bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homing and spawning site selection by sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in Iliamna Lake, Alaska
Authors: Blair Gregory R. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: May 2008

Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) spawn along several island beaches and nearby streams in the eastern portion of Iliamna Lake, Alaska. We investigated the importance of homing, attraction to spawning site characteristics, and attraction to conspecifics in similar reproductive condition as factors influencing spawning site selection. Sockeye were displaced reciprocally between two similar island beaches and a dissimilar nearby stream. Few sockeye successfully homed from one beach to another (11%); those displaced to the stream from a beach displayed intermediate homing (24%) and the best homing was back to the stream (65%). More fish remained at the release site when it was similar to the capture site (25%) than when it was dissimilar (4%). Sockeye that left the release site for a beach were more often missing (68%) than those departing for the creek (30%). The use of ultrasonic transmitters revealed that four of six sockeye that departed for a beach were relocated at a spawning beach other than the capture site. Spawning site characteristics apparently play a role in spawning site selection, but the need to spawn at the capture site was more important. Homing was better to the creek, presumably because it had a unique odor and its flow made it easier to locate than the beaches.
Mating behavior and determinants of male mating success in the gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis
Authors: Ritke Mark E. , Semlitsch Raymond D.
Published: May 2008

We studied mating behavior and male mating success in a population of gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) during 1987 and 1988 in western Tennessee. During 1988, individual males called from 1 to 7 nights ([Formula: see text]) and mated 0–4 times ([Formula: see text]). The number of nights that males called or achieved amplexus was not related to body size, but males that called on more nights had a relatively greater chance of mating. There was no significant difference in body size between mated and unmated males on any of the nights tested. Males that mated or called on a previous night were not more likely to achieve amplexus than males that had not mated previously or those that were new to the population. We have no strong evidence to suggest that assortative mating was characteristic of our population or that male–male aggression directly influences female choice.
THE BAND GAP ESTIMATION OF ZINC MANGANESE PHOSPHATE GLASSES
Authors: SIDDIQI S. A. , GHAURI M. A. , BAIG M. J. S.
Published: May 2008

Zinc manganese phosphate glasses ( ZnO - MnO - P 2 O 5) of different compositions are synthesized. The optical band gaps are measured in the UV-VIS region. Photoconduction measurements are also made in the spectral energy range 1.5–6.2 eV. At various applied electric fields, the values of the energy band gaps have been deduced from the spectral dependence curves. Furthermore, the band gaps at zero applied voltage were also obtained for different compositions. The charge transport mechanism in these glasses is studied under the Mott's model.
MAGNETO-CONTROLLING QUANTUM STATES OF A SINGLE PARTICLE INTERACTING WITH A SQUARE BARRIER
Authors: CHEN QIONG , HAI KUO , HAI WENHUA
Published: May 2008

We obtain the exact solutions of a single particle magneto-confined in a one-dimensional (1D) quantum wire with a single square barrier. Theoretical analysis and numerical computation show that for a set of fixed barrier height and width, the quantum levels and states of the system depend on the displacement d of the magnetic trap, and for a fixed d value the system occupies only one or two lower quantum levels of n ≤ 20 of a free harmonic oscillator. In the barrier region, the finite-sized effect implies that only for some discrete barrier parameters and d values, the system has the Hermitian polynomial solutions, otherwise it has the infinite series solutions. Therefore, one can manipulate the external motional states of the system and prepare some required lower energy states by adjusting the displacement of the magnetic trap experimentally.
ELASTIC CONSTANTS AND ACOUSTIC WAVE VELOCITIES INCd1-xZnxTeMIXED CRYSTALS
Authors: BOUARISSA N. , ATIK Y.
Published: May 2008

Based on the pseudopotential scheme under the virtual crystal approximation that takes into account the effect of compositional disorder combined with the bond-orbital model of Harrison, the results of calculations of elastic constants and surface and bulk acoustic wave speeds of Cd1-xZnxTe mixed crystals in the zinc-blende structure are presented. The agreement between our results and known data, which are only available for CdTe and ZnTe is found to be reasonable.
HYBRID SILICON-MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS
Authors: LI QILIANG
Published: May 2008

As CMOS technology extends beyond the current technology node, many challenges to conventional MOSFET were raised. Non-classical CMOS to extend and fundamentally new technologies to replace current CMOS technology are under intensive investigation to meet these challenges. The approach of hybrid silicon/molecular electronics is to provide a smooth transition technology by integrating molecular intrinsic scalability and diverse properties with the vast infrastructure of traditional MOS technology. Here we discuss: (1) the integration of redox-active molecules into Si -based structures, (2) characterization and modeling of the properties of these Si /molecular systems, (3) single and multiple states of Si /molecular memory, and (4) applications based on hybrid Si /molecular electronic system.
A CATALOGUE OF ORIENTABLE 3-MANIFOLDS TRIANGULATED BY 30 COLORED TETRAHEDRA
Authors: CASALI MARIA RITA , CRISTOFORI PAOLA
Published: May 2008

The present paper follows the computational approach to 3-manifold classification via edge-colored graphs, already performed in [1] (with respect to orientable 3-manifolds up to 28 colored tetrahedra), in [2] (with respect to non-orientable 3-manifolds up to 26 colored tetrahedra), in [3] and [4] (with respect to genus two 3-manifolds up to 34 colored tetrahedra): in fact, by automatic generation and analysis of suitable edge-colored graphs, called crystallizations, we obtain a catalogue of all orientable 3-manifolds admitting colored triangulations with 30 tetrahedra. These manifolds are unambiguously identified via JSJ decompositions and fibering structures. It is worth noting that, in the present work, a suitable use of elementary combinatorial moves yields an automatic partition of the elements of the generated crystallization catalogue into equivalence classes, which turn out to be in one-to-one correspondence with the homeomorphism classes of the represented manifolds.
The pitfalls of verifying floating-point computations
Authors: Monniaux David
Published: May 2008

Current critical systems often use a lot of floating-point computations, and thus the testing or static analysis of programs containing floating-point operators has become a priority. However, correctly defining the semantics of common implementations of floating-point is tricky, because semantics may change according to many factors beyond source-code level, such as choices made by compilers. We here give concrete examples of problems that can appear and solutions for implementing in analysis software.
Witnessing side effects
Authors: Terauchi Tachio , Aiken Alex
Published: May 2008

We present a new approach to the old problem of adding global mutable state to purely functional languages. Our idea is to extend the language with “witnesses,” which is based on an arguably more pragmatic motivation than past approaches. We give a semantic condition for correctness and prove it is sufficient. We also give a somewhat surprising static checking algorithm that makes use of a network flow property equivalent to the semantic condition via reduction to a satisfaction problem for a system of linear inequalities.
Modeling Transients in Li/CFx-SVO Hybrid-Cathode Batteries
Authors: Gomadam Parthasarathy , Merritt Donald R. , Scott Erik R. , Schmidt Craig L. , Weidner John W.
Published: May 2008

This document describes a first-principles-based mathematical model developed to predict the transient voltage-time behavior of batteries having hybrid cathodes comprising a mixture of carbon monofluoride (CFx) and silver vanadium oxide (SVO). These batteries typically operate at low to moderate rates of discharge, lasting several years. However, newer applications demand high-rate discharges from these batteries, although for a relatively short period of time. The model presented here is a very useful tool for design optimization and performance prediction of batteries under low-rate discharges as well as high-current pulses.
Effect of CO2 on Layered Li1+zNi1-x-yCoxMyO2 (M=Al,Mn) Cathode Materials
Authors: Shizuka Kenji , Kiyohara Chikara , Shima Kouji , Okahara Kenji , Okamoto Kaoru , Takeda Yasuo
Published: May 2008

We investigated the effect of CO2 on Li1+zNi1-x-yCoxMyO2 (M = Al, Mn) cathode materials which were synthesized by spray drying method. The change of CO2 absorptivity associated with composition were closely related the electrochemical performance. CO2 absorptivity was very high for Li1.04Ni0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 and very low for Li1.02Ni0.33Co0.33Mn0.33O2. In Li1.04Ni0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2, XRD and SEM indicated the surface of CO2 exposure sample was covered with Li2CO3 film. In Li1+zNi1-x-yCoxMyO2 (M = Al, Mn), Ni3+ content obviously correlates with the carbonate ion content, indicating that the reactivity of cathode material with CO2 depends on Ni3+ content.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Manganese Oxides with a Layered Crystal Structure for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Nakayama Masaharu , Kanaya Taku , Lee Jong-Won , Popov Branko
Published: May 2008

Birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide (MnO2) films intercalated with Li+, Na+ or Mg2+ ions were synthesized by a one-step electrochemical route. The oxide films were electrodeposited by applying a constant potential of 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl from aqueous Mn2+ solutions containing perchlorate salts of the cations. The galvanostatic charge/discharge experiments performed in 1 M LiPF6-DME/PC solution indicated that the Mg2+-containing MnO2 electrode exhibits a discharge capacity as large as 140 mAh g-1 and a better cyclability as compared with Li+- and Na+-containing MnO2 electrodes.
Ionic Liquids as Electrolyte in Lithium Batteries: In Situ FTIRs Studies on the Use of Electrolyte Additives
Authors: Balducci Andrea , Schmuck Martin , Kern Wolfgang , Rupp Barbara , Passerini Stefano , Winter Martin
Published: May 2008

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on commercial graphite, KS6 TIMCAL, in two different ionic liquids, N-methyl-N-butyl pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethansulfonyl)imide (PYR14TFSI) and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (PYR13FSI) has been investigated. The role of the Vinylene Carbonate (VC) addition to the ionic liquid-based electrolyte has also been studied. To monitor the change at the electrode/electrolyte (IL) interface during the SEI formation, we took advantage of the in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS). The results of the investigation performed at room temperature are presented in this manuscript.
Kinetics of the Hydrogen Electrode Reaction on Platinum in Alkaline Solutions at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Bao JianEr , Macdonald D. D.
Published: May 2008

The kinetics of the hydrogen electrode reaction on a platinized nickel electrode in alkaline solutions over a wide temperature range from ambient up to 220oC have been investigated employing a controlled hydrodynamic cell. Due to the reversible nature of this reaction, the generalized Butler-Volmer equation was used in optimization upon the polarization data, so as to account for kinetic, thermodynamic, and mass transfer effects. The extracted model parameters are compared with those for other forms of platinum electrode, and platinized nickel shows excellent electrocatalytic activity as demonstrated by the exchange current density. The extracted apparent transfer coefficients for hydrogen evolution and hydrogen oxidation are temperature-dependent, while the apparent Tafel slope of the hydrogen evolution reaction is temperature-independent (approximately 120mV/dec), which is most probably due to two parallel reactions occurring at the interface with different rates and activation energies. An Arrhenius analysis yields an activation energy of 17.3 kJ/mole for the hydrogen electrode reaction on platinized nickel in alkaline solution.
Chemistry in Surface Boundary Layers as Related to Flow Accelerated Corrosion of Carbon Steel in High Temperature Water
Authors: Uchida Shunsuke , Naitoh Masanori , Uehara Yasushi , Okada Hidetoshi , Koshizuka Seiichi , Lister Derek H.
Published: May 2008

Flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) is divided into two processes: the corrosion (chemical) process and the flow dynamics (physical) process. The former is the essential cause of FAC, while the latter accelerates its occurrence. Chemistry in the surface boundary layers was analyzed to evaluate FAC rates. First flow pattern and temperature in each elemental volume along the flow path were obtained with 1-3D computational flow dynamics (CFD) codes, next [O2] and [Fe2+] were calculated with a chemical reaction model based on the obtained flow pattern, and then calculated [Fe2+] was fed back to the environmental factors for the wall thinning calculation, at all points of interest, using the modified double oxide layer model. The effects of candidates for countermeasures, e.g., O2 injection and increasing pH, on FAC mitigation could be evaluated. Future wall thinning trends could also be predicted by the model.
Influence of Temperature and pH on the Surface Films Formed on Cr and Alloy C22
Authors: Cohen-Hyams Tzipi , Harrington Scott , Miyagusuku Marcela , Wang Feng , Devine Thomas
Published: May 2008

Films formed on Alloy C22 and on unalloyed chromium and molybdenum in 1M NaCl and 1M HCl were investigated in situ by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The films formed on all metals were dependent on pH, temperature and potential. Alloy C22's films were similar to those of chromium, especially in 1M NaCl. At low potentials in 1M NaCl the passive films consisted largely of Cr(OH)3. A second Cr compound, possibly Cr2O3, formed at higher potentials. In addition, Cr(VI) formed within Cr's passive film at transpassive potentials at room temperature. SERS indicated the presence of Cr (VI) in Alloy C22's passive film at transpassive potentials only at high temperature. There was no evidence of molybdenum compounds in the films formed in 1M NaCl. In 1M HCl, the passive films of Cr and Alloy C22 consisted mostly of amorphous Cr(III) oxide. A molybdenum compound was part of Alloy C22's film in 1M HCl and in 1MNaCl at high temperature.
Study of the Electrochemical Step of Novel Active Metal Alloy Thermochemical Cycles for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Rodriguez-Santiago Victor , Fedkin Mark , Lvov Serguei
Published: May 2008

Alternative thermochemical cycles are promising technologies for producing hydrogen by taking advantage of the waste heat from nuclear reactors. These cycles, which consist of two or more interrelated chemical reactions and are typically realized at moderately elevated temperatures (500-750 {degree sign}C), are still at early stages of research, and more information is needed to evaluate their potential. The first proof-of-principle studies were performed for the electrolysis reaction of the K-Bi thermochemical cycle. Experiments were carried out in a ceramic reactor at 580 {degree sign}C, and the experimentally measured electrolysis potentials were found to be close to the theoretically estimated values. This suggests that the voltage efficiency of the reaction can be as high as 90%.
Direct Observations of Mineral-Water Interface Reactivity at Elevated Temperatures with Interfacial X-ray Scattering
Authors: Fenter Paul A. , Sturchio Neil C.
Published: May 2008

In this article we review our recent work in probing interfacial processes at the liquid-solid interface at elevated temperatures. We describe the use of high resolution X-ray reflectivity to understand the structure and reactivity of solid surfaces at extreme pH and elevated temperatures (as high as 85ºC). These and related techniques can be applied to probe interfacial processes through in-situ observations in hydrothermal conditions.
The nitric oxide-donating derivative of acetylsalicylic acid, NCX 4016, stimulates glucose transport and glucose transporters translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Kaddai V. , Gonzalez T. , Bolla M. , Le Marchand-Brustel Y. , Cormont M.
Published: May 2008

NCX 4016 is a nitric oxide (NO)-donating derivative of acetylsalicylic acid. NO and salicylate, in vivo metabolites of NCX 4016, were shown to be potential actors in controlling glucose homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated the action of NCX 4016 on the capacity of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to transport glucose in basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. NCX 4016 induced a twofold increase in glucose uptake in parallel with the translocation of the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, leaving unaffected their total expression levels. Importantly, NCX 4016 further increased glucose transport induced by a physiological concentration of insulin. The stimulatory effect of NCX 4016 on glucose uptake appears to be mediated by its NO moiety. Indeed, it is inhibited by a NO scavenger and treatment with acetylsalicylic or salicylic acid had no effect. Although NO is involved in the action of NCX 4016, it did not mainly depend on the soluble cGMP cyclase/protein kinase G pathway. Furthermore, NCX 4016-stimulated glucose transport did not involve the insulin-signaling cascade required to stimulate glucose transport. NCX 4016 induces a small activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and no activation of other stress-activated signaling molecules, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase, inhibitory factor κB, or AMP-activated kinases. Interestingly, NCX 4016 modified the content of S-nitrosylated proteins in adipocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that NCX 4016 induced glucose transport in adipocytes through a novel mechanism possibly involving S-nitrosylation. NCX 4016 thus possesses interesting characteristics to be considered as a candidate molecule for the treatment of patients suffering from metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
In vivo administration of calpeptin attenuates calpain activation and cardiomyocyte loss in pressure-overloaded feline myocardium
Authors: Mani Santhosh K. , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Balasubramanian Sundaravadivel , Yamane Kentaro , Chellaiah Meenakshi , Cooper George , Banik Naren , Zile Michael R. , Kuppuswamy Dhandapani
Published: May 2008

Calpain activation is linked to the cleavage of several cytoskeletal proteins and could be an important contributor to the loss of cardiomyocytes and contractile dysfunction during cardiac pressure overload (PO). Using a feline right ventricular (RV) PO model, we analyzed calpain activation during the early compensatory period of cardiac hypertrophy. Calpain enrichment and its increased activity with a reduced calpastatin level were observed in 24- to 48-h-PO myocardium, and these changes returned to basal level by 1 wk of PO. Histochemical studies in 24-h-PO myocardium revealed the presence of TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end label (TUNEL)-positive cardiomyocytes, which exhibited enrichment of calpain and gelsolin. Biochemical studies showed an increase in histone H2B phosphorylation and cytoskeletal binding and cleavage of gelsolin, which indicate programmed cardiomyocyte cell death. To test whether calpain inhibition could prevent these changes, we administered calpeptin (0.6 mg/kg iv) by bolus injections twice, 15 min before and 6 h after induction of 24-h PO. Calpeptin blocked the following PO-induced changes: calpain enrichment and activation, decreased calpastatin level, caspase-3 activation, enrichment and cleavage of gelsolin, TUNEL staining, and histone H2B phosphorylation. Although similar administration of a caspase inhibitor, N-benzoylcarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-VD-fmk), blocked caspase-3 activation, it did not alleviate other aforementioned changes. These results indicate that biochemical markers of cardiomyocyte cell death, such as sarcomeric disarray, gelsolin cleavage, and TUNEL-positive nuclei, are mediated, at least in part, by calpain and that calpeptin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent cardiomyocyte loss and preserve myocardial structure and function during cardiac hypertrophy.
Alteration of gene expression during progression of hypertension-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats
Authors: Koyanagi Tomoyoshi , Wong Lily Y. , Inagaki Koichi , Petrauskene Olga V. , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: May 2008

Hypertension induced by high-salt diet in Dahl salt-sensitive rats leads to compensatory cardiac hypertrophy by ∼11 wk, cardiac dysfunction at ∼17 wk, and death from cardiac dysfunction at ∼21 wk. It is unclear what molecular hallmarks distinguish the compensatory hypertrophy from the decompensated cardiac dysfunction phase. Here we compared the gene expression in rat cardiac tissue from the compensatory hypertrophic phase (11 wk, n = 6) with the cardiac dysfunction phase (17 wk, n = 6) and with age-matched normotensive controls. Messenger RNA levels of 93 genes, selected based on predicted association with cardiac dysfunction, were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. In the hypertrophic phase, the expression of three genes, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP; P = 0.0089), brain natriuretic peptide ( P = 0.0012), and endothelin-1 precursor ( P = 0.028), significantly increased, whereas there was decreased expression of 24 other genes including SOD2 ( P = 0.0148), sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a ( P = 0.0002), and ryanodine receptor 2 ( P = 0.0319). In the subsequent heart cardiac dysfunction phase, the expression of an additional 20 genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS; P = 0.0135), angiotensin I-converting enzyme ( P = 0.0082), and IL-1β ( P < 0.0001) increased, whereas the expression of seven genes decreased compared with those of age-matched controls. Furthermore, the expression of 22 genes, including prepro-endothelin-1, ANP, angiotensin I-converting enzyme, β1-adrenergic receptor, SOD2, and endothelial NOS, significantly changed in the cardiac dysfunction phase compared with the compensatory hypertrophic phase. Finally, principal component analysis successfully segregated animals with decompensatory cardiac dysfunction from controls, as well as from animals at the compensated hypertrophy phase, suggesting that we have identified molecular markers for each stage of the disease.
Induction of IL-8 byMycoplasma pneumoniaemembrane in BEAS-2B cells
Authors: Chmura Kathryn , Bai Xiyuan , Nakamura Mari , Kandasamy Pitchaimani , McGibney Mischa , Kuronuma Koji , Mitsuzawa Hiroki , Voelker Dennis R. , Chan Edward D.
Published: May 2008

Mycoplasma pne umoniae is an extracellular pathogen, residing on mucosal surfaces of the respiratory and genital tracts. The lack of cell walls in mycoplasmas facilitates the direct contact of the bacterial membrane with the host cell. The cell membrane of mycoplasma is the major inducer of the host pathogenic response. Airway diseases caused by M. pneumoniae include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and rarely bronchiectasis. In such disorders, neutrophil infiltration of the airways predominates. More recently, M. pneumoniae has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. Epithelial cells play an important role in recruiting inflammatory cells into the airways. Since M. pneumoniae infection of human epithelial cells induces expression of IL-8—a potent activator of neutrophils—we investigated the signaling and transcriptional mechanisms by which mycoplasma membrane induces expression of this chemokine. In BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells, mycoplasma membrane fraction (MMF) increased IL-8 mRNA and protein production. Activation of the transcriptional elements activating protein-1, nuclear factor-interleukin-6, and particularly NF-κB are essential for optimal IL-8 production by MMF. The mitogen-activated protein kinases individually played a modest role in MMF-induced IL-8 production. Toll-like receptor-2 did not play a significant role in MMF-induction of IL-8. Antibiotics with microbicidal activity against M. pneumoniae are also known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Whereas clarithromycin, azithromycin, and moxifloxacin individually were able to inhibit TNF-α-induction of IL-8, each failed to inhibit MMF-induction of IL-8.
Ciliated epithelial cell lifespan in the mouse trachea and lung
Authors: Rawlins Emma L. , Hogan Brigid L. M.
Published: May 2008

The steady-state turnover of epithelial cells in the lung and trachea is highly relevant to investigators who are studying endogenous stem cells, manipulating gene expression in vivo, or using viral vectors for gene therapy. However, the average lifetime of different airway epithelial cell types has not previously been assessed using currently available genetic techniques. Here, we use Cre/loxP genetic technology to indelibly label a random fraction of ciliated cells throughout the airways of a cohort of mice and follow them in vivo for up to 18 mo. We demonstrate that ciliated airway epithelial cells are a terminally differentiated population. Moreover, their average half-life of 6 mo in the trachea and 17 mo in the lung is much longer than previously available estimates, with significant numbers of labeled cells still present after 18 mo.
Embolic Protection and Platelet Inhibition During Renal Artery Stenting
Authors: Cooper Christopher J. , Haller Steven T. , Colyer William , Steffes Michael , Burket Mark W. , Thomas William J. , Safian Robert , Reddy Bhagat , Brewster Pamela , Ankenbrandt Mary Ann , Virmani Renu , Dippel Eric , Rocha-Singh Krishna , Murphy Timothy P. , Kennedy David J. , Shapiro Joseph I. , D'Agostino Ralph D. , Pencina Michael J. , Khuder Sadik
Published: May 2008

Background—

Preservation of renal function is an important objective of renal artery stent procedures. Although atheroembolization can cause renal dysfunction during renal stent procedures, whether adjunctive use of embolic protection devices or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors improves renal function is unknown.

Methods and Results—

One hundred patients undergoing renal artery stenting at 7 centers were randomly assigned to an open-label embolic protection device, Angioguard, or double-blind use of a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, abciximab, in a 2×2 factorial design. The main effects of treatments and their interaction were assessed on percentage change in Modification in Diet in Renal Disease–derived glomerular filtration rate from baseline to 1 month using centrally analyzed creatinine. Filter devices were analyzed for the presence of platelet-rich thrombus. With stenting alone, stenting and embolic protection, and stenting with abciximab alone, glomerular filtration rate declined (
P
<0.05), but with combination therapy, it did not decline and was superior to the other allocations in the 2×2 design (
P
<0.01). The main effects of treatment demonstrated no overall improvement in glomerular filtration rate; although abciximab was superior to placebo (0±27% versus −10±20%;
P
<0.05), embolic protection was not (−1±28% versus −10±20%;
P
=0.08). An interaction was observed between abciximab and embolic protection (
P
<0.05), favoring combination treatment. Abciximab reduced the occurrence of platelet-rich emboli in the filters from 42% to 7% (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Renal artery stenting alone, stenting with embolic protection, and stenting with abciximab were associated with a decline in glomerular filtration rate. An unanticipated interaction between Angioguard and abciximab was seen, with combination therapy better than no treatment or either treatment alone.
Necessity for Surgical Revision of Defibrillator Leads Implanted Long-Term
Authors: Eckstein Jens , Koller Michael T. , Zabel Markus , Kalusche Dietrich , Schaer Beat A. , Osswald Stefan , Sticherling Christian
Published: May 2008

Background—

Defibrillator lead malfunction is a potential long-term complication in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and causes of lead malfunction necessitating surgical revision and to evaluate 2 approaches to treat lead malfunction.

Methods and Results—

We included 1317 consecutive patients with an ICD implanted at 3 European centers between 1993 and 2004. The types and causes of lead malfunction were recorded. If the integrity of the high-voltage part of the lead could be ascertained, an additional pace/sense lead was implanted. Otherwise, the patients received a new ICD lead. Of the 1317 patients, 38 experienced lead malfunction requiring surgical revision and 315 died during a median follow-up of 6.4 years. At 5 years, the cumulative incidence was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 3.6). Lead malfunction resulted in inappropriate ICD therapies in 76% of the cases. Implantation of a pace/sense lead was feasible in 63%. Both lead revision strategies were similar with regard to lead malfunction recurrence (
P
=0.8). However, the cumulative incidence of recurrence was high (20% at 5 years; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 37.7).

Conclusions—

ICD lead malfunction necessitating surgical revision becomes a clinically relevant problem in 2.5% of ICD recipients within 5 years. In selected cases, simple implantation of an additional pace/sense lead is feasible. Regardless of the chosen approach, the incidence of recurrent ICD lead-related problems after lead revision is 8-fold higher in this population.
Reduced Expression of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter G1 Increases Cholesterol Accumulation in Macrophages of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mauldin Jeremy P. , Nagelin Melissa H. , Wojcik Allison J. , Srinivasan Suseela , Skaflen Marcus D. , Ayers Carlos R. , McNamara Coleen A. , Hedrick Catherine C.
Published: May 2008

Background—Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for the development of atherosclerosis. A pivotal event in the development of atherosclerosis is macrophage foam cell formation. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 regulate macrophage cholesterol efflux and hence play a vital role in macrophage foam cell formation. We have previously found that chronic elevated glucose reduces ABCG1 expression. In the present study, we examined whether patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had decreased ABCG1 and/or ABCA1, impaired cholesterol efflux, and increased macrophage foam cell formation.

Methods and Results—Blood was collected from patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated into macrophages, and cholesterol efflux assays, immunoblots, histological analysis, and intracellular cholesteryl ester measurements were performed. Macrophages from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had a 30% reduction in cholesterol efflux with a corresponding 60% increase in cholesterol accumulation relative to control subjects. ABCG1 was present in macrophages from control subjects but was undetectable in macrophages from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast, ABCA1 expression in macrophages was similar in both control subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Macrophage expression of ABCG1 in both patients and control subjects was induced by treatment with the liver X receptor agonist TO-901317. Upregulation of liver X receptor dramatically reduced foam cell formation in macrophages from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions—ABCG1 expression and cholesterol efflux are reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This impaired ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux significantly correlates with increased intracellular cholesterol accumulation. Strategies to upregulate ABCG1 expression and function in type 2 diabetes mellitus could have therapeutic potential for limiting the accelerated vascular disease observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Modeling Optical Turbulence and Seeing over Mauna Kea*
Authors: Cherubini T. , Businger S. , Lyman R. , Chun M.
Published: May 2008

Atmospheric turbulence is a primary concern for astronomers. Turbulence causes amplitude and phase fluctuations in electromagnetic waves propagating through the atmosphere, constraining the maximum telescope resolution and resulting in telescope image degradation. Astronomical parameters that quantify these effects are generically referred to as seeing. Adaptive optics (AO) is used to reduce image degradation associated with optical turbulence. However, to optimize AO, knowledge of the vertical profile of turbulence and overall (integrated) seeing is needed. In this paper, an optical turbulence algorithm is described that makes use of the information on turbulence kinetic energy provided by a planetary boundary layer scheme available in the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5). Optical turbulence data collected on Mauna Kea during the 2002 site monitoring campaign are used to validate the algorithm, which has been implemented in operational runs of MM5 at the Mauna Kea Weather Center.
An Effective Radius Retrieval for Thick Ice Clouds Using GOES
Authors: Lindsey Daniel T. , Grasso Louie
Published: May 2008

Satellite retrieval of cirrus cloud microphysical properties is an important but difficult problem because of uncertainties in ice-scattering characteristics. Most methods have been developed for instruments aboard polar-orbiting satellites, which have better spatial and spectral resolution than geostationary sensors. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) series has the advantage of excellent temporal resolution, so that the evolution of thunderstorm-cloud-top properties can be monitored. In this paper, the authors discuss the development of a simple ice cloud effective radius retrieval for thick ice clouds using three bands from the GOES imager: one each in the visible, shortwave infrared, and window infrared portion of the spectrum. It is shown that this retrieval compares favorably to the MODIS effective radius algorithm. In addition, a comparison of the retrieval for clouds viewed simultaneously from GOES-East and GOES-West reveals that the assumed ice-scattering properties perform very well. The algorithm is then used to produce maps of mean ice cloud effective radius over the continental United States. A real-time version of this retrieval is currently running and may be used to study the evolution of thunderstorm-top ice crystal size in rapidly evolving convection.
The Operational Mesogamma-Scale Analysis and Forecast System of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Part I: Overview of the Modeling System, the Forecast Products, and How the Products Are Used
Authors: Liu Yubao , Warner Thomas T. , Bowers James F. , Carson Laurie P. , Chen Fei , Clough Charles A. , Davis Christopher A. , Egeland Craig H. , Halvorson Scott F. , Huck Terrence W. , Lachapelle Leo , Malone Robert E. , Rife Daran L. , Sheu Rong-Shyang , Swerdlin Scott P. , Weingarten Dean S.
Published: May 2008

Given the rapid increase in the use of operational mesoscale models to satisfy different specialized needs, it is important for the community to share ideas and solutions for meeting the many associated challenges that encompass science, technology, education, and training. As a contribution toward this objective, this paper begins a series that reports on the characteristics and performance of an operational mesogamma-scale weather analysis and forecasting system that has been developed for use by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. During the more than five years that this four-dimensional weather system has been in use at seven U.S. Army test ranges, valuable experience has been gained about the production and effective use of high-resolution model products for satisfying a variety of needs. This paper serves as a foundation for the rest of the papers in the series by describing the operational requirements for the system, the data assimilation and forecasting system characteristics, and the forecaster training that is required for the finescale products to be used effectively.
The Operational Mesogamma-Scale Analysis and Forecast System of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Part IV: The White Sands Missile Range Auto-Nowcast System
Authors: Saxen Thomas R. , Mueller Cynthia K. , Warner Thomas T. , Steiner Matthias , Ellison Edward E. , Hatfield Eric W. , Betancourt Terri L. , Dettling Susan M. , Oien Niles A.
Published: May 2008

During the summer months at the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s (ATEC) White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), forecasting thunderstorm activity is one of the primary duties of the range forecasters. The safety of personnel working on the range and the protection of expensive test equipment depend critically on the quality of forecasts of thunderstorms and associated hazards, including cloud-to-ground lightning, hail, strong winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Auto-Nowcast (ANC) system is one of the key forecast tools in the ATEC Four-Dimensional Weather System (4DWX) at WSMR, where its purpose is to aid WSMR meteorologists in their mission of very short term thunderstorm forecasting. Besides monitoring the weather activity throughout the region and warning personnel of potentially hazardous thunderstorms, forecasters play a key role in assisting with the day-to-day planning of test operations on the range by providing guidance with regard to weather conditions favorable to testing. Moreover, based on climatological information about the local weather conditions, forecasters advise their range customers about scheduling tests at WSMR months in advance. This paper reviews the NCAR ANC system, provides examples of the ANC system’s use in thunderstorm forecasting, and describes climatological analyses of WSMR summertime thunderstorm activity relevant for long-range planning of tests. The climatological analysis illustrates that radar-detected convective cells with reflectivity of ≥35 dBZ at WSMR are 1) short lived, with 76% having lifetimes of less than 30 min; 2) small, with 67% occupying areas of less than 25 km2; 3) slow moving, with 79% exhibiting speeds of less than 4 m s−1; 4) moderately intense, with 80% showing reflectivities in excess of 40 dBZ; and 5) deep, with 80% of the storms reaching far enough above the freezing level to be capable of generating lightning.
Biogeography of Tropical Montane Cloud Forests. Part I: Remote Sensing of Cloud-Base Heights
Authors: Welch Ronald M. , Asefi Salvi , Zeng Jian , Nair Udaysankar S. , Han Qingyuan , Lawton Robert O. , Ray Deepak K. , Manoharan Vani Starry
Published: May 2008

Cloud-base heights over tropical montane cloud forests are determined using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud products and National Centers for Environmental Prediction global tropospheric final analysis (FNL) fields. Cloud-base heights are computed by subtracting cloud thickness estimates from cloud-top height estimates. Cloud-top pressures determined from the current MODIS retrieval algorithm often have serious cloud-top pressure retrieval errors at pressures > 700 hPa. The problem can be easily remedied by matching cloud-top temperature derived from the 11-μm channel to the dewpoint temperature profile (instead of the temperature profile) obtained from the FNL dataset. The FNL dataset at 1° spatial resolution produced results that were nearly equivalent to those derived from radiosonde measurements. The following three different approaches for estimating cloud thickness are examined: 1) the constant liquid water method, 2) the empirical method, and 3) the adiabatic model method. The retrieval technique is applied first for stratus clouds over U.S. airports for 12 cases, with cloud-base heights compared with ceilometer measurements. Mean square errors on the order of 200 m result. Then, the approach is applied to orographic clouds over Monteverde, Costa Rica, with estimated cloud-base heights compared with those derived from photographs. Mean square errors on the order of 100 m result. Both the empirical and adiabatic model approaches produce superior results when compared with the constant liquid water (CLW) approach. This is due to the fact that CLW is more sensitive to natural variations in cloud optical thickness.
A Method to Derive the Multispectral Surface Albedo Consistent with MODIS from Historical AVHRR and VGT Satellite Data
Authors: Trishchenko Alexander P. , Luo Yi , Khlopenkov Konstantin V. , Wang Shusen
Published: May 2008

Multispectral surface albedo and bidirectional properties are required for accurate determination of the surface and atmosphere solar radiation budget. A method is developed here to obtain time series of these surface characteristics consistent with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) using historical satellite observations with limited spectral coverage available from NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and VEGETATION/Satellite pour l’Observation de la Terre (SPOT). A nonlinear regression model was developed that relates retrievals from four spectral channels of VEGETATION/SPOT or three spectral channels of NOAA AVHRR with retrieval from each of the seven MODIS channels designed for land applications. The model also takes into account the surface land cover type, the normalized difference vegetation index, and the seasonal cycle. It was applied to generate surface albedo and bidirectional parameters of the seven MODIS-like spectral channels at a 10-day interval for the 1995–2004 period over the U.S. southern Great Plains. The relative retrieval accuracy for the MODIS channels replicated from AVHRR or VEGETATION/SPOT data was typically better than 5%. Correlation coefficients between replicated and original data varied from 0.92 to 0.98 for all channels except MODIS channel 5, where it was lower (0.77–0.84). The developed method provides valuable information for parameterization of spectral albedo in global climate models and can be extended to generate global multispectral data compatible with MODIS from historical AVHRR and VEGETATION/SPOT observations for the pre-MODIS era.
Caregivers' Perspectives When Evaluating Nonprescription Medication Utilization in Children
Authors: Eiland Lea S. , Salazar Maria L. , English Thomas M.
Published: May 2008

Children's caregivers must be able to decide upon or solicit accurate information related to the appropriateness of nonprescription medication selection for children. Informed decision making is paramount considering the increasing number of available nonprescription products and patient safety. This 6-month study was conducted to evaluate caregivers' knowledge base regarding nonprescription products for their children. Secondary goals included determining how caregivers' demographics are associated with decision making, identifying sources that caregivers use for product selection, and evaluating caregivers' adherence to labeled dosing recommendations. Our survey found the majority of caregivers selected at least 1 inappropriate nonprescription medication for their child. However, most caregivers did seek information from health care providers and routinely follow product labeling. Health care professionals should be knowledgeable on the appropriate use of medication. There is a significant need to question and to educate caregivers on nonprescription medication use in children.
The Effect of Oral Contraceptives on the Pharmacokinetics of Melatonin in Healthy Subjects With CYP1A2 g.‐163C>A Polymorphism
Authors: Hilli Johanna , Korhonen Tuomas , Turpeinen Miia , Hokkanen Juho , Mattila Sampo , Laine Kari
Published: May 2008

The effect of oral contraceptives (OCs) on melatonin metabolism was studied in 29 subjects genotyped for CYP1A2 SNP g.‐163C>A polymorphism. Plasma melatonin and 6‐OH‐melatonin concentrations were measured after a 6‐mg dose of melatonin using a validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method. The mean melatonin AUC and Cmax values were 4‐ to 5‐fold higher in OC users than in non‐OC users (P < .0001), whereas the weight‐adjusted clearance was significantly lower in OC users (P < .0001). No significant difference in melatonin pharmacokinetics between the genotypes and no additional effect by the genotype on the OC‐induced increase in melatonin exposure were evident. Melatonin exposure had no significant effect on the subjects' state of alertness. In conclusion, a significant inhibitory effect of OCs on the CYP1A2‐catalyzed melatonin metabolism was seen; thereby, OC use can alter CYP1A2‐phenotyping results.
Globalization of Quantitative Pharmacology: First International Symposium of Quantitative Pharmacology in Drug Development and Regulation
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey S. , Shi Jun , Xie Hai‐Tang , Huang Xiao‐Hui , Fossler Michael J. , Sun Rui‐Yuan
Published: May 2008

The First International Symposium on Quantitative Pharmacology in Drug Development and Regulatory Sciences was held this past October in Nanjing, China, marking the first time scientists from around the globe gathered to discuss topics related to quantitative pharmacology in the Far East. With the recent trend toward global drug development and clinical trials in nontraditional countries, China has been regarded by many as the next frontier for the pharmaceutical industry. Quantitative pharmacology embraces all phases of pharmaceutical research and development, providing a mechanism to bridge decision making from one phase of development to the next, and it facilitates multidisciplinary partnerships through the assembly of both data and models that describe complex biological, biopharmaceutic, and clinical settings. Efforts in China are at an early stage, but it is clear that Chinese scientists embrace the discipline and are keen to promote this methodology in the registration of new drugs in China. While challenges exist, they represent an exciting area of future collaboration.
Validation of the Novaco Anger Scale in an Incarcerated Offender Population
Authors: Baker Monty T. , Van Hasselt Vincent B. , Sellers Alfred H.
Published: May 2008

Many attempts have been made to construct measures that assess different aspects of anger. The Novaco Anger Scale (NAS) was developed to assess anger and predict violent behavior. Validity research on the NAS to date has yielded promising results. However, few studies have examined the NAS among incarcerated offenders. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the NAS; investigated its relationships to anger, social desirability, and personality; and evaluated its factor dimensions using confirmatory factor analytic procedures in a sample of male and female incarcerated adults. Results indicated that the theoretically derived scales of the NAS demonstrated both reliability and validity in these groups of offenders. Furthermore, the correlations between the NAS and anger measures were significant. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Cross-Cultural Reliability and Generality of the Megargee Offender Classification System
Authors: Rossi Gina , Sloore Hedwig
Published: May 2008

The cross-cultural reliability and generality of the offender classification system developed by E. I. Megargee et al. was examined. A hierarchical cluster analytic approach was used to identify Megargee's Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 based types in a sample of Belgian male federal prisoners ( N = 1,636). Six types (i.e., Able, Charlie, Delta, Easy, How, and Item) were clearly replicated, albeit with variable reliability in terms of goodness-of-fit. Types Baker, Foxtrot, George, and Jupiter were not supported. Instead, another meaningful MMPI-2 type was identified, labelled 4-6, because Scales 4 and 6 were the two highest scales with a T score of 65 or higher. Cross-national cluster analytic research is necessary to further examine the cross-cultural reliability and generality of the types identified in the current study.