bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations into the Use of a Thionine/PEDOT Layer as an NADH Electrocatalyst with Applications in Glutamate Sensing
Authors: Warren Susan , Rathod Dhanraj G. , McCormac Timothy , Dempsey Eithne
Published: February 2010

The electrochemical properties of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) film doped with the organic dye, thionine are investigated. It is proposed that an interaction is occurring between the Thionine and PEDOT film due to the positive shift of the thionine couple, improved film retention, and the lack of reactive amino groups. The electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH by this modified electrode was also investigated, together with glutamate sensing.
Cathodic Reduction of Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Barba Fructuoso , Batanero Belen
Published: February 2010

The electrochemical reduction, under aprotic conditions, of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, as o-quinones, at the second reduction potential of these systems, is described as an interesting entry to 1,3-dioxoles by electron-transfer reaction to the solvent. When these reductions are carried out at the first reduction potential and in the presence of benzene diazonium salt, evolve to N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl, cyanomethyl or 1,2-dichloromethyl derivatives, depending on the solvent employed, by a radical pathway.
Electro-Reduction of Nitrobenzene at Titanium Cathode in SDS Aqueous Micellar Solution
Authors: Haque Inam U. , Tariq Muqaddas
Published: February 2010

Electro-catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene has been studied from a number of perspective. 1-23 However, there are very few known studies so far in literature related to reduction of nitrobenzene at titanium electrode in aqueous media. Previously we have studied the electrochemical reduction of nitrate at titanium electrode.24 This work relates to electro-reduction of nitrobenzene at titanium cathode, 0.05 cm2, in the presence of miceller aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulphate, using titanium etching and cyclic voltammetric methods in a three-electrode system. Nitrobenzene gives single reduction peak corresponding to the irreversible electrochemical reduction shown in Fig.1. However at higher concentrations and lower sweep rates single peak splits into two cathodic peaks at more negative potentials. These peaks correspond to reaction mechanisms as per literature for neutral, acidic and alkaline solutions1-16 involving four-electron over-all reduction; consisting of a first step, with one-electron transfer to form anion radical (peak I) same electron transfer observed in aqueous micellar media17-20. While the second step involves protonation of anion radical followed by a three electron-addition (peak II) leading to the formation of phenylhydroxylamine. Furthermore the linear relationship of graph, plotted as square root of sweep rate versus cathodic peak current demonstrates that the process is diffusion controlled.
Electrochemical Multi-Step Approach Towards Isodityrosine: A Component of Biologically Important Cyclic Peptides
Authors: Uno Kanako , Tanabe Takamasa , Nishiyama Shigeru
Published: February 2010

Isodityrosine, the diaryl ether moiety of the cyclic peptide class natural products responsible for fixation of their peptide conformations, has been successfully synthesized using electrochemical procedure for bromination, phenolic oxidation, and dehalogenation.
Electrochemical Investigations of Carbonyl Complexation by Lewis Acids
Authors: Cheek G.
Published: February 2010

The complexation of 9-fluorenone and benzophenone by hafnium salts in acetonitrile / 0.2M TEA BF4 has been studied. From cyclic voltammetric studies, it has been found that both Hf(TfO)4 and HfCl4 form a 1 : 1 complex with 9-fluorenone. Benzophenone also forms a 1 : 1 complex with Hf(TfO)4. The electrochemical behavior of HfCl4 in AN / 0.2M TEA BF4 has also been investigated.
Selective Inhibition of Metals on Material Surfaces Catalyzing the Metal Dusting Process
Authors: Geers Christine , Schütze Michael
Published: February 2010

Metal dusting is a term describing the catastrophic corrosion of ferritic and austenitic steels as well as nickel base alloys under high carbon containing atmospheres with a carbon activity greater than one at high temperature (400-800°C). Under these conditions carbon tends to diffuse into the material and causes internal stresses via graphite crystallization. This process is predominantly induced by the catalytic activity of iron, cobalt and nickel. To inhibit the catalytic mechanism several new approaches have been proposed in recent years. One is the formation of nickel-tin intermetallics on the surface for the direct inhibition of nickel.
Effect of Heating Rate on the Fluorine Content in TiAl-alloy After Oxidation at 900°C
Authors: Neve Sven , Masset Patrick J. , Zschau Hans-Eberhard , Schütze Michael
Published: February 2010

The high temperature oxidation resistance of TiAl-alloy was significantly enhanced by applying the halogen-effect using fluorine beam line implantation. Short-time oxidation at 900°C was carried out in order to study the effect of heating rate on the F-concentration profiles detected by non-destructive ion beam analyses. The composition of oxide scale depending on heating rate was also investigated.
Nanostructured Ni/n-Al2O3 Metal Matrix Composites Prepared by Pulsed Electrodeposition
Authors: Natter Harald , Jung Anne , Lach Erhardt , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: February 2010

Metal matrix composites consisting of nano-Al2O3 with crystallite sizes of 45 nm dispersed in a nanocrystalline nickel matrix with different crystallite sizes were electrochemically deposited by pulsed electroplating from a suspension of nano-corundum particles in different electrolytes. The influences of duty cycle and suspended amount of corundum in the plating bath on the particle content in the deposites were studied. The Al2O3 content in the deposits has been determined by density measurements using a helium pycnometer. The wear resistance and the deformation behavior of the n-Ni/n-Al2O3 metal matrix composites were determined. The addition of Al2O3 tripled the yield stress up to 1500 MPa and doubled the Vicker's hardness and wear resistance in comparison to pure n-nickel.
Composite Solid Electrolytes with Mesoporous Oxide Additives
Authors: Uvarov Nikolai F. , Bokhonov Boris B. , Ulihin Artem S. , Sharafutdinov Marat , Kirik Sergey D.
Published: February 2010

Nanocomposites RbNO3-A and LiClO4-A (A = MCM-41, SBA-15) were prepared and investigated by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, small-angle scattering, thermal analysis and their conductivities were measured. It was shown that in contrast to LiClO4, rubidium nitrate distributes into the oxide matrix non-uniformly. Both RbNO3 and LiClO4 transforms to amorphous states, leading to the absence of heat effects associated with melting and other phase transitions and disproportionately strong decrease in intensity of all X-ray diffraction peaks. It was found that the addition of SBA-15 with relatively large pores (7 nm) results in much higher increase in the conductivity of RbNO3 than the doping with MCM-41 additive with smaller pores (3.5 nm).
Magnetic and Catalytic Properties of Electroless Nickel, Ni-P and Ni-P-Re Thin Films
Authors: Khoperia Teimuraz N. , Zedginidze Tinatin I. , Gegechkori Tatiana
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we give the results of investigation of magnetic and catalytic properties of electroless Ni, Ni-P and Ni-P-Re coatings. As a result of magnetic, X-ray and kinetic investigations, the correlation between the dispersion of electroless nickel coatings, their magnetic characteristics and the catalytic activity have been revealed. It was demonstrated that the deposited Pd/ γ-Al2O3 catalysts compared well with platinum catalysts by their activity in relation to breaking the bonds among carbon atoms. The temperature dependence of magnetic properties of electroless nickel coatings is presented. The proposed method allows fabrication of nano-sized elements by UV photolithography.
Effect of Relaxation Time on Dis-Continuous Passivation Film
Authors: Nanjo Hiroshi , Sajiki Kouki , Hoshi Naoki , M. B. Hassan Fathy , Venkatachalam Shanmugam , Kanakubo Mitsuhiro , Aida Tsutomu , Suzuki Yasunori , Onagawa Jun
Published: February 2010

The cycle of short time passivation and the following weak reduction was repeated and oxidation film of a few atomic layers were formed and relaxed for a designed time at each cycle. In other wards, passive film was generated by dis-continuous passivation method such as layer-by-layer fabrication in a sub-nanometer scale. Then atomically flat surface was fabricated on the dis-continuous passivation film.
Towards a Multiscale Modeling Methodology for the Prediction of the Electro-Activity of PEM Fuel Cell Catalysts
Authors: Ferreira de Morais Rodrigo , Loffreda David , Sautet Philippe , Franco Alejandro A.
Published: February 2010

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are presented for molecular and atomic oxygen adsorption on the Pt(111) surface at low coverage. The final goal is the atomistic description of oxygen dissociation kinetics in order to feed a multiscale kinetic model which simulates the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) electrochemical behavior. For molecular oxygen, the most favorable adsorption structure is top-top and shows an adsorption energy of -0.80 eV in agreement with previous studies. For atomic adsorption, only the threefold fcc and hcp hollow sites are stable at this coverage (-1.22 eV and -0.85 eV, respectively), in contrast with previous results.
Morphology, Structure and Photo-Electro-Catalytic Activity of TiO2/WO3 Coatings Obtained by Pulsed Electrodeposition onto Stainless Steel
Authors: Valova Eugenia , Georgieva Jenia , Armyanov Stephan A. , Sotiropoulos Sotirios , Hubin Annick , Baert Kitty , Raes Marc
Published: February 2010

By applying pulsed instead of continuous electrodeposition for the consecutive preparation of each layer, a favorable modification is targeted of surface photo-electro-catalytic activity of the TiO2/WO3 couple. The morphology, structure and related composition distribution of the pulsed-deposited films onto stainless steel substrates are characterized by high resolution SEM-EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The photocurrents at photoelectrodes with various loadings, structure and morphology are evaluated in the presence and absence of the model pollutants Na-oxalate and 4-chlorophenol under UV and Vis light illumination. The effectiveness for bulk photo-decomposition of 4-chlorophenol is estimated by long-term photoelectrolysis at constant potential, using spectrophotometry of the time variation of the pollutant concentration. Clear indications are observed for the need of optimisation of the ratio of TiO2/WO3 loadings, the surface morphology, structure and composition distribution, to design high-performance photocatalysts.
Fine-Line Patterning of Transparent Ga-Doped ZnO Thin Films by Wet-Etching
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Okabe Satoshi , Matsubara Masahide , Maruyama Taketo , Makino Hisao , Yamada Takahiro , Osone Satoshi , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: February 2010

A photolithography processing and wet-etching technology for use in forming ZnO transparent electrodes that are just a few micrometers in line-widths for application to Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panels was developed. The chemicals (developed or obtained commercially) used for the photolithography process included a strong alkaline photoresist-developer, an alkaline photoresist-stripper with pH11-13 and a weak acidic etchant with pH 5.5-6.8 suitable for ZnO compound films with amphoteric properties. Optimization of the process conditions for photolithography and etching played a critical part in the development of the technology. We succeeded in forming transparent fine-patterns of Ga-doped ZnO films with 4 micronmeter line-widths and space-widths using this method. These fine line sizes indicate that our technology has reached a technical level comparable to those used for forming the ITO fine-pattern electrodes currently used for commercially available LCD panels.
Copper Plating on Resistive Substrates, Diffusion Barrier and Alternative Seed Layers
Authors: Radisic Aleksandar , Nagar Magi , Strubbe Katrien , Armini Silvia , El-Mekki Zaid , Volders Henny , Ruythooren Wouter , Vereecken Philippe M.
Published: February 2010

We have studied electrochemical deposition of copper on ruthenium-tantalum (Ru-Ta) alloy, tantalum (Ta), and cobalt (Co) substrates using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic methods. We show that a single-step direct-plating from acidic Cu bath approach is favorable on thin Ru-Ta films, while it presents a significant challenge for plating on resistive Ta and Co substrates.
Impact of "Terminal Effect" on Cu Plating: Theory and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Armini Silvia , Vereecken Philippe M.
Published: February 2010

When plating onto resistive substrates, the potential drop across the wafer surface can cause non-uniformities in the current density distribution. This so-called "terminal effect" leads to a naturally higher deposition rate at the wafer edge compared to the center. While it is not difficult to find in literature theory and models describing terminal effect and current density distribution associated with resistive substrates, full wafer plating experimental results are scarce. In this work, an analytical solution for the barrier/seed resistance-controlled plating current distribution is obtained and validated through full wafer plating experiments.
Effect of Electrolyte Sintering Temperature on Mixed Potential Sensor Performance
Authors: Sekhar Praveen Kumar , Brosha Eric , Mukundan Rangachary , Nelson Mark , Toracco Dennis , Garzon Fernando
Published: February 2010

The article reports on the effect of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) sintering temperature on the 'La0.8Sr0.2CrO3/YSZ/Pt' mixed potential sensor response. In this investigation, the sintering temperature of YSZ was varied from 1000 to 12000 C. The sensor response and response time was recorded for each sample. In addition, the morphology of YSZ was investigated using Mercury Porosimetry measurements.
2D Nucleation and Growth Phenomena in UPD of Cd on Ag(111) and Ag(100)
Authors: Staikov Georgi , García Silvana , Salinas Daniel
Published: February 2010

Underpotential deposition (UPD) of Cd on Ag single crystal substrates has been studied by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and electrochemical measurements. On Ag(111) the UPD process starts with formation of an expanded adlayer. This adlayer transforms by 2D nucleation and growth to a condensed Cd monolayer, which is unstable and at long polarization times undergoes changes involving surface alloy formation phenomena. In contrast to Ag(111), on Ag(100) a formation of a condensed monolayer by 2D nucleation and growth has been observed at relatively high underpotentials. The growth rate of 2D clusters extracted from the in situ STM images indicates a surface diffusion-controlled growth kinetics. At lower underpotentials the UPD of Cd on both substrates involves a significant surface alloy formation, which is reflected in the surface topography changes observed during the anodic stripping.
A Monte Carlo Model for the Simulation of the Electrodeposition of CoNi Alloys onto Glassy Carbon
Authors: Frank André C. , Sumodjo Paulo T. , Leiva Ezequiel P.
Published: February 2010

In this work, a Monte Carlo method for the simulation of the early stages of CoNi electrodeposition is presented. The model was constructed based on previous experimental parameters obtained with Co, Ni and CoNi electrodeposition onto a glassy carbon electrode. The core of the proposed simulation model consists of two Monte Carlo modules. The first one is a lattice grand-canonical Monte Carlo module which intends to calculate the energies of all possible events associated with metal deposition, namely adsorption, desorption and surface diffusion. The second one is a Kinetic Monte Carlo module which associates the previously calculated energies with reaction rates and probabilities of occurrence of the events, being analogous to the temporal evolution of the metallic electrodeposition.
Effect of Tl-codeposition on Au Electrodeposition from Non-Cyanide Bath
Authors: Saito Mikiko , Inoue Koichiro , Shiokawa Kazuhiko , Homma Takayuki
Published: February 2010

Effect of Tl on the electrodeposition behavior of Au was investigated by electrochemical analysis, total-reflection X-ray fluorescene analysis, XRD, glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GD-OES) and hardness measurement. The deposition rate increased with an increase in the amount of Tl addition to the bath. Tl was co-deposited at the interface between the seed layer and the Au films, as well as in the films. In as-deposited condition, the Tl contained films exhibited higher hardness compared with the Tl-free films, while both of them showed almost the same hardness after annealing. It was suggested that the hardness is correlated with the crystal orientation of the grains.
Local Rate of Potentiostatic Nucleation of Zinc on Zirconium Electrode from Alkaline Solution
Authors: Kryshtop Iurii G. , Yurchenko Natalya P. , Trofimenko Vitaliy V.
Published: February 2010

A novel method of calculation of the average local rate A¯ of potentiostatic nucleation within a short time interval at an arbitrary moment of the electrode process has been proposed. This method has been applied to Zn nucleation on a zirconium electrode from zincate electrolyte using the kinetic model developed by Scharifker and Mostany (J. Electroanal. Chem., 177, 13 (1984)). An increase of A¯ during the nucleation period has been explained by activation of the oxidized electrode surface, while a decrease of A¯ can be caused by consumption of more active centers of the electrode. We assume that formation of new active nucleation centers is caused by the stage of reduction of the surface Zr oxides.
Toll-like receptor 4 modulates skeletal muscle substrate metabolism
Authors: Frisard Madlyn I. , McMillan Ryan P. , Marchand Julie , Wahlberg Kristin A. , Wu Yaru , Voelker Kevin A. , Heilbronn Leonie , Haynie Kimberly , Muoio Brendan , Li Liwu , Hulver Matthew W.
Published: February 2010

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a protein integral to innate immunity, is elevated in skeletal muscle of obese and type 2 diabetic humans and has been implicated in the development of lipid-induced insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of TLR4 as a modulator of basal (non-insulin-stimulated) substrate metabolism in skeletal muscle with the hypothesis that its activation would result in reduced fatty acid oxidation and increased partitioning of fatty acids toward neutral lipid storage. Human skeletal muscle, rodent skeletal muscle, and skeletal muscle cell cultures were employed to study the functional consequences of TLR4 activation on glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Herein, we demonstrate that activation of TLR4 with low (metabolic endotoxemia) and high (septic conditions) doses of LPS results in increased glucose utilization and reduced fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and that these changes in metabolism in vivo occur in concert with increased circulating triglycerides. Moreover, animals with a loss of TLR4 function possess increased oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle and present with lower fasting levels of triglycerides and nonesterified free fatty acids. Evidence is also presented to suggest that these changes in substrate metabolism under metabolic endotoxemic conditions are independent of skeletal muscle-derived proinflammatory cytokine production. This report illustrates that skeletal muscle is a target for circulating endotoxin and may provide critical insight into the link between a proinflammatory state and dysregulated metabolism as observed with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Notch Signaling Regulates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Activity During Recovery From Arterial Injury in Hypercholesterolemic Mice
Authors: Ii Masaaki , Takeshita Kyosuke , Ibusuki Kayoko , Luedemann Corinne , Wecker Andrea , Eaton Elizabeth , Thorne Tina , Asahara Takayuki , Liao James K. , Losordo Douglas W.
Published: February 2010

Background—

Little is known about the role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we performed a series of assessments with hypercholesterolemic (apolipoprotein E–null [ApoE
−/−
]) and wild-type (WT) mice to evaluate how cholesterol influences reendothelialization, atherosclerosis, and EPC function after arterial injury.

Methods and Results—

Unexpectedly, reendothelialization (assessed by resistance to Evans blue staining) and circulating EPC counts (EPC culture assay) were greater in ApoE
−/−
mice than in WT mice, and transplantation of ApoE
−/−
bone marrow in WT mice accelerated endothelial recovery and increased recruitment of bone marrow–derived EPCs to the neoendothelium. Cholesterol concentration-dependently promoted the proliferation (MTS assay) of both ApoE
−/−
and WT EPCs, and the concentration dependence of EPC adhesion (to vitronectin-, collagen type I–, fibronectin-, and laminin-coated plates), migration (modified Boyden chamber assay), and antiapoptotic (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling stain) activity was biphasic. Cholesterol enhanced the messenger RNA expression (quantitative, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) of vascular endothelial growth factor and inhibited Notch1 messenger RNA expression in both ApoE
−/−
and WT EPCs, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA expression increased in ApoE
−/−
EPCs and declined in WT EPCs after cholesterol exposure. EPC activity was greater in Notch1
+/−
EPCs than in WT EPCs, and transplantation of Notch1
+/−
bone marrow accelerated endothelial recovery after arterial injury in WT mice.

Conclusion—

The results presented here provide novel insights into the role of EPCs during atherosclerosis and suggest that cholesterol and Notch1 may be involved in the regulation of EPC activity.
Physician-Directed Patient Self-Management of Left Atrial Pressure in Advanced Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ritzema Jay , Troughton Richard , Melton Iain , Crozier Ian , Doughty Robert , Krum Henry , Walton Anthony , Adamson Philip , Kar Saibal , Shah Prediman K. , Richards Mark , Eigler Neal L. , Whiting James S. , Haas Garrie J. , Heywood J. Thomas , Frampton Christopher M. , Abraham William T.
Published: February 2010

Background—

Previous studies suggest that management of ambulatory hemodynamics may improve outcomes in chronic heart failure. We conducted a prospective, observational, first-in-human study of a physician-directed patient self-management system targeting left atrial pressure.

Methods and Results—

Forty patients with reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and a history of New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure and acute decompensation were implanted with an investigational left atrial pressure monitor, and readings were acquired twice daily. For the first 3 months, patients and clinicians were blinded as to these readings, and treatment continued per usual clinical assessment. Thereafter, left atrial pressure and individualized therapy instructions guided by these pressures were disclosed to the patient. Event-free survival was determined over a median follow-up of 25 months (range 3 to 38 months). Survival without decompensation was 61% at 3 years, and events tended to be less frequent after the first 3 months (hazard ratio 0.16 [95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.68],
P
=0.012). Mean daily left atrial pressure fell from 17.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 15.8 to 19.4 mm Hg) in the first 3 months to 14.8 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 13.0 to 16.6 mm Hg;
P
=0.003) during pressure-guided therapy. The frequency of elevated readings (>25 mm Hg) was reduced by 67% (
P
<0.001). There were improvements in New York Heart Association class (−0.7±0.8,
P
<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (7±10%,
P
<0.001). Doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin-receptor blockers and β-blockers were uptitrated by 37% (
P
<0.001) and 40% (
P
<0.001), respectively, whereas doses of loop diuretics fell by 27% (
P
=0.15).

Conclusions—

Physician-directed patient self-management of left atrial pressure has the potential to improve hemodynamics, symptoms, and outcomes in advanced heart failure.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00547729.
Functional Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Attenuate Limb Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Lian Qizhou , Zhang Yuelin , Zhang Jinqiu , Zhang Hua Kun , Wu Xingang , Zhang Yang , Lam Francis Fu-Yuen , Kang Sarang , Xia Jian Chuan , Lai Wing-Hong , Au Ka-Wing , Chow Yen Yen , Siu Chung-Wah , Lee Chuen-Neng , Tse Hung-Fat
Published: February 2010

Background—

Aging and aging-related disorders impair the survival and differentiation potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and limit their therapeutic efficacy. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may provide an alternative source of functional MSCs for tissue repair. This study aimed to generate and characterize human iPSC-derived MSCs and to investigate their biological function for the treatment of limb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

Human iPSCs were induced to MSC differentiation with a clinically compliant protocol. Three monoclonal, karyotypically stable, and functional MSC-like cultures were successfully isolated using a combination of CD24
−
and CD105
+
sorting. They did not express pluripotent-associated markers but displayed MSC surface antigens and differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Transplanting iPSC-MSCs into mice significantly attenuated severe hind-limb ischemia and promoted vascular and muscle regeneration. The benefits of iPSC-MSCs on limb ischemia were superior to those of adult bone marrow MSCs. The greater potential of iPSC-MSCs may be attributable to their superior survival and engraftment after transplantation to induce vascular and muscle regeneration via direct de novo differentiation and paracrine mechanisms.

Conclusions—

Functional MSCs can be clonally generated, beginning at a single-cell level, from human iPSCs. Patient-specific iPSC-MSCs can be prepared as an “off-the-shelf” format for the treatment of tissue ischemia.
Statins for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Women With Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein or Dyslipidemia
Authors: Mora Samia , Glynn Robert J. , Hsia Judith , MacFadyen Jean G. , Genest Jacques , Ridker Paul M
Published: February 2010

Background—

Statin therapy in women without cardiovascular disease (CVD) is controversial, given the insufficient evidence of benefit. We analyzed sex-specific outcomes in the Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) and synthesized the results with prior trials.

Methods and Results—

JUPITER participants included 6801 women ≥60 years of age and 11 001 men ≥50 years of age with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <130 mg/dL randomized to rosuvastatin versus placebo. Meta-analysis studies were randomized placebo-controlled statin trials with predominantly or exclusively primary prevention in women and sex-specific outcomes (20 147 women; >276 CVD events; mean age, 63 to 69 years). Absolute CVD rates (per 100 person-years) in JUPITER women for rosuvastatin and placebo (0.57 and 1.04, respectively) were lower than for men (0.88 and 1.54, respectively), with similar relative risk reduction in women (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37 to 0.80;
P
=0.002) and men (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.45 to 0.73;
P
<0.001). In women, there was significant reduction in revascularization/unstable angina and nonsignificant reductions in other components of the primary end point. Meta-analysis of 13 154 women (240 CVD events; 216 total deaths) from exclusively primary prevention trials found a significant reduction in primary CVD events with statins by a third (relative risk, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49 to 0.82;
P
<0.001;
P
for heterogeneity=0.56) with a smaller nonsignificant effect on total mortality (relative risk, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 1.15;
P
=0.21;
P
for heterogeneity=0.20). Similar results were obtained for trials that were predominantly but not exclusively primary prevention.

Conclusion—

JUPITER demonstrated that in primary prevention rosuvastatin reduced CVD events in women with a relative risk reduction similar to that in men, a finding supported by meta-analysis of primary prevention statin trials.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00239681.
Blood Pressure and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Jensky Nicole E. , Criqui Michael H. , Wright Michael C. , Wassel Christina L. , Brody Steven A. , Allison Matthew A.
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the presence and extent of calcified atherosclerosis in multiple vascular beds and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, isolated systolic hypertension, and hypertension. A total of 9510 patients (42.5% women) underwent electron beam computed tomography scanning as part of a routine health maintenance screening. At the same visit, blood pressure was measured with the participant in the seated position using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Mean age was 58±11.4 years, and body mass index was 27.1±4.5. The prevalences of any calcification in the carotids, coronaries, subclavians, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, and iliacs were 31.9%, 57.2%, 31.7%, 37.0%, 54.3%, and 48.8%, respectively. In separate multivariable logistic models containing traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with the presence of calcification in all of the vascular beds except the iliacs and subclavians, respectively, with pulse pressure having stronger magnitudes of the associations for most of the vascular beds. Age-stratified analyses indicated that these associations were stronger in those >60 years of age compared with subjects <60 years of age, and sex-stratified analyses demonstrated that men had a greater association compared with women. Also, the magnitudes of the associations for isolated systolic hypertension were, in general, larger than those for hypertension. Pulse pressure and isolated systolic hypertension are robust and important correlates for calcified atherosclerosis in different vascular beds. Isolated systolic hypertension may be clinically relevant in diagnosing or preventing calcified atherosclerosis.
The Influence of Performance-Based Accountability on the Distribution of Teacher Salary Increases
Authors: Bifulco Robert
Published: February 2010

This study examines how aspects of a district's institutional and policy environment influence the distribution of teacher salary increases. The primary hypothesis tested is that statewide performance-based accountability policies influence the extent to which districts backload teacher salary increases. I use data on teacher salaries from the National Center for Education Statistics Schools and Staffing Survey and an index of performance-based accountability to examine the relationship between accountability and backloading. Consistent with the study's hypothesis, the results indicate that strong performance-based, state-level accountability is associated with decreases in teacher salary backloading among urban districts.
Construction of Digital Elevation Models for a Southern European City and a Comparative Morphological Analysis with Respect to Northern European and North American Cities
Authors: Di Sabatino Silvana , Leo Laura S. , Cataldo Rosella , Ratti Carlo , Britter Rex E.
Published: February 2010

A morphometric analysis of a southern European city and the derivation of relevant fluid dynamical parameters for use in urban flow and dispersion models are explained in this paper. Calculated parameters are compared with building statistics that have already been computed for parts of three northern European and two North American cities. The aim of this comparison is to identify similarities and differences between several building configurations and city types, such as building packing density, compact versus sprawling neighborhoods, regular versus irregular street orientation, etc. A novel aspect of this work is the derivation and use of digital elevation models (DEMs) for parts of a southern European city. Another novel aspect is the DEMs’ construction methodology, which is low cost, low tech, and of simple implementation. Several building morphological parameters are calculated from the urban DEMs using image processing techniques. The correctness and robustness of these techniques have been verified through a series of sensitivity tests performed on both idealized building configurations, as well as on real case DEMs, which were derived using the methodology here. In addition, the planar and frontal area indices were calculated as a function of elevation. It is argued that those indices, estimated for neighborhoods of real cities, may be used instead of the detailed building geometry within urban canopy models as those indices together synthesize the geometric features of a city. The direct application of these results will facilitate the development of fast urban flow and dispersion models.
Quantifying the Impact of Wind Turbine Wakes on Power Output at Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Barthelmie R. J. , Pryor S. C. , Frandsen S. T. , Hansen K. S. , Schepers J. G. , Rados K. , Schlez W. , Neubert A. , Jensen L. E. , Neckelmann S.
Published: February 2010

There is an urgent need to develop and optimize tools for designing large wind farm arrays for deployment offshore. This research is focused on improving the understanding of, and modeling of, wind turbine wakes in order to make more accurate power output predictions for large offshore wind farms. Detailed data ensembles of power losses due to wakes at the large wind farms at Nysted and Horns Rev are presented and analyzed. Differences in turbine spacing (10.5 versus 7 rotor diameters) are not differentiable in wake-related power losses from the two wind farms. This is partly due to the high variability in the data despite careful data screening. A number of ensemble averages are simulated with a range of wind farm and computational fluid dynamics models and compared to observed wake losses. All models were able to capture wake width to some degree, and some models also captured the decrease of power output moving through the wind farm. Root-mean-square errors indicate a generally better model performance for higher wind speeds (10 rather than 6 m s−1) and for direct down the row flow than for oblique angles. Despite this progress, wake modeling of large wind farms is still subject to an unacceptably high degree of uncertainty.
Diurnal Variations of Warm-Season Precipitation over Northern China
Authors: He Huizhong , Zhang Fuqing
Published: February 2010

This study examines the diurnal variations of the warm-season precipitation over northern China using the high-resolution precipitation products obtained from the Climate Prediction Center’s morphing technique (CMORPH) during May–August of 2003–09. The areas of focus are the Yanshan–Taihangshan Mountain ranges along the east peripheries of the Loess and Inner Mongolian Plateaus and the adjacent North China Plains. It is found that the averaged peak in local precipitation begins early in the afternoon near the top of the mountain ranges and propagates downslope and southeastward at a speed of ∼13 m s−1. The peak reaches the central North China Plains around midnight and the early morning hours resulting in a broad area of nocturnal precipitation maxima over the plains. The diurnal precipitation peak (minimum) is closely collocated with the upward (downward) branch of a mountain–plains solenoid (MPS) circulation. Both the MPS and a low-level southwesterly nocturnal jet are likely to be jointly responsible for the nighttime precipitation maxima over the plains.
COX-2 Is Associated with Periodontitis in Europeans
Authors: Schaefer A.S. , Richter G.M. , Nothnagel M. , Laine M.L. , Noack B. , Glas J. , Schrezenmeir J. , Groessner-Schreiber B. , Jepsen S. , Loos B.G. , Schreiber S.
Published: February 2010

COX-2 plays an important role in periodontitis by mediating inflammatory reactions in periodontal tissues, and the COX-2 polymorphisms rs20417 and rs689466 have been reported to be associated with periodontitis in populations of Taiwanese and Chinese ethnicity. To test whether these variants were associated with periodontitis in populations of European ethnicity, we genotyped the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs689466 and rs6681231, the latter a haplotype tagging SNP (htSNP) for rs20417 (r2>0.95), in our large-analysis population of individuals with aggressive (n = 532) and chronic periodontitis (n = 1052), and 2873 healthy control individuals. The rare G allele of htSNP rs6681231 was associated with aggressive periodontitis prior to and after adjustment for the covariates smoking, diabetes, and gender, with an odds ratio of 1.57 (95% confidence interval 1.18–2.08; p = 0.002). The validation of the association of rs20417 by the htSNP rs6681231 provides evidence for a general genetic risk of COX-2 variants in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Salivary Immunoglobulins and Prevalent Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Janket S. , Meurman J.H. , Baird A.E. , Qvarnström M. , Nuutinen P. , Ackerson L.K. , Hong J. , Muthukrishnan P. , Van Dyke T.E.
Published: February 2010

Previous studies examined the serum immunoglobulin levels in relation to coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that the salivary immunoglobulins might better estimate oral infections in this relationship. Multivariate logistic regression analyses utilizing the data from 256 angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 250 non-CAD individuals that controlled for age, sex, smoking, diabetes, total/HDL cholesterol ratio, hypertension, and education revealed the trends that salivary IgA was positively and salivary IgG was inversely associated with CAD. The odds ratios (OR) of each increasing quartile of salivary IgA were 1.00 (first and second quartiles combined), 1.97, and 1.37 ( p-value for trend = 0.06), while those for salivary IgG were 1.00, 0.77, 0.60, and 0.51 ( p-value for trend = 0.02). Additionally, salivary IgA correlated positively with C-reactive protein and Asymptotic Dental Score (dental infection score), while IgG was inversely associated with these inflammation markers. Salivary IgA warrants further studies to confirm its role in the risk assessment of CAD.
PTH Increases Jaw Mineral Density in a Rabbit Model of Osteoporosis
Authors: Bellido M. , Lugo L. , Castañeda S. , Roman-Blas J.A. , Rufián-Henares J.A. , Navarro-Alarcón M. , Largo R. , Herrero-Beaumont G.
Published: February 2010

Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration has been shown to be a promising therapy for systemic bone loss. Accordingly, we hypothesized that PTH could have positive results in treating oral complications of osteoporosis. Hence, we evaluated both mandibular bone loss and its response to PTH in a rabbit model of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy and glucocorticoid administration. There was a significant and marked decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and calcium content in ash from the osteoporotic peri-alveolar region, which influenced global jaw loss. Remarkably, PTH (1–34) administration to osteoporotic rabbits almost completely reversed BMD, BMC, and calcium content fall in the peri-alveolar region, subsequently reducing global mandibular bone loss. Thus, although the peri-alveolar region is particularly susceptible to osteoporosis, it also responds well to intermittent PTH. Therefore, these results suggest that PTH might represent a valid therapy for improving the osseointegration of dental implants in persons with osteoporosis.
Reading Component Skills of Learners in Adult Basic Education
Authors: MacArthur Charles A. , Konold Timothy R. , Glutting Joseph J. , Alamprese Judith A.
Published: February 2010

The purposes of this study were to investigate the reliability and construct validity of measures of reading component skills with a sample of adult basic education (ABE) learners, including both native and nonnative English speakers, and to describe the performance of those learners on the measures. Investigation of measures of reading components is needed because available measures were neither developed for nor normed on ABE populations or with nonnative speakers of English. The study included 486 students, 334 born or educated in the United States (native) and 152 not born or educated in the United States (nonnative) but who spoke English well enough to participate in English reading classes. All students had scores on 11 measures covering five constructs: decoding, word recognition, spelling, fluency, and comprehension. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test three models: a two-factor model with print and meaning factors; a three-factor model that separated out a fluency factor; and a five-factor model based on the hypothesized constructs. The five-factor model fit best. In addition, the CFA model fit both native and nonnative populations equally well without modification, showing that the tests measure the same constructs with the same accuracy for both groups. Group comparisons found no difference between the native and nonnative samples on word recognition, but the native sample scored higher on fluency and comprehension and lower on decoding than did the nonnative sample. Students with self-reported learning disabilities scored lower on all reading components. Differences by age and gender were also analyzed.
Relationships Among Reading Skills of Adults With Low Literacy
Authors: Sabatini John P. , Sawaki Yasuyo , Shore Jane R. , Scarborough Hollis S.
Published: February 2010

In this study, confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the interrelationships among latent factors of the simple view model of reading comprehension (word recognition and language comprehension) and hypothesized additional factors (vocabulary and reading fluency) in a sample of 476 adult learners with low literacy levels. The results provided evidence for reliable distinctions between word recognition, fluency, language comprehension, and vocabulary skills as components of reading. Even so, the data did not support the hypothesis that the simple view needs to be expanded to include vocabulary or fluency factors, as has been posited in a few prior studies of younger and more able readers. Rather, word recognition and language comprehension alone were found to account adequately for variation in reading comprehension in adults with low literacy.
Holocene transgression recorded by sand composition in the mesotidal Galician coastline (NW Spain)
Authors: Arribas José , Alonso Ángela , Pagés Jose Luis , González-Acebrón Laura
Published: February 2010

This study confirms several inferences regarding Holocene coastal dynamics and climate through a petrographic modal analysis of 60 Holocene sand samples recovered in seven sites along the NW coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Fluvial sand can be discriminated from more mature intertidal and aeolian sand according to texture and composition. Fluvial sand contains soil products and coastal sand has significant bioclasts. Quartzofeldspathic sand appears in the western area (produced by the erosion of granite and granitoid), and quartzolithic sand occurs in the eastern area (produced by the erosion of metasediment). Changes in sand composition during Holocene deposition are manifested by an increase in modern carbonate clasts (MC) correlated with the Holocene transgression. Episodes of faster sea-level rise and subsequent erosion of surrounding cliffs are indicated by the preservation of high proportions of feldspar in intertidal sand. In contrast, fluvial sand is characterized by greater quartz enrichment. These inferences were confirmed by petrographic indices (carbonate clasts/total clasts, MC/T; total feldspars/monocrystalline quartz, F/Qm; and plagioclase/total feldspars, P/F). The different maturity of intertidal and aeolian sands is revealed by their variable quartz contents, despite similar proportions of plagioclase and K-feldspar. This suggests mechanical abrasion as the main factor controlling maturity. In contrast, fluvial sand shows depleted plagioclase contents as the result of inland weathering processes. Intertidal, beach and aeolian sands are essentially the products of the erosion of coastal cliffs and head deposits, with only the scarce contribution of fluvial drainages. The long-distance transport of Galician coastal sands is discarded based on the close relationship between their composition and that of local sand sources. Our findings indicate that short-distance transport of sediments from the west closed off coastal wetlands and occluded estuarine mouths during the Holocene transgression by deposition on sediment-trap zones along the irregularly shaped Galician coast.
Expansion of outlet glaciers of the Juneau Icefield in northwest British Columbia during the past two millennia
Authors: Clague John J. , Koch Johannes , Geertsema Marten
Published: February 2010

Radiocarbon and dendrochronological dating of glacially overridden stumps and detrital wood indicates that two outlet glaciers of the Juneau Icefield advanced shortly before the ‘Little Ice Age’. Tulsequah Glacier advanced to within 2.4 km of its all-time Holocene limit between AD 865 and AD 940. Llewellyn Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in British Columbia, advanced sometime between AD 300 and AD 500, and reached to within 400 m of its Holocene limit between AD 1035 and AD 1210, well before the climactic, ‘classical’ ‘Little Ice Age’ advances of the past several centuries. Our data show that some glaciers in western North America were extensive and expanding at times when alpine glaciers have, in the past, been assumed to be restricted. The evidence raises questions about how to define the time of the beginning of the ‘Little Ice Age’ and, perhaps more importantly, about the utility of the term.
A Heideggerian approach to practice-based reflexivity
Authors: Segal Steven
Published: February 2010

In the context of the turn to practice-based approaches to learning, this paper outlines the notion of an existential form of reflexivity as a reflexivity from within rather than from a disengaged position outside of a practice. Using the philosophy of Martin Heidegger and the existential crisis of Mort Meyerson who at the time of crisis was CEO of Ross Perot systems, the article focuses on the ‘lived experience’ of reflexivity, demonstrating the way in which theorizing itself becomes an existential practice in times of breakdowns in a manager’s taken for granted everyday coping practices. Based on Heidegger, it is argued that whilst absorbed in the demands of everyday coping, managers are not attuned to the way of being-in-the-world implied in such coping. When everyday coping breaks down, managers become attuned to the way of being-in-the-world implied in their coping.
Rethinking “Generation Me”: A Study of Cohort Effects from 1976-2006
Authors: Trzesniewski Kali H. , Donnellan M. Brent
Published: February 2010

Social commentators have argued that changes over the last decades have coalesced to create a relatively unique generation of young people. However, using large samples of U.S. high-school seniors from 1976 to 2006 (Total N = 477,380), we found little evidence of meaningful change in egotism, self-enhancement, individualism, self-esteem, locus of control, hopelessness, happiness, life satisfaction, loneliness, antisocial behavior, time spent working or watching television, political activity, the importance of religion, and the importance of social status over the last 30 years. Today's youth are less fearful of social problems than previous generations and they are also more cynical and less trusting. In addition, today's youth have higher educational expectations than previous generations. However, an inspection of effect sizes provided little evidence for strong or widespread cohort-linked changes.