bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial occurrence of brain arteriovenous malformation: a novel ACVRL1 mutation detected by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Yılmaz Baran , Toktaş Zafer Orkun , Akakın Akın , Işık Semra , Bilguvar Kaya , Kılıç Türker , Günel Murat
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can occur in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). However, brain AVM without HHT has also been reported. Using whole exome sequencing, the authors performed comprehensive genomic characterization of a 6-person Turkish family with 3 cases of brain AVM without HHT.

METHODS

Three siblings with brain AVM, one of whom also had spinal AVM, were evaluated. The parents and the fourth sibling had no AVM on cranial MRI. The authors performed a whole exome capture and Illumina sequencing on blood samples from 2 siblings with AVM.

RESULTS

An ACVRL1 heterozygous mutation (p.Lys332Glu) was identified in 2 patients via whole exome sequencing. Variant segregation was confirmed using direct Sanger sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results suggested that whole exome sequencing analysis is particularly useful in cases of locus heterogeneity and uncertain diagnostic classification schemes in patients with hereditary brain AVM.
Interior tomography with curvelet-based regularization
Authors: Liu Baodong , Katsevich Alexander , Yu Hengyong
Published: September 2016

The interior problem, i.e. reconstruction from local truncated projections in computed tomography (CT), is common in practical applications. However, its solution is non-unique in a general unconstrained setting. To solve the interior problem uniquely and stably, in recent years both the prior knowledge- and compressive sensing (CS)-based methods have been developed. Those theoretically exact solutions for the interior problem are called interior tomography. Along this direction, we propose here a new CS-based method for the interior problem based on the curvelet transform. A curvelet is localized in both radial and angular directions in the frequency domain. A two-dimensional (2D) image can be represented in a curvelet frame. We employ the curvelet transform coefficients to regularize the interior problem and obtain a curvelet frame based regularization method (CFRM) for interior tomography. The curvelet coefficients of the reconstructed image are split into two sets according to their visibility from the interior data, and different regularization parameters are used for these two sets. We also presents the results of numerical experiments, which demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among business class community of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Asim , Rehmat Saima , Rana Ammara Ijaz , Farooqui Maryam , Soban Muhammad , Ali Rai Waqas , Saleem Adil , Jamshaid Usama , Kanwal Rabail , Ullah Kalim , Bashir Irfan
Published: September 2016

Hypertension is one of the leading health issue in developing countries. There are many factors associated with hypertension like obesity, excessive intake of salt, smoking and drinking alcohol. Current study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among business class community in Lahore. A community based survey in Lahore was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and determinants in business class community aged 20- 45 year. Questionnaire was designed, translated into local language and 400 participants were interviewed as per structured questionnaire, collected data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS 22. The prevalence of hypertension among study population was 37.5%. Results were astonishing only 32% of hypertensive patients were taking antihypertensive pills. Being overweight was strongly associated with hypertension, also excessive salt intake and sedentary life style were the contributing factors. There is dire need of awareness to be related hypertension among business class community counselling them about salt intake, smoking and regular exercise.Farooq et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2016, 5(10): 79-81http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol5Issue10/01.pdf
Evaluation of Rail Potential Based on Power Distribution in DC Traction Power Systems
Authors: Du Guifu , Zhang Dongliang , Li Guoxin , Wang Chonglin , Liu Jianhua
Published: September 2016

Running rails used as a return conductor and ungrounded scheme have been widely adopted in DC traction power systems. Due to the longitudinal resistance of running rails and insulation resistance of rail-to-ground, there will be a potential rise between running rails and the ground when return current flows through the running rails, which is known as rail potential. At present, abnormal rise of rail potential exists widely in DC traction power systems. The present rail potential model still cannot simulate and explain the abnormal rail potential in the system. Based on the analysis of power distribution with multiple trains running in multiple sections, a dynamic simulation model of rail potential in the whole line is proposed. The dynamic distribution of rail potential and stray current in DC traction power systems when multiple trains run in multiple sections is analyzed, and the impact of traction current distribution on rail potential is evaluated. Simulation results show that the abnormal rise of rail potential during the dynamic operation of the system can be evaluated effectively.
A Riding-through Technique for Seamless Transition between Islanded and Grid-Connected Modes of Droop-Controlled Inverters
Authors: Hu Shang-Hung , Lee Tzung-Lin , Kuo Chun-Yi , Guerrero Josep
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a seamless transition method for a droop-controlled inverter. The droop control is suitable to make the inverter work as a voltage source in both islanded and grid-connected modes, however, the transfer between theses modes can result in a big inrush current that may damage the system. The proposed method allows the droop-controlled inverter to improve the transient response when transferring between modes, by detecting the inrush current, activating a current control loop during transients, and then transferring back to droop-controlled mode smoothly by using a virtual inductance loop. In addition, a local phase-locked-loop (PLL) is proposed to align the inverter voltage with the grid in order to reduce the transient current during the transition. Therefore, the droop-controlled inverter is able to operate in both grid-connected and islanded modes, providing as well a smooth transition between them, requiring neither synchronization signals nor grid-side information. The control algorithm and design procedure are presented. Experimental results from a laboratory prototype validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal Magnetic Field Shielding Method by Metallic Sheets in Wireless Power Transfer System
Authors: Wen Feng , Huang Xueliang
Published: September 2016

To meet the regulations established to limit human exposure to time-varying electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as the International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, thin metallic sheets are often used to shield magnetic field leakage in high power applications of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems based on magnetic field coupling. However, the metals in the vicinity of the WPT coils cause the decrease of self and mutual inductances and increase of effective series resistance; as such, the electric performance including transmission power and the efficiency of the system is affected. With the research objective of further investigating excellent shielding effectiveness associated with system performance, the utilization of the optimal magnetic field shielding method by metallic sheets in magnetic field coupling WPT is carried out in this paper. The circuit and 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models are combined to predict the magnetic field distribution and electrical performance. Simulation and experiment results show that the method is very effective by obtaining the largest possible coupling coefficient of the WPT coils within the allowable range and then reducing the value nearest to and no smaller than the critical coupling coefficient via geometric unbroken metallic sheets. The optimal magnetic field shielding method which considers the system efficiency, transmission power, transmission distance, and system size is also achieved using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results can benefit WPT by helping to achieve efficient energy transfer and safe use in metal shielded equipment.
AGN Jet Kinematics on Parsec-Scales: The MOJAVE Program
Authors: Lister Matthew ,   The MOJAVE Collaboration
Published: September 2016

Very long baseline interferometry offers the best means of investigating the complex dynamics of relativistic jets powered by active galactic nuclei, via multi-epoch, sub-milliarcsecond, full-polarization imaging at radio wavelengths. Although targeted studies have yielded important information on the structures of individual AGN jets, the strong selection effects associated with relativistically beaming imply that general aspects of the flows can only be determined via large statistical studies. In this review I discuss major results from the Monitoring of Jets in Active Galactic Nuclei With VLBA Experiments (MOJAVE) program, which has gathered multi-epoch Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) data at 15 GHz on over 400 AGN jets over the course of two decades. The sample is large enough to encompass a range of AGN optical class, radio luminosity and synchrotron peak frequency, and has been used to show that within a particular jet, individual bright features have a spread of apparent speed and velocity vector position angle about a characteristic value. We have found that in some cases there is a secular evolution of launch angle direction over time, indicative of evolving narrow energized channels within a wider outflow. The majority of the jet features are superluminal and accelerating, with changes in speed more common than changes in direction. Within approximately 100 pc of the AGN, the flows are generally accelerating, while beyond this distance the flows begin to decelerate or remain nearly constant in speed. We also find evidence for a maximum bulk flow Lorentz factor of 50 in the pc-scale radio regime, and a trend of higher jet speeds in lower-synchrotron peaked and gamma-ray-loud blazars.
Cellular Metabolomics Revealed the Cytoprotection of Amentoflavone, a Natural Compound, in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Injury of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yao Weifeng , Li Hui , Liu Qinan , Gao Ye , Dai Jin , Bao Beihua , Zhang Li , Ding Anwei
Published: September 2016

Amentoflavone is one of the important bioactive flavonoids in the ethylacetate extract of “Cebaiye”, which is a blood cooling and hematostatic herb in traditional Chinese medicine. The previous work in our group has demonstrated that the ethylacetate extract of Cebaiye has a notable antagonistic effect on the injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The present investigation was designed to assess the effects and possible mechanism of cytoprotection of amentoflavone via metabolomics. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC/QTOF-MS) coupled with multivariate data analysis was used to characterize the variations in the metabolites of HUVECs in response to exposure to LPS and amentoflavone treatment. Seven putative metabolites (glycine, argininosuccinic acid, putrescine, ornithine, spermidine, 5-oxoproline and dihydrouracil) were discovered in cells incubated with LPS and/or amentoflavone. Functional pathway analysis uncovered that the changes of these metabolites related to various significant metabolic pathways (glutathione metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, β-alanine metabolism and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism), which may explain the potential cytoprotection function of amentoflavone. These findings also demonstrate that cellular metabolomics through UPLC/QTOF-MS is a powerful tool for detecting variations in a range of intracellular compounds upon toxin and/or drug exposure.
Digital PCR Panel for Sensitive Hematopoietic Chimerism Quantification after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Stahl Tanja , Rothe Caroline , Böhme Manja , Kohl Aloisa , Kröger Nicolaus , Fehse Boris
Published: September 2016

Accurate and sensitive determination of hematopoietic chimerism is a crucial diagnostic measure after allogeneic stem cell transplantation to monitor engraftment and potentially residual disease. Short tandem repeat (STR) amplification, the current “gold standard” for chimerism assessment facilitates reliable accuracy, but is hampered by its limited sensitivity (≥1%). Digital PCR (dPCR) has been shown to combine exact quantification and high reproducibility over a very wide measurement range with excellent sensitivity (routinely ≤0.1%) and thus represents a promising alternative to STR analysis. We here aimed at developing a whole panel of digital-PCR based assays for routine diagnostic. To this end, we tested suitability of 52 deletion/insertion polymorphisms (DIPs) for duplex analysis in combination with either a reference gene or a Y-chromosome specific PCR. Twenty-nine DIPs with high power of discrimination and good performance were identified, optimized and technically validated. We tested the newly established assays on retrospective patient samples that were in parallel also measured by STR amplification and found excellent correlation. Finally, a screening plate for initial genotyping with DIP-specific duplex dPCR assays was designed for convenient assay selection. In conclusion, we have established a comprehensive dPCR system for precise and high-sensitivity measurement of hematopoietic chimerism, which should be highly useful for clinical routine diagnostics.
Polyphenols and Sunburn
Authors: Saric Suzana , Sivamani Raja
Published: September 2016

Polyphenols are antioxidant molecules found in many foods such as green tea, chocolate, grape seeds, and wine. Polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Growing evidence suggests that polyphenols may be used for the prevention of sunburns as polyphenols decrease the damaging effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on the skin. This review was conducted to examine the evidence for use of topically and orally ingested polyphenols in prevention of sunburns. The PubMed database was searched for studies that examined polyphenols and its effects on sunburns. Of the 27 studies found, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies were conducted on human subjects and eight on animals (mice and rats). Eleven studies evaluated the effects of topical polyphenols, two studies examined ingested polyphenols, and two studies examined both topical and ingested polyphenols. Polyphenol sources included the following plant origins: green tea, white tea, cocoa, Romanian propolis (RP), Calluna vulgaris (Cv), grape seeds, honeybush, and Lepidium meyenii (maca). Eight studies examined green tea. Overall, based on the studies, there is evidence that polyphenols in both oral and topical form may provide protection from UV damage and sunburn, and thus are beneficial to skin health. However, current studies are limited and further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy, mechanism of action, and potential side effects of various forms and concentrations of polyphenols.
Prognostic Value of Serum Caspase-Cleaved Cytokeratin-18 Levels before Liver Transplantation for One-Year Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Rodriguez Sergio , Sanz Pablo , Pérez-Cejas Antonia , Padilla Javier , Díaz Dácil , González Antonio , Martín María , Jiménez Alejandro , Barrera Manuel
Published: September 2016

Cytokeratin (CK)-18 is the major intermediate filament protein in the liver and during hepatocyte apoptosis is cleaved by the action of caspases; the resulting fragments are released into the blood as caspase-cleaved cytokeratin (CCCK)-18. Higher circulating levels of CCCK-18 have been found in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than in healthy controls and than in cirrhotic patients. However, it is unknown whether serum CCCK-18 levels before liver transplantation (LT) in patients with HCC could be used as a prognostic biomarker of one-year survival, and this was the objective of our study with 135 patients. At one year after LT, non-survivors showed higher serum CCCK-18 levels than survivors (p = 0.001). On binary logistic regression analysis, serum CCCK-18 levels >384 U/L were associated with death at one year (odds ratio = 19.801; 95% confidence interval = 5.301–73.972; p < 0.001) after controlling for deceased donor age. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of serum CCCK-18 levels to predict death at one year was 77% (95% CI = 69%–84%; p < 0.001). The new finding of our study was that serum levels of CCCK-18 before LT in patients with HCC could be used as prognostic biomarker of survival.
Characteristics of Three Thioredoxin Genes and Their Role in Chilling Tolerance of Harvested Banana Fruit
Authors: Wu Fuwang , Li Qing , Yan Huiling , Zhang Dandan , Jiang Guoxiang , Jiang Yueming , Duan Xuewu
Published: September 2016

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are small proteins with a conserved redox active site WCGPC and are involved in a wide range of cellular redox processes. However, little information on the role of Trx in regulating low-temperature stress of harvested fruit is available. In this study, three full-length Trx cDNAs, designated MaTrx6, MaTrx9 and MaTrx12, were cloned from banana (Musa acuminata) fruit. Phylogenetic analysis and protein sequence alignments showed that MaTrx6 was grouped to h2 type with a typical active site of WCGPC, whereas MaTrx9 and MaTrx12 were assigned to atypical cys his-rich Trxs (ACHT) and h3 type with atypical active sites of GCAGC and WCSPC, respectively. Subcellular localization indicated that MaTrx6 and MaTrx12 were located in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm, respectively, whereas MaTrx9 showed a dual cytoplasmic and chloroplast localization. Application of ethylene induced chilling tolerance of harvested banana fruit, whereas 1-MCP, an inhibitor of ethylene perception, aggravated the development of chilling injury. RT-qPCR analysis showed that expression of MaTrx12 was up-regulated and down-regulated in ethylene- and 1-MCP-treated banana fruit at low temperature, respectively. Furthermore, heterologous expression of MaTrx12 in cytoplasmic Trx-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain increased the viability of the strain under H2O2. These results suggest that MaTrx12 plays an important role in the chilling tolerance of harvested banana fruit, possibly by regulating redox homeostasis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Coussaric and Betulinic Acids Isolated from Diospyros kaki in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Su , Lee Dong-Sung , Kim Dong-Cheol , Yoon Chi-Su , Ko Wonmin , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn-Chul
Published: September 2016

Diospyros kaki Thunb. is widely distributed in East Asian countries, its leaves being mainly used for making tea. In this study, coussaric acid (CA) and betulinic acid (BA), both triterpenoid compounds, were obtained from D. kaki leaf extracts through bioassay-guided isolation. CA and BA showed anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, providing important information on their anti-inflammatory mechanism. Furthermore, they markedly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. Furthermore, they decreased protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Pre-treatment with CA and BA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB. We further examined the effects of CA and BA on heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages: BA induced HO-1 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner, while CA had no effect. We also investigated whether BA treatment induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2. BA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB-binding activity, as well as pro-inflammatory mediator and cytokine production (e.g., NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), by partial reversal of this effect by SnPP, an inhibitor of HO-1. These findings further elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of CA and BA isolated from D. kaki.
Evaluation of an Innovative Method for Calculating Energy Intake of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Cox Sullivan Sheila , Bopp Melinda , Roberson Paula , Lensing Shelly , Sullivan Dennis
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multi-component method for capturing nutrient intake, which used observation, photography, and an innovative computer program. To assess reliability and accuracy, multiple responsible employees (REs) independently conducted nutrient intake assessments on simulated meals; each RE’s results relating to energy intake were compared to those from the other REs and to those obtained by pre- and post-meal weighing of the food items. System efficiency was assessed by having REs perform independent assessments on the same set of simulated meals using either the new or traditional hospital method for which the REs had to document each food item served and then find the items in a computer database–steps that were automated in the new method. Interrater reliability for energy intake estimated on clinic wards was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.975, 95% CI 0.958 to 0.992) and there was a high level of agreement between the REs’ estimates and the true values determined by food weighing; per the method of Bland and Altman the mean difference between the two types of estimates was 0.3 kcal (95% CI, −8.1 to 8.7 kcal) with limits of agreement of −79.5 kcal to 80.1 kcal. Compared to the traditional method, energy intake assessments could be completed using the multi-component method in less than a third of the time. These results indicate the multi-component method is an accurate, reliable, and efficient method of obtaining energy intake assessments for hospitalized patients.
Weak Environmental Controls of Tropical Forest Canopy Height in the Guiana Shield
Authors: Goulamoussène Youven , Bedeau Caroline , Descroix Laurent , Deblauwe Vincent , Linguet Laurent , Hérault Bruno
Published: September 2016

Canopy height is a key variable in tropical forest functioning and for regional carbon inventories. We investigate the spatial structure of the canopy height of a tropical forest, its relationship with environmental physical covariates, and the implication for tropical forest height variation mapping. Making use of high-resolution maps of LiDAR-derived Digital Canopy Model (DCM) and environmental covariates from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) acquired over 30,000 ha of tropical forest in French Guiana, we first show that forest canopy height is spatially correlated up to 2500 m. Forest canopy height is significantly associated with environmental variables, but the degree of correlation varies strongly with pixel resolution. On the whole, bottomland forests generally have lower canopy heights than hillslope or hilltop forests. However, this global picture is very noisy at local scale likely because of the endogenous gap-phase forest dynamic processes. Forest canopy height has been predictively mapped across a pixel resolution going from 6 m to 384 m mimicking a low resolution case of 3 points·km − 2 . Results of canopy height mapping indicated that the error for spatial model with environment effects decrease from 8.7 m to 0.91 m, depending of the pixel resolution. Results suggest that, outside the calibration plots, the contribution of environment in shaping the global canopy height distribution is quite limited. This prevents accurate canopy height mapping based only on environmental information, and suggests that precise canopy height maps, for local management purposes, can only be obtained with direct LiDAR monitoring.
Fuzzy Sets in Dynamic Adaptation of Parameters of a Bee Colony Optimization for Controlling the Trajectory of an Autonomous Mobile Robot
Authors: Amador-Angulo Leticia , Mendoza Olivia , Castro Juan , Rodríguez-Díaz Antonio , Melin Patricia , Castillo Oscar
Published: September 2016

A hybrid approach composed by different types of fuzzy systems, such as the Type-1 Fuzzy Logic System (T1FLS), Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System (IT2FLS) and Generalized Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System (GT2FLS) for the dynamic adaptation of the alpha and beta parameters of a Bee Colony Optimization (BCO) algorithm is presented. The objective of the work is to focus on the BCO technique to find the optimal distribution of the membership functions in the design of fuzzy controllers. We use BCO specifically for tuning membership functions of the fuzzy controller for trajectory stability in an autonomous mobile robot. We add two types of perturbations in the model for the Generalized Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System to better analyze its behavior under uncertainty and this shows better results when compared to the original BCO. We implemented various performance indices; ITAE, IAE, ISE, ITSE, RMSE and MSE to measure the performance of the controller. The experimental results show better performances using GT2FLS then by IT2FLS and T1FLS in the dynamic adaptation the parameters for the BCO algorithm.
Lorentz Transformations from Intrinsic Symmetries
Authors: Chao Sheng
Published: September 2016

We reveal the frame-exchange space-inversion (FESI) symmetry and the frame-exchange time-inversion (FETI) symmetry in the Lorentz transformation and propose a symmetry principle stating that the space-time transformation between two inertial frames is invariant under the FESI or the FETI transformation. In combination with the principle of relativity and the presumed nature of Euclidean space and time, the symmetry principle is employed to derive the proper orthochronous Lorentz transformation without assuming the constancy of the speed of light and specific mathematical requirements (such as group property) a priori. We explicitly demonstrate that the constancy of the speed of light in all inertial frames can be derived using the velocity reciprocity property, which is a deductive consequence of the space–time homogeneity and the space isotropy. The FESI or the FETI symmetry remains to be preserved in the Galilean transformation at the non-relativistic limit. Other similar symmetry operations result in either trivial transformations or improper and/or non-orthochronous Lorentz transformations, which do not form groups.
Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Reservoir Inflows Using Multi Climate-Models under RCPs—The Case of Mangla Dam in Pakistan
Authors: Babur Muhammad , Babel Mukand , Shrestha Sangam , Kawasaki Akiyuki , Tripathi Nitin
Published: September 2016

Assessment of climate change on reservoir inflow is important for water and power stressed countries. Projected climate is subject to uncertainties related to climate change scenarios and Global Circulation Models (GCMs). This paper discusses the consequences of climate change on discharge. Historical climatic and gauging data were collected from different stations within a watershed. Bias correction was performed on GCMs temperature and precipitation data. After successful development of the hydrological modeling system (SWAT) for the basin, streamflow was simulated for three future periods (2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2100) and compared with the baseline data (1981–2010) to explore the changes in different flow indicators such as mean flow, low flow, median flow, high flow, flow duration curves, temporal shift in peaks, and temporal shifts in center-of-volume dates. From the results obtained, an overall increase in mean annual flow was projected in the basin under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Winter and spring showed a noticeable increase in streamflow, while summer and autumn showed a decrease in streamflow. High flows were predicted to increase, but median flow was projected to decrease in the future under both scenarios. Flow duration curves showed that the probability of occurrence of high flow is likely to be more in the future. It was also noted that peaks were predicted to shift from May to July in the future, and the center-of-volume date of the annual flow may vary from −11 to 23 days in the basin, under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. As a whole, the Mangla basin will face more floods and less droughts in the future due to the projected increase in high and low flows, decrease in median flows and greater temporal and magnitudinal variations in peak flows. These outcomes suggest that it is important to consider the influence of climate change on water resources to frame appropriate guidelines for planning and management.
Phosphorus Retention in Stormwater Control Structures across Streamflow in Urban and Suburban Watersheds
Authors: Duan Shuiwang , Newcomer-Johnson Tamara , Mayer Paul , Kaushal Sujay
Published: September 2016

Recent studies have shown that stormwater control measures (SCMs) are less effective at retaining phosphorus (P) than nitrogen. We compared P retention between two urban/suburban SCMs and their adjacent free-flowing stream reaches at the Baltimore Long-Term Ecological Study (LTER) site, and examined changes in P retention in SCMs across flow conditions. Results show that, when compared with free-flowing stream reaches, the SCMs had significantly lower dissolved oxygen (%DO) and higher P concentrations, as well as lower mean areal retention rates and retention efficiencies of particulate P (PP). In all the SCMs, concentrations of total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) consistently exhibited inverse correlations with %DO that was lower during summer base flows. Particulate phosphorus (PP) concentrations peaked during spring high flow period in both streams and in-line pond/SCMs, but they were also higher during summer base flows in suburban/urban SCMs. Meanwhile, PP areal retention rates and retention efficiencies of the SCMs changed from positive (indicating retention) during high flows to negative (indicating release) during low flows, while such changes across flow were not observed in free-flowing stream reaches. We attribute the changing roles of SCMs from a PP sink to a PP source to changes in SCM hydrologic mass balances, physical sedimentation and biogeochemical mobilization across flows. This study demonstrates that in suburban/urban SCMs, P retained during high flow events can be released during low flows. Cultivation of macrophytes and/or frequent sediment dredging may provide potential solutions to retaining both P and nitrogen in urban SCMs.
Application of a GIS Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for the Identification of Intrinsic Suitable Sites in Costa Rica for the Application of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) through Spreading Methods
Authors: Bonilla Valverde José , Blank Clemens , Roidt Mario , Schneider Lisa , Stefan Catalin
Published: September 2016

Costa Rica’s annual mean precipitation is above 3300 mm, but this precipitation is not evenly distributed in time or space, producing clear differentiated wet and dry seasons in most of the country. Droughts are also common phenomena which greatly affect the availability of water resources. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) schemes are being taken into consideration to enhance the underground water storage capacity of the country. The present study constitutes the first assessment for the identification of suitable sites for the implementation of MAR technology spreading methods (SM) in Costa Rica. The suitable sites are identified by means of a geographic information system multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) based on four criteria: hydrogeological aptitude, terrain slope, top soil texture and drainage network density. Four steps are performed in order to identify these sites: problem definition, screening for suitable areas, suitability mapping, and sensitivity analysis. The suitability map was divided in two zones after the screening: suitable and unsuitable, the first zone was further divided in five classes according to the weighted linear combination (WLC) ranking. The results indicate that 61% of the country is suitable for conducting SM. This map is a tool for future implementation of MAR techniques in the country.
The fundamental role of educational intervention on improving health care workers’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards infection control precautions
Authors: Bassyouni Rasha H. , Wegdan Ahmed-Ashraf , El-Sherbiny Naglaa A
Published: September 2016

To evaluate the role of educational intervention on health care workers' (HCWs) compliance to standard precautions and cleaning of frequently touched surfaces at critical care units, forty-nine HCWs at 2 intensive care units (ICUs) and one neonatology unit at Fayoum University hospital were evaluated for knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards standard precautions as well as obstacles affecting their compliance to standard precautions before and after a 32-hour purposed-designed infection control education program. A structured self-administrated questionnaire as well as observational checklists were used. Assessment of Environmental cleaning was investigated by observational checklist, ATP bioluminescence and aerobic bacteriological culture for 118 frequently touched surfaces. Pre-intervention assessment revealed that 78.6% of HCWs were with good knowledge, 82.8% with good attitude and 80.8% had good practice. Obstacles identified by HCWs were as follow: making patient-care very technical (65.3%), deficiency of hand washing facilities (59.2%), skin irritation resulting from hand hygiene products (51%), and unavailability of PPE (38.8%). High significant improvements of knowledge, attitude and practice were detected after one month of educational intervention (P= 0.000). During the pre-interventional period only 30.5% of surfaces were considered clean versus 97.45% post intervention (P< 0.05). The highest Median ATP bioluminescence values were obtained from telephone handset, light switches and Blood pressure cuffs. S. aureus was the most common isolated organism followed by Enterococcus spp and E.coli (52, 38 and 19 surfaces respectively). In conclusion, contentious training of HCWs on standard precautions should be considered a mandatory element in infection control programs
TEMPORAL EVOLUTION OF CHROMOSPHERIC OSCILLATIONS IN FLARING REGIONS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Monsue T. , Hill F. , Stassun K. G.
Published: September 2016

We have analyzed Hα intensity images obtained at a 1 minute cadence with the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) system to investigate the properties of oscillations in the 0–8 mHz frequency band at the location and time of strong M- and X-class flares. For each of three subregions within two flaring active regions, we extracted time series from multiple distinct positions, including the flare core and quieter surrounding areas. The time series were analyzed with a moving power-map analysis to examine power as a function of frequency and time. We find that, in the flare core of all three subregions, the low-frequency power (∼1–2 mHz) is substantially enhanced immediately prior to and after the flare, and that power at all frequencies up to 8 mHz is depleted at flare maximum. This depletion is both frequency- and time-dependent, which probably reflects the changing depths visible during the flare in the bandpass of the filter. These variations are not observed outside the flare cores. The depletion may indicate that acoustic energy is being converted into thermal energy at flare maximum, while the low-frequency enhancement may arise from an instability in the chromosphere and provide an early warning of the flare onset. Dark lanes of reduced wave power are also visible in the power maps, which may arise from the interaction of the acoustic waves and the magnetic field.
A MULTI-RESOLUTION, MULTI-EPOCH LOW RADIO FREQUENCY SURVEY OF THE Kepler K2 MISSION CAMPAIGN 1 FIELD
Authors: Tingay S. J. , Hancock P. J. , Wayth R. B. , Intema H. , Jagannathan P. , Mooley K.
Published: September 2016

We present the first dedicated radio continuum survey of a Kepler K2 mission field, Field 1, covering the North Galactic Cap. The survey is wide field, contemporaneous, multi-epoch, and multi-resolution in nature and was conducted at low radio frequencies between 140 and 200 MHz. The multi-epoch and ultra wide field (but relatively low resolution) part of the survey was provided by 15 nights of observation using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) over a period of approximately a month, contemporaneous with K2 observations of the field. The multi-resolution aspect of the survey was provided by the low resolution (4′) MWA imaging, complemented by non-contemporaneous but much higher resolution (20″) observations using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). The survey is, therefore, sensitive to the details of radio structures across a wide range of angular scales. Consistent with other recent low radio frequency surveys, no significant radio transients or variables were detected in the survey. The resulting source catalogs consist of 1085 and 1468 detections in the two MWA observation bands (centered at 154 and 185 MHz, respectively) and 7445 detections in the GMRT observation band (centered at 148 MHz), over 314 square degrees. The survey is presented as a significant resource for multi-wavelength investigations of the more than 21,000 target objects in the K2 field. We briefly examine our survey data against K2 target lists for dwarf star types (stellar types M and L) that have been known to produce radio flares.
La mort du Premier ministre éthiopien Meles Zenawi (août 2012) : dissimulation, assomption et sanctification
Authors: Ficquet Éloi
Published: September 2016

L’annonce de la mort de Meles Zenawi, le Premier ministre éthiopien, le 21 août 2012, après plusieurs semaines de nouvelles contradictoires sur son état de santé, marquait la fin de plus de vingt années de pouvoir. Sa disparition inattendue soulevait de nombreuses questions, notamment sur la capacité du régime à survivre à son fondateur. Pour décrire chaque épisode de cette dramaturgie mortuaire d’ampleur nationale, plusieurs sources d’information sont collectées, examinées et complétées par des observations personnelles. Depuis les signes avant-coureurs d’affaiblissement de la santé du dirigeant jusqu’aux actes de dévotion poursuivis au-delà de la célébration de ses funérailles, il s’agit de rendre compte des significations politiques, symboliques et spirituelles revêtues par les discours et pratiques exprimés dans les médias, la classe politique et l’opinion publique.
Le developmental state éthiopien et les paysans pauvres. Économie politique du développement rural par le bas
Authors: Planel Sabine
Published: September 2016

Cet article propose une économie politique du développement rural depuis la situation des paysans pauvres. Il analyse les pratiques de mise en dépendance organisées au sein des communautés rurales et par l’État. Il présente un nouvel ordre rural, fondé sur la diffusion d’une figure politisée et sur le renforcement de la dépendance des plus pauvres, permis par l’évolution des formes paysannes du partage de la ressource mais également par la transformation des politiques publiques. Enfin, il analyse la gestion publique de l’endettement paysan et la nature du gouvernement réservé aux pauvres.
La crise de l’EPRDF : « Devenir inclusif ! »
Authors: Lefort René
Published: September 2016

Le pouvoir éthiopien monopolise les domaines politique, exécutif et législatif. L’opposition légale, harcelée, continue de se déliter. La croissance économique reste forte. Pourtant, le régime s’enfonce dans une crise accentuée par la disparition, en 2012, de l’omnipotent Meles Zenawi. Celle-ci s’enracine dans la perpétuation d’un système de pouvoir élitiste, centralisé, autoritaire et ethniquement biaisé. Dès lors, le fédéralisme, tel qu’appliqué, ne peut répondre aux poussées identitaires qu’il a intensifiées. La nouvelle classe moyenne, urbaine comme rurale, reste marginalisée. Ses compétences, indispensables à la poursuite de la croissance par une libéralisation économique, demeurent bridées. Divisé entre et au sein de ses quatre composantes ethniques, le parti-État se réduit à une machinerie qui n’avance plus que sur la lancée fixée par Meles, figé face aux enjeux de son indispensable refondation.
La mise en spectacle des réfugiés ou la figure des nouveaux monstres
Authors: Galloro Piero-D.
Published: September 2016

Les flux de réfugiés qui ont abordé l’Europe en 2015 ont généré nombre de discours et de réactions de rejet. Il convient de considérer ceux-ci comme le reflet des représentations générées par le lien spéculaire que les Européens entretiennent avec l’Autre. Le regard apporté sur les nouveaux arrivants procède d’un processus de monstration à travers une mise en spectacle d’images et de textes dont la mise en perspective socio-historique nous permet d’apprécier la récurrence dans le temps et l’espace.
L’immigration en Bulgarie : entre ingénierie sociale, libre circulation et rétablissement des clôtures aux frontières
Authors: Gruev Radoslav
Published: September 2016

Le profil migratoire de la Bulgarie est en train de changer depuis quelques années. Une perspective socio-historique nous permet de suivre les tendances depuis le début du XX e  siècle, en partant d’une période de préférence ethnique et de secours aux réfugiés, passant par une politique stricte de gestion étatique de toute forme de mobilité durant le régime communiste et en arrivant à une période contemporaine pluridimensionnelle. Dans les années 1990, la Bulgarie se transforme progressivement autour des mouvements migratoires, d’abord d’« un pays d’émigration » vers l’Occident, ensuite en devenant « un pays de transit » et se profilant actuellement comme un « pays d’immigration » en perspective. Cette tendance est reflétée par les politiques publiques adoptées dans le domaine depuis l’adhésion de la Bulgarie à l’Union européenne et reste très présente dans les débats quotidiens depuis la « crise des réfugiés syriens » de l’été 2013.
La prise en compte des rapports sociaux de sexe dans les migrations
Authors: Soudant-Depelchin Estelle
Published: September 2016

Tenant compte des rapports sociaux de sexe dans notre étude des femmes migrantes seules, nous proposons une analyse de la migration des femmes dans un continuum des violences genrées (au quotidien, aussi bien dans la sphère privée que publique) au niveau transnational en nous basant sur les femmes migrantes rencontrées dans le camp de Calais.
Apostando por Joan Miró. El protagonismo de la revista Parnassus entre 1932 y 1941
Authors: Pérez Segura Javier
Published: September 2016

Este artículo se centra en una de las muchas vías con las que se dio a conocer el arte del español Joan Miró (1893- 1983): la revista Parnassus. Fue publicada entre 1929 y 1941 por una institución llamada College Art Association, y entre 1932 y 1941 dedicó numerosos artículos a explicar el arte de Miró a sus lectores. Se analiza en profundidad el contenido de esos artículos, que ayudan a entender mejor el complejo proceso de recepción en Estados Unidos de movimientos como Dadá y el surrealismo, las diversas opciones de surrealismo y, en especial, el protagonismo que tenía la producción de Miró en todo ese proceso. La estrategia de Parnassus fue, de hecho, muy notable en el triunfo de Miró en Estados Unidos desde ese momento y para el futuro.
Voces de seda. Las pinturas clandestinas de Agustín Ibarrola (1962-1965)
Authors: De Haro García Noemi
Published: September 2016

Durante su encarcelamiento en el Penal de Burgos entre 1962 y 1965 el artista Agustín Ibarrola pintó obras críticas de forma clandestina. Éstas fueron expuestas en España pero, sobre todo, en varios países europeos apoyando las protestas contra la dictadura. Este artículo se basa en documentación inédita para estudiar dichas exposiciones. Se dedica especial atención a la red de solidaridad y apoyo que hizo posible estas exposiciones así como a la reacción ante ellas por parte de los sistemas de control y represión del franquismo.
Catàleg i valoració de les plantes aquàtiques de l’estany de Sils (La Selva, Catalunya)
Authors: Mercadal G.
Published: September 2016

Desde el siglo XVIII, los botánicos del suroeste de Europa han reconocido el Estany de Sils (La Selva, Cataluña) por su flora singular, especialmente por sus plantas acuáticas. La laguna fue desecada definitivamente en 1851, pero en la actualidad, en los canales de riego y en las balsas temporales todavía mantiene una flora acuática diversa. En este trabajo, hemos realizado el catálogo florístico de las plantas acuáticas de este humedal mediterráneo, a partir de visitas de campo y de la consulta de varios herbarios y obras de botánica. Así, conforme a nuestros datos, en los últimos 300 años han habitado en la laguna 37 plantas acuáticas, 12 de las cuales las consideramos actualmente desparecidas (aunque la presencia de tres de ellas es dudosa). Entre los vegetales desaparecidos, cabe destacar Trapa natans, Marsilea quadrifolia, Najas minor y Rorippa amphibia. Por otra parte, a partir del catálogo florístico, y según los criterios propuestos por los investigadores del Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, hemos realizado la valoración botánica del Estany de Sils como humedal (índice IH). Su valor botánico ha resultado muy elevado (1850, IH igual a 7,0; 2014, IH igual a 6,9) y todavía se puede considerar un humedal de importancia europea. Cabe destacar que el 30,6% y el 19,4% de las plantas acuáticas vasculares presentes en los Països Catalans y en el Estado Español, respectivamente, han sido observadas en la zona de estudio.

[ca] Des de principis del segle XVIII, els botànics del sud-oest d’Europa han reconegut l’estany de Sils (la Selva, Catalunya) pel seu poblament vegetal singular, especialment pel que fa a les plantes aquàtiques. Malgrat ser dessecat definitivament al 1851, als canals de desguàs i a les basses temporals encara conserva una flora aquàtica prou diversa. En el present treball, hem elaborat el catàleg florístic de les plantes aquàtiques d’aquest aiguamoll, a partir de sortides de camp i de la consulta de diversos herbaris i obres de botànica. Segons les nostres dades, en els darrers 300 anys han poblat l’estany 37 plantes aquàtiques, 12 de les quals les considerem actualment desaparegudes (tot i que la presència de tres d’elles és dubtosa). Entre els vegetals desapareguts, cal destacar Trapa natans, Marsilea quadrifolia, Najas minor i Rorippa amphibia. D’altra banda, a partir del catàleg florístic, i segons el criteris proposats pels investigadors del Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, hem realitzat la valoració botànica de l’estany de Sils com a zona humida (índex IH). El seu valor botànic ha resultat molt elevat (1850, IH igual a 7,0; 2014, IH igual a 6,9) i avui dia encara es pot considerar una zona humida d’importància europea. Cal tenir en compte que el 30,6% i el 19,4% de les plantes aquàtiques vasculars presents als Països Catalans i a l’Estat espanyol, respectivament, han estat observades a l’àrea d’estudi.
Gerhard weber
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: September 2016

No disponible
Villa Gaillard – Ginebra
Authors: Gallard Francis , Gaillard André
Published: September 2016

El atrevimiento y la armonía de este chalet están a la escala del panorama. El arquitecto Francis Gaillard, en colaboración con su hermano, también arquitecto, André Gaillard, ha construido su propia vivienda sobre la colina de Cologny, encima del lago Ginebra.