bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local intra-articular injection of rapamycin delays articular cartilage degeneration in a murine model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Takayama Koji , Kawakami Yohei , Kobayashi Makoto , Greco Nick , Cummins James H , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro , Fu Freddie H , Huard Johnny
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Recent studies have revealed that rapamycin activates autophagy in human chondrocytes preventing the development of osteoarthritis (OA) like changes in vitro, while the systemic injection of rapamycin reduces the severity of experimental osteoarthritis in a murine model of OA in vivo. Since the systemic use of rapamycin is associated with numerous side effects, the goal of the current study was to examine the beneficial effect of local intra-articular injection of rapamycin in a murine model of OA and to elucidate the mechanism of action of rapamycin on articular cartilage.

Methods

Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) was performed on 10-week-old male mice to induce OA. Intra-articular injections of 10 μl of rapamycin (10 μM) were administered twice weekly for 8 weeks. Articular cartilage damage was analyzed by histology using a semi-quantitative scoring system at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), light chain 3 (LC3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen, type X alpha 1 (COL10A1), and matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. VEGF, COL10A1, and MMP13 expressions were further examined via quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR).

Results

Intra-articular injection of rapamycin significantly reduced the severity of articular cartilage degradation at 8 and 12 weeks after DMM surgery. A reduction in mTOR expression and the activation of LC3 (an autophagy marker) in the chondrocytes was observed in the rapamycin treated mice. Rapamycin treatment also reduced VEGF, COL10A1, and MMP13 expressions at 8 and 12 weeks after DMM surgery.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the intra-articular injection of rapamycin could reduce mTOR expression, leading to a delay in articular cartilage degradation in our OA murine model. Our observations suggest that local intra-articular injection of rapamycin could represent a potential therapeutic approach to prevent OA.
Bioinspired non-invasive radial pulse sensor: from biomimetic design, system calibration, to clinic application
Authors: Luo Yudong , Niu Sanku , Cordero Jose , Deng Hongbin , Shen Yantao
Published: November 2014

The research work aims at developing a real-time non-invasive metabolism and blood circulation surveillance system for monitoring human’s health condition by sensing the various bio-signals on the human body. Our goal is to use the developed system to study the functions and characters of organs and tissues that highly relate with the metabolism and blood circulation system, and also, it is expected to help modeling the entire circulation system. At phase I of the research, in this paper we focus on developing a new low-cost, portable, high-accuracy, non-invasive radial pulse sensor. Inspired by touch capability and related biomechanical advantage of human fingertip, the mechanical design of the sensor mimics the physiological structure of human fingertip. The biomimetic sensor is then well calibrated using a high-accuracy force sensor, and the model is accurately identified by the system identification method. Further the calibrated sensor is applied to diagnose the arterial stiffness by measuring the augmentation index (AI) which is the important biomarker of vascular aging. Preliminary results demonstrate the sensor performance that it is capable of non-invasively, accurately, and reliably measuring radial pulse signals at real time, as well as to quantitatively determine the vessel aging.
Allyl-transfer Reaction from Photoexcited Hypervalent Allylsilicon Reagent toward Dicyanobenzenes
Authors: Matsuoka Daisuke , Nishigaichi Yutaka
Published: November 2014

Photoreaction between dicyanobenzenes and a hypervalent allylsilicon reagent using 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene as a ligand on silicon efficiently proceeded to afford allyl-substituted benzonitriles in moderate to good yields. The present photoreaction was found to occur based on the excitation of the hypervalent allylsilicon reagent.
China's Shale Gas and Shale Oil Resources: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Fu Chengyu
Published: November 2014

China is in a unique period of strategic opportunity for shale oil and gas development now. There are many favorable factors such as expanding domestic natural gas market, rich resources, stimulus from the government as well as experiences and advanced technologies imported from America. State-owned large oil companies, such as SINOPEC and PetroChina as well as Yanchang Petroleum (a provincial government company), lead shale gas exploration in China. Local state-owned and private companies are also active players. Breakthroughs have been made in development of shale resources, especially shale gas. By the end of the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan”, Jiaoshiba pilot project will become the first large shale gas field of China with an annual production capacity of about 5 bcm and annual shale gas output of 3.2 bcm. However, there are also big challenges facing shale resource development in China, such as complex geological conditions, technical bottlenecks and poor infrastructure. These difficulties can be overcome through strengthening resource assessment, technical innovation and international cooperation.
Development and Application of the Artificial Neural Network Based Technical Screening Guide System to Select Production Methods in a Coalbed Methane Reservoir
Authors: Lee Wonseok , Jang Hochang , Lee Jeonghwan
Published: November 2014

The technical screening guide system was developed using and artificial neural network (ANN) to assist in the selection of production methods such as drilling, completion, and stimulation in a coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir. The ANN was trained with a Bayesian regularization algorithm utilizing field data obtained from the various CBM projects. To develop the system, the field database and the ANN model were constructed. Based on the literatures, the factors and ranges affecting the decision of CBM production methods were determined. The optimum system architecture was designed by conducting a sensitivity analysis with the training algorithm and proper number of hidden layers and neurons. The results from the ANN evaluation model indicated that the test was successful, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The system was also utilized to evaluate the field application in North American basins, and positive results could be obtained. It was confirmed that the technical screening guide system can be successful in the prediction of a proper CBM production method.
Experimental Study on Demineralization of Coal with Pseudomonas Mendocina Strain B6–1 Bacteria to Obtain Clean Fuel
Authors: Singh Asha Lata , Singh Prakash K. , Kumar Aniruddha , Yadav Akhilesh , Singh Mahendra P.
Published: November 2014

We present the results of the investigations carried out on the demineralization of coal of the Rajmahal Gondwana basin of India using Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6–1. Petrographically these coals are characterized by high concentration of inertinite macerals with subordinate amount of vitrinite and liptinite macerals. The mineral matter content occurs in high concentration which gives a high ash yield. This coal contains relatively high content of major, minor and trace elements when compared with the Clarke values in coal.

After the bacterial treatment a considerable reduction in the elemental content of oxygen, hydrogen and sulphur was seen. Reduction in the ash content (>5%) was achieved and variable degrees of removal of the various major, minor and trace element concentration was also noticed. Nearly 59% removal of Mn, 53% of Na, 13% of Fe was achieved among the major/minor elements while nearly 54% of As, 41% of Cd, 39% of Cu, 34% of Ni, 32% of Zn, 13% of Cr, 43% of Co and 66% of Pb could be removed. Arsenic, Fe and Ca have a strong positive correlation with the ash removal percentage indicating that the samples having increased concentration of these elements are prone to demineralization with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6–1. Whereas the elements like Ni, Zn, Cr and Cu maintain a strong negative correlation with the ash removal percentage indicating that their enrichment could have hampered the process of demineralization.
Abundance and Geological Implication of Rare Earth Elements and Yttrium in Coals from the Suhaitu Mine, Wuda Coalfield, Northern China
Authors: Kang Jian , Zhao Lei , Wang Xibo , Song Weijiao , Wang Peipei , Wang Ruixue , Li Tianjiao , Sun Jihua , Jia Shaohui , Zhu Qin
Published: November 2014

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) in coal and associated rock samples from the Suhaitu Mine, Wuda Coalfield, Northern China. The concentration of REY in the No. 15 coal of the Suhaitu Mine is lower than that in normal Chinese coal, but is slightly higher than that in normal world hard coal. The roof and some partings of the No. 15 coal have been leached by ground water. The geochemical patterns of REY indicate that the LREY-HREY have been slightly fractionated, which may be related to the homogenization of rare earth elements and yttrium in seawater. The REY distribution patterns for most of coal benches of the No. 15 coal are of H-REY type or H-M-REY type. This may be attributed to the influence of seawater and stronger organic affinity of the HREY than that of the LREY. The correlations of REY concentration and the ash yield indicate that REY in the No. 15 coal are associated with clay minerals and REY-bearing organic compounds.
Feasibility of Automatic Detection of Surface Cracks in Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Zhang Huiyi , Jackman John
Published: November 2014

Cracks on the surface of a wind turbine blade (WTB) can be a sign of current or future damage to the underlying structure depending on the severity of the cracks. We investigated a new method for automatically detecting surface cracks based on image processing techniques. The method was evaluated by varying crack parameters and our method parameters. Identifying and quantifying cracks as small as hair thickness is possible with this technique. Orientation of a crack did not affect the results. The effects of uneven background illumination (present in images captured on-tower) were significantly reduced by optimizing the threshold value for the Canny edge detection method. The accuracy of quantifying a crack was increased by processing an image with both the Sobel and Canny edge detection methods and then combining the results to reduce background noise.
Optimizing the Layout of Heaters for Distributed Active De-Icing of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Shajiee Shervin , Pao Lucy Y. , McLeod Robert R.
Published: November 2014

Ice accumulation on wind turbines operating in cold regions reduces power generation by degrading aerodynamic efficiency and causes mass imbalance and fatigue loads on the blades. Due to blade rotation and variation of the pitch angle, different locations on each blade experience large variations of Reynolds number, Nusselt number, heat loss, and non-uniform ice distribution. Hence, applying different amounts of heat flux in different blade locations can provide more effective de-icing for the same total power consumption. This large variation of required heat flux highly motivates using distributed resistive heating with the capability of locally adjusting thermal power as a function of location on the blade. To optimize thermal actuation strategy, improving de-icing efficiency, and reducing power consumption, development of a numerical model was investigated for distributed resistive heaters using a computational approach with ANSYS. The numerical model was validated with experimental results. Then, ice melting was modeled on the blade for different heater layouts (aligned and staggered) and geometries. The result of this study showed more uniform and 40% faster de-icing, with approximately 30% reduction in the maximum applied temperature to the blade structure for circular heaters compared to square heaters. Furthermore, aligned heaters create relatively higher thermal stress to the blade structure than staggered heaters. This computational model can be used for the development of a pseudo-analytical aero-thermodynamic model for closed-loop active de-icing using distributed resistive heating on wind turbines and aircraft.
Reduction of Thermal Stress Induced in a Steel Plate Strengthened by Bonded Aluminum-CFRP Composite
Authors: Ishikawa T. , Nagao T. , Kobayashi A. , Shimizu M. , Hattori A. , Kawano H.
Published: November 2014

In steel members strengthened with carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate, thermal stresses are introduced in the steel members, the CFRP plates and the adhesive layers when temperature changes because the linear thermal expansion coefficients of steel and CFRP are mismatched. Therefore, the thermal stress caused by temperature change has to be considered when designing the repair or strengthening of a steel member with CFRP plates. With this in mind, the authors proposed a technique to reduce thermal stress in steel members strengthened by CFRP plate on both side, which involves bonding aluminum alloy plates with CFRP plates. In this proposed method, the thermal stresses in steel member can be reduced so that there are negligible levels of stress when the cross sectional areas of CFRP and aluminum plates are designed to correspond the coefficient of thermal expansion of steel, even though the thermal stresses are introduced in the CFRP and aluminum plates. So far, a thermal bending moment was not considered in the proposed method, because the steel members strengthened by CFRP-aluminum laminated plate on top and bottom sides were assumed. However, if the proposed method is applied on one side of steel member, the thermal stress in the steel member might not be reduced completely by generated thermal bending moment. Therefore, to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for one-sided bonding, heat tests were conducted on a steel plate with a laminated plate bonded on one side. Additionally, to verify test results and calculate the shear and peel stresses in the adhesive layers, a numerical model that used Eigenvalue analysis was proposed and applied. The tests revealed that using the proposed method to create a two-layered laminated plate consisting of CFRP and aluminum plates could not reduce the thermal stress completely in a thin steel plate. However, it was found that the thermal stress in steel plate can be completely reduced, even in thin steel plate, when the proposed method is used to create a three-layered laminated plate consisting of one CFRP plate between two aluminum plates, which when composited has a thermal bending moment equal to zero.
Structural Strengthening of Concrete with Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) at Ambient and Elevated Temperature — Recent Investigations in Switzerland
Authors: Michels Julien , Zwicky Daia , Scherer Josef , Harmanci Yunus Emre , Motavalli Masoud
Published: November 2014

This paper presents recent experimental investigations on structural strengthening by means of (Carbon) Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) in Switzerland. A first test series deals with full-scale reinforced concrete slabs strengthened with one or two composite reinforcement meshes embedded in a shotcrete layer. Static load tests up to failure show the efficiency of the strengthening in terms of increased yield and ultimate load compared to the reference specimen. Due to the initially necessary straightening of the textile, the contribution at lower deflection levels is limited. Only with advanced cracking and crack opening, the mesh develops its full contribution. Ultimate load is reached after a prompt relative slip of the mesh in the shotcrete. In the post-peak domain, failure by concrete crushing was observed. To study the residual tensile strength of the carbon reinforcement after exposure to high temperatures, various tensile tests on small rovings previously cut out of a composite mesh were performed. The specimens were heated to temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C, and 1000 °C, kept at that level for 30 minutes, and finally cooled down to room temperature. The subsequent tensile tests performed at room temperature revealed a significant drop in the residual tensile strength for exposure temperature higher than 300 °C. A final test was performed on a reinforced concrete slab strip strengthened with a shotcrete layer including a composite mesh as tensile reinforcement. Under a constant service load, the slab was exposed to fire with a temperature rise according to a European standard curve (ETK) for two hours. The slab could withstand the applied loads for the full two hours, during which the composite mesh reached a temperature of about 440 °C. This observation is consistent with the results from tensile tests on filaments, clearly indicating a residual tensile strength after exposure at a similar temperature. The temperature in the internal steel reinforcement did not trespass a critical value of 500 °C as proposed by current design recommendations.
Effects of Sustained Load and Freeze-Thaw Exposure on RC Beams Strengthened with Prestressed NSM-CFRP Strips
Authors: Omran H.Y. , El-Hacha R.
Published: November 2014

An experimental program was conducted to investigate the combined effects of sustained load and freeze-thaw cycling exposure on the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in flexure using prestressed Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips. Two sets of five large-scale simply supported rectangular RC beams (sets BS-F and BS-FS) were tested. Each set consisted of one un-strengthened control beam and four beams strengthened using NSM-CFRP strips prestressed to 0, 20, 40, and 60% of the CFRP ultimate tensile strength. After strengthening, the beams from set BS-F were exposed to 500 freeze-thaw cycles. The beams from set BS-FS were exposed to 500 freeze-thaw cycles; simultaneously, each beam in this set was subjected to a sustained load representing 47% of the theoretical ultimate capacity of the non-prestressed NSM-CFRP strengthened beam. Thereafter, the beams were tested at room temperature under static monotonic loading in four-point bending configuration until failure. The damage done to the beams due to environmental exposure and long-term loading was evaluated, and furthermore, the effects of sustained load and freeze-thaw exposure were discussed on the load-deflection response, type of failure, ductility, energy absorption, and strain in CFRP strips. Analysis of the results revealed the significant effects of the sustained load and freeze-thaw cycling exposure on the flexural performance of RC beams strengthened with prestressed and non-prestressed NSM-CFRP strips.
A Fast Atmospheric Sound Propagation Model for Aircraft Noise Prediction
Authors: Tuinstra Marthijn
Published: November 2014

The effect of the atmosphere on sound propagation can impact the perceived noise on the ground significantly and therefore needs to be accounted for in aircraft noise modelling. However, to be practical, propagation modelling cannot impose a limitation on calculation time. The aim is therefore to design a robust and computationally lean atmospheric propagation model for the prediction of aircraft noise. Foreseen applications are the evaluation of en-route noise, noise optimisation studies and the evaluation of noise in airport scenarios.

To achieve a computationally low demanding algorithm an analytical approach is pursued. When the wave front orientation is approximated to be perpendicular to the ray path, it follows from the Eikonal equation that a ray obeys to an adapted form of Snell's law. If the atmosphere is then discretized in layers of linearly varying sound speed and wind velocity, it allows the ray path and ray properties to be expressed analytically within a layer. Cross-validation against two independently developed ray tracing routines has shown the validity of the selected modelling approach.

In conclusion, a robust and computationally low demanding method has been developed for atmospheric sound propagation that can be incorporated in aircraft noise modelling.
A Ray Acoustics Model for the Propagation of Aircraft Noise through the Atmosphere
Authors: Brouwer Harry H.
Published: November 2014

A ray-tracing tool, called RAYTRAC, has been developed to compute the propagation of aircraft noise through a stratified atmosphere. The mathematical model on which RAYTRAC is based is derived from first principles, i.e. the linearized Euler equations for a non-uniform atmosphere. The main result of the model consists of two equations:one for the location of the rays and one for the change in amplitude along each ray. An analysis of these equations is given with respect to their possible solutions under various atmospheric circumstances. Also an efficient iteration procedure is presented that finds the ray connecting the source and a specific observer point. It is shown how multiple rays can be added, with incorporation of a reflecting surface. Finally, the tool is demonstrated by application to two examples that are representative for an aircraft emitting sound to an observer on the ground.
Ground Reflection with Turbulence Induced Coherence Loss in Flyover Auralization
Authors: Arntzen M. , Simons D. G.
Published: November 2014

A method to include the effect of coherence loss due to turbulence is proposed for real-time auralization of aircraft noise. By modifying the direct ray contribution relative to the ground reflected ray, using filters, the coherence loss effect can be included in a propagation scheme. The results of this approach match with the theoretical predictions thereby verifying the ability of the method. Furthermore, the modulation of aircraft tonal components, due to changing ground interference during a flyover, is diminished as a result of the proposed method. Application to an auralization and comparing to a measurement shows that auralizations can benefit from this method. Therefore the current method forms an essential addition to the techniques currently used in the auralization of aircraft noise.
Experimental Investigations of Acceleration on Slender Cylindrical Member under Breaking Waves
Authors: Manjula R. , Sannasiraj S.A. , Palanichamy K.
Published: November 2014

Many of the coastal and offshore structures consist of slender cylindrical member as the fundamental component. Since the structural damages and failures are catastrophic under wave impact, it is essential to understand the influence of breaking wave impact on the structural members. Past literature dictates that the magnitude of impact pressures is of the order of ten times more than the non breaking wave induced pressure. The standard codal provisions for the structural design of those members under breaking wave impact are scarce. In the present study, an experimental investigation has been carried out to measure the response of the slender vertical cylinder under breaking waves. Acceleration measurements were made under the incidence of breaking waves of different intensities varying from Plunging to Spilling. Deflections are found out from the measured acceleration. The maximum acceleration observed under severe plunging event is 0.5 times that of moderate plunging event, the deflection induced by the moderate plunging is two order higher than that of severe plunging. Acceleration is maximum not only above still water level (SWL) but also lies in the impact zone. Hence moderate plunging events with higher impulse and larger pressure rise time is crucial in the design of offshore and coastal structural member under breaking wave impact load.
Assessment of Feasibility of Suction Pile/Anchor Installation and Pullout Testing through Field Tests
Authors: Vijaya R. , Kiran A.S. , Ramesh R. , Ramanamurthy M.V. , Ramadass G.A. , Atmanand M.A.
Published: November 2014

Suction pile anchors are large cylindrical (inverted bucket type structure) open at the bottom and closed at the top and largely used for mooring of offshore platforms, exploratory vessels etc. Prediction of the mooring capacity of suction piles is a critical issue faced by the design engineers and rational methods are required to produce reliable designs. Tests have been conducted in an existing natural pond within NIOT campus with the objective of developing methodology of deployment, design and logistics for suction pile installation and testing of mooring capacity under static pullout. Small size suction piles with varying diameters and lengths have been used in the tests. The tests have been carried out in the natural pond with constant water depth of 1.5 m with the top 1.5 m layer of bed comprising soft marine clay. It is found that pile geometry, aspect ratio and angle of pullout have a significant influence on the response to pullout. As angle of mooring load application changes from vertical to horizontal the reaction offered by the suction pile changes from skin friction to passive soil resistance. Resistance offered by the internal plug of soil is found to vary according to dimension of the anchor piles.
Unusual Use for a Baby Bottle Nipple; Confusion between Naropin for Epidural Infusion and Ofirmev IV; Pemetrexed Vials Contain Overfill; Misleading Kcentra Label Leads to Dosage Errors
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: November 2014

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.
Atorvastatin: Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: November 2014

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Assessment of the Intensive Care Unit Treatment of Pneumonia at a Veterans Affairs Facility
Authors: Griffiths Carrie L. , Pass Steven , Yarbrough W. Claibe
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the critically ill. Clinicians use a range of duration for antibiotic treatment from 7 to 14 days or longer. Failure to de-escalate antimicrobial therapy in a timely manner may lead to increased antimicrobial resistance, increased risk of side effects, and increased cost.

Objective

To investigate potential methods to improve treatment of pneumonia for patients in 4 intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

A retrospective descriptive chart review was conducted at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). Veterans aged 18 to 90 years admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of pneumonia were included. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. Current management was reviewed to identify markers such as length of antibiotic therapy, ICU length of stay, and inpatient mortality. Secondary objectives included appropriateness and accuracy of the empiric regimen.

Results

Of the 1,854 Veterans admitted, 107 met inclusion criteria. Antibiotic choices for positive cultures were appropriate in 45 out of 46 (98%) patients, with an average length of therapy of 8.6 ± 6.3 days. De-escalation of antibiotics based on sensitivity data occurred in 73% of positive cultures.

Conclusions

Pneumonia in the VANTHCS ICUs is initially treated with empiric antibiotics. Empiric antibiotic therapy for pneumonia was appropriate and accurate over this time period. Opportunities exist for de-escalation in patients with or without positive cultures. The procalcitonin assay is now being utilized at VANTHCS to optimize patient care.
Tedizolid Phosphate
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Ingram Kyle , Baker Danial E.
Published: November 2014

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. 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, call The Formulary at 800–322–4349. The November 2014 monograph topics are suvorexant, idelalisib, belinostat for injection, C1 esterase inhibitor, and ledipasvir. The DUE/MUE is on suvorexant.
Physicians as Executives: Opportunities and Strategies for Health-System Pharmacy Leaders
Authors: Harvin Andre , Griffith Niesha , Weber Robert J.
Published: November 2014

To deal with the pressures in health care that stress clinical excellence and profitability, health systems are increasingly recruiting physician executives or physicians in leadership and management positions. Physicians occupy less than 5% of all hospital leadership positions, but there is an apparent increase in the recruitment of physician executives. With the growth in the number of physician executives, pharmacy leaders must capitalize on their existing clinical relationship and apply it to health care leadership and management. By focusing on developing an executive presence, by clearly describing a patient-centered strategy and vision for pharmacy, and by nurturing the existing clinical relationships, the pharmacy director can work with physician executives to promote patient-centered pharmacy services.
Reviewing neurosurgical management of brain metastases : Three case reports
Authors: Gautam Vinod , Singh Ravinder , Khurana Sarbjeet , Shrivastava Ankur
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Brain metastasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic malignancies. Newer imaging and treatment modalities have improved clinical outcome in last few decades.Objective: It reviews recent advances in the field of epidemiology, neuroimaging, neurosurgery, radiation therapy and other interventions affecting the clinical outcome of a patient with brain metastasis.Materials and Methods: Case record files of 3 patients operated by the author were reviewed for analyzing clinical and radiological presentations and outcome following neurosurgical intervention. Pre and post-operative clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, neurosurgical resection and histopathological confirmation of the metastasis followed by chemoradiation therapy were done in all cases.Results: Headache, seizures and neurological deficit were common presentations of patients with brain metastases. MRI brain with Gadolinium enhancement and MR spectroscopy were the investigations of choice. All three patients underwent neurosurgery for tumor decompression and histopathological confirmation of metastasis. Neurosurgery followed by chemoradiation therapy was beneficial in all cases.Conclusion: The course of clinical management of a patient with brain metastasis is guided by the prognostic indicators. About five decades ago, steroids, cerebral decongestants and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was the mainstay of the treatment of brain metastasis. Newer treatment options include brachytherapy, chemotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic biopsy and neurosurgical excision. Aims of the neurosurgical excision are reduction of the intracranial pressure, improvement in neurological status and histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis.
Self-discharge Reactions in Energy Storage Devices Based on Polypyrrole-cellulose Composite Electrodes
Authors: Olsson Henrik , Sjödin Martin , Berg Erik Jämstorp , Strømme Maria , Nyholm Leif
Published: November 2014

The self-discharge behavior of organic electrodes and symmetric devices for sustainable energy storage, composed of electrodes containing a thin layer of polypyrrole coated onto a high surface area cellulose matrix, has been studied for the first time using different electrode sizes and electrolytes. Experimental data from open circuit measurements of the individual electrode potentials of charged symmetrical two-electrode energy storage devices as a function of time were evaluated based on three different self-discharge models. This evaluation clearly showed that the self-discharge process of the positive electrode is governed by a previously undetected activation-controlled faradaic reaction while the self-discharge of the negative electrode is due to diffusion controlled oxidation involving oxygen dissolved in the electrolyte. Potentiostatic three-electrode measurements and spectroelectrochemical experiments also showed that protons as well as maleimide were released from positively polarized polypyrrole electrodes. These new findings clearly show that the self-discharge of the cells originate from two different types of reactions on the positive and negative electrodes and that the main contribution to the self-discharge of the cells comes from an activation controlled reaction involving the positive electrode. These results provide an improved understanding of polypyrrole based devices and also yield new possibilities for the development of stable conducting polymer system for energy storage applications.
Effect of Secondary Cooling Conditions on Solidification Structure and Central Macrosegregation in Continuously Cast High-Carbon Rectangular Billet
Authors: Zeng Jie , Chen Weiqing
Published: November 2014

Solidification structures of high carbon rectangular billet with a size of 180 mm × 240 mm in different secondary cooling conditions were simulated using cellular automaton-finite element (CAFE) coupling model. The adequacy of the model was compared with the simulated and the actual macrostructures of 82B steel. Effects of the secondary cooling water intensity on solidification structures including the equiaxed grain ratio and the equiaxed grain compactness were discussed. It was shown that the equiaxed grain ratio and the equiaxed grain compactness changed in the opposite direction at different secondary cooling water intensities. Increasing the secondary cooling water intensity from 0.9 or 1.1 to 1.3 L/kg could improve the equiaxed grain compactness and decrease the equiaxed grain ratio. Besides, the industrial test was conducted to investigate the effect of different secondary cooling water intensities on the center carbon macrosegregation of 82B steel. The optimum secondary cooling water intensity was 0.9 L/kg, while the center carbon segregation degree was 1.10. The relationship between solidification structure and center carbon segregation was discussed based on the simulation results and the industrial test.
Herpetofauna of protected areas in the Caatinga II: Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí, Brazil
Authors: Cavalcanti Lucas Barbosa de Queiroga , Costa Taís Borges , Colli Guarino Rinaldi , Costa Gabriel Corrêa , França Frederico Gustavo Rodrigues , Mesquita Daniel Oliveira , Palmeira Cristiane Nikely Silva , Pelegrin Nicolás , Soares Ana Hermínia Bello , Tucker Derek B. , Garda Adrian Antonio
Published: November 2014

We provide a list of amphibians, lizards, chelonians, and snakes collected during a 30-day expedition to the Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí State, Brazil. Thirty-seven pitfall trap arrays composed of 4 buckets each, along with glue traps, funnel traps, and haphazard searches, were used to sample the herpetofaunal diversity. We recorded 17 species of lizards, 1 caecilian, 1 chelonian, 7 frogs, and 11 snakes. Rarefaction curves suggest that local biodiversity is still underestimated. An atypical drought during the period of study may have contributed to lower captures of certain groups, especially amphibians and snakes. The presence of water-dependent and forest-dependent species within local canyons (“Boqueirões”) suggests that these areas harbor faunas associated with relictual rainforest fragments and need to be better studied and managed accordingly.
Lophostoma carrikeri (Allen, 1910) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae): first confirmed records in Ecuador
Authors: Camacho M. Alejandra , Tirira Diego G. , Dick Carl W. , Burneo Santiago F.
Published: November 2014

Herein we confirm the occurrence of Lophostoma carrikeri in Ecuador. One adult female was collected in Orellana province on 17 September 2012 at Boanamo, Waorani Ethnic Reserve, and another on 5 May 2013 at Yasuni Research Station, Yasuni National Park. These records extend the distributional range of the species about 570 km northwest of the nearest previously known record in Jenaro Herrera, Loreto, Peru. Both Ecuadorian localities are characterized by well-conserved primary Terra Firme rainforest. Morphological characters of the specimens presented here broaden the known intraspecific variation in this taxon, including uniformly dark ears without white margins, undeveloped sagittal crests, and smaller forearm size than previously reported. In addition, information on ectoparasites for this species in Ecuador is provided.
Distribution extension of solifugids (Arachnida: Solifugae) to Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: Melo Tercio Da Silva , Mota João Vitor Lino , Peres Marcelo Cesar Lima , Coelho Hugo Estevam de Almeida , Ribeiro Henrique Colombini Browne
Published: November 2014

Solifugids have previously been recorded in three Brazilian biomes. The present work extends the records for this order to the Atlantic Forest biome, specifically in restinga (sandy coastal plains) ecosystems. The specimen was identified as Mummucia aff. mauryi Xavier & Rocha, 2001.
Distribution of Strobilops aeneus Pilsbry, 1926, in Canada, with two new Ontario records (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Strobilopsidae)
Authors: Forsyth Robert G. , Oldham Michael J.
Published: November 2014

The geographic distribution of Strobilops aeneus Pilsbry, 1926, a rare species in Canada, is reviewed and all known records are mapped. Two recent records, the only ones since 1941, are reported from the province of Ontario. One of these records represents a small range extension ca. 85 km north of the closest previous site. Specimens identified as S. aeneus from Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were re-examined and found to be another species.
New distribution records of the critically endangered frog Telmatobufo bullocki Schmidt, 1952 (Anura: Calyptocephalellidae) in southern Chile
Authors: Rabanal Felipe E. , Moreno-Puig Virginia
Published: November 2014

In an effort to assess the current geographic distribution of the critically endangered frog Telmatobufo bullocki Schmidt, 1952, we conducted several field surveys in the Nahuelbuta mountain range in central-south Chile. We surveyed historic localities cited in the literature, and potential new localities in private forestry areas. Telmatobufo bullocki was found in six localities: four historic and two new. The discovery of new populations and the confirmation of the persistence of the species in at least four historic localities open new perspectives for the conservation of this threatened species.
New records of portunid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) from Sergipe, NE Brazil
Authors: Rosa Leonardo Cruz da
Published: November 2014

Four portunid crabs species, including an exotic one, are recorded for the first time from the state of Sergipe, NE Brazil. Although common along the Brazilian coast, the new records of the crabs Callinectes bocourti A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, C. exasperatus (Gerstaecker, 1856), C. marginatus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861) and Charybdis hellerii (A. Milne-Edwards, 1867) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) reflect the poor knowledge about crustacean fauna in the state of Sergipe, and reinforce the need for systematic surveys to better understand the local biodiversity.
Aspectos conceituais da tributação de bens digitais
Authors: Wilkens Érica Elisa Dani , Ferreira Luiz Felipe
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em identificar o regime juríco aplicável aos bens digitais no Brasil. Para chegar a tal objetivo busca-se classificar os bens digitais e conceituá-los no âmbito jurídico e no comércio eletrônico. E, por fim, apresentar uma análise sobre os aspectos tributários referentes ao ICMS (Imposto Sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços) e ao ISSQN (Imposto Sobre Serviços de Qualquer Natureza) em relação aos bens digitais. O estudo caracteriza-se como exploratório, utilizando-se de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, sendo a abordagem do problema qualitativa. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que, pela intangibilidade, os bens digitais comercializados no meio virtual, isto é, pela Internet, são equiparados aos programas de computador e tributados como serviços. Em relação a não incidência do ICMS ela se dá pelo fato dos bens digitais serem incorpóreos e a noção de mercadoria exigir a materialidade.
Qualidade da Prestação de Serviços Contábeis sob a Ótica dos Clientes
Authors: Moreira Ricardo , Nascimento Sabrina do , Souza Juliane Vieira de , Borges Loreci João
Published: November 2014

Diante da atual competitividade a que as organizações estão expostas, o grande desafio dos prestadores de serviço é corresponder às necessidades e expectativas de seus clientes. Para tanto, faz-se necessário prestar um serviço de qualidade, em que a satisfação do contratante torna-se o principal objetivo da organização. Assim, este artigo tem por objetivo investigar a percepção das micro e pequenas empresas de Florianópolis sobre a qualidade dos serviços prestados pelos contabilistas. Para tanto, o estudo, de caráter descritivo, foi realizado por meio de um levantamento de múltiplos casos, com uma abordagem qualitativa dos dados. A fonte coletada dos dados é de natureza primária, obtida com a aplicação de um questionário, contendo questões fechadas sobre a temática, aplicado em 100 (cem) empresas sediadas na cidade de Florianópolis, escolhidas em virtude de sua acessibilidade. Os resultados obtidos são divididos em quatro segmentos (ramo de atividade, número de funcionários, faturamento médio mensal e valor pago pela prestação dos serviços contábeis). Por fim, conclui-se que os objetivos traçados foram alcançados, pois verificou-se que, apesar dos escritórios de contabilidade não estarem satisfazendo totalmente a seus clientes, é notório o interesse demonstrado pelos contadores em melhorar a qualidade dos serviços prestados.
Instrumentos da Contabilidade Gerencial utilizados em micro e pequenas empresas comerciais e disponibilizados por empresas de serviços contábeis
Authors: Santos Vanderlei dos , Rengel Silene , Paterno Amábile Aparecida de Paris , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: November 2014

O objetivo do estudo é verificar os instrumentos da contabilidade gerencial utilizados em micro e pequenas empresas comerciais na tomada de decisão e a disponibilização desses instrumentos por parte das empresas de serviços contábeis. Realizou-se pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem quantitativa e por meio de uma survey. Para a coleta dos dados foram aplicados dois questionários, um direcionado às empresas comerciais e o outro aos escritórios prestadores de serviços contábeis. De 77 empresas comerciais cadastradas na prefeitura do município de Presidente Getúlio/SC, obteve-se o retorno de 16 delas, constituindo-se assim uma amostra por acessibilidade. Quanto às empresas de serviços contábeis, obteve-se um retorno de 100% da população, totalizando 7 escritórios de contabilidade. Os resultados monstram que os instrumentos da contabilidade gerencial mais utilizados pelas empresas são a formação do preço de venda e o fluxo de caixa, enquanto os menos utilizados são, a análise das demonstrações contábeis e análise do custo/volume/lucro e ponto de equilíbrio. Conclui-se que há necessidade de mudança na relação das micro e pequenas empresas com a contabilidade e o aperfeiçoamento dos serviços oferecidos otimipelos profissionais das empresas de serviços contábeis.
Perfil dos profissionais responsáveis pelas empresas de serviços contábeis em Chapecó/SC e as regressões e correlações canônicas entre as atividades
Authors: Benetti Juliana Eliza , Hein Nelson
Published: November 2014

Os profissionais da área contábil, para conseguir acompanhar as constantes mudanças na legislação municipal, estadual e federal, devem frequentemente buscar o aperfeiçoamento, a fim de implantarem as alterações necessárias nas atividades do escritório, atendendo assim às necessidades de seus clientes. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar o perfil dos profissionais responsáveis e as regressões e correlações canônicas existentes entre as atividades típicas das empresas de serviços contábeis localizadas na cidade de Chapecó/SC. A metodologia utilizada caracteriza-se como exploratória, quanto aos procedimentos do tipo survey e quanto à abordagem como quantitativa. Para levantamento dos dados utilizou-se um questionário, obteve-se retorno de 74 respondentes. Pela pesquisa conclui-se, quanto ao perfil, que os proprietários de empresas de serviços contábeis são, na maioria: pessoas com faixa etária acima de 40 anos, possuem experiência como proprietários de empresas de serviços contábeis há mais de 15 anos, graduação, vários cursos de especialização e iniciaram a empresa juntamente com sócios. Constatou-se nos achados da pesquisa a existência de correlação entre as atividades dos setores das empresas de serviços contábeis, sendo que a maior correlação canônica existente é a do setor Contábil com o setor Fiscal. A menor correlação canônica existente é a do setor Gerencial com o setor Fiscal.