bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning Doppler Lidar for Input into Short-Term Wind Power Forecasts
Authors: Frehlich Rod
Published: May 2012

Scanning Doppler lidar is a promising technology for improvements in short-term wind power forecasts since it can scan close to the surface and produce wind profiles at a large distance upstream (15–30 km) if the atmosphere has sufficient aerosol loading and there are no sizable blockages from terrain or large structures. However, successful measurements require a large spatial sampling domain and new estimation algorithms that can perform well in the very weak signal regime. The maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm in the spectral domain and a faster version based on the minimum mean-square-error (MSE) are investigated by numerical simulation and with actual scanning Doppler lidar data from the Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies WindTracer lidar. In addition, the maximum range can be extended by simultaneous estimation of the wind speed and wind direction from a larger azimuth sector scan if the atmosphere is well behaved. Real-time operation is possible using the spectral data from the WindTracer lidar and a dedicated computer to interface with a data assimilation system. Analysis of the Doppler lidar data in the first few kilometers can be used to extract the turbulence conditions for improvements in real-time wind farm operations.
On an Enhanced PERSIANN-CCS Algorithm for Precipitation Estimation
Authors: Mahrooghy Majid , Anantharaj Valentine G. , Younan Nicolas H. , Aanstoos James , Hsu Kuo-Lin
Published: May 2012

By employing wavelet and selected features (WSF), median merging (MM), and selected curve-fitting (SCF) techniques, the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Imagery using an Artificial Neural Networks Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS) has been improved. The PERSIANN-CCS methodology includes the following four main steps: 1) segmentation of satellite cloud images into cloud patches, 2) feature extraction, 3) classification of cloud patches, and 4) derivation of the temperature–rain-rate (T–R) relationship for every cluster. The enhancements help improve step 2 by employing WSF, and step 4 by employing MM and SCF. For the study area herein, the results show that the enhanced methodology improves the equitable threat score (ETS) of the daily and hourly rainfall estimates mostly in the winter and fall. The ETS percentage improvement is about 20% for the daily (10% for hourly) estimates in the winter, 10% for the daily (8% for hourly) estimates in the fall, and at most 5% for the daily estimates in the summer at some rainfall thresholds. In the winter and fall, the area bias is improved almost at all rainfall thresholds for daily and hourly estimates. However, no significant improvement is obtained in the spring, and the area bias in the summer is also greater than that of the implemented PERSIANN-CCS algorithm.
Comparison of Two Methods to Assess Ocean Tide Models
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Chao Yi , Shum C. K. , Yi Yuchan , Fok Hok Sum
Published: May 2012

Two methods to assess ocean tide models, the current method and the total discrepancy method, are compared from the perspective of their relationship to the root-mean-square difference of tidal sea surface height (total discrepancy). These two methods are identically the same when there is only one spatial location involved. When there is more than one spatial location involved, the current method is the root-mean-square difference of total discrepancy at each location, and the total discrepancy method is the averaged total discrepancy. The result from the current method is always larger than or equal to that from the total discrepancy method. Monte Carlo simulation indicates that the difference between their results increases with increasing spatial variability of total discrepancy. Both of these two methods are then used to compare the two tide models of the Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM)/Jason-2. The discrepancy of these two models as measured by the total discrepancy method decreases monotonically from around 11.4 to 2.2 cm with depth increasing from 50 to 1000 m. In contrast, the discrepancy measured by the current method varies from 21.6 to 2.9 cm. Though the discrepancy measured by the current method decreases with increasing depth in general, there are abrupt increases at several depth ranges. These increases are associated with large spatial variability of total discrepancy and their physical explanation is elusive. Because the total discrepancy method is consistent with the root-mean-square difference of tidal sea surface height and its interpretation is straightforward, its usage is suggested.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2010
Authors: Stewart Stacy R. , Cangialosi John P.
Published: May 2012

The 2010 eastern North Pacific hurricane season was one of the least active seasons on record. Only seven named storms developed, which is the lowest number observed at least since routine satellite coverage of that basin began in 1966. Furthermore, only three of those storms reached hurricane status, which is also the lowest number of hurricanes ever observed in the satellite-era season. However, two tropical storms made landfall: Agatha in Guatemala and Georgette in Mexico, with Agatha directly causing 190 deaths and moderate to severe property damage as a result of rain-induced floods and mud slides. On average, the National Hurricane Center track forecasts in the eastern North Pacific for 2010 were quite skillful.
Simulation of Dryline Misovortex Dynamics and Cumulus Formation
Authors: Buban Michael S. , Ziegler Conrad L. , Mansell Edward R. , Richardson Yvette P.
Published: May 2012

A dryline and misocyclones have been simulated in a cloud-resolving model by applying specified initial and time-dependent lateral boundary conditions obtained from analyses of the 22 May 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) dataset. The initial and lateral boundary conditions were obtained from a combination of the time–spaced Lagrangian analyses for temperature and moisture with horizontal velocities from multiple-Doppler wind syntheses. The simulated dryline, horizontal dry-convective rolls (HCRs) and open cells (OCCs), misocyclones, and cumulus clouds are similar to the corresponding observed features. The misocyclones move northward at nearly the mean boundary layer (BL) wind speed, rotate dryline gradients owing to their circulations, and move the local dryline eastward via their passage. Cumuli develop along a secondary dryline, along HCR and OCC segments between the primary and secondary drylines, along HCR and OCC segments that have moved over the dryline, and within the dryline updraft. After the initial shearing instability develops, misocyclogenesis proceeds from tilting and stretching of vorticity by the persistent secondary dryline circulation. The resulting misocyclone evolution is discussed.
Configuration and Evaluation of the WRF Model for the Study of Hawaiian Regional Climate
Authors: Zhang Chunxi , Wang Yuqing , Lauer Axel , Hamilton Kevin
Published: May 2012

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model V3.3 has been configured for the Hawaiian Islands as a regional climate model for the region (HRCM). This paper documents the model configuration and presents a preliminary evaluation based on a continuous 1-yr simulation forced by observed boundary conditions with 3-km horizontal grid spacing in the inner nested domain. The simulated vertical structure of the temperature and humidity are compared with twice-daily radiosonde observations at two stations. Generally the trade wind inversion (TWI) height and occurrence days are well represented. The simulation over the islands is compared with observations from nine surface climatological stations and a dense network of precipitation stations. The model simulation has generally small biases in the simulated surface temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The model realistically simulated the magnitude and geographical distribution of the mean rainfall over the Hawaiian Islands. In addition, the model simulation reproduced reasonably well the individual heavy rainfall events as seen from the time series of pentad mean rainfall averaged over island scales. Also the model reproduced the geographical variation of the mean diurnal rainfall cycle even though the observed diurnal cycle displays quite different features over different islands. Comparison with results obtained using the land surface dataset from the official release of the WRF model confirmed that the newly implemented land surface dataset generally improved the simulation of surface variables. These results demonstrate that the WRF can be a useful tool for dynamical downscaling of regional climate over the Hawaiian Islands.
Ensemble Model Output Statistics for Wind Vectors
Authors: Schuhen Nina , Thorarinsdottir Thordis L. , Gneiting Tilmann
Published: May 2012

A bivariate ensemble model output statistics (EMOS) technique for the postprocessing of ensemble forecasts of two-dimensional wind vectors is proposed, where the postprocessed probabilistic forecast takes the form of a bivariate normal probability density function. The postprocessed means and variances of the wind vector components are linearly bias-corrected versions of the ensemble means and ensemble variances, respectively, and the conditional correlation between the wind components is represented by a trigonometric function of the ensemble mean wind direction. In a case study on 48-h forecasts of wind vectors over the North American Pacific Northwest with the University of Washington Mesoscale Ensemble, the bivariate EMOS density forecasts were calibrated and sharp, and showed considerable improvement over the raw ensemble and reference forecasts, including ensemble copula coupling.
Vertical Variations of Boundary Layer Potential Buoyancy in Tornadic and Nontornadic Near-Storm Environments
Authors: Schultz Chauncy J. , Askelson Mark A.
Published: May 2012

Despite great strides in understanding the tornadic near-storm environment (NSE), at times it remains difficult to determine why some storms produce significant tornadoes, while others produce none, given similar pretornadic radar reflectivity and velocity signatures. Previous studies have shown that this is likely related to the potential buoyancy (θep) of the rear-flank downdraft (RFD) air. Unfortunately, to date there are few ways to operationally anticipate possible RFD thermodynamic character. Based upon previous research indicating that capping inversions may restrict much of the low-level RFD air to come from within the boundary layer, this study considers the relation of Δθep (vertical change in θep within the boundary layer below the cap) to tornadogenesis potential. This is because when a cap exists above a boundary layer and the descent of lower-θep air from aloft to the surface is potentially limited, then minimal Δθep may indicate more RFD air that has greater potential buoyancy. The Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) soundings used in this study and several observed soundings taken in the vicinity of violent tornadoes suggest that boundary layer Δθep shows promise as an additional means of discriminating between tornadic and nontornadic NSEs.
Toward a Characterization of Adaptive Systems
Authors: Feigh Karen M. , Dorneich Michael C. , Hayes Caroline C.
Published: May 2012

Objective:

This article presents a systematic framework characterizing adaptive systems.

Background:

Adaptive systems are those that can appropriately modify their behavior to fit the current context. This concept is appealing because it offers the possibility of creating computer assistants that behave like good human assistants who can provide what is needed without being asked. However, the majority of adaptive systems have been experimental rather than practical because of the technical challenges in accurately perceiving and interpreting users’ current cognitive state; integrating cognitive state, environment, and task information; and using it to predict users’ current needs. The authors anticipate that recent developments in neurological and physiological sensors to identify users’ cognitive state will increase interest in adaptive systems research and practice over the next few years.

Method:

To inform future efforts in adaptive sys-tems, this work provides an organizing framework for characterizing adaptive systems, identifying consider-ations and implications, and suggesting future research issues.

Results:

A two-part framework is presented that (a) categorizes ways in which adaptive systems can modify their behavior and (b) characterizes trigger mechanisms through which adaptive systems can sense the current situation and decide how to adapt.

Conclusion:

The framework provided in this article provides a tool for organizing and informing past, present, and future research and development efforts in adaptive systems.
Automatic machine embroidery image color analysis system, part III: Integration of machine embroidery image color analysis system
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Kao Chih-Yuan , Jian Bo-Lin , Tung Chun-Ping
Published: May 2012

This series of study proposed the automatic machine embroidery image color analysis system as an extension of the previous proposed machine embroidery color separation system and repetitive pattern search system. This paper integrated the machine embroidery image color analysis system to achieve system automation. The system is divided into three stages: (1) acquire the embroidery fabric image, filter the acquired image noise, and smooth the embroidery fabric texture before using the transform to reduce image information amount and improve subsequent calculation speed; (2) use the genetic algorithm for the repetitive pattern search, and restore the identified repetitive pattern images to the original size by image pyramids, then use frequency domain template matching to determine the locations of the repetitive patterns to verify repetitive pattern accuracy; (3) apply the Gustafson–Kessel cluster algorithm and cluster validity partition index SC to obtain the machine embroidery image’s number of colors and corresponding areas, then employ half-toning technology to determine color types for chromatography. The integrated system can accurately identify the repetitive patterns for chromatography to realize the automatic drafting of embroidery fabric. It can be further integrated with automatic manufacturing equipment for machine embroidery automation.
Surface properties and residual chromophore content of differently pretreated linen fabrics
Authors: Csiszar Emilia
Published: May 2012

In this research, conventional alkaline preparation, biopreparation with two commercial pectinase enzymes, and bleachability of all-linen fabric were investigated. Wettability by water drop test, wickability by thin-layer wicking experiment and residual chromophore content by measuring color and hydrogen peroxide consumption of the samples were characterized as a function of preparation. All the applied treatments significantly decreased the dynamic water contact angle and increased the energy of the fiber surface. Significant differences were detected between the two commercial enzymes that were applied for biopreparation. While one of the enzymes was very effective in improving the water wicking of the linen fabric, the other had a huge lightening effect on the fabric color. Furthermore, the oxidative degradation kinetics of the residual chromophores in the fabric treated with the latter enzyme were similar to those of the alkaline scoured fabric. A direct correlation was established between the apparent capillary radius, fabric color and bleachability of the differently scoured linen fabrics.
Tensile mechanics of braided sutures
Authors: Rawal Amit , Kumar Rajesh , Saraswat Harshvardhan
Published: May 2012

Sutures are the materials primarily used for closing wounds, and their performance is significantly dependent on their mechanical characteristics. Thus, their tensile property is a key parameter responsible for the success of a suture. In this paper, a simple analytical tensile model of braided sutures has been developed based on braid geometry, braid kinematics, and constituent monofilament properties. The model has accounted for the changes in the braid geometry, including braid angle, diameter, and Poisson’s ratio. The kinematics of the braided suture is analyzed pertaining to monofilament locking or jamming in the braid. The model of jamming state of monofilaments has been presented, and both braid angle and diameter are found to be critical design parameters. The experimental results have been compared to the theoretical stress–strain curves of braided sutures, and an excellent agreement has been observed between them.
Preoperative Nutrition Status and Postoperative Outcome in Elderly General Surgery Patients
Authors: van Stijn Mireille F. M. , Korkic‐Halilovic Ines , Bakker Marjan S. M. , van der Ploeg Tjeerd , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , Houdijk Alexander P. J.
Published: May 2012

Background: Poor nutrition status is considered a risk factor for postoperative complications in the adult population. In elderly patients, who often have a poor nutrition status, this relationship has not been substantiated. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the merit of preoperative nutrition parameters used to predict postoperative outcome in elderly patients undergoing general surgery. Methods: A systematic literature search of 10 consecutive years, 1998–2008, in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed. Search terms used were nutrition status, preoperative assessment, postoperative outcome, and surgery (hip or general), including their synonyms and MeSH terms. Limits used in the search were human studies, published in English, and age (65 years or older). Articles were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria. All selected articles were checked on methodology and graded. Results: Of 463 articles found, 15 were included. They showed profound heterogeneity in the parameters used for preoperative nutrition status and postoperative outcome. The only significant preoperative predictors of postoperative outcome in elderly general surgery patients were serum albumin and ≥10% weight loss in the previous 6 months. Conclusions: This systematic review revealed only 2 preoperative parameters to predict postoperative outcome in elderly general surgery patients: weight loss and serum albumin. Both are open to discussion in their use as a preoperative nutrition parameter. Nonetheless, serum albumin seems a reliable preoperative parameter to identify a patient at risk for nutrition deterioration and related complicated postoperative course.
Evidence for the Nitric Oxide Pathway as a Potential Mode of Action in Fenoldopam-induced Vascular Injury
Authors: Brott David A. , Richardson Rudy J. , Louden Calvert S.
Published: May 2012

Fenoldopam, a dopaminergic DA1 agonist, induces vasodilatation via nitric oxide (NO), and this may be associated with mesenteric arterial injury. NO is produced from the enzymatic action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is regulated by the shear-stress mediating protein caveolin-1. Profound vasodilatation and accompanied decreased shear are early events that could initiate vascular injury. Therefore, it is of interest to determine the role of caveolin-1 and the NO pathway in fenoldopam-induced vascular injury. At sites of fenoldopam-induced mesenteric arterial injury, decreased caveolin-1 expression and apoptosis were prominent immunohistochemical findings. An additional finding at these sites of injury were loss and/or reduced expression of caveolin-1 regulated structural proteins, connexin-43, (gap junction) ZO-1, and claudin (tight junctions). Because functional loss of caveolin-1 is associated with increased NOS activity and vasodilatation via NO, studies were conducted to show a NO donor produced vascular lesions in the mesenteric arteries morphologically similar to those induced by fenoldopam. Moreover, the incidence and severity of fenoldopam-induced vascular injury were reduced when an NOS inhibitor or a scavenger of NO-generated free radicals were coadministered with fenoldopam. Collectively, these data suggest that caveolin-1 and its regulated NO pathway may play an important role in vasodilatory drug-induced vascular injury.
Writing motivation of students with language impairments
Authors: Brouwer Kyle L
Published: May 2012

This study compared the writing motivation of students with language impairments (LI) and their typically developing (TD) peers. For the study 272 students (33 students with language impairments, 242 TD peers) aged 8–10 years, in 11 elementary schools, were sampled. The two groups completed self-report measures of writing motivation and 20 grade-appropriate spelling words from a standardized measure. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the hypothesis that perceived writing competence – a self-evaluative judgment of writing competence – mediates the relationship between LI status (LI or TD) and intrinsic forms of writing motivation. Statistical analyses indicated that (1) students with specific language impairments reported lower levels of perceived writing competence and intrinsic writing motivation; (2) LI status was a significant predictor of perceived competence after spelling, grade and gender were controlled; and (3) when spelling, grade and gender were controlled, perceived writing competence was a significant predictor of intrinsic writing motivation, but LI status was not. Future research is necessary to further describe external influences on the writing motivation of students with LI and appropriate motivational supports.
The geography of stupidity: From where do all the bad ideas come?
Authors: Dorling Danny
Published: May 2012

The 30-year rule governing the release of Cabinet papers means that the British people only learned of a covert 1980s policy to manage the decline of northern England in early 2012. We can only guess at what is really being said behind closed doors today. There are some clues in a series of newspaper reports published in 2012 and in the social backgrounds and professed beliefs of the current Cabinet. They point to what might be the real intention behind reforms in education, health, housing and social security.
Bullying of Mexican Immigrant Students by Mexican American Students
Authors: Mendez Julian J. , Bauman Sheri , Guillory Raphael M.
Published: May 2012

This article reports on a study using qualitative methods to investigate intracultural bullying, specifically, bullying between Mexican American (MA) and Mexican immigrant (MI) high school students. Previous research has reported specific cultural conflicts and discrimination within ethnic groups due to differences in acculturation. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this phenomenon is reflected in bullying within a high school context. In-depth interviews are conducted with 6 students from each group (MA and MI) in Grades 9 through 12 at a predominantly Hispanic public school in the state of Washington. The data reveal that bullying does occur between the two groups, with Mexican American students consistently bullying Mexican immigrant students. Two major themes emerge from the data: language barrier and superiority. There are also four themes that arise from the Mexican American student participants that were not found among the Mexican immigrant student responses. These themes are bullying cycle, isolation, alienation, and school factors. Recommendations for practice are discussed.
Trends in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Powers Ráchael A. , Kaukinen Catherine Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Research on trends in partner violence has primarily relied on official measures of victimization focusing primarily on women’s risk for intimate partner homicide. The current study uses 28 years of data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) to examine the trends of intimate partner violence against female victims and identify variation in women’s risk as a function of race and employment. Although it has been theorized that employment is correlated with the risk of intimate partner victimization for women, research has not thoroughly addressed this in a longitudinal context. In addition, research has not explored the extent to which intimate partner violence is correlated with the combined variables of race and employment. The authors find that between 1980 and the mid-2000s employment is associated with an increase in women’s risk for intimate partner violence. However, the conclusion that the rate of victimization is higher for employed women appears to be partly contingent on the victims’ race. The trend for non-White unemployed women appears to be relatively comparable to both White and non-White employed women, at least for the first 15 years of the series.
Protective effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on sodium nitroprusside–induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney
Authors: Khan MW , Priyamvada S , Khan SA , Khan S , Naqshbandi A , Yusufi ANK
Published: May 2012

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) a nitric oxide (NO) donor has proven toxic effects. Dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) has been shown to reduce the severity of numerous ailments. Present study examined whether intake of fish oil (FO)/flaxseed oil (FXO, Omega Nutrition, St Vancouver, Canada) would have protective effect against SNP-induced toxicity. Male Wistar rats (150 ± 10 g) were used in this study. Initially animals were divided into two groups: one fed on normal diet and the other on 15% FO/FXO for 15 days. On the 16th day, SNP (1.5 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days daily. After 7 days animals were killed, kidneys were harvested for further analysis. SNP induced nephrotoxicity by increasing serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, SNP significantly decreased malate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and malic enzyme but increased lactate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Brush border membrane enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and leucine amino peptidase were also decreased. The activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased concomitantly with increased lipid peroxidation, indicating that the significant kidney damage has been inflicted by SNP. Feeding of FO and FXO with SNP ameliorated the changes in various parameters caused by SNP. The results of the present study suggest that ω-3 PUFA-enriched FO and FXO from seafoods and plant sources, respectively, are similarly effective in reducing SNP-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage. Thus, vegetarians who cannot consume FO can have similar health benefits from plant-derived ω-3 PUFA.
Lung Cancer Mortality Among Women in Xuan Wei, China
Authors: Lin Hualiang , Ning Bofu , Li Jihua , Ho Suzanne C , Huss Anke , Vermeulen Roel , Tian Linwei
Published: May 2012

The identification of spatial clusters of lung cancer mortality can be a useful instrument in detecting locations with high risk of this disease. This study compared 2 methods for identifying spatial clusters of village-level women lung cancer mortality rates in Xuan Wei. One used a local indicator of spatial association to detect which groups of neighboring villages had lung cancer mortality rates that were significantly related to each other. The other was a spatial scan technique that calculated a maximum likelihood ratio of lung cancer deaths relative to the underlying population in order to identify the group of villages with relatively higher risk. As each technique based its cluster detection process on its own criteria, different clusters of villages were identified. However, the overlapping indicated that the 2 methods illustrated different components of the same clusters. These spatial analytic techniques were complementary to each other and can be used jointly rather than separately.
Voting Fluidity and Oral Argument on the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Ringsmuth Eve M. , Bryan Amanda C. , Johnson Timothy R.
Published: May 2012

Although scholars have established that oral arguments play a role in Supreme Court decision making, a fundamental question remains: can oral arguments change justices’ votes? Using data on the positions taken by Justices Blackmun and Powell prior to oral arguments, the authors seek to answer this question while implicitly addressing another: how effectively can attorneys persuade the Court during arguments dominated by justices attempting to persuade each other? The authors find that in a significant minority of cases, justices are persuaded to switch their vote as a result of oral argument and that high-quality attorneys play a central role in that persuasion.
The Association Between Childhood Maltreatment Subtypes and Current Suicide Risk Among Homeless Men and Women
Authors: Torchalla Iris , Strehlau Verena , Li Kathy , Schuetz Christian , Krausz Michael
Published: May 2012

This study explored self-reports of five childhood maltreatment (CM) subtypes and their associations with current suicide risk in a sample of 500 homeless persons. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Individual, unique, and cumulative associations of CM subtypes and subtype combinations with suicide risk (no vs. low vs. moderate/high) were examined. In multivariate analyses, four of the five CM subtypes were associated with suicide risk in individual models, but not in a model that included all CM subtypes. The strongest associations were found for reports of multitype CM involving all five subtypes. Mental disorders and female sex were independently associated with suicide risk. Clinicians working with CM victims should be aware that homeless clients are likely to report multitype maltreatment and should assess a variety of CM experiences. Future studies need to further examine multitype maltreatment and suicidal behaviors in homeless populations with complex conditions.
Evaluation of the Antihyperlipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antipyretic Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Ammi majus Seeds in Albino Rats and Mice
Authors: Koriem Khaled M. M. , Asaad Gihan F. , Megahed Hoda A. , Zahran Hanan , Arbid Mahmoud S.
Published: May 2012

Pharmacological and biochemical studies on the Ammi majus seeds L. (family Umbelliferae) grown in Egypt are limited. Furocoumarins are the major constituents in the plant seeds. In the present study, the evaluation of the antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities on albino rats and mice was done. After 2 months of administration, both the doses (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight [bwt], respectively) of the alcoholic extract of the A. majus seed result in a significant decrease in the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increase in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein. The extract was found to inhibit the rat paw edema at both the doses, which means that it exerts a significant anti-inflammatory activity compared with control-untreated groups at the intervals of 30 and 60 minutes posttreatment. The antipyretic effect of the extract was quite obvious; it showed that 100 mg/kg bwt was more potent in lowering body temperature starting after 1 hour of treatment than the lower dose (50 mg/kg bwt). It is worth to mention that the A. majus extract with its coumarin contents as well as the tested biological activities of the plant was investigated for the first time in the current study. In conclusion, ethanolic extract of the A. majus seeds had antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities that are dose dependant.
Markedness, input frequency, and the acquisition of inflection: Evidence from Basque/Spanish bilingual children
Authors: Austin Jennifer
Published: May 2012

Crosslinguistically, children begin producing the person and number features of personal pronouns in a similar order. This article explored whether the same is true of verbal agreement morphology and evaluated three potential explanatory hypotheses which could account for a universal sequence of the development of phi features: the existence of an innate feature geometry, statistical properties in the input, and the organization of verbal paradigms. I examined these hypotheses in light of data from 20 bilingual children aged 2;00–3;06 years acquiring Basque and Spanish as well as child-directed speech from four adult speakers of Basque and Spanish. The results did not fit the predictions of the feature-geometric analysis nor the frequency-driven approach. However, there is evidence of paradigm building from the children’s early errors in the production of finite verbs.
Participatory diagramming in social work research: Utilizing visual timelines to interpret the complexities of the lived multiracial experience
Authors: Jackson Kelly F.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to present an illustrative example of the analytic potential of image-based research in social work. Insight gained from a qualitative research study that used a novel form of participatory diagramming to examine the racial identity development of ten multiracial individuals is referenced and critiqued. Utilizing a critical visual methodological framework to analyze visual timelines, this article offers insight into the contextually rich and dynamic processes comprising the multiracial experience. This article concludes with an informative discussion of how visual methods support key social work values, including commitment to clients and understanding the person-in-environment, and how participatory diagramming in particular can enhance culturally sensitive and responsible research and practice with multiracial individuals.
Using Google Search Data for State Politics Research: An Empirical Validity Test Using Roll-Off Data
Authors: Reilly Shauna , Richey Sean , Taylor J. Benjamin
Published: May 2012

Google Insights for Search provides a new and rich data source for political scientists, which may be particularly useful for state politics scholars. We outline the prior uses of Google Insights for Search in social and health sciences, explain the data-generating process, and test for the first time the validity of this data for state politics research. Our empirical test of validity shows that Google searches for ballot measures' names and topics in state one week before the 2008 Presidential election correlate with actual participation on those ballot measures. This demonstrates that the more Internet searches there were for a ballot measure, the less likely voters were to rolloff (not answering the question), and establishes the construct validity for this data for one important topic in state politics research. We also outline the limitations to this data source.
Constituency Congruency and Candidate Competition in Primary Elections for the U.S. House
Authors: Carson Jamie , Crespin Michael H. , Eaves Carrie P. , Wanless Emily O.
Published: May 2012

Previous research has largely concluded that House elections have become less competitive in the modern era. Our research examines one area where we expect to observe more competition—namely, primary elections. In this article, we investigate when and where a state legislator will emerge to run in a congressional primary. All else equal, we expect that state legislators who can carry a large portion of their old state reelection constituency to the “geographic” congressional constituency will be more likely to emerge and receive a higher vote share in the election. Using geographic information systems (GIS) techniques, we are able to derive a measure of constituency congruency by focusing on the degree of intersection between state legislative and congressional districts. Our results indicate that state legislators are more likely to emerge in a primary if constituency congruency is high, especially in open seat contests. Congruency does not appear to provide an electoral advantage at the polls.
Immigration Crackdown in the American Workplace: Explaining Variation in E-Verify Policy Adoption Across the U.S. States
Authors: Newman Benjamin J. , Johnston Christopher D. , Strickland April A. , Citrin Jack
Published: May 2012

Immigration remains a powerful and recurrent feature of American politics. Of the issues related to immigration, controversy over government policy for controlling illegal immigration occupies a central position in the debate. One increasingly important and prevalent type of control policy that has received little scholarly attention is worksite employment eligibility enforcement, otherwise known as E-Verify Laws. In the present article, we analyze variation in E-Verify policy adoption across the U.S. states, approaching the topic from multiple theoretical perspectives and testing several hypotheses pertaining to policy enactment. Our analysis points to the critical role of proportionate change in a state's immigrant population, as well as the political activity of immigrant-employing industries, in leading to policy adoption. Despite the use of multiple objective indicators, we fail to find strong evidence supporting the hypothesis that economic distress within a state increases its likelihood of enacting E-Verify legislation. Overall, our analysis contributes to an underdeveloped area of immigration policy research and sheds light on an important contemporary immigration issue, while drawing broader conclusions concerning the factors influencing the emergence of anti-immigration policies more generally.
Familiar Choices: Reconsidering the Institutional Effects of the Direct Initiative
Authors: Burnett Craig M. , Kogan Vladimir
Published: May 2012

Empirical evidence suggests that voters in states with direct democracy feel better prepared to cast competent votes and that they do so at a greater rate than voters elsewhere. What causal mechanism explains why the presence of direct democracy leads to better civic citizenship and differences in political behavior? We use a survey experiment in which we randomly vary the text used to describe the policy proposals to consider one possible pathway that explains higher levels of political competence among voters in initiative states. In contrast to the focus on campaign mobilization in the existing literature, we rely on insights from consumer decision theory to derive testable hypotheses about voter behavior. We find evidence that voters in initiative states approach political campaigns in a fundamentally different way than voters in noninitiative states. In particular, we show that individuals in initiative states are less susceptible to framing effects—in our experiment, strategic efforts to craft a ballot measure's title and summary.
Effects of Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Subacute Stroke Patients
Authors: Chang Won Hyuk , Kim Min Su , Huh Jung Phil , Lee Peter K. W. , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: May 2012

Background. Robot-assisted gait training has the potential to improve cardiopulmonary fitness after stroke, even for patients who are in the early stages of recovery and not independent ambulators. The authors compared the effects of robot-assisted gait training and conventional physical therapy on cardiopulmonary fitness. Methods. A prospective single-blinded, randomized controlled study of 37 patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation was performed within 1 month after stroke onset. The robot-assisted gait training group (n = 20) received 40 minutes of gait training with Lokomat and 60 minutes of conventional physical therapy each day, whereas the control group (n = 17) received 100 minutes of conventional physical therapy daily. Using a semirecumbent cycle ergometer, changes in cardiopulmonary fitness were investigated using incremental exercise testing. Motor and gait functional recovery was measured according to changes in the lower-extremity score of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA-L), leg score of the Motricity Index (MI-L), and the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). Results. Compared with the control group, the robot group showed 12.8% improvement in peak VO2 after training ( P < .05). Compared with the control group, the robot group also improved in FMA-L score ( P < .05). Conclusion. Patients can be trained to increase their VO2 and lower-extremity strength using a robotic device for stepping during inpatient rehabilitation. This training has the potential to improve cardiopulmonary fitness in patients who are not yet independent ambulators, but that may require more than 2 weeks of continued, progressive training.
Healers and Helpers, Unifying the People
Authors: Gambrell Kem M. , Fritz Susan M.
Published: May 2012

Previously, scholars have implied that leadership theory is “universal” enough and can be applied systematically regardless of cultural influences in subcultures. Leadership research has limited its scope of discernment to dominant society, implying that nonmainstream individuals will acquiesce and that cultural differences are inconsequential. Therefore, the intention of this study was to address the disparity between current leadership theories and a subgroup perspective. Specifically, this study explored leadership from a Lakota Sioux perspective. In this qualitative grounded theory study, six major and five minor themes surfaced: Traditional Values and Behaviors, Putting Others First, Lakota Leadership Qualities (Men, Women, and Fallen Leaders), The Red Road, Nation Building (“Real” Natives and Bicultural), and Barriers. These findings reveal that Lakota leadership is not elucidated by current theory. Thus, to effectively illustrate leadership, researchers should broaden contextual aspects to include subcultures.
‘Walking a tight rope’: an investigation of nurse managers’ work stressors and coping experiences
Authors: Udod Sonia A. , Care W. Dean
Published: May 2012

Competing demands and a nursing shortage have contributed to a managerial workforce that is overworked and a health care environment that is under constant tension. The short supply and high turnover of manager positions, upwards of 30% in some regions in Canada, have contributed to an unstable work environment. The aim of this study examined the stress experiences and coping strategies of nurse managers in an acute care setting. Semi-structured interviews of five nurse managers were included in this pilot study. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed text. Six descriptive themes related to work stressors were identified: fiscal responsibilities, inadequate human resources, managing others, intrapersonal distress, middle management role and competing priorities. Three descriptive themes related to coping strategies were identified: peer and superior support, cognitive coping strategies and social and personal strategies. Findings indicate that coping mechanisms lessened the work stressors experienced by managers, but it was not always evident managers felt confident in their ability to cope effectively. Senior nurse leaders play an integral role in assuming responsibility for equipping managers with appropriate preparation and support to facilitate their success and to enhance the attractiveness of the manager role to potential recruits.
Legitimizing Ruptures of Development Trajectories
Authors: Song Yunya , Chang Tsan-Kuo
Published: May 2012

Although the Communist Party of China has based its economic claims to legitimacy on its ability to raise individual living standards, the state’s earlier approach to encouraging some people to get rich first was rendered problematic after continual ruptures in the rural economy. Through both quantitative and qualitative analyses, this study seeks to unravel the interplay between the state and media in China’s march toward modernization by examining coverage of rural development in People’s Daily (PD). From 1997 to 2006, China’s central party organ reported an enormous increase in the central officials’ efforts to boost the rural income, but highlighted in a hierarchical way their responsiveness according to the logics of period, region, and the task. In its assessment of rural anomalies, the responsibility was devolved to local bureaucracies, hence shifting the blame away from the central authority. A discourse analysis showed the PD stuck to a contour of economic developmentalism that upheld information and technology as the panacea, and perpetuated the state’s redistributive role as the key to social equality. As such, the overtly propagandist rhetoric has been increasingly giving way to a coherent set of framing practices that rationalize the centrality of the party-state in China.
Surgical Treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum
Authors: Smith Matthew V. , Bedi Asheesh , Chen Neal C.
Published: May 2012

Context:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is most often seen in adolescents who participate in sports that involve repetitive loading of the elbow. Unstable defects typically require surgical intervention that involves fragment fixation, debridement, or reconstruction with an osteochondral autograft transfer. Optimum surgical management of unstable defects remains controversial.

Type of Study:

Clinical review.

Evidence Acquisition:

Relevant articles published after 1992 were identified using MEDLINE, the EMBASE database, and the Cochrane Library.

Results:

Both debridement and osteochondral autograft transfer for treatment of capitellar OCD lesions result in good short- and midterm outcomes with a high rate of return to sports. Larger defects involving more than 50% of the articular surface or involving the lateral margin of the capitellum may have worse outcomes after debridement and may be better treated with fragment fixation or osteochondral autograft transfer.

Conclusions:

High-level evidence is lacking to determine the superiority of debridement or osteochondral autograft transfer for the treatment of capitellar OCD lesions. A prospective longitudinal multicenter study, using validated outcome measures, that enrolls a large number of patients is needed to establish optimal treatment for unstable capitellar OCD lesions.
Treatment of SIV-infected sooty mangabeys with a type-I IFN agonist results in decreased virus replication without inducing hyperimmune activation
Authors: Vanderford Thomas H. , Slichter Chloe , Rogers Kenneth A. , Lawson Benton O. , Obaede Rend , Else James , Villinger Francois , Bosinger Steven E. , Silvestri Guido
Published: May 2012

A key feature differentiating nonpathogenic SIV infection of sooty mangabeys (SMs) from pathogenic HIV/SIV infections is the rapid resolution of type I IFN (IFN-I) responses and IFN-stimulated gene expression during the acute-to-chronic phase transition and the establishment of an immune quiescent state that persists throughout the chronic infection. We hypothesized that low levels of IFN-I signaling may help to prevent chronic immune activation and disease progression in SIV-infected SMs. To assess the effects of IFN-I signaling in this setting, in the present study, we administered recombinant rhesus macaque IFNα2-IgFc (rmIFNα2) to 8 naturally SIV-infected SMs weekly for 16 weeks. Gene-expression profiling revealed a strong up-regulation of IFN-stimulated genes in the blood of treated animals, confirming the reagent's bioactivity. Interestingly, we observed an approximately 1-log decrease in viral load that persisted through day 35 of treatment. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytes in the blood, lymph nodes, and rectal biopsies did not reveal a significant decline of CD4+ T cells, a robust increase in lymphocyte activation, or change in the level of SIV-specific CD8+ T cells. The results of the present study indicate that administration of type I IFNs in SIV-infected SMs induces a significant anti-viral effect that is not associated with a detectable increase in chronic immune activation.