bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GaN/Quantum Dots/GaN Wafer Bonded Structure: Thiophenethiol Capped CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots as Active Layer and Binding Layer
Authors: Li Ying , Giles A. , Stokes E. B.
Published: October 2011

Wafer bonding technology is applied to the GaN/quantum dots/GaN p-i-n system. Processing conditions for successful wafer bonding are described. Temperature dependence of bond strength properties are characterized. Strongest bonding is achieved when annealing temperature is 350 oC as a result of cross-linking due to the bidentate nature of the thiophene thiol ligand. Electrical properties of bonded heterostructures are studied, in which a diode like I-V curve and multiple conduction channels are observed. Optical properties of the QDs active layer after bonding are also investigated.
Lateral Flow Impedance Transducer for Salmonella Detection
Authors: Navaei Milad , Xu Jie , Hesketh Peter , Daley Wayne , Grullon Sergio
Published: October 2011

In this work a novel method for rapid detection of Salmonella bacteria based upon impedance spectroscopy, and lateral flow membrane is introduced. To develop home based diagnostic devices, the systems need to be ease of use; low-cost; sensitive and rapid. In this work, arrays of interdigited gold micro-electrodes (IDE) were fabricated and targets specific antibodies were immobilized on the surface. The impedance was measured in consequence of the binding of bacteria with antibody on the electrodes surface. By fitting the impedance measurement into the parallel equivalent circuit, the resistance and capacitance of electrodes are obtained.
NOx Sensing with n-type WO3 - CuWO4 Composites
Authors: Gonzalez Carlos M. , Post Mike L. , Dunford Jeffrey , Du Xiaomei
Published: October 2011

Thin-films of WO3 : CuWO4 composites were used as sensing materials for NO monitoring. The thin-films were prepared by the pulsed laser deposition technique using formulations with molar ratio spanning from 1 to 0. The sensing films were characterized by depth-profilometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron transport measurements. The transduction mechanism and its relation to the chemical surroundings, including temperature effects, were studied by monitoring the changes in electronic conductance (resistance) with temperature, gas-phase analyte chemical nature and concentration. Sensor performance studies were carried out. It was found that the best sensing material was composed of a nanometric layer of CuWO4. This formulation offers fast response and short recovery times towards both O2 and NO, with a response proportional to analyte concentration and excellent reproducibility.
Effect of the Mixed N2/O2 Oxidation Process on Improvement of the Sensitivity of the SiGe Nano-Wire
Authors: Chang Kow-Ming , Chen Chu-Feng , Lai Chiung-Hui , Wang Yu-Bin , Liu Chung-Hsien , Hsieh Cheng-Ting , Wu Chin-Ning
Published: October 2011

Ge condensation has been reported to improve the hole mobility of the SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI). Our previous studies have shown that the higher Ge fraction of Si1-xGex nano-wire exhibits higher sensitivity. In this work, we investigated the effect of different oxidation recipe to provide information on the sensitivity of SiGe nano-wire. The 3-amino-propyltrime-thoxy-silane (APTMS) is used to modify the nano-wire's surface potential. Induced sensitivity characteristics of the samples were preformed to estimate the improvement effect. The mixed N2/O2 oxidation process with optimization ratio can be an effective technology to improve the sensitivity of SGOI nano-wires.
Fabrication and Characterization of Single-Crystal Metal-Assisted Chemically Etched Rough Si Nanowires for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: McSweeney William , Lotty Olan , Holmes Justin D. , O'Dwyer C.
Published: October 2011

Silicon nanowires were fabricated by a metal assisted chemical (MAC) etching process and routes toward ohmic contacting of substrates for Li-ion battery anode application were developed. Si nanowire layers are comprised of wires that are single crystal with rough outer surfaces. The nanowires are epitaxial with the underlying Si(100) substrate, maintain equivalent doping density and crystal orientation, and are coated with a stoichiometric SiO2. Electrical backside contacting using an In-Ga eutectic allows low-resistance ohmic contacts to low-doped nanowire electrodes for electrochemical testing.
Supercapacitor Performance of Graphene Synthesized Using NaBH4
Authors: Manepalli Satya Kishore , Srimathi P. , Davis Robert J. , Kumar Sundeep
Published: October 2011

Graphene is synthesized through chemical reduction of graphite oxide using sodium borohydride. Graphene is characterized using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Partial reduction is observed when graphite oxide reduction is performed with NaBH4, however, near complete reduction is observed when KOH-modified graphite oxide is used as a precursor. Specific capacitance of 120 Fg-1 is observed for graphene synthesized using KOH-modified graphite oxide with no Faradic contribution. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) reveals that graphene electrode has poor electronic conductivity, which improves upon addition of a conducting carbon in electrode formulation.
Study of the Delithiation of LiMn0.2Co0.8O2 Cathode Material for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Abuzeid Hanna A. , Hashem Ahmed M. , Abdel-Ghany Ashraf E. , Eid Ahmed E. , Mauger Alain , Groult Henri , Julien Christian M.
Published: October 2011

Samples of LiCo0.8Mn0.2O2 were synthesized by a wet-chemical method using citric acid as a chelating agent, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and magnetism. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) revealed particles with a mean size of 100 nm. We observe that the material has ability to free lithium ions from its structure by chemical process, which is analogous to the first step of the charge transfer process in an electrochemical cell. Both the concentration of Mn3+-Mn4+ pairs and that of Mn4+-Mn4+ pairs formed in the delithiation process have been determined, together with that of the Mn3+-Mn3+ pairs. The results indicate a random distribution of the Li ions that are removed from the matrix upon delithiation, which then undergo a diffusion process. Testing the material as cathode in lithium batteries revealed about 170 mAh g-1 capacity, with a lower polarization and a high columbic efficiency.
Electrochemical Double Layer Structure at the Graphene/[BMIM][PF6] Interface: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Paek Eunsu , Hwang Gyeong S.
Published: October 2011

We present the structure of [BMIM][PF6] near the interface with graphene based on classical molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the ionic liquid forms a solid-like 3-ion-thick layer when the graphene surface is uncharged, while charging of the graphene electrode leads to the formation of thicker alternatively charged layers. Cationic [BMIM] lies flat near the uncharged or negatively charged graphene, and the orientation of the alkyl tail tends to depend on the degree of electrode charging.
Preparation, Characterization and Electrochemical Catalytic Properties of Hollandite Ag2Mn8O16 for Lithium-Air Batteries
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Zheng Jim P , Liang R. , Zhang C. , Wang B. , Hendrickson M. , Plichta E.J.
Published: October 2011

Hollandite Ag2Mn8O16 was prepared and characterized various techniques. The catalytic effect of Ag2Mn8O16 catalyst for Li-air batteries was studied using galvanostatic discharge method. Lithium-air cell with Ag2Mn8O16 catalyst exhibits a small discharge overvoltage and a large discharge capacity.
Polyoxometalates Modified Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Bajwa Gurvinder , Akter Tahmina , Lian Keryn
Published: October 2011

Surface modifications by pseudocapacitive polyoxometalates (POMs) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been investigated for electrochemical capacitors (ECs). The electrochemical behavior of two POM molecules, phospho-molybdate (PMo12) and silicomolybdate (SiMo12), have been studied. A Layer-by-Layer (LbL) deposition technique was utilized to coat thin layer PMo12 and SiMo12 on MWCNTs. This method was shown to be very effective and versatile in changing the surface chemistry of the MWCNT substrates. Several deposition sequences for POM layers have been demonstrated by combining the different POM chemistries to greatly enhance the pseudocapacitance on MWCNTs. This approach also enables to tailor design surface chemistries for many other applications.
Development of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials for Efficient Charging/Discharging in Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Skunik Magdalena , Kulesza Pawel J. , Vlachopoulos Nickolas , Häggman Leif , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: October 2011

A composite system of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes has been investigated and characterized as a potential charge storage material for coupled dye-sensitized solar cell/electrochemical capacitor systems. The selected material can easily operate in organic media (lithium triflate/propylene carbonate) giving a specific capacitance of 95 F g-1 and energy density of 3.1 Wh kg-1. The combination of the composite material with dye-sensitized solar cell allows to obtain a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor (photocapacitor), destined to work with dies required organic media (here with N 719 dye). The photocapacitor system was built from mesoporous TiO2 electrode, typical charge relay consisting of iodine/iodide redox couple and two charge storage electrodes separated by a liquid electrolyte. The system was tested under light illumination of 100 mW cm-2 with xenon lamp equipped with cut-off filters eliminating the ultraviolet and infrared part of the spectra.
Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2: Probing Structure of Photocatalysts and Mechanism of CO2 Transformation
Authors: Dimitrijevic Nada , Rajh Tijana , Vijayan Baiju , Gray Kimberly
Published: October 2011

We report on various strategies for the synthesis of titania-based photocatalysts, including mixed phase titania, and anatase nanotubes. These photocatalysts have shown improved efficiency for the transformation of CO2 to methane as tested in the absence of sacrificial hole scavengers. The EPR studies have revealed a high concentration of undercoordinated Ti atoms on the surface of photocatalysts that improve adsorption/binding of CO2, and thus, the photoefficiency of the reaction.
TiO2-Polyheptazine Hybrid Photoelectrodes: Dynamics of Photogenerated Holes
Authors: Wang Lidong , Bledowski Michal , Ramakrishnan Ayyappan , Beranek Radim
Published: October 2011

The dynamics of visible-light photogenerated holes in nanocrystalline photoelectrodes based on TiO2-polyheptazine (TiO2-PH) was investigated by polychromatic and wavelength-resolved photocurrent measurements performed at different potentials, different pH, and in the presence of various hole scavengers. The evaluation of the hole reactivity was addressed by direct comparison to photoelectrodes based on pristine TiO2. In aqueous electrolytes the TiO2-PH photoelectrodes exhibit IPCE values of ~ 2% at 450 nm. As compared to TiO2, the visible-light generated holes in TiO2-PH are located in the surface polyheptazine layer and possess a lower oxidation potential. Due to their slow water oxidation kinetics, they accumulate under irradiation at the surface. This leads to increased recombination unless sufficiently high positive bias is applied or a more readily oxidizable hole scavenger is present. The results suggest that highly efficient water splitting on TiO2-PH hybrid photoelectrodes can only be achieved after introducing additional catalytic sites into the polyheptazine component.
Structural Studies on NaFePO4 as a Cathode Material for Na+/Li+ Mixed-Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Ann , Manivannan Ayyakkannu
Published: October 2011

NaFePO4 has been synthesized via the Pechini process and the resulting sample was characterized using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical properties have been investigated for possible application as cathode in sodium-ion battery. This sample was made into electrode in a coin cell with LiPF6 in organic carbonates as the electrolyte and lithium metal as the counter electrode. Charge/discharge behavior, cyclic voltammetry, and in-situ frequency response analysis were performed. The results obtained demonstrate constant or increase in capacity and consistently low internal resistance with consecutive cycles.
Effects of Low-Cost Salt Bath Nitrification Method on the Stainless Steel as Bipolar Plates for PEMFC
Authors: Oh Mee Hye , Yoon Yeo Seong , Kim Ah Young , Kim Hyung Yeol
Published: October 2011

Stainless steel has attracted interest as a bipolar plate material for PEMFC due to its excellent mechanical properties and low cost. However, this problem is worse corrosion resistance under PEMFC operating condition. So, the difficult surface treatment technologies and process cost is very expensive. In this study, salt bath nitrification with pre-oxidation of stainless steel was performed in order to improve both the corrosion resistance and the electrical conductivity.
LiNiPO4 Aqueous Rechargeable Battery
Authors: Minakshi Manickam , Ralph David , Blackford Mark , Ionescu Mihail
Published: October 2011

Considering the safety, cost and low ohmic resistance issues with respect to the non-aqueous electrolytes that are generally used in rechargeable lithium ion batteries, aqueous electrolytes attract wide interest. A traditional Zn-MnO2 battery in which potassium hydroxide (KOH) has been replaced with a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) electrolyte is discussed. As lithium intercalation materials are of special interest as cathode in rechargeable batteries, the new concept has been extended to use lithium nickel phosphate as cathode for aqueous rechargeable batteries. Here, we show reversible extraction and insertion of lithium from and into olivine LiNiPO4 in aqueous solutions. These cells are found to be cheap, rechargeable and safe. The unique sol-gel synthesis has been used to synthesize LiNiPO4 which has been characterized in order to evaluate a new potential cathode for aqueous rechargeable batteries.
Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Young Black Girls: Relations to Body Fatness and Aerobic Fitness, and Effects of a Randomized Physical Activity Trial
Authors: Gutin Bernard , Harris Ryan A. , Howe Cheryl A. , Johnson Maribeth H. , Zhu Haidong , Dong Yanbin
Published: October 2011

There is little evidence from randomized trials showing that physical activity alone influences biomarker profiles in youths. This study tested two hypotheses: (i) that elevated body fatness and poor fitness would be associated with unfavorable levels of cardiometabolic biomarkers in 8–12-y-old black girls (n=242) and (ii) that a 10-mo PA intervention would have favorable effects on the fatness-related cardiometabolic biomarkers. At baseline, all fatness indices (i.e., percent body fat, visceral adipose tissue, BMI, and waist circumference) were significantly (P<0.05) associated with unfavorable levels of insulin, glucose, systolic BP, diastolic BP, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen. Aerobic fitness was significantly (P<0.05) associated with favorable levels of insulin, CRP, fibrinogen, and HDL2. The PA intervention had significant and favorable effects on fitness, fatness, and two biomarkers—resting heart rate and LDL cholesterol. More research is needed to clarify what types of interventions can enhance the cardiometabolic health of youths.
Generalized Differential Transform Method to Space‐Time Fractional Telegraph Equation
Authors: Garg Mridula , Manohar Pratibha , Kalla Shyam L.
Published: October 2011

We use generalized differential transform method (GDTM) to derive the solution of space‐time fractional telegraph equation in closed form. The space and time fractional derivatives are considered in Caputo sense and the solution is obtained in terms of Mittag‐Leffler functions.
Specific Viruses Detected in Nigerian Children in Association with Acute Respiratory Disease
Authors: Akinloye Oluwabukola M. , Rönkkö Esa , Savolainen-Kopra Carita , Ziegler Thedi , Iwalokun Bamidele A. , Deji-Agboola Mope A. , Oluwadun Afolabi , Roivainen Merja , Adu Festus D. , Hovi Tapani
Published: October 2011

Occurrence of different viruses in acute respiratory tract infections of Nigerian children was examined. Respiratory swabs were collected from 246 children referred to hospital clinics because of acute respiratory symptoms from February through May 2009. Validated real-time RT-PCR techniques revealed nucleic acids of at least one virus group in 189 specimens (77%). Human rhinoviruses and parainfluenza viruses were present each in one third of the children. Adenoviruses, enteroviruses, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, and influenza C virus were also relatively common. Possibly due to their seasonal occurrence, influenza A and B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus were detected rarely. We conclude that all major groups of respiratory tract viruses are causing illness in Nigerian children.
Air Drag Effects on the Missile Trajectories
Authors: Abd El-Salam F. A.
Published: October 2011

The equations of motion of a missile under the air drag effects are constructed. The modified TD88 is surveyed. Using Lagrange′s planetary equations in Gauss form, the perturbations, due to the air drag in the orbital elements, are computed between the eccentric anomalies of the burn out and the reentry points [Ebo, 2π − Ebo], respectively. The range equation is expressed as an infinite series in terms of the eccentricity e and the eccentric anomaly E. The different errors in the missile‐free range due to the drag perturbations in the missile trajectory are obtained.
Rare Case of Male Breast Cancer and Axillary Lymphoma in the Same Patient: An Unique Case Report
Authors: Sordi Emiliano , Cagossi Katia , Lazzaretti Maria Grazia , Gusolfino Daniel , Artioli Fabrizio , Santacroce Giovanni , Brandi Maria Luisa , Piscitelli Prisco
Published: October 2011

Breast cancer in men is uncommon, and even more rare is the simultaneous presentation of two different malignancies. A 39-year-old man was diagnosed with both breast cancer and axillary lymphoma. Familiar history revealed that his mother died because of breast cancer. The patient underwent fine needle aspiration leading to the diagnosis of malignant lesion. Modified radical mastectomy was performed. Histology revealed an infiltrating ductal carcinoma 2.8 cm wide, grade 2, with vascular and lymphatic invasion. Surprisingly, one of the second level nodes was confirmed as a high-grade large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. No family inheritance or gene mutations (BRCA 1 and 2) were found. The patient underwent local radiotherapy, followed by 6 chemotherapy courses (RCHOP) and treatment with tamoxifen 20 mg/daily. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in literature of male breast cancer and axillary lymphoma simultaneously confirmed in the same patient.
Real-Time Train Wheel Condition Monitoring by Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Wei Chuliang , Xin Qin , Chung W. H. , Liu Shun-yee , Tam Hwa-yaw , Ho S. L.
Published: October 2011

Wheel defects on trains, such as flat wheels and out-of-roundness, inevitably jeopardize the safety of railway operations. Regular visual inspection and checking by experienced workers are the commonly adopted practice to identify wheel defects. However, the defects may not be spotted in time. Therefore, an automatic, remote-sensing, reliable, and accurate monitoring system for wheel condition is always desirable. The paper describes a real-time system to monitor wheel defects based on fiber Bragg grating sensors. Track strain response upon wheel-rail interaction is measured and processed to generate a condition index which directly reflects the wheel condition. This approach is verified by extensive field test, and the preliminary results show that this electromagnetic-immune system provides an effective alternative for wheel defects detection. The system significantly increases the efficiency of maintenance management and reduces the cost for defects detection, and more importantly, avoids derailment timely.
Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling in Cancer
Authors: Emerling Brooke M. , Akcakanat Argun
Published: October 2011

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling in Cancer was held in San Francisco, California from February 24 to 27, 2011. The meeting was cochaired by Drs. Lewis C. Cantley, David M. Sabatini, and Funda Meric-Bernstam. The main focus of this event was the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway for the treatment of cancer. This article summarizes the recent discoveries in the field, with particular emphasis on the major themes of the conference. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7351–9. ©2011 AACR.
Clusterin Is a Critical Downstream Mediator of Stress-Induced YB-1 Transactivation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Zoubeidi Amina , Kumano Masafumi , Beraldi Eliana , Naito Seiji , Nelson Colleen C. , Sorensen Poul H.B. , Gleave Martin E.
Published: October 2011

Clusterin is a stress-activated, cytoprotective chaperone that confers broad-spectrum treatment resistance in cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating CLU transcription following anticancer treatment stress remain incompletely defined. We report that Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) directly binds to CLU promoter regions to transcriptionally regulate clusterin expression. In response to endoplasmic reticulum stress inducers, including paclitaxel, YB-1 is translocated to the nucleus to transactivate clusterin. Furthermore, higher levels of activated YB-1 and clusterin are seen in taxane-resistant, compared with parental, prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of either YB-1 or clusterin sensitized prostate cancer cells to paclitaxel, whereas their overexpression increased resistance to taxane. Clusterin overexpression rescued cells from increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis following YB-1 knockdown; in contrast, however, YB-1 overexpression did not rescue cells from increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis following clusterin knockdown. Collectively, these data indicate that YB-1 transactivation of clusterin in response to stress is a critical mediator of paclitaxel resistance in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 9(12); 1755–66. ©2011 AACR.
Durable Complete Response of Metastatic Gastric Cancer with Anti-Met Therapy Followed by Resistance at Recurrence
Authors: Catenacci Daniel V. T. , Henderson Les , Xiao Shu-Yuan , Patel Premal , Yauch Robert L. , Hegde Priti , Zha Jiping , Pandita Ajay , Peterson Amy , Salgia Ravi
Published: October 2011

A 48-year-old woman with chemorefractory metastatic gastric cancer to the liver was treated in a phase I clinical trial with MetMAb, a monoclonal antibody targeting the Met tyrosine kinase receptor. The primary tumor had high MET gene polysomy and evidence for an autocrine production of hepatocyte growth factor, the growth factor ligand of Met. A complete response was obtained that lasted 2 years; the cancer recurred as a peritoneal deposit invading into the transverse colon and a gastrohepatic ligament node. Compassionate use of MetMAb therapy at recurrence achieved a mixed response: a partial response of the two initial lesions but with development of multiple new foci of carcinomatosis. Tissue and serum studies to evaluate the Met signaling pathway correlated with MetMAb treatment response initially and at the time of recurrence.

Significance: This research brief is the first to describe a durable complete response obtained with a molecularly targeted monoclonal antibody, MetMAb, to the receptor tyrosine kinase, Met, in a patient with chemorefractory metastatic gastric cancer. It is also the first to report biomarkers that predicted therapeutic response to Met inhibition. Cancer Discovery; 1(7); OF1–OF7. ©2011 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Feng and Ma, p. 550

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 539
Surgery in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Zomer A.C. , Verheugt C.L. , Vaartjes I. , Uiterwaal C.S.P.M. , Langemeijer M.M. , Koolbergen D.R. , Hazekamp M.G. , van Melle J.P. , Konings T.C. , Bellersen L. , Grobbee D.E. , Mulder B.J.M.
Published: October 2011

Background—

A significant proportion of patients with congenital heart disease require surgery in adulthood. We aimed to give an overview of the prevalence, distribution, and outcome of cardiovascular surgery for congenital heart disease. We specifically questioned whether the effects of surgical treatment on subsequent long-term survival depend on sex.

Methods and Results—

From the Dutch Congenital Corvitia (CONCOR) registry for adults with congenital heart disease, we identified 10 300 patients; their median age was 33.1 years. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to assess the association of surgery in adulthood with sex and with long-term survival. In total, 2015 patients (20%) underwent surgery for congenital heart disease in adulthood during a median follow-up period of 15.1 years; in 812 patients (40%), it was a reoperation. Overall, both first operations and reoperations in adulthood were performed significantly more often in men compared with women (adjusted odds ratio=1.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.2–1.6] and 1.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.4], respectively). Patients with their third and fourth or more surgery in adulthood had a 2- and 3-times-higher risk of death compared with patients never operated on (adjusted hazard ratio=1.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.0–3.6] and 2.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.1–6.3], respectively). Men with a reoperation in adulthood had a 2-times-higher risk of death than women (adjusted hazard ratio=1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–3.5).

Conclusions—

Of predominantly young adults with congenital heart disease, one fifth required cardiovascular surgery during a 15-year period; in 40%, the surgery was a reoperation. Men with congenital heart disease have a higher chance of undergoing surgery in adulthood and have a consistently worse long-term survival after reoperations in adulthood compared with women.
Effects of a Novel Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor for Treatment of Primary Hypertension
Authors: Calhoun David A. , White William B. , Krum Henry , Guo Weinong , Bermann Georgina , Trapani Angelo , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Ménard Joël
Published: October 2011

Background—

LCI699, a novel inhibitor of aldosterone synthase, reduces serum aldosterone, and may have benefit in the treatment of hypertension.

Methods and Results—

We performed the first double-blind, randomized trial with LCI699 in patients with primary hypertension. We randomized 524 patients to LCI699 0.25 mg once daily (n=92), 0.5 mg once daily (n=88), 1.0 mg once daily (n=86), and 0.5 mg twice daily (n=97); eplerenone 50 mg twice daily (n=84); or placebo (n=77) for 8 weeks. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (250 μg IV) stimulation testing was performed in a subset of patients to quantify the selectivity of LCI699 for aldosterone synthase compared with 11-β-hydroxylase. Reductions in clinic diastolic blood pressure were significant for LCI699 1.0 mg (−7.1 mm Hg;
P
=0.0012) and eplerenone 50 mg twice daily (−7.9 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001) compared with placebo (−2.6 mm Hg) but not other doses of LCI699. Significant reductions in clinic systolic blood pressure were observed with all doses of LCI699 (
P
<0.005 or better) and eplerenone (
P
<0.0001). All doses of LCI699 significantly reduced 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure compared with placebo (
P
<0.01). Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation of cortisol was suppressed in ≈20% of subjects receiving LCI699 at a total daily dose of 1.0 mg. Safety and tolerability were similar among LCI699, placebo, and eplerenone.

Conclusions—

Aldosterone synthase inhibition with LCI699 significantly lowered clinic and ambulatory blood pressure. A minority of subjects developed blunted adrenocorticotropic hormone–stimulated release of cortisol. These results support additional research to evaluate use of aldosterone synthase inhibition in primary hypertension and/or patients characterized by aldosterone excess.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00758524.
Intravital Microscopy on Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice Establishes Microvessels as Major Entry Pathways for Leukocytes to Advanced Lesions
Authors: Eriksson Einar E.
Published: October 2011

Background—

There has been considerable speculation about the role of lesion microvessels in the accumulation of leukocytes in atherosclerosis. However, direct study of microvascular recruitment of leukocytes in lesions has not been performed, and the quantitative role for this route of entry is unclear.

Methods and Results—

Here, microvascular recruitment of leukocytes was studied in advanced lesions in 12- to 24-month-old apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice. Histology and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of mainly adventitial, but also intimal, microvessels. Interactions between leukocytes and endothelium occurred in lesion venules. Leukocyte rolling was largely P-selectin dependent; however, residual rolling was mediated by L-selectin and endothelial P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1. Leukocyte adhesion was significant and was attenuated in mice treated with antibodies against P-selectin, CD18, or both before preparation for intravital microscopy, suggesting acute activation of these 2 molecules by surgical trauma. Nonetheless, the density of firmly arrested leukocytes was 100-fold higher in lesion venules compared with the arterial lumen even in mice pretreated with antibodies against P-selectin and CD18, indicating strong recruitment of cells from venules that is unrelated to experimental manipulation. Fluorescent myelomonocytic cells in ApoE
−/−
mice carrying a knock-in mutation for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in the lysozyme M locus (ApoE
−/−
/lysM
EGFP/EGFP
mice) were distributed specifically around lesion venules, but not around arterioles or capillaries, further indicating ongoing extravasation from venules into plaque tissue.

Conclusions—

These findings provide strong data for microvascular recruitment of leukocytes in atherosclerosis and indicate roles for L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 in this process.
Isolated Atrioventricular Block in the Fetus
Authors: Eliasson Håkan , Sonesson Sven-Erik , Sharland Gurleen , Granath Fredrik , Simpson John M. , Carvalho Julene S. , Jicinska Hana , Tomek Viktor , Dangel Joanna , Zielinsky Paulo , Respondek-Liberska Maria , Freund Matthias W. , Mellander Mats , Bartrons Joaquim , Gardiner Helena M. ,   for the Fetal Working Group of the European Association of Pediatric Cardiology
Published: October 2011

Background—

Isolated complete atrioventricular block in the fetus is a rare but potentially lethal condition in which the effect of steroid treatment on outcome is unclear. The objective of this work was to study risk factors associated with death and the influence of steroid treatment on outcome.

Methods and Results—

We studied 175 fetuses diagnosed with second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (2000–2007) retrospectively in a multinational, multicenter setting. In 80% of 162 pregnancies with documented antibody status, atrioventricular block was associated with maternal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Sixty-seven cases (38%) were treated with fluorinated corticosteroids for a median of 10 weeks (1–21 weeks). Ninety-one percent were alive at birth, and survival in the neonatal period was 93%, similar in steroid-treated and untreated fetuses, regardless of degree of block and/or presence of anti-Ro/SSA. Variables associated with death were gestational age <20 weeks, ventricular rate ≤50 bpm, fetal hydrops, and impaired left ventricular function at diagnosis. The presence of ≥1 of these variables was associated with a 10-fold increase in mortality before birth and a 6-fold increase in the neonatal period independently of treatment. Except for a lower gestational age at diagnosis in treated than untreated (23.4±2.9 versus 24.9±4.9 weeks;
P
=0.02), risk factors were distributed equally between treatment groups. Two-thirds of survivors had a pacemaker by 1 year of age; 8 children developed cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions—

Risk factors associated with a poor outcome were gestation <20 weeks, ventricular rate ≤50 bpm, hydrops, and impaired left ventricular function. No significant effect of treatment with fluorinated corticosteroids was seen.
Ryanodine Receptor Type 2 Is Required for the Development of Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Zou Yunzeng , Liang Yanyan , Gong Hui , Zhou Ning , Ma Hong , Guan Aili , Sun Aijun , Wang Ping , Niu Yuhong , Jiang Hong , Takano Hiroyuki , Toko Haruhiro , Yao Atsushi , Takeshima Hiroshi , Akazawa Hiroshi , Shiojima Ichiro , Wang Yuqi , Komuro Issei , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2011

Ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR-2) mediates Ca
2+
release from sarcoplasmic reticulum and contributes to myocardial contractile function. However, the role of RyR-2 in the development of cardiac hypertrophy is not completely understood. Here, mice with or without reduction of
RyR-2
gene (
RyR-2
+/−
and wild-type, respectively) were analyzed. At baseline, there was no difference in morphology of cardiomyocyte and heart and cardiac contractility between
RyR-2
+/−
and wild-type mice, although Ca
2+
release from sarcoplasmic reticulum was impaired in isolated
RyR-2
+/−
cardiomyocytes. During a 3-week period of pressure overload, which was induced by constriction of transverse aorta, isolated
RyR-2
+/−
cardiomyocytes displayed more reduction of Ca
2+
transient amplitude, rate of an increase in intracellular Ca
2+
concentration during systole, and percentile of fractional shortening, and hearts of
RyR-2
+/−
mice displayed less compensated hypertrophy, fibrosis, and contractility; more apoptosis with less autophagy of cardiomyocytes; and similar decrease of angiogenesis as compared with wild-type ones. Moreover, constriction of transverse aorta-induced increases in the activation of calcineurin, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, and protein kinase B/Akt but not that of Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and its downstream targets in the heart of wild-type mice were abolished in the
RyR-2
+/−
one, suggesting that RyR-2 is a regulator of calcineurin, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, and Akt but not of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activation during pressure overload. Taken together, our data indicate that RyR-2 contributes to the development of cardiac hypertrophy and adaptation of cardiac function during pressure overload through regulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release; activation of calcineurin, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, and Akt; and cardiomyocyte survival.
Cysteine Protease Cathepsins in Atherosclerosis-Based Vascular Disease and Its Complications
Authors: Cheng Xian Wu , Huang Zhe , Kuzuya Masafumi , Okumura Kenji , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: October 2011

Atherosclerosis-based vascular disease is an inflammatory disease characterized by extensive remodeling of the extracellular matrix architecture of the arterial wall. Although matrix metalloproteinases and serine proteases participate in these pathological events, the discovery of cysteine protease cathepsins, such as cathepsins K, S, L, and B, and cystatin C, and their tissue distribution has suggested that at least some of them participate in cardiovascular disease. Studies on vascular cells have shown that atherosclerosis-associated inflammatory cytokines augment cysteinyl cathepsin expression and activity. Novel insight into cathepsin functions has been made possible by the generation and in-depth analysis of knockout and transgenic mice. These studies have provided direct evidence implicating cathepsins in atherosclerosis-based vascular disease through the activation, liberation, and modification of angiogenic growth factors, cytokines, and proteases associated with lipid metabolism, cell events (migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis), angiogenesis, and matrix protein remodeling. Furthermore, evaluation of the feasibility of cathepsins as a diagnostic tool has revealed that the serum cathepsins S and L and the endogenous inhibitor cystatin C hold promise as biomarkers of coronary artery disease and aneurysm formation. The goal of this review is to summarize the available information regarding the mechanistic contributions of cathepsins in atherosclerosis-based vascular disease.
Muslim “Homegrown” Terrorism in the United States: How Serious Is the Threat?
Authors: Brooks Risa A.
Published: October 2011

Since the September 11 attacks, analysts and public officials have expressed growing concern about the potential of Muslim citizens and residents of the United States to plot attacks within the country's borders—a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “homegrown” terrorism. To assess this apparent threat, it is necessary to examine what is known about the willingness and capacity of Muslim Americans to execute deadly attacks in the United States. Three conditions, either alone or together, could contribute to an increasing threat of homegrown terrorism. The first concerns what is known about the radicalization of Muslim Americans and whether a surge in arrests in 2009 indicates a growing trend in Muslim American terrorism. The second relates to the capacity of aspiring militants to avoid detection as they prepare attacks. The third depends on the skills of aspiring terrorists and therefore their capacities to execute increasingly sophisticated attacks. The analysis should be generally reassuring to those concerned about Muslim homegrown terrorism. On both analytical and empirical grounds, there is not a significant basis for anticipating that Muslim Americans are increasingly motivated or capable of successfully engaging in lethal terrorist attacks in the United States.
The Collapse of North Korea: Military Missions and Requirements
Authors: Bennett Bruce W. , Lind Jennifer
Published: October 2011

In North Korea, the upcoming leadership transition in the Kim Jong-il regime will be a precarious time for the Kim family's hold on power. A collapse of the North Korean government could have several dangerous implications for East Asia, including “loose nukes,” a humanitarian disaster, a regional refugee crisis, and potential escalation to war between China and the United States. To respond to a collapse and these problems, neighboring countries may perform several military missions to stabilize North Korea. These include the location and securing of North Korean weapons of mass destruction, stability operations, border control, conventional disarmament, and combat/deterrence operations. Assuming that collapse occurs in a relatively benign manner, military missions to stabilize North Korea could require 260,000 to 400,000 troops. If collapse occurs after a war on the peninsula, or if it sparks civil war in North Korea, the number of missions—and their requirements—would grow. Because of the size and complexity of these missions, and because of the perils associated with mismanaging them, advance and combined planning is essential. Combined planning should include those actors (e.g., China, South Korea, and the United States) that could otherwise take destabilizing action to protect their own interests.
Response of Upper Clouds in Global Warming Experiments Obtained Using a Global Nonhydrostatic Model with Explicit Cloud Processes
Authors: Satoh Masaki , Iga Shin-ichi , Tomita Hirofumi , Tsushima Yoko , Noda Akira T.
Published: October 2011

Using a global nonhydrostatic model with explicit cloud processes, upper-cloud changes are investigated by comparing the present climate condition under the perpetual July setting and the global warming condition, in which the sea surface temperature (SST) is raised by 2°. The sensitivity of the upper-cloud cover and the ice water path (IWP) are investigated through a set of experiments. The responses of convective mass flux and convective areas are also examined, together with those of the large-scale subsidence and relative humidity in the subtropics. The responses of the IWP and the upper-cloud cover are found to be opposite; that is, as the SST increases, the IWP averaged over the tropics decreases, whereas the upper-cloud cover in the tropics increases. To clarify the IWP response, a simple conceptual model is constructed. The model consists of three columns of deep convective core, anvil, and environmental subsidence regions. The vertical profiles of hydrometers are predicted with cloud microphysics processes and kinematically prescribed circulation. The reduction in convective mass flux is found to be a primary factor in the decrease of the IWP under the global warming condition. Even when a different and more comprehensive cloud microphysics scheme is used, the reduction in the IWP due to the mass flux change is also confirmed.
Monsoon Regimes and Processes in CCSM4. Part I: The Asian–Australian Monsoon
Authors: Meehl Gerald A. , Arblaster Julie M. , Caron Julie M. , Annamalai H. , Jochum Markus , Chakraborty Arindam , Murtugudde Raghu
Published: October 2011

The simulation characteristics of the Asian–Australian monsoon are documented for the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4). This is the first part of a two part series examining monsoon regimes in the global tropics in the CCSM4. Comparisons are made to an Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulation of the atmospheric component in CCSM4 [Community Atmosphere Model, version 4, (CAM4)] to deduce differences in the monsoon simulations run with observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and with ocean–atmosphere coupling. These simulations are also compared to a previous version of the model (CCSM3) to evaluate progress. In general, monsoon rainfall is too heavy in the uncoupled AMIP run with CAM4, and monsoon rainfall amounts are generally better simulated with ocean coupling in CCSM4. Most aspects of the Asian–Australian monsoon simulations are improved in CCSM4 compared to CCSM3. There is a reduction of the systematic error of rainfall over the tropical Indian Ocean for the South Asian monsoon, and well-simulated connections between SSTs in the Bay of Bengal and regional South Asian monsoon precipitation. The pattern of rainfall in the Australian monsoon is closer to observations in part because of contributions from the improvements of the Indonesian Throughflow and diapycnal diffusion in CCSM4. Intraseasonal variability of the Asian–Australian monsoon is much improved in CCSM4 compared to CCSM3 both in terms of eastward and northward propagation characteristics, though it is still somewhat weaker than observed. An improved simulation of El Niño in CCSM4 contributes to more realistic connections between the Asian–Australian monsoon and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), though there is considerable decadal and century time scale variability of the strength of the monsoon–ENSO connection.
Shortwave Direction and Spreading Measured with HF Radar
Authors: Wyatt Lucy R.
Published: October 2011

The accuracy of wave direction and spreading at the Bragg-matched wavelength measured with HF radar over a wide range of HF operating frequencies is demonstrated by comparison with buoy data. The agreement for shortwave direction is better than that obtained for wind direction, which has been the more common application of this measurement, because these waves are not always aligned with the wind direction, particularly in short fetch and low wind speed situations. The method assumes a model of shortwave directionality and the validity of this is explored by using the buoy Fourier coefficients, with inconclusive results. The radar measurements do not use the linear dispersion relationship, but the comparison with buoy data does, and the implications of this are discussed.
Evolution and Maintenance of the 22–23 June 2003 Nocturnal Convection during BAMEX
Authors: Billings Jerilyn M. , Parker Matthew D.
Published: October 2011

On 22–23 June 2003 a broad region of convection, comprising a squall line and discrete supercells, evolved throughout the evening and nighttime hours. These storms were studied by analyzing both observations and idealized numerical simulations. The squall line originated from a group of supercells that were initiated in a north–south line along a preexisting outflow boundary in eastern Nebraska. These supercells anchored to the boundary, facilitating cell mergers. The cell mergers and subsequent enhanced rainfall increased the depth and strength of the surface cold pool, which became the forcing mechanism for reorientation into an east–west, southward-propagating squall line. While this was occurring, isolated supercells developed along the dryline in north-central Kansas. These supercells moved northeastward throughout the night. These two modes of convection developed and evolved in a similar nocturnal environment, suggesting that there were two distinct forcing mechanisms responsible for their maintenance. The nocturnal boundary layer was stable; however, CAPE existed and convection would have been able to remain surface based so long as near-surface air was being lifted to its level of free convection (LFC). In this study, both cold pool dynamics and supercell dynamics appear to have played an important roll in lifting low-level air to its LFC throughout the night.
Negotiable Fate
Authors: Au Evelyn W. M. , Chiu Chi-yue , Zhang Zhi-Xue , Mallorie LeeAnn , Chaturvedi Avinish , Viswanathan Madhu , Savani Krishna
Published: October 2011

Individuals can negotiate with fate for control through exercising personal agency within the limits that fate has determined, a belief that is referred to as negotiable fate. The current study examined: (a) the social ecological factors that contribute to the prevalence of this belief in negotiable fate and; (b) the psychological functions it serves. The results from a cross-cultural study suggested that negotiable fate is more prevalent in contexts where individuals face many constraints in the pursuit of their goals (i.e., in Mainland China versus the United States), and it promotes active coping and positive self-views in those contexts. The importance of understanding how fate beliefs are linked to sociocultural contexts was discussed in reference to the psychological control literature and cultural psychology.
Country Talk
Authors: Hall-Lew Lauren , Stephens Nola
Published: October 2011

Speakers of U.S. English varieties often invoke the term country to describe their own speech or the speech style of others. However, surprisingly little attention in linguistics has been given to “Country Talk.” This article analyzes the metalinguistic comments elicited in language attitudes interviews with residents of a community on the border of Texas and Oklahoma who self-identify as speakers of Country Talk. The analysis shows how Country Talk is constructed through local discourses that are in dialogue with broader American language ideologies. The article argues that Country Talk has become enregistered through the circulation of indexical relations between imaginings of particular rural personae, on one hand, and particular linguistic features of Southern and nonstandard varieties of U.S. English, on the other. The analysis of Country Talk highlights the ideological nature of linguistic variation and calls for increased analytic attention to the social meaning of variation and the processes by which those meanings are produced and consumed.