bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction to a special issue entitled Perspectives on Implementing Benefit-Cost Analysis in Climate Assessment
Authors: Sussman Fran , Grambsch Anne , Li Jia , Weaver Christopher P.
Published: January 2018

Over the past half-century or more, economists have developed a robust literature on the theory and practice of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) as applied to diverse projects and policies. Recent years have seen a growing demand for practical applications of BCA to climate change policy questions. As economists seek to meet this demand, they face challenges that arise from the nature of climate change impacts, such as the long time frame and the potential for non-marginal changes, the importance of intangible effects, and the need to grapple with Knightian uncertainty. As a result of these and other characteristics of climate change, many of the fundamental tenets of BCA are coming under scrutiny and the limits of BCA’s methodological and practical boundaries are being tested. This special issue assembles a set of papers that review the growing body of literature on the economics of climate change. The papers describe the state of the literature valuing climate change impacts, both globally and at more disaggregated levels. The papers also discuss the challenges economists face in applying BCA to support climate change decision making and adaptation planning. This introduction provides background and context on the current use of BCA in climate change analysis, and sets each paper firmly in that context, identifying also areas for future research. While the challenges in conducting BCA and interpreting its results are significant, across the papers it becomes clear that economic analysis in general, and the tools and methods of BCA in particular, have a central role to play in supporting decision-making about how to respond to climate change.
Challenges in applying the paradigm of
welfare economics to climate change
Authors: Sussman Fran , Weaver Christopher P. , Grambsch Anne
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the challenges
inherent in developing benefit-cost analysis
(BCAs) of climate change. Challenges are explored
from three perspectives: meeting the foundational
premises for conducting BCA within the framework
of welfare economics, methodological
considerations that affect the application of the
tools and techniques of BCA, and practical
limitations that arise out of resource constraints
and the nature of the question, project, or policy
being evaluated. Although economic analysts
frequently face – and overcome – conceptual and
practical complications in developing BCAs,
climate change presents difficulties beyond those
posed by more conventional environmental problems.
Five characteristics of the climate system and
associated impacts on human and natural systems
are identified that pose particular challenges to
BCA of climate change, including ubiquity of
impacts, intangibility, non-marginal changes, long
timeframes, and uncertainty. These characteristics
interact with traditional economic challenges,
such as valuing non-market impact, addressing
non-marginal changes, accounting for
low-probability but high-impact events, and the
eternal issue of appropriately discounting the
future. A mapping between the characteristics of
climate change and traditional economic challenges
highlights the difficulties analysts are likely to
encounter in conducting BCA. Despite these
challenges, the paper argues that the fundamental
ability of economic analysis to evaluate
alternatives and tradeoffs is vital to decision
making. Climate-related decisions span a wide
range in terms of their scope, complexity, and
depth, and for many applications of economic
analyses the issues associated with climate change
are tractable. In other cases it may require
improved economic techniques or taking steps to
ensure uncertainty is more fully addressed.
Augmenting economic analysis with distribution
analysis or an account of physical effects, and
exploring how economic benefit and cost estimates
can be incorporated into broader decision making
frameworks have also been suggested. The paper
concludes that there are opportunities for BCA to
play a key role in informing climate change
decision-making.
Integrated assessment of climate change: state of the literature
Authors: Weyant John
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews applications of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in climate policy assessment at the US national and global scales. Two different but related major application types are addressed. First there are global-scale analyses that focus on calculating optimal global carbon emissions trajectories and carbon prices that maximize global welfare. The second application is the use of the same tools to compute the social cost of carbon (SCC) for use in US regulatory processes. The SCC is defined as the climate damages attributable to an increase of one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions above a baseline emissions trajectory that assumes no new climate policies. The paper describes the three main quantitative models that have been used in the optimal carbon policy and SCC calculations and then summarizes the range of results that have been produced using them. The results span an extremely broad range (up to an order of magnitude) across modeling platforms as well as across the plausible ranges of input assumptions to a single model. This broad range of results sets the stage for a discussion of the five key challenges that face BCA practitioners participating in the national and global climate change policy analysis arenas: (1) including the possibility of catastrophic outcomes; (2) factoring in equity and income distribution considerations; (3) addressing intertemporal discounting and intergenerational equity; (4) projecting baseline demographics, technological change, and policies inside and outside the energy sector; and (5) characterizing the full set of uncertainties to be dealt with and designing a decision-making process that updates and adapts new scientific and economic information into that process in a timely and productive manner. The paper closes by describing how the BCA models have been useful in climate policy discussions to date despite the uncertainties that pervade the results that have been produced.
Improving the practice of economic analysis of climate change adaptation
Authors: Li Jia , Mullan Michael , Helgeson Jennifer
Published: January 2018

The development of national and sectoral climate change adaptation strategies is burgeoning in the US and elsewhere in response to damages from extreme events and projected future risks from climate change. Increasingly, decision makers are requesting information on the economic damages of climate change as well as costs, benefits, and tradeoffs of alternative actions to inform climate adaptation decisions. This paper provides a practical view of the applications of economic analysis to aid climate change adaptation decision making, with a focus on benefit-cost analysis (BCA). We review the recent developments and applications of BCA with implications for climate risk management and adaptation decision making, both in the US and other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. We found that BCA is still in early stages of development for evaluating adaptation decisions, and to date is mostly being applied to investment project-based appraisals. Moreover, the best practices of economic analysis are not fully reflected in the BCAs of climate adaptation-relevant decisions. The diversity of adaptation measures and decision-making contexts suggest that evaluation of adaptation measures may require multiple analytical methods. The economic tools and information would need to be transparent, accessible, and match with the decision contexts to be effective in enhancing decision making. Based on the current evidence, a set of analytical considerations is proposed for improving economic analysis of climate adaptation that includes the need to better address uncertainty and to understand the cross-sector and general equilibrium effects of sectoral and national adaptation policy.
Nonlinear Relationship Between Spike-Dependent Calcium Influx and TRPC Channel Activation Enables Robust Persistent Spiking in Neurons of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Ratté Stéphanie , Karnup Sergei , Prescott Steven A.
Published: January 2018

Continuation of spiking after a stimulus ends (i.e. persistent spiking) is thought to support working memory. Muscarinic receptor activation enables persistent spiking among synaptically isolated pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), but a detailed characterization of that spiking is lacking and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that the rate of persistent spiking in ACC neurons is insensitive to the intensity and number of triggers, but can be modulated by injected current, and that persistent spiking can resume after several seconds of hyperpolarization-imposed quiescence. Using electrophysiology and calcium imaging in brain slices from male rats, we determined that canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels are necessary for persistent spiking and that TRPC-activating calcium enters in a spike-dependent manner via voltage-gated calcium channels. Constrained by these biophysical details, we built a computational model that reproduced the observed pattern of persistent spiking. Nonlinear dynamical analysis of that model revealed that TRPC channels become fully activated by the small rise in intracellular calcium caused by evoked spikes. Calcium continues to rise during persistent spiking, but because TRPC channel activation saturates, firing rate stabilizes. By calcium rising higher than required for maximal TRPC channel activation, TRPC channels are able to remain active during periods of hyperpolarization-imposed quiescence (until calcium drops below saturating levels) such that persistent spiking can resume when hyperpolarization is discontinued. Our results thus reveal that the robust intrinsic bistability exhibited by ACC neurons emerges from the nonlinear positive feedback relationship between spike-dependent calcium influx and TRPC channel activation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeurons use action potentials, or spikes, to encode information. Some neurons can store information for short periods (seconds to minutes) by continuing to spike after a stimulus ends, thus enabling working memory. This so-called “persistent” spiking occurs in many brain areas and has been linked to activation of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels. However, TRPC activation alone is insufficient to explain many aspects of persistent spiking such as resumption of spiking after periods of imposed quiescence. Using experiments and simulations, we show that calcium influx caused by spiking is necessary and sufficient to activate TRPC channels and that the ensuing positive feedback interaction between intracellular calcium and TRPC channel activation can account for many hitherto unexplained aspects of persistent spiking.
Activity in the Ventral Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is Necessary for the Therapeutic Effects of Extinction in Rats
Authors: Fucich Elizabeth A. , Paredes Denisse , Saunders Madeleine O. , Morilak David A.
Published: January 2018

Poor response and high relapse rates remain problematic in the treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although mechanisms of pharmacotherapies are intensely studied, little is known about mechanisms of behavioral therapy that could inform improved treatments. We have previously demonstrated the therapeutic effects of extinction learning as a behavioral intervention modeling exposure therapy in rats. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that activity in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) during extinction is necessary for its therapeutic effects. The inhibitory Gi-coupled designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug CaMKIIα-hM4Di was expressed in vmPFC before administering chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). vmPFC projection neurons were then inhibited during extinction treatment by administering clozapine-N-oxide. Coping behavior and cognitive flexibility were assessed 24 h later on the shock-probe defensive burying test and attentional set-shifting test, respectively. Replicating previous results, extinction reversed the CUS-induced deficits in coping behavior and cognitive flexibility. Inhibiting vmPFC during extinction blocked these therapeutic effects. Further, increasing vmPFC activity with the excitatory Gq-coupled designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug hM3Dq 24 h before testing was sufficient to reverse the CUS-induced deficits. CUS reduced mPFC responsivity, assessed by measuring afferent-evoked field potentials in the mPFC, and this reduction was reversed by extinction treatment 24 h before testing. These results demonstrate the necessity of vmPFC activity in the therapeutic effects of extinction as a model of exposure therapy, and suggest that increased vmPFC activity induced by extinction is sufficient to produce lasting plastic changes that underlie its beneficial effects.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStress-related psychiatric disorders remain poorly treated. Psychotherapies can be effective, but their mechanisms remain unknown, hindering progress toward improved treatment. We used a rat model of behavioral therapy to identify potential targets for enhancing treatment. Fear extinction as a therapeutic behavioral intervention reversed stress-induced cognitive dysfunction and passive coping in rats, modeling components of stress-related psychiatric disease. Extinction also reversed stress-induced attenuation of mPFC responsivity. The therapeutic effects were prevented by blocking activity of glutamatergic neurons in the mPFC during extinction, and were mimicked by inducing activity in lieu of extinction. Thus, activity and plasticity in the mPFC underlie the beneficial effects of extinction on cognitive flexibility and coping behavior compromised by stress, and could be targets to enhance behavioral therapy.
KChIP3 N-Terminal 31-50 Fragment Mediates Its Association with TRPV1 and Alleviates Inflammatory Hyperalgesia in Rats
Authors: Tian Na-Xi , Xu Yu , Yang Jin-Yu , Li Lu , Sun Xiao-Hong , Wang Yun , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2018

Potassium voltage-gated channel interacting protein 3 (KChIP3), also termed downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) and calsenilin, is a multifunctional protein belonging to the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family. Recent studies revealed the expression of KChIP3 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, suggesting the potential role of KChIP3 in peripheral sensory processing. Herein, we show that KChIP3 colocalizes with transient receptor potential ion channel V1 (TRPV1), a critical molecule involved in peripheral sensitization during inflammatory pain. Furthermore, the N-terminal 31-50 fragment of KChIP3 is capable of binding both the intracellular N and C termini of TRPV1, which substantially decreases the surface localization of TRPV1 and the subsequent Ca2+influx through the channel. Importantly, intrathecal administration of the transmembrane peptide transactivator of transcription (TAT)-31-50 remarkably reduces Ca2+influx via TRPV1 in DRG neurons and alleviates thermal hyperalgesia and gait alterations in a complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory pain model in male rats. Moreover, intraplantar injection of TAT-31-50 attenuated the capsaicin-evoked spontaneous pain behavior and thermal hyperalgesia, which further strengthened the regulatory role of TAT-31-50 on TRPV1 channel. In addition, TAT-31-50 could also alleviate inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia inkcnip3−/−rats generated in our study, suggesting that the analgesic effect mediated by TAT-31-50 is independent of endogenous KChIP3. Our study reveals a novel peripheral mechanism for the analgesic function of KChIP3 and provides a potential analgesic agent, TAT-31-50, for the treatment of inflammatory pain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTInflammatory pain arising from inflamed or injured tissues significantly compromises the quality of life in patients. This study aims to elucidate the role of peripheral potassium channel interacting protein 3 (KChIP3) in inflammatory pain. Direct interaction of the KChIP3 N-terminal 31-50 fragment with transient receptor potential ion channel V1 (TRPV1) was demonstrated. The KChIP3–TRPV1 interaction reduces the surface localization of TRPV1 and thus alleviates heat hyperalgesia and gait alterations induced by peripheral inflammation. Furthermore, the transmembrane transactivator of transcription (TAT)-31-50 peptide showed analgesic effects on inflammatory hyperalgesia independently of endogenous KChIP3. This work reveals a novel mechanism of peripheral KChIP3 in inflammatory hyperalgesia that is distinct from its classical role as a transcriptional repressor in pain modulation.
Discrete Modules and Mesoscale Functional Circuits for Thermal Nociception within Primate S1 Cortex
Authors: Yang Pai-Feng , Wu Ruiqi , Wu Tung-Lin , Shi Zhaoyue , Chen Li Min
Published: January 2018

This study addresses one long-standing question of whether functional separations are preserved for somatosensory modalities of touch, heat, and cold nociception within primate primary somatosensory (S1) cortex. This information is critical for understanding how the nature of pain is represented in the primate brain. Using a combination of submillimeter-resolution fMRI and microelectrode local field potential (LFP) and spike recordings, we identified spatially segregated cortical zones for processing touch and nociceptive heat and cold stimuli in somatotopically appropriate areas 3a, 3b, 1, and 2 of S1 in male monkeys. The distances between zones were comparable (∼3.4 mm) across stimulus modalities (heat, cold, and tactile), indicating the existence of uniform, modality-specific modules. Stimulus-evoked LFP maps validated the fMRI maps in areas 3b and 1. Isolation of heat and cold nociceptive neurons from the fMRI zones confirmed the validity of using fMRI to probe nociceptive regions and circuits. Resting-state fMRI analysis revealed distinct intrinsic functional circuits among functionally related zones. We discovered distinct modular structures and networks for thermal nociception within S1 cortex, a finding that has significant implications for studying chronic pain syndromes and guiding the selection of neuromodulation targets for chronic pain management.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPrimate S1 subregions contain discrete heat and cold nociceptive modules. Modules with the same properties exhibit strong functional connection. Nociceptive fMRI response coincides with LFP and spike activities of nociceptive neurons. Functional separation of heat and cold pain is retained within primate S1 cortex.
Recruitment of Additional Corticospinal Pathways in the Human Brain with State-Dependent Paired Associative Stimulation
Authors: Kraus Dominic , Naros Georgios , Guggenberger Robert , Leão Maria Teresa , Ziemann Ulf , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: January 2018

Standard brain stimulation protocols modify human motor cortex excitability by modulating the gain of the activated corticospinal pathways. However, the restoration of motor function following lesions of the corticospinal tract requires also the recruitment of additional neurons to increase the net corticospinal output. For this purpose, we investigated a novel protocol based on brain state-dependent paired associative stimulation.

Motor imagery (MI)-related electroencephalography was recorded in healthy males and females for brain state-dependent control of both cortical and peripheral stimulation in a brain–machine interface environment. State-dependency was investigated with concurrent, delayed, and independent stimulation relative to the MI task. Specifically, sensorimotor event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the β-band (16–22 Hz) triggered peripheral stimulation through passive hand opening by a robotic orthosis and transcranial magnetic stimulation to the respective cortical motor representation, either synchronously or subsequently. These MI-related paradigms were compared with paired cortical and peripheral input applied independent of the brain state. Cortical stimulation resulted in a significant increase in corticospinal excitability only when applied brain state-dependently and synchronously to peripheral input. These gains were resistant to a depotentiation task, revealed a nonlinear evolution of plasticity, and were mediated via the recruitment of additional corticospinal neurons rather than via synchronization of neuronal firing. Recruitment of additional corticospinal pathways may be achieved when cortical and peripheral inputs are applied concurrently, and during β-ERD. These findings resemble a gating mechanism and are potentially important for developing closed-loop brain stimulation for the treatment of hand paralysis following lesions of the corticospinal tract.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe activity state of the motor system influences the excitability of corticospinal pathways to external input. State-dependent interventions harness this property to increase the connectivity between motor cortex and muscles. These stimulation protocols modulate the gain of the activated pathways, but not the overall corticospinal recruitment. In this study, a brain–machine interface paired peripheral stimulation through passive hand opening with transcranial magnetic stimulation to the respective cortical motor representation during volitional β-band desynchronization. Cortical stimulation resulted in the recruitment of additional corticospinal pathways, but only when applied brain state-dependently and synchronously to peripheral input. These effects resemble a gating mechanism and may be important for the restoration of motor function following lesions of the corticospinal tract.
Los hechos nuevos o de nueva noticia en el proceso civil, a examen
Authors: De Miranda Vázquez Carlos
Published: January 2018

En el proceso civil declarativo español rige el principio de preclusión de alegaciones, a partir de la deducción de demanda y contestación. Sin embargo, resultaría injusto que el juez se viera forzado a desatender los hechos ocurridos o conocidos tras dicha preclusión. Para salvar esta posibilidad, la Ley contempla, principalmente, el escrito de ampliación de hechos. Éste abre la puerta a un incidente, donde se discute y se resuelve sobre el carácter inédito de los hechos alegados. El presente trabajo se consagra al análisis crítico del escrito de ampliación de hechos y del posterior incidente.
O critério da fonte e o seu âmbito de aplicação
Authors: Azevedo Patrícia Anjos
Published: January 2018

Resumo: Fruto da sua soberania, os diferentes Estados procuram estabelecer uma ligação efetiva com determinado facto económico para que possam exercer o seu poder tributário.Tal ligação pode verificar-se com base na ocorrência desse facto no território desse Estado (conexão objetiva), ou em função da pessoa com quem se relaciona o facto tributário (conexão subjetiva).Assim, é com base nos aspetos determinantes da soberania estadual que podemos identificar os elementos de conexão de natureza objetiva (referentes ao facto tributável – critério da fonte) e de natureza subjetiva (referentes ao titular do rendimento – critério da residência).Os tratados internacionais em matéria fiscal apresentam uma aplicação combinada da tributação com base na residência e na fonte. Neste âmbito, são conferidos alguns direitos ao país da fonte, sendo deixada para o país da residência a tarefa de evitar a dupla tributação. Resumen: Fruto de su soberanía, los diferentes Estados tratan de establecer una conexión efectiva con cierto hecho económico que puede ejercer su potestad tributaria.Tal conexión puede ocurrir en base a la ocurrencia de los mismos en dicho Estado (conexión objetiva), o porque la persona que se relaciona la operación gravada (conexión subjetiva).Por lo tanto, se basa en aspectos cruciales de la soberanía del Estado que podemos identificar los elementos de conexión de la naturaleza objetiva (por el hecho imponible – criterio de la fuente) y de carácter subjetivo (para los ingresos del titular –criterio de la residencia).Los tratados fiscales internacionales tienen una aplicación combinada de los impuestos sobre la base de residencia y la fuente. En este contexto, y conferían ciertos derechos al país de la fuente, quedando al país de residencia de la tarea de evitar la doble imposición. Abstract: As a result of their sovereignty, the different States seek to establish an effective link with a certain economic fact so that they can exercise their tax power.Such a link may be based on the occurrence of that fact in the territory of that State (objective connection), or in relation to the person with whom the taxable event is related (subjective connection).Thus, it is on the basis of the determinant aspects of state sovereignty that we can identify the connection elements of an objective nature (referring to the taxable factor – source criterion) and subjective nature (referring to the income holder – residence criterion).International tax treaties have a combined application of taxation based on residence and source. In this context, some rights are conferred to the country of origin, but the task of avoiding double taxation is left to the country of residence. Palavras-chave: soberania, fatores de conexão, critério da fonte, convenções para evitar a dupla tributação. Palabras clave: soberanía, puntos de conexión, criterio de la fuente, convenios para evitar la doble imposición. Key-words: sovereignty, connection factors, source criterion, conventions to avoid double taxation.
Ecosistema de los Comunes y Democracia bajo la perspectiva del enfoque de capacidad de Amartya Sen / Common Ecosystem and Democracy under the perspective of Amartya Sen Capacity Approach
Authors: Carvajal Muñoz María Rosario
Published: January 2018

El texto abre un debate en torno a la política y lo común, focalizándose en las repercusiones que el uso de lo común tiene para las libertades de los individuos. Se hace especial hincapié en el uso común, público o privado de las nuevas tecnologías. En este sentido, un punto de arranque importante en el rearme de lo común fue el movimiento social del 15M en 2011, que reivindicó otro modelo de concebir la política. A partir de ahí se ha dado un incremento notorio de propuestas de lo común. Su propósito principal ha sido, y es, crear espacios compartidos en comunidad, donde debatir sobre cuestiones sociales de interés común, y abriendo espacios de libertad a una sociedad heterogénea. Las nuevas tecnologías tienen un papel destacado en estos nuevos formatos de la política. No obstante, el uso de Internet, y de los medios de comunicación en general, no están exentos de peligros, porque en ellos, como se constatan en otras instancias, están reflejadas las relaciones de poder, con un importante peso de los intereses comerciales. Esta realidad limita las libertades de los individuos y hacen más necesarios los espacios comunes de resistencia ciudadana. En este particular, el enfoque de capacidad de Amartya Sen, y el planteamiento teórico en el que se inscribe,  constituyen herramientas útiles para reflexionar sobre la necesaria presencia de espacios de lo común en nuestras vidas, con objeto de preservar libertades básicas. Lo común amplía libertades,   siguiendo las facetas de libertad de Sen, es por esto que se hace una defensa de los espacios comunes, también porque nos lleva a una democracia más participativa.
Increase in the economic and ecological parameters of power plants by means of utilization of the ash-slag waste of boilers
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, 37, Prospect Beresteiskyi (former Peremohy), Kyiv, 03056, Ukraine, Kesova Liubov , Kravchuk Hanna ,   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, 37, Prospect Beresteiskyi (former Peremohy), Kyiv, 03056, Ukraine
Published: January 2018

In the EU, USA, and a series of developed countries of the world, the ash and slag of power plants are considered as technogenic raw materials for many branches of industry. The systems of pneumatic ash and slag removal are an integral part of the technological process of coal-fired power plants and usually provide up to 92% of their utilization. In Ukraine, the systems of hydraulic ash and slag removal are applied, and, as a consequence, ash and slag lose their consumer value for using in industry. In addition, their accumulation in ash dumps leads to land allotment problems, the pollution of soil, ponds, and atmosphere, the dust loading of territories, and the possibility of catastrophic breakthrough of dams. We give recommendations for Ukrainian power plants regarding the choice of equipment and technologies for dry methods of ash and slag removal, which have obtained a positive verification in the world. Keywords: ash, slag, waste, pneumatic and hydroash slag removal systems, pneumatic transport, vacuum, pressure, combined, dense phase systems, pumps, blowers.
Healthcare Providers’ Awareness and Perceptions of Competency Requirements in Central Venous Catheter Insertion
Authors: Cohen Elaine R. , Barsuk Jeffrey H. , Hertz Joelle R. , Wayne Diane B. , Okuda Yasuharu , Mitra Debi , McGaghie William C. , Cameron Kenzie A.
Published: January 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. BackgroundStudies show that medical residents do not feel comfortable and lack the skills and confidence to perform common bedside procedures. Regulatory bodies often require a set number of procedures to determine resident competence, yet medical providers' knowledge of competency guidelines are less well known. This study aimed to qualitatively assess existing practices relevant to documentation of competency in central venous catheter (CVC) insertion and explore healthcare providers' awareness and perceptions of those practices at their institutions.MethodsThe authors performed a qualitative study at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) from February to December 2014 as part of a larger project related to the dissemination of a simulation-based CVC insertion curriculum. Two authors conducted interviews with hospital staff (including attending physicians, nurses, and residents) at selected VAMCs. Recordings of interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach and constant comparative techniques.ResultsTwenty-six participants were interviewed at six VAMCs. Participants reported varying perspectives regarding their institutions' policies about CVC insertion. Four major themes emerged: (1) knowledge of institutional policy; (2) competency by numbers; (3) documentation of competency; and (4) perceptions of competency measures. Participants reported concern about the reliability of these policies and measures of competence.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that healthcare providers' knowledge and perceptions about institutional requirements for procedural competency vary widely. Our findings suggest the need for establishment of consistent competency policies based on evidence-based practices, and highlight the need for increased communication regarding individual institutional policies. Integration of rigorous simulation-based education, implemented consistently across institutions, can provide a reliable mechanism to train and assess procedural competence and ensure patient safety.
The hidden role of the subsurface for cities
Authors: von der Tann Loretta , Metje Nicole , Admiraal Han , Collins Brian
Published: January 2018

The evolution of cities is directly linked to their subsurface: the local geology and hydrogeology alongside the history of human interventions are the basis for the present structure and organisation of cities and affect the prospects for future developments within and above the ground. The underground serves multiple purposes in cities including; providing stability for buildings, providing drinking water and materials, serving as a heat source or retention basin, and accommodating infrastructure and developments. In the face of growth predictions and climate change, interdependencies between urban planning objectives and the subsurface, such as placing infrastructure underground to release surface congestion, remediation of brownfields for development, or prospecting for geothermal energy, become ever more important. This paper reviews current initiatives in industry, policy and research in the UK, which aim for changes in urban subsurface management and governance. It identifies the multitude of planning topics in which the subsurface implicitly features, many of which are commonly only addressed at project level. It highlights that the wider impact of these interventions on underground space and the development of the city is not considered. Consequently, the value of the subsurface for sustainable and resilient development of cities may not be realised.
Effect of recycled coarse aggregate and foundry sand on the properties of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Mahakavi P. , Chithra R. , Kavitha K.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the possibility of utilising foundry sand and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) obtained from a ready-mix concrete plant for making self-compacting concrete (SCC) was evaluated. In this experiment, 25 concrete mixes were made in which the substitution of RCA was 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% as coarse aggregate and substitution of foundry sand was 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% as fine aggregate. The cement content, water and silica fume were kept constant for all 25 mixes. The effects of foundry sand and RCA on the fresh properties of concrete and the hardened properties of SCC were evaluated. The results of the investigation showed that the hardened properties of concrete with 20% foundry sand were significantly improved when compared to conventional concrete. However, the hardened properties of the SCC with 100% RCA were poorer than for conventional concrete with 100% natural coarse aggregate. Strength decreases with the increase in percentage of substitution of RCA. It was found that an M20 grade of structural SCC was achieved with 75% substitution of RCA.
Effect of Bariatric Surgery on CKD Risk
Authors: Friedman Allon N. , Wahed Abdus S. , Wang Junyao , Courcoulas Anita P. , Dakin Gregory , Hinojosa Marcelo W. , Kimmel Paul L. , Mitchell James E. , Pomp Alfons , Pories Walter J. , Purnell Jonathan Q. , le Roux Carel , Spaniolas Konstantinos , Steffen Kristine J. , Thirlby Richard , Wolfe Bruce
Published: January 2018

Obesity is linked to the development and progression of CKD, but whether bariatric surgery protects against CKD is poorly understood. We, therefore, examined whether bariatric surgery influences CKD risk. The study included 2144 adults who underwent bariatric surgery from March of 2006 to April of 2009 and participated in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 Study cohort. The primary outcome was CKD risk categories as assessed by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consortium criteria using a combination of eGFR and albuminuria. Patients were 79% women and 87% white, with a median age of 46 years old. Improvements were observed in CKD risk at 1 and 7 years after surgery in patients with moderate baseline CKD risk (63% and 53%, respectively), high baseline risk (78% and 56%, respectively), and very high baseline risk (59% and 23%, respectively). The proportion of patients whose CKD risk worsened was ≤10%; five patients developed ESRD. Sensitivity analyses using year 1 as baseline to minimize the effect of weight loss on serum creatinine and differing eGFR equations offered qualitatively similar results. Treatment with bariatric surgery associated with an improvement in CKD risk categories in a large proportion of patients for up to 7 years, especially in those with moderate and high baseline risk. These findings support consideration of CKD risk in evaluation for bariatric surgery and further study of bariatric surgery as a treatment for high-risk obese patients with CKD.
Nephronectin Regulates Mesangial Cell Adhesion and Behavior in Glomeruli
Authors: Zimmerman Susan E. , Hiremath Chitkale , Tsunezumi Jun , Yang Zhufeng , Finney Bronwyn , Marciano Denise K.
Published: January 2018

A critical aspect of kidney function occurs at the glomerulus, the capillary network that filters the blood. The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a key component of filtration, yet our understanding of GBM interactions with mesangial cells, specialized pericytes that provide structural stability to glomeruli, is limited. We investigated the role of nephronectin (Npnt), a GBM component and known ligand of α8β1 integrin. Immunolocalization and in situ hybridization studies in kidneys of adult mice revealed that nephronectin is produced by podocytes and deposited into the GBM. Conditional deletion of Npnt from nephron progenitors caused a pronounced increase in mesangial cell number and mesangial sclerosis. Nephronectin colocalized with α8β1 integrin to novel, specialized adhesion structures that occurred at sites of mesangial cell protrusion at the base of the capillary loops. Absence of nephronectin disrupted these adhesion structures, leading to mislocalization of α8β1. Podocyte-specific deletion of Npnt also led to mesangial sclerosis in mice. These results demonstrate a novel role for nephronectin and α8β1 integrin in a newly described adhesion complex and begin to uncover the molecular interactions between the GBM and mesangial cells, which govern mesangial cell behavior and may have a role in pathologic states.
Is the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, -9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, -2, and -3) associated with angiogenesis and clinicopathological features for breast cancer?
Authors: Kuskunović-Vlahovljak Suada , Čamdžić Nina , Radović Svjetlana , Dorić Mirsad , Babić Mirsad , Lazović Salčin Edina , Džananović Lejla
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are involved in the progression of several tumors, including breast cancer. Our aim was to investigate the association of immunohistochemical expression of protein MMP-2, and -9 and tissue inhibitors TIMP-1,-2,-3 by tumoral cells in the process of angiogenesis and to define their relation with clinicopathological features for breast cancer.

Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of MMP-2,-9, TIMP-1,-2,-3, endoglin/CD105, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status was performed on 79 tissue samples of breast cancer with axillary lymph node dissection.

Results: Statistically significant difference was found between mean age of patients and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) expression status (p=0.008), i.e., women with TIMP-1 negative tumors were on average younger (mean age 46.5) compared to women with TIMP-1 positive tumors (mean age 58.1); TIMP-2 expression status showed association with ER status (p=0.017), while TIMP-3 negative tumors were on average more frequently ER and PR negative (p=0.016; p=0.027). Status of protein expression of MMP-9 was associated with TIMP-1 protein expression status (p=0.033), i.e., breast cancers with overexpression of protein MMP-9 were more frequently TIMP-1 protein positive.

Conclusion: Only TIMPs were associated with clinicopathological features for breast cancer. TIMP-2 expression was associated with worse (TIMP-2 positive tumors were frequently ER-negative), while TIMP-3 expression in tumoral cells was associated with better clinicopathological features for breast cancer (TIMP-3 positive tumors were frequently ER and PR positive).
Thermochemical properties of liquid alloys along xCu/xSb= 0.2/08 section of the ternary Cu-Sb-Ce system
Authors: Kotova Natalia , Ivanov Michael , Usenko Natalia
Published: January 2018

The enthalpies of mixing of liquid alloys of the ternary Cu–Sb–Ce system were studied by high-temperature calorimetry along the cross-section = 0.2/0.8. The composition dependence of these values were modelled using four "geometric" models and also the analytical method of Redlich–Kister–Muggianu. A comparison of the experimental data for the cross section = 0.2/0.8 and simulated values of the enthalpies of mixing showed that the most suitable for describing the properties of liquid alloys of ternary Cu–Sb–Ce system is the Toop model.
Инновационный подход к управлению цепочкой создания потребительской ценности
Authors: Тимохина Галина Сергеевна , Сысоева Татьяна Леонидовна , Любина Елена Владимировна
Published: January 2018

В настоящей статье представлен инновационный подход к управлению цепочкой создания потребительской ценности в рамках существующих одноименных моделей. По мнению авторов, эффективное управление бизнес-процессами в основных и вспомогательных видах деятельности компании для создания потребительской ценности возможно при наличии системы исследований потребителей и информационно-аналитической базы, позволяющих изучить и понять потребности, выгоды, ценности конечных, институциональных потребителей и общества. Авторы подчеркивают, что на современном рынке потребности эволюционируют в ценности, и потребительский выбор конечных и институциональных потребителей определяется их системой ценностей.
AVALIAÇÃO NUTRICIONAL DE IDOSOS RESIDENTES EM INSTITUIÇÕES DE LONGA PERMANÊNCIA
Authors: Lima Ana Priscila Marques , Gomes Karen Virginia Lopes , Pereira Francisco Gilberto Fernandes , Barros Livia Moreira , Silva Máguida Gomes da , Frota Natasha Marques
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: avaliar o estado nutricional de idosos residentes em nstituições de Longa Permanência. Método: estudo descritivo e transversal com abordagem quantitativa realizado de março a abril de 2016, com amostra de 78 idosos institucionalizados. A coleta de dados ocorreu com a aplicação do instrumento Mini Avaliação Nutricional durante visitas previamente agendadas. Resultados: predominou o sexo feminino, 44 (56%), e identificou-se que há risco de desnutrição, com média de avaliação global de 17,7 (DP ± 5,2). Houve associação estatisticamente
significativa entre o risco de desnutrição e as variáveis: sexo, idade e tempo de institucionalização, com p < 0,05.
Conclusão: a institucionalização consiste em um fator fortemente associado a alterações no estado nutricional do idoso, o que torna necessária a adoção de medidas adaptativas pelas instituições de longa permanência para essa população no tocante ao suporte nutricional adequado que é importante para a manutenção do estado de saúde e da qualidade de vida.

Descritores: Avaliação nutricional. Nutrição do idoso. Institucionalização.
NÍVEL DE DOR E GRAU DE INDEPENDÊNCIA FUNCIONAL DE PACIENTES SUBMETIDOS À CIRURGIA CARDÍACA
Authors: Chiapinotto Sabrina , Dallazen Fernanda , Teixeira Bodnar Emely , Winkelmann Eliane Roseli
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: avaliar a correlação da dor e independência funcional no período pré e pós-operatório dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: estudo prospectivo e não intervencionista composto por 24 pacientes que realizaram cirurgia cardíaca eletiva. Foram coletados os dados clínicos nos prontuários dos pacientes e realizada entrevista direta no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório. A intensidade de dor foi avaliada pela Escala Visual Numérica e a funcionalidade pela Medida de Independência Funcional. Resultados: na primeira avaliação, os pacientes não relataram dor. Na avaliação pós-operatória, os pacientes apresentaram uma média de 4,75 ± 1,91 pontos na escala de dor. A funcionalidade passou de 124,29 ± 6,38 no pré-operatório para 97,42 ± 12,73 no pós-operatório. Verificou-se correlação significativa entre dor e funcionalidade. Conclusão: ocorreu aumento da dor e redução da funcionalidade no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca, além de correlação entre as variáveis, demonstrando que uanto maior a intensidade da dor, menor é a independência funcional do paciente.

Descritores: Cirurgia torácica. Medição da dor. Fisioterapia. Reabilitação.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS À QUALIDADE DE VIDA DE INDIVÍDUOS ACOMETIDOS POR DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: De Oliveira Bruno Gonçalves , Bomfim Eliane Dos Santos , Ribeiro Icaro José  Santos , Carmo Erica Assunção , Boery Rita Narriman Silva de Oliveira , Boery Eduardo Nagib
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à qualidade de vida de indivíduos acometidos por diabetes mellitus. Método: estudo epidemiológico, censitário, realizado com 101 indivíduos com o diagnóstico de diabetes tipo 2 atendidos em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família do município de Jequié-BA, Brasil. Foram utilizados os instrumentos de coleta de dados: sociodemográficos, estilo de vida, dados clínicos e o WHOQOL-bref. Resultados: evidenciou-se que as pessoas que fazem uso de álcool e tabaco apresentaram melhor percepção de qualidade de vida no domínio relações sociais. Verificou-se que os indivíduos sobrepeso/obeso apresentaram pior percepção de qualidade de vida no domínio psicológico. Quanto ao tempo diagnóstico, observou-se pior percepção entre os indivíduos com diagnóstico > 5 anos de diabetes mellitus e o domínio relações sociais. Conclusão: o consumo de álcool e tabaco, índice de massa corporal e o tempo diagnóstico da doença interferem na qualidade de vida do indivíduo com diabetes.

Descritores: Diabetes mellitus. Estilo de vida. Qualidade de vida.
The impact of crime and the fear thereof on the nature and use of public space in the capital city of South Africa
Authors: Landman Karina
Published: January 2018

Níveis de insegurança, criminalidade e desigualdade permanecem muito altos nas cidades brasileiras e sul africanas. Consequentemente, os habitantes mais ricos se retraem para espaços coletivos protegidos por muros e cercas. Como resultado, tem havido um crescimento de muitos espaços semipúblicos em shopping centers e condomínios. Isso levanta questões sobre a mudança do espaço público e o impacto do crime e do medo no uso desses espaços. Esta discussão mostra como a forma e a função de diferentes espaços na capital da África do Sul, Pretória, mudaram em várias partes da cidade em razão de negligência, revitalização ou privatização e como isso moldou a experiência dos usuários em relação ao crime e ao medo . O artigo defende uma leitura mais matizada da transformação do espaço público. Em primeiro lugar, reconhece que, em cidades em rápida mudança em países em transição, ainda pode haver necessidade de diferentes tipos de espaços públicos, inclusive aqueles em condomínios. Em segundo lugar, embora a segurança seja uma grande preocupação entre usuários do espaço público, isso não implica que condomínios sejam a única solução para um espaço público seguro. Portanto, abordagens alternativas devem ser consideradas.
Cubismo: a arte africana e o espaço-tempo
Authors: Cavalcante Neusa
Published: January 2018

Este artigo sugere uma reflexão sobre as origens do cubismo que, além de considerar o importante legado de Paul Cézanne, possa trazer à luz algumas conexões desse movimento de vanguarda com as publica- ções A origem das espécies, de Darwin, e A teoria da relatividade, de Einstein, ou, mais especificamente, sua relação tanto com a arte africana quanto com o fenômeno espaço-tempo. Trata-se de parte de uma pesquisa mais ampla sobre fatos e feitos históricos determinantes da construção do ideário moderno e também da formulação da arte abstrata, em geral, e do cubismo, em particular.