bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Serotonin Transporter 5-HTTLPR Polymorphism on Gastrointestinal Intolerance to Metformin: A GoDARTS Study
Authors: Dujic Tanja , Zhou Kaixin , Tavendale Roger , Palmer Colin N.A. , Pearson Ewan R.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

The mechanism causing gastrointestinal intolerance to metformin treatment is unknown. We have previously shown that reduced-function alleles of organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) are associated with increased intolerance to metformin. Considering recent findings that serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) might also be involved in metformin intestinal absorption, and the role of serotonin in gastrointestinal physiology, in this study we investigated the association between a common polymorphism in the SERT gene and metformin gastrointestinal intolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We explored the effect of composite SERT 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 genotypes, L*L* (LALA), L*S* (LALG, LAS), and S*S* (SS, SLG, LGLG), in 1,356 fully tolerant and 164 extreme metformin-intolerant patients by using a logistic regression model, adjusted for age, sex, weight, OCT1 genotype, and concomitant use of medications known to inhibit OCT1 activity.

RESULTS

The number of low-expressing SERT S* alleles increased the odds of metformin intolerance (odds ratio [OR] 1.31 [95% CI 1.02–1.67], P = 0.031). Moreover, a multiplicative interaction between the OCT1 and SERT genotypes was observed (P = 0.003). In the analyses stratified by SERT genotype, the presence of two deficient OCT1 alleles was associated with more than a ninefold higher odds of metformin intolerance in patients carrying the L*L* genotype (OR 9.25 [95% CI 3.18–27.0], P < 10−4); however, it showed a much smaller effect in L*S* carriers and no effect in S*S* carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the interaction between OCT1 and SERT genes might play an important role in metformin intolerance. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and to substantiate the hypothesis that metformin gastrointestinal side effects could be related to the reduced intestinal serotonin uptake.
Phase equilibria of the Ni–Sb–Zn system at 600 °C
Authors: Zhao Yuliang , Zhu Zhongxi , Xie Yi , Yin Fucheng
Published: August 2016

The phase equilibria of the Ni–Sb–Zn ternary system at 600 °C have been experimentally investigated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy/wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Four ternary compounds, NiSbZn (τ1), Ni2SbZn2 (τ2), Ni3Sb2Zn (τ3) and Ni4.6SbZn (τ4), were identified and thirteen three-phase regions were confirmed in the present work. Moreover, the maximum solubilities of Zn in NiSb and NiSb2 were determined to be 2.0 and 1.0 at.% at 600 °C, respectively; and those of Sb in β1 and γ were measured up to 11.8 and 5.3 at.%, respectively.
Metallurgical Failure Investigation of a Pipe Connector Fracture of an Expansion Vessel
Authors: Neidel A.
Published: August 2016

A pipe connector of an expansion vessel of a safety heat exchanger was torn off in a test facility's natural gas compressor. From a material point of view, the cause of the damage is a fatigue fracture induced by pulsating bending stress. The fatigue fracture originated from both, the pipe's outer surface as well as from its inner surface, which is consistent with the given stress situation (pulsating bending stress). Material defects or welding-induced flaws were not observed. Corrosion, wear, or thermal overload which may have promoted the damage, were not observed either. The primary cause was a major design error. Cases of dynamic load were obviously not duly taken into account during designing, so that the free-swinging mass of the expansion vessel which was mounted to a pipe of a diameter of only half an inch and, furthermore, installed in an angle of 45° (additional static preload!), could cause the fatigue failure induced by pulsating bending stress in the zone of highest stresses at the transition of the expansion vessel and the the pipe connector due to dynamic operating loads which always occur in plants like these.
Distinction Between Magnesium Diboride and Tetraboride by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Kim D. N. , Caron A. , Park H. W.
Published: August 2016

We analyze mixtures of magnesium diboride and tetraboride synthesized with magnesium powders of different shapes. To distinguish between magnesium diboride and tetraboride we use the contrast of kelvin probe force microscopy. The microstructural morphology strongly depends on the shape of the magnesium powders used in the reaction between magnesium and magnesium tetraboride to form magnesium diboride. With spherical magnesium powder an equiaxed microstructure of magnesium diboride is formed with residual magnesium tetraboride at the grain boundaries. With plate-like magnesium powders elongated magnesium diboride grains are formed. In this case, residual magnesium tetraboride is found to agglomerate.
Preventive effects of cilostazol against the development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Kawakita Fumihiro , Yasuda Ryuta , Umeda Yasuyuki , Toma Naoki , Sakaida Hiroshi , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Chronic hydrocephalus develops in association with the induction of tenascin-C (TNC), a matricellular protein, after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to examine if cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase Type III, suppresses the development of chronic hydrocephalus by inhibiting TNC induction in aneurysmal SAH patients.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the factors influencing the development of chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in 87 patients with Fisher Grade 3 SAH using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Cilostazol (50 or 100 mg administered 2 or 3 times per day) was administered from the day following aneurysmal obliteration according to the preference of the attending neurosurgeon. As a separate study, the effects of different dosages of cilostazol on the serum TNC levels were chronologically examined from Days 1 to 12 in 38 SAH patients with Fisher Grade 3 SAH.

RESULTS

Chronic hydrocephalus occurred in 12 of 36 (33.3%), 5 of 39 (12.8%), and 1 of 12 (8.3%) patients in the 0 mg/day, 100 to 200 mg/day, and 300 mg/day cilostazol groups, respectively. The multivariate analyses showed that older age (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.13–1.24; p = 0.012), acute hydrocephalus (OR 23.28, 95% CI 1.75–729.83; p = 0.016), and cilostazol (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–0.93; p = 0.038) independently affected the development of chronic hydrocephalus. Higher dosages of cilostazol more effectively suppressed the serum TNC levels through Days 1 to 12 post-SAH.

CONCLUSIONS

Cilostazol may prevent the development of chronic hydrocephalus and reduce shunt surgery, possibly by the inhibition of TNC induction after SAH.
Treadmill training combined with water and land-based exercise programs: Effects on Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Ayan Carlos , Varela Silvia , Vila M. Helena , Seijo-Martinez Manuel , Cancela José M.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: There is a need for studies about the effects of treadmill training (TT) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients when combined with other exercise training modalities.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of a multicomponent rehabilitation program on the illness impact, quality of life and fitness level in Parkinson’s disease.

METHODS: Participants were assigned to two exercise groups: water and land-based exercise (WL) or water and land-based exercise plus treadmill training (TWL). The water and land-based exercise group performed one water-based exercise and one land-based exercise session per week for 15 weeks. Participants in the water and land-based exercise plus treadmill training added two sessions of treadmill training to this schedule. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was used to assess the sample’s fitness level.

RESULTS: Participants in the water and land-based exercise Group experienced significant benefits in the disease impact (UPDRS t = 3.083; p = 0.029) and quality of life (PDQ-39 t = 2.942; p = 0.036). The addition of treadmill training did not have any significant effect on these variables. Both programs showed similar effects on the fitness components evaluated.

CONCLUSION: Adding treadmill training to a combination of water and land-based exercise programs may have limited effects on quality of life and the impact on the disease.
Diallel Analysis of Quality and Yield Contributing Traits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.)
Authors: Rana M S , Rasu M G , Islam A K M A , Hossain M M
Published: August 2016

A 5 X 5 diallel analysis was carried out according to Hayman on quality and yield contributing traits of pumpkin. Five (5) advanced inbreds of pumpkin viz IB 23, IB 40, IB 47, IB 50 and IB 57 were used in this study. The five parents and their F1 hybrids were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications for studying the quality and yield contributing traits. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all of the traits except dry matter and fruit yield. Parental mean suggested that all the parents contained recessive alleles with positive effect. In the 5 × 5 diallel set, Wr-Vr graph analysis revealed the presence of allelic interaction in all the characters except fruit length, dry matter, brix percentage and reducing sugar where non-allelic interaction was present.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 15-32
Evaluation and Economic Analysis of Some Integrated Pest Management Packages for Suppressing Tube Spittle bug (Machaerota planitiae Distant) Infesting Jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk), in North-Western Bangladesh
Authors: Prodhan M Z H , Noman M S , Hasan M T , Maleque M A
Published: August 2016

To develop a suitable integrated pest management (IPM) package(s) against tube spittle bug attacking jujube, the study was conducted at the farmers orchard at Sherpur Upazilla of Bogra district, Bangladesh during the two consecutive winter seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13. There were five IPM packages viz., P1 = Clean cultivation + collection and destruction of tube with alive nymph from the branches, P2 =P1 + two sprays of Detergent @ 2gl-1 of water applied (at initial stage of infestation and 10 days after 1st spray), P3 =P1 + two sprays of crushed Neem seed extract @ 150 gl-1 of water (at initial stage of infestation and 10 days after 1st spray), P4 =P1 + sprays of Cypermethrin @ 1 mll-1 of water at initial stage of infestation, P5 =P4 + one additional spray of Cypermethrin @ 1mll-1 at 10 days after 1st spray and an untreated control. In both the years, treatment P5 was found most effective, which resulted lower damage to inflorescence and produced higher yield, followed by P4 and P3.  In case of marginal benefit cost ratio, the highest value (15.69 & 20.63) was obtained from the treatment P5 which was closely followed by P4 (15.07 &20.12) in both of years, respectively.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 54-62
Use of RAPD Markers to Analyze Genetic Variability of Introgressed Brassica Lines
Authors: Harun-Or-Rashid Md. , Shafikur Rahman Md. , Chandra Nath Sudhir , Mahe Alam Sorwar S S R M , Tanvir Ahmed Md.
Published: August 2016

Seven individuals of introgressed Brassica lines (Binasarisha-5/Daulot) and two of their parental lines were used for this study to estimate genetic variability using three randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers (61AB10G1, 72AB10G12 and 73AB10T13). A total of 23 clear bands were scored, of which 21 (91.30%) bands were proved to be polymorphic. The highest proportion of polymorphic loci and gene diversity values were 43.48% and 0.187, respectively in the line five of Binasarisha-5/Daulot. The lower proportion of polymorphic loci and gene diversity values were 8.70% and 0.034; 8.70% and 0.026 in the line seven of the cross and one parent, Daulot, respectively. The co-efficient of gene differentiation (Gst) and gene flow (Nm) values were 0.677 and 0.237, found respectively from the Popgene analysis. Result of cluster analysis indicated that the nine accessions were capable of being classified into two major groups - one consists of only one parent Daulot (Brassica juncea) while another consists of Binasarisha-5 (Brassica napus) and all introgressed lines of C6 generation (treated with colchicine in C1 generation) resulted from the cross B. napus and B. juncea. Introgressed line seven and Binasarisha-5 showed the lowest genetic distance of 0.077. Higher similarity was found between Binasarisha-5 and introgressed progenies. Introgressed line one and Daulot showed the highest genetic distance of 0.709, which can be used as germplasm for breeding program that aim to improve Brassica. It was concluded that RAPD markers can be used for the study of molecular characterization and diversity in Brassica.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 122-133
Natural Plant Products as Eco-friendly Fungicides for Plant Diseases Control- A Review
Authors: Zaker M
Published: August 2016

The use of chemical pesticides for controlling various plant diseases is still a common practice especially in developing countries. Although with the application of chemical fungicides, plant diseases can be controlled but the hazardous impacts of such products in human health and environment are well known. Moreover, with their excess applications pest resistance may exist. Natural plant products have been found effective in plant disease managements and could be safely incorporated as suitable alternatives for synthetic fungicides. It is estimated that there are more than 250,000 higher plant species on earth that can be evaluated for their antimicrobial bioactive chemical compounds. During last several decades researchers have evaluated plant extracts and oils against plant pathogens, valuable results have been achieved and some commercially botanical formulations have been prepared and marketed. If we are supposed to move toward production of safer agricultural products, more attention and effort are still needed for production of more commercially botanical fungicides in the near future. The organic agriculture cannot rely on a limited number of commercially pesticides of natural origin, therefore it seems that more researches in formulating more commercially botanical products as fungicides are still needed.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 134-141
An Embedded Sensing and Communication Platform, and a Healthcare Model for Remote Monitoring of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Saponara Sergio , Donati Massimiliano , Fanucci Luca , Celli Alessio
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a new remote healthcare model, which, exploiting wireless biomedical sensors, an embedded local unit (gateway) for sensor data acquisition-processing-communication, and a remote e-Health service center, can be scaled in different telemedicine scenarios. The aim is avoiding hospitalization cost and long waiting lists for patients affected by chronic illness who need continuous and long-term monitoring of some vital parameters. In the “1:1” scenario, the patient has a set of biomedical sensors and a gateway to exchange data and healthcare protocols with the remote service center. In the “1:N” scenario the use of gateway and sensors is managed by a professional caregiver, e.g., assigned by the Public Health System to a number N of different patients. In the “point of care” scenario the patient, instead of being hospitalized, can take the needed measurements at a specific health corner, which is then connected to the remote e-Health center. A mix of commercially available sensors and new custom-designed ones is presented. The new custom-designed sensors range from a single-lead electrocardiograph for easy measurements taken by the patients at their home, to a multi-channel biomedical integrated circuit for acquisition of multi-channel bio signals, to a new motion sensor for patient posture estimation and fall detection. Experimental trials in real-world telemedicine applications assess the proposed system in terms of easy usability from patients, specialist and family doctors, and caregivers, in terms of scalability in different scenarios, and in terms of suitability for implementation of needed care plans.
Exploring Reduction Potential of Carbon Intensity Based on Back Propagation Neural Network and Scenario Analysis: A Case of Beijing, China
Authors: Li Jinying , Shi Jianfeng , Li Jinchao
Published: August 2016

Carbon emissions are the major cause of the global warming; therefore, the exploration of carbon emissions reduction potential is of great significance to reduce carbon emissions. This paper explores the potential of carbon intensity reduction in Beijing in 2020. Based on factors including economic growth, resident population growth, energy structure adjustment, industrial structure adjustment and technical progress, the paper sets 48 development scenarios during the years 2015–2020. Then, the back propagation (BP) neural network optimized by improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO) is used to calculate the carbon emissions and carbon intensity reduction potential under various scenarios for 2016 and 2020. Finally, the contribution of different factors to carbon intensity reduction is compared. The results indicate that Beijing could more than fulfill the 40%–45% reduction target for carbon intensity in 2020 in all of the scenarios. Furthermore, energy structure adjustment, industrial structure adjustment and technical progress can drive the decline in carbon intensity. However, the increase in the resident population hinders the decline in carbon intensity, and there is no clear relationship between economy and carbon intensity. On the basis of these findings, this paper puts forward relevant policy recommendations.
Social Interactions as a Source of Information about E-Cigarettes: A Study of U.S. Adult Smokers
Authors: Hall Marissa , Pepper Jessica , Morgan Jennifer , Brewer Noel
Published: August 2016

The novelty of e-cigarettes and ambiguity about their effects may foster informal sharing of information, such as through social interactions. We aimed to describe smokers’ social interactions about e-cigarettes and their recommendations that others use e-cigarettes. Data were collected from 2149 adult smokers in North Carolina and California who participated in a study of the impact of pictorial cigarette pack warnings. In the previous month, almost half of participants (45%) reported talking to at least one person about e-cigarettes and nearly a third of participants (27%) recommended e-cigarettes to someone else. Smokers recommended e-cigarettes to cut back on smoking (57%), to quit smoking (48%), for health reasons (36%), and for fun (27%). In adjusted analyses, more frequent e-cigarette use, positive views about typical e-cigarette users, and attempting to quit smoking in the past month were associated with recommending e-cigarettes for health reasons (all p < 0.05). Social interactions appear to be a popular method of information-sharing about e-cigarettes among smokers. Health communication campaigns may help to fill in the gaps of smokers’ understanding of e-cigarettes and their long-term effects.
Laccase Gene Family in Cerrena sp. HYB07: Sequences, Heterologous Expression and Transcriptional Analysis
Authors: Yang Jie , Xu Xinqi , Ng Tzi , Lin Juan , Ye Xiuyun
Published: August 2016

Laccases are a class of multi-copper oxidases with industrial potential. In this study, eight laccases (Lac1–8) from Cerrena sp. strain HYB07, a white-rot fungus with high laccase yields, were analyzed. The laccases showed moderate identities to each other as well as with other fungal laccases and were predicted to have high redox potentials except for Lac6. Selected laccase isozymes were heterologously expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris, and different enzymatic properties were observed. Transcription of the eight laccase genes was differentially regulated during submerged and solid state fermentation, as shown by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and validated reference genes. During 6-day submerged fermentation, Lac7 and 2 were successively the predominantly expressed laccase gene, accounting for over 95% of all laccase transcripts. Interestingly, accompanying Lac7 downregulation, Lac2 transcription was drastically upregulated on days 3 and 5 to 9958-fold of the level on day 1. Consistent with high mRNA abundance, Lac2 and 7, but not other laccases, were identified in the fermentation broth by LC-MS/MS. In solid state fermentation, less dramatic differences in transcript abundance were observed, and Lac3, 7 and 8 were more highly expressed than other laccase genes. Elucidating the properties and expression profiles of the laccase gene family will facilitate understanding, production and commercialization of the fungal strain and its laccases.
A Simple and Effective Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection of Cysteine and Homocysteine in Aqueous Media
Authors: Na Risong , Zhu Meiqing , Fan Shisuo , Wang Zhen , Wu Xiangwei , Tang Jun , Liu Jia , Wang Yi , Hua Rimao
Published: August 2016

Biothiols such as cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) are essential biomolecules participating in molecular and physiological processes in an organism. However, their selective detection remains challenging. In this study, ethyl 2-(3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate (NL) was synthesized as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for the rapid and selective detection of Cys and Hcy over glutathione (GSH) and other amino acids. The fluorescence intensity of the probe in the presence of Cys/Hcy increased about 3-fold at a concentration of 20 equiv. of the probe, compared with that in the absence of these chemicals in aqueous media. The limits of detection of the fluorescent assay were 0.911 μM and 0.828 μM of Cys and Hcy, respectively. 1H-NMR and MS analyses indicated that an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer is the mechanism of fluorescence sensing. This ratiometric probe is structurally simple and highly selective. The results suggest that it has useful applications in analytical chemistry and diagnostics.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Graphene-Epoxy Nanocomposites—A Review
Authors: Atif Rasheed , Shyha Islam , Inam Fawad
Published: August 2016

Monolithic epoxy, because of its brittleness, cannot prevent crack propagation and is vulnerable to fracture. However, it is well established that when reinforced—especially by nano-fillers, such as metallic oxides, clays, carbon nanotubes, and other carbonaceous materials—its ability to withstand crack propagation is propitiously improved. Among various nano-fillers, graphene has recently been employed as reinforcement in epoxy to enhance the fracture related properties of the produced epoxy–graphene nanocomposites. In this review, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of graphene reinforced epoxy nanocomposites will be correlated with the topographical features, morphology, weight fraction, dispersion state, and surface functionalization of graphene. The factors in which contrasting results were reported in the literature are highlighted, such as the influence of graphene on the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites. Furthermore, the challenges to achieving the desired performance of polymer nanocomposites are also suggested throughout the article.
Finsler Geometry Modeling of Phase Separation in Multi-Component Membranes
Authors: Usui Satoshi , Koibuchi Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

A Finsler geometric surface model is studied as a coarse-grained model for membranes of three components, such as zwitterionic phospholipid (DOPC), lipid (DPPC) and an organic molecule (cholesterol). To understand the phase separation of liquid-ordered (DPPC rich) L o and liquid-disordered (DOPC rich) L d , we introduce a binary variable σ ( = ± 1 ) into the triangulated surface model. We numerically determine that two circular and stripe domains appear on the surface. The dependence of the morphological change on the area fraction of L o is consistent with existing experimental results. This provides us with a clear understanding of the origin of the line tension energy, which has been used to understand these morphological changes in three-component membranes. In addition to these two circular and stripe domains, a raft-like domain and budding domain are also observed, and the several corresponding phase diagrams are obtained.
A Comprehensive Statistical Study on Daytime Surface Urban Heat Island during Summer in Urban Areas, Case Study: Cairo and Its New Towns
Authors: Taheri Shahraiyni Hamid , Sodoudi Sahar , El-Zafarany Abbas , Abou El Seoud Tarek , Ashraf Hesham , Krone Kristin
Published: August 2016

Surface urban heat island (SUHI) is defined as the elevated land surface temperature (LST) in urban area in comparison with non-urban areas, and it can influence the energy consumption, comfort and health of urban residents. In this study, the existence of daytime SUHI, in Cairo and its new towns during the summer, is investigated using three different approaches; (1) utilization of pre-urbanization observations as LST references; (2) utilization of rural observations as LST references (urban–rural difference); and (3) utilization of the SIUHI (Surface Intra Urban Heat Island) approach. A time series of Landsat TM & ETM+ data (46 images) from 1984 to 2015 was employed in this study for daytime LST calculation during summer. Different statistical hypothesis tests were utilized for the evaluation of LST and SUHI in the case studies. The results demonstrated that there is no significant LST difference between the urban areas studied, and their corresponding built-up areas. In addition, daytime LST in new towns during the summer is 2 K warmer than in Cairo. Utilization of a pre-urbanization observations approach, alongside an evaluation of the long-term trend, demonstrated that there is no daytime SUHI during the summer in the study areas, and construction activities in the study areas do not result in cooling or warming effects. Utilization of the rural observations approach showed that LST is lower in Cairo than its surrounding areas. This demonstrates why the selection of suitable rural references in SUHI studies is an important and complicated task, and how this approach may lead to misinterpretation in desert city areas with significant landscape and surface difference with their most surrounding areas (e.g., Cairo). Results showed that, although SIUHI technique can be representative for the changes of variance of LST in urban areas, it is not able to identify the changes of mean LST in urban areas.
Laboratory Assessment of the Infiltration Capacity Reduction in Clogged Porous Mixture Surfaces
Authors: Andrés-Valeri Valerio , Marchioni Mariana , Sañudo-Fontaneda Luis , Giustozzi Filippo , Becciu Gianfranco
Published: August 2016

Permeable pavements have been used widely across the world to manage urban stormwater. The hydrological behaviour of permeable surfaces is a complex process affected by many factors, such as rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, pavement geometrical conditions, and clogging level of the permeable surface, amongst others. This laboratory study was carried out to assess the influence of clogging level and rainfall intensity on the infiltration capacity of porous mixture surfaces used in Permeable Pavement Systems (PPS). Porous Concrete (PC) and Porous Asphalt (PA) mixtures with different air void contents (15%, 20%, and 25%) were subject to different clogging scenarios by using varying sediment loads (0, 500, and 1000 g/m2). Permeability experiments were carried out for each clogging scenario through a new rainfall simulator specially developed, tailored, and calibrated for the laboratory simulation of a wide range of rainfall events. Permeability measurements were taken under all different scenarios as a result of the combination of the different rainfall events (50, 100, and 150 mm/h) simulated over the specimens of porous mixtures and the sediment loads applied to them. The results showed that the PC mixtures tested perform better than the PA ones in terms of infiltration capacity, showing less potential for clogging and being more easily cleaned by the wash-off produced by the simulated rainfall events.
Sustainability Commitment, New Competitors’ Presence, and Hotel Performance: The Hotel Industry in Barcelona
Authors: Aznar Juan , Sayeras Josep , Galiana Jorge , Rocafort Alba
Published: August 2016

The hospitality industry is facing major challenges, among them the new competition from novel forms of supply in the sharing economy. Airbnb, Homeaway, and Niumba, among other websites offering accommodations, are having an important impact in the sector, changing existing conditions and the market for the traditional hospitality industry. In this context, a strategy based in differentiation can help to prevent drops in revenues and profitability. The main objective of this paper is analyse if commitment towards sustainability has a positive impact on financial performance and can be considered a positive strategy in this new environment. The empirical data refer to a sample of hotels in Barcelona, one of the most important tourist cities in Europe. Our results suggest that there is no clear relationship between sustainability and better financial performance; however, sustainability commitment is associated with a minimum size, which can also have positive effects in terms of economies of scale and finally affect profitability. Hotels more committed to environmental issues are located in areas with a lower density of Airbnb apartments, and this geographical distribution can be more positive than a situation of massive tourist concentration in specific areas with negative externalities for neighbours.
Re-Thinking Urban Flood Management—Time for a Regime Shift
Authors: Sörensen Johanna , Persson Andreas , Sternudd Catharina , Aspegren Henrik , Nilsson Jerry , Nordström Jonas , Jönsson Karin , Mottaghi Misagh , Becker Per , Pilesjö Petter , Larsson Rolf , Berndtsson Ronny , Mobini Shifteh
Published: August 2016

Urban flooding is of growing concern due to increasing densification of urban areas, changes in land use, and climate change. The traditional engineering approach to flooding is designing single-purpose drainage systems, dams, and levees. These methods, however, are known to increase the long-term flood risk and harm the riverine ecosystems in urban as well as rural areas. In the present paper, we depart from resilience theory and suggest a concept to improve urban flood resilience. We identify areas where contemporary challenges call for improved collaborative urban flood management. The concept emphasizes resiliency and achieved synergy between increased capacity to handle stormwater runoff and improved experiential and functional quality of the urban environments. We identify research needs as well as experiments for improved sustainable and resilient stormwater management namely, flexibility of stormwater systems, energy use reduction, efficient land use, priority of transport and socioeconomic nexus, climate change impact, securing critical infrastructure, and resolving questions regarding responsibilities.
VARIATION OF ACOUSTIC CUTOFF PERIOD WITH HEIGHT IN THE SOLAR ATMOSPHERE: THEORY VERSUS OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Murawski K. , Musielak Z. E. , Konkol P. , Wiśniewska A.
Published: August 2016

Recently Wiśniewska et al. demonstrated observationally how the acoustic cutoff frequency varies with height in the solar atmosphere including the upper photosphere and the lower and middle chromosphere, and showed that the observational results cannot be accounted for by the existing theoretical formulas for the acoustic cutoff. In order to reproduce the observed variation of the cutoff with atmospheric height, numerical simulations of impulsively generated acoustic waves in the solar atmosphere are performed, and the spectral analysis of temporal wave profiles is used to compute numerically changes of the acoustic cutoff with height. Comparison of the numerical results with the observational data shows good agreement, which clearly indicates that the obtained results may be used to determine the structure of the background solar atmosphere.
ANGULAR MOMENTUM FLUCTUATIONS IN THE CONVECTIVE HELIUM SHELL OF MASSIVE STARS
Authors: Gilkis Avishai , Soker Noam
Published: August 2016

We find significant fluctuations of angular momentum within the convective helium shell of a pre-collapse massive star—a core-collapse supernova progenitor—that may facilitate the formation of accretion disks and jets that can explode the star. The convective flow in our model of an evolved

star, computed using the subsonic hydrodynamic solver MAESTRO, contains entire shells with net angular momentum in different directions. This phenomenon may have important implications for the late evolutionary stages of massive stars and for the dynamics of core collapse.
CORRUGATION OF RELATIVISTIC MAGNETIZED SHOCK WAVES
Authors: Lemoine Martin , Ramos Oscar , Gremillet Laurent
Published: August 2016

As a shock front interacts with turbulence it develops corrugation, which induces outgoing wave modes in the downstream plasma. For a fast shock wave, the incoming wave modes can either be fast magnetosonic waves originating downstream, outrunning the shock, or eigenmodes of the upstream plasma drifting through the shock. Using linear perturbation theory in relativistic MHD, this paper provides a general analysis of the corrugation of relativistic magnetized fast shock waves resulting from their interaction with small amplitude disturbances. Transfer functions characterizing the linear response for each of the outgoing modes are calculated as a function of the magnetization of the upstream medium and as a function of the nature of the incoming wave. Interestingly, if the latter is an eigenmode of the upstream plasma, we find that there exists a resonance at which the (linear) response of the shock becomes large or even diverges. This result may have profound consequences on the phenomenology of astrophysical relativistic magnetized shock waves.
OBSERVATION AND CONFIRMATION OF SIX STRONG-LENSING SYSTEMS IN THE DARK ENERGY SURVEY SCIENCE VERIFICATION DATA*
Authors: Nord B. , Buckley-Geer E. , Lin H. , Diehl H. T. , Helsby J. , Kuropatkin N. , Amara A. , Collett T. , Allam S. , Caminha G. B. , De Bom C. , Desai S. , Dúmet-Montoya H. , da S. Pereira M. Elidaiana , Finley D. A. , Flaugher B. , Furlanetto C. , Gaitsch H. , Gill M. , Merritt K. W. , More A. , Tucker D. , Saro A. , Rykoff E. S. , Rozo E. , Birrer S. , Abdalla F. B. , Agnello A. , Auger M. , Brunner R. J. , Kind M. Carrasco , Castander F. J. , Cunha C. E. , da Costa L. N. , Foley R. J. , Gerdes D. W. , Glazebrook K. , Gschwend J. , Hartley W. , Kessler R. , Lagattuta D. , Lewis G. , Maia M. A. G. , Makler M. , Menanteau F. , Niernberg A. , Scolnic D. , Vieira J. D. , Gramillano R. , Abbott T. M. C. , Banerji M. , Benoit-Lévy A. , Brooks D. , Burke D. L. , Capozzi D. , Rosell A. Carnero , Carretero J. , D’Andrea C. B. , Dietrich J. P. , Doel P. , Evrard A. E. , Frieman J. , Gaztanaga E. , Gruen D. , Honscheid K. , James D. J. , Kuehn K. , Li T. S. , Lima M. , Marshall J. L. , Martini P. , Melchior P. , Miquel R. , Neilsen E. , Nichol R. C. , Ogando R. , Plazas A. A. , Romer A. K. , Sako M. , Sanchez E. , Scarpine V. , Schubnell M. , Sevilla-Noarbe I. , Smith R. C. , Soares-Santos M. , Sobreira F. , Suchyta E. , Swanson M. E. C. , Tarle G. , Thaler J. , Walker A. R. , Wester W. , Zhang Y. ,   (The DES Collaboration)
Published: August 2016

We report the observation and confirmation of the first group- and cluster-scale strong gravitational lensing systems found in Dark Energy Survey data. Through visual inspection of data from the Science Verification season, we identified 53 candidate systems. We then obtained spectroscopic follow-up of 21 candidates using the Gemini Multi-object Spectrograph at the Gemini South telescope and the Inamori-Magellan Areal Camera and Spectrograph at the Magellan/Baade telescope. With this follow-up, we confirmed six candidates as gravitational lenses: three of the systems are newly discovered, and the remaining three were previously known. Of the 21 observed candidates, the remaining 15 either were not detected in spectroscopic observations, were observed and did not exhibit continuum emission (or spectral features), or were ruled out as lensing systems. The confirmed sample consists of one group-scale and five galaxy-cluster-scale lenses. The lensed sources range in redshift z ∼ 0.80–3.2 and in i-band surface brightness i
SB ∼ 23–25 mag arcsec−2 (2″ aperture). For each of the six systems, we estimate the Einstein radius θ
E and the enclosed mass M
enc, which have ranges θ
E ∼ 5″–9″ and M
enc ∼ 8 × 1012 to 6 × 1013
M
⊙, respectively.
Les évolutions démographiques internationales et leurs conséquences économiques
Authors: Trainar Philippe
Published: August 2016

Cet article vise à identifier les tendances clés de la démographie au niveau mondial ainsi que leurs conséquences économiques en se basant sur les projections de la division population des Nations unies. Les évolutions démographiques actuelles résultent principalement de la combinaison de trois facteurs : la structure démographique héritée du passé, la baisse de la fertilité des femmes et l'allongement de la durée de vie. Les différences existantes et les convergences à l'œuvre ont, à travers les taux de dépendance des inactifs vis-à-vis de la richesse créée par les actifs, des conséquences macroéconomiques importantes. Elles devraient notamment altérer les équilibres macroéconomiques internationaux, en particulier par une réduction des déséquilibres des paiements courants dans le monde par rapport au point haut qu'ils ont atteint dans les années 1990 et 2000. Ceci va se traduire par une responsabilité accrue des politiques économiques nationales dans l'évolution des déséquilibres internationaux. Classification JEL : J11, J18.
Migrations et flux financiers internationaux
Authors: Rapoport Hillel
Published: August 2016

Cet article synthétise la littérature récente sur les liens entre les migrations internationales et les flux financiers internationaux, principalement les investissements directs étrangers (IDE) et les flux financiers tels que les achats de portefeuille ou les prêts bancaires. Deux conclusions majeures ressortent de celle-ci. La première est que les migrations internationales concourent à réduire les coûts de transaction bilatéraux et les imperfections d'information, facilitant par là même les investissements directs étrangers et autres flux financiers des pays d'accueil des migrants vers leurs pays d'origine. La seconde est que les migrants qualifiés, les plus à même de détenir des informations pertinentes du point de vue des investisseurs et de participer à des réseaux d'affaires internationaux, jouent un rôle essentiel dans l'explication de ces processus. Il ressort donc que les migrations internationales permettent d'améliorer l'intégration des pays d'origine (particulièrement des pays en développement) dans l'économie et la finance globale et de réduire le home bias qui caractérise la structure des investissements financiers dans les pays industrialisés. Classification JEL : F21, F22, F63, J11.
Le « paradoxe » démographico-économique
Authors: Diebolt Claude , Perrin Faustine
Published: August 2016

Le « paradoxe » démographico-économique suggère que le déclin de la fécondité serait une conséquence naturelle du progrès économique. La simultanéité des évolutions économiques et démographiques soulève des questions au sujet de la relation de causalité liant population et croissance économique. Dans ce champ de recherche, les théoriciens ont développé des modèles de croissance unifiée mettant en évidence l'importance de l'arbitrage parental entre le nombre d'enfants désiré et leur « qualité » dans la transition vers un état de croissance économique soutenue. La littérature en lien avec la dynamique de la fécondité reste néanmoins divisée entre les partisans de l'adaptation à des choix rationnels et ceux en faveur du rôle joué par la diffusion de la culture et des normes. Prise séparément l'une de l'autre, aucune de ces approches ne permet de fournir d'explications pertinente et fiable de l'interaction entre développement économique et démographique. Nos travaux, en prolongement de ces investigations, explorent les mécanismes sous-jacents aux évolutions économiques et démographiques à travers le prisme de l'égalité hommes-femmes. Classification JEL : J11, J13, J16, N30, O11, O15, O43, O47.
Les transferts d'épargne des migrants vers les pays d'origine : un enjeu économique pour le développement
Authors: Mouhoub El Mouhoud
Published: August 2016

Depuis le milieu des années 1970, les montants transférés par les migrants vers leurs pays d'origine ont progressé de façon constante. Ils représentent plus du double de l'aide publique au développement (APD) et ont dépassé les investissements directs étrangers vers les pays en développement hors BRICs. Cet article dresse un état des lieux des transferts d'épargne des migrants, s'intéresse aux déterminants de ces transferts mais surtout à leurs effets macroéconomiques sur la croissance et leurs effets microéconomiques sur la pauvreté, les inégalités et l'éducation des enfants dans les pays d'origine des migrants. Si les travaux récents font ressortir des effets macroéconomiques ambigus, les effets microéconomiques apparaissent indéniablement positifs. Il apparaît également que la décision des migrants de retourner ou non dans leur pays d'origine joue un rôle déterminant. Enfin, la question des transferts est encore relativement absente dans les débats de politique économique dans les pays d'origine alors qu'elle soulève des problèmes majeurs. Classification JEL : D14, F22, F35, J15, O11, O12.
De la découverte propre de l’acte analytique
Authors: Pommier Gérard
Published: August 2016

L’acte analytique n’est pas l’application d’une théorie à une pratique. S’il y a une technique, elle procède du geste d’effacement, d’une passe qui ne s’invente pas, mais commande l’invention. C’est un geste sans parole, inaugural, qui enveloppe la durée d’une séance, un geste renouvelé, toujours à inventer. L’effacement de l’analyste répète la mise en scène du refoulement originaire, c’est-à-dire cet instant de perte de la jouissance originaire du corps au profit de la jouissance des mots, de leur poésie répétitive.
Du traumatisme, clinique de l’informe : lieu et contours
Authors: Herbin Celya
Published: August 2016

La question du traumatisme est inscrite au cœur de la psychanalyse à travers la scène de séduction où elle intervient comme prémisse au fantasme en interrogeant la sexualité infantile sous-jacente à sa genèse. Or, la pratique de la clinique du traumatisme effectif nous fait entendre autre chose. Le traumatisme dans le réel, celui de l’accident, c’est celui qui abrase le fantasme et propulse le sujet au réel et convoque l’analyste à une clinique singulière, où, au sein du silence, des hésitations, des errements et des ratés, à chaque séance, l’inventivité se fait jour.
La consultation ouverte : une invention de Françoise Dolto
Authors: Guillerault Gérard
Published: August 2016

Des innovations de Françoise Dolto faisant d’elle une figure marquante de l’inventivité en psychanalyse, on évoque ici le protocole de la consultation ouverte, ayant permis à des analystes en formation de bénéficier en direct du témoignage de sa pratique avec les enfants, exercice alors inédit de transmission.
Throughput and Compatibility Analysis of TCP Variants in Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Bisoy Sukant Kishoro , Pattnaik Prasant Kumar , Kamila Narendra Kumar
Published: August 2016

When TCP Reno and TCP Vegas connections share a link, TCP Reno generally steals more bandwidth and dominates TCP Vegas because of its aggressive nature. This is the major reason why TCP Vegas has not gained much popularity and deployment in the Internet despite its excellent standalone performance. This work systematically examines compatibility between Reno and Vegas in wired as well as in wireless networks. Popular Active Queue Management (AQM) technique named as Random Early Detection (RED) to minimize the incompatibility between Reno and Vegas in wired network. For wireless network two ad hoc routing protocols such as Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) and Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV) are considered. Simulation results show that the incompatibility between Reno and Vegas in wired network is minimized using popular RED techniques. But in wireless ad hoc network environment Reno's aggressive behavior gets deteriorated while sharing with Vegas. Moreover, Reno and Vegas are more compatible in wireless network than wired network when both coexist in same time.
Media Access Control Protocols for Healthcare Sensor Networks
Authors: Samal Tushar Kanta , Kabat Manas Ranjan , Dash Prasant Kumar
Published: August 2016

The advancement of information and communication technology directly influences the life style of human being by making their life easier, sophisticated in many circumstances. The healthcare sensor network is one of the emerging areas of research for both computer science and health professionals. The Quality of Service (QoS) requirement of the traffic in emergency situation is one of the key challenges in this network. The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer plays vital role for reliable and on time delivery in the healthcare sensor networks. The healthcare system provides remote monitoring, real-time identification and control information which helps in identifying the unusual patterns and making more precise information about the situation. In this chapter, we present the issues and challenges of supporting sensor networks for healthcare applications. Then we present an extensive survey of MAC protocols developed to address the major challenges and improve the capacity of healthcare system in WSN.
Waterborne Diseases and Climate Change: Impact and Implications
Authors: Bouzid Maha
Published: August 2016

Waterborne diseases are caused by a multitude of pathogens and associated with a significant burden in both developed and developing countries. While the assessment of the adverse impacts of climate change on human heath from infectious diseases has mainly focused on vector-borne diseases, waterborne diseases prevalence and transmission patterns are also likely to be impacted by environmental change. This chapter will outline relevant waterborne pathogens, summarise the impact of climate change on disease transmission and explore climate change adaptation options in order to reduce the increased burden of waterborne diseases.
Rift Valley Fever and the Changing Environment
Authors: Lindahl Johanna , Bett Bernard , Robinson Timothy , Grace Delia
Published: August 2016

Rift Valley fever is a severe disease affecting both humans and animals. The Rift Valley fever virus can be transmitted by body fluids, and the most common way for humans to get infected is from animals. The virus is also vector-borne and can be transmitted by many species of mosquitoes. As with other vector-borne diseases, the epidemiology may vary in response to environmental changes. Here the effects of climate and land use changes on Rift Valley fever, as well as on other vector-borne diseases, are discussed. The effect of irrigation in East Africa on inter-epidemic transmission of RVF is discussed in greater detail, followed by recommendations for future research and actions.