bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Configuration and Evaluation of the WRF Model for the Study of Hawaiian Regional Climate
Authors: Zhang Chunxi , Wang Yuqing , Lauer Axel , Hamilton Kevin 
Published: May 2012

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

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

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

Objective: This article presents a systematic framework characterizing adaptive systems. Background: Adaptive systems are those that can appropriately modify their behavior to fit the current context. This concept is appealing because it offers the possibility of creating computer assistants that behave like good human assistants who can provide what is needed without being asked. However, the majority of adaptive systems have been experimental rather than practical because of the technical challenges in accurately perceiving and interpreting users’ current cognitive state; integrating cognitive state, environment, and task information; and using it to predict users’ current needs. The authors anticipate that recent developments in neurological and physiological sensors to identify users’ cognitive state will increase interest in adaptive systems research and practice over the next few years. Method: To inform future efforts in adaptive sys-tems, this work provides an organizing framework for characterizing adaptive systems, identifying consider-ations and implications, and suggesting future research issues. Results: A two-part framework is presented that (a) categorizes ways in which adaptive systems can modify their behavior and (b) characterizes trigger mechanisms through which adaptive systems can sense the current situation and decide how to adapt. Conclusion: The framework provided in this article provides a tool for organizing and informing past, present, and future research and development efforts in adaptive systems.
Protective effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on sodium nitroprusside–induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney
Authors: Khan MW , Priyamvada S , Khan SA , Khan S , Naqshbandi A , Yusufi ANK 
Published: May 2012

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

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

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

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

AbstractEmpirical evidence suggests that voters in states with direct democracy feel better prepared to cast competent votes and that they do so at a greater rate than voters elsewhere. What causal mechanism explains why the presence of direct democracy leads to better civic citizenship and differences in political behavior? We use a survey experiment in which we randomly vary the text used to describe the policy proposals to consider one possible pathway that explains higher levels of political competence among voters in initiative states. In contrast to the focus on campaign mobilization in the existing literature, we rely on insights from consumer decision theory to derive testable hypotheses about voter behavior. We find evidence that voters in initiative states approach political campaigns in a fundamentally different way than voters in noninitiative states. In particular, we show that individuals in initiative states are less susceptible to framing effects—in our experiment, strategic efforts to craft a ballot measure's title and summary.
Surgical Treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum
Authors: Smith Matthew V. , Bedi Asheesh , Chen Neal C. 
Published: May 2012

Context: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is most often seen in adolescents who participate in sports that involve repetitive loading of the elbow. Unstable defects typically require surgical intervention that involves fragment fixation, debridement, or reconstruction with an osteochondral autograft transfer. Optimum surgical management of unstable defects remains controversial. Type of Study: Clinical review. Evidence Acquisition: Relevant articles published after 1992 were identified using MEDLINE, the EMBASE database, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Both debridement and osteochondral autograft transfer for treatment of capitellar OCD lesions result in good short- and midterm outcomes with a high rate of return to sports. Larger defects involving more than 50% of the articular surface or involving the lateral margin of the capitellum may have worse outcomes after debridement and may be better treated with fragment fixation or osteochondral autograft transfer. Conclusions: High-level evidence is lacking to determine the superiority of debridement or osteochondral autograft transfer for the treatment of capitellar OCD lesions. A prospective longitudinal multicenter study, using validated outcome measures, that enrolls a large number of patients is needed to establish optimal treatment for unstable capitellar OCD lesions.
Treatment of SIV-infected sooty mangabeys with a type-I IFN agonist results in decreased virus replication without inducing hyperimmune activation
Authors: Vanderford Thomas H. , Slichter Chloe , Rogers Kenneth A. , Lawson Benton O. , Obaede Rend , Else James , Villinger Francois , Bosinger Steven E. , Silvestri Guido 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA key feature differentiating nonpathogenic SIV infection of sooty mangabeys (SMs) from pathogenic HIV/SIV infections is the rapid resolution of type I IFN (IFN-I) responses and IFN-stimulated gene expression during the acute-to-chronic phase transition and the establishment of an immune quiescent state that persists throughout the chronic infection. We hypothesized that low levels of IFN-I signaling may help to prevent chronic immune activation and disease progression in SIV-infected SMs. To assess the effects of IFN-I signaling in this setting, in the present study, we administered recombinant rhesus macaque IFNα2-IgFc (rmIFNα2) to 8 naturally SIV-infected SMs weekly for 16 weeks. Gene-expression profiling revealed a strong up-regulation of IFN-stimulated genes in the blood of treated animals, confirming the reagent's bioactivity. Interestingly, we observed an approximately 1-log decrease in viral load that persisted through day 35 of treatment. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytes in the blood, lymph nodes, and rectal biopsies did not reveal a significant decline of CD4+ T cells, a robust increase in lymphocyte activation, or change in the level of SIV-specific CD8+ T cells. The results of the present study indicate that administration of type I IFNs in SIV-infected SMs induces a significant anti-viral effect that is not associated with a detectable increase in chronic immune activation.
iRhom2 is required for the secretion of mouse TNFα
Authors: Siggs Owen M. , Xiao Nengming , Wang Ying , Shi Hexin , Tomisato Wataru , Li Xiaohong , Xia Yu , Beutler Bruce 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
TNFα is a powerful inflammatory stimulus, central both to the control of infection, and as an agent of inflammatory disease. The most potent inducers of TNFα secretion signal through the Toll-like receptors, and we describe here a chemically-induced mutation that impairs this response in macrophages. A missense mutation was revealed in the gene encoding the inactive rhomboid protease iRhom2, which was not complemented by a null allele of the same gene. Neither the missense nor the null allele affected TLR-induced secretion of IL-6. Moreover, unlike a mutation in TNFα, the iRhom2 missense mutation did not cause enhanced susceptibility to colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate. These results establish a specific role for iRhom2 in the secretion of TNFα, and present a new target for the modulation of inflammation.
Altered expression of a putative progenitor cell marker DCAMKL1 in the rat gastric mucosa in regeneration, metaplasia and dysplasia
Authors: Kikuchi Miho , Nagata Hiroshi , Watanabe Norihito , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tatemichi Masayuki , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Doublecortin and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-like-1 (DCAMKL1) is a candidate marker for progenitor cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Lineage cells in the gastric mucosa are derived from progenitor cells, but this process can be altered after injury. Therefore, we explored DCAMKL1 expression under pathological conditions.

Methods
An immunohistochemical analysis was performed in rat stomach with acute superficial injury, chronic ulcer, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia.

Results
DCAMKL1 was exclusively expressed in immature quiescent cells in the isthmus of normal fundic glands, where putative progenitor cells are thought to reside. DCAMKL1-positive cells and proliferating cells shed into the lumen after superficial injury and re-appeared during the regenerative process, mainly in the superficial mucosa. In the marginal mucosa around the active ulcer, parietal and chief cells diminished, foveolar hyperplasia was evident, and trefoil factor family 2 (TFF2)/spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) emerged at the gland base. DCAMKL1 cells re-emerged in the deep mucosa juxtaposed with SPEM and proliferating cells. In the healing ulcer, the TFF2 cell population expanded and seemed to redifferentiate to chief cells, while proliferating cells and DCAMKL1 cells appeared above and below the TFF2 cells to promote healing. SPEM appeared and PCNA cells increased in the intestinalized mucosa, and DCAMKL1 was expressed in the proximity of the PCNA cells in the deep mucosa. DCAMKL1, PCNA and TFF2 were expressed in different dysplastic cells lining dilated glands near SPEM.

Conclusion
The ultrastructural appearance of DCAMKL1-positive cells and the expression patterns of DCAMKL1 in normal and pathological states indicate that the cells belong to a progenitor cell population. DCAMKL1 expression is closely associated with TFF2/SPEM cells after injury. DCAMKL1 cells repopulate close to proliferating, hyperplastic, metaplastic and dysplastic cells, and the progenitor zone shifts according to the pathological circumstances.
Association of IL1A and IL1B loci with primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Mookherjee Suddhasil , Banerjee Deblina , Chakraborty Subhadip , Banerjee Antara , Mukhopadhyay Indranil , Sen Abhijit , Ray Kunal 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Recent studies suggest that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease in which secondary degenerative losses occur after primary insult by raised Intraocular pressure (IOP) or by other associated factors. It has been reported that polymorphisms in the IL1A and IL1B genes are associated with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of these polymorphisms in eastern Indian POAG patients.

Methods
The study involved 315 unrelated POAG patients, consisting of 116 High Tension Glaucoma (HTG) patients with intra ocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg and 199 non-HTG patients (presenting IOP < 20 mmHg), and 301 healthy controls from eastern India. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): IL1A (-889C/T; rs1800587), IL1B (-511C/T; rs16944) and IL1B (3953C/T; rs1143634). Haplotype frequency was determined by Haploview 4.1 software. The association of individual SNPs and major haplotypes was evaluated using chi-square statistics. The p-value was corrected for multiple tests by Bonferroni method.

Results
No significant difference was observed in the allele and genotype frequencies for IL1A and IL1B SNPs between total pool of POAG patients and controls. However, on segregating the patient pool to HTG and non-HTG groups, weak association was observed for IL1A polymorphism (-889C/T) where -889C allele was found to portray risk (OR = 1.380; 95% CI = 1.041-1.830; p = 0.025) for non-HTG patients. Similarly, 3953T allele of IL1B polymorphism (+3953C/T) was observed to confer risk to HTG group (OR = 1.561; 95% CI = 1.022-2.385; p = 0.039). On haplotype analysis it was observed that TTC was significantly underrepresented in non-HTG patients (OR = 0.538; 95% CI = 0.356- 0.815; p = 0.003) while TCT haplotype was overrepresented in HTG patients (OR = 1.784; 95% CI = 1.084- 2.937; p = 0.022) compared to control pool. However, after correction for multiple tests by Bonferroni method, an association of only TTC haplotype with non-HTG cases sustained (pcorrected = 0.015) and expected to confer protection.

Conclusion
The study suggests that the genomic region containing the IL1 gene cluster influences the POAG pathogenesis mostly in non-HTG patients in eastern India. A similar study in additional and larger cohorts of patients in other population groups is necessary to further substantiate the observation.