bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Algorithms for Electrostatic Interactions Including Dielectric Contrasts
Authors: Arnold Axel , Breitsprecher Konrad , Fahrenberger Florian , Kesselheim Stefan , Lenz Olaf , Holm Christian
Published: October 2013

Coarse-grained models of soft matter are usually combined with implicit solvent models that take the electrostatic polarizability into account via a dielectric background. In biophysical or nanoscale simulations that include water, this constant can vary greatly within the system. Performing molecular dynamics or other simulations that need to compute exact electrostatic interactions between charges in those systems is computationally demanding. We review here several algorithms developed by us that perform exactly this task. For planar dielectric surfaces in partial periodic boundary conditions, the arising image charges can be either treated with the MMM2D algorithm in a very efficient and accurate way or with the electrostatic layer correction term, which enables the user to use his favorite 3D periodic Coulomb solver. Arbitrarily-shaped interfaces can be dealt with using induced surface charges with the induced charge calculation (ICC*) algorithm. Finally, the local electrostatics algorithm, MEMD(Maxwell Equations Molecular Dynamics), even allows one to employ a smoothly varying dielectric constant in the systems. We introduce the concepts of these three algorithms and an extension for the inclusion of boundaries that are to be held fixed at a constant potential (metal conditions). For each method, we present a showcase application to highlight the importance of dielectric interfaces.
Modeling the Effects of the Cathode Composition of a Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery on the Discharge Behavior
Authors: Lee Jeongbin , Yi Jaeshin , Shin Chee , Yu Seung , Cho Won
Published: October 2013

This paper reports a modeling methodology to predict the effects on the discharge behavior of the cathode composition of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell comprising a LFP cathode, a lithium metal anode, and an organic electrolyte. A one-dimensional model based on a finite element method is presented to calculate the cell voltage change of a LFP battery cell during galvanostatic discharge. To test the validity of the modeling approach, the modeling results for the variations of the cell voltage of the LFP battery as a function of time are compared with the experimental measurements during galvanostatic discharge at various discharge rates of 0.1C, 0.5C, 1.0C, and 2.0C for three different compositions of the LFP cathode. The discharge curves obtained from the model are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. On the basis of the validated modeling approach, the effects of the cathode composition on the discharge behavior of a LFP battery cell are estimated. The modeling results exhibit highly nonlinear dependencies of the discharge behavior of a LFP battery cell on the discharge C-rate and cathode composition.
Kaempferol Promotes Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cells by Inducing the Tumor Suppressor, PTEN
Authors: Xie Feng , Su Ming , Qiu Wei , Zhang Min , Guo Zhongqiang , Su Boxing , Liu Jie , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun
Published: October 2013

Kaempferol (Kae), a natural flavonoid, is widely distributed in fruits and vegetables. Previous studies have identified Kae as a possible cancer preventive and therapeutic agent. We found Kae to exhibit potent antiproliferation and anti-migration effects in human bladder cancer EJ cells. Kaempferol robustly induced apoptosis in EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by increased cleavage of caspase-3. Furthermore, we found Kae-induced apoptosis in EJ cells to be associated with phosphatase and the tensin homolog deleted on the chromosome 10 (PTEN)/PI3K/Akt pathway. Kae significantly increased PTEN and decreased Akt phosphorylation. Kae-induced apoptosis was partially attenuated in PTEN-knockdown cells. Our findings indicate that Kae could be an alternative medicine for bladder cancer, based on a PTEN activation mechanism.
Synthesis of 3,4-Dibenzyltetrahydrofuran Lignans (9,9′-Epoxylignanes)
Authors: Pohjoispää Monika , Wähälä Kristiina
Published: October 2013

Different strategies for the racemic or enantiospecific total syntheses of plant and mammalian 3,4-dibenzyltetrahydrofuran lignans are reviewed and compared. The multi-step approaches have various key step strategies: Diels–Alder reactions, Stobbe condensations, Michael additions, alkylations, nitrile oxide cycloadditions, radical cyclisations, dianion and oxidative couplings.
Physiological Effects of l-Theanine on Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Wenzhe , Yu Huiyi , Yuan Ruiqi , Yang Yang , Pung Kingston , Li Ping , Xue Lei
Published: October 2013

Green tea has been consumed as the most popular drink in East Asia for centuries, and is believed to have a wide range of health benefits. l-Theanine, the major component of the free amino acids in green tea, has been reported to display neuronal protection and tumor inhibition in vitro, but its physiological effects on animal development and behavior remain elusive. In this report, we used Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, as a model organism to investigate the physiological effects of L-theanine. Flies were fed with three different concentrations of theanine as a dietary supplement after eclosion, and were examined for a variety of physiological parameters at different time points. We found theanine treatment results in significantly increased locomotion and courtship ability, and decreased resistance against wet and dry starvation in males, but not in females. Furthermore, theanine application diminished UV tolerance in females, but not in males. However, we did not perceive distinguishable effect of theanine on animal development, life span, weight, and tolerance of heat and anoxia. This work represents the first comprehensive physiological investigation of L-theanine at the whole animal level, and shall shed light on the mechanistic study of theanine in the future.
Genistein Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells via G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Xiongxiong , Sun Chao , Jin Xiaodong , Li Ping , Ye Fei , Zhao Ting , Gong Li , Li Qiang
Published: October 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of genistein, and the corresponding mechanisms of action on breast cancer cells with different estrogen receptor (ER) status. Human breast cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 (ER-positive, harboring wild-type p53) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative, harboring mutant p53) were irradiated with X-rays in the presence or absence of genistein. Cell survival, DNA damage and repair, cell cycle distribution, cell apoptosis, expression of proteins related to G2/M cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis were measured with colony formation assays, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and western blot analysis, respectively. Genistein showed relatively weak toxicity to both cell lines at concentrations in the range of 5–20 μM. Using the dosage of 10 μM genistein, the sensitizer enhancement ratios after exposure to X-rays at a 10% cell survival (IC10) were 1.43 for MCF-7 and 1.36 for MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Significantly increased DNA damages, arrested cells at G2/M phase, decreased homologous recombination repair protein Rad51 foci formation and enhanced apoptotic rates were observed in both cell lines treated by genistein combined with X-rays compared with the irradiation alone. The combined treatment obviously up-regulated the phosphorylation of ATM, Chk2, Cdc25c and Cdc2, leading to permanent G2/M phase arrest, and up-regulated Bax and p73, down-regulated Bcl-2, finally induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in both cell lines. These results suggest that genistein induces G2/M arrest by the activation of the ATM/Chk2/Cdc25C/Cdc2 checkpoint pathway and ultimately enhances the radiosensitivity of both ER+ and ER- breast cancer cells through a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.
Tuning NaYF4 Nanoparticles through Alkaline Earth Doping
Authors: Chen Xian , Peng Dengfeng , Wang Feng
Published: October 2013

Phase and size of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles are the most important characteristics that dictate optical properties of these nanoparticles and affect their technological applications. Herein, we present a systematic study to examine the effect of alkaline earth doping on the formation of NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles. We show that alkaline earth doping has a dual function of tuning particle size of hexagonal phase NaYF4 nanoparticles and stabilizing cubic phase NaYF4 nanoparticles depending on composition and concentration of the dopant ions. The study described here represents a facile and general strategy to tuning the properties of NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles.
Detection of Forest Clear-Cuts with Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and Tandem-X InSAR Data
Authors: Solberg Svein , Astrup Rasmus , Weydahl Dan
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether forest clear-cuts during 2000–2011 could be detected as a decrease in surface height by combining Digital Surface Models (DSMs) from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and Tandem-X, and to evaluate the performance of this method using SRTM X- and C-band data as references representing the heights before logging. The study area was located in a Norway spruce-dominated forest estate in southeastern Norway. We interpolated 11-year DSM changes into a 10 m × 10 m raster, and averaged these changes per forest stand. Based on threshold values for DSM decreases we classified the pixels and stands into the categories “clear-cut” and “not clear-cut”, and compared this to a complete record of logged stands during 2000–2011. The classification accuracy was moderate or fairly good. A correct detection was achieved for 59%–67% of the clear-cut stands. Omission errors were most common, occurring in 33%–42% of the stands. Commission errors were found in 13%–21% of the clear-cut stands. The results obtained for X-band SRTM were only marginally better than for C-band. In conclusion, the combination of SRTM and Tandem-X has the potential of providing near global data sets for the recent 12 years’ logging, which should be particularly valuable for deforestation mapping.
A 94-GHz Millimeter-Wave Sensor for Speech Signal Acquisition
Authors: Li Sheng , Tian Ying , Lu Guohua , Zhang Yang , Lv Hao , Yu Xiao , Xue Huijun , Zhang Hua , Wang Jianqi , Jing Xijing
Published: October 2013

High frequency millimeter-wave (MMW) radar-like sensors enable the detection of speech signals. This novel non-acoustic speech detection method has some special advantages not offered by traditional microphones, such as preventing strong-acoustic interference, high directional sensitivity with penetration, and long detection distance. A 94-GHz MMW radar sensor was employed in this study to test its speech acquisition ability. A 34-GHz zero intermediate frequency radar, a 34-GHz superheterodyne radar, and a microphone were also used for comparison purposes. A short-time phase-spectrum-compensation algorithm was used to enhance the detected speech. The results reveal that the 94-GHz radar sensor showed the highest sensitivity and obtained the highest speech quality subjective measurement score. This result suggests that the MMW radar sensor has better performance than a traditional microphone in terms of speech detection for detection distances longer than 1 m. As a substitute for the traditional speech acquisition method, this novel speech acquisition method demonstrates a large potential for many speech related applications.
A Generalized Pyramid Matching Kernel for Human Action Recognition in Realistic Videos
Authors: Zhu Jun , Zhou Quan , Zou Weijia , Zhang Rui , Zhang Wenjun
Published: October 2013

Human action recognition is an increasingly important research topic in the fields of video sensing, analysis and understanding. Caused by unconstrained sensing conditions, there exist large intra-class variations and inter-class ambiguities in realistic videos, which hinder the improvement of recognition performance for recent vision-based action recognition systems. In this paper, we propose a generalized pyramid matching kernel (GPMK) for recognizing human actions in realistic videos, based on a multi-channel “bag of words” representation constructed from local spatial-temporal features of video clips. As an extension to the spatial-temporal pyramid matching (STPM) kernel, the GPMK leverages heterogeneous visual cues in multiple feature descriptor types and spatial-temporal grid granularity levels, to build a valid similarity metric between two video clips for kernel-based classification. Instead of the predefined and fixed weights used in STPM, we present a simple, yet effective, method to compute adaptive channel weights of GPMK based on the kernel target alignment from training data. It incorporates prior knowledge and the data-driven information of different channels in a principled way. The experimental results on three challenging video datasets (i.e., Hollywood2, Youtube and HMDB51) validate the superiority of our GPMK w.r.t. the traditional STPM kernel for realistic human action recognition and outperform the state-of-the-art results in the literature.
Mixing Precipitation of CaCO3 in Natural Waters
Authors: Chen Jie , Qian Hui , Li Peiyue
Published: October 2013

The mixing precipitation of CaCO3 in natural waters was theoretically studied by the methods of chemical equilibrium calculation. Results show that mixing precipitation of CaCO3 can be produced by mixing between two unsaturated water samples with respect to CaCO3, two oversaturated water samples, an unsaturated water sample and an oversaturated water sample. Mixing precipitation can be classified into two major different types: mixing precipitation in a strict sense and mixing precipitation in a broad sense. Mixing precipitation in a strict sense refers to the mixing effect that makes the state of CaCO3 change from dissolution into precipitation, or the increases in the precipitability of CaCO3 in mixed water. Mixing precipitation in a broad sense refers to the mixing effect that reduces the solubility of CaCO3 in mixed water. Mixing precipitation is controlled by simultaneous chemical equilibria. Generally, if the HCO3− concentration is higher in one solution and the Ca2+ concentration is higher in the other, mixing precipitation of CaCO3 will occur when they are combined.
Le problème d'Anaxagore
Authors: Mugler Charles
Published: October 2013

Le sens exact de certains fragments d'Anaxagore ne peut être retrouvé que si on les interprète à la lumière de la terminologie mathématique et physique de la fin du Ve siècle. L'A. applique cette méthode en particulier aux fragments 1, 3 et 9, en analysant les expressions καὶ τλήθος καὶ σμικρότητα, ἄπειρος, τα μή ούκ εἴναι et en examinant l'appartenance syntaxique de ταχὺ au fragment 9. Il tient compte, en plus, d'un texte de Proclus pour préciser la définition des homéomères. Ainsi interprétés, les fragments apparaissent comme les vestiges d'un système du monde cohérent, où entre autres la contradiction apparente entre ἄλλῃ du fragment 4 et ἐν τῷ ἑνὶ κόσμῳ du fragment 8 se résout par la représentation d'un cosmos unique soumis à une croissance homothétique.
Sur deux manuscrits grecs (Venetus A de l'Iliade - Laurentianus XXXII 2 d'Euripide)
Authors: Hemmerdinger Bertrand
Published: October 2013

a) Le Venetus A de l'Iliade a été écrit par le moine Ephrem peu avant 947. Les notes marginales en petite onciale ne sont de la main d'Aréthas ni dans le Venetus A ni dans l'Athous Lavra 184 b) Le Laurentianus XXXII-2 a une note de possesseur qui nous apprend que Barlaam est mort avant le 23 juin 1348. Barlaam possédait le Laurentianus XXXII-2 d'Euripide, et un Platon. La Renaissance a commencé à Byzanee, et Barlaam y a initié les Italiens.
Les noms suffixés en -μος -μός dans le corpus homérique : critères de distribution morphosémantique
Authors: Rico Christophe
Published: October 2013

In the present article, we try to establish the criteria for the morphological and semantic distribution of -μος / -μός nouns in Homer. The common theory suggests that in indo-european *-rao- was a single suffix which gave only adjectives. We will try here to show that this suffix was in fact originally dual. It included in indo-european two different types : one producing o-root grade nouns that indicated the result of the action and another type producing zero-root grade adjectives that indicated a capability. This original structure casts a light on the historical situation of Greek -μος / -μός nouns.
Les Maximes de Démocrate et Callimaque
Authors: Navaud Guillaume
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study is to reconsider a controversial issue : the nature of the Sayings of Démocrates. The authorship of this anthology is usually ascribed to Democritus, although its degree of authenticity has often been suspected, on formal as well as on contenuistic grounds. How can we account for the form of the sayings (one sentence, a vocabulary that is obviously vulgarized), while they sometimes do corroborate other (and more openly reliable) testimonies about Democritus' ethics ? There is an hypothesis that would be most favorable to a direct (though most unfaithful to the letter of the text) derivation of the sayings from Democritus : they could result from an abréviation of a glossary of idiomatic expressions used by « Démocrates » published by Callimachus, as we are told by the notice on the alexandrian scholar that appears in the Souda. I hereby investigate the shape that the original Callimachean glossary could have taken, the reasons why the name Democritus could have been corrupted, as it seems, into Démocrates, and finally why and how this glossary could have resulted in a moral gnomology, considering what we may know about the way the Ancients respectively used glossaries and gnomologies in a didactic context.
Les décrets de Colophon-sur-Mer en l'honneur des Attalides Athènaios et Philétairos
Authors: Gauthier Philippe
Published: October 2013

The study is in two parts. 1) A new edition of the decree of Colophon-sur-Mer in honor of Prince Athenaios of Pergamon, the youngest son of Attale I.

2) Edition and commentary of a fragment of a decree of the same city in honor of Prince Philetairos, brother of Athenaios.
Unité et diversité : la Grèce de Pausanias
Authors: Jost Madeleine
Published: October 2013

The idea is spreading at the moment that Pausanias' Greece is undivided and derives, despite regional diversity, from a global vision. Several scholars thus propose a "unitary" conception of the Periegesis, of which the aim would be to describe "Greek identity". But can one attribute a feeling of panhellenism to Pausanias ? Is what is common to Greeks more important in his eyes than what divides them ? In fact, for religious life his references back to the panhellenic tradition are a form of recourse to a common language in order to be understood by his readers ; but emphasis is put above all on particular local features, differences and singularities. Likewise for the history of Greece, if Pausanias refers to common substrate, what he emphasises are divergences among Greeks much more than their unity ; as for the frequently cited passages of Books I, 26, 4 and VIII, 52, 4-5, it is excessive to find in them the expression of a panhellenic "ideal". Pausanias as writer means to please by gathering together and transmitting the heritage of Greece's past ; in it religion takes a preponderant place ; there is no need to assign to him a design either political or religious.
La sirène et l'enchanteur : portraits croisés d'Eschine et de Démosthène à la tribune
Authors: Gotteland Sophie
Published: October 2013

In the derogatory portraits that they reciprocally paint of each other, Aeschines and Demosthenes leave a great part to oratory action, claiming to unmask their adversary's true personality and to show how he strays from the norm of σωφροσύνη. Each of them however chooses to emphasize a different aspect. Demosthenes denounces the vocal prowess and the seasoned technique of a voice that does not reflect the true orator's state of mind and is raised only to serve his personal ambitions. As much as his façade solemnity and his seductive speeches, his eloquent silences betray the former actor's ambiguous role. Aeschines's criticisms, on the contrary, deal essentially with his adversary's range of gestures. His often abrupt taking of the floor, his gesturing at the tribune, his vulgar or unbecoming postures, are the mark of a dangerous orator, whose excesses echo back to the figure of a Cleon and who, like the latter, tries to cast on his audience a spell that would be that of miracle maker.
EFFECTS OF GEOGRID REINFORCEMENT IN LOW VOLUME FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT
Authors: Kim Minkwan , Lee Joo Hyoung
Published: October 2013

This paper presents findings of a study on geogrid reinforced flexible pavement in a low volume road through a three-dimensional finite element analysis. A mechanistic model was developed for geogrid reinforced flexible pavement. To analyze the behavior of pavement foundation, stress-dependent resilient modulus models were employed in both base and subgrade layers. The model also incorporated previous research findings to enhance the reliability of the analysis. During the analysis, comparisons were made to contrast the responses of low volume flexible pavement with and without geogrid. The results show geogrid reinforcement reduces critical pavement responses under traffic loading, such as vertical surface deflection, tensile strain in asphalt concrete, and compressive strain in subgrade. The study found up to 18% reduction of vertical strain at the top of subgrade and 68% reduction of tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt concrete. Also, geogrid provides confining stresses in the adjacent aggregate layer, which leads to surrounding layers becoming stiffer. Based on the results of this study, the placement of geogrid reinforcement on top of weak subgrade was found particularly effective compared to that on strong subgrade.
COMBINED 3D BUILDING SURVEYING TECHNIQUES – TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING (TLS) AND TOTAL STATION SURVEYING FOR BIM DATA MANAGEMENT PURPOSES
Authors: Mill Tarvo , Alt Aivars , Liias Roode
Published: October 2013

Building information modelling (BIM) represents the process of development and use of a computer generated model to simulate the planning, design, construction and operation of a building. The utilisation of building information models has increased in recent years due to their economic benefits in design and construction phases and in building management. BIM has been widely applied in the design and construction of new buildings but rarely in the management of existing ones. The point of creating a BIM model for an existing building is to produce accurate information related to the building, including its physical and functional characteristics, geometry and inner spatial relationships. The case study provides a critical appraisal of the process of both collecting accurate survey data using a terrestrial laser scanner combined with a total station and creating a BIM model as the basis of a digital management model. The case study shows that it is possible to detect and define facade damage by integration of the laser scanning point cloud and the creation of the BIM model. The paper will also give an overview of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), total station surveying, geodetic survey networks and data processing to create a BIM model.
STUDY ON COMPRESSIVE BEARING CAPACITY OF CONCRETE-FILLED SQUARE STEEL TUBE COLUMN REINFORCED BY CIRCULAR STEEL TUBE INSIDE
Authors: Zhang Yufen , Zhao Junhai , Yuan Weifeng
Published: October 2013

This paper concentrates on the compressive bearing capacity of one composite column of a Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tube (CFSST) reinforced by a circular steel tube inside. Some tests were conducted to consider the compression behaviour of the stub columns under axial compressive loading. Through an elastoplastic limit analysis based on Unified Strength Theory (UST), the ultimate load capacity of the CFSST columns reinforced by inner circular steel tube under axial compression has been derived, which has a good agreement with the experimental results in comparison with other empirical models. So this model is extended to predict the optimal design of the inner tube, namely, Di/ti and Di/B. In addition, another simple model is also proposed to testify the optimal section of this composite column. With the optimal circular steel tubes inside the CFSST column, the composite column can result in significant savings in column size, which ultimately can lead to significant economic savings and higher bearing capacity. The results show that it has a theoretical significance and application value to adopt circular steel tube to strengthen CFSST column.
ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON REPAIR EFFECTIVENESS OF CFRP SHEETS FOR RC BEAMS
Authors: Fayyadh Moatasem M. , Razak H. Abdul
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the results of both analytical and experimental study on the repair effectiveness of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets for RC beams with different levels of pre-repair damage severity. It highlights the effect of fixing CFRP sheets to damaged beams on the load capacity, mid-span deflection, the steel strain and the CFRP strain and failure modes. The analytical study was based on a Finite Element (FE) model of the beam using brick and embedded bar elements for the concrete and steel reinforcement, respectively. The CFRP sheets and adhesive interface were modelled using shell elements with orthotropic material properties and incorporating the ultimate adhesive strain obtained experimentally to define the limit for debonding. In order to validate the analytical model, the FE results were compared with the results obtained from laboratory tests conducted on a control beam and three other beams subjected to different damage loads prior to repair with CFRP sheets. The results obtained showed good agreement, and this study verified the adopted approach of modelling the adhesive interface between the RC beam and the CFRP sheets using the ultimate adhesive strains obtained experimentally.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REINFORCEMENTS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE CORBELS
Authors: Rezaei Mehdi , Osman Siti Aminah , Shanmugam Nandivaram E.
Published: October 2013

The study is concerned with normal-strength concrete corbels. 30 such corbels were studied by finite element modelling and the variables considered include ratios of primary and secondary reinforcement, type of applied loading, vertical or horizontal. Finite element modelling with a software package LUSAS was used to analyse four series of corbels namely PV series (primary reinforcement with vertical loading), SV series (secondary reinforcement with vertical loading), PH series (primary reinforcement with horizontal loading) and SH series (secondary reinforcement with horizontal loading). The results indicate that corbels with neither primary reinforcement nor secondary reinforcement fail suddenly. In the case of PV series and SV series, corbels increase in ratio of primary and secondary reinforcement generally resulted in enhancement of strength and ductility when subjected to only vertical loading. This increase is significant up to 0.4% in the case of primary reinforcement and 0.3% in the case of secondary reinforcements. No noticeable change in ultimate load or ductility was observed for corbels in PH series and SH series.
DEVELOPING COMPUTER-BASED SCHEDULE DELAY ANALYSIS METHODS BASED ON INFORMATION FLOW ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Tsai Ming-Kuan , Yang Jyh-Bin , Yau Nie-Jia
Published: October 2013

Schedule analysts often resolve diverse schedule delay problems in construction projects based on their subjective experiences. Although various process-based and mathematical-model schedule delay analysis methods are available for effective schedule delay analysis, these methods require time-consuming manual operation. The use of computer-based schedule delay analysis methods seems to be a solution. However, schedule analysts still have difficulty developing computer-based schedule delay analysis methods. Therefore, this study applies information flow analysis to classify the necessary work to develop computer-based schedule delay analysis methods. In contrast to numerous studies that focus only on computerizing a process-based or a mathematical-model schedule delay analysis method, this study constructs a computer-based method that integrates two process-based schedule delay analysis methods simultaneously. In a tested case study, the delay liability for the project owner and contractor was classified successfully. Importantly, this study provides a useful reference for similar applications in project management.
COMPARISON REFURBISHMENT MODELS OF DISTRICT HEATING NETWORKS
Authors: Kuprys Algirdas , Gatautis Ramūnas
Published: October 2013

The renovation of multi-storey residential buildings reduces heat consumption intensity and decreases heat demand, which may have a harmful effect on a district heating supply system. The paper analyses the heat loss change in four district heating distribution networks (DHNs) of Kaunas at the various scenarios of buildings and DHN renovation stages. A bundle of genetic algorithm software package was used to carry out the districts’ distribution network hydraulic calculations in the case of building renovation without changing the hydrodynamic and network routes. The experimental data were used to calculate heat loss for old and new pipes. The computer data of networks used to summarise the cost of DHN then for the renovation of buildings as well as for renovation progress will go evenly with DHN refurbishment. Network optimization results were summarised by functional dependence. The comparison of the projects’ efficiency was analysed in the following cases: the diameters of pipes of DHN were not changed, new diameters of pipes were integrated partly after partial residential buildings renovation and after a complete renovation of residential building and optimisation of pipeline diameters. The efficiency of separate guidelines of the DHN refurbishment project was summarised by performing sensitivity analysis.
La dichotomie comme grille de lecture du conflit espagnol dans la presse napoléonienne : l’Espagne réfractaire contre l’Espagne « régénérationniste »
Authors: Soupiron Stéphane
Published: October 2013

L’article revient sur un procédé discursif utilisé massivement par la propagande napoléonienne dans l’organe de presse que constitue le Journal de l’Empire, à savoir l’opposition dichotomique. En même temps, il permet de mettre en avant les causes profondes de la campagne d’Espagne puisqu’il s’attarde sur les préjugés et l’incompréhension de la France face à la nation qu’elle se destina à « régénérer ». Inspirée en grande partie des Lumières, l’image montrée par le quotidien parisien est celle d’une nation espagnole ayant un potentiel important mais étant toutefois paralysée par l’action d’une communauté monacale importante, rétrograde et superstitieuse, nullement comparable aux autres clergés d’Europe. On y retrouve également l’opposition qui est faite entre les bons et les mauvais Espagnols suivant qu’ils soutiennent ou non le pouvoir napoléonien. Enfin, outre le réquisitoire qui est mené sur l’alliance malsaine qui unit la révolution espagnole à l’Anglais malfaisant, se noue un discours venant discréditer les membres de la Junte de Séville.
El Semanario Económico (1765-1767): a la Ilustración por la utilidad
Authors: Ocampo Suárez-Valdés Joaquín
Published: October 2013

Au cours de sa brève trajectoire éditoriale, le Semanario Económico (1765-1767), qui figure parmi les pionniers de la presse, reproduit dans ses pages certains des traits distinctifs des « Lumières précoces » espagnoles: conscience du retard économique et scientifique de l'Espagne, volonté (peut-être volontarisme, en raison du décalage entre fins et moyens) de se mettre au diapason des nations européennes les plus développées, effort pour harmoniser tradition et modernité, et, enfin, cet optimisme éclairé qui assumait que la diffusion des Lumières constituait une condition suffisante pour combler son retard, en ignorant les restrictions et résistances sociales au changement. Sans pour autant ôter une once de mérite au solitaire et titanesque effort de son éditeur et rédacteur, Pedro Araus, on ne peut, dans le cadre d'une analyse historique, ignorer l'abîme qui existe entre l'offre culturelle offerte par le périodique et l'aversion au risque ainsi que la demande de stabilité des groupes privilégiés de l'Ancien Régime, hypothétiques lecteurs de cette publication.
‘The Voice in the Mirror’. Michael Jackson: From a Vocal Identity to its Double in Sound
Authors: Stegner-Petitjean Isabelle
Published: October 2013

Michael Jackson est un artiste dont les multiples expressions vocales constituent le premier jalon d’une identité paroxystiquement pop. Les références esthétiques éclectiques qui ont échafaudé et nourri sa vocalité se sont trouvées systématiquement réappropriées, réinvesties et assimilées en une seule et même personnalité vocale. L’identité sonore de Michael Jackson, outre ses constituants mélodiques et rythmiques, est construite de façon audible et tangible sur un phénomène de physicalité qui fait la part belle au bruitisme buccal, guttural, respiratoire ou corporel d’un chanteur dansant même en studio. Soucieux de restituer avec transparence cette identité, l’ingénieur du son Bruce Swedien a opté pour des approches techniques et des stratégies de studio visant à conserver fidèlement les expressions premières du chanteur : micros, prises de son analogiques, techniques d’enregistrement des larges prismes vocaux, élaboration d’espaces acoustiques naturels, champ stéréophonique converti en un espace sonore tridimensionnel jouant sur les early reflections, plywood, Monstercable ou encore Tubetraps ont fait l’objet, dans la quête d’authenticité de Bruce Swedien, de choix délibérés convoquant conjointement ou tour à tour tradition et technologie.
Acute-Phase Protein Hemopexin Is a Negative Regulator of Th17 Response and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Development
Authors: Rolla Simona , Ingoglia Giada , Bardina Valentina , Silengo Lorenzo , Altruda Fiorella , Novelli Francesco , Tolosano Emanuela
Published: October 2013

Hemopexin (Hx) is an acute-phase protein synthesized by hepatocytes in response to the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Hx is the plasma protein with the highest binding affinity to heme and controls heme-iron availability in tissues and also in T lymphocytes, where it modulates their responsiveness to IFN-γ. Recent data have questioned regarding an anti-inflammatory role of Hx, a role that may be both heme-binding dependent and independent. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Hx in the development of a T cell–mediated inflammatory autoimmune response. During experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the mouse model of multiple sclerosis, Hx content in serum increased and remained high. When EAE was induced in Hx knockout (Hx−/−) mice, they developed a clinically earlier and exacerbated EAE compared with wild-type mice, associated to a higher amount of CD4+-infiltrating T cells. The severe EAE developed by Hx−/− mice could be ascribed to an enhanced expansion of Th17 cells accounting for both a higher disposition of naive T cells to differentiate toward the Th17 lineage and a higher production of Th17 differentiating cytokines IL-6 and IL-23 by APCs. When purified human Hx was injected in Hx−/− mice before EAE induction, Th17 expansion, as well as disease severity, were comparable with those of wild-type mice. Taken together, these data indicate that Hx has a negative regulatory role in Th17-mediated inflammation and prospect its pharmacological use to limit the expansion of this cell subset in inflammatory and autoimmune disease.
Optimized Tetramer Analysis Reveals Ly49 Promiscuity for MHC Ligands
Authors: McFall Emily , Tu Megan M. , Al-Khattabi Nuha , Tai Lee-Hwa , St.-Laurent Aaron S. , Tzankova Velina , Hall Clayton W. , Belanger Simon , Troke Angela D. , Wight Andrew , Mahmoud Ahmad Bakur , Zein Haggag S. , Rahim Mir Munir A. , Carlyle James R. , Makrigiannis Andrew P.
Published: October 2013

Murine Ly49 receptors, which are expressed mainly on NK and NKT cells, interact with MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules with varying specificity. Differing reports of Ly49/MHC binding affinities may be affected by multiple factors, including cis versus trans competition and species origin of the MHC-I L chain (β2-microglobulin). To determine the contribution of each of these factors, Ly49G, Ly49I, Ly49O, Ly49V, and Ly49Q receptors from the 129 mouse strain were expressed individually on human 293T cells or the mouse cell lines MHC-I–deficient C1498, H-2b–expressing MC57G, and H-2k–expressing L929. The capacity to bind to H-2Db– and H-2Kb–soluble MHC-I tetramers containing either human or murine β2-microglobulin L chains was tested for all five Ly49 receptors in all four cell lines. We found that most of these five inhibitory Ly49 receptors show binding for one or both self–MHC-I molecules in soluble tetramer binding assays when three conditions are fulfilled: 1) lack of competing cis interactions, 2) tetramer L chain is of mouse origin, and 3) Ly49 is expressed in mouse and not human cell lines. Furthermore, Ly49Q, the single known MHC-I receptor on plasmacytoid dendritic cells, was shown to bind H-2Db in addition to H-2Kb when the above conditions were met, suggesting that Ly49Q functions as a pan–MHC-Ia receptor on plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In this study, we have optimized the parameters for soluble tetramer binding analyses to enhance future Ly49 ligand identification and to better evaluate specific contributions by different Ly49/MHC-I pairs to NK cell education and function.
Complement Factor B Is the Downstream Effector of TLRs and Plays an Important Role in a Mouse Model of Severe Sepsis
Authors: Zou Lin , Feng Yan , Li Yan , Zhang Ming , Chen Chan , Cai Jiayan , Gong Yu , Wang Larry , Thurman Joshua M. , Wu Xiaobo , Atkinson John P. , Chao Wei
Published: October 2013

Severe sepsis involves massive activation of the innate immune system and leads to high mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that various types of TLRs mediate a systemic inflammatory response and contribute to organ injury and mortality in animal models of severe sepsis. However, the downstream mechanisms responsible for TLR-mediated septic injury are poorly understood. In this article, we show that activation of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 markedly enhanced complement factor B (cfB) synthesis and release by macrophages and cardiac cells. Polymicrobial sepsis, created by cecal ligation and puncture in a mouse model, augmented cfB levels in the serum, peritoneal cavity, and major organs including the kidney and heart. Cecal ligation and puncture also led to the alternative pathway activation, C3 fragment deposition in the kidney and heart, and cfB-dependent C3dg elevation. Bacteria isolated from septic mice activated the serum alternative pathway via a factor D–dependent manner. MyD88 deletion attenuated cfB/C3 upregulation as well as cleavage induced by polymicrobial infection. Importantly, during sepsis, absence of cfB conferred a protective effect with improved survival and cardiac function and markedly attenuated acute kidney injury. cfB deletion also led to increased neutrophil migratory function during the early phase of sepsis, decreased local and systemic bacterial load, attenuated cytokine production, and reduced neutrophil reactive oxygen species production. Together, our data indicate that cfB acts as a downstream effector of TLR signaling and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of severe bacterial sepsis.
Political independence of the South African Reserve Bank: Managing interest rates
Authors: Kleynhans Ewert P.J. , Meintjes Ryan
Published: October 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to determine whether the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is politically independent and able to operate without undue external influence.Problem investigated: The SARB is under increasing pressure to shift its monetary policy stance in order to boost the country’s competitiveness. Whether external demands have compromised its independence at times has been the subject of debate.Methodology: The study comprised a literature review and econometric analysis of the Bank’s independence. Movements in interest rates were used as an indicator of dependence. The analysis was between actual interest rates in South Africa over the past two decades, and a model of what interest rates should have been during this period, with reference to Taylor’s Rule. Differences between the two were assumed to expose shortcomings in the direction of South Africa’s monetary policy and therefore some degree of dependence.Findings and implications: Movement of the two sets of rates correlated, which suggests SARB independence. The findings did not reveal harmony between the levels of the two sets of rates. However, the latter correlation was not the focus of this study.Originality and value of the research: This study makes an important contribution, as few authors researched the relationship between interest rates and the SARB’s independence scientifically. The study is well timed as the SARB’s independence debate has reached concerning levels.Conclusion: The results suggest almost no level of dependence – which does not necessarily imply that the SARB is entitled to reject all external input, but rather that it can prioritise its objective of price stability over other concerns.
Assessering in wiskunde: Die behoefte aan ’n positiewe benadering
Authors: Maree Jacobus G.
Published: October 2013

The marks that learners obtain in mathematics have a potentially significant impact on aspects such as acceptance into certain fields of study and being considered for bursaries and eventual employment (by default, therefore, their design of a future, success and happiness). For this reason, there is great concern at national level about inadequate achievement in mathematics and the high dropout figure at both school and tertiary level. This article offers a critical reflection on the current way in which assessment is conducted in mathematics. The first part of the article consists of reflection on the one-sided manner in which assessment is conducted in mathematics classrooms at present. The focus then shifts to a description of and critical reflection on qualitative assessment in mathematics. The merits of a combined quantitative + qualitative approach to learning facilitation in mathematics classrooms are delineated. Argument is made in favour of a shift away from a positivist style of assessment towards a positive approach to assessment in mathematics. It is not adequate to focus on a quantitative figure or symbol as the sole indicator of a learner’s potential to achieve in mathematics. In conclusion, some recommendations follow to facilitate a more accountable reflection of learners’ mathematical skills and capacity at a certain stage.
GNSS troposphere tomography based on two-step reconstructions using GPS observations and COSMIC profiles
Authors: Xia P. , Cai C. , Liu Z.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Traditionally, balloon-based radiosonde soundings are used to study the spatial distribution of atmospheric water vapour. However, this approach cannot be frequently employed due to its high cost. In contrast, GPS tomography technique can obtain water vapour in a high temporal resolution. In the tomography technique, an iterative or non-iterative reconstruction algorithm is usually utilised to overcome rank deficiency of observation equations for water vapour inversion. However, the single iterative or non-iterative reconstruction algorithm has their limitations. For instance, the iterative reconstruction algorithm requires accurate initial values of water vapour while the non-iterative reconstruction algorithm needs proper constraint conditions. To overcome these drawbacks, we present a combined iterative and non-iterative reconstruction approach for the three-dimensional (3-D) water vapour inversion using GPS observations and COSMIC profiles. In this approach, the non-iterative reconstruction algorithm is first used to estimate water vapour density based on a priori water vapour information derived from COSMIC radio occultation data. The estimates are then employed as initial values in the iterative reconstruction algorithm. The largest advantage of this approach is that precise initial values of water vapour density that are essential in the iterative reconstruction algorithm can be obtained. This combined reconstruction algorithm (CRA) is evaluated using 10-day GPS observations in Hong Kong and COSMIC profiles. The test results indicate that the water vapor accuracy from CRA is 16 and 14% higher than that of iterative and non-iterative reconstruction approaches, respectively. In addition, the tomography results obtained from the CRA are further validated using radiosonde data. Results indicate that water vapour densities derived from the CRA agree with radiosonde results very well at altitudes above 2.5 km. The average RMS value of their differences above 2.5 km is 0.44 g m−3.
Global changes in dryland vegetation dynamics (1988–2008) assessed by satellite remote sensing: comparing a new passive microwave vegetation density record with reflective greenness data
Authors: Andela N. , Liu Y. Y. , van Dijk A. I. J. M. , de Jeu R. A. M. , McVicar T. R.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Drylands, covering nearly 30% of the global land surface, are characterized by high climate variability and sensitivity to land management. Here, two satellite-observed vegetation products were used to study the long-term (1988–2008) vegetation changes of global drylands: the widely used reflective-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the recently developed passive-microwave-based Vegetation Optical Depth (VOD). The NDVI is sensitive to the chlorophyll concentrations in the canopy and the canopy cover fraction, while the VOD is sensitive to vegetation water content of both leafy and woody components. Therefore it can be expected that using both products helps to better characterize vegetation dynamics, particularly over regions with mixed herbaceous and woody vegetation. Linear regression analysis was performed between antecedent precipitation and observed NDVI and VOD independently to distinguish the contribution of climatic and non-climatic drivers in vegetation variations. Where possible, the contributions of fire, grazing, agriculture and CO2 level to vegetation trends were assessed. The results suggest that NDVI is more sensitive to fluctuations in herbaceous vegetation, which primarily uses shallow soil water, whereas VOD is more sensitive to woody vegetation, which additionally can exploit deeper water stores. Globally, evidence is found for woody encroachment over drylands. In the arid drylands, woody encroachment appears to be at the expense of herbaceous vegetation and a global driver is interpreted. Trends in semi-arid drylands vary widely between regions, suggesting that local rather than global drivers caused most of the vegetation response. In savannas, besides precipitation, fire regime plays an important role in shaping trends. Our results demonstrate that NDVI and VOD provide complementary information and allow new insights into dryland vegetation dynamics.