bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical and Structural Changes in Cerium Based Conversion Coatings during Exposure to Salt Spray
Authors: Pinc William , Heller Daimon , Fahrenholtz William , O'Keefe Matt
Published: February 2010

Cerium-based conversion coatings on aluminum alloy 2024-T3 substrates were characterized after various exposure times in salt spray corrosion testing. Coatings post-treated in phosphate solutions exhibited no visible corrosion after seven days. Impedances doubled for these coatings after 12 hours of testing and a ~150 nm thick alumina layer developed after 24 hours of exposure, leading to the conclusion that post-treated coatings facilitated the formation of a protective alumina layer. As-deposited coatings exhibited significant corrosion after 24 hours of exposure and had impedances that were an order of magnitude lower than post-treated coatings. Subsurface voids present underneath coatings corroded into nodules of alumina on the surface of as-deposited coatings. In contrast, the voids corroded into small pits with little corrosion product present in post-treated coatings, which was attributed to a protective oxide present around the voids.
Scanning Kelvin Probe Analysis of Cut Edge Corrosion on Prepainted Galvanized Steel with Chromate-Containing Epoxy Primer
Authors: Muto Izumi , Sato Kazufumi , Hara Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2010

Prepainted galvanized steels with chromate-containing and chromate-free primers were prepared to understand the effect of the chromate on cut edge corrosion. The initiation and growth of red rust were investigated with the combination of scanning Kelvin probe techniques and cyclic wet-dry corrosion tests. Chromate was proved to inhibit oxygen reduction reaction on the steel substrate, providing the situation in which the Zn layer readily acts as a sacrificial anode. Even under a thin electrolyte layer of 70 μm, the corrosion potential of cut edge for the chromate-containing specimen was found to be almost the same as that of zinc. In the case of the chromate-free specimen, however, the corrosion potential increased with decreasing thickness of the electrolyte layer to 70 μm, which indicates sacrificial corrosion protection of the Zn layer is no longer effective under thin electrolyte layers. It was also expected that chromate enhances the ability of red rust to prevent the anodic dissolution of the steel substrate.
Simulation of Solution Chemistry in Edge Corrosion
Authors: Shinohara Tadashi
Published: February 2010

The objective of this work is to design the calculation model to simulate solution chemistry in edge corrosion of painted metallic coated steel sheets in atmospheric corrosion test with NaCl solution. And the effects of coating, Zn or 55%Al-Zn, and chromate treatment were discussed based on calculation results. For Zn coated steel sheet, zinc works as an anode and carbon steel with corrosion product of zinc works as a cathode. For 55%-Zn coated steel sheet, Zn-rich phase works as an anode, and the cathode is the carbon steel with corrosion product of zinc at early stage and Al-rich phase when blister width is large enough. It was confirmed that growing rate of blister width, dXc/dt, and [Cl-] of 55% Al-Zn coating becomes very low with chromate treatment, because of small potential difference between Zn-rich phase and Al-rich phase in retreated area or cut edge.
Poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) Film for Corrosion Protection of Iron
Authors: Yano Jun , Muta Akihiko , Harima Yutaka , Kitani Akira
Published: February 2010

A poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) (PDMA) film was prepared on an iron surface by electrodeposition. The PDMA film was strongly adsorbed on the surface probably due to the polar methoxy groups of the PDMA molecules. The fact that no electrochemical response of the PDMA film-coated electrode to dissolved Fe(CN)63- suggested that the PDMA film was less permeable to dissolved species, thus acting as a diffusion barrier against agents causing corrosion such as H2O and O2. The PDMA film coating significantly lowered the anodic current peak ascribed to the anodic dissolution of iron and the corrosion current. The high anti-corrosion ability was due to the effect of the PDMA film as an in-situ oxidant and diffusion barrier.
Electrodeposition of Zn-Al Alloys from AlCl3-ZnCl2-Dimethilsulfone Molten Electrolytes
Authors: Takenaka Kazumi , Mizuta Yuji , Hirato Tetsuji
Published: February 2010

The electrodeposition of Zn-Al alloys was investigated using AlCl3-ZnCl2-dimethylsulfone (DMSO2) molten electrolytes at 110{degree sign}C. The alminum contents of electrodeposites obtained at constant current densities between 30 and 100 mA/cm2 were ranged from 1 to 8 at%. With the decrease in ZnCl2 concentrations of the electrolyte and with the increase in current densities, the intensity of the diffraction peaks of Zn decreased suggesting low crystallinity of zinc. Ectrodeposition was carried out at constant potentials from -0.8V to -1.5 V vs Zn in DMSO2 / ZnCl2, on the basis of the cyclic voltammogram, and deposits with Al contents ranged from 1-90 at% were obtained.
Active Site and Electrocatalytic Behavior at Palladium Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Nagle Lorraine C. , Garbarino Sebastian , Burke Declan
Published: February 2010

The electrocatalytic properties of palladium are of interest in connection with direct formic acid fuel cell development. Cyclic voltammograms recorded for activated palladium electrodes in sulphuric acid solution exhibit a quasi-reversible surface redox transition at ca. 0.25 V (RHE) and, in the presence of formic acid, the oxidation of the latter undergoes a dramatic change in rate at the same potential. Catalysis in this case evidently involves surface active site behaviour, low coverage protruding palladium species undergoing oxidation in a repetitive manner, the resulting surface cations coordinating bisulphate anions and acting as mediators for the formic acid oxidation reaction.
ILHYPOS Ionic Liquid-Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Arbizzani Catia , Lazzari Mariachiara , Soavi Francesca , Mastragostino Marina , Conte Mario
Published: February 2010

This paper presents work carried out within a European Union project which led to the development of 3.7 V and 340 F pre-series electrochemical double-layer capacitor cell featuring an asymmetric configuration with positive and negative carbon electrodes of different weight and solvent-free ionic liquid electrolyte. Such supercapacitor design with nonvolatile and safe electrolyte provides a successful response to the requirement for power assist application in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
Capacitive Behavior of Birnessite-Type Manganese Oxide Films Intercalated with Various Metal Ions
Authors: Inoue Ryota , Nakayama Masaharu
Published: February 2010

Various metal ions (Na+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+) were intercalated between the manganese oxide layers grown anodically on a Pt substrate. The films were subjected to a repetitive charge-discharge cycle test in an aqueous electrolyte of Na2SO4 between 0 and +0.8 V (vs Ag/AgCl). When the number of cycles increased, remarkably increased capacitances due to pseudocapacitance were observed for the manganese oxide films intercalated with Co2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+, accompanying drastic morphology changes where the multilayers lying parallel to the substrate before cycling were aligned vertically.
Halogen Adsorption on Pt(111) and Palladium Monolayer Electrocatalysts: DFT Study
Authors: Pašti Igor A. , Mentus Slavko
Published: February 2010

Adsorption of halogen atoms (Cl, Br and I) on Pt(111), Pd(111) and palladium monolayer electrocatalysts surfaces was investigated using periodic DFT-GGA calculations. The adsorption trends were established and possible consequences of halogen adsorption on the electrocatalytic activity of surfaces were discussed. The nature of halogen-metal bonding was investigated too, using Δd-PDOS analysis. A large covalent contribution in bonding of all three studied halogen atoms was found. Surface mobility of adatoms along the Pd-terminated surfaces was estimated. It was found that the mobility decreases with the increase in surface strain. Finally, for vibrational frequencies of adsorbed halogens, a pronounced dependence on the surface electronic structure was demonstrated.
Materials for Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Evolution Process in PEM Water Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Tunold Reidar , Marshall Aaron T. , Rasten Egil , Tsypkin Mikhail , Owe Lars-Erik , Sunde Svein
Published: February 2010

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis offers several advantages compared to the traditional alkaline technologies including higher energy efficiencies, considerably higher specific production rates leading to more compact design, and avoiding a liquid and corrosive electrolyte. The oxygen electrode is the critical part in the energy consumption of such cells. To obtain high performance, electrocatalytically very active anode materials have to be developed for oxygen evolution. The most promising electrocatalytic materials are based on IrO2 and RuO2, preferably in mixtures with other transition metal oxides with electronic conductivity. Excellent performance has been obtained by using nanocrystalline electrocatalysts based on iridium oxide with additions of ruthenium oxide and/or tin oxide, forming rutile structures, or mixed with tantalum pentoxide.This concept has been applied extensively in our work and has been successful in understanding oxygen evolution performance variations in IrO2-RuO2, IrO2-SnO2, IrO2-RuO2-SnO2 and IrO2-RuO2-Ta2O5 systems.
Non-Precious Metal Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution in Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis
Authors: Matsuzawa Koichi , Igarashi Chikako , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ota Ken-ichiro
Published: February 2010

Film of Zr compounds and partially oxidized zirconium carbonitrides (Zr-CNO) powders were evaluated as a non-precious anode for polymer electrolyte water electrolysis (PEWEs). The slow scan voltammetry was performed to evaluate the catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (OER) in 0.1 M H2SO4 at 30oC. EOER of Zr compound powder were 2.15 V, 2.08 V, and 2.06 V on base material, ZrC0.5N0.5, Zr-CNO (lowest degree of oxidation), respectively. When the Zr-CNO used as the anode electrocatalyst of water electrolysis, the efficiency was ca. 60% at 80oC.
Aqueous Redox Potentials Found to be Inversely Proportional to the Bohr Radius
Authors: Heyrovska Raji
Published: February 2010

The author found recently that the covalent, van der Waals and valence shell radii of atoms vary linearly with their respective Bohr radii obtained from their gaseous ionization potentials. Earlier, the ratio of the standard redox potential (with SHE = 0) to the ionization potential had been found to vary linearly with the latter. Here, the standard potentials are shown to be indirectly proportional the Bohr radius and directly proportional to the ionization potentials. This yielded the absolute potential of the SHE and thereby the absolute aqueous redox potentials of elements. These have been presented here in a Table.
Study of Proton Conductivity of Triazole-Based Electrolytes for High Temperature Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Maalouf Manale , Ghassemi Hossein , Zawodzinski Thomas A.
Published: February 2010

4,5-Dicyano-1H-[1,2,3]-Triazole (DCTz) is a possible water replacement for proton transport in high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes since it exhibits a favorable proton affinity. In this study, some properties of DCTz doped with Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid (TFMSA) and Heptadecafluorooctanesulfonic acid (C8HO3F17S-HDSA) are investigated. Thermal analysis as well as FTIR data indicated the formation of the salts. After proving to be stable up to 140°C, DCTz, DCTz_TFMSA and DCTz_HDSA salts were formed into membranes in a Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymeric binder. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that adding the acid increases the stability of the membranes. Electrochemical measurements showed that the acid loading increases the conductivity of these polymeric membranes. Thus, a DCTZ_TFMSA doped PAN membrane has higher conductivity than a DCTZ doped PAN membrane over a temperature range of 20°C to 160°C at low relative humidity (RH). Similarly, increasing the weight % of DCTz_TFMSA in PAN membranes leads to an improved conductivity by an order of magnitude.
Temperature Dependence of Electric Double-Layer Capacitor Operation Utilizing Acidic Cellulose-Chitin Hybrid Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Yamazaki Shigeaki , Takegawa Akihiko , Kaneko Yoshiro , Kadokawa Jun-ichi , Yamagata Masaki , Ishikawa Masashi
Published: February 2010

An acidic cellulose-chitin hybrid gel electrolyte consisting of cellulose, chitin, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, and an aqueous H2SO4 solution is investigated for electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs). This gel electrolyte shows a high ionic conductivity comparable to that observed in an aqueous 2 mol dm-3 H2SO4 solution. An EDLC cell with the acidic hybrid gel electrolyte has higher capacitance than that with an aqueous H2SO4 solution in the operation temperature. Moreover, the capacitance retention of the EDLC cell with the acidic hybrid gel electrolyte is better than a cell with a H2SO4 solution over 10,000 cycles. This suggests that the present acidic gel electrolyte has excellent stability in the presence of a strong acid even at a high temperature.
Measurements of Water Droplet Behavior in PEFC Channel Using PTV and High Accuracy Pressure Sensors
Authors: Hirono Masaki , Suzuma Ippei , Kurata Toshio , Tadokoro Ryoichi , Ejiri Eiji , Takimoto Masato , Yoneda Masakazu
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this study is to quantitatively measure water droplet behavior inside the cathode channel of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in order to elucidate its influence on cell performance characteristics. Water droplets emerging from the surface of the gas diffusion layer in a single cell channel model were visualized ex-situ using fluorescent particles contained in the droplets and their motion was measured by particle trajectory velocimetry. The pressure in the channel was also measured with high-accuracy pressure sensors. As a result, the emerging frequency, instantaneous traveling velocity and equivalent diameter of the water droplets and the internal flow conditions in the channel were quantitatively measured as a function of the supplied air and water flow. The data obtained with the high-accuracy pressure sensors showed that water droplet behavior correlated well with the flow conditions.
Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth of GaN Using High-Dose N+-Ion-Implantation
Authors: Kim Bumjoon , Lee Kwangtaek , Jang Samseok , Kim Sang-il , Jhin Junggeun , Lee Jaesang , Byun Dongjin
Published: February 2010

Epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) process has limited use in GaN devices due to the uneasiness of regrowth or the likeliness of contamination from the ELO mask, even though it is a method to reduce the dislocation density in GaN grown on sapphire substrate. Here we introduce a maskless and single-step ELO process using a high-dose N+-ion implantation. We employed a high-dose N+-ion implantation as an ELO mask instead of usual dielectric material such as SixNy or SiO2. The GaN layer was laterally grown over the ion implanted array formed in a stripe pattern of 4-µm-width, resulting in a complete coalescence after 30 min. TEM and photoluminescence analysis confirmed the reduced dislocation density of the ELO grown GaN layer.
Improved Field Emission Characteristics with Different Electrode Materials by Forming Process in a Quasi-Planar Thin Film Field Emission Diode
Authors: Chang Chia-Tsung , Hsu Yu-Ying , Lin Kao-Chao , Tsai Wan-Lin , Chien Yun-Shan , Juan Chuan-Ping , Lee I-Che , Yang Po-Yu , Cheng Huang-Chung
Published: February 2010

The essay was reported the different electrode materials in a quasi-planar thin film field emission diode for different forming process. The forming process causes an increased surface roughness of emitters or reduced the work function of the emitter and results in a higher field enhancement factor, which shows better field emission characteristics. The turn on voltage could from 15 V to 8 V and 6.5V with Co and Pd electrode at the emission current of 100 nA for samples.
Electrocatalytic Behavior of Cu-Based Ceramic-Metal (Cermet) Anodes in Contact with Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
Authors: Stamoulis Kostas , Mermiklis Vasilis , Kostea Stephania , Trichakis Manolis , Kiratzis Nikolas E.
Published: February 2010

Anode selection in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) has been a challenging problem particularly in fulfilling the requirements for low temperature operation (i.e. 500-750°C) of those cells and for operation under conditions suitable for direct hydrocarbon oxidation (i.e. without intermediate reforming). Both the above requirements would significantly reduce the fabrication cost of these cells. A promising strategy in promoting the above goals is to replace conventional Ni-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) cermets that under hydrocarbon atmospheres favor the formation of carbon filaments especially above 700°C with cermets containing a catalytically inert metal such as Cu. In this communication we examine and compare the electrochemical performance of Cu-based cermets containing either CeO2 or the perovskite (La0.75Sr0.25)Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-δ (LSCM) as ceramic components at 700°C. The cermets were prepared using conventional ceramic techniques and their electrochemical performance was examined in an YSZ tubular reactor under either H2 or CH4 and under open and close circuit conditions.
In-situ Monitoring of Electrochemical Oxidative Adsorption of Sulfur on Silver Single Crystals by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Lastraioli Elisa , Loglio Francesca , Innocenti Massimo , Carlà Francesco , Foresti Maria Luisa
Published: February 2010

Underpotential deposition of sulfur was studied on Ag(100) and Ag(110) from Na2S solution in 0.1M NaOH using in-situ STM. The cyclic voltammogram on Ag(100) presents two broad peaks, whereas three partial overlapping peaks and a more acute one are present for Ag(110). The STM investigation on Ag(100) proves the presence of a first square lattice adsorbed layer after the first peak that undergoes a phase transition towards a more compact structure constituted by couples of atoms after the second peak. On the other hand the process on Ag(110) starts with cluster deposition at the step edges and continues with aggregations of atoms in lines starting from the steps. Only after the acute peak a compact structure can be observed, of which a structure in register with the substrate is hypothesized.
Stress in Electrodeposited High Moment CoFe Films
Authors: Shao Ingrid , Romankiw Lubomyr T. , Bonhote Christian , Vereecken Philippe M.
Published: February 2010

CoFe alloys with 50%-70% Fe have the highest magnetic moment of 2.4 Tesla. There have been numerous research and development studies dedicated to achieving 2.4 Tesla soft magnetic films by electrodepositing CoFe and CoFeNi alloys. The high tensile stress of the electrodeposited high moment films is one of the key causes slowing down the implementation of CoFe alloys. There have been few reported studies on the structure and stress evolution during the deposition of CoFe film either by vacuum processes or solution processes. This work reports on the preliminary finding related to the tensile stress in electrodeposited CoFe films as a function of grain size, alloy composition, and other deposition parameters. The residual tensile stress was found to increase with descreasing grain size in the film, which was accompanied by the increase of iron content in the films. Pulse plating study demonstrated to have little effect on film stress. Solution temperature was found to be highly effective in reducing tensile stress in the film.
Model of Electrodeposition Stability - Surface Evolution at a Planar Electrode
Authors: Drake Javit A. , Powell Adam C.
Published: February 2010

Steady state 1D concentration and potential profiles within an interface between Fe metal and FeO electrolyte are revealed using an electrochemical extension of the Cahn-Hilliard phase-field model. Under current, the Fe-metal content elevates slightly throughout most of the interface to increase conductivity, to reduce overall potential drop and thus to minimize Gibbs free energy.
Converting from Classical to Robotic Astronomy: The Lowell Observatory 0.8‐m Telescope
Authors: Buie Marc W.
Published: February 2010

The Lowell Observatory 0.8‐m (31‐in) Telescope was augmented by the addition of a robotic mode of operation in early 2001. This system executes any predetermined sequence of observing instructions without supervision. Described herein is a general description of the system, lessons learned from the conversion, and a few general algorithms for focusing, collecting twilight flat field images, and scheduling standard star observations.
Analysis of Metabolic Remodeling in Compensated Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure
Authors: Kato Takao , Niizuma Shinichiro , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Kawashima Tsuneaki , Okuda Junji , Tamaki Yodo , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Narazaki Michiko , Matsuda Tetsuya , Soga Tomoyoshi , Kita Toru , Kimura Takeshi , Shioi Tetsuo
Published: February 2010

Background—

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with a change in cardiac energy metabolism. However, the mechanism by which this change is induced and causes the progression of CHF is unclear.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed the cardiac energy metabolism of Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet, which showed a distinct transition from compensated left ventricular hypertrophy to CHF. Glucose uptake increased at the left ventricular hypertrophy stage, and glucose uptake further increased and fatty acid uptake decreased at the CHF stage. The gene expression related to glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial function was preserved at the left ventricular hypertrophy stage but decreased at the CHF stage and was associated with decreases in levels of transcriptional regulators. In a comprehensive metabolome analysis, the pentose phosphate pathway that regulates the cellular redox state was found to be activated at the CHF stage. Dichloroacetate (DCA), a compound known to enhance glucose oxidation, increased energy reserves and glucose uptake. DCA improved cardiac function and the survival of the animals. DCA activated the pentose phosphate pathway in the rat heart. DCA activated the pentose phosphate pathway, decreased oxidative stress, and prevented cell death of cultured cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions—

Left ventricular hypertrophy or CHF is associated with a distinct change in the metabolic profile of the heart. DCA attenuated the transition associated with increased energy reserves, activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, and reduced oxidative stress.
Right Ventricular Response to Intensive Medical Therapy in Advanced Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Verhaert David , Mullens Wilfried , Borowski Allen , Popović Zoran B. , Curtin Ronan J. , Thomas James D. , Tang W.H. Wilson
Published: February 2010

Background—

Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in heart failure, yet quantitatively assessing the impact of therapy on this condition is difficult. Our objective was to compare the clinical significance of changes in RV echocardiographic indices in response to intensive medical treatment in patients admitted to the hospital with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and Results—

Serial comprehensive echocardiography was performed in 62 consecutive patients with ADHF, and adverse events (death, cardiac transplantation, assist device, heart failure rehospitalization) were prospectively documented. RV peak systolic strain was assessed using speckle-tracking longitudinal strain analysis as the average of the basal, mid-, and apical segment of the RV free wall. Other conventional parameters of RV function (RV fractional area change, RV myocardial performance index, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion, and tissue Doppler peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity) were measured for comparison. In our study cohort [left ventricular ejection fraction, 26±10%; cardiac index, 2.0±0.6 L/(min · m
2
)], overall mean RV peak systolic strain was −14±4% at baseline and −15±4% at 48 to 72 hours (
P
=0.27). Among all the RV functional indices measured, only RV peak systolic strain at 48 to 72 hours was associated with adverse events (
P
=0.02). In particular, improvement in RV peak systolic strain after intensive medical treatment was associated with lower adverse events in this patient population (26% versus 78%; hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.84;
P
=0.02).

Conclusion—

Dynamic improvement in RV mechanics in response to intensive medical therapy was associated with lower long-term adverse events in patients with ADHF than in patients not showing improvement.
Renal and Anti-Aldosterone Actions of Vasopressin-2 Receptor Antagonism and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: Costello-Boerrigter Lisa C. , Boerrigter Guido , Cataliotti Alessandro , Harty Gail J. , Burnett John C.
Published: February 2010

Background—

Hemodynamic and neurohumoral function can affect the efficacy of diuretic therapy in congestive heart failure. Arginine vasopressin increases water reabsorption through the V
2
receptor in the collecting duct, whereas B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) decreases sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct. We hypothesized that combining BNP to the V
2
-receptor antagonist tolvaptan (TLV) would enhance renal excretory function by augmenting sodium excretion together with aquaresis without adversely affecting renal hemodynamics in experimental congestive heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Congestive heart failure was induced in 3 groups (n=6 per group) of dogs by tachypacing. A acute experiment was done after 10 days. After baseline measurements, study groups received a 0.1 mg/kg IV bolus of TLV alone (TLV), TLV in combination with BNP (TLV+BNP; 50 ng/[kg · min]), or BNP alone (BNP). Mean arterial pressure increased with TLV, remained unchanged with TLV+BNP, and decreased with BNP (+5±1mm Hg versus −1±1 mm Hg versus −15±1 mm Hg;
P
<0.05). Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were preserved with all regimens. Urine flow increased in all 3 groups but significantly more so with TLV+BNP (TLV: +0.4±0.1 mL/min versus TLV+BNP: +2.4±0.5 mL/min versus BNP: +0.8±0.3 mL/min;
P
<0.05). Only TLV+BNP and BNP were natriuretic (
P
<0.05), whereas only TLV and TLV+BNP increased electrolyte-free water excretion (
P
<0.05). Compared with TLV alone, TLV+BNP prevented an increase in aldosterone (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Coadministration of TLV and BNP in experimental HF resulted in a beneficial profile of renal, neurohumoral, and hemodynamic actions, specifically potent diuresis with natriuresis, neutral effect on mean arterial pressure, and lack of aldosterone activation.
Mineralocorticoid Receptors, Salt-Sensitive Hypertension, and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Fujita Toshiro
Published: February 2010

Obese persons with metabolic syndrome often have associated with salt-sensitive hypertension, microalbuminuria, and cardiac dysfunction, and the plasma aldosterone level in one-third of metabolic syndrome patients is clearly elevated. Hyperaldosteronism, which may be caused at least partially by certain adipocyte-derived factors, contributes to the development of proteinuria in obese hypertensive rats, and salt loading aggravates the proteinuria and induces cardiac diastolic dysfunction because of inadequate suppression of plasma aldosterone level. However, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists prevent salt-induced renal and cardiac damage, suggesting that aldosterone excess and a high-salt diet exert an unfavorable synergistic action on the kidney and heart. In Dahl salt-sensitive rats, however, despite appropriate suppression of plasma aldosterone with a high-salt diet, salt loading paradoxically activated renal MR signaling, and the renal injury was markedly prevented by MR antagonists. Accordingly, we discovered an alternative pathway of MR activation in which Rac1, a small GTP-binding protein, activates MRs. Salt loading activates renal Rac1 in Dahl salt-sensitive rats, and Rac1 in turn induces MR activation, which results in renal injury, and the renal injury has been found to be prevented by Rac1 inhibitors. Moreover, several metabolic syndrome-related factors induce Rac1 activation, and one of them, hyperglycemia, activates MRs via Rac1 activation. Consistent with this, Rac1 inhibitors attenuated the proteinuria and renal injury in obese hypertensive animals. Thus, both salt and obesity activate Rac1 and cause MR activation. Abnormal activation of the aldosterone/MR pathway plays a key role in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury in metabolic syndrome.
Do Lower Lender Subsidies Reduce Guaranteed Student Loan Supply?
Authors: Austin D. Andrew
Published: February 2010

The article analyzes effects of borrower interest rates and student lender subsidies on federally guaranteed student loan volumes from 1988 to 1994 and from 1996 to 2006. Some have argued that lender subsidy cuts would reduce loan supply or cause lenders to exit the student loan market. If lenders get economic rents due to overly generous subsidies, a simple model of the student loan market suggests that small changes in subsidy levels should not affect loan supply. Empirical results based on a variety of generalized method of moments panel estimators suggest that evidence of links between higher special allowance payment margins and higher loan volumes is weak or inconclusive for both the 1988–94 and 1996–2006 periods. Subsidy reductions, according to this analysis, had no discernable effect on student loan volumes. Results also suggest that higher real borrower interest rates reduce student loan volumes for public colleges and universities. Changes in the federal student loan program in the wake of the credit crunch that began in August 2007 are briefly discussed, along with current proposals to shift all new loans to a direct lending program.
The Steady-State Atmospheric Circulation Response to Climate Change–like Thermal Forcings in a Simple General Circulation Model
Authors: Butler Amy H. , Thompson David W. J. , Heikes Ross
Published: February 2010

The steady-state extratropical atmospheric response to thermal forcing is investigated in a simple atmospheric general circulation model. The thermal forcings qualitatively mimic three key aspects of anthropogenic climate change: warming in the tropical troposphere, cooling in the polar stratosphere, and warming at the polar surface. The principal novel findings are the following:

1) Warming in the tropical troposphere drives two robust responses in the model extratropical circulation: poleward shifts in the extratropical tropospheric storm tracks and a weakened stratospheric Brewer–Dobson circulation. The former result suggests heating in the tropical troposphere plays a fundamental role in the poleward contraction of the storm tracks found in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)-class climate change simulations; the latter result is in the opposite sense of the trends in the Brewer–Dobson circulation found in most previous climate change experiments.

2) Cooling in the polar stratosphere also drives a poleward shift in the extratropical storm tracks. The tropospheric response is largely consistent with that found in previous studies, but it is shown to be very sensitive to the level and depth of the forcing. In the stratosphere, the Brewer–Dobson circulation weakens at midlatitudes, but it strengthens at high latitudes because of anomalously poleward heat fluxes on the flank of the polar vortex.

3) Warming at the polar surface drives an equatorward shift of the storm tracks. The storm-track response to polar warming is in the opposite sense of the response to tropical tropospheric heating; hence large warming over the Arctic may act to attenuate the response of the Northern Hemisphere storm track to tropical heating.

4) The signs of the tropospheric and stratospheric responses to all thermal forcings considered here are robust to seasonal changes in the basic state, but the amplitude and details of the responses exhibit noticeable differences between equinoctial and wintertime conditions. Additionally, the responses exhibit marked nonlinearity in the sense that the response to multiple thermal forcings applied simultaneously is quantitatively different from the sum of the responses to the same forcings applied independently. Thus the response of the model to a given thermal forcing is demonstrably dependent on the other thermal forcings applied to the model.
A Path Analysis of Reading Comprehension for Adults With Low Literacy
Authors: Mellard Daryl F. , Fall Emily , Woods Kari L.
Published: February 2010

Adult literacy interventions often rely on models of reading validated with children or adult populations with a broad range of reading abilities. Such models do not fully satisfy the need for intervention research and development for adults with low literacy. Thus, the authors hypothesized that a model representing the relationship between reading component skills would be predictive of reading comprehension for an adult population with low literacy and beneficial to adult literacy researchers. Using data from 174 adults participating in adult basic education and secondary education programs, the authors performed a path analysis of component skills’ contribution to reading comprehension. The findings are clear that existing reading models do not describe this population. The implications are discussed in terms of instructional and curricular interventions.
Increasing Utilization in a Hospital Operating Department Using Simulation Modeling
Authors: Steins Krisjanis , Persson Fredrik , Holmer Martin
Published: February 2010

This article focuses on the planning and scheduling of operating rooms (ORs) in a regional hospital in Sweden. A simulation study was carried out to find new ideas and new planning and scheduling techniques to improve the overall process of surgery, including pre- and post-operating activities. This study mainly addresses the problem of low utilization of the ORs, and also takes into consideration problems with variation in workload, both in ORs and in post-anesthesia care units. The final simulation model includes pre-operative care carried out in the operating department and all ORs, as well as post-operative care units. It was driven by a number of input parameters, such as the volume and specific characteristics of actual cases, opening hours and number of ORs, and the number of beds for pre- and post-operative care. The model also includes logic for prioritizing and allocating cases to available ORs, planning operating schedules and the utilization of medical equipment limited in quantity. Output performance measures from simulation experiments include the utilization of allocated OR times, waiting time for patients, queue dynamics, number of cancellations, and variation of finishing times, as well as occupancy statistics in the post-operative care unit. Four different change alternatives were evaluated using the simulation model. Simulation experiments showed that with the implementation of the proposed changes it is possible to achieve slightly better and more even resource utilization, as well as provide greater flexibility in scheduling operations.
Theocracy and Autonomy in Medieval Islamic and Jewish Philosophy
Authors: Fraenkel Carlos
Published: February 2010

According to both contemporary intuitions and scholarly opinion, autonomy is something specifically modern. It is certainly taken to be incompatible with religions like Islam and Judaism, if these are invested with political power. Both religions are seen as centered on a divine Law ( sharî ‘a, viz., torah) which prescribes what we may and may not do, promising reward for obedience and threatening punishment for disobedience. Not we, but God makes the rules. This picture is in important ways misleading. There is, I argue, a substantive intellectual tradition, going back to Plato’s Laws, which takes the purpose of a theocracy—a community governed by God through the intermediary of a divine Law—to be promoting rational autonomy, conceived as (1) the ability to rationally determine what is in one’s best interest and (2) having the motivation to live accordingly. Among the most important representatives of this intellectual tradition are medieval Muslim and Jewish philosophers.
Initial Outcomes of a Culturally Adapted Behavioral Activation for Latinas Diagnosed With Depression at a Community Clinic
Authors: Kanter Jonathan W. , Santiago-Rivera Azara L. , Rusch Laura C. , Busch Andrew M. , West Paul
Published: February 2010

Latinos demonstrate high rates of depression, often do not seek treatment, and terminate prematurely for a variety of reasons, including lack of sensitivity to contextual and cultural factors in treatment approaches. For decades researchers have suggested a behavioral approach to Latinos diagnosed with depression because such an approach targets the complex environmental stressors experienced by these populations with a simple, pragmatic approach. Recently, behavioral activation has been culturally and linguistically adapted for Latinos/Latinas diagnosed with depression (BA-Latino or BAL). The current study consists of a pilot evaluation of BAL at a bilingual (Spanish—English) community mental health clinic ( N = 10 Latinas). Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of BAL for Latinas in a community setting in terms of treatment adherence, retention, and outcomes. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Organizational Tenure and Job Performance
Authors: Ng Thomas W. H. , Feldman Daniel C.
Published: February 2010

This study provides a meta-analysis on the relationships between organizational tenure and three broad classes of job behaviors: core-task behaviors, citizenship behaviors, and counterproductive behaviors. Across 350 empirical studies with a cumulative sample size of 249,841, the authors found that longer tenured employees generally have greater in-role performance and citizenship performance. It is interesting that organizational tenure was also positively related to some counterproductive behaviors (e.g., aggressive behavior and nonsickness absence). Most of these relationships remain statistically significant even after controlling for the effects of chronological age. The authors also observed that the tenure—performance relationship was stronger for younger workers, for women, for non-Caucasians, and for college-educated workers. Finally, the authors found evidence of a curvilinear relationship between organizational tenure and job performance. Although the relationship of organizational tenure with job performance is positive in general, the strength of the association decreases as organizational tenure increases.
Long-term effect of rehabilitation in coronary artery disease patients: randomized clinical trial of the impact of exercise volume
Authors: Hansen Dominique , Dendale Paul , Raskin Anita , Schoonis Annick , Berger Jan , Vlassak Irmien , Meeusen Romain
Published: February 2010

Objective: To assess whether exercise volume during phase II rehabilitation affects long-term clinical benefits in patients with coronary artery disease.

Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial with long-term follow-up.

Setting: Hospital outpatient clinic.

Subjects: Coronary artery disease patients (age 65 ± 9 years, 82% males) attending a phase II rehabilitation programme were randomized into two groups of exercise volumes: 40- versus 60-minute training sessions. Patients exercised for three days per week for seven weeks, at 65% of baseline oxygen uptake capacity. Next, they were followed up for 18 months. Out of 165 patients with coronary artery disease who completed the exercise intervention, 119 attended the 18-month follow-up assessment.

Main measurements: Body anthropometrics, resting haemodynamics, blood lipid profile, glycaemia, and C-reactive protein level, smoking behaviour, habitual physical activity, cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality.

Results: In total population, a significant worsening of various cardiovascular disease risk factors was found at 18 months follow-up (P<0.05), and few patients (27% of total group) adhered to the recommended minimal physical activity level. No difference in change of body anthropometrics, resting haemodynamics, blood lipid profile, glycaemia, and C-reactive protein level, and smoking behaviour was seen between different exercise volumes (P>0.05). In addition, total cardiovascular disease incidence (13% versus 22% in 40- versus 60-minute group, respectively) and habitual physical activity were not different between groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with coronary artery disease following cardiac rehabilitation, the cardiovascular disease risk profile worsened significantly during long-term follow-up. A smaller exercise volume during phase II rehabilitation generated equal long-term clinical benefits compared to a greater exercise volume.
Recognizing that it is part and parcel of what they do: teaching palliative care to medical students in the UK
Authors: Gibbins J. , McCoubrie R. , Maher J. , Wee B. , Forbes K.
Published: February 2010

In their first year of work, newly qualified doctors will care for patients who have palliative care needs or who are dying, and they will need the skills to do this throughout their medical career. The General Medical Council in the United Kingdom has given clear recommendations that all medical students should receive core teaching on relieving pain and distress together with caring for the terminally ill. However, medical schools provide variable amounts of this teaching; some are able to deliver comprehensive programmes whilst others deliver very little. This paper presents the results of a mixed methods study which explored the structure and content of palliative care teaching in different UK medical schools, and revealed what coordinators are trying to achieve with this teaching. Nationally, coordinators are aiming to help medical students overcome the same fears held by the lay public about death, dying and hospices, to convey that the palliative care approach is applicable to many patients and is part of every doctors’ role, whatever their specialty. Although facts and knowledge were thought to be important, coordinators were more concerned with attitudes and helping individuals with the transition from medical student to foundation doctor, providing an awareness of palliative medicine as a specialty and how to access it for their future patients.
Working with the Mental Capacity Act: findings from specialist palliative and neurological care settings
Authors: Wilson Eleanor , Seymour Jane E , Perkins Paul
Published: February 2010

Since October 2007 staff across health and social care services in England and Wales have been guided by the Mental Capacity Act (2005) in the provision of care for those who may lack capacity to make some decisions for themselves. This paper reports on the findings from a study with 26 staff members working in three palliative and three neurological care centres. Semistructured interviews were used to gain an understanding of their knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, the issue of capacity itself and the documentation processes associated with the introduction of the Act and in line with advance care planning. Within this setting advance care planning is a key part of care provision and the mental capacity of service users is a regular issue. Findings show that staff generally had a good understanding of issues around capacity but felt unclear about some of the terminology related to the Mental Capacity Act, impacting on their confidence to discuss issues with service users and complete the documentation. Many felt the Act and its associated documentation had aided record-keeping in an area staff already delivered well in practice. Advance care planning in the context of the Mental Capacity Act is not as well embedded in practice as providers would like and consideration needs to be given to how and when staff should approach these issues with service users.
You, Me, and the Neandertals
Authors: Richardson Miles , Hanebrink Julia
Published: February 2010

Readers of Qualitative Inquiry are no strangers to the notion of the self and other emerging out of discursive interaction. Neither antecedes the other entity but both require the other to exist. Perhaps the notion that the evolutionary process produces levels of emergent phenomena falls outside of conventional reading. However, each fossil species in the human lineage, for example, constitutes wholes greater than the sum of their parts. Nowhere is this truer than the species commonly referred to as the Neandertal. Furthermore, the Neandertal remains provide us with the first direct evidence of self, other, and death. No doubt, earlier species in our lineage pose the interrelated trilogy, but the Neandertal in burying their dead speak to us most directly of the presence of absence.
Assessing attachment in school-age children
Authors: Crittenden Patricia , Kozlowska Kasia , Landini Andrea
Published: February 2010

The School-age Assessment of Attachment (SAA) is a newly developed clinical tool to identify pattern of attachment using the Dynamic-Maturational Model of attachment and adaptation (DMM). Seven picture cards were used to elicit fantasy stories and recalled episodes. The transcribed discourse was analyzed to yield one of 13 DMM attachment classifications, together with possible unresolved traumas and losses, and modifiers (depression and intrusions). In this article, we outline the steps necessary to validate an assessment tool, describe the development of the SAA, and report data from a preliminary clinical study testing the SAA’s reliability, validity, and utility. Concurrent construct, familial, and discriminant validity were evaluated in terms of mental health status and exposure to danger on a sample of 5—12-year-old children, drawn from clinical ( n = 51) and normative ( n = 40) populations. The SAA (a) differentiated children referred for psychiatric diagnosis from those in the normative population; (b) accounted for 31% of the variance (46% when family variables were added); (c) identified risk children in the normative sample; and (d) suggested risk factors associated with children’s psychiatric disorder.
Early stage detection of conduit artery endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bellien Jeremy , Costentin Agathe , Dutheil-Maillochaud Benedicte , Iacob Michele , Kuhn Jean-Marc , Thuillez Christian , Joannides Robinson
Published: February 2010

Flow-mediated dilatation evaluation using hand skin heating may possibly be more accurate than post-ischaemic hyperaemia to detect conduit artery endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes. We measured in 24 type 1 diabetic patients ( n=16 without microangiopathy) and 24 healthy matched subjects radial artery diameter (echotracking), blood flow and mean wall shear stress during heating and post-ischaemic hyperaemia. Compared with controls, flow-mediated dilatation was lower in diabetic patients during post-ischaemic hyperaemia and heating. However, in the subgroup of uncomplicated patients, a decreased flow-mediated dilatation was only apparent during heating (17.1±1.6% vs. 24.3±0.7%, p<0.05) but not during post-ischaemic hyperaemia (10.1±1.1% vs. 10.5±0.6%, NS). This was confirmed by the lower slope of the diameter—mean wall shear stress relationship in these patients in the absence of modification in endothelium-independent dilatation. We conclude that hand skin heating permits the early detection of conduit artery endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic patients with normal response to post-ischaemic hyperaemia. This procedure could be useful to investigate the prognostic role of vascular dysfunction and the impact of vasculoprotective treatments in this patient population.