bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twelve-year responses of planted and naturally regenerating conifers to variable-retention harvest in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Urgenson Lauren S. , Halpern Charles B. , Anderson Paul D.
Published: November 2012

We studied patterns of conifer regeneration over 12 years as part of a regional-scale experiment in variable-retention harvest in the Pacific Northwest, the DEMO Study. We compared survival and height growth of planted conifers and density and seral composition of natural regeneration among treatments with differing retention levels (15% versus 40%) and patterns (dispersed versus aggregated) replicated across a range of latitudes and forest zones. We also assessed plot-scale relationships of natural regeneration with overstory density and basal area, competing vegetation, and slash accumulations. Early (1- to 2-year) survival of planted seedlings was greater in dispersed treatments (Pinus monticola Douglas ex D. Don, Abies spp.) or unaffected by retention level or pattern (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). Later (5- to 12-year) survival did not differ (all species), but growth was distinctly reduced in dispersed treatments and (or) at higher levels of retention. Density of natural regeneration was 1.5–2.5 times greater in dispersed treatments than in the cleared areas of aggregated treatments. Low-level dispersed retention promoted Pseudotsuga, the early-seral dominant, presumably by enhancing seed rain within a relatively high-light environment. Dispersed retention favored late-seral conifers. The ability to manipulate retention pattern and level to influence regeneration density and composition provides managers with flexibility in developing structurally complex and compositionally diverse forests.
Aldose reductase inhibitors zopolrestat and ferulic acid alleviate hypertension associated with diabetes: effect on vascular reactivity
Authors: Badawy Dina , El-Bassossy Hany M. , Fahmy Ahmed , Azhar Ahmad
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the effect of aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors on hypertension in diabetes. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin, while AR inhibitors zopolrestat and ferulic acid were administered at 2 weeks after streptozotocin treatment and for 6 weeks afterwards. Then, blood pressure (BP) and serum level of glucose were determined. Concentration–response curves for phenylephrine (PE), KCl, and acetylcholine (ACh) were obtained in isolated aorta. In addition, ACh-induced NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in aorta and histopathology were examined. Compared with the control animals, diabetes increased diastolic and systolic BP. AR inhibitors reduced diastolic BP elevation without affecting the developed hyperglycaemia. Diabetes increased the contractile response of aorta to KCl, and decreased the relaxation response to Ach, while administering AR inhibitors prevented an impaired response to ACh. Incubation of aorta isolated from diabetic animals with AR inhibitors did not affect the impaired relaxation response to ACh. In addition, AR inhibitors negated the impaired Ach-stimulated NO generation seen in aorta isolated from diabetic animals. Furthermore, diabetes was accompanied with marked infiltration of leukocytes in aortic adventitia, endothelial cell pyknosis, and increased ROS formation. AR inhibitors reduced leukocyte infiltration and inhibited endothelial pyknosis and ROS formation. In conclusion, AR inhibitors negate diabetes-evoked hypertension via ameliorating impaired endothelial relaxation and NO production.
MULTI-ITEM NEWSVENDOR PROBLEM WITH AN EQUALITY RESOURCE CONSTRAINT
Authors: GOTO H.
Published: November 2012

This research addresses a multi-item newsvendor problem with an equality resource constraint. We focus on retail industries with insufficient development power, where shelves must be filled with a variety of goods at the beginning of every period to make the selling space attractive. Technically, the total occupation volume of the goods must be adjusted to the shelf space. Using resource terminology, these elements correspond to resource consumption and resource capacity, respectively. Thus, we consider a constraint in which the total resource consumption is adjusted to a given resource capacity. We derive explicit solutions for several scenarios regarding resource capacity. These give important managerial implications that are helpful for both managers and front-line workers. We also consider two approaches for obtaining an approximate optimal solution for an arbitrary resource capacity, one of which can be implemented with ease in an ordering support system.
THERMAL ENTANGLEMENT OF TWO QUBITS WITH DIPOLAR ORDERED INITIAL STATE COUPLED TO A SPIN CHAIN IN MQ NMR SYSTEM
Authors: ESKANDARI M. R. , REZAEE LADAN
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we aim to provide a theoretical study of thermal entanglement of two qubits coupled to a spin chain with considering multiple-spin correlations which accompanies decay in multiple quantum nuclear magnetic resonance (MQ NMR) system. We show an explicit connection between the coherence factor and entanglement, and numerically and analytically study the dynamical process of entanglement in weak coupling cases for dipolar ordered initial states. We provide results that the entanglement evolution depends not only on the coupling constant between central two qubits and the system-environment couplings but also on temperature and the number of spins in chain.
DOUBLE-STATE BASED BUSINESS PROCESS DESCRIPTION MODEL AND ITS OPERATIONAL SEMANTICS
Authors: ZHENG YUNXIANG , ZHENG TIANXIANG , ZHANG YANFEN , WAN HAI
Published: November 2012

With the rapid development of economic globalization and informationization, the Chinese e-government is still in its adolescence with a long way ahead. Based on some recent research in Guangdong province, we find that e-government affair systems play important roles therein and represent a certain kind of application called Form-centered Application Systems (FAS). After much investigation and analysis on e-government's background, daily routine and regulations, we summarize some rules and disciplines of its business process modeling, based on which we characterize requirements of FAS. Though currently many process modeling approaches or techniques have been proposed and widely used, they can not fully and easily meet the special needs. In this paper, we introduce a new business process model called Double-State Based Business Process Description Model (DSBPDM), which is composed of Business Process Model (BPM) and Dispatching Model (DM), where BPM enriches Finite State Machine (FSM) Model by three constraint checks, business logic and message passing, whereas DM delineates the dispatching and executing status of the business object in its lifetime. After presenting DSBPDM's formal definition, we discuss the essence of process forwarding by deducing its operational semantics formally. In this way, key issues such as explicit state and operation representation, rigorous constraint expression, complex authorization check, and full picture of the dispatching and executing of business objects are nicely tackled. Our practice shows that building FAS system with DSBPDM and its supporting platform fits the requirements well, provides an open and transparent view of business process, satisfies the needs of the public and officials, and helps to get a comprehensive insight into the meaning of business process forwarding.
TOWARDS A CALCULUS FOR NONDETERMINISTIC SCHEMAS IN Z
Authors: HAGHIGHI HASSAN , MIRIAN-HOSSEINABADI SEYYED-HASSAN
Published: November 2012

In our previous work, we presented a Z-based formalism, called NZ, by which one can explicitly specify bounded, unbounded, erratic, angelic, demonic, loose, strict, singular, and plural nondeterminism. The NZ notation is mainly based on a new notion of operation schemas, called multi-schema. Since the operations of the Z schema calculus do not work on multi-schemas anymore, in this paper we augment NZ with a new set of schema calculus operations that can be applied on multi-schemas as well as ordinary operation schemas. To demonstrate the usability of the resulting formalism, we show how this formalism can assist to model game-like situations and concurrent systems as two well-known classes of nondeterministic systems.
ELECTRON TRANSFER THROUGH NON-HYDROGEN AND HYDROGEN BONDED INTERMOLECULAR TUNNEL JUNCTIONS: A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY
Authors: DAS MOUSUMI
Published: November 2012

The nature of electron transfer through intermolecular tunnel junctions has been studied. Intermolecular junctions feature non-hydrogen and hydrogen bonded interactions and are defined by the end groups of pairs of functionalized conjugated alkenes. We compared the distant dependent electron transfer from donor to acceptor group attached to the other sides of those functionalized conjugated alkenes. Study shows electron transfer coupling matrix element for these intermolecular junctions decays exponentially as a function of junction separation and quite substantial in energetically favourable hydrogen bonded intermolecular junctions.
VECTOR CORRELATIONS AND PRODUCT POLARIZATIONS IN THE N(2D) + D2 → ND + D REACTIVE SYSTEM
Authors: NIE SHANSHAN , CHU TIANSHU
Published: November 2012

The vector correlations between products and reagents of the N (2D) + D 2 reaction are investigated by employing quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculation on the accurate DMBE potential energy surface (PES) of the 2A″ state. Stereo-dynamic quantities, including the four generalized polarization-dependent differential cross-sections (PDDCSs), the angular distribution P(θr), the dihedral-angle distribution P(φr), as well as the product rotational angular distribution in the polar form of P(θr, φr), are calculated in the center-of-mass (CM) frame. The results indicate that the product rotational angular momentum j′ not only aligns along the y-axis, but also orients to the negative direction of the y-axis. The isotope effect in the context of chemical stereo-dynamics and influences of different versions of ground-state PESs on vector correlations are shown and discussed.
ADSORPTION STATES AND SITE CONVERSIONS OF PHENYLACETYLENE ON Si(100)2 × 1 CALCULATED BY DFT
Authors: CARBONE MARILENA , CAMINITI RUGGERO
Published: November 2012

The adsorption on Si(100)2 × 1 of PhenylAcetilene (PA), a bifunctional molecule with a phenyl ring and a triple bond, may occur through each group, selectively, or both functional groups simultaneously. The most favorable adsorption sites upon adsorption were calculated by DFT. Furthermore, several energy barriers were calculated: The ones connecting the physisorbed to the chemisorbed states, as well as the interconversion barriers of different chemisorbed states. The conversion of physisorbed-to-chemisorbed states has barriers of 0.11–0.19 eV. The barriers of sites inter-conversions are all higher (1.11–1.36 eV) and suggest a difficult post-chemisorption surface rearrangement.
THE GEOMETRIES AND PROTON TRANSFER OF HYDRATED DIVALENT LEAD ION CLUSTERS [Pb(H2O)n]2+(n = 1–17)
Authors: LEI X. L. , PAN B. C.
Published: November 2012

The low-lying candidates of hydrated divalent lead ion clusters [ Pb(H2O) n]2+ with up to n = 17 have been extensively studied by using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP level. The optimized structures show that for n = 5–13 the lowest-energy structures prefer tetracoordinate with hemi-directed geometries, while the best candidates with n = 14–17 are hexacoordinate with holo-directed geometries, which is just consistent with the experimental observation. Furthermore, the origin of hemi-directed and holo-directed geometries has been revealed. It is found that in the hemi-directed geometries, the lone pair orbital has p character and fewer electrons are transferred from the water molecules to the Pb2+ ion. Contrarily, in the holo-directed geometries, the lone pair orbital has little or no p character and more electrons are transferred to the Pb2+ ion. On the other hand, the proton transfer reactions of the [ Pb(H2O) n]2+(n = 2, 4, 8) complexes have been examined, from which the predicted products of these complexes are in good agreement with the experimental observation.
ASYMPTOTICS FOR MOMENTS OF HIGHER RANKS
Authors: WALDHERR MATTHIAS
Published: November 2012

Bringmann, Mahlburg, and Rhoades have found asymptotic expressions for all moments of the partition statistics rank and crank. In this work we extend their methods to higher ranks. The T-rank, introduced by Garvan, for odd integers T = 3 is a natural generalization of the rank (T = 3) and crank (T = 1).
A WITT–BURNSIDE RING ATTACHED TO A PRO-DIHEDRAL GROUP
Authors: MILLER LANCE EDWARD
Published: November 2012

The ring of p-typical Witt vectors is an indispensable tool in number theory and mixed characteristic commutative algebra. Witt vectors were significantly generalized by Dress and Siebeneicher by producing for any profinite group G, a ring-valued functor WG. The p-typical Witt vectors are recovered as the example G = Zp. This paper explores the structure of the ring WD2∞(k) where k is a field of characteristic 2 and [Formula: see text].
METRICAL RESULTS ON SYSTEMS OF SMALL LINEAR FORMS
Authors: HUSSAIN M. , KRISTENSEN S.
Published: November 2012

In this paper the metric theory of Diophantine approximation associated with the small linear forms is investigated. Khintchine–Groshev theorems are established along with Hausdorff measure generalization without the monotonic assumption on the approximation function.
EVALUATION OF THE CONVOLUTION SUMS ∑l+15m=nσ(l)σ(m) AND ∑3l+5m=nσ(l)σ(m) AND AN APPLICATION
Authors: RAMAKRISHNAN B. , SAHU BRUNDABAN
Published: November 2012

We evaluate the convolution sums ∑l,m∈ℕ,l+15m=nσ(l)σ(m) and ∑l,m∈ℕ,3l+5m=nσ(l)σ(m) for all n ∈ ℕ using the theory of quasimodular forms and use these convolution sums to determine the number of representations of a positive integer n by the form [Formula: see text] We also determine the number of representations of positive integers by the quadratic form [Formula: see text] by using the convolution sums obtained earlier by Alaca, Alaca and Williams [Evaluation of the convolution sums ∑l+6m=nσ(l)σ(m) and ∑2l+3m=nσ(l)σ(m), J. Number Theory124(2) (2007) 491–510; Evaluation of the convolution sums ∑l+24m=nσ(l)σ(m) and ∑3l+8m=nσ(l)σ(m), Math. J. Okayama Univ.49 (2007) 93–111].
MODELING LAND-USE CHANGES IN A GLOBAL CGE: ASSESSING THE EU BIOFUEL MANDATES WITH THE MIRAGE-BioF MODEL
Authors: LABORDE DAVID , VALIN HUGO
Published: November 2012

Evaluation of indirect land-use changes due to biofuels has been very controversial over the past few years, as doubts have arisen about the environmental benefits of growing crops for use as a substitute for fossil fuels. This paper presents an overview of the MIRAGE-BioF CGE modeling approach to biofuel policies assessment. Our framework introduces new innovative features that strengthen the relevance of the methodology. In particular, a more detailed and consistent database has been developed to represent the sectors and substitution mechanisms at play. Moreover, the model used has been improved in several important ways to better reproduce the agricultural supply function and land-use change. However, we also emphasize the critical uncertainties that prevent us from being able to provide a precise two-digit figure on the extent of land-use change and associated emissions. We illustrate these efforts with the case of EU biofuel mandates implications. We show that emissions from the current national targets in the EU could lead to an indirect effect of land-use expansion ranging from 1 ha per TJ consumed to 12 ha per TJ with a median value of 3.4 ha per TJ. The associated emissions in a 20-year period would range from 10 gCO2 /MJ to 115 gCO2 /MJ, with a median value of 38 gCO2/MJ . These results seriously question the sustainability of the current EU biofuels policy and emphasize the even more dramatic effect of a biodiesel-oriented EU biofuel program, which was found to emit two times more than an EU ethanol-oriented program.
Filtering Out Expected Dividends and Expected Returns
Authors: Rytchkov Oleg
Published: November 2012

This paper applies a state space approach to the analysis of stock return predictability. It acknowledges that expected returns and expected dividends are unobservable and uses the Kalman filter to extract them from the observed history of realized dividends and returns. The suggested approach explicitly takes into account the time variation in expected dividend growth rates and exploits the present value relation. The obtained predictors for future returns are robust to structural breaks in the means of expected dividends and returns and more efficient than the dividend–price ratio. The likelihood ratio test reliably rejects the hypothesis of constant expected returns.
Efficiency and the Disposition Effect in NFL Prediction Markets
Authors: Hartzmark Samuel M. , Solomon David H.
Published: November 2012

Examining NFL betting contracts at Tradesports.com, we find mispricing consistent with the disposition effect, where investors are more likely to close out profitable positions than losing positions. Prices are too low when teams are ahead and too high when teams are behind. Returns following news events exhibit short-term reversals and longer-term momentum. These results do not appear driven by liquidity or non-financial reasons for trade. Finding the disposition effect in a negative expected return gambling market questions standard explanations for the effect (belief in mean reversion, prospect theory). It is consistent with cognitive dissonance, and models with time-inconsistent behavior.
Herbal Supplement Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats with CCl4-Induced Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Li Ping-Chun , Chiu Yung-Wei , Lin Yueh-Min , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Hwang Guang-Yuh , Pai Peiying , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Tsai Chang-Hai , Kuo Yu-Chun , Chang Hsiao-Chuan , Liu Jer-Yuh , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: November 2012

We used the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver cirrhosis model to test the molecular mechanism of action involved in cirrhosis-associated cardiac hypertrophy and the effectiveness of Ocimum gratissimum extract (OGE) and silymarin against cardiac hypertrophy. We treated male wistar rats with CCl4 and either OGE (0.02 g/kg B.W. or 0.04 g/kg B.W.) or silymarin (0.2 g/kg B.W.). Cardiac eccentric hypertrophy was induced by CCl4 along with cirrhosis and increased expression of cardiac hypertrophy related genes NFAT, TAGA4, and NBP, and the interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathway related genes MEK5, ERK5, JAK, and STAT3. OGE or silymarin co-treatment attenuated CCl4-induced cardiac abnormalities, and lowered expression of genes which were elevated by this hepatotoxin. Our results suggest that the IL-6 signaling pathway may be related to CCl4-induced cardiac hypertrophy. OGE and silymarin were able to lower liver fibrosis, which reduces the chance of cardiac hypertrophy perhaps by lowering the expressions of IL-6 signaling pathway related genes. We conclude that treatment of cirrhosis using herbal supplements is a viable option for protecting cardiac tissues against cirrhosis-related cardiac hypertrophy.
GNSS Spoofing Detection Based on Signal Power Measurements: Statistical Analysis
Authors: Dehghanian V. , Nielsen J. , Lachapelle G.
Published: November 2012

A threat to GNSS receivers is posed by a spoofing transmitter that emulates authentic signals but with randomized code phase and Doppler values over a small range. Such spoofing signals can result in large navigational solution errors that are passed onto the unsuspecting user with potentially dire consequences. An effective spoofing detection technique is developed in this paper, based on signal power measurements and that can be readily applied to present consumer grade GNSS receivers with minimal firmware changes. An extensive statistical analysis is carried out based on formulating a multihypothesis detection problem. Expressions are developed to devise a set of thresholds required for signal detection and identification. The detection processing methods developed are further manipulated to exploit incidental antenna motion arising from user interaction with a GNSS handheld receiver to further enhance the detection performance of the proposed algorithm. The statistical analysis supports the effectiveness of the proposed spoofing detection technique under various multipath conditions.
Catheter-Induced Thrombosis of the Superior Vena Cava
Authors: Venturini Elio , Becuzzi Lucia , Magni Lucia
Published: November 2012

There has been an increase in the use of central venous catheters (CVCs) in clinical practice. One of the most dangerous complications associated with their use is symptomatic or asymptomatic thrombosis (T), sometimes associated with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, resulting from impaired venous drainage. The right heart clots can induce an increased risk of mortality due the potential pulmonary embolism (PE). We report a case of asymptomatic 83-year-old woman in whom the thrombosis was detected after an echocardiogram. Echocardiography demonstrated a cardiac mass, and the T was confirmed by (magnetic resonance imaging) MRI. The clinical scenario, a high index of suspicion and routine use of echocardiogram in patients with CVC, can lead to a correct diagnosis, preventing dangerous complications.
Periodic Solutions of Second‐Order Differential Inclusions Systems with p(t)‐Laplacian
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2012

The existence of periodic solutions for nonautonomous second‐order differential inclusion systems with p(t)‐Laplacian is considered. We get some existence results of periodic solutions for system, a.e. t ∈ [0, T], , by using nonsmooth critical point theory. Our results generalize and improve some theorems in the literature.
Global Analysis for Rough Solutions to the Davey‐Stewartson System
Authors: Yang Han , Fan Xiaoming , Zhu Shihui
Published: November 2012

The global well‐posedness of rough solutions to the Cauchy problem for the Davey‐Stewartson system is obtained. It reads that if
the initial data is in Hs with s > 2/5, then there exists a global solution in time, and the Hs norm of the solution obeys polynomial‐in‐time bounds. The new
ingredient in this paper is an interaction Morawetz estimate, which generates a new space‐time estimate for nonlinear equation with the relatively general defocusing power nonlinearity.
Persistent Inflammation in Pulmonary Granuloma 48 Years after Talcage Pleurodesis, Detected by FDG-PET/CT
Authors: Fanggiday J. C. , Rouse R. W. , Collard S. M. , de Haas M. J. , de Klerk J. M. H.
Published: November 2012

In patients with suspicion of lung malignancy, FDG PET/CT is frequently used as a diagnostic and staging imaging modality. However, false positive findings are not uncommon. We demonstrate a case with FDG-avid pulmonary nodules, mimicking lung cancer. After histopathological examination they appeared to be the result of persistent inflamed tissue, due to talcage pleurodesis, which occurred 48 years ago. We concluded that, nearly five decades after talcage pleurodesis, there can still be an ongoing inflammation reaction in the pleurae, which can be detected by FDG PET/CT.
Ferroelectric Instability and Dimensionality in Bi-Layered Perovskites and Thin Films
Authors: Onodera Akira , Fukunaga Masanori , Takesada Masaki
Published: November 2012

The dielectric and thermal properties of Bi (bismuth)-layered perovskite SrBi2Ta2O9(SBT) are discussed in comparison with ferroelectric thin BaTiO3films. Although these two perovskites exhibit quite a different nature, the dielectric properties of BaTiO3thin film are similar to those in bulk SBT. The dielectric properties and pseudo-two-dimensional structure between SBT and thin film suggest that the bulk layered ferroelectric SBT is a good model of ultra-thin ferroelectric film with two perovskite layers, free from any misfit lattice strain with substrate and surface charge at the interface with electrodes. Based on the mechanism of ferroelectric phase transition of SBT, it seems plausible that the ferroelectric interaction is still prominent but shows a crossover from ferroelectric to antiferroelectric interaction in perovskite ultra-thin films along the tetragonal axis.
Validation of Quetiapine Fumarate in Pharmaceutical Dosage by Reverse‐Phase HPLC with Internal Standard Method
Authors: Venkata Kiran B. , Battula Sreenivas Rao , Dubey Somshankar
Published: November 2012

A rapid, specific, and accurate isocratic HPLC method was developed and validated for the assay of quetiapine fumarate in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The assay involved an isocratic‐elution of quetiapine fumarate in Grace C18 column using mobile‐phase composition of 0.1% ortho phosphoric acid with triethyl amine as modifier buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of 50 : 50 (v/v).The wavelength of detection is 294 nm. The method showed good linearity in the range of 2.0–50.2 × 10−3 g/Lt. The runtime of the method is 5 mins. The developed method was applied to directly and easily analyse of the pharmaceutical tablet preparations. The percentage recoveries were near 100% for given methods. The method was completely validated and proven to be rugged. The excipients did not interfere in the analysis. The results showed that this method can be used for rapid determination of quetiapine fumarate in pharmaceutical tablet with precision, accuracy, and specificity.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol–Lowering Effects of AMG 145, a Monoclonal Antibody to Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Serine Protease in Patients With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Raal Frederick , Scott Rob , Somaratne Ransi , Bridges Ian , Li Gang , Wasserman Scott M. , Stein Evan A.
Published: November 2012

Background—

Despite statin treatment, many patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia do not reach desired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. AMG 145, a fully human monoclonal antibody against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) serine protease, demonstrated significant reductions in LDL-C in phase 1 studies. This phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study evaluated the efficacy and safety of AMG 145 in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients.

Methods and Results—

Patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia diagnosed by Simon Broome criteria with LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) despite statin therapy with or without ezetimibe were randomized 1:1:1 to AMG 145 350 mg, AMG 145 420 mg, or placebo-administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks. The primary end point was percentage change from baseline in LDL-C at week 12. Of 168 patients randomized, 167 received investigational product and were included in the full analysis set (mean [SD] age, 50 [13] years; 47% female; 89% white; mean [SD] baseline LDL-C, 4.0 [1.1] mmol/L (156 [42] mg/dL)). At week 12, LDL-C reduction measured by preparative ultracentrifugation (least squares mean [standard error (SE)]) was 43 (3)% and 55 (3)% with AMG 145 350 mg and 420 mg, respectively, compared with 1 (3)% increase with placebo (
P
<0.001 for both dose groups). Serious adverse events (not considered treatment-related) occurred in 2 patients on AMG 145.

Conclusions—

AMG 145 administered every 4 weeks yielded rapid and substantial reductions in LDL-C in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients despite intensive statin use, with or without ezetimibe, with minimal adverse events and good tolerability.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01375751.
Outcome-Driven Thresholds for Home Blood Pressure Measurement
Authors: Niiranen Teemu J. , Asayama Kei , Thijs Lutgarde , Johansson Jouni K. , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Kikuya Masahiro , Boggia José , Hozawa Atsushi , Sandoya Edgardo , Stergiou George S. , Tsuji Ichiro , Jula Antti M. , Imai Yutaka , Staessen Jan A. ,   for the International Database of HOme blood pressure in relation to Cardiovascular Outcome Investigators
Published: November 2012

The lack of outcome-driven operational thresholds limits the clinical application of home blood pressure (BP) measurement. Our objective was to determine an outcome-driven reference frame for home BP measurement. We measured home and clinic BP in 6470 participants (mean age, 59.3 years; 56.9% women; 22.4% on antihypertensive treatment) recruited in Ohasama, Japan (n=2520); Montevideo, Uruguay (n=399); Tsurugaya, Japan (n=811); Didima, Greece (n=665); and nationwide in Finland (n=2075). In multivariable-adjusted analyses of individual subject data, we determined home BP thresholds, which yielded 10-year cardiovascular risks similar to those associated with stages 1 (120/80 mm Hg) and 2 (130/85 mm Hg) prehypertension, and stages 1 (140/90 mm Hg) and 2 (160/100 mm Hg) hypertension on clinic measurement. During 8.3 years of follow-up (median), 716 cardiovascular end points, 294 cardiovascular deaths, 393 strokes, and 336 cardiac events occurred in the whole cohort; in untreated participants these numbers were 414, 158, 225, and 194, respectively. In the whole cohort, outcome-driven systolic/diastolic thresholds for the home BP corresponding with stages 1 and 2 prehypertension and stages 1 and 2 hypertension were 121.4/77.7, 127.4/79.9, 133.4/82.2, and 145.4/86.8 mm Hg; in 5018 untreated participants, these thresholds were 118.5/76.9, 125.2/79.7, 131.9/82.4, and 145.3/87.9 mm Hg, respectively. Rounded thresholds for stages 1 and 2 prehypertension and stages 1 and 2 hypertension amounted to 120/75, 125/80, 130/85, and 145/90 mm Hg, respectively. Population-based outcome-driven thresholds for home BP are slightly lower than those currently proposed in hypertension guidelines. Our current findings could inform guidelines and help clinicians in diagnosing and managing patients.
Novel Peptide Isomer Strategy for Stable Inhibition of Catecholamine Release
Authors: Biswas Nilima , Gayen Jiaur , Mahata Manjula , Su Ying , Mahata Sushil K. , O’Connor Daniel T.
Published: November 2012

Although hypertension remains the most potent and widespread cardiovascular risk factor, its pharmacological treatment has achieved only limited success. The chromogranin A–derived fragment catestatin inhibits catecholamine release by acting as an endogenous nicotinic cholinergic antagonist and can rescue hypertension in the setting of chromogranin A–targeted ablation. Here, we undertook novel peptide chemistry to synthesize isomers of catestatin: normal/wild-type as well as a retro-inverso (R-I) version, with not only inversion of chirality (L→D amino acids) but also reversal of sequence (carboxyl→amino). The R-I peptide was entirely resistant to proteolytic digestion and displayed enhanced potency as well as preserved specificity of action toward nicotinic cholinergic events: catecholamine secretion, agonist desensitization, secretory protein transcription, and cationic signal transduction. Structural modeling suggested similar side-chain orientations of the wild-type and R-I isomers, whereas circular dichroism spectroscopy documented inversion of chirality. In vivo, the R-I peptide rescued hypertension in 2 mouse models of the human trait: monogenic chromogranin A–targeted ablation, with prolonged efficacy of the R-I version and a polygenic model, with magnified efficacy of the R-I version. These results may have general implications for generation of metabolically stable mimics of biologically active peptides for cardiovascular pathways. The findings also point the way toward a potential new class of drug therapeutics for an important risk trait and, more generally, open the door to broader applications of the R-I strategy in other pathways involved in cardiovascular biology, with the potential for synthesis of diagnostic and therapeutic probes for both physiology and disease.
Risk Prediction for Adverse Events After Carotid Artery Stenting in Higher Surgical Risk Patients
Authors: Wimmer Neil J. , Yeh Robert W. , Cutlip Donald E. , Mauri Laura
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

The goal of carotid artery stenting is to decrease the risk of stroke or other adverse events from carotid artery disease. Choosing a treatment strategy requires patient-specific information regarding periprocedural risk of adverse neurologic events. The aim of this study was to predict individual patient risk after carotid artery stenting in patients at higher risk for carotid endarterectomy.

Methods—

Subjects enrolled in the Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High-Risk for Endarterectomy (SAPPHIRE) worldwide study underwent carotid artery stenting with distal protection. Only patients with at least 1 anatomic or comorbid factor associated with elevated surgical risk were included. Preprocedural factors were used to develop a model and integer-based risk score predicting stroke or death within 30 days. The model was calibrated and internally validated using bootstrap resampling.

Results—

Ten thousand one hundred eighty-six patients were included in the analysis. The overall rate of stroke or death was 3.6% at 30 days after carotid artery stenting. Independent predictors of adverse outcomes were increased age (
P
=0.006), history of stroke (
P
<0.001), history of transient ischemic attack presentation (
P
=0.001), recent (<4 weeks) myocardial infarction (
P
=0.006), dialysis treatment (
P
=0.007), need for cardiac surgery in addition to carotid revascularization (
P
=0.005), a right-sided carotid stenosis (
P
=0.006), a longer carotid plaque (
P
=0.012), the presence of a Type II or III aortic arch (
P
=0.035), and a tortuous carotid arterial system (
P
=0.004). The optimism-adjusted C-statistic was 0.691.

Conclusions—

Commonly collected clinical and anatomic variables can identify patients at high and low risk for stroke or death after carotid artery stenting.
Tropical Precipitation Variability and Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves on Submonthly Time Scales in Reanalyses and TRMM
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Alexander M. Joan
Published: November 2012

Tropical precipitation characteristics are investigated using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3-hourly estimates, and the result is compared with five reanalyses including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) reanalysis (NCEP1), NCEP–U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis (NCEP2), and NCEP–Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). Precipitation characteristics are evaluated in terms of the mean, convectively coupled equatorial wave activity, frequency characteristics, diurnal cycle, and seasonality of regional precipitation variability associated with submonthly scale waves. Generally the latest reanalyses such as ERA-Interim, MERRA, and CFSR show better performances than NCEP1 and NCEP2. However, all the reanalyses are still different from observations. Besides the positive mean bias in the reanalyses, a spectral analysis revealed that the reanalyses have overreddened spectra with persistent rainfall. MERRA has the most persistent rainfall, and CFSR appears to have the most realistic variability. The diurnal cycle in NCEP1 is extremely exaggerated relative to TRMM. The low-frequency waves with the period longer than 3 days are relatively well represented in ERA-Interim, MERRA, and CFSR, but all the reanalyses have significant deficiencies in representing convectively coupled equatorial waves and variability in the high-frequency range.
Some Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Equatorial Flows
Authors: Constantin Adrian
Published: November 2012

This study presents some explicit exact solutions for nonlinear geophysical ocean waves in the β-plane approximation near the equator. The solutions are provided in Lagrangian coordinates by describing the path of each particle. The unidirectional equatorially trapped waves are symmetric about the equator and propagate eastward above the thermocline and beneath the near-surface layer to which wind effects are confined. At each latitude the flow pattern represents a traveling wave.
Dynamical Potential Energy: A New Approach to Ocean Energetics
Authors: Roquet Fabien
Published: November 2012

The concept of available potential energy is supposed to indicate which part of the potential energy is available to transform into kinetic energy. Yet it is impossible to obtain a unique definition of available potential energy for the real ocean because of nonlinearities of the equation of state, rendering its usefulness largely hypothetical. In this paper, the conservation of energy is first reformulated in terms of horizontal anomalies of density and pressure for a simplified ocean model using the Boussinesq and hydrostatic approximations. This framework introduces the concept of “dynamical potential energy,” defined as the horizontal anomaly of potential energy, to replace available potential energy. Modified conservation equations are derived that make it much simpler to identify oceanic power input by buoyancy and mechanical forces. Closed budgets of energy are presented for idealized circulations obtained with a general circulation model, comparing spatial patterns of power inputs generated by wind and thermal forcings. Finally, a generalization of the framework to compressible fluids is presented, opening the way to applications in atmosphere energetics.
High-Frequency Radars: Beamforming Calibrations Using Ships as Reflectors*
Authors: Flores-Vidal X. , Flament P. , Durazo R. , Chavanne C. , Gurgel K.-W.
Published: November 2012

Linear array antennas and beamforming techniques offer some advantages compared to direction finding using squared arrays. The azimuthal resolution depends on the number of antenna elements and their spacing. Assuming an ideal beam pattern and no amplitude taper across the aperture, 16 antennas in a linear array spaced at half the electromagnetic wavelength theoretically provide a beam resolution of 3.5° normal to the array, and up to twice that when the beam is steered within an azimuthal range of 60° from the direction normal to the array. However, miscalibrated phases among antenna elements, cables, and receivers (e.g., caused by service activities without recalibration) can cause errors in the beam-steering direction and distortions of the beam pattern, resulting in unreliable ocean surface current and wave estimations. The present work uses opportunistic ship echoes randomly received by oceanographic high-frequency radars to correct an unusual case of severe phase differences between receiver channels, leading to a dramatic improvement of the surface current patterns. The method proposed allows for simplified calibrations of phases to account for hardware-related changes without the need to conduct the regular calibration procedure and can be applied during postprocessing of datasets acquired with insufficient calibration.
A New Parametric Tropical Cyclone Tangential Wind Profile Model
Authors: Wood Vincent T. , White Luther W. , Willoughby Hugh E. , Jorgensen David P.
Published: November 2012

A new parametric tropical cyclone (TC) wind profile model is presented for depicting representative surface pressure profiles corresponding to multiple-maxima wind profiles that exhibit single-, dual-, and triple-maximum concentric-eyewall wind peaks associated with the primary (inner), secondary (first outer), and tertiary (second outer) complete rings of enhanced radar reflectivity. One profile employs five key parameters: tangential velocity maximum, radius of the maximum, and three different shape velocity parameters related to the shape of the profile. After tailoring the model for TC applications, a gradient wind is computed from a cyclostrophic wind formulated in terms of the cyclostrophic Rossby number. A pressure, via cyclostrophic balance, was partitioned into separate pressure components that corresponded to multiple-maxima cyclostrophic wind profiles in order to quantitatively evaluate the significant fluctuations in central pressure deficits. The model TC intensity in terms of varying growth, size, and decay velocity profiles was analyzed in relation to changing each of five key parameters. Analytical results show that the first shape velocity parameter, changing a sharply to broadly peaked wind profile, increases the TC intensity and size by producing the corresponding central pressure fall. An increase (decrease) in the second (third) shape velocity parameter yields the pressure rise (fall) by decreasing (increasing) the inner (outer) wind profile inside (outside) the radius of the maximum. When a single-maximum tangential wind profile evolves to multiple-maxima tangential wind profiles during an eye replacement cycle, the pressure falls and rises are sensitively fluctuated.
A Five-Year Radar-Based Climatology of Tropopause Folds and Deep Convection over Wales, United Kingdom
Authors: Antonescu Bogdan , Vaughan Geraint , Schultz David M.
Published: November 2012

A five-year (2006–10) radar-based climatology of tropopause folds and convective storms was constructed for Wales, United Kingdom, to determine how deep, moist convection is modulated by tropopause folds. Based on the continuous, high-resolution data from a very high frequency (VHF) wind-profiling radar located at Capel Dewi, Wales, 183 tropopause folds were identified. Tropopause folds were most frequent in January with a secondary maximum in July. Based on data from the U.K. weather radar network, a climatology of 685 convective storms was developed. The occurrence of convective storms was relatively high year-round except for an abrupt minimum in February–April. Multicellular lines (43.5%) were the most common morphology with a maximum in October, followed by isolated cells (33.1%) with a maximum in May–September, and nonlinear clusters (23.4%) with a maximum in November–January. Convective storms were associated with 104 (56.8%) of the tropopause folds identified in this study, with the association strongest in December. Of the 55 tropopause folds observed on the eastern side of an upper-level trough, 37 (67.3%) were associated with convective storms, most commonly in the form of multicellular lines. Of the 128 tropopause folds observed on the western side of an upper-level trough, 42 (32.8%) were associated with convective storms, most commonly isolated cells. These results suggest that more organized storms tend to form in environments favorable for synoptic-scale ascent.
Latino Street Gang Emergence in the Midwest
Authors: Tapia Mike
Published: November 2012

This article explores the role of migration in the recent emergence of Latino street gangs in a large, Midwestern city. Like many other places in the region, Indianapolis, Indiana, has witnessed the growing presence of Latino street gangs over the past decade. Seizing on the opportunity to document and analyze the early stages of formation, competing theoretical perspectives on how and why these gangs emerged are evaluated. The work is supplemented by insights gained in ethnographic work with Latino gang members, nongang Latino residents, public school employees, and police. The result is a contemporary historiography of Latino gang emergence, framed by a description of the social and structural context in which these groups are situated.
The Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Violent Victimization
Authors: Tillyer Marie Skubak
Published: November 2012

Research has identified numerous negative consequences of childhood maltreatment, including poor academic performance, psychological distress, and delinquency. To date, studies examining childhood maltreatment and subsequent victimization have largely focused on the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner abuse in adulthood. It is unclear, however, if maltreatment during childhood is related to subsequent violent victimization during adolescence. Theories of victimization, in combination with the existing literature on the causes and consequences of childhood maltreatment, suggest that these experiences would be correlated. This study used longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents to examine whether childhood maltreatment is empirically related to subsequent adolescent violent victimization, and if so, whether this relationship can be explained by existing victimization theories. Findings indicate that a significant relationship exists between childhood maltreatment and adolescent violent victimization, and that a risky lifestyle appears to mediate the relationship.
Lifetime Benefits and Costs of Diverting Substance-Abusing Offenders From State Prison
Authors: Zarkin Gary A. , Cowell Alexander J. , Hicks Katherine A. , Mills Michael J. , Belenko Steven , Dunlap Laura J. , Keyes Vincent
Published: November 2012

Prisons hold a disproportionate number of society’s drug abusers. Approximately 50% of state prisoners meet the criteria for a diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence; however, only 10% of prisoners receive drug treatment. Diverting offenders to community-based treatment has been shown to generate positive net social benefits. We build on a lifetime simulation model of a nationally representative state prison cohort to examine diversion from reincarceration to community-based substance abuse treatment. We find that diversion provides positive net societal benefits to the United States and cost savings to the national criminal justice system. Our study demonstrates the societal gains from improving access to the community drug treatment system as an alternative to prison.
What is Progress in New Testament Studies?
Authors: Walton Steve
Published: November 2012

This professorial inaugural lecture takes a broad view of the discipline of New Testament Studies in order to assess the ‘state of the art’ and the future of the discipline through the lens of ‘progress’. The lecture discusses: (i) reasons for continuing to study the NT in an academic setting; (ii) reasons for focusing on the NT documents themselves, rather than other, allegedly contemporary, Christian documents or the reception of the NT through the centuries; (iii) the meaning of ‘progress’; (iv) examples of progress in NT Studies, including from a perspective which sees the NT as Christian Scripture, leading to a consideration of the nature of NT Studies as a discipline. The lecture closes with reflections on where the future of the discipline may develop.
Sex and Execution: Deuteronomy 22:20-24
Authors: Reeder Caryn A.
Published: November 2012

The laws of Deut. 22:20-24 arguably require the execution of women for consensual or forced sexual intercourse outside marriage. Interpreted within the theological and cultural contexts of Deuteronomy, these laws highlight both the significance of women within the covenant and the resulting control over women’s bodies and sexuality. Deuteronomy also includes laws that protect vulnerable women from abuse, and the biblical canon as a whole includes a number of stories in which women are not executed for sexual transgression. This canonical context provides readers with choices for interpretation.