bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity optimization of hydropower storage projects using particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Mousavi S. Jamshid , Shourian M.
Published: March 2010

A mixed integer optimization model is formulated for capacity optimization of a hydropower storage project with control on reliability of meeting the project's firm energy yield. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used as the optimization algorithm, in which the method of sequential streamflow routing is called for objective function evaluations. Two types of problems are studied. The first one is an optimal design problem, in which the reservoir's normal and minimum operating levels as well as the powerplant's production capacity are optimized while reservoir releases are determined using a predefined operating policy. Two models are presented for this problem. In the first one (model A1), the normal and minimum operating levels are considered as the PSO decision variables, whereas the production capacity is iteratively adjusted in the simulation model. In the second model (model A2), the production capacity is also searched for by the PSO and the reliability constraint on meeting the system's energy yield is satisfied using a penalty approach. In the second problem, reservoir releases as operational variables are also optimized by considering either the unknown parameters of linear release rules (model B1) or reservoir releases (model B2) as the PSO decision variables. The proposed models are employed for optimal design and operation of the Bakhtiari Hydropower Dam project in Iran. Results indicate that the PSO algorithm is capable of finding good solutions for the models explained while LINGO software employing gradient-based optimization techniques fails to solve the problems. Moreover, the system's performance is much more affected by optimizing the design variables than the operational ones, unless greater penalties are assigned to severe energy deficits.
Improving flood forecasting in Bangladesh using an artificial neural network
Authors: Islam A. S.
Published: March 2010

A river stage neural network model has been developed to study and predict the water level of Dhaka city. A total of five stations located at the border area of Bangladesh on the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers are selected as input nodes and Dhaka on the Buriganga river is the output node for the neural network. This model is trained with river stage data for a period of 1998 to 2004 and validated with data from 2005 to 2007. The river stage of Dhaka has been predicted for up to ten days with very high accuracy. Values of R2, root mean square and mean absolute error are found ranging from 0.537 to 0.968, 0.607 m to 0.206 m and 0.475 m to 0.154 m, respectively, during training and validation of the model. The results of this study can be useful for real-time flood forecasting by reducing computational time, improving water resources management and reducing the unnecessary cost of field data collection.
Removal of humic substances using solar irradiation followed by granular activated carbon adsorption
Authors: Liu X. , Fitzpatrick C. S. B.
Published: March 2010

This study proposed a new method using freely available sunlight and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption for enhanced removal of humic substances (HS). Experiments were carried out under natural sunlight conditions in winter and summer. A parabolic solar collector (PC) was applied to concentrate solar energy. HS were characterized by UV254 absorbance, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and molecular weight (MW). As a result of solar irradiation, decreases of DOC up to 14% in winter and 58% in summer were observed. A comparison of adsorption isotherms and chromatograms of the irradiated and non-irradiated HS confirmed that smaller molecules formed during solar irradiation were preferentially adsorbed by GAC. A dramatic MW change upon solar irradiation was observed in HS irradiation in PC in summer experiment and almost no UV254 detected components were remaining in solution after adsorption (GAC dose 400 mg/L), as measured with high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). The combined solar irradiation-GAC adsorption method proved to be effective in enhancing HS removal by GAC with no additional energy and chemicals consumption.
Ultraviolet irradiation combined with manganese ore catalyzed ozonation of 4-chlorophenol in aqueous solution
Authors: Fu Jie , Chen Guo , Yang Ying , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Zeng Qing-Fu , An Shu-Qing , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: March 2010

We have investigated ultraviolet (UV) irradiation combined with manganese ore (MO) catalyzed ozonation of 4-cholorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous solution. The preliminary results showed UV irradiation and MO had a strong synergetic catalytic effect on ozonation. We also studied the effect of UV lamp power, MO dosage, O3 dosage, initial 4-CP concentration, pH value and temperature. The results showed that high pressure mercury lamp (HPML) was more favorable for the degradation of 4-CP than low pressure mercury lamp (LPML). The optimal MO and O3 dosages were 2 g/L and 2 g/h respectively. When the 4-CP concentration was over 15 mg/L, the decrease of degradation efficiency accelerated. The acid condition was favorable for the degradation of 4-CP by UV/MO/O3. The reaction temperature could not be over 50°C. Through the mechanism discussion, we found that Mn2 +  was the most important species to catalyze the ozonation. In addition, UV irradiation could also accelerate the degradation by promoting the production of ∙OH.
Effect of advanced oxidation processes on nonylphenol removal with respect to chlorination in drinking water treatment
Authors: Mosteo R. , Miguel N. , Ormad Maria P. , Ovelleiro J. L.
Published: March 2010

Any nonylphenol compounds found in water have to be removed since they are endocrine disruptors. In this study, natural water from the river Ebro fortified with nonylphenol compounds (4n-nonylphenol and technical nonylphenol) is used as a sample in order to simulate a real situation in drinking water treatment plants. The aim is to compare conventional disinfection with advanced oxidation processes (O3, O3/H2O2, O3/TiO2 and O3/H2O2/TiO2) used for the removal of nonylphenol compounds present in natural water. Furthermore, a study is carried out of the by-products (THMs) generated as a consequence of the presence of natural organic matter. Preoxidation by chlorine completely oxidizes 4n-nonylphenol and technical nonylphenol. It can be seen that the best of the advanced oxidation processes is the O3/H2O2, achieving an average oxidation of 55%, although the differences among the processes were not very significant. Furthermore, the use of post-chlorination guarantees the total removal of nonylphenol compounds.
Fabrication of catalytic ceramic membranes for water filtration
Authors: Davies S. H. , Baumann M. J. , Byun S. , Corneal L. M. , Tarabara V. V. , Masten S. J.
Published: March 2010

The paper describes the use of the layer-by-layer technique to coat ceramic membranes with iron and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The coatings are thin (<50 nm) and relatively uniform. These coatings enhance the performance of the hybrid ozonation-filtration process. With the coated membranes it is possible to significantly reduce fouling, improve the removal of DBP precursors and more effectively kill Escherichia coli bacteria.
Inhibition of Cytokine Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Production in Monocyte/Macrophage-Like Cells by Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables and Chondroitin Sulfate
Authors: Grzanna Mark W , Ownby Stacy L , Heinecke Lowella F , Au Angela Y , Frondoza Carmelita G
Published: March 2010

Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation and increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Macrophage-like cells in synovial tissue produce these mediators which induce degradative enzymes that break down cartilage. We determined whether avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) can inhibit cytokine expression and PGE2 production using monocyte/macrophage-like cell models. Cells were incubated for 24 hours with either control media alone, ASU alone (NMX1000; 8.3 ?g/ml), CS alone (TRH122; 20 ?g/ml), or a combination of both preparations. Cells were activated with cytokines or lipopolysaccharide for 1 or 24 hours to determine cytokine gene expression by RT-PCR and PGE2 production by immunoassay, respectively. In response to activation, THP-1 cells exhibited increased expression of TNF-? and IL-1?, while RAW cells increased synthesis of PGE2. Cytokine expression and PGE2 synthesis were significantly decreased by the combination of ASU and CS compared to the individual treatments alone (P<0.05). Our finding supports the potential of the ASU and CS combination to suppress the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators in the joint.
Central Nervous System Activity of Acute Administration of Latex Proteins from Calotropis procera in Mice
Authors: Lima Raquel , Lima Natália , Chaves Edna , Leal Luzia , Patrocínio Manoel , Lobato Rodrigo , Ramos Márcio , Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço , Carvalho Krishnamurti , Vasconcelos Silvânia
Published: March 2010

Relevant properties have been detected in protein fraction (LP) isolated from latex of Calotropis procera. In order to best characterize LP potentiality, this work describes some effects of LP on central nervous system (CNS). Three models were performed: elevated plus maze (EPM), open field (OF), and hole-board (HB) tests. LP was administered intraperitoneally to male mice. To assess the probable action mechanism, drugs acting on glutamatergic (ketamine, i.p.), gabaergic (diazepam and flumazenil, i.p.) and dopaminergic (haloperidol, i.p.) systems were used on OF. Decreases in the number of entries in the open and closed arms of EPM were observed at 100 mg/kg and this effect may be due to the reduction in the locomotor activity previously observed. A reduction in locomotor activity was observed in animals which received LP 50 and 100 mg/kg. There was a decrease in rearing at all doses; a reduction in grooming was seen only at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Ketamine reversed the effects of LP, and haloperidol reinforced the hypolocomotor effects of LP. In HB, there was a decrease in the number of head dips after LP 100 mg/kg; such effect may also be due to the reduction of the locomotor activity. The results suggest that LP from C. procera have depressant effects on the CNS, but do not present any anxiolytic effect. These effects may reflect a dopaminergic action. The active doses were considerably higher than those observed for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities described in the literature.
The Impact of Inspections on Plant-Level Air Emissions
Authors: Hanna Rema Nadeem , Oliva Paulina
Published: March 2010

Each year, the United States conducts approximately 20,000 inspections of manufacturing plants under the Clean Air Act. This paper compiles a panel dataset on plant-level inspections, fines, and emissions to understand whether these inspections actually reduce air emissions. We find plants reduce air emissions by fifteen percent, on average, following an inspection under the Clean Air Act. Plants that belong to industries that typically have low abatement costs respond more strongly to an inspection than those who belong to industries with high abatement costs.
Minimum Resale Price Maintenance: Some Empirical Evidence from Maryland
Authors: Bailey Elizabeth M , Leonard Gregory K
Published: March 2010

On October 1, 2009, the State of Maryland enacted a statute that prohibits the use of minimum resale price maintenance (RPM). This was in response to the Supreme Court's 2007 Leegin decision that held that RPM should be evaluated under the rule of reason rather than be considered per se illegal. The Maryland statute provides a natural experiment that can be used to analyze the effect of RPM on retail prices. We analyze the effect of the statute on video game prices in Maryland. Video games were used for this analysis because video game manufacturers have been known to impose RPM. Employing a difference-in-differences approach, we find no effect of the Maryland statute on video game prices.
Radiologic manifestation of primary pleural tumors
Authors: Stevic R. , Jovanovic D. , Mandaric D. , Pesut D. , Masulovic D. , Stosic-Opincal T.L. , Adzic T. , Vasic N.
Published: March 2010

Objectives: To show the radiological manifestations of primary pleural tumors. Patients and methods: we carried out a retrospective analysis of radiological findings in 62 patients with primary malignant tumor of pleura. Results: Study included 39 male and 23 female patients. Malignant tumors were present in 92.7% of the patients and benign ones in 7.2%. The most common malignant tumor was mesothelioma (85.4%), and solitary fibrous tumor prevailed among benign tumors (9.7%). Diffuse malignant mesothelioma manifested on computed tomography (CT) as a pleural thickening and effusion in 67.4% of the patients, tumors and effusion in11.7%, and only as an effusion in 9.8% cases. Thickening of the pleura appeared diffuse in 54% of patients and most often it had nodular pattern. Both localized malignant and all benign tumors presented as tumor-like changes with the signs of necrosis in 50%. Conclusion: The imaging methods have a key role in the diagnosis of pleural tumors. CT shows different morphologic features of pleural lesions that have been established as a useful tool for differentiating malignant from benign disease. However, magnetic resonance is preferred imaging method for assessing the extent and resectability of pleural tumors.
Solving of complications arising during and after application self-expandible metalic stents in palliation of malignant disphagia
Authors: Saranovic Dj.Z. , Djuric-Stefanovic A. , Ivanovic A.M. , Masulovic D.M. , Lazic Lj.R. , Markovic Z.R. , Pesko P.M.
Published: March 2010

Introduction: During palliative treatment of malignant disphagia in inoperabile patients various and serious complications may occur and compromite the method of treatment if there were not solved. Aim: Goal is to present the most frequent complications due to esophageal stenting and the wayof their solving. Materials and method: From 1996. to 2009. in 237 patients ( 164 esophageal carcinoma, 33carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction, 14 bronchial carcinoma, 7 esophagojejunal anastomosis, 9 esophageal fistulas) 245 stents have been placed (54 uncovered and 191 covered). Mean survival period was 14,7 months (ranged from 1 do 33 months). Esophageal perforation (1), stent migration (9), malignant tissue ingrowth (31) and overgrowth (24) have been revealed by barium contrast study during follow up. Perforation was solved by placing covered stent, migration by removing migrated stent endoscopically or surgically, in growth and overgrowth by balon dilating or restenting under the fluoroscopically guidance and control. Conclusion: One can expect and recognize complications regarding esophageal stenting because it is the only way for their successful treatment.
Ekstrakorporalni perkutani bilijarno-gastricni 'by pass' kod bolesnika sa ireverzibilnom holestazom maligne etiologije
Authors: Markovic Z. , Masulovic D. , Mladenovic A. , Anojcic P.
Published: March 2010

Authors present rarely and unusual original methods for billiary drainage type as combination of exsternal drainage and percutaneus gastrostomy. Method used in four patients with irreversibile obstruction during the last 3 years in Inteventional Radiology Dept. Clinical Center of Serbia. In all cases we have satisfactory results with survival time of about 30 days.
Management of painful spinal lesions caused by multiple myeloma using percutaneous acrylic cement injection
Authors: Bosnjakovic P. , Ristic S. , Mrvic M. , Miljkovic A.E. , Vukicevic T. , Marjanovic G. , Macukanovic-Golubovic L.
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Spinal lesions with marked destruction are common site of morbidity in patients with multiple myeloma causing serious clinical symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in treating vertebral body lesions in patients suffering from multiple myeloma. Materials and methods: Twenty nine patients (55 vertebral bodies) were treated after complete diagnostic evaluation, preparation and obtaining informed consent. Needle position and acrylic material injection was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Results: Average visual analogue score dropped from 7.8 before to 2.3 after the intervention. Soft tissue leak was present at 9 treated levels, small epidural cement collection at 5, venous leak at 4 and intradiscal leak at 3 levels without any clinically manifest complications. The effects of PVP were stable in all of the patients at 12 months follow-up. Subjective outcome scores collected through follow-up showed improvement of +1.45 in pain, + 1.15 in ambulation and + 1.23 in medication use. There were recurrence of back pain in 9 patients at non-treated levels due to the new lesions. Conclusion: In our series, PVP of painful lesions caused by multiple myeloma provides immediate and long-term pain relief. The procedure is safe and, despite of the present leakage of cement, may be performed on outpatients basis.
Conventional conformal radiotherapy vs intracavitary brachytherapy for the adjuvant postoperative treatment of cervical cancer: A comparative dosimetric study
Authors: Milosevic N.T. , Dabic-Stankovic K.M. , Stankovic J.B. , Mileusnic D.S.
Published: March 2010

Objectives. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in the adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy of the vaginal cuff and upper third of present vaginal tissue. Methods. The representative patient (FIGO IB; PH: squamous cell carcinoma) was referred for adjuvant post-hysterectomy radiotherapy. A whole pelvis irradiation with concomitant high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) was applied. HDR-ICBT total dose of 24 Gy in four fractions/one fraction per week was delivered to the vaginal cuff using two Fletcher-Suit ovoids. The feasibility of change from HDR-ICBT to CRT was evaluated by generating of three different plans using 10 MV photon beams shaped by multileaf collimator. Results and discussion. The referent volume received HDR-ICBT prescribed dose. The maximum ICBT percentage dose to the rectum and urinary bladder was 101% and 106% respectively. In all 3D-CRT plans almost 100% of planning target volume (PTV) was covered by 95% therapy isodose surface. From 12 - 13% of the rectum and 1-3% urinary bladder volume were covered by 100% isodose surface, with the highest maximum dose of 104% and 101%, respectively. Comparison of the PTV dose coverage and the maximum dose to the rectum and urinary bladder for HDR-ICBT and 3D-CRT plans showed no major difference. Conclusion. 3D-CRT could be considered as adequate replacement for ICBT in the adjuvant postoperative treatment of the vaginal cuff and upper third of present vaginal tissue. Time-dose-fractionation pattern for HDR-ICBT may be safely applied for 3D-CRT.
Radiation release characterization of PWR spent fuel assemblies generated from Korean nuclear power plants
Authors: Moon Hyun
Published: March 2010

Spent nuclear fuel should be kept under safe management until it is disposed of permanently. Because of this, it is important to understand its radiation release characteristics. In this paper, the Monte Carlo method is applied to evaluate the radiation release characteristics of two types of PWR spent fuel assembly generated from the operating plants in Korea: Westinghouse and Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant. The source terms were calculated using ORIGEN-ARP. The neutron and photon (or gamma) dose distributions along the vertical and horizontal directions of each spent fuel assembly were evaluated using MCNPX code. Compared with the two dose distributions, the photon dose was found to be about 105 times higher than the neutron dose.
Professionalising the Early Childhood Workforce in England: Work in Progress or Missed Opportunity?
Authors: Lloyd Eva , Hallet Elaine
Published: March 2010

This article considers policies and strategies employed to professionalise the early childhood workforce in England since the Labour government took office in 1997. The term ‘professionalisation’ is associated here with moves towards creating a graduate early years workforce, which could have implications for training, pay and employment conditions, the specific body of knowledge and the professional identity of early years practitioners. The new status of Early Years Professional is explored, which has its legal underpinning in the 2006 Childcare Act. The discussion is informed empirically by the views of a small sample of practitioners training as Early Years Professionals. It is argued that the concept of professionalism applied here does not meet the criteria employed within sociological theories of the professions. It also contrasts with that of other professions working with young children, such as qualified teachers and social workers. Finally, it conflicts with early years practitioners' own views on their professional identity. This process could therefore be regarded as representing a missed opportunity in professionalising the role of early years practitioners in England, but instead it is viewed as a work in progress, in the light of evidence for early years practitioners' professional attitudes and commitment.
We Cannot Continue as We Are: The Educator in an Education for Survival
Authors: Moss Peter
Published: March 2010

The article takes a broad view, locating discussion about the early years educator in a wider debate about the future of the educator at a time of great crisis, when even the future of our species is in question. The state we are in calls for fundamental review of the purposes and concept of education and, therefore, the values, qualities and practices needed of all educators. The article reflects on these subjects, proposing an education for survival, democracy and flourishing, and a concept of education in its broadest sense, implying an educator capable of working with diversity and democracy, an ethics of care and encounter, an attitude of research and experimentation, and pedagogical approaches to match. The article ends with several linked questions. We need well-educated educators, but what do we gain by the focus on ‘professionalism’? Should our focus be on education and the educator: the purpose of the former and the requirements of the latter? If we talk about ‘professionalism’, does that not risk diverting us from the real task in hand, an education and educators able to respond to the crisis facing us? Might we not end up reconceptualising the concept of professionalism so much to accommodate what is important, such as the idea of multiple knowledges and democratic practice, that we render the concept meaningless?
Student Eligibility for a Free Lunch as an SES Measure in Education Research
Authors: Harwell Michael , LeBeau Brandon
Published: March 2010

The use of eligibility for a free lunch as a measure of a student’s socioeconomic status continues to be a fixture of quantitative education research. Despite its popularity, it is unclear that education researchers are familiar with what student eligibility for a free lunch does (and does not) represent. The authors examine the National School Lunch Program, which is responsible for certifying students as eligible for a free lunch, and conclude that free lunch eligibility is a poor measure of socioeconomic status, which suffers from important deficiencies that can bias inferences. A table characterizing key strengths and weaknesses of variables used as measures of socioeconomic status is provided to facilitate comparisons.
Does slice thickness affect diagnostic performance of 64-slice CT coronary angiography in stable and unstable angina patients with a positive calcium score?
Authors: Meijs Matthijs F.L. , de Vries Jan J.J. , Rutten Annemarieke , Budde Ricardo P.J. , de Vos Alexander M , Meijboom W. Bob , Cramer Maarten J. , de Feyter Pim J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Prokop Mathias
Published: March 2010

Background: Coronary calcification can lead to over-estimation of the degree of coronary stenosis.

Purpose: To evaluate whether thinner reconstruction thickness improves the diagnostic performance of 64-slice CT coronary angiography (CTCA) in angina patients with a positive calcium score.

Material and Methods: We selected 20 scans from a clinical study comparing CTCA to conventional coronary angiography (CCA) in stable and unstable angina patients based on a low number of motion artifacts and a positive calcium score. All images were acquired at 64×0.625 mm and each CTCA scan was reconstructed at slice thickness/increment 0.67 mm/0.33 mm, 0.9 mm/0.45 mm, and 1.4 mm/0.7 mm. Two reviewers blinded for CCA results independently evaluated the scans for the presence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in three randomly composed series, with ≥2 weeks in between series. The diagnostic performance of CTCA was compared for the different slice thicknesses using a pooled analysis of both reviewers. Significant CAD was defined as >50% diameter narrowing on quantitative CCA. Image noise (standard deviation of CT numbers) was measured in all scans. Inter-observer variability was assessed with kappa.

Results: Significant CAD was present in 8% of 304 available segments. Median total Agatston calcium score was 181.8 (interquartile range 34.9–815.6). Sensitivity at 0.67 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1.4 mm slice thickness was 70% (95% confidence interval 57–83%), 74% (62–86%), and 70% (57–83%), respectively. Specificity was 85% (82–88%), 84% (81–87%), and 84% (81–87%), respectively. The positive predictive value was 30 (21–38%), 29 (21–37%), and 28 (20–36%), respectively. The negative predictive value was 97% (95–98%), 97% (96–99%), and 97% (96–99%), respectively. Kappa for inter-observer agreement was 0.56, 0.58, and 0.59. Noise decreased from 32.9 HU at 0.67 mm, to 23.2 HU at 1.4 mm ( P<0.001).

Conclusion: Diagnostic performance of CTCA in angina patients with a positive calcium score was not markedly affected by modest variations in reconstruction slice thickness.
Much of Politics Is Still Local: Multi‐State Lobbying in State Interest Communities
Authors: WOLAK JENNIFER , NEWMARK ADAM J. , MCNOLDY TODD , LOWERY DAVID , GRAY VIRGINIA
Published: March 2010

Abstract We explore the nationalization of state lobbying communities by examining all lobbying registrations held by organizations in the 50 states in 1997, with special attention given to the frequency of multi‐state registrations. Following discussion of the meanings and sources of nationalization among state interest communities, we develop and analyze several measures of the level of localism, examining what factors drive variation in multiple state registrations across group types and states. Finally, we discuss the substantive and measurement implications of the nationalization of state interest communities. Our findings identify an interesting paradox of interest representation before state legislatures: although lobbying responses and techniques may have become more nationalized, the composition of state interest communities remains predominantly local.
The Role of Investigative Committees in the Presidential Impeachment Processes in Brazil and Colombia
Authors: KADA NAOKO
Published: March 2010

One of the most important political debates today regards how to design institutions to ensure the accountability of public officials. The impeachment process is one mechanism of accountability check available to legislatures. It is, however, susceptible to misuse. What determines how the impeachment process functions? In this paper, I argue that control of information by congressional investigation committees is a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of the impeachment process. I show how the difference in information control by the investigative committees in Brazil and Colombia contributed to the removal of a president in one country and a president's acquittal in the other.
Sources of Competition in State Legislative Primary Elections
Authors: HOGAN ROBERT E.
Published: March 2010

Primaries are an important but understudied component of American elections. In this article, I examine competition in state legislative primaries across 25 states during the 1994 and 1996 election cycles. My findings indicate that competition varies greatly and is affected by a number of factors on the state and district levels. The presence of an incumbent reduces competition, but strong district support for a party leads to greater competition in that party's primaries. Population size and social diversity do little to affect competition, but urbanism and unified party control have a positive impact. Further, legislative professionalism is associated with greater competition, particularly in open‐seat races. Overall, the results have important implications for theories about the conditions that enhance or inhibit competition across different types of elections.
Modeling Supreme Court Strategic Decision Making: The Congressional Constraint
Authors: BERGARA MARIO , RICHMAN BARAK , SPILLER PABLO T.
Published: March 2010

This paper addresses the contradictory results obtained by Segal (1997) and Spiller and Gely (1992) concerning the impact of institutional constraints on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision making. By adapting the Spiller and Gely maximum likelihood model to the Segal dataset, we find support for the hypothesis that the Court adjusts its decisions to presidential and congressional preferences. Data from 1947 to 1992 indicate that the average probability of the Court being constrained has been approximately one‐third. Further, we show that the results obtained by Segal are the product of biases introduced by a misspecified econometric model. We also discuss how our estimation highlights the usefulness of Krehbiel's model of legislative decision making.
An Ambition‐Theoretic Approach to Legislative Organizational Choice
Authors: BATTISTA JAMES S. COLEMAN
Published: March 2010

Understanding legislative organization requires that we understand internal institutional choice; we must be able to describe and predict variation in internal structures across legislatures rather than simply explain a given structure. Currently, models that would enable us to do so are largely unavailable. This article offers a more general model, based on a variant of ambition theory, with the explicit purpose of examining variation in internal organization rather than a particular structure. Theoretical results indicate that legislators' strategic preferences over structures will fall into distinct and opposed types. This finding implies that legislatures themselves should fall into the same types and that structures, rules, and norms should appear in organized, relatively coherent bundles linked to varying legislator types.
Out in the Open: The Emergence of Viva Voce Voting in House Speakership Elections
Authors: JENKINS JEFFERY A. , STEWART CHARLES
Published: March 2010

We examine the internal politics that preceded the House adoption in 1839 of viva voce (voice) voting for Speaker and other House officers. First, we find that the struggles over the rule's adoption actually centered on the election of the House Printer. These struggles were tied to attempts by the two major parties to establish effective newspaper networks to assist in national political campaigns. Democrats generally favored public election of House officers, whereas Whigs generally opposed. In the short term, the change to public voting for Speaker and other House officers had the expected effect of instilling greater partisan regularity among House members. As sectional divisions grew in the nation at large, however, the public election of the Speaker made it increasingly difficult for House leaders to forge the transregional coalitions necessary to organize the House.
Gender Turnover and Roll‐Call Voting in the U.S. House of Representatives
Authors: SCHWINDT‐BAYER LESLIE A. , CORBETTA RENATO
Published: March 2010

A number of studies suggest that the gender of a legislator affects his or her congressional ideology. We argue that these studies may have produced misleading results because of insufficient controls for constituency influences. To better account for constituency effects, we use a longitudinal research design based on electoral turnover, which holds constituency constant while allowing gender and party to vary. We apply ordinary least squares regression to data from the 103d, 104th, and 105th Houses of Representatives and estimate the effect of gender turnover on changes in DW‐NOMINATE roll‐call voting scores. We find that, when we sufficiently control for both party and constituency influences, gender is not a determinant of the liberalness of a representative's roll‐call voting behavior.
Production Assets, News Opportunities, and Publicity for Legislators: A Study of Israeli Knesset Members
Authors: SHEAFER TAMIR , WOLFSFELD GADI
Published: March 2010

This study proposes a number of theoretical and methodological innovations in an attempt to better understand how legislators compete for media coverage. We make a distinction between those variables that determine the potential newsworthiness of a legislature (production assets) and those that are related to the political and media environment in which the legislators operate (news opportunities). We then put forth five hypotheses and test them by examining the political standing, charismatic communication skills, and radio exposure of 54 members of the Israeli Knesset. The results confirm that political standing and charismatic communication skills are important predictors of media exposure and that the relative importance of these factors changes during different political seasons.
Legislative Research Reports
Authors: AHUJA SUNIL
Published: March 2010

The papers abstracted below were presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, held in Washington, DC.
Religion in the Legislative Arena: Affiliation, Salience, Advocacy, and Public Policymaking
Authors: YAMANE DAVID , OLDMIXON ELIZABETH A.
Published: March 2010

Religion is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that informs politics in various ways. This article examines the effects of religious affiliation, religious salience, and religious group advocacy on roll‐call voting in the Wisconsin state legislature. Various studies have demonstrated the impact of religious affiliation on legislative politics, but our use of additional religious indicators allows us to model the religious effect in a more accurate and nuanced manner. Using data from an original survey of state legislators, we utilized structural equation modeling to measure the direct and indirect effects of these religious factors on both the general pattern of roll‐call voting and voting on a high‐salience issue, abortion. Ultimately, the findings indicate that, even when we control for political party affiliation, which is a dominant influence on roll‐call voting, conservative Protestant religious affiliation and high religious salience influence legislative voting. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for future studies of religion in the legislative arena.
Parties and Institutional Choice Revisited
Authors: BINDER SARAH A.
Published: March 2010

Scholars of institutional change in Congress offer competing theoretical accounts of the accrual of procedural rights by House majority parties. One camp posits that the interests and capacities of political parties drive procedural change that affects agenda control. An alternative perspective offers a nonpartisan, median‐voter account. I explore these two accounts, survey challenges involved in testing them, and determine the fit of the accounts to the history of procedural change in the House. I find that no single perspective accounts best for the pattern of rule changes affecting agenda control and that the median‐voter model may be time‐bound to the twentieth century—after partisan majorities had constructed the core partisan procedural regime of the House.
Black Political Representation: An Examination of Legislative Activity Within U.S. House Committees
Authors: GAMBLE KATRINA L.
Published: March 2010

How minority legislators influence policy development in Congress remains a relevant question for those interested in race and political representation. This article addresses this question using evidence from participation in committee work—a vantage point that has received minimal attention in scholarship on black political representation. I interpret racial differences in participation in House committees across a range of policy areas, demonstrating that black members participate at higher rates within committees than whites on both black interest and nonracial bills. The results suggest that race has a substantive effect on members' policy priorities and their legislative activity within committees.
Descriptive Representation, District Demography, and Attitudes toward Congress Among African Americans
Authors: BRUNELL THOMAS L. , ANDERSON CHRISTOPHER J. , CREMONA RACHEL K.
Published: March 2010

We examined the effects of subjective and objective descriptive representation and district demography on African Americans' attitudes toward their member of Congress and the U.S. Congress as an institution. We investigated whether or not African Americans in more‐racially homogeneous districts differ in their attitudes from counterparts in districts with fewer African Americans. We also studied the effects of descriptive representation and district demography to determine if these effects are contingent on voters' perceptions of descriptive representation. We found that living in a district with a higher proportion of blacks enhances African American voters' feelings toward their representative and marginally elevates these voters' evaluations of Congress. This effect is mediated, however, by the election of a black representative to Congress.
In Search of Killer Amendments In the Modern U.S. House
Authors: FINOCCHIARO CHARLES J. , JENKINS JEFFERY A.
Published: March 2010

Numerous studies have examined the incidence of killer amendments in Congress, but most of these studies have been either case specific, focusing on the legislative maneuverings around a single issue or bill, or temporally limited, focusing on strategic activity in only one or two Congresses. In this article, we present the beginning of a comprehensive research agenda for the systematic study of killer amendments. Using roll‐call data from the 83d through the 108th U.S. House (1953–2004), we identified those bills that (a) were successfully amended and (b) subsequently went down to defeat, a necessary condition for the existence of a killer amendment. We then examined these cases in greater detail, using both spatial analyses and case studies. Our analysis uncovered five cases, four of which are new, that appear to have the characteristics of true killer amendments, thus setting the stage for future analyses across time and legislative chambers and bodies.
Divided Government and Congressional Investigations
Authors: KRINER DOUGLAS , SCHWARTZ LIAM
Published: March 2010

This article explores the political determinants of congressional investigatory activity. Using Mayhew's list of high‐profile probes updated through 2006, we developed five measures of the frequency and intensity of investigative oversight. Contra Mayhew, we found that divided government spurs congressional investigatory activity. A shift from unified to divided government yields a five‐fold increase in the number of hearings held and quadruples their duration. Conditional party government models also offer explanatory leverage because homogeneous majorities are more likely to investigate the president in divided government and less likely to do so in unified government. This dynamic is strongest in the House, but analyses of the Senate also afford consistent, if muted, evidence of partisan agenda control.
Agreeing to Disagree: Agenda Content and Senate Partisanship, 1981–2004
Authors: LEE FRANCES E.
Published: March 2010

This article presents evidence that the recent increase in partisanship in Senate roll‐call voting is partly due to changes in the content of the Senate agenda. The analysis draws on an original dataset classifying Senate roll‐call votes from 1981 to 2004 according to substantive issue content. Over the past two decades, the types of issues that were most divisive along partisan lines in earlier periods became progressively more prominent on the Senate roll‐call agenda. Even when one controls for the effects of other electoral and institutional factors, one finds that the shifting agenda notably contributed to the rise in Senate partisanship.
Disentangling the Relationship between Legislative Professionalism and Government Spending
Authors: MALHOTRA NEIL
Published: March 2010

Recent movements to deprofessionalize American state legislatures have been driven partly by the notion that professional legislators spend more than their citizen counterparts. This article explores the relationship between legislative professionalism and government spending, a connection complicated by the possibility that legislators in high‐spending states may choose professional institutions to handle their responsibilities more effectively. I employed propensity score matching, an increasingly used technique of causal inference, to disentangle the relationship. Contrary to previous academic work and popular notions, I found that professional legislatures do not spend significantly more than part‐time bodies do, if one accounts for the fact that legislatures in high‐spending states have a greater need to be professionalized and therefore select those structural frameworks. These findings have important implications for the study of the effects of legislative institutions on public policies more generally and attest to the utility of recently developed techniques of causal inference to disentangle these relationships.
Issue Attention and Legislative Proposals in the U.S. Senate
Authors: WOON JONATHAN
Published: March 2010

This analysis of bill sponsorship across a variety of issues and Congresses shows that committee membership is the single most important factor shaping a senator's level of issue attention. Constituency demand is of secondary importance. Ideology, partisanship, and national conditions play little or no role. Consistent with a theoretical cost‐benefit framework, the results suggest that senators are motivated by the prospect of electoral and policy rewards from successful legislation rather than from mere position taking. The findings attest to the enduring importance of the committee system in a highly individualistic and increasingly partisan Senate.
Has the Voting Rights Act Outlived Its Usefulness? In a Word, “No”
Authors: LUBLIN DAVID , BRUNELL THOMAS L. , GROFMAN BERNARD , HANDLEY LISA
Published: March 2010

Race‐conscious redistricting remains crucial to the election of an overwhelming number of African American and Latino officials. We present descriptive evidence, easily interpretable by nonspecialists, from recent elections at the state and federal levels to support our claims. The Voting Rights Act remains a valuable tool to protect the ability of minorities to elect their preferred candidates.
Institutional Factors Affecting Maternal Mortality in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Baby HA , Shaha DR
Published: March 2010

Objective: To identify the institutional factors causing third delay of maternal mortality in Faridpur Medical College Hospital- a tertiary public health care centre in Bangladesh. Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Study period: January 2001 to December 2005. Methods and Materials: The case notes of all maternal deaths were reviewed at the end of each month during the study period. Various factors causing delay in the proper management of the cases were identified and noted. The data obtained from these reviews formed the basis of this study. Results: During the study period total 202 mothers died giving the maternal mortality 2010.5 per 100,000 deliveries. In 130(64.4%) cases one or more institutional factors were identified those contributed significantly to maternal deaths. The identified factors were: delayed blood transfusion or non availability of blood (40%); delayed or lack of operative interventions (37%); late or nonattendance by senior doctors (24.8%); operative interventions done by junior doctors (9.9%); non availability of ICU (intensive care unit) facility (29.7%) and of medicine (7.4%). Conclusion: There is a steady fall in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Bangladesh since 1990. But to reach the Millennium Development Goal for maternal health (MDG-5), the MMR will need to decrease at a much faster rate in the future. Improvement of the infrastructural facilities in the hospital can help to remove the preventable institutional factors causing third delay of maternal mortality. This can be a short term strategy to reduce maternal mortality. Key words: Maternal mortality; Institutional factor; Third delay. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i1.4636 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 5-9
Medical Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Authors: Feroz AHM
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i1.4641J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 30-39
Aromatase Inhibitors: New Drug of Choice for Induction of Ovulation
Authors: Siddiqui M , Mahmud N , Begum MR , Chowdhury TA
Published: March 2010

Anovulation accounts for around 20% cases of infertility even when other fertility factors are normal. Clomiphene Citrate (CC), the oral anti-estrogen has long been used as the first line drug for induction of ovulation. Clomiphene is associated with a high ovulation (60-80%) but relatively poor pregnancy rate (30-40%). CC leads to long lasting estrogen receptor depletion. Because of its long half-life (2 weeks), CC possibly exerts a negative feedback effect on the cervical mucous and endometrial development with subsequent implantation failure. The aromatase inhibitor letrozole (originally approved for use in postmenopausal women with breast cancer to suppress estrogen production) is now increasingly being used by fertility specialists worldwide for ovulation induction.With a halflife of around 45 hours, letrozole possibly avoids the adverse effects of CC on endometrium. Preliminary trials have shown impressive prospects of aromatase inhibitor letrozole for induction of ovulation (even in CC resistant cases) with satisfactory pregnancy rates. Letrozole is now being marketed by our local pharmaceutical companies. Though large scale randomized controlled trials are not yet available, letrozole holds a very promising chance of replacing CC in near future. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i1.4642 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 40-44
Food Patterns According to Sociodemographics, Physical Activity, Sleeping and Obesity in Portuguese Children
Authors: Moreira Pedro , Santos Susana , Padrão Patrícia , Cordeiro Tânia , Bessa Mariana , Valente Hugo , Barros Renata , Teixeira Vitor , Mitchell Vanessa , Lopes Carla , Moreira André
Published: March 2010

Our study aimed to describe the association between food patterns and gender, parental education, physical activity, sleeping and obesity in 1976 children aged 5−10 years old. Dietary intake was measured by a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire; body mass index was calculated and categorized according to the IOTF classification. Factor analysis and generalized linear models were applied to identify food patterns and their associations. TV viewing and male gender were significant positive predictors for fast-food, sugar sweetened beverages and pastry pattern, while a higher level of maternal education and longer sleeping duration were positively associated with a dietary patterns that included fruit and vegetables.