bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
047 Identifying Factors Predictive of Managing Patients with Low Back Pain without Using X-Rays Among North American Chiropractors: Applying Psychological Theories to Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
Authors: Bussières A , Francis J , Patey A , Gagnon M , Sales A , Eccles M , Lemyre L , Godin G , Grimshaw J
Published: August 2013

Background

This study aimed to identify theoretically based modifiable factors that predict whether chiropractors manage patients with low back pain without ordering lumbar x-rays.

Methods

A mailed survey with psychological measures was collected from a random sample of Ontario (Canada) and Practice Network (US) chiropractors. The outcome measures were behavioural intention and behavioural simulation (scenario decision-making). Explanatory variables included constructs from motivational theories (Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB)), action theories (Operant Learning Theory (OLT) and Planning (action and coping)), and two other constructs: personal moral norm and habit as measured by the Self-Reported Habit Index (SRHI). Multiple regression analyses examined the predictive value of each theoretical model individually for simulation and intention outcomes.

Results

31% of North American chiropractors returned completed questionnaires. Overall, TPB and TIB, followed by personal moral norms and OLT best explained behavioural simulation. Theory level variance explained among Ontario and US chiropractors was respectively: TPB 59%; 52.0%, TIB 57%; 54.0%, personal moral norm 49%; 46.0%, OLT 49%; 52.0%, action planning 28%; 29%, and SRHI 42%; 48%. Constructs from TPB and TIB best explained behavioural intention. Theory level variance explained was respectively: TPB 85%; 74%, TIB; 83%; 81%, OLT 62%; 69%, and SRHI 59% and 52% for SRHI.

Conclusion

These models explained up to 59% of the variation in behavioural simulation and up to 85% in intention to manage back pain patients without x-rays. Results may inform development of theory-based behaviour change interventions to implement imaging guideline recommendations among North American chiropractors. These models explained up to 59% of the variation in behavioural simulation and up to 85% in intention to manage back pain patients without x-rays. Results may inform development of theory-based behaviour change interventions to implement imaging guideline recommendations among North American chiropractors.
P008 Keeping cancer guidelines current using a wiki approach
Authors: Ian Olver
Published: August 2013

Updating written guidelines regularly is difficult and expensive. New evidence in cancer treatment is published frequently. Guideline booklets are also difficult to disseminate widely and stakeholder feedback is mainly pre-publication. To address these issues, Cancer Council Australia developed a web-based wiki platform for guidelines. Only invited expert authors can write in the wiki guidelines, but any stakeholder can comment upon them at any time. The key steps in guideline development were integrated with the wiki capability. An expert group, whose competing interests are documented, were identified, the key clinical questions and search strategies were developed for each question and literature searches recorded on the wiki. An online literature screening and critical appraisal process was developed. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated and evidence tables automatically generated. The stakeholders were invited to comment online. Web analytics monitored usage. The writers remain engaged to appraise new papers and update the guideline rapidly as necessary. All previous versions could be accessed. We evaluated lung cancer treatment guidelines developed on the wiki, where 22 authors identified 67 clinical questions. The literature search and screening process resulted in 2035 potentially relevant articles being forwarded for detailed methodological evaluation with another 571 added through snowballing and other methods. To fine-tune the initial draft content, the working party used the wiki to exchange 156 internal comments in 9 weeks. Of 1055 visits in a 30 day initial consultation period 487 were targeted by email and 387 found the site by Google searches. Of respondents from 45 countries, most were from Australia (799 visits), New Zealand (60 visits) and the United States (31 visits) Of 38 comments, 31 resulted in edits. A strategy to boost uptake is to write Qstream education modules to accompany the guidelines.
049 Evidence Based Treatment Guidelines: At Work in a Microcosm
Authors: Whelan P , Denniston P
Published: August 2013

Background

Medical treatment under workers’ compensation represents just a miniscule portion (about 3 percent) of total medical costs in the US Furthermore, legislation and rules are determined autonomously by each state. Worker’ comp medical care, and the outcomes of that care, in each state theoretically can represent a microcosm of what could be achieved in an entire country. Impact of Evidence-based Treatment Guidelines: A trend began in 2003, starting with California, for states to consider adopting Evidence-Based Treatment Guidelines as a mechanism to insure timely and quality care for injured workers by following the least invasive, most-effective treatments today’s science has to offer. Bi-products to the effective implementation of EBTG, include earlier return to work, better outcomes resulting in reduced indemnity costs, less friction in the system (providers know what treatments are authorised and will be paid for), fewer episodes of over-utilisation of services, and decreased medical costs, benefiting employers, insurers, providers and business. Outcomes where true EBTG have been implemented: Ohio adopted EBTG in 2003. A Pilot conducted in 2005 showed a decrease in medical costs by 64%, lost days by 69% and treatment delays by 77%. Texas adopted EBTG in 2006; Total costs have declined by 50%, patients are recovering more quickly, more providers are willing to treat these patients, opioid abuses have declined and many states are looking to adopt this model. Other state outcomes and essential elements needed in an EBTG will be discussed.
053 Implementing Nutrition Guidelines Through Practice Tools for Registered Dietitians
Authors: Kren K , Moloney L , Ziegler P , Acosta A
Published: August 2013

Background

Evidence Based Dietetics Practice Toolkits are resources intended to assist registered dietitians (RDs) in implementing nutrition guidelines derived from systematic reviews.

Objectives

Surveys, sent at least one year past publication, were used to explore who uses toolkits, how toolkits are used, and if RDs find toolkits useful for implementation of guidelines.

Methods

A standard questionnaire was sent to 1379 individuals for six toolkits (Celiac Disease, Critical Illness, Diabetes, Heart Failure, Oncology, and Paediatric Overweight) in 2011 and 2012, using Survey Monkey.

Results

Responses received were 131 (9%), of which 42% were RDs in practice >15 years, in direct care (63%), and in settings of outpatient (51%) and inpatient (31%). Respondents mostly used toolkits for patient care (66%), nutrition counselling (40%) and development of forms (37%). Regarding the tools provided, 66% of respondents indicated that they found the summary of nutrition care and patient education materials to be very/somewhat useful or useful. The same was true for 63% for the case studies, 61% for the flowchart of patient encounters, 60% for the patient encounter process instructions and 56% for the sample documentation forms. Some respondents (24%) seldom or never used the guidelines prior to toolkit use; however, 65% indicated that the toolkit was useful in translating the guidelines to practice.

Discussion

The implementation of guidelines is often overlooked yet is crucial to changing practice. These toolkits allow a useful strategy for assisting with implementation. Similar practice tools, tailored to practitioners and setting, may be useful in guideline implementation for a variety of conditions.
058 Assessment of the Evidence for Diagnostic Tests and Strategies: A Systematic Review of Available Tools
Authors: Mustafa R , Wiercioch W , Falavigna M , Zhang Y , Prediger B , Cheung A , Ivanova L , Arevalo-Rodriguez I , Schünemann H
Published: August 2013

Background

The challenges facing guideline developers when making recommendations about diagnostic tests and strategies (DTS) are considerably different when compared to treatment recommendations.

Objectives

To identify, describe and compare all available instruments, checklists, critical appraisal tools, and indices designed for assessing the quality of evidence (QoE) or strength of recommendations (SoR) dealing with diagnostic tests and strategies.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive systematic search of the literature including state of the art diagnostic guidelines, methods papers and diagnostic systematic reviews.

Results

We identified 45 tools and modifications of existing tools to assess the QoE and SoR of DTS. Most tools acknowledge the importance of assessing the QoE and SoR separately. Most tools include individual quality criteria and study design but no tool rates all quality criteria suggested by the GRADE working group. Only two tools explicitly consider factors that increase the confidence in the evidence. When moving from evidence to recommendations, patient values and preferences and resources were rarely considered.

Discussion

There is confusion about the terminology that describes the various factors that influence the QoE and SoR. The criteria for evaluating the QoE and moving from evidence to recommendations are incomplete for most guideline development frameworks that we evaluated.

Implications for Guideline Developers/Users

The GRADE approach is the most complete approach encompassing all factors but users will benefit from a better description of the evidence to recommendation framework in GRADE and clarification of issues that relate to laboratory validity parameters.
DUAL AND COMMON AGENCY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: ZHANG YI , ROELFSEMA HEIN
Published: August 2013

With the help of a theoretical model, we analyze the relation between rent sharing in an international equity joint venture (EJV) and local public goods provision. In our setting, the local government faces a commitment problem to provide public services ex post to the set-up of the firm. We show that, to overcome such a dual agency problem, the multinational enterprise leaves more rents to the local partner than in the first-best to provide stronger incentives for local public investment. We test the trade-off between local public goods and ownership shares across Chinese provinces to find support for our mechanism.
AN OPTICAL MUSIC RECOGNITION SYSTEM FOR SKEW OR INVERTED MUSICAL SCORES
Authors: CHEN YUNG-SHENG , CHEN FENG-SHENG , TENG CHIN-HUNG
Published: August 2013

Optical Music Recognition (OMR) is a technique for converting printed musical documents into computer readable formats. In this paper, we present a simple OMR system that can perform well for ordinary musical documents such as ballad and pop music. This system is constructed based on fundamental image processing and pattern recognition techniques, thus it is easy to implement. Moreover, this system has a strong capability in skew restoration and inverted musical score detection. From a series of experiments, the error for our skew restoration is below 0.2° for any possible document rotation and the accuracy of inverted musical score detection is up to 98.89%. The overall recognition accuracy of our OMR can achieve to nearly 97%, a figure comparable with current commercial OMR software. However, if taking into image skew into consideration, our system is superior to commercial software in terms of recognition accuracy.
BIFURCATION AND CHAOTIC BEHAVIOR OF CREDIT RISK CONTAGION BASED ON FITZHUGH–NAGUMO SYSTEM
Authors: CHEN TINGQIANG , HE JIANMIN , WANG JINING
Published: August 2013

This work introduces a FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) model of credit risk contagion based on the FHN system, which contains time-delay, Gaussian white noise, delayed feedback, weak periodic signal, and nonlinear resistance. The model depicts the dynamics behavior characteristics of evolution of credit risk contagion through simulation experiments. Meanwhile, numerical simulations show that, in a financial market, the dynamics system stability of credit risk contagion is positively related to the nonlinear resistance among participants of credit activities and to the inherent recovery capability attributed to the after-credit risk impact on economic subjects. However, the dynamics system stability of credit risk contagion is negatively related to the time-delay of credit risk contagion, the strength of Gaussian white noise, and the weak-signal cycle. Furthermore, the dynamics system of credit risk contagion introduces a series of Hopf bifurcation, inverse bifurcation and different degrees of chaotic oscillation phenomena with changes in these parameters.
SIMPLEST 3D CONTINUOUS-TIME QUADRATIC SYSTEMS AS CANDIDATES FOR GENERATING MULTISCROLL CHAOTIC ATTRACTORS
Authors: ELHADJ ZERAOULIA , SPROTT J. C.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we present a simple approach to produce n-scroll chaotic attractors in 3D quadratic continuous time systems. The method of analysis is based on the number of equilibrium points. Some numerical results are also given and discussed.
NONLINEAR CHARGED BLACK HOLES IN AdS QUASI-TOPOLOGICAL GRAVITY
Authors: GHANAATIAN MOHAMMAD , BAZRAFSHAN AFSANEH
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we present the static charged solutions of quartic quasi-topological gravity in the presence of a nonlinear electromagnetic field. Two branches of these solutions present black holes with one or two horizons or a naked singularity depending on the charge and mass of the black hole. The entropy of the charged black holes of fourth-order quasi-topological gravity through the use of Wald formula is computed and the mass, temperature and the charge of these black holes are found as well. We show that black holes with spherical, flat and hyperbolical horizon in quasi-topological gravity are stable for any allowed quasi-topological parameters. We also investigate the stability of nonlinear charged black holes.
COLD FUSION REACTIONS USING NEUTRON-RICH PROJECTILES
Authors: SULAKSONO A.
Published: August 2013

This paper studies the formation cross-sections of super heavy (SH) nuclei in some cold fusion reactions of radioactive neutron-rich projectiles with double-magic 208 Pb target. In this study, the cross-sections of capture, fusion and evaporation residues in one- and two-neutron (1n and 2n) channels are calculated by using neutron-rich Fe , Ni and Zn projectiles are compared to the cross-sections calculated using stable Fe , Ni and Zn projectiles. The heights of fusion barrier and their positions in all reactions considered in this study are also compared to the heights and positions calculated using the estimation method proposed by Dutt and Puri. For cold fusion reactions with stable Fe , Ni and Zn projectiles, the heights of fusion barrier and the cross-sections of evaporation residues in 1n and 2n channels are compared to their corresponding experimental data. In general, for reactions using projectiles with the same proton number, the neutron-rich projectile is found to yield relatively-heavier mass of SH nucleus and larger evaporation residue cross-section, compared to those of the corresponding stable projectiles. However, in certain reactions, the cross-sections of neutron-rich projectile can be slightly larger or slightly smaller than that of the corresponding stable projectile. This behavior is highly affected by the charge of projectile and the fission barrier of the formed compound nucleus (CN). In addition, the 292114 is found to be the heaviest compound nucleus formed in cold fusion reaction by using neutron-rich nuclei as the projectile, but the cross-section of evaporation residue in one-neutron channel is still around few pico barns (pb).
E-COMMERCE WEBSITES SERVICES VERSUS BUYERS EXPECTATIONS: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE
Authors: D'AVANZO ERNESTO , KUFLIK TSVI
Published: August 2013

With the growth of online shopping, the buyers are faced with information and cognitive overload, entailing worse buyers' decisions. Various decision aids, more and more implemented as web services, aim at reducing this overload. Often they implement compensatory strategies that enable desirable and undesirable values of a product attribute to compensate each other. However, increasing the number of options beyond a handful can lead to poor choices, decreasing satisfaction (i.e., paradox of choice). In such a situation, that involves uncertainty, people relies more on heuristics than rationality to arrive at decisions and purchases. Heuristics, or noncompensatory strategies, do not consider a buyer's preference for multiple attributes, such as the satisficing heuristic that compares each attribute value with a predetermined cut-off level, rejecting alternatives that do not meet it. This paper presents a study combining an E-Commerce literature survey, an E-Commerce websites' analysis, and a survey of online buyers opinions. It is pointing to a gap that exists between sellers' services and buyers' expectations. Empirical evidence suggests that it can be bridged turning to noncompensatory strategies implemented as web services.
ENHANCED TIME-DEPENDENT EVOLUTIONARY FUZZY SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES INFERENCE MODEL FOR CASH FLOW PREDICTION AND ESTIMATE AT COMPLETION
Authors: CHENG MIN-YUAN , WU YU-WEI , DAN LE TRUNG , VAN ROY ANDREAS F.
Published: August 2013

This study conducts a mechanism enhancing the time series data treatment of the time-dependent evolutionary fuzzy support vector machine inference model (EFSIMT). The enhanced model, EFSIMET, was developed particularly to treat construction management problems that contain time series data. EFSIMET is an artificial intelligent hybrid system in which fuzzy logic (FL) deal with vagueness and approximate reasoning; support vector machine (SVM) acts as supervise learning tool; and fast messy genetic algorithm (fmGA) works to optimize FL and SVMs parameters simultaneously. Moreover, to capture the time series data characteristics, the inference model develops fmGA-based searching mechanism to seek suitable weight values to weight the training data points. This random-based searching mechanism has capacity to address the complex and dynamic nature of time series data; thus, it could improve the model's performance significantly. Nowadays, construction managementis facing complex and difficult problems due to the increasing uncertainties during project implementation. Therefore, the second objective of this study is proposed for the application of EFSIMET to treat two typical problems in construction: forecasting cash flow and estimate at completion. Through performance's comparison with previous works, the effectiveness and reliability of EFSIMET are proven. Hence, this model may be used as an intelligent decision support tool to assist the decision-making process to solve the construction management's difficulties.
EMAIL SPAM DETECTION: A SYMBIOTIC FEATURE SELECTION APPROACH FOSTERED BY EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION
Authors: SOUSA PEDRO , CORTEZ PAULO , VAZ RUI , ROCHA MIGUEL , RIO MIGUEL
Published: August 2013

The electronic mail (email) is nowadays an essential communication service being widely used by most Internet users. One of the main problems affecting this service is the proliferation of unsolicited messages (usually denoted by spam) which, despite the efforts made by the research community, still remains as an inherent problem affecting this Internet service. In this perspective, this work proposes and explores the concept of a novel symbiotic feature selection approach allowing the exchange of relevant features among distinct collaborating users, in order to improve the behavior of anti-spam filters. For such purpose, several Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) are explored as optimization engines able to enhance feature selection strategies within the anti-spam area. The proposed mechanisms are tested using a realistic incremental retraining evaluation procedure and resorting to a novel corpus based on the well-known Enron datasets mixed with recent spam data. The obtained results show that the proposed symbiotic approach is competitive also having the advantage of preserving end-users privacy.
DFT STUDY OF THE PROTONATION AND DEPROTONATION ENTHALPIES OF BENZOXAZOLE, 1,2-BENZISOXAZOLE AND 2,1-BENZISOXAZOLE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STRUCTURES AND ENERGIES OF THEIR ADDUCTS WITH EXPLICIT WATER MOLECULES
Authors: KABANDA MWADHAM M. , EBENSO ENO E.
Published: August 2013

Benzoxazole, 1,2-benzisoxazole and 2,1-benzisoxazole are biologically active molecules with potential applications in drug design. Their interaction with aqueous medium in biological systems may be simulated by considering their interaction with explicit water molecules. Such studies provide information on the structures, energies and type of interactions stabilizing the resulting geometric systems. The objective of the current study was to utilize theoretical approaches to investigate the structures, stabilization energy and binding energy of benzoxazole–water, 1,2-benzisoxazole–water and 2,1-benzisoxazole–water complexes. The calculations were performed utilizing the density functional theory (DFT)/M06-2X/6-311 ++ G(d,p) method and the DFT/ωB97XD method with both the 6-311 ++ G(d,p) and the aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets. The results suggest that the stability of the different clusters depends on interrelated factors including the rings formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the proton affinity (PA) or acidity of the atoms forming the intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the water molecules. A comparison across methods indicates that the results follow similar trends with different methods.
PREDICTION OF CUTTING FORCES IN BROACHING OPERATION
Authors: HOSSEINI A. , KISHAWY H. A.
Published: August 2013

Prediction of cutting forces is one of the fundamental stages in the modeling of machining processes. The costly machining tests can be replaced by virtual simulations where cutting parameters and material properties can be altered repeatedly with no cost. Broaching is one of the machining operations which is extensively used in the industry. The geometry of broaching tool varies according to the desired profile of the workpiece which can be a simple line or complicated curves. This broad range of geometries imposes complexity on the distribution of the chip load along the cutting edge. Therefore, introducing a practical force model for broaching operation can be challenging. An attempt is made in this paper to present a force model for broaching. The newly proposed force model expresses the cutting edge as a B-spline parametric curve and uses its flexibility to calculate the chip load as well as cutting forces for orthogonal and oblique broaching. Verified by previously published experimental results, the presented model has a great capability to simulate broaching cutter geometry along with cutting forces.
PSONK: PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION WITH NEGATIVE KNOWLEDGE FOR MULTI-OBJECTIVE U-SHAPED ASSEMBLY LINES BALANCING WITH PARALLEL WORKSTATIONS
Authors: CHUTIMA PARAMES , KID-ARN SUCHADA
Published: August 2013

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a metaheuristic method inspired by the swarming behavior observed in flocks of birds. This paper proposes a novel PSO method, namely the PSO algorithm with negative knowledge (PSONK), to solve the multi-objective mixed-model assembly line balancing (MULB) problem with parallel workstations. PSONK employs the knowledge of relative positions of different particles as opposed to traditional PSO in generating new solution strings. The knowledge about poor solutions is also utilized to avoid the pairs of adjacent tasks appeared in the poor solutions from being selected as parts of the new solution strings in the next generation. The concept of Pareto optimality is employed to allow the conflicting objectives to be optimized simultaneously. Experimental results show clearly that PSONK is a promising algorithm. In addition, PSONK embedded with an appropriate local search (M-PSONK) can result in improved performances.
PERFORMANCE ADVANCEMENT OF RC COLUMNS BY APPLYING BASALT FRP COMPOSITES WITH NSM AND CONFINEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: DING LINING , WU GANG , YANG SHENYIN , WU ZHISHEN
Published: August 2013

Basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites are regarded as promising structural strengthening material due to their environmental friendly and superior mechanical and chemical properties. In order to enhance the overall seismic performance of RC columns, a strengthening system is developed by applying BFRP composites with both near surface mounted (NSM) and confinement approaches. The variables taken into account consisted of the diameters and anchorage lengths of BFRP bars, as well as the confinement amounts of BFRP sheets. A total of eight column specimens including one control were tested subjected to simultaneous axial compression and cyclic bend. The structural performance such as load capacity, displacement, ductility, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, curvature and post-yield stiffness were investigated. The test results indicate that the combination of NSM and confinement techniques contributes to the comprehensive performance enhancement of RC columns, which lies in (1) constantly enlarging diameters of BFRP bars increases the yield and peak loads, the ultimate displacement, the initial and post-yield stiffness as well as the ductility, whereas it has no obvious influence on the yield displacement; (2) longer bonding length results in higher seismic performances although it makes no changes to the yield displacement, the post-yield stiffness, and the degradation of strength and stiffness as well; (3) the adoption of BFRP confinement significantly improves the ductility and the strength degradation performance; (4) the largest post-yield stiffness can be achieved by enlarging diameter to 12 mm, whereas the ductility and the strength degradation characteristics deteriorate due to the weakness of interfacial bonding between BFRP bars and concrete.
OPTIMIZATION OF SEISMIC SENSOR LOCATIONS ALONG HIGHWAY LINKS
Authors: SATO TADANOBU , YOSHIDA IKUMASA , ADACHI YUKIO
Published: August 2013

Optimum positioning of newly installing seismographs along highway lines is discussed. First, we introduce a method to estimate the spatial distribution of earthquake intensity under the condition that several observation data of earthquake intensity are provided at given sensor locations. We also define a spatial index which indicates the estimation error level of the spatial distribution of earthquake intensity of which value becomes zero at the sensor locations. The optimum sensor location problems can be formulated as a minimization problem of this index value which is a function of the sensor locations and the prior information of the special distribution of earthquake intensity in the target area. The design parameters are locations of the sensors. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used for the optimization. After a brief introduction of real coded GA, optimum sensor locations along highway lines are determined as to minimize the spatial index value by using this GA code.
A THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE EVAPORATION RATE OF METHANOL DROPLETS ON A HORIZONTAL SURFACE
Authors: LIU BIN , CAI BIHAO , SU YUN , DONG XIAOYONG
Published: August 2013

The evaporation of droplet on a substrate is a hot topic. Considering the droplet shape as a spherical cap, the equations about the droplet evaporation rate of the constant contact angle stage, the constant contact diameter stage and the transitional stage are theoretically analyzed and verified by experiments. The results show that three stages are shown in the evaporation process, and the evaporation rates in these three stages coincident with the theoretical conclusion. In the constant contact angle stage, the evaporation rate is proportional to the square of base radius. While in the constant contact diameter stage, the evaporation rate is proportional to the cube of base radius. The evaporation rate in the transitional stage approximates to that of the constant contact angle stage.
PERFORMANCE OF AN OFF-BOARD TEST RIG FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Authors: DATTA SANTANU P. , DAS PRASANTA K. , MUKHOPADHYAY SIDDHARTHA
Published: August 2013

An off-board test bench has been developed for evaluating the performance of an automotive air conditioning system. The facility consists of the mechanical hardware used in an automobile along with a large number of additional sensors and a standalone control system that mimics the operations in a car. The performance of the individual components and the system has been investigated for two major independent variables of running automobiles, namely the compressor speed and the speed of the evaporator fan. Correlations for the volumetric efficiency of the compressor and COP of the system have been developed. While the refrigerant flow rate is influenced mainly by compressor speed, the COP depends on both the operating variables. The investigation also establishes that the design of the rig, the selection and placement of the sensors and the method of measurement are suitable for its further deployment under dynamic condition and for fault diagnosis.
Global Environmental Change and Human Security
Authors: O'Brien Karen , Barnett Jon
Published: August 2013

This article reviews research on global environmental change and human security, providing retrospective and tentative prospective views of this field. It explains the roles that the concept of human security has played in research on environmental change, as well as the knowledge that it has contributed. It then discusses the Global Environmental Change and Human Security (GECHS) project as an example of how this research has encouraged a more politicized understanding of the problem of global environmental change, drawing attention to the roles of power, agency, and knowledge. Finally, the article considers new research frontiers that have emerged from this field, including research on social transformations as a means of promoting, sustaining, and enhancing human security in response to complex global environmental challenges. The potential contributions of human security approaches to the next generation of global change research are discussed.
A functional interaction between CHIF and Na-K-ATPase: implication for regulation by FXYD proteins
Authors: Garty Haim , Lindzen Moshit , Scanzano Rosemarie , Aizman Roman , Füzesi Maria , Goldshleger Rivka , Farman Nicolette , Blostein Rhoda , Karlish Steven J. D.
Published: August 2013

Like the γ-subunit of Na-K-ATPase, the corticosteroid hormone-induced factor (CHIF) is a member of the FXYD family of one-transmembrane-segment proteins. Both CHIF and two splice variants of γ, γaand γb, are expressed in the kidney. Immunolocalization experiments demonstrate mutually exclusive expression of CHIF and γ in different nephron segments. Specific coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate the existence in kidney membranes of the complexes α/β/γa, α/β/γb, and α/β/CHIF and exclude mixed complexes such as α/β/γa/γband α/β/γ/CHIF. CHIF has been expressed in HeLa cells harboring the rat α1-subunit of Na-K-ATPase.86Rb flux experiments demonstrate that CHIF induces a two- to threefold increase in apparent affinity for cytoplasmic Na ( K′Na) but does not affect affinity for extracellular K (Rb) ions ( K′K) or Vmax. Measurements of Na-K-ATPase using isolated membranes show similar but smaller effects of CHIF on K′Na, whereas K′Kand K′ATPare unaffected. The functional effects of CHIF differ from those of γ. An implication of these findings is that other FXYD proteins could act as tissue-specific modulators of Na-K-ATPase.
Xenotransplantation of developing kidneys
Authors: Hammerman Marc R.
Published: August 2013

The number of kidney transplants performed per year is limited by the availability of donor organs. One novel solution to this shortage envisions “growing” new kidneys in situ via xenotransplantation of renal anlagen. We have shown that developing metanephroi transplanted into the omentum of animal hosts undergo differentiation and growth, become vascularized by blood vessels of host origin, and exhibit excretory function. Metanephroi can be stored for up to 3 days in vitro before transplantation with no impairment in growth or function postimplantation. Metanephroi can be transplanted across both concordant (rat → mouse) and discordant/highly disparate (pig → rodent) xenogeneic barriers. This review summarizes experimental data relating to the transplantation of developing kidneys.
Dietary salt intake modulates differential splicing of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC2
Authors: Schieβl Ina Maria , Rosenauer Agnes , Kattler Veronika , Minuth Will W. , Oppermann Mona , Castrop Hayo
Published: August 2013

Both sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) and macula densa salt sensing crucially depend on the function of the Na/K/2Cl cotransporter NKCC2. The NKCC2 gene gives rise to at least three different full-length NKCC2 isoforms derived from differential splicing. In the present study, we addressed the influence of dietary salt intake on the differential splicing of NKCC2. Mice were subjected to diets with low-salt, standard salt, and high-salt content for 7 days, and NKCC2 isoform mRNA abundance was determined. With decreasing salt intake, we found a reduced abundance of the low-affinity isoform NKCC2A and an increase in the high-affinity isoform NKCC2B in the renal cortex and the outer stripe of the outer medulla. This shift from NKCC2A to NKCC2B during a low-salt diet could be mimicked by furosemide in vivo and in cultured kidney slices. Furthermore, the changes in NKCC2 isoform abundance during a salt-restricted diet were partly mediated by the actions of angiotensin II on AT1receptors, as determined using chronic angiotensin II infusion. In contrast to changes in oral salt intake, water restriction (48 h) and water loading (8% sucrose solution) increased and suppressed the expression of all NKCC2 isoforms, without changing the distribution pattern of the single isoforms. In summary, the differential splicing of NKCC2 pre-mRNA is modulated by dietary salt intake, which may be mediated by changes in intracellular ion composition. Differential splicing of NKCC2 appears to contribute to the adaptive capacity of the kidney to cope with changes in reabsorptive needs.
Angiotensin II AT2receptor activation attenuates AT1receptor-induced increases in the glomerular filtration of albumin: a multiphoton microscopy study
Authors: Schießl Ina Maria , Castrop Hayo
Published: August 2013

In this study, we assessed the acute effects of angiotensin II on the albumin glomerular sieving coefficient (GSC) using intravital microscopy. The experiments were performed on Munich Wistar Froemter (MWF) rats. Alexa-Fluor-594 albumin was injected intravenously, and the fluorescence intensity in the glomerular capillaries and Bowman's space was determined to calculate the albumin GSC. The GSC was measured before and during the constant infusion of angiotensin II (10 ng·min−1·kg−1body wt). Baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 99 ± 5 mmHg and stabilized at 137 ± 5 mmHg during angiotensin II infusion. The baseline GSC averaged 0.00044 ± 4.8 × 10−5and increased by 286 ± 44% after angiotensin II infusion ( P < 0.0001). The proximal tubular Alexa-Fluor-594 albumin uptake was enhanced during angiotensin II infusion (518% of the baseline value during angiotensin II vs. 218% in controls; P < 0.0001). No change in GSC was observed when the AT1antagonist losartan was injected before the start of angiotensin II infusion. The AT2antagonist PD123319 increased the baseline GSC from 0.00052 ± 3.6 × 10−5to 0.00074 ± 8.2 × 10−5( P = 0.02) without altering the MAP. During angiotensin II infusion with losartan, PD123319 increased the albumin GSC from 0.00037 ± 5.8 × 10−5to 0.00115 ± 0.00015 ( P = 0.001). When the renal perfusion pressure was mechanically controlled, the GSC increased from 0.0007 ± 0.00019 to 0.0025 ± 0.00063 during angiotensin II infusion ( P = 0.047), similar to what was observed when the renal perfusion pressure was allowed to increase. In summary, AT1activation acutely increases the albumin GSC. This effect appears to be largely independent of changes in the renal perfusion pressure. The AT2receptor partially attenuates the proteinuric effects of the AT1receptor.
Sex differences in ET-1 receptor expression and Ca2+signaling in the IMCD
Authors: Jin Chunhua , Speed Joshua S. , Hyndman Kelly A. , O'Connor Paul M. , Pollock David M.
Published: August 2013

The inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is the nephron segment with the highest production of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the greatest expression of ET-1 receptors that function to adjust Na+and water balance. We have reported that male rats have reduced natriuresis in response to direct intramedullary infusion of ET-1 compared with female rats. Our aim was to determine whether alterations of ET-1 receptor expression and downstream intracellular Ca2+signaling within the IMCD could account for these sex differences. IMCDs from male and female rats were isolated for radioligand binding or microdissected for intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) measurement by fluorescence imaging of fura-2 AM. IMCD from male and female rats had similar ETBexpression (655 ± 201 vs. 567 ± 39 fmol/mg protein, respectively), whereas male rats had significantly higher ETAexpression (436 ± 162 vs. 47 ± 29 fmol/mg protein, respectively; P < 0.05). The [Ca2+]iresponse to ET-1 was significantly greater in IMCDs from male compared with female rats (288 ± 52 vs. 118 ± 32 AUC, nM × 3 min, respectively; P < 0.05). In IMCDs from male rats, the [Ca2+]iresponse to ET-1 was significantly blunted by the ETAantagonist BQ-123 but not by the ETBantagonist BQ-788 (control: 137 ± 27; BQ-123: 53 ± 11; BQ-788: 84 ± 25 AUC, nM × 3 min; P < 0.05), consistent with greater ETAreceptor function in male rats. These data demonstrate a sex difference in ETAreceptor expression that results in differences in ET-1 Ca2+signaling in IMCD. Since activation of ETAreceptors is thought to oppose ETBreceptor activation, enhanced ETAfunction in male rats could limit the natriuretic effects of ETBreceptor activation.
Relaxin protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Yoshida Takuya , Kumagai Hiromichi , Kohsaka Tetsuya , Ikegaya Naoki
Published: August 2013

Relaxin, a pregnancy hormone, has antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of relaxin on ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced acute kidney injury. Male rats underwent unilateral nephrectomy and contralateral renal IR (45 min of renal pedicle clamping). Rats were divided into three groups: 1) sham group, 2) IR group, and 3) IR-RLX group (rats treated with relaxin before ischemia). In this group, relaxin was infused at 500 ng/h via subcutaneous osmotic minipump for 24 h beginning 2 h before renal ischemia. At 24 h after reperfusion, renal function was assessed and kidneys were removed for analysis. There was no significant difference in blood pressure among the three groups. IR increased plasma levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, and relaxin provided protection against the increases in these two parameters. Relaxin significantly decreased plasma TNF-α levels and renal TNF receptor 1 mRNA expression, compared with the IR group. Semiquantitative assessment of the histological lesions showed marked structural damage in IR rats compared with the IR-RLX rats. RLX significantly reduced apoptotic cell counts compared with the IR group. Overexpression of caspase-3 observed in the IR kidneys was reduced in the IR-RLX group. The results demonstrated that relaxin provided protection against IR-induced renal injury by reducing apoptosis and inflammation.
Variability and information content in auditory cortex spike trains during an interval-discrimination task
Authors: Abolafia Juan M. , Martinez-Garcia M. , Deco G. , Sanchez-Vives M. V.
Published: August 2013

Processing of temporal information is key in auditory processing. In this study, we recorded single-unit activity from rat auditory cortex while they performed an interval-discrimination task. The animals had to decide whether two auditory stimuli were separated by either 150 or 300 ms and nose-poke to the left or to the right accordingly. The spike firing of single neurons in the auditory cortex was then compared in engaged vs. idle brain states. We found that spike firing variability measured with the Fano factor was markedly reduced, not only during stimulation, but also in between stimuli in engaged trials. We next explored if this decrease in variability was associated with an increased information encoding. Our information theory analysis revealed increased information content in auditory responses during engagement compared with idle states, in particular in the responses to task-relevant stimuli. Altogether, we demonstrate that task-engagement significantly modulates coding properties of auditory cortical neurons during an interval-discrimination task.
Noradrenergic interactions via autonomic nervous system: a promising target for extinction-based exposure therapy?
Authors: Çalışkan Gürsel , Albrecht Anne
Published: August 2013

Fearful associations can be replaced by neutral associations through repetitive exposure of an individual to the fearful situation without the aversive component. Recently, Peña and colleagues (Peña DF, Engineer ND, McIntyre CK. Biol Psychiatry 73: 1071–1077, 2013) demonstrated that pairing activation of noradrenergic (NA) pathways through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with extinction learning accelerates consolidation of extinction memories in rats. Their findings stress the importance of activating the NA system through VNS in treatment of anxiety disorders such as PTSD or phobia.
Experimental measure of arm stiffness during single reaching movements with a time-frequency analysis
Authors: Piovesan Davide , Pierobon Alberto , DiZio Paul , Lackner James R.
Published: August 2013

We tested an innovative method to estimate joint stiffness and damping during multijoint unfettered arm movements. The technique employs impulsive perturbations and a time-frequency analysis to estimate the arm's mechanical properties along a reaching trajectory. Each single impulsive perturbation provides a continuous estimation on a single-reach basis, making our method ideal to investigate motor adaptation in the presence of force fields and to study the control of movement in impaired individuals with limited kinematic repeatability. In contrast with previous dynamic stiffness studies, we found that stiffness varies during movement, achieving levels higher than during static postural control. High stiffness was associated with elevated reflexive activity. We observed a decrease in stiffness and a marked reduction in long-latency reflexes around the reaching movement velocity peak. This pattern could partly explain the difference between the high stiffness reported in postural studies and the low stiffness measured in dynamic estimation studies, where perturbations are typically applied near the peak velocity point.
Existence and Uniqueness of Positive Solution for a Fractional Dirichlet Problem with Combined Nonlinear Effects in Bounded Domains
Authors: Bachar Imed , Mâagli Habib
Published: August 2013

We prove the existence and uniqueness of a positive continuous solution to the following singular semilinear fractional Dirichlet problem(-Δ)α/2u=a1(x)uσ1+a2(x)uσ2, in D  limx→z∈∂D(δ(x))1-(α/2)u(x)=0,where0<α<2, σ1,  σ2∈(-1,1), Dis a boundedC1,1-domain inℝn,n≥2,andδ(x)denotes the Euclidian distance fromxto the boundary ofD.The nonnegative weight functionsa1,  a2are required to satisfy certain hypotheses related to the Karamata class. We also investigate the global behavior of such solution.
Impact of the Body Mass on Complications and Outcome in Multiple Trauma Patients: What Does the Weight Weigh?
Authors: Andruszkow Hagen , Veh Juliane , Mommsen Philipp , Zeckey Christian , Hildebrand Frank , Frink Michael
Published: August 2013

Obesity is known as an independent risk factor for various morbidities. The influence of an increased body mass index (BMI) on morbidity and mortality in critically injured patients has been investigated with conflicting results. To verify the impact of weight disorders in multiple traumatized patients, 586 patients with an injury severity score >16 points treated at a level I trauma center between 2005 and 2011 were differentiated according to the BMI and analyzed regarding morbidity and outcome. Plasma levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured during clinical course to evaluate the inflammatory response to the “double hit” of weight disorders and multiple trauma. In brief, obesity was the highest risk factor for development of a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (OR 4.209, 95%-CI 1.515–11.692) besides injury severity (OR 1.054, 95%-CI 1.020–1.089) and APACHE II score (OR 1.059, 95%-CI 1.001–1.121). In obese patients as compared to those with overweight, normal weight, and underweight, the highest levels of CRP were continuously present while increased systemic IL-6 levels were found until day 4. In conclusion, an altered posttraumatic inflammatory response in obese patients seems to determine the risk for multiple organ failure after severe trauma.
Factors Affecting the Success of Conserving Biodiversity in National Parks: A Review of Case Studies from Africa
Authors: Muhumuza Moses , Balkwill Kevin
Published: August 2013

National Parks are a cornerstone for biodiversity conservation in Africa. Two approaches are commonly used to sustain biodiversity in National Parks. Past and current studies show that both approaches are generally ineffective in conserving biodiversity in National Parks in Africa. However, there are a handful of cases where these approaches have been successful at conserving biodiversity in National Parks. The question this paper attempts to answer is why in some cases these approaches have been successful and in other cases they have failed. A metadata analysis of 123 documents on case studies about conservation of biodiversity in National Parks in Africa was conducted. A series of search engines were used to find papers for review. Results showed that all factors responsible for both the success and failure of conserving biodiversity in National Parks in various contexts were socioeconomic and cultural in nature. The highest percentage in both successful case studies (66%) and unsuccessful cases studies (55%) was associated with the creation and management of the park. These results suggest that future conservation approaches in National Parks in Africa should place more emphasis on the human dimension of biodiversity conservation than purely scientific studies of species and habitats in National Parks.
The Role of Microglia and Matrix Metalloproteinases Involvement in Neuroinflammation and Gliomas
Authors: Könnecke Helen , Bechmann Ingo
Published: August 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases (such as multiple sclerosis) as well as in the expansion of malignant gliomas because they facilitate penetration of anatomical barriers (such as the glia limitans) and migration within the neuropil. This review elucidates pathomechanisms and summarizes the current knowledge of the involvement of MMPs in neuroinflammation and glioma, invasion highlighting microglia as major sources of MMPs. The induction of expression, suppression, and multiple pathways of function of MMPs in these scenarios will also be discussed. Understanding the induction and action of MMPs might provide valuable information and reveal attractive targets for future therapeutic strategies.