predictive value of thymidylate synthase (TS) for clinical sensitivity to pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis is performed to provide an assessment of whether expression variations of TS are associated with objective response in patients with NSCLC treated with pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and CNKI, from inception to June 10th, 2013. A systemic review of the studies on the association between TS expression in NSCLC and objective response of pemetrexed-containing regimen was performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) for the response rate were calculated using the software Revman 5.0.

Results

There were a total of 526 patients in the eight studies that met our criteria for evaluation. +/high expression of TS was found in 269 patients (51.1%), and -/low expression for this gene was found in 257 (48.9%) patients. The objective response rate for pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy was significantly higher in patients with -/low expression TS expression (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29–0.70; p = 0.0004). Although patients with -/low expression of TS have a longer median overall survival time and progression free survival time than those with +/high expression of TS, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

−/low expression of TS was associated with higher objective response in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy. TS may be a suitable marker of sensitivity to pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC.
Impact of 2013 south Asian haze crisis: study of physical and psychological symptoms and perceived dangerousness of pollution level
Authors: Ho Roger C , Zhang Melvyn W , Ho Cyrus S , Pan Fang , Lu Yanxia , Sharma Vijay K
Published: March 2014

Background

The widespread forest fires in Indonesia in June 2013 led to widespread haze to neighbouring countries. This is the first study in the medical literature reporting the acute physical and psychological symptoms of the general population during a haze crisis. We evaluated the factors that are associated with psychological stress of haze exposure.

Methods

This study was conducted between June 21 to June 26, 2013. Participants were recruited by an online recruitment post and snowball sampling techniques. Participants were required to complete an online survey which was composed of demographics questionnaire, physical symptom checklist, perceived dangerous Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) value and views on the N-95 mask and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).

Results

A total of 298 participants returned the completed study questionnaire. The respondents reported a mean number of 4.03 physical symptoms (S.D. = 2.6). The five most common physical symptoms include mouth or throat discomfort (68.8%), nose discomfort (64.1%), eye discomfort (60.7%), headache (50.3%) and breathing difficulty (40.3%). The total IES-R score was 18.47 (S.D. = 11.69) which indicated that the study population experienced mild psychological stress but not to the extent of acute stress reaction syndrome. The perceived dangerous PSI level and number of physical symptoms were significantly associated with the mean intrusion score, mean hyper-arousal score, total mean IES-R score and total IES-R score (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a haze crisis is associated with acute physical symptoms and mild psychological stress. The number of physical symptoms and the perceived dangerous PSI values are important factors associated with psychological stress.
Ardisia crispa roots inhibit cyclooxygenase and suppress angiogenesis
Authors: Awang Hamsin Dayang Erna Zulaikha , Abdul Hamid Roslida , Saiful Yazan Latifah , Mat Taib Che Norma , Yeong Looi Ting
Published: March 2014

Background

In our previous studies conducted onArdisia crisparoots, it was shown thatArdisia crisparoot inhibited inflammation-induced angiogenesisin vivo. The present study was conducted to identify whether the anti-angiogenic properties ofArdisia crisparoots was partly due to either cyclooxygenase (COX) or/and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity inhibition in separate in vitro studies.

Methods

Benzoquinonoid fraction (BQ) was isolated from hexane extract by column chromatography, and later analyzed by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-angiogenic effect was studied on mouse sponge implantation assay.Ardisia crispaethanolic rich fraction (ACRH), quinone-rich fraction (QRF) and BQ were screened for COX assay to evaluate their selectivity towards two isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2), The experiment on soy lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory assay was also performed to determine the inhibitory effect of ACRH, QRF and BQ on soy LOX.

Results

BQ was confirmed to consist of 2-methoxy-6-undecyl-1,4-benzoquinone, when compared with previous data. Antiangiogenesis study exhibited a reduction of mean vascular density (MVD) in both ACRH and QRF, compared to control. In vitro study showed that both ACRH and QRF inhibited both COX-1 and COX-2, despite COX-2 inhibition being slightly higher than COX-1 in BQ. On the other hand, both ACRH and QRF were shown to have poor LOX inhibitory activity, but not BQ.

Conclusions

In conclusion, ACRH and QRF might possibly exhibit its anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting cyclooxygenase. However, both of them were shown to possess poor LOX inhibitory activity. On the other hand, BQ displayed selectivity to COX-2 inhibitory property as well as LOX inhibitory effect.
The utilisation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among ethnic minorities in South Korea
Authors: Hwang Jung Hye , Han Dong Woon , Yoo Eun Kyung , Kim Woon-Yong
Published: March 2014

Background

Race has been reported to affect the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), but there is very little research on the use of CAM by ethnicity in Korea. This study explores the prevalence of CAM use among ethnic minorities in South Korea.

Methods

The design is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of ethnic minorities was recruited from two public healthcare centres in Gyeonggi province. The survey instrument included 37 questions regarding CAM use, factors influencing use of CAM, self-health management, and the socio-demographic profile of study participants.

Results

Sixty-two percent of study participants reported the use of CAM. Multivitamins (53.3%), acupuncture (48.9%), and traditional Korean herbal medicine (38.9%) were popular CAM modalities in our sample. Other notable CAM modalities included herbal plants, therapeutic massage, and moxibustion therapy. The majority of CAM users (52.2%) received CAM services to treat diseases or as a secondary treatment while receiving conventional care. Having positive perceptions toward the effectiveness of CAM was a major determining factor in CAM use.

Conclusions

Physicians need to be aware of the fact that many ethnic minorities use CAM therapies. Many CAM users reported that they want doctors to know about their CAM use and have a basic understanding of traditional medicine in their home country. Overcoming language and cultural barriers will help reduce unwanted medical complications. High prevalence of CAM use among ethnic minorities in our study warrants further studies using larger sample population.
Variation in the location of the shoe sole flexion point influences plantar loading patterns during gait
Authors: van der Zwaard Babette C , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Holtkamp Fred , van der Horst Henriëtte E , Elders Petra JM , Menz Hylton B
Published: March 2014

Background

Several footwear design characteristics are known to have detrimental effects on the foot. However, one characteristic that has received relatively little attention is the point where the sole flexes in the sagittal plane. Several footwear assessment forms assume that this should ideally be located directly under the metarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs), but this has not been directly evaluated. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the influence on plantar loading of different locations of the shoe sole flexion point.

Method

Twenty‐one asymptomatic females with normal foot posture participated. Standardised shoes were incised directly underneath the metatarsophalangeal joints, proximal to the MTPJs or underneath the midfoot. The participants walked in a randomised sequence of the three shoes whilst plantar loading patterns were obtained using the Pedar® in‐shoe pressure measurement system. The foot was divided into nine anatomically important masks, and peak pressure (PP), contact time (CT) and pressure time integral (PTI) were determined. A ratio of PP and PTI between MTPJ2‐3/MTPJ1 was also calculated.

Results

Wearing the shoe with the sole flexion point located proximal to the MTPJs resulted in increased PP under MTPJ 4–5 (6.2%) and decreased PP under the medial midfoot compared to the sub‐MTPJ flexion point (−8.4%). Wearing the shoe with the sole flexion point located under the midfoot resulted in decreased PP, CT and PTI in the medial and lateral hindfoot (PP: −4.2% and −5.1%, CT: −3.4% and −6.6%, PTI: −6.9% and −5.7%) and medial midfoot (PP: −5.9% CT: −2.9% PTI: −12.2%) compared to the other two shoes.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that the location of the sole flexion point of the shoe influences plantar loading patterns during gait. Specifically, shoes with a sole flexion point located under the midfoot significantly decrease the magnitude and duration of loading under the midfoot and hindfoot, which may be indicative of an earlier heel lift.
Is intra-abdominal hypertension a missing factor that drives multiple organ dysfunction syndrome?
Authors: Kirkpatrick Andrew W , Roberts Derek J , De Waele Jan , Laupland Kevin
Published: March 2014

In a recent issue of Critical Care, Cheng and colleagues conducted a rabbit model study that demonstrated that intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) may damage both gut anatomy and function. With only 6 hours of IAH at 25 mmHg, these authors observed an 80% reduction in mucosal blood flow, an exponential increase in mucosal permeability, and erosion and necrosis of the jejunal villi. Such dramatic findings should remind all caring for the critically ill that IAH may severely damage the normal gut barrier functions and thus may be reasonably expected to facilitate bacterial and mediator translocation. The potential contribution of IAH as a confounding factor in the efficacy of selective decontamination of the digestive tract should be considered.
Cloning, expression and characterization of a versatile Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase from Dietzia sp. D5
Authors: Bisagni Serena , Hatti-Kaul Rajni , Mamo Gashaw
Published: March 2014

A novel BVMO encoding gene was identified from a draft genome sequence of a newly isolated strain of Dietzia. Analysis of the protein sequence revealed that it belongs to a group of BVMOs whose most characterized member is cyclopentadecanone monooxygenase (CPDMO). The gene was PCR amplified, cloned and successfully expressed in E. coli. The expressed recombinant enzyme was purified using metal affinity chromatography. Characterization of the purified enzyme revealed that it has a broad substrate scope and oxidized different compounds including substituted and unsubstituted alicyclic, bicyclic-, aliphatic-ketones, ketones with an aromatic moiety, and sulfides. The highest activities were measured for 2- and 3-methylcyclohexanone, phenylacetone, bicyclo-[3.2.0]-hept-2-en-6-one and menthone. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 7.5 and 35°C, a temperature at which its half-life was about 20 hours. The stability studies have shown that this enzyme is more stable than all other reported BVMOs except the phenylacetone monooxygenase from the thermophilic organism Thermobifida fusca.
Comparison of articular cartilage repair with different hydrogel-human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell composites in a rat model
Authors: Chung Jun Young , Song Minjung , Ha Chul-Won , Kim Jin-A , Lee Choong-Hee , Park Yong-Beom
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The present work was designed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of articular cartilage repair using composites of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) and four different hydrogels in a rat model.

Methods

Full-thickness articular cartilage defects were created at the trochlear groove of femur in both knees of rats. Composites of hUCB-MSCs and four different hydrogels (group A, 4% hyaluronic acid; group B, 3% alginate:30% pluronic (1:1, v/v); group C, 4% hyaluronic acid: 3% alginate: 20% pluronic (2:1:1, v/v}; and group D, 4% hyaluronic acid:3% alginate:20% pluronic;chitosan (4:1:1:2, v/v).) were then transplanted into right knee defect in each study group (five rats/group). Left knees were transplanted with corresponding hydrogels without hUCB-MSCs as controls. At 16 weeks post-transplantation, degrees of cartilage repair were evaluated macroscopically and histologically using Masson’s Trichrome, safranin-O, Sirius red staining, and type-II collagen immunostaining.

Results

Overall, group A with 4% hyaluronic acid hydrogel resulted in superior cartilage repair grossly and histologically and achieved a cellular arrangement and collagen organization pattern mimicking adjacent uninjured articular cartilage. Immunostaining and safranin-O staining also revealed that group A displayed the largest areas of type II collagen staining. Sirius red staining revealed that the organization pattern of collagen bundles was more similar to normal cartilage in group A. No evidence of rejection was found.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that hUCB-MSCs could be used to repair articular cartilage defects in vivo and that hyaluronic acid is an attractive hydrogel candidate for use in combination with hUCB-MSCs.
Wnt-Independent Role of β-Catenin in Thyroid Cell Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Sastre-Perona Ana , Santisteban Pilar
Published: March 2014

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been associated with thyroid cell growth and tumorigenesis. However, little is known regarding its involvement in the response to the key regulators of thyroid cell proliferation and differentiation. Here we show that TSH and IGF-1 increase β-catenin nuclear accumulation and its transcriptional activity in differentiated thyroid cells. This effect takes place in a Wnt-independent manner because TSH and IGF-1, through the activation of protein kinase A and protein kinase B/Akt, phosphorylate β-catenin at S552 and S675, which results in β-catenin release from E-cadherin at the adherens junctions. Nuclear β-catenin regulates thyroid cell proliferation, because its silencing or the overexpression of a dominant-negative form of T-cell factor 4 resulted in reduced levels of cyclin D1 and DNA synthesis. Furthermore, the β-catenin silencing markedly reduced the expression of Pax8, the main transcription factor involved in epithelial thyroid cell differentiation. Finally, we observed that β-catenin physically interacts with the transcription factor Pax8, increasing its transcriptional activity on the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene, a critical gene required for thyroid cell physiology. Taken together, our findings show that β-catenin plays a not yet described role in thyroid function including a functional interaction with Pax8.
RME-8 coordinates the WASH complex with the retromer SNX-BAR dimer to control endosomal tubulation
Authors: Freeman Caroline L. , Hesketh Geoffrey , Seaman Matthew N. J.
Published: March 2014

Retromer is a vital element of the endosomal protein sorting machinery, and comprises two sub-complexes that operate together to sort membrane proteins (cargo) and tubulate membranes. Tubules are formed by the sorting nexin dimer, a key component of which is SNX1. Cargo selection is mediated by the VPS35-VPS29-VPS26 trimer, which additionally recruits the WASH complex via VPS35 binding to the WASH complex subunit FAM21. Loss of WASH complex function leads to dysregulation of endosome tubulation, although it is not clear how this occurs. Here we show that FAM21 also binds to the SNX1-interacting DNAJ protein RME-8. Loss of RME-8 causes altered kinetics of SNX1 membrane association and a pronounced increase in highly branched endosomal tubules. Extending the observations of Popoff et al. (2009), we show that these contain membrane proteins dependent on WASH complex activity for localization to the plasma membrane. We therefore propose that the RME-8/WASH complex interaction provides a potential means to coordinate the activity of the WASH complex with the membrane-tubulating function of the sorting nexins at sites where retromer-mediated endosomal protein sorting occurs.
Ant Colony Optimization for Controller and Sensor-Actuator Location in Active Vibration Control
Authors: Nor Khairul A. M. , Muthalif Asan G. A. , Wahid Azni N.
Published: March 2014

Developing light weight yet stronger and more flexible panels in aircraft structure to with stand from failure due to vibration has been the interest of many researchers nowadays. Piezoelectric material has been the popular choice to attenuate vibration actively and numerous techniques of optimal control and actuator placement have been proposed. This paper discusseson active vibration control of a simply supported thin plate excited and actuated by piezoelectric patches. Mathematical model of the simply supported plate with piezoelectric patches is derived using Euler-Bernoulli model. The main focus is to find the optimal location of the collocated sensor-actuatorand controller gains using a swarm intelligent algorithm called Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) which later verified with Genetic Algorithm (GA). A simply supported plate is taken as a benchmark model to perform simulation study.
A Numerical Study on the Improvement of the Performance of a Banki Wind Turbine
Authors: Wenlong Tian , Baowei Song , Zhaoyong Mao
Published: March 2014

Banki wind turbine is a kind of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with high solidity, and has been proved to have a relatively high starting torque and maximum power coefficient under low wind conditions. This study introduces an arc-shaped windshield to further improve the performance of Banki wind turbines. The windshield is placed in front of the turbine to deflect wind and reduce the negative torque on the blades in the upwind direction. Computational investigations are carried out to study the influence of the angle of the arc-shaped windshield on the performance of the turbine using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code Fluent 13.0. The results demonstrated that the maximum power coefficient of the Banki wind turbine was increased by 66.9% with the optimal windshield angle of 60°. The maximum power coefficient was found to be 0.2784 at a tip speed ratio of 0.5 in the presence of the windshield.
An Adaptive De-Noising Method via the Lifting Scheme
Authors: Jing-Bin Wang , Bao Wang
Published: March 2014

The wavelet transform de-noising method based on the threshold shrinkage is widely used, however, the classical threshold shrinkage method maybe exists constant deviation or appears additional concussion after reconfiguration. If the threshold value is chosen too large, part of useful signal points will be eliminated; if chosen too small, part of the noise will be kept. In addition, the “first generation wavelet” de-noising method only can choose one type of wavelet base, and can't be changed during the de-noising process. Due to the different wavelet has its own characteristics and applicable signal, It can achieve local optimum then overall optimization that choosing wavelet in a small wave focus according to the partial feature of the signal, namely using the multiwavelets to comprehensively decompose signal.

This paper puts forward a new threshold function, then improves the selection scheme of threshold value, achieves that it can select dynamically according to the wavelet decomposition levels; Finally, on the basis of the lifting theory, this paper puts forward an adaptive method, which can select wavelet dynamically according to the partial feature of the signal, comprehensively making use of the advantages of each wavelet, to achieve better de-noising effect and a certain degree of adaptability. Experiments show the effectiveness of our optimization.
Knowledge Integration in Distributed Product Development
Authors: Rundquist Jonas
Published: March 2014

Research has indicated that small and medium sized firms (SMEs) play an important role in the growth of the economy. However, in order to be able to compete at an international level, most SMEs are bound to work in alliances in order to gather enough knowledge and resources for product and technology development or to be able to penetrate a larger market. Alliances can be formed with different types of actors (i.e., suppliers, customers, agents, universities, consultancies); in the alliance, information and knowledge are gathered and created. Information is defined as "knowledge that can be transmitted without loss of integrity," which includes facts, axiomatic propositions, and symbols. This knowledge can be categorized as domain-specific, procedural, or general. In the present study, a case approach is used to investigate how different types of information and knowledge generated through distributed product development are integrated into the firm, what methods are used, and some conclusions on what methods are more successful for each type of information or knowledge. Results indicate a very high representation of formal information sharing (document exchange) even if there is a high degree of agreement among the respondents that personal meetings and continuous information sharing would be better if they had a system for this. Therefore, the conclusions should lead to systems that address the above problems.
Quasi-3D Modelling of Two-Phase Slug Flow in Pipes
Authors: Mo S. , Ashrafian A. , Barbier J.-C. , Johansen S. T.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we present progress obtained by the Quasi 3-Dimensional (Q3D) model for pipe flows. This model is based on a multi-fluid multi-field formulation with construction and tracking of the large-scale interfaces (LSIs). The computational time is significantly reduced compared to full 3D by using a specially adopted slice-averaging technique. However, the slice-averaging generates new terms in the model equations. These terms are related to important mechanisms such as wall shear stress and turbulence production at side walls. We present some basic performance tests of the Q3D model, including single phase wall friction and the velocities of single Taylor bubbles at inclinations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Finally we report the performance of the model for slug flow in horizontal and 10° inclined pipes. The model reproduces the experimental data satisfactorily for both cases in a very short simulation time compared to full 3D.
CFD Modeling of Methane Gas Distribution and Control Strategies in a Gassy Coal Mine
Authors: Tanguturi K. , Balusu R.
Published: March 2014

High methane (CH4) gas emission from the goaf in a gassy coal mine diffuses the gas into the face that leads to hazardous working environment and create operational difficulties. Electrical equipment which are loaded with sensors get tripped off when CH4 level is greater than 2%. Oxygen (O2) ingresses more on the maingate (MG) side than the tailgate (TG) side of the goaf due to high ventilation air pressure and hence no major gas issues are dealt on this side of the goaf. However, when the air flows along the face, air pressure decreases and less O2 ingress on TG side of goaf and more CH4 gas diffuse into the face in these regions. CH4 gas diffusion not only disrupts the functioning of electrical equipment but also creates hazardous environment for the operator. In this paper, an attempt was made to understand the CH4 gas distribution at the TG for gas emission rate of 1000l/s respectively and investigate the control options available for diluting the gas concentrations in the TG region. From Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigations, it was concluded that for gas emission rates over 1000l/s the CH4 concentration level at the TG region was above 2% and demand for control measures. Gas control strategies with goaf drainage, back return ventilation system and curtains across the face in the TG region were investigated using CFD techniques. From numerical investigations, it can be concluded that gas control strategy with goaf drainage was able to reduce the CH4 level to below 1% and back return system at the TG side was able to completely eliminate gas traces. Placing a curtain assisted in shifting the gas fringes into the goaf and thereby reducing the gas concentrations to below 1%.
Performance of RC T-Beams Externally Strengthened with CFRP Laminates under Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Naser Mohannad , Hawileh Rami , Rasheed Hayder
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a numerical study that investigates the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams externally strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates when subjected to fire loading. A finite element (FE) model is developed and a coupled thermal-stress analysis was performed on a RC beam externally strengthened with a CFRP plate tested by other investigators. The spread of temperature at the CFRP-concrete interface and reinforcing steel, as well as the mid-span deflection response is compared to the measured experimental data. Overall, good agreement between the measured and predicted data is observed. The validated model was then used in an extensive parametric study to further investigate the effect of several parameters on the performance of CFRP externally strengthened RC beams under elevated temperatures. The variables of the parametric study include applying different fire curves and scenarios, different applied live load combinations as well as the effect of using different insulation schemes with different types and thicknesses. Several observations and conclusions were drawn from the parametric investigation. It could be concluded that successful FE modeling of this structural member when exposed to thermal and mechanical loading would provide a valid economical and efficient alternative solution to the expensive and time consuming experimental testing.
An Overview Of Optimising Passive Fire Protection Using A Limiting Temperature By Structural Assessment
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: March 2014

The British Standards and the Eurocodes both cover the design of steel structures in fire. These provide designers with the opportunity to exploit the properties of structural steel to its maximum capacity in the fire limit state, termed Structural Fire Engineering. This allows fire protection measures to be integrated into structural design as part of the passive fire protection specification. If used effectively in the specification process it can bring significant benefits to the project, including robust and safe designs, quantified structural performance and cost savings.

The suitability of a member in a structural design is generally governed by serviceability limitations such as deflection. Generally this approach provides a conservative working stress for the steel sections of approximately 50% of their overall capacity. Within the UK, this simplified approach led to the development of prescribed limiting steel temperatures of 550°C for columns and 620°C for beams.

Best-practice industry guidance published in the UK encourages designers to specify a limiting steel temperature together with the fire resistance period as part of the overall steelwork specification. Passive fire protection is generally specified post design-stage at a contractor or applicator level and sometimes very little is known about the limiting steel temperature.

This paper provides an overview of the fire protection specification and provides advice on structural fire engineering to determine a limiting steel temperature and the benefits that can be gained from doing so. The paper highlights how supplier expertise in fire engineering approaches and product performance knowledge can bring value to a design and play an important role in providing safe, cost effective and compliant solutions.
A Study on the Conservativeness of ISO Standard Fire in Office Buildings
Authors: Bahr Oliver
Published: March 2014

In fire safety engineering, the ISO standard fire often represents fire action. Nevertheless, it is often not clear how conservative the ISO standard fire is when compared to natural fires. Thus, numerical research on fires in office buildings was conducted. To assess the severity of the ISO standard fire, the author proposes a simple approach basing on the heat release rate. For two regarded office rooms, artificial heat release curves were established and used as input in the zone model ‘Ozone’. These heat release curves were adjusted in order to match gas temperatures defined by the ISO standard fire. Integration of these curves allows for determining the total energy released by the fire. If this energy is related to the compartment area, it becomes possible to compare the ISO standard fire to natural fires. Results from the limited investigations show that the ISO standard fire becomes more conservative for longer fire duration and that it is quite realistic for offices with moderate opening factors and fire durations of 60 min at most. Contrary, the ISO standard fire tends to be very conservative for offices with higher opening factors.
Stress-Strain Behaviour of Normal Compacting and Self Compacting Concrete Under Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Anand N. , Arulraj G. , Aravindhan C.
Published: March 2014

Development of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) is considered as one of the most significant development in the construction industry due to its numerous inherited benefits. With the introduction of super-plasticizers and viscosity modifying agents, it is now possible to produce concrete with high fluidity, good cohesiveness which does not require external energy for compaction. The proper understanding of the effects of elevated temperatures on the properties of SCC is necessary to ensure the safety of buildings made with SCC during fire. During the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study the stress-strain behaviour of Normal Compacting Concrete (NCC) and Self Compacting Concrete at a temperature of 900°C. A significant reduction in the Ultimate compressive strength of SCC was observed during this study. The reduction was found to be more for SCC compared to Normal compacting concrete. The reduction in the compressive strength of SCC was found to be 81.5 % for M40 concrete when exposed to 900°C.
A novel variable delay Go/No-Go task to study attention, motivation and working memory in the head-fixed rodent
Authors: Dolzani Samuel D , Nakamura Shinya , Cooper Donald C
Published: March 2014

In order to parse the causal elements underlying complex behaviors and decision-making processes, appropriate behavioral methods must be developed and used in concurrence with molecular, pharmacological, and electrophysiological approaches. Presented is a protocol for a novel Go/No-Go behavioral paradigm to study the brain attention and motivation/reward circuitry in awake, head-restrained rodents. This experimental setup allows: (1) Pharmacological and viral manipulation of various brain regions via targeted guide cannula; (2) Optogenetic cell-type specific activation and silencing with simultaneous electrophysiological recording and; (3) Repeated electrophysiological single and multiple unit recordings during ongoing behavior. The task consists of three components. The subject first makes an observing response by initiating a trial by lever pressing in response to distinctive Go or No-Go tones.  Then, after a variable delay period, the subject is presented with a challenge period cued by white noise during which they must respond with a lever press for the Go condition or withhold from lever pressing for the duration of the cue in the No-Go condition. After correctly responding during the challenge period (Challenge) and a brief delay, a final reward tone of the same frequency as the initiation tone is presented and sucrose reward delivery is available and contingent upon lever pressing. Here, we provide a novel procedure and validating data set that allows researchers to study and manipulate components of behavior such as attention, motivation, impulsivity, and reward-related working memory during an ongoing operant behavioral task while limiting interference from non task-related behaviors.
Whether There Were Changes in Lesson Structure After Introduction of FSES of PGE?
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: March 2014

Main elements of lesson structure that meets requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of the Primary General Education (FSES

of PGE) and corresponds to new tasks set for modern school are revealed in this paper. The special attention has been paid to planned personal,

meta subject and subject results which introduction assumes a search of new methodical approaches to junior school pupils’ teaching organization,

changes in traditional lesson structure, and in the nature of interaction between teacher and pupils.
Junior school pupils’ metasubject results
Authors: Кузнецова  , Kuznetsova Marina
Published: March 2014

Models related to current and total estimation of junior school pupils’ meta subject results achievement are considered in this paper, and each

model’s features are proved. Possibilities of pedagogical diagnostics in estimation of meta subject results are discussed in detail. The offered

material allows a teacher to choose the most adequate models of assessment proceeding from specifics of meta subject results themselves.
"Foundations of religious cultures and secular ethics" course realization (from the experience of schools in the Republic of Bashkortostan)
Authors: Пичугин  , Pichugin Sergey
Published: March 2014

In this paper an actual problem of modern primary education — "Bases of Religious Cultures and Secular Ethics" course introduction in the

curriculum is considered. The author notes difficulties and contradictions which had appeared at the first stage of this course studying at general

primary school, and describes possible ways of their elimination.
Obsolete words dictionary creation by the 4th Grade pupils at literary reading lessons
Authors: Дятлова  , Dyatlova N.
Published: March 2014

Primary school pupils’ creative work related to a project on obsolete words dictionary creation is revealed in this paper. A characteristic of main

methods and techniques related to development of primary school pupils’ design activity is given, management features of primary school pupils’

design activity which is organized taking into account their age, are considered.
The Doctrine of Rule of Law and Judicial Legal Positions
Authors: Gracheva Svetlana
Published: March 2014

The article comprises the analysis of the determination of the nature and essence of the rule of law as a doctrine and the general legal principle. The text explores the problem of correlation with the rule of law essential domestic legal principles - supremacy of the constitution, supremacy of the statute law, law-governed. The article focuses on the assessment of substantial characteristics of the rule of law in the judgments and legal positions of some international and national courts.
Extremism in Great Britain: Methods of Counteraction
Authors: Golovanova Natalya
Published: March 2014

The article explores the problems of the legislative regulation of the counteraction of extremism in the United Kingdom. This problem has become especially topical in Russia lately. It analyzes the current legislation, law enforcement practices and the government´s program to counter the different types of extremism. Author used abstract-logical, comparative-legal, formal-logical methods. Due to the lack of codified legislation legislative regulation is performed via a large number of statutes examined in the article. The author comes to the conclusion that there is no statutory definition of extremism in the UK. However its absence is made up for by law enforcement practice. The latter distinguishes several kinds of extremism: violent extremism, domestic extremism and hate crimes. This conclusion is confirmed by the analysis of case law. The author draws particular attention to hate crimes which, according to the British legislator, constitute any crimes committed against another person or his/her property and motivated by hostility to that person on the grounds of disability, race, religion, gender identity or sexual preferences. The article highlights the current tendency towards tightening the responsibility for such crimes.
Bids in the Field of Water-Management
Authors: Rovenskaya Inessa
Published: March 2014

The article focuses on unification of the trade legislation with the environmental legislation; the article considers the relationship between public and private law in the field of water industry. The article describes the basis for the conclusion of water use contract, water supply contracts. The article offers prospects of trades water use.
The meanings of cohabitation in ‘low cohabitation land’: the case of Italy
Authors: Santoro Monica
Published: March 2014

This article presents the results of 50 in-depth interviews with individuals who are cohabiting or who married after cohabitation. The choice of cohabitation acquires varying meanings, based on the phase of life and the stage of transition to adulthood in which it is made. When it marks attainment of independent living, it is a choice similar to marriage. For single individuals, it has a more experimental nature. It can also be dictated by an inability to sustain the wedding expenses. The preference towards cohabitation is also linked to the loss of the social significance of marriage, in so much as it is appraised for its useful instrumental function in order to acquire rights, without however rejecting the importance of its ritual dimension. The motives for getting married are essentially linked to the lack of legal recognition of common-law couples, with the aim of securing legal protection for partners and children.
Entrepreneurial Strategic Posture and Performance in Foreign Markets: The Critical Role of International Learning Effort
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Zhou Lianxi
Published: March 2014

Drawing from the attention-based view of the firm, this study adds to research on the entrepreneurial process of early and rapid internationalization by investigating the mediating role of international learning effort in the relationship between international young ventures’ entrepreneurial strategic posture and international performance and explores how external and internal factors might moderate this role. Using data from international young ventures based in China, the authors show that an entrepreneurial strategic posture enhances international performance through the intensity of learning efforts expended in foreign markets. Furthermore, the findings reveal that this mediating effect of international learning effort is more pronounced at higher levels of external competitive intensity and intrafirm social interaction. This study has great significance for the increasing body of research on international new ventures in that it reveals a critical behavioral mechanism that underpins the learning advantages of these ventures.
Cloudbasierte Infrastruktur für Bibliotheksdaten – Kernelemente und aktueller Entwicklungsstand
Authors: Risch Uwe
Published: March 2014

Das Projekt „Cloudbasierte Infrastruktur für Bibliotheksdaten“ (CIB) der deutschen Bibliotheksverbünde HeBIS, BVB und KOBV zielt auf eine Reform der hergebrachten Arbeitsteilung von lokalem Bibliotheksmanagementsystem und regionalem Verbundsystem. An ihre Stelle tritt die weitgehende Verlagerung von Katalogisierung und Lokalsystemfunktionen in internationale Plattformen. Der Aufsatz stellt die Kernelemente dieses Vorhabens dar und beschreibt den aktuellen Entwicklungsstand des Projektes.
Gesetzliche Regelungen zur Förderung von Open Access – ein kurzer Problemaufriss anlässlich eines neuen argentinischen Gesetzes
Authors: Steinhauer Eric W.
Published: March 2014

Es werden unterschiedliche Wege aufgezeigt, Open Access mit rechtlichen Instrumenten zu fördern. Besonders hervorgehoben werden dabei aktuelle Bestrebungen, durch eine entsprechende gesetzliche Verpflichtung für von der öffentlichen Hand bezahlte Wissenschaftler die Zahl der frei zugänglichen wissenschaftlichen Veröffentlichungen zu erhöhen. Als Beispiel für eine solche Verpflichtung wird ein jüngst in Argentinien erlassenes Gesetz in einer Übersetzung vorgestellt.
Bibliotheken als Bildungspartner
Authors: Marci-Boehncke Gudrun
Published: March 2014

Die Rolle der Bibliotheken bei der Leseförderung geht über die Bereitstellung von Texten und Medien hinaus. Eine wichtige Rolle spielen pädagogische Überlegungen, wie diejenigen Kinder und Jugendliche zu erreichen sind, die aus lesefernen Elternhäusern stammen. Schulen und Kitas allein können momentan diese Kinder noch nicht zuverlässig für die Nutzung von Bibliotheken interessieren. Über intensive Bildungskooperationen soll es gelingen, den Ort Bibliothek für Kinder auch in Kita und Schulalltag präsenter werden zu lassen. Bibliotheken stehen dabei an der Schnittstelle zwischen institutionell bestimmtem und privatem Alltag. Sie können zu einer stabilisierenden Institution in der Bildungsbiographie von Heranwachsenden werden, wenn es gelingt, diese Verantwortung als gesellschaftliches Gut im Bewusstsein der Bibliotheken und der breiten – auch politischen – Öffentlichkeit zu verankern. Dazu muss auch die wechselseitige Kenntnis der Möglichkeiten und Bedarfe zwischen den Institutionen optimiert werden. Ein Vergleich mit Finnland zeigt, dass es zur Intensivierung der Nutzung immer noch Menschen bedarf, die in Bibliotheken beraten und das Lesen moderieren.
Latitudinal, seasonal, and small-scale spatial differences of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, and an herbivore at their southern range limit in the northern hemisphere
Authors: Beas-Luna Rodrigo , Ladah Lydia B.
Published: March 2014

Although several studies have described kelp-urchin interactions, little is known about these interactions toward the distributional range limits of these species in areas that may experience different physical conditions than at the center of the distributional range. We explored seasonal and latitudinal changes in the population structure of the giant kelp and the purple sea urchin at their southern limits in the northern hemisphere. Densities of both organisms were positively correlated, showing a significant effect of season and latitude, and were highest in the temperate kelp populations and in the spring. The near subtropical kelp populations, however, contained significantly larger urchins. Along the boundary between the kelp beds and the urchin barrens studied, no significant spatial difference was found in sea urchin size or density. However, a general pattern of increasing probability of urchin presence with distance outside of the bed was found in spring at all sites. Spring bottom temperatures were generally colder and more variable in the temperate kelp populations, potentially explaining the larger seasonal variability found there. Data suggest seasonal differences may be modulated by the environmental variability in the temperate kelp populations and support local coupling of these two organisms at their southern range limit, in spite of the particularly unique physical conditions which occur in these populations at times.
Electromagnetic Scattering by Isoparametric Elements of Higher Order
Authors: Weggler Lucy , van Tonder Johannes J. , Jakobus Ulrich
Published: March 2014

A boundary element method with higher order isoparametric elements allows for the simulation of scattering problems given by the electric field integral equation. This paper describes the implementation and provides striking numerical evidence of the higher order convergence rates for the approximation of the electric surface current. One key issue is the necessity of higher order geometrical approximation which leads to an extreme efficiency of some mesh-dependent variable-order approximation.
Hilbert schemes and toric degenerations for low degree Fano threefolds
Authors: Christophersen Jan Arthur , Ilten Nathan
Published: March 2014

For fixed degree

d
≤
12

${d\leq 12}$

, we study the Hilbert scheme of
degree d smooth Fano threefolds in their anticanonical embeddings.
We use this to classify all possible degenerations of these varieties to toric Fano varieties with at most Gorenstein singularities.
First trimester three-dimensional ultrasonographic diagnosis of diastrophic dysplasia: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ozyuncu Ozgur , Turgal Mert , Yazicioglu Aslihan
Published: March 2014

Diastrophic dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder characterized by short limbs and deformities of several joints occurring in conjunction with xyphoscoliosis, distinctive abduction of the first metacarpals (hitchhiker thumbs). A 28-year-old pregnant patient was referred due to detection of increased nuchal translucency at the first-trimester scan. We describe a case of diastrophic dysplasia diagnosed by two- and three-dimensional ultrasound and termination of pregnancy at 13 weeks of gestation. This case is the first report in the literature in which 3D ultrasound was used in diagnosis of diastrophic dysplasia as early as the 13th week of pregnancy. We think that prenatal diagnosis of diastrophic dysplasia can be possible even at first trimester.
Preparation of Eupatorium Adenophorum Based Porous Carbon with Microwave Heating using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zheng Zhao-qiang , Xia Hong-ying , Srinivasakannan C. , Peng Jin-hui , Zhang Li-bo
Published: March 2014

Eupatorium adenophorum was utilized as raw materials for the preparation of activated carbon via microwave assisted steam activation. Influences of the three vital process parameters – activation temperature, activation duration and steam flow rate – have been assessed on the adsorption capacity and yield of Eupatorium adenophorum activated carbon (EAAC). The process parameters were optimized utilizing the Design Expert software and were identified to be an activation duration of 45 min, an activation temperature of 950 °C and a steam flow rate of 0.7 ml/min, with the resultant iodine number and yield being 1,010 mg/g and 20.13% respectively. The validity of process model to optimize the process parameters was verified using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The key parameters that characterize quality of the porous carbon such as the BET surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter were estimated to be 1,142 m2/g, 0.84 ml/g and 3.3 nm respectively, for the sample corresponding to the optimized process conditions. Additionally the pore structure is characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The present work strongly supports utilization of Eupatorium adenophorum as a potential precursor through microwave heating.
A Study on the Flow Properties of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Ramesh Balakrishnan , Senthilvelan Thiyagrajan
Published: March 2014

The current work invisages the formability studies on aluminum alloys (RR58) of sintered preforms at different working conditions such as change in aspect ratio, density, temperature by carrying out upsetting test. The effect of strength coefficient (k) and strain hardening exponent (n) have been studied in detail and the inferences are correlated with earlier findings. The phenomenon of barreling has been vividly investigated and correlated with the results obtained from finite element analysis. The radius of curvature of the barrel obtained from experimental work coincides well with the calculated values and barreling radius calculated from finite element analysis concur well with the experimental findings.