bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationalized assessment of prolonged jaundice is safe and cost-effective
Authors: Rodie M E , Harry C , Taylor R , Barclay A R , Cochran D , Simpson J H
Published: August 2012

Prolonged jaundice (PJ) in healthy term neonates is common and frequently benign. It can, however, be the earliest manifestation of underlying liver disease. Its management requires a balanced approach, avoiding over-investigation of well babies while ensuring the early identification of those with pathology. Currently marked heterogeneity exists in the assessment of PJ. Over a two-year period we prospectively audited the management of PJ in two Level 3 neonatal units prior to and after the introduction of a rationalized investigation algorithm in keeping with the recently published British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) guidelines (i.e. clinical examination and stool inspection combined with measurement of split bilirubin). In this study we reviewed initial practice and then evaluated the impact of our change in practice. A total of 197 babies, 1.5% of live births, were referred with PJ. Of these, 105 babies were included in the first part of the study and 92 babies were included in the second part. No pathology relating to PJ, such as infection, hepatitis or liver disease, was identified. Following the introduction of our rationalized algorithm, we demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the number of return appointments (28 versus 7; P < 0.0009) and repeat investigations (37 versus 7; P < 0.0001). This represented a saving of £1575–2625 per year in laboratory costs alone. Contemporaneously, three infants presented with biliary atresia, none of whom were identified by PJ screening and all of whom were over seven weeks old at diagnosis. A rationalized approach to the assessment of PJ reduces workload and is cost-effective; however, the limitations of selective screening, irrespective of how streamlined it is, remain – if babies are not identified and referred, they cannot be screened. Population-based methodologies offer an alternative approach to the identification of cholestatic liver disease and are worthy of further consideration.
Current management options for the small renal mass in a solitary kidney
Authors: Barry L , Ahmad I , Pokrovska T , Rajan P
Published: August 2012

The widespread use of cross-sectional imaging has resulted in an increase in the frequency of incidentally identified small renal masses (SRMs). With high cancer-specific survival rates following radical nephrectomy, there is an increasing patient cohort at risk of developing a metachronous contralateral tumour. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) has been shown to reduce progression of chronic kidney disease, being the impetus to utilize NSS for the management of SRMs in an anatomical or functional solitary kidney. At present, open partial nephrectomy is the gold standard treatment for an SRM in a solitary kidney; however, there are a number of other minimally invasive options, including laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and in situ ablative procedures. In addition, variables such as warm and cold ischaemia and renal vascular clamping have been shown to affect outcomes. In this review, we summarize contemporary management options focusing specifically on oncological and functional outcomes.
Unnecessary diagnostic investigations in benign acute childhood myositis: a case series report
Authors: Neocleous C , Spanou C , Mpampalis E , Xatzigeorgiou S , Pavlidou C , Poulos E , Tzanetis F
Published: August 2012

Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare, acute, self-limiting muscle disorder, mainly affecting school-aged boys, with an excellent prognosis, requiring no therapeutic intervention. We report a series of seven previously healthy school-aged children with clinical and laboratory findings suggesting BACM where no specific diagnostic investigations were performed. All of the children were hospitalized without any specific therapeutic intervention and were discharged after two or three days free of symptoms, residual impairment or other complication. This report emphasizes that the correct diagnosis of BACM, by considering the characteristic clinical and laboratory findings of this syndrome and by recognizing more severe pathological conditions, which must be excluded from the diagnosis, can prevent unnecessary diagnostic investigations and reassure both parents and patients of the excellent prognosis.
Vertebral erosion resulting from a ‘non-ruptured’ abdominal aortic aneurysm: case report and Literature review
Authors: Farhan-Alanie O M , Ahmed Z , Stuart W
Published: August 2012

The natural history of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) renders them clinically silent for much of their evolution. These aneurysms will inevitably expand with time and, although surveillance programmes exist, an acutely ruptured AAA is still a relatively common clinical scenario. The classical presentation is with rapid haemodynamic deterioration with accompanying severe abdominal or back pain. Less commonly, patients may present with a stable haemodynamic profile and vague symptomatology; they are usually found to have a chronic contained rupture with a defect in the vascular wall with co-existent pseudoaneurysm and retroperitoneal haematoma formation. We report a rare case of AAA with posterior wall defect and erosion into the vertebral body with no accompanying pseudoaneurysm or haematoma and discuss the clinical implications of such a presentation.
Legionella pneumophila serogroup 3 infection: importance of serology
Authors: Khanna N , Meikle A , Gillespie L , Edwards G , Lindsay D
Published: August 2012

We present a case of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 3 (LP3) infection in a patient with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The diagnosis was complicated by an initial equivocal L. pneumophila urinary antigen test, followed by two negative samples. LP3 was cultured from a sputum sample and the diagnosis was confirmed by serology 15 days into the admission. This case highlights the importance of considering non-LP1 serogroups as causes of CAP and the role of serological testing in diagnosis.
Not hysteria: ovarian teratoma-associated anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Roberts R , Macdougall N J J , O'brien P , Abdelaziz K , Christie J , Swingler R
Published: August 2012

We report a case of a 33-year-old nulliparous woman who, following a short prodromal illness, experienced a series of psychiatric and behavioural symptoms. These included states of terror, insomnia, delirium, self-harm and suicidal ideation, facial dyskinesias, verbigeration, cognitive impairment, reduced responsiveness, violence and paranoia. A diagnosis of anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDAR) encephalitis was made 50 days after symptom onset. Early tumour removal is associated with an improved prognosis and a laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed following detection of a dermoid cyst. Within 24 hours of the operation there was marked improvement in cognitive function and appetite.
Infusion of noradrenaline through the proximal line of a migrated central venous catheter
Authors: Freer M , Noble S
Published: August 2012

A 41-year-old, obese, patient was admitted to Accident and Emergency with a history of leg cellulitis. A central line was inserted. Documented aspiration of blood from all lines, central venous pressure trace obtained and correct position noted on the chest X-ray (CXR). The patient became increasingly septic despite antibiotic therapy. He was subsequently commenced on a noradrenaline infusion; however, the blood pressure was unresponsive. On admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), it was noted he had an area of white skin over the right clavicle. The infusions were stopped and a CXR confirmed proximal migration of the line. The central line was re-sited and his noradrenaline recommenced with an improvement in his blood pressure. Acute renal failure developed which required haemofiltration for 24 hours. The condition improved and the patient was discharged from ICU. It took several weeks for his renal function to return to normal, but he was discharged home with no permanent damage.
Lateral condyle fracture of a child's humerus: the radiographic features may be subtle
Authors: Gaston M S , Irwin G J , Huntley J S
Published: August 2012

Fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus in children are relatively common and can be easily missed on initial plain radiographs especially in the younger age group. We present a case in which diagnosis of this fracture was delayed for five weeks and therefore presented more challenging surgical management. The salient features that were apparent on the initial radiograph at presentation are discussed as is the use of further imaging techniques that may help to clarify the initial diagnosis. This could significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as chronic pain, deformity and nerve palsy.
Drug Stability and Compatibility: Proper Use of Single-Dose Vials: What Drugs Are Present on Nursing Units?: Arixtra—Not a Hemostat: Pradaxa–Plavix Mix-up
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: August 2012

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Fluoroquinolone-Induced Tendinopathy of the Hip: Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis Masquerading as Ischemic Bowel: DRESS Syndrome and Myocardial Death in Patient Treated with Sulfasalazine: Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction Induced by Metronidazole: Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Kava Ingestion: Azithromycin and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death: Minimizing Inappropriate Medications in Older Populations: An Excellent Framework
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MEDWATCH program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MEDWATCH, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a Community Hospital: Results of a Three-Year Analysis
Authors: Michaels Karen , Mahdavi Mehran , Krug Allison , Kuper Kristi
Published: August 2012

Background

In July 2007, the Pharmacy Department at Suburban Hospital implemented an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) using existing clinical pharmacy resources that did not include an on-site infectious diseases (ID) pharmacist. Medical staff personnel were supportive of the ASP, but there were no ID physician resources actively dedicated to the program. Remote access to an ID pharmacist was available.

Objectives

This program evaluated the impact of a pharmacy-driven ASP on cost, antimicrobial utilization, and quality indicators in a community hospital with limited ID professional resources.

Methods

The tenets of the program were adopted from recommendations in the most current Infectious Diseases Society of America/Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America antimicrobial stewardship guidelines. Antimicrobial utilization, cost, prospective medication use data, and interventions were tracked using customized spreadsheets. Three years of utilization and cost data were captured to provide a baseline and post implementation comparison.

Results

Antimicrobial utilization decreased 5.2% compared to baseline ( P < .001) as measured by the defined daily dose (DDD) per 1,000 patient days. The associated cost reduction during the period was 24% compared to baseline ( P < .001), resulting in estimated savings of approximately $290,000. Quality of care indicators improved, and physicians were responsive to daily clinical pharmacist review and pharmacy interventions.

Conclusions

An ASP can be implemented in a community hospital setting with existing clinical pharmacy resources that do not include an ID specialist dedicated full time to the program. Prospective monitoring of antimicrobial usage resulted in decreased antimicrobial cost and utilization and improvements on key quality of care indicators. Based on this evidence of success, the program continues.
Nicardipine versus Sodium Nitroprusside for Postcardiac Surgery Hypertension: An Evaluation of Effectiveness and Postoperative Costs
Authors: Barnes Brian J. , Howard Patricia A. , Lai Sue-Min , Grauer Dennis W. , Kramer Jeffrey B. , Daon Emmanuel , Zorn George L. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Muehlebach Greg F.
Published: August 2012

Background

Postoperative hypertension after cardiac surgery is associated with substantial morbidity. Both sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nicardipine (NIC) are effective in its management. Outcomes data for NIC and SNP in persons undergoing cardiac surgery are limited, and there are no data characterizing the influence of drug choice on postoperative costs.

Objective

Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of NIC versus SNP in the management of hypertension after cardiac surgery and evaluate the influence of drug choice on postoperative costs.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, cohort study using our hospital's financial and electronic medical records. Adults admitted to a cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery who developed hypertension requiring ≥30 minutes of NIC or SNP were included. We evaluated drug effectiveness by assessing infusion rate stability, blood pressure and heart rate, and concomitant antihypertensive agent use. Activity-based postoperative costs were compared between study groups.

Results

One hundred twelve subjects were included (NIC = 72, SNP = 40). Hypertension-related demographics were balanced between the groups. NIC was associated with improved infusion rate stability that required fewer dose changes per hour (1.2 ± 1.6) versus SNP (1.7 ± 1.8) ( P = .004). Heart rates and blood pressures did not differ significantly. The number of antihypertensive medications used before and during the NIC or SNP infusions was the same. However, persons who were prescribed SNP required significantly more medications to manage blood pressure after infusions were discontinued ( P = .001). NIC use did not significantly increase postoperative cost. NIC use may be associated with cost increases in isolated CABG but with cost savings in isolated valve or combined CABG/valve surgeries; however, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Blood pressure was equally controlled using NIC or SNP. NIC was associated with improved infusion rate stability. Despite a higher acquisition cost, NIC did not significantly influence postoperative costs. Larger, prospective cost-effective analyses in surgical subgroups are needed.
Patterns of Pharmacist Continuing Education and Concordance with Practice Areas in an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Walsh Kelly A. , Smith Kelly M. , Armitstead John A.
Published: August 2012

Background

In the absence of recertification tests, pharmacist employers must ensure the competency of their staff for the purpose of patient safety and external accreditation.

Objective

An audit was conducted to determine whether pharmacists accrue professional education credit in a manner supportive of sustained proficiency in their area of practice.

Methods

Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) records of pharmacists practicing in an academic medical center during a single year were collected. Three researchers independently evaluated the content of each CPE course based on the course title and assigned a practice relevance score (PRS) ranging from 0 (no relation) to 2 (directly related to area of practice). The mean PRS of all CPE courses for each pharmacist was analyzed to evaluate trends.

Results

A total of 71 pharmacists accrued 1,279 hours of CPE during the study period; 63.6% of CPE was directly related to their area of practice, 24.9% was indirectly related, and 11.5% had no apparent relation. Residents had the highest PRS (1.88 ± 0.1), followed by clinical pharmacy specialists (1.68 ± 0.2), “other” pharmacists (1.34 ± 0.5), and clinical staff pharmacists (1.20 ± 0.5). Live CPE received significantly higher PRS than online CPE (1.74 ± 0.5 vs 1.31 ± 1.1; P < .01), and CPE that was taken at the end of the pharmacy licensure cycle was significantly less relevant (1.08 vs 1.60; P < .01).

Conclusions

The evaluation of CPE patterns by employers can serve as a useful tool for identifying areas for improving staff development, particularly within the context of continuing professional development.
Exenatide Extended-Release Injection
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: August 2012

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The August 2012 monograph topics are on pertuzumab, bosutinib, pomalidomide, defibrotide, and aflibercept. The DUE/MUE is on iron parenteral.
Is Your Health System Adopting a Portal?
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: August 2012

We have previously written about specific examples of how health systems are finding new ways to connect to their patients. Often, these methods involve portals. This month, we look at portals from the provider's perspective, and we revisit patient portals from a 30,000-foot view.
Hidden Costs of Pharmacy Technology
Authors: Mark Scott M. , McMillen Katie , Davis Stephen J.
Published: August 2012

The Director's Forum series is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This month's article focuses on an important topic for hospital pharmacy leaders – understanding the true costs of pharmacy automation and technology. While there is tremendous value in automating workflow, it is important to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of implementing automation. As expected, vendors commonly exaggerate the benefits of their products. The true impact of automation often affects other areas of operations and productivity. It is for this reason that a careful assessment and due diligence is prudent when any technology is selected.
Recent Publications on Medications and Pharmacy
Authors: Russett Flint
Published: August 2012

Hospital Pharmacy presents this feature to keep pharmacists abreast of new publications in the medical/pharmacy literature. Articles of interest regarding a broad scope of topics are abstracted monthly.
South Park boys and Sex and the City women: Television trade, narrowcasting and the export of gender categories
Authors: Kuipers Giselinde
Published: August 2012

This article analyses the export of the gendered ‘demographic logics’ of American television to four European countries: France, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. As American and (later) European television landscapes have become increasingly fragmented, television targets
increasingly specific audiences. Through interviews with cultural intermediaries and document and website analysis, three gendered categories were found representing central ‘target audiences’ for today’s narrowcasting that came to Europe from Hollywood: the housewife, the
Sex and the City woman, and the South Park boy. This article traces the emergence of these categories, and their uneven diffusion in European television landscapes, highlighting the dynamics of transnational diffusion of cultural categories. It shows how gendered audience categorizations provide
a strategic site to employ the notoriously elusive concept of intersectionality in actual empirical analysis. This analysis of imported gendered categories underscores the similarity between the logic of narrowcasting and the analytical stance proposed by intersectionality theory, allowing
us to critically analyse the politics of narrowcasting.
Girls on Fotolog: Reproduction of gender stereotypes or identity play?
Authors: Willem Cilia , Araüna Núria , Crescenzi Lucrezia , Tortajada Iolanda
Published: August 2012

In recent years a great deal of contemporary research has centred its attention on teenagers’ online presence and behaviour, thus responding to educators and parents’ increasing concerns regarding privacy and safety on the Internet. This article is the result of an in-depth
qualitative study looking at anonymous girls’ picture albums on Fotolog, one of Spain’s most popular social networking sites (SNS). The main goal is to gain insight into these girls’ self-representation strategies, looking at what kind of images they choose to upload and
which of the gender displays found in mass media portrayals they incorporate. Coding was done according to Goffmanian categories of gender display and performance (feminine touch, ritualization of subordination, licensed withdrawal), combined with findings from other studies (male gaze, representation
as sexual subjects, pleasing ourselves and lesbian pose). Results show that girls are quite skilful in their self-representation techniques – and become more successful in conveying a specific image of themselves over time by using Fotolog affordances, which suggests that these sites
allow them to freely experiment with identity and play with conventional codes of gender display. We identified at least three gender display codes girls play with: the supermodel, the languid romantic and the trash chic girl. Further research involving interviews with Fotolog teen users should
reveal the extent to which these girls are aware of privacy and safety issues related to their self-representations.
Piezoresistive Dehnungsmesselemente für adaptronische Systeme
Authors: Rausch Jacqueline , Werthschützky Roland , Salun Larisa , Griesheimer Stefan
Published: August 2012

Es werden zwei Sensortechnologien für den Einsatz zur Dehnungsmessung in adaptronischen Systemen vorgestellt. Inhomogen dotierte, piezoresistive Siliziumelemente und gedruckte Sensorschichten werden hinsichtlich ihrer Sensoreigenschaften verglichen. Die zum Verständnis nötigen Grundlagen beider Sensortechnologien werden erläutert. Neben dem statischen Übertragungsverhalten wird auch das Rauschen der Sensoren untersucht.
From Preliminary Ideas to Corroborated Product Definitions: Managing the Front End of New Product Development
Authors: Florén Henrik , Frishammar Johan
Published: August 2012

Front-end activities largely influence the outcomes of new product development processes, because it is here that firms create new ideas, give them direction, and set them in motion. We show that the front end can be understood as comprising three core activities: idea/concept development, idea/concept alignment, and idea/concept legitimization, which allow firms to create corroborated product definitions. This article provides important implications for managers interested in front-end management. It devotes specific attention to the differences between incremental and radical front-end development and to the front end in the light of increasingly open innovation processes.
A Strategic Framework for Spare Parts Logistics
Authors: Wagner Stephan M. , Jönke Ruben , Eisingerich Andreas B.
Published: August 2012

Strategically aligned and efficiently implemented spare parts logistics can differentiate a business from its competitors, lower costs, increase revenues, and thus help firms generate greater value for customers and ultimately increase profits. Based on multiple case studies with manufacturers in the machine and plant construction industry, this article examines the key components of a superior spare parts logistics strategy. The study suggests that an efficient spare parts logistics strategy can be developed with a three-step model that consists of nine components.
American Saints: Gender and the Re-Imaging of U.S. Catholicism in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Cummings Kathleen Sprows
Published: August 2012

In Roman Catholic theology, saints are intermediaries between heaven and earth. In American Catholic practice, saints could also serve as intermediaries between two cultures—the minority religious community and the larger Protestant one. This article focuses on two female saints who became popular among American Catholics in the early twentieth century in part because American Catholics believed that devotion to them would help to undermine negative images of Catholicism in American culture. Presenting St. Bridget of Ireland as an antidote to popular stereotypes of Bridget the Irish serving girl, Irish-American Catholics argued that the former's beauty and wisdom provided a more authentic rendering of Catholic womanhood than the ignorance and coarseness of the latter. Seton's devotees, meanwhile, highlighted her status as a descendant of the American Protestant elite, offering her as model of Catholicism that was socially, racially, and culturally distant from that presented by recent Catholic immigrants. Taken together, the revival of Bridget and the quest to canonize Seton show how U.S. Catholics looked to the saints not only as models of holiness but also as agents of Americanization. It may seem counterintuitive that Catholics would choose to mediate their Americanness through saintly devotion, the very religious practice that appeared most alien to Protestant observers. There is, however, no question that hagiography took on a decidedly American dimension in the early twentieth century as U.S. Catholics repackaged European saints for a U.S. audience and petitioned for the canonization of one of their own.
Broadcasting Mainline Protestantism: The Chicago Sunday Evening Club and the Evolution of Audience Expectations from Radio to Television
Authors: Stamm Michael
Published: August 2012

This article analyzes the broadcast activities of the Chicago Sunday Evening Club (CSEC), a mainline Protestant organization founded in 1908 and still active today. The CSEC began broadcasting its weekly meetings on the radio in 1922 and on television in 1956. Drawing on archival organizational records from the CSEC and from listener correspondence, this essay traces how the club's use of the new media of particular historical moments shaped its history as a public entity.

This study makes two claims. First, it argues that, though evangelicals and fundamentalists took to radio and television broadcasting with greater vigor, mainline Protestant groups did as well, and the persistence of a group like the CSEC offers a way to understand the challenges that broadcasting presented to religious organizations. Second, this article shows how audience expectations for religious programming evolved from radio to television. For many listeners, radio offered what they told the CSEC was a spiritual and even miraculous experience, and they marveled at being able to tune in to religious services from their homes. Television, however, prompted remarks often focused on visual style, and the club found itself struggling to compete with the newly emerging group of religious television programs not only on denominational terms (many were evangelicals and fundamentalists) but also on aesthetic terms. In contrast to radio, as many viewers wrote to the CSEC, television seemed to provide not a singular “experience” but rather spectatorial access to events taking place elsewhere. In the context of competition from the more telegenic programming of evangelicals and fundamentalists, these shifting audience expectations shaped both the history of the CSEC as a public entity and the broader history of mainline Protestantism in the mass media.
Inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation by adiponectin requires proteolytic conversion to its globular form
Authors: Fuerst Melissa , Taylor Carla G , Wright Brenda , Tworek Leslee , Zahradka Peter
Published: August 2012

Accelerated atherosclerosis is the primary cardiovascular manifestation of diabetes and correlates inversely with levels of circulating adiponectin, an anti-atherosclerotic adipokine that declines in diabetes. We therefore initiated a study to examine the mechanisms by which adiponectin, a hormone released from adipose tissue, influences the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Addition of adiponectin to quiescent porcine coronary artery SMCs increased both protein and DNA synthesis and concurrently activated ERK1/2 and Akt. By contrast, globular adiponectin, a truncated form of this protein, exhibited anti-mitogenic properties as indicated by the inhibition of protein and DNA synthesis in SMCs stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Whereas globular adiponectin did not stimulate growth-related signal transduction pathways, it was able to block the PDGF-dependent phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, a regulator of protein synthesis. Proteolysis of adiponectin with trypsin, which produces globular adiponectin, reversed the growth-stimulating actions of the undigested protein. As the existence of globular adiponectin remains controversial, western blotting was used to establish its presence in rat serum. We found that globular adiponectin was detectable in rat serum, but this result was not obtained with all antibodies. The contrasting properties of adiponectin and its globular form with respect to SMC proliferation suggest that protection against atherosclerosis may therefore be mediated, in part, by the level of globular adiponectin.
Genetic gains in physic nut using selection indexes
Authors: Bhering Leonardo Lopes , Laviola Bruno Galvêas , Salgado Caio Césio , Sanchez Carlos Felipe Barrera , Rosado Tatiana Barbosa , Alves Alexandre Alonso
Published: August 2012

The objective of this work was to estimate genetic gains in physic nut (Jatropha curcas) using selection indexes and to establish the best selection strategy for the species. Direct and indirect selection was carried out using different selection indexes, totalizing 14 strategies. One hundred and seventy five families from the active germplasm bank of Embrapa Agroenergy, Brasília, Brazil, were analyzed in a randomized complete block design with two replicates. The evaluated traits were: grain yield; seeds per fruit; endosperm/seed ratio; seed weight, length, width, and thickness; branches per plant at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m; plant height; stem diameter; canopy projection on rows and between lines; canopy volume; juvenility (days to the first flowering); and height of the first inflorescence. Evaluations were done during the second year of cultivation. The use of selection indexes is relevant to maximize the genetic gains in physic nut, favoring a better distribution of desirable traits. The multiplicative and restrictive indexes are considered the most promising for selection.
Análise da variabilidade de teores e sua incorporação no planejamento de lavra
Authors: Peroni Rodrigo de Lemos , Costa João Felipe C. L. , Koppe Jair Carlos
Published: August 2012

Esse estudo apresenta os resultados obtidos usando técnicas de simulação geoestatística combinadas com técnicas de otimização e sequenciamento para análise do impacto de incerteza dos teores no planejamento de lavra. Abordagens tradicionais utilizam modelos estimados por técnicas geoestatísticas (e.g. Krigagem Ordinária, Krigagem dos Indicadores) ou mesmo técnicas clássicas de estimativa para avaliação de depósitos minerais (e.g. Inverso do Quadrado da Distância, Polígonos, Média Móvel). Da mesma maneira, ao se avaliarem projetos de mineração, normalmente, são feitas análises de sensibilidade aos parâmetros econômicos e é desconsiderada a incerteza associada ao modelo geológico. Esse estudo demonstra que os teores podem ter impacto na incerteza de projetos, tanto no aspecto de projeto de cava, quanto no aspecto de viabilidade econômica (análise de sensibilidade).
Application of Diesel Oxidation Catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter for Diesel Engine Powered Non-Road Machines
Authors: Dou Danan
Published: August 2012

In this paper, applications of the platinum group metal (pgm)-based diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies for John Deere Interim Tier 4 non-road machines are presented. The same criteria apply to EU Stage III B regulations. The design and performance of engine aftertreatment systems are discussed in detail, and a few key performance characteristics of DOC-DPF systems are addressed. Significant passive soot oxidation was observed. Model based controls were found to properly account for passive regenerations of the DPF and could be used to schedule active regenerations automatically. Active regenerations were transparent to operators. Tight DPF inlet temperature control and engine exhaust temperature management were found to be key for successful active DPF regenerations. The average fuel consumption for active regenerations was estimated by a simple energy balance model. The emission performance of a DOC-DPF system under normal and active regenerations is summarised, and ash accumulation and DPF pressure drop impact are analysed.
Crystallographic Properties of Palladium
Authors: Arblaster John W.
Published: August 2012

The crystallographic properties of palladium at temperatures from absolute zero to the freezing point are assessed following a review of the literature published between 1901 to date. However values above 1100 K are considered to be highly tentative since they are based on only one set of measurements. Selected values of the thermal expansion coefficient and measurements of length change due to thermal expansion have been used to calculate the variation with temperature of the lattice parameter, interatomic distance, atomic and molar volumes and density. The data is presented in the form of Equations and in Tables whilst a comparison between selected and experimental values is shown in the Figures.
Performance of ductile fibre-reinforced cementitious composite concrete frames under flexural loading
Authors: Singh Shamsher Bahadur , Sivasubramanian Madappa V. R.
Published: August 2012

Results of an experimental study on flexural behaviour of steel-reinforced portal frames made of ductile fibre-reinforced cementitious composite and concrete under static transverse bending are reported in this paper. A total of six half-scale frames were cast and tested. It was observed that the frames partially or fully made of ductile fibre-reinforced cementitious composite have about 21–37% higher load-carrying capacity than ordinary concrete frames. Moreover, frames completely made of ductile fibre-reinforced cementitious composite are shown to have 1·5–2 times more ductility than the control frame. The failure modes of ductile fibre-reinforced cementitious composite frames were very ductile with multiple microcracks and the general pattern was flexural tension. In addition to the frame specimens, ductile fibre-reinforced cementitious composite tensile coupons, compressive cylinders and concrete cubes were also cast and evaluated.
Undercut anchorage in dimension stone cladding
Authors: Camposinhos Rui S.
Published: August 2012

This paper analyses undercut anchorage technology, in particular its behaviour and performance as a fixing system for dimension stone cladding of rainscreen façades. Based on a number of mechanical tests using various types of Portuguese stone – three igneous, two sedimentary and one metamorphic – a study was carried out to investigate the relationship between the flexural strength and breaking load of specific and very common stone types. Several physical and mechanical characterisation tests and 130 pull-out tests with 6 and 8 mm cone bolt threads were performed to determine the pull-out load failure on six different stone types: three granite, two limestone and one marble. Finite-element stress analyses were carried out, and the test results were the basis for calibrating a simple formula that can be used to estimate the stone's breaking load at the undercut anchorage. Stress concentration factors are proposed to take into account the undercut drill hole geometry and the specific properties of each type of stone. Stone specimens from the same batches were subject to pull-out force tests using dowel anchorages, whose values were then compared with the breaking load of undercut anchorages. Results are discussed and conclusions are drawn based on tensile stress values by comparing the test results, the finite-element method and the proposed semi-empirical formulations for the same breaking load.
Radial jet due to plume impingement on a horizontal surface
Authors: Rooney Gabriel G. , Linden Paul F.
Published: August 2012

Results of a theoretical and experimental investigation into the properties of a thermal impingement current are presented. The current is generated by a plume from a fire impinging on a horizontal ceiling. Axisymmetric plume and gravity-current similarity solutions are used to relate the current velocity, depth and temperature to the fire strength and ceiling height, and to discuss the convective heat transfer to the ceiling. Experimental results of current temperature and heat transfer to the ceiling are used to verify the model, showing how the heat transfer scales with the similarity velocity and temperature difference.
Using active systems to control tunnel fire events
Authors: Carvel Ricky , Colella Francesco , Rein Guillermo
Published: August 2012

Catastrophic tunnel fires are rare events, but often with large economic impacts. Current fire safety strategies for fire events in tunnels are generally designed on the basis of a large fire, overlooking the fact that every large fire starts as a small fire and some small fires may be controlled. This paper looks at ventilation and suppression systems and the extent to which these systems can control fire behaviour at each stage in the fire growth chain. Informed implementation of ventilation systems in the early and growth stages of a fire can significantly decrease the rate of fire growth, while careless use of ventilation may lead to rapid fire growth. Suppression systems are generally able to slow the rate of growth of a fire but, in many instances, it is not possible to reduce the size of a fire using such systems, even if they do generally prevent fire spread to adjacent vehicles. It is proposed that for maximum fire control during an incident in a tunnel, ventilation systems are used carefully in the initial stages of a fire, while suppression systems, if available, may be used in the rapid growth phase. The proposed fire control measures may rely on a level of detection and monitoring that is not currently possible in tunnels, but which should be available in the foreseeable future.
Behaviour of reinforced structures under simulated toe scouring
Authors: Huang C.-C. , Chen Y.-S.
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT: Four geosynthetic-reinforced model walls backfilled with an idealised two-dimensional uniform medium were built and brought to failure using surcharging and toe cutting to simulate the behaviour of waterfront structures subjected to potential slope toe scouring. External stability analyses – base sliding, overturning, and bearing capacity failure – were performed in order to examine their relevance to the displacement, and ultimate failure state, of the walls. It was shown that a well-designed geosynthetic-reinforced wall can sustain a surcharge and a uniform toe cut up to an equivalent wall height (He) equal to 1.4 times the total wall height (Ht) with negligible horizontal and vertical wall displacement. This can be attributed to the effective mobilisation of tensile force in the reinforcement layers. Safety factors for base sliding and overturning vary within small and acceptable ranges during this stage. However, a drastic increase in wall displacement occurred during ground cutting adjacent to the toe of the tested wall, owing to insufficient bearing capacity beneath the wall. This increase was associated with a rapid decrease in the safety factor against bearing capacity failure beneath the wall. Detailed internal and external stability analyses for the wall behaviour observed here are reported in a companion paper.
High oxygen barrier, clay and chitosan-based multilayer thin films: an environmentally friendly foil replacement
Authors: Laufer Galina , Priolo Morgan A. , Kirkland Christopher , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: August 2012

Multilayered thin films, with high oxygen barrier, were deposited from water using chitosan (CH), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and montmorillonite (MMT) clay. Layer-by-layer assembly of ten “quadlayers” of CH/PAA/CH/MMT (<100 nm thick) on polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, commonly used for food packaging, reduced the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of PLA and PET films by two orders of magnitude under dry conditions. At 38°C and 90% RH, the OTR of 500 μm PLA was reduced from 50 to 4·6 cc/(m2 day atm), which is lower than 179 μm PET film under the same conditions. This high gas barrier is believed to be due a to a nanobrick wall structure present in this thin film, where clay platelets act as bricks held together by polymeric mortar. These assembled thin films are also very transparent, which combined with ambient processing and the use of renewable and food contact approved ingredients, makes this a promising foil replacement technology.
Impacts of climate variability and human colonization on the vegetation of the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Restrepo Alejandra , Colinvaux Paul , Bush Mark , Correa-Metrio Alexander , Conroy Jessica , Gardener Mark R. , Jaramillo Patricia , Steinitz-Kannan Miriam , Overpeck Jonathan
Published: August 2012

A high‐resolution (2–9 year sampling interval) fossil pollen record from the Galápagos Islands, which spans the last 2690 years, reveals considerable ecosystem stability. Vegetation changes associated with independently derived histories of El Niño Southern Oscillation variability provided evidence of shifts in the relative abundance of individual species rather than immigration or extinction. Droughts associated with the Medieval Climate Anomaly induced rapid ecological change that was followed by a reversion to the previous state. The paleoecological data suggested nonneutral responses to climatic forcing in this ecosystem prior to the period of human influence.

Human impacts on the islands are evident in the record. A marked decline in long‐term codominants of the pollen record, Alternanthera and Acalypha, produced a flora without modern analogue before 1930. Intensified animal husbandry after ca. 1930 may have induced the local extinction of Acalypha and Alternanthera. Reductions in populations of grazing animals in the 1970s and 1980s did not result in the return of the native flora, but in invasions by exotic species. After ca. 1970 the trajectory of habitat change accelerated, continuously moving the ecosystem away from the observed range of variability in the previous 2690 years toward a novel ecosystem. The last 40 years of the record also suggest unprecedented transport of lowland pollen to the uplands, consistent with intensified convection and warmer wet seasons.
Nitrate Removal Effectiveness of a Riparian Buffer along a Small Agricultural Stream in Western Oregon
Authors: Wigington P. J. , Griffith S. M. , Field J. A. , Baham J. E. , Horwath W. R. , Owen J. , Davis J. H. , Rain S. C. , Steiner J. J.
Published: August 2012

The Willamette Valley of Oregon has extensive areas of poorly drained, commercial grass seed lands. Little is know about the ability of riparian areas in these settings to reduce nitrate in water draining from grass seed fields. We established two study sites with similar soils and hydrology but contrasting riparian vegetation along an intermittent stream that drains perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) fields in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. We installed a series of nested piezometers along three transects at each site to examine NO3–N in shallow ground water in grass seed fields and riparian areas. Results showed that a noncultivated riparian zone comprised of grasses and herbaceous vegetation significantly reduced NO3–N concentrations of shallow ground water moving from grass seed fields. Darcy's law–based estimates of shallow ground water flow through riparian zone A/E horizons revealed that this water flowpath could account for only a very small percentage of the streamflow. Even though there is great potential for NO3–N to be reduced as water moves through the noncultivated riparian zone with grass–herbaceous vegetation, the potential was not fully realized because only a small proportion of the stream flow interacts with riparian zone soils. Consequently, effective NO3–N water quality management in poorly drained landscapes similar to the study watershed is primarily dependent on implementation of sound agricultural practices within grass seed fields and is less influenced by riparian zone vegetation. Wise fertilizer application rates and timing are key management tools to reduce export of NO3–N in stream waters.
Leaf Litter Dynamics and Nitrous Oxide Emission in a Mediterranean Riparian Forest
Authors: Bernal S. , Butturini A. , Nin E. , Sabater F. , Sabater S.
Published: August 2012

Mediterranean riparian zones can experience severe drought periods that lead to low soil moisture content, which dramatically affects their performance as nitrate removal systems. In the Mediterranean riparian zone of this study, we determined that N2O emission was practically nil. To understand the role of forest floor processes in nitrogen retention of a Mediterranean riparian area, we studied leaf litter dynamics of two tree species, London planetree [Platanus×acerifolia(Aiton) Willd.] and alder [Alnus glutinosa(L.) Gaertn.], for two years, along with soil nitrogen mineralization rates. Annual leaf litter fall equaled 562.6 ± 10.1 (standard error) g dry wt. m−2, 68% of which was planetree and 32% of which was alder. The temporal distribution of litterfall showed a two‐peak annual cycle, one occurring in midsummer, the other in autumn. Planetree provided the major input of organic nitrogen to the forest floor, and the amount of planetree leaves remaining on the forest floor was equivalent to approximately four years of stock. Leaf litter decomposition was three times higher for alder (decay coefficient [k] = 1.13 yr−1) than for planetree (k= 0.365 yr−1). Mineralization rates showed a seasonal pattern, with the maximum rate in summer (1.92 mg N kg−1d−1). Although the forest floor was an important sink for nitrogen due to planetree leaf accumulation, 7.5% of this leaf litter was scoured to the streambed by wind. This loss was irrelevant for alder leaves. Due to the litter quality, the forest floor of this Mediterranean riparian forest acts as a nitrogen sink.