An evaluation of theories of information with regard to the semantic and pragmatic aspects of information systems

It is argued here that the discipline of information systems does not have a clear and substantive conceptualization of its most fundamental category, namely, information itself. As a first stage in addressing the problem, this paper evaluates a wide range of theories or concepts of information in order to assess their suitability as a basis for information systems. Particular importance is placed on the extent to which they deal with the semantic and pragmatic dimensions of information and its relation to meaning. It is concluded that Dretske's analysis of knowledge and information provides the most suitable basis for further development.     

面向组件的软件测试技术

使用组件,特别是第三方商业组件集成开发而成的软件越来越多,面向组件的测试技术的需求越来越大。UML是目前软件开发业应用最广泛的可视化标准建模语言,它能应用于整个软件开发过程的各阶段。UML的许多特点与面向组件的软件测试需求相吻合。基于UML的软件测试技术在对面向组件的软件开发具有广阔的研究和应用前景。     

基于刚度及经济的CFRP与钢组合拉索设计理论

基于钢斜拉索、碳纤维增强塑料(CFRP)斜拉索适用跨径研究结果,针对1 400~2 800 m主跨斜拉桥整体刚度不足提出一种新型结构方案,即基于刚度及经济性能的CFRP与钢组合拉索方案.该方案将CFRP斜拉索与传统钢斜拉索同时应用于斜拉桥中,将２种材料高强轻质及弹性模量高的优点进行组合,以充分提高斜拉索的等效刚度,进而提高斜拉桥的整体刚度.详细介绍该组合方案设计思路与方法,通过比较等效刚度以及经济性能给出２种材料斜拉索推荐组合比例.最后,通过一座1 400 m主跨CFRP与钢组合拉索斜拉桥试设计说明该方案相对传统方案整体刚度上的优势,证明其工程应用的可行性,是主跨为1 400~2 800 m斜拉桥的优选方案之一.     

Role of serotonin in the hepato-gastroIntestinal tract: an old molecule for new perspectives

Beside its role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, serotonin appears to be a central physiologic mediator of many gastrointestinal (GI) functions and a mediator of the brain-gut connection. By acting directly and via modulation of the enteric nervous system, serotonin has numerous effects on the GI tract. The main gut disturbances in which serotonin is involved are acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, carcinoid syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Serotonin also has mitogenic properties. Platelet-derived serotonin is involved in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. In diseased liver, serotonin may play a crucial role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis and the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis. Better understanding of the role of the serotonin receptor subtypes and serotonin mechanisms of action in the liver and gut may open new therapeutic strategies in hepato-gastrointestinal diseases. Received 15 August 2007; received after revision 1 November 2007; accepted 5 November 2007