bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuation Correction and Hydrometeor Classification of High-Resolution, X-band, Dual-Polarized Mobile Radar Measurements in Severe Convective Storms
Authors: Snyder Jeffrey C. , Bluestein Howard B. , Zhang Guifu , Frasier Stephen J.
Published: May 2010

X-band and shorter radar wavelengths are preferable for mobile radar systems because a narrow beam can be realized with a moderately sized antenna. However, attenuation by precipitation becomes progressively more severe with decreasing radar wavelength. As a result, X band has become a popular choice for meteorological radar systems that balances these two considerations. Dual-polarization provides several methods by which this attenuation (and differential attenuation) can be detected and corrected, mitigating one of the primary disadvantages of X-band radars.

The dynamics of severe convective storms depend, to some extent, on the distribution and type of hydrometeors within the storm. To estimate the three-dimensional distribution of hydrometeors using X-band radar data, it is necessary to correct for attenuation before applying commonly used hydrometeor classification algorithms. Since 2002, a mobile dual-polarized Doppler weather radar designed at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst has been used to collect high-resolution data in severe convective storms in the plains. This study tests several attenuation correction procedures using dual-polarization measurements, along with a dual-frequency method using S-band Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) and KOUN data. After correcting for attenuation and differential attenuation, a fuzzy logic hydrometeor classification algorithm, modified for X band with KOUN data as a reference, is used to attempt a retrieval of hydrometeor types in observed severe convective storms.
Factors Affecting Ship and Buoy Data Quality: A Data Assimilation Perspective
Authors: Ingleby Bruce
Published: May 2010

Ship and buoy reports of wind, air pressure, temperature, humidity, and sea temperature for 2007 and 2008 have been compared with values from the operational Met Office global numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. Ship reports have been categorized by vessel type, recruiting country, and manual or automatic reporting. Most estimated ship winds (except Dutch ones) are too strong and are better treated as measured winds. After height adjustment, the average ship wind speeds are reasonably consistent with buoy wind speeds, but the global model winds are 6%–12% weaker. Extra care is needed when comparing/assimilating values close to the coast. Ship air temperatures are too warm during the afternoon due to solar heating of the ship. Adjustment of the pressure to sea level is a problem for some larger ships. Passenger ship reports are relatively poor quality for several variables and their winds are rather strong. Automated ship reports and those from research and coast guard vessels tend to be of good quality but some of the winds are slightly too weak. In most respects buoy data have the best quality. A number of improvements to the Met Office observation processing system are being made, notably tightening of the quality checks and better height adjustment of winds.
Viewing Geometry Dependencies in MODIS Cloud Products
Authors: Maddux B. C. , Ackerman S. A. , Platnick S.
Published: May 2010

Characterizing the earth’s global cloud field is important for the proper assessment of the global radiation budget and hydrologic cycle. This characterization can only be achieved with satellite measurements. For complete daily coverage across the globe, polar-orbiting satellites must take observations over a wide range of sensor zenith angles. This paper uses Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Level-3 data to determine the effect that sensor zenith angle has on global cloud properties including the cloud fraction, cloud-top pressure, effective radii, and optical thickness. For example, the MODIS cloud amount increases from 57% to 71% between nadir and edge-of-scan (∼67°) observations, for clouds observed between 35°N and 35°S latitude. These increases are due to a combination of factors, including larger pixel size and longer observation pathlength at more oblique sensor zenith angles. The differences caused by sensor zenith angle bias in cloud properties are not readily apparent in monthly mean regional or global maps because the averaging of multiple satellite overpasses together “washes out” the zenith angle artifact. Furthermore, these differences are not constant globally and are dependent on the cloud type being observed.
Application of Oxygen Eddy Correlation in Aquatic Systems
Authors: Lorrai Claudia , McGinnis Daniel F. , Berg Peter , Brand Andreas , Wüest Alfred
Published: May 2010

The eddy correlation technique is rapidly becoming an established method for resolving dissolved oxygen fluxes in natural aquatic systems. This direct and noninvasive determination of oxygen fluxes close to the sediment by simultaneously measuring the velocity and the dissolved oxygen fluctuations has considerable advantages compared to traditional methods. This paper describes the measurement principle and analyzes the spatial and temporal scales of those fluctuations as a function of turbulence levels. The magnitudes and spectral structure of the expected fluctuations provide the required sensor specifications and define practical boundary conditions for the eddy correlation instrumentation and its deployment. In addition, data analysis and spectral corrections are proposed for the usual nonideal conditions, such as the time shift between the sensor pair and the limited frequency response of the oxygen sensor. The consistency of the eddy correlation measurements in a riverine reservoir has been confirmed—observing a night–day transition from oxygen respiration to net oxygen production, ranging from −20 to +5 mmol m−2 day−1—by comparing two physically independent, eddy correlation instruments deployed side by side. The natural variability of the fluctuations calls for at least ∼1 h of flux data record to achieve a relative accuracy of better than ∼20%. Although various aspects still need improvement, eddy correlation is seen as a promising and soon-to-be widely applied method in natural waters.
Environmental Factors in the Upscale Growth and Longevity of MCSs Derived from Rapid Update Cycle Analyses
Authors: Coniglio Michael C. , Hwang Jason Y. , Stensrud David J.
Published: May 2010

Composite environments of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are produced from Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) analyses to explore the differences between rapidly and slowly developing MCSs as well as the differences ahead of long- and short-lived MCSs. The composite analyses capture the synoptic-scale features known to be associated with MCSs and depict the inertial oscillation of the nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ), which remains strong but tends to veer away from decaying MCSs. The composite first storms environment for the rapidly developing MCSs contains a stronger LLJ located closer to the first storms region, much more conditional instability, potential instability, and energy available for downdrafts, smaller 3–10-km vertical wind shear, and smaller geostrophic potential vorticity in the upper troposphere, when compared to the environment for the slowly developing MCSs. The weaker shear above 3 km for the rapidly developing MCSs is consistent with supercell or discrete cell modes being less likely in weaker deep-layer shear and the greater potential for a cold pool to trigger convection when the shear is confined to lower levels. Furthermore, these results suggest that low values of upper-level potential vorticity may signal a rapid transition to an MCS. The composite environment ahead of the genesis of long-lived MCSs contains a broader LLJ, a better-defined frontal zone, stronger low-level frontogenesis, deeper moisture, and stronger wind shear above 2 km, when compared to short-lived MCSs. The larger shear above 2 km for the long-lived MCSs is consistent with the importance of shear elevated above the ground to help organize and maintain convection that feeds on the elevated unstable parcels after dark and is indicative of the enhanced baroclinicity ahead of the MCSs.
Simulation of the Diurnal Cycle in Tropical Rainfall and Circulation during Boreal Summer with a High-Resolution GCM
Authors: Ploshay Jeffrey J. , Lau Ngar-Cheung
Published: May 2010

The simulation of the diurnal cycle (DC) of precipitation and surface wind pattern by a general circulation model (GCM) with a uniform horizontal resolution of 50 km over the global domain is evaluated. The model output is compared with observational counterparts based on datasets provided by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and reanalysis products of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The summertime diurnal characteristics over tropical regions in Asia, the Americas, and Africa are portrayed using the amplitude and phase of the first harmonic of the 24-h cycle, departures of data fields during selected hours from the daily mean, and differences between extreme phases of the DC.

There is general agreement between the model and observations with respect to the large-scale land–sea contrasts in the DC. Maximum land precipitation, onshore flows, and landward migration of rainfall signals from the coasts occur in the afternoon, whereas peak maritime rainfall and offshore flows prevail in the morning. Seaward migration of precipitation is discernible over the western Bay of Bengal and South China Sea during nocturnal and morning hours. The evolution from low-intensity rainfall in the morning/early afternoon to heavier precipitation several hours later is also evident over selected continental sites. However, the observed incidence of rainfall with very high intensity in midafternoon is not reproduced in the model atmosphere.

Although the model provides an adequate simulation of the daytime upslope and nighttime downslope winds in the vicinity of mountain ranges, valleys, and basins, there are notable discrepancies between model and observations in the DC of precipitation near some of these orographic features. The model does not reproduce the observed seaward migration of precipitation from the western coasts of Myanmar (Burma) and India, and from individual islands of the Indonesian Archipelago at nighttime.
Bullshitters, Markets, and the Privatization of Public Discourse About Sports
Authors: Morgan William J.
Published: May 2010

Harry Frankfurt’s best-selling book, On Bullshit, asks why there is so much bullshit today in Western cultures, such as the United States. The scope of Frankfurt’s charge is deliberately broad; he claims that public discourse about just any topic of consequence in American culture is filled with such unseemly speech and writing. The same can be said, the author of this article claims, about public discourse about sport. The author argues that one especially important reason sports discourse is rife with bullshit today is because it is the language and logic of the market that shapes how most people see, understand, and interpret sports. That money does most of the talking in market societies such as the United States is, of course, old news. What is not exactly old news, however, is that the language of the market is not only insufficiently nuanced to capture and express what it is that people find compelling about subjects such as sports, but it is wholly unsuited for such communicative purposes.
Cross-Cultural Validity of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale in Korea
Authors: Lee Dong-gwi , Park Hyun-joo
Published: May 2010

This study with 213 South Korean college students (113 men) examined the cross-cultural generalizability of (a) the factor structure of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (F-MPS) and (b) the existence of adaptive perfectionists, maladaptive perfectionists, and nonperfectionists. A confirmatory factor analysis did not support the original six-factor model of the F-MPS with 35 items. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis along with parallel analysis suggests five factors in Korea: Concern Over Mistakes, Organization, Parental High Standards, Personal Standards, and Doubts About Actions. Notably, Parental Expectations and Parental Criticism in the original F-MPS were subsumed under one factor, Parental High Standards. A cluster analysis results provides additional support for the existence of the three groups. Cultural implications are discussed.
Novel CaF2 Nanocomposite with High Strength and Fluoride Ion Release
Authors: Xu H.H.K. , Moreau J.L. , Sun L. , Chow L.C.
Published: May 2010

Secondary caries and restoration fracture remain common problems in dentistry. This study tested the hypothesis that combining nano-CaF2 and glass fillers would yield nanocomposites with high mechanical properties and F release. Novel CaF2 nanoparticles (56-nm) were synthesized via spray-drying and incorporated into resin. F release increased with increasing the nano-CaF2 content, or with decreasing pH (p < 0.05). F-release rates at 70-84 days were 1.13 µg/(cm2·day) and 0.50 µg/(cm2·day) for nanocomposites containing 30% and 20% nano-CaF2, respectively. They matched the 0.65 µg/(cm2·day) of resin-modified glass ionomer (p > 0.1). The nanocomposites had flexural strengths of 70-120 MPa, after 84-day immersion at pH 4, pH 5.5, and pH 7. These strengths were nearly three-fold that of resin-modified glass ionomer, and matched/exceeded a composite with little F release. In summary, novel CaF2 nanoparticles produced high F release at low filler levels, thereby making room in resin for reinforcement glass. This yielded nanocomposites with high F-release and stress-bearing properties, which may help reduce secondary caries and restoration fracture.
Butyric Acid Induces Apoptosis via Oxidative Stress in Jurkat T-cells
Authors: Kurita-Ochiai T. , Ochiai K.
Published: May 2010

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for the induction of T-cell apoptosis by butyric acid, an extracellular metabolite of periodontopathic bacteria. To determine the involvement of oxidative stress in apoptosis pathways, we investigated the contribution of ROS in mitochondrial signaling pathways, death-receptor-initiated signaling pathway, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in butyric-acid-induced T-cell apoptosis. N-acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) abrogated mitochondrial injury, cytochrome c, AIF, and Smac release, and Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL suppression and Bax and Bad activation induced by butyric acid. However, the decrease in cFLIP expression by butyric acid was not restored by treatment with NAC; increases in caspase-4 and -10 activities by butyric acid were completely abrogated by NAC. NAC also affected the elevation of GRP78 and CHOP/GADD153 expression by butyric acid. These results suggest that butyric acid is involved in mitochondrial-dysfunction- and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cells via a ROS-dependent mechanism.
Forensic Ethics and Indirect Practice for the Rehabilitation Counselor
Authors: Barros-Bailey Mary , Carlisle Jeffrey , Blackwell Terry L.
Published: May 2010

For nearly 50 years, the specialty area of forensics has emerged as an established practice setting in rehabilitation counseling, and it is predicted to be the fastest-growing area of practice in the profession. Reflecting the increased number of practitioners in the specialty, the revised Code for Professional Ethics of Rehabilitation Counselors names Section F (Forensics and Indirect Services) as a guide to the ethical practice for rehabilitation counselors in this specialty. The section includes 17 standards specific to clients’ and evaluees’ rights, rehabilitation counselors’ forensic competency and conduct, forensic practices, and forensic business practices. Furthermore, the unique relationship of the forensic rehabilitation counselor with the person receiving services is clarified through the introduction of the definition of evaluee , a term that has gained unilateral agreement throughout the field of forensic rehabilitation.
MIMIC Methods for Assessing Differential Item Functioning in Polytomous Items
Authors: Wang Wen-Chung , Shih Ching-Lin
Published: May 2010

Three multiple indicators—multiple causes (MIMIC) methods, namely, the standard MIMIC method (M-ST), the MIMIC method with scale purification (M-SP), and the MIMIC method with a pure anchor (M-PA), were developed to assess differential item functioning (DIF) in polytomous items. In a series of simulations, it appeared that all three methods yielded a well-controlled Type I error rate when tests did not contain any DIF items. M-ST and M-SP began to yield an inflated Type I error rate and a deflated power when tests contained 10% and 20% DIF items, respectively. M-PA maintained an expected Type I error rate and a high power even when tests contained as many as 40% DIF items. An iterative MIMIC procedure was proposed to select a small set of DIF-free items to serve as the anchor in M-PA. It was found in a series of simulations that this procedure yielded a very high rate of accuracy. Two simulated data sets were then analyzed to show applications of these MIMIC methods for DIF assessment in polytomous items.
Alternative Matching Scores to Control Type I Error of the Mantel–Haenszel Procedure for DIF in Dichotomously Scored Items Conforming to 3PL IRT and Nonparametric 4PBCB Models
Authors: Monahan Patrick O. , Ankenmann Robert D.
Published: May 2010

When the matching score is either less than perfectly reliable or not a sufficient statistic for determining latent proficiency in data conforming to item response theory (IRT) models, Type I error (TIE) inflation may occur for the Mantel—Haenszel (MH) procedure or any differential item functioning (DIF) procedure that matches on summed-item score, but primarily on short tests. Alternative matching scores were developed based on sufficient statistics, reliability, and explicit corrections for measurement error. Manipulated factors were tests (20, 24, 26 items), reference/focal sample sizes (1,000/1,000, 800/200), proficiency distributions (identical, means differed, variances differed, means and variances differed), and simulation technique (three-parameter logistic IRT model and four-parameter beta compound-binomial model with nonparametric nonmonotonic item-true score step functions). Outcomes were as follows: TIE of MH chi-square test at the .05 nominal level; and the bias, standard error, and root mean square error of the MH delta-DIF statistic under null-DIF conditions. Of eight categorized alternative matching scores, four scores controlled TIE as well as or better than traditional summed-item score in almost all items for all conditions: (a) estimated latent proficiency from a 3PL IRT model, (b) the sum of weighted item scores where the weight was the item— total score biserial correlation coefficient excluding the item from total score, (c) the sum of weighted item scores where the weight was the item loading on the single common factor from factor analysis of tetrachoric correlation coefficients, and (d) Kelley’s linear regressed true score estimate.
Modeling DIF Effects Using Distractor-Level Invariance Effects: Implications for Understanding the Causes of DIF
Authors: Penfield Randall D.
Published: May 2010

In 2008, Penfield showed that measurement invariance across all response options of a multiple-choice item (correct option and the J distractors) can be modeled using a nominal response model that included a differential distractor functioning (DDF) effect for each of the J distractors. This article extends this concept to consider how the differential item functioning (DIF) effect (i.e., the conditional between-group differences in the probability of correct response) is determined by the J DDF effects. In particular, this article shows how the DIF effect can be modeled as a function of the J DDF effects and thus reveals the conditions that must hold for uniform DIF, nonuniform DIF, and crossing DIF to exist. The results provide insight into the potential item-level properties that lead to uniform, nonuniform, and crossing DIF. The findings may shed light on the etiology of different forms of DIF, which may help analysts target the particular causes of the DIF effect.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0): the development of the Taiwanese version
Authors: Mao Hui-Fen , Chen Wan-Yin , Yao Grace , Huang Sheau-Ling , Lin Chia-Chi , Huang Wen-Ni Wennie
Published: May 2010

Objective: To develop and validate a cross-cultural version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) for users of assistive technology devices in Taiwan.

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Procedures: The standard cultural adaptation procedure was used for questionnaire translation and cultural item design. A field test was then conducted for item selection and psychometric properties testing.

Subjects: One hundred and five volunteer assistive device users in community.

Main outcome measures: A questionnaire comprising 12 items of the QUEST 2.0 and 16 culture-specific items.

Results: One culture-specific item, ‘Cost’, was selected based on eight criteria and added to the QUEST 2.0 (12 items) to formulate the Taiwanese version of QUEST 2.0 (T-QUEST). The T-QUEST consisted of 13 items which were classified into two domains: device (8 items) and service (5 items). The internal consistencies of the device, service and total T-QUEST scores were 0.87, 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. The device, services and total T-QUEST scores achieved good test-retest stability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.90, 0.97, 0.95). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that T-QUEST had a two-factor structure for device and service in the construct of user satisfaction (53.42% of the variance explained).

Conclusions: Users of assistive device in different culture may have different concerns regarding satisfaction. T-QUEST is the first published version of QUEST with culture-specific items added to the original translated items of QUEST 2.0. T-QUEST was a valid and reliable tool for measuring user satisfaction among Mandarin-speaking individuals using various kinds of assistive devices.
Perpetuating the Technological Ideology: An Ellulian Critique of Feenberg’s Democratized Rationalization
Authors: Garrison Kevin
Published: May 2010

Andrew Feenberg, in his book Questioning Technology, offers his theory of “democratized rationalization” as a critical alternative to Jacques Ellul’s essentialist perspective. Feenberg argues that Ellul has confused the tendency toward efficiency in technological discourse with the essence of technology, thereby disallowing for a “positive program” of technological change. This article suggests that Feenberg’s “critical theory of technology” does not accurately portray Ellul’s ideas about technology, which were crafted over 40 books and hundreds of articles, and that a reading of Feenberg from an Ellulian perspective reveals Questioning Technology to be: (a) a trend that Ellul predicted in technological scholarship, (b) an unfavorable trend that does not answer the problems posed by Ellul, and (c) an actual furthering of the “technological ideology” that Ellul carefully described in detail over several decades of research. This article concludes that the current trends toward praising democratization should be revisited in light of this Ellulian analysis.
Being-With Dying: Authenticity in End-of-Life Encounters
Authors: Seno Virginia L.
Published: May 2010

Families and their dying members have notably unmet needs. This is in large part due to health professionals being unprepared to be authentic (emotionally appropriate, purposive, and responsible) in end-of-life encounters. Martin Heidegger’s interpretive phenomenology informed this study, providing background, structures, language, and metaphors to interpret narratives for patterns of authentic being-with dying among nurses who attend to dying. Semistructured interviews elicited tacit knowledge imbedded in the experiences of those nurses and showed how they comport themselves in end-of-life situations. Patterns emerged in a presence of authentic being-with dying, which assisted persons in their transitions toward a peaceful death. Patterns are explicated in a 5-point framework, which paralleled Heidegger’s structures of authentic being-toward-death.
The Use of Opioids in the Last Week of Life in an Acute Palliative Care Unit
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Ferrera Patrizia , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: May 2010

The aim of this survey was to assess the opioid use in the last week of life of cancer patients admitted at an acute palliative care unit. From a consecutive sample of patients surveyed for a period of one year, patients who died in the unit were selected. Type of opioid, route of administration, and doses were recorded one week before death (or at admission time if the interval admission-death was less than one week) (-7), and on the day of death (Tend). Seventy-seven patients died in the unit in the period taken into consideration (12.4%). Oral morphine equivalents were 170 mg/day and 262 mg/day at -7 and Tend, respectively. Patients were receiving transdermal drugs or intravenous morphine at Tend, with a trend in the use of intravenous morphine at Tend (p=0.07). Intravenous morphine was more frequently used in sedated patients at Tend (p=0.015).No differences in age, gender, opioid doses, and OEI were found among opioids used. In patients who were sedated doses of opioids were significantly increased (p=0.012). In the last week of life intravenous morphine is the preferred modality to deliver opioids in an acute palliative care unit. Doses increases prevalently observed in sedated patients were performed before starting sedation with the purpose to treat concomitant distressing symptoms, such as dyspnoea.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Voices of Hospice Medical Directors
Authors: Oliver Debra Parker , Tatum Paul , Kapp Julie M. , Wallace Audrey
Published: May 2010

The value of interdisciplinary collaboration is a significant aspect of the palliative care philosophy, as identified by the founder of the modern hospice movement Cecily Saunders. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experiences of hospice medical directors within this collaborative context. Open-ended interviews with 17 hospice medical directors were done and their responses were thematically analyzed. These narratives present a very positive collaborative experience by these medical directors in their hospice settings. Assisting medical directors to find time and financial opportunities for professional development and support within their role was found to be an opportunity to further improve collaboration.
Participation and the Pursuit of Sustainability in U.S. Cities
Authors: Portney Kent E. , Berry Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2010

This article explores the relationship between political and civic participation and the pursuit of sustainability in American cities. Some have argued that cities that exhibit more participation, engagement, and bridging social capital are more likely to pursue policies and programs designed to achieve greater sustainability. Others have posited alternative explanations, especially explanations related to resources, socioeconomic status, and economic growth. Using the Social Capital Benchmark Survey cities—10 of which have extensive sustainability programs, 5 of which have modest programs, and 12 of which have virtually no sustainability programs at all—as the source of comparison, this research finds that cities that are most committed to pursuing sustainability policies do tend to be more participatory places with respect to signing petitions, participating in demonstrations, belonging to local reform groups, and joining neighborhood associations, even controlling for personal income and other factors.
Rethinking Empowerment: Evidence from Local Empowerment Zone Programs
Authors: Rich Michael J. , Stoker Robert P.
Published: May 2010

The legacy of the federal government’s Empowerment Zone initiative is contested. The evidence undergirding the initiative’s legacy, however, is based primarily on models that estimate national effects. We use an alternative evaluation strategy that places greater emphasis on local Empowerment Zones as distinct programs. Our findings show that several cities did produce improvements that likely can be attributed to the EZ initiative. The results, however, are not consistent across outcomes or cities. Our findings suggest that what happens locally is a vital concern for federal urban policy and also informative for local communities with responsibility for crafting and executing revitalization strategies.
Efficacy of a Methylphenidate Transdermal System Versus t.i.d. Methylphenidate in a Laboratory Setting
Authors: Pelham William E. , Waxmonsky James G. , Schentag Jerome , Ballow Charles H. , Panahon Carlos J. , Gnagy Elizabeth M. , Hoffman Martin T. , Burrows-MacLean Lisa , Meichenbaum David L. , Forehand Gregory L. , Fabiano Gregory A. , Tresco Katy E. , Lopez-Williams Andy , Coles Erika K. , González Mario A.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To test the efficacy and tolerability of the methylphenidate transdermal formulation (MTS) against immediate-release methylphenidate (IR MPH) and placebo in a 12-hr analog classroom setting. Method: A total of nine boys ages 6 to 9 years, medicated with MPH for ADHD, complete a within-subject, double-blind study. For the purpose of the study, the boys are administered a dose of 20 cm2 MTS, a matched dose of IR MPH 10 mg TID, and placebo. ADHD symptoms and frequency counts of classroom rule violations and the number of math problems completed are assessed hourly, during three consecutive analog classroom sessions. Results: Findings show that, across measures and throughout the day, both treatments significantly differentiated from placebo ( p < .05) but not from each other. It is also observed that the MTS produced more consistent results across the day but had a delayed onset versus IR MPH. Both medications are well tolerated with only mild reductions in sleep onset. Conclusion: The MTS demonstrates comparable efficacy and tolerability to TID IR MPH.
Predictors of Change in Quality of Life After Distributed Constraint-Induced Therapy in Patients With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Huang Yan-hua , Wu Ching-yi , Hsieh Yu-wei , Lin Keh-chung
Published: May 2010

Background. There are no reports of predictive models or predictors for quality of life (QoL) after constraint-induced therapy (CIT). Objective. This investigation identified predictors of change in stroke-related QoL after distributed CIT using the Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) method. Methods. A total of 58 patients with chronic stroke were treated with CIT for 2 hours daily for 3 weeks. The 7 potential predictors were age, gender, side of lesion, time since stroke, cognitive status, motor impairment of upper extremity, and activities of daily living (ADL). QoL was measured by the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). CHAID analysis was used to examine for associations between the 7 predictors and each SIS domain. The validity of each model generated by the analysis was evaluated. Results. Daily functional performance as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was found to determine SIS outcomes, including overall score ( P = .006) and the ADL/instrumental ADL (IADL) domain ( P = .004). None of the potential predictors emerged as significant predictors of the strength, memory, emotion, communication, mobility, hand function, and participation domains of SIS. The misclassification risk estimates were small, indicating good validity for the CHAID models. Conclusions. The functional independence score of the FIM can predict the overall SIS score as well as the ADL/IADL domain of the SIS in chronic stroke patients who receive CIT, but larger databases are needed to confirm this. CHAID analysis was a useful approach for an exploratory study.
Review: Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Early Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Buma Floor E. , Lindeman Eline , Ramsey Nick F. , Kwakkel Gert
Published: May 2010

Background. Understanding mechanisms of recovery may result in new treatment strategies to improve motor outcome after stroke. Imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) allow changes in brain activity after stroke recovery to be identified. Objective. To systematically review serial imaging studies on recovery within 6 months poststroke, assess their methodological quality, and identify trends in the association between task-related brain activation patterns and functional upper limb recovery. Methods. A literature search was performed using Medline, PICARTA, and EMBASE databases. Studies were appraised using binary weighted methodological criteria for internal, statistical, and external validity. Results. Twenty-two of the 869 identified studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed methodological weaknesses with respect to controlling for task performance, selecting appropriate outcome measures, and adequate presentation and execution of statistical analysis. After stroke, motor task performance shows unilateral overactivation of motor and nonmotor areas, a posterior shift in activity in the primary motor cortex, and bilateral recruitment of associated motor and nonmotor areas. Concomitant with neurological recovery, overactivation appears to diminish longitudinally, but not in all patients. Conclusion . Despite methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity, trends can be discerned. However, statistically sound associations with recovery are not consistent. The challenges in future research will be, controlling for confounding factors, finding outcomes that specifically measure dexterity of the paretic limb, to control for the extent of white matter damage and changes in perfusion in order to establish the longitudinal construct validity of fMRI and PET with regard to upper limb recovery after stroke.
Severe Degeneration of Peripheral Motor Axons After Spinal Cord Injury: A European Multicenter Study in 345 Patients
Authors: Van De Meent Hendrik , Hosman Allard JF , Hendriks Jan , Zwarts Machiel ,   EM-SCI Study Group, Schubert Martin
Published: May 2010

Objective. There are indications that perilesional and remote peripheral motor axons may degenerate after spinal cord injury (SCI). The authors investigated the magnitude and dependence on severity of SCI of this degeneration as well as whether motor axons so affected can recover. Methods. The function of the peripheral motor axons was investigated by recording compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) in 345 patients with cervical SCI. CMAP amplitude changes in the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and abductor hallucis (AH) muscles were investigated in 3 groups with SCIs of differing severity: patients with permanent complete SCI (ASIA Impairment Scale [AIS] A-remain), patients with initially complete SCI converting to incomplete lesion (AIS A-convert), and patients with incomplete injury (Incomplete). Results. Significant decreases in ADM and AH CMAP amplitudes were found in groups A-remain and A-convert. In group A-remain and group A-convert, the authors found a partial, although significant, recovery of ADM CMAP amplitude occurring between 5 and 12 months postinjury. In group A-remain, they found significant recovery of the AH CMAP amplitude. Conclusion . Following SCI, peripheral motor axons below the level of the lesion exhibit severe degeneration. There is partial, although significant, recovery of CMAP during the second half year following SCI. The observed motor axon dysfunction is likely a result of transsynaptic degeneration. The peripheral motor axon dysfunction observed after SCI is of sufficient magnitude that it may affect muscle power and thus contribute to impairment of recovery of functional activities in patients with SCI.
Dynamic Peripheral Vascular Sonography: A Novel Technique
Authors: Currie Laura Lawrence , Hundley James D.
Published: May 2010

The effects of exercise on circulation have been well documented in numerous published research studies using pulsed-wave Doppler. Spectral Doppler demonstration of these effects, however, has been restricted to comparisons of flow before exercise and after exercise. The very nature of the Doppler effect has limited the analysis of peripheral vascular flow to immobile structures, eliminating any extraneous movement. Could spectral Doppler be used to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of repetitive limb movement as it occurred? This was the question posed by a team of researchers investigating the hemodynamic effects of the repetitive motion created during use of the Treadwell®. The novel technique of pulsed-wave Doppler investigation during repetitive limb movement was employed to investigate and demonstrate these hemodynamic changes. Blood flow velocity was measured in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and femoral vein (FV) to determine the hemodynamic changes occurring during repetitive, active-assisted motion in the most distal part of the lower extremity. Spectral Doppler analysis conducted during repetitive flexion and extension of the ankles demonstrated an initial increase in venous outflow, followed by an increase in arterial flow velocity into the lower extremity. As muscle activity continued, pulsed-wave Doppler demonstrated and documented a conversion from the typical high-resistance flow pattern in the SFA at rest to a low-resistance flow pattern, typically seen immediately following exercise.
Primary Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma of the Spleen
Authors: VanVliet Jillian L.
Published: May 2010

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the spleen is a form of splenic lymphoma, a rare primary neoplasm of the spleen. The clinical presentation is nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and other nonspecific symptoms. The most often seen laboratory finding is anemia. The first sonographic findings are typically splenomegaly and a well-defined hypoechoic mass. Most cases are treated with splenectomies. If the malignancy is confined to the spleen, the prognosis is favorable, but metastasis beyond the spleen is associated with a poor outcome. This case presents a classic case of diffuse large B cell splenic lymphoma with extension into the hilar lymph nodes.
Elastography: Imaging of Tomorrow?
Authors: Pickerell Dae M.
Published: May 2010

Elastography is a method of imaging that produces a type of image, called an elastogram. An area of research for almost 30 years, this diagnostic, noninvasive technique is used to evaluate the stiffness of soft tissues. It is done in correlation with a conventional sonogram. Elastography transmits information about internal tissue structures that has not been previously attainable. Discussion includes three types of elastography imaging: strain imaging, color elasticity, and shear-wave imaging. This imaging is based on the fundamentals of strain imaging and the basis that malignant tumors are harder than benign tumors. Stiffer tissues such as masses distort less than softer tissues, and the variation can be visualized on the elastic properties seen on the elastogram. Currently, elastography is being used in many applications, yet there is still reluctance by some in the medical community to fully accept elasticity imaging. Quantification and reproducibility of images will ensure the fate of this addition to the field of sonography.
Sonography-Guided Pyelocentesis and Pyelography in Cats: The Sonographer’s Role
Authors: Delaney Fern Ann , Dennison Sophie
Published: May 2010

Cats are commonly afflicted with chronic renal dysfunction and ureteral obstruction. Concurrent disease can be catastrophic. Sonography-guided pyelocentesis and pyelography provide a method of evaluating potential ureteral obstruction without relying on renal excretory function but are technically demanding. The methodology for these procedures is described in detail to aid the sonographer faced with assisting in this challenge.
Successful engraftment after reduced-intensity umbilical cord blood transplantation for myelofibrosis
Authors: Takagi Shinsuke , Ota Yasunori , Uchida Naoyuki , Takahashi Koichi , Ishiwata Kazuya , Tsuji Masanori , Yamamoto Hisashi , Asano-Mori Yuki , Matsuno Naofumi , Masuoka Kazuhiro , Wake Atsushi , Miyakoshi Shigesaburo , Ohashi Kenichi , Taniguchi Shuichi
Published: May 2010

Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has recently been applied to patients with myelofibrosis with reproducible engraftment and resolution of marrow fibrosis, no data describe the outcomes of umbilical cord blood transplantation. We describe 14 patients with primary (n = 1) and secondary myelofibrosis (n = 13) who underwent reduced-intensity umbilical cord blood transplantation. Conditioning regimens included fludarabine and graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis composed cyclosporine/tacrolimus alone (n = 6) or a combination of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (n = 8). Thirteen patients achieved neutrophil engraftment at a median of 23 days. The cumulative incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 92.9% at day 60 and 42.9% at day 100, respectively. Posttransplantation chimerism analysis showed full donor type in all patients at a median of 14 days. The use of umbilical cord blood could be feasible even for patients with severe marrow fibrosis, from the viewpoint of donor cell engraftment.
Induction of pluripotent stem cells from adult somatic cells by protein-based reprogramming without genetic manipulation
Authors: Cho Hyun-Jai , Lee Choon-Soo , Kwon Yoo-Wook , Paek Jae Seung , Lee Sun-Hee , Hur Jin , Lee Eun Ju , Roh Tae-Young , Chu In-Sun , Leem Sun-Hee , Kim Youngsoo , Kang Hyun-Jae , Park Young-Bae , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: May 2010

The concept of reprogramming of somatic cells has opened a new era in regenerative medicine. Transduction of defined factors has successfully achieved pluripotency. However, during the generation process of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, genetic manipulation of certain factors may cause tumorigenicity, which limits further application. We report that that a single transfer of embryonic stem (ES) cell–derived proteins into primarily cultured adult mouse fibroblasts, rather than repeated transfer or prolonged exposure to materials, can achieve full reprogramming up to the pluripotent state without the forced expression of ectopic transgenes. During the process, gene expression and epigenetic status were converted from somatic to ES-equivalent status. We verified that protein-based reprogramming was neither by the contamination of protein donor ES cell nor by DNA/RNA from donor ES cell. Protein-iPS cells were biologically and functionally very similar to ES cells and differentiated into 3 germ layers in vitro. Furthermore, protein-iPS cells possessed in vivo differentiation (well-differentiated teratoma formation) and development (chimeric mice generation and a tetraploid blastocyst complementation) potentials. Our results provide an alternative and safe strategy for the reprogramming of somatic cells that can be used to facilitate pluripotent stem cell–based cell therapy.
web cellHTS2: A web-application for the analysis of high-throughput screening data
Authors: Pelz Oliver , Gilsdorf Moritz , Boutros Michael
Published: May 2010

Background

The analysis of high-throughput screening data sets is an expanding field in bioinformatics. High-throughput screens by RNAi generate large primary data sets which need to be analyzed and annotated to identify relevant phenotypic hits. Large-scale RNAi screens are frequently used to identify novel factors that influence a broad range of cellular processes, including signaling pathway activity, cell proliferation, and host cell infection. Here, we present a web-based application utility for the end-to-end analysis of large cell-based screening experiments by cellHTS2.

Results

The software guides the user through the configuration steps that are required for the analysis of single or multi-channel experiments. The web-application provides options for various standardization and normalization methods, annotation of data sets and a comprehensive HTML report of the screening data analysis, including a ranked hit list. Sessions can be saved and restored for later re-analysis. The web frontend for the cellHTS2 R/Bioconductor package interacts with it through an R-server implementation that enables highly parallel analysis of screening data sets. web cellHTS2 further provides a file import and configuration module for common file formats.

Conclusions

The implemented web-application facilitates the analysis of high-throughput data sets and provides a user-friendly interface. web cellHTS2 is accessible online at http://web-cellHTS2.dkfz.de. A standalone version as a virtual appliance and source code for platforms supporting Java 1.5.0 can be downloaded from the web cellHTS2 page. web cellHTS2 is freely distributed under GPL.
Phylogenetic footprint of the plant clock system in angiosperms: evolutionary processes of Pseudo-Response Regulators
Authors: Takata Naoki , Saito Shigeru , Saito Claire Tanaka , Uemura Matsuo
Published: May 2010

Background

Plant circadian clocks regulate many photoperiodic and diurnal responses that are conserved among plant species. The plant circadian clock system has been uncovered in the model plant,Arabidopsis thaliana, using genetics and systems biology approaches. However, it is still not clear how the clock system had been organized in the evolutionary history of plants. We recently revealed the molecular phylogeny ofLHY/CCA1genes, one of the essential components of the clock system. The aims of this study are to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of angiosperm clock-associatedPRRgenes, the partner of theLHY/CCA1genes, and to clarify the evolutionary history of the plant clock system in angiosperm lineages.

Results

In the present study, to investigate the molecular phylogeny ofPRRgenes, we performed two approaches: reconstruction of phylogenetic trees and examination of syntenic relationships. Phylogenetic analyses revealed thatPRRgenes had diverged into three clades prior to the speciation of monocots and eudicots. Furthermore, copy numbers ofPRRgenes have been independently increased in monocots and eudicots as a result of ancient chromosomal duplication events.

Conclusions

Based on the molecular phylogenies of bothPRRgenes andLHY/CCA1genes, we inferred the evolutionary process of the plant clock system in angiosperms. This scenario provides evolutionary information that a common ancestor of monocots and eudicots had retained the basic components required for reconstructing a clock system and that the plant circadian clock may have become a more elaborate mechanism after the speciation of monocots and eudicots because of the gene expansion that resulted from polyploidy events.