bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Courtliness and its Trujamanes: Manufacturing Chivalric Imagery across the Castilian–Grenadine Frontier
Authors: Porto Rosa María Rodríguez 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe comparative analysis of the "Hall of Justice" ceilings and several fourteenth-century Castilian courtly artefacts—above all, the Crónica Troyana de Alfonso XI (escorial, h.i.6)—provides suggestive insights for thinking about the threads of meaning associated with chivalric imagery in medieval Castile and Granada. Moreover, tracing the different modes of "Iberization" of a repertoire of motifs traditionally considered "northern" or "western," in both thematic and formal terms, as they are incorporated into the ethnic and cultural plurality of the Iberian Peninsula will serve as an opportunity for scholarship to re-examine the processes of cultural formation, allowing us to avoid simplistic labels and rigid parameters. Translation as a paradigm for artistic creation can be useful in this task, since it can help us to make sense, not only of the singularity of Hispanic achievements, but also of the tensions perceivable in the Peninsular dynamics of artistic production.
Cross-Cultural Style in the Alhambra: Textiles, Identity and Origins
Authors: Luyster Amanda 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAlthough previous scholarship has examined the appropriation and adaptation of Islamic textiles in Christian Spain, no substantial work has yet focused on the presence and interpretation of Christian textiles in Nasrid Spain. Attention to trade patterns of portable goods as well as to archival documents suggests, however, that an interest in Christian textiles may have existed in al-Andalus in the later medieval period, raising the possibility that the ceilings of the Alhambra should be viewed from within that context.This paper recognizes compelling formal parallels between these ceilings and northern tapestries and uses those similarities in conjunction with contextual evidence to suggest that one of the ways in which the painted ceilings might have been viewed was as part of a textile collection displayed in the Alhambra. While earlier scholarship frequently interprets the Hall of Justice painted ceilings as representing Christian domination of the Nasrid dynasty, a reading of the paintings as part of a textile collection, in conjunction with ideas of aesthetics and display, suggests that they might instead have contributed to a representation of the wealth and power of the Nasrid ruler in a world stretching far beyond the borders of alAndalus.
Evening Temperature Rises on Valley Floors and Slopes: Their Causes and Their Relationship to the Thermally Driven Wind System
Authors: Whiteman C. David , Hoch Sebastian W. , Poulos Gregory S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAt slope and valley floor sites in the Owens Valley of California, the late afternoon near-surface air temperature decline is often followed by a temporary temperature rise before the expected nighttime cooling resumes. The spatial and temporal patterns of this evening warming phenomenon, as seen in the March/April 2006 Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment, are investigated using a widely distributed network of 51 surface-based temperature dataloggers. Hypotheses on the causes of the temperature rises are tested using heavily instrumented 34-m meteorological towers that were located within the datalogger array. The evening temperature rise follows the development of a shallow temperature deficit layer over the slopes and floor of the valley in which winds blow downslope. Background winds within the valley, freed from frictional deceleration from the earth’s surface by this layer, accelerate. The increased vertical wind shear across the temperature deficit layer eventually creates shear instability and mixes out the layer, creating the observed warming near the ground. As momentum is exchanged during the mixing event, the wind direction near the surface gradually turns from downslope to the background wind direction. After the short period of warming associated with the mixing, ongoing net radiative loss causes a resumption of the cooling.
Baroclinic Rossby Wave Forcing and Barotropic Rossby Wave Response to Stratospheric Vortex Variability
Authors: Castanheira J. M. , Liberato M. L. R. , de la Torre L. , Graf H-F. , DaCamara C. C. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
An analysis is performed on the dynamical coupling between the variability of the extratropical stratospheric and tropospheric circulations during the Northern Hemisphere winter. Obtained results provide evidence that in addition to the well-known Charney and Drazin mechanism by which vertical propagation of baroclinic Rossby waves is nonlinearly influenced by the zonal mean zonal wind, topographic forcing constitutes another important mechanism by which nonlinearity is introduced in the troposphere–stratosphere wave-driven coupled variability. On the one hand, vortex variability is forced by baroclinic Rossby wave bursts, with positive (negative) peaks of baroclinic Rossby wave energy occurring during rapid vortex decelerations (accelerations). On the other hand, barotropic Rossby waves of zonal wavenumbers s = 1 and 3 respond to the vortex state, and strong evidence is presented that such a response is mediated by changes of the topographic forcing due to zonal mean zonal wind anomalies progressing downward from the stratosphere. It is shown that wavenumbers s = 1 and 3 are the dominant Fourier components of the topography in the high-latitude belt where the zonal mean zonal wind anomalies are stronger; moreover, obtained results are in qualitative agreement with the analytical solution provided by the simple topographic wave model of Charney and Eliassen. Finally, evidence is provided that changes of barotropic long (s ≤ 3) Rossby waves associated with vortex variability reproduce a NAO-like dipole over the Atlantic Ocean but no dipole is formed over the Pacific Ocean. Moreover, results suggest that the nonlinear wave response to topographic forcing may explain the spatial changes of the NAO correlation patterns that have been found in previous studies.
Intraseasonal and Interannual Variability of Extreme Dry and Wet Events over Southeastern South America and the Subtropical Atlantic during Austral Summer
Authors: Muza Michel N. , Carvalho Leila M. V. , Jones Charles , Liebmann Brant 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Intraseasonal and interannual variability of extreme wet and dry anomalies over southeastern Brazil and the western subtropical South Atlantic Ocean are investigated. Precipitation data are obtained from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) in pentads during 23 austral summers (December–February 1979/80–2001/02). Extreme wet (dry) events are defined according to 75th (25th) percentiles of precipitation anomaly distributions observed in two time scales: intraseasonal and interannual. The agreement between the 25th and 75th percentiles of the GPCP precipitation and gridded precipitation obtained from stations in Brazil is also examined. Variations of extreme wet and dry anomalies on interannual time scales are investigated along with variations of sea surface temperature (SST) and circulation anomalies. The South Atlantic SST dipole seems related to interannual variations of extreme precipitation events over southeastern Brazil. It is shown that extreme wet and dry events in the continental portion of the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) are decoupled from extremes over the oceanic portion of the SACZ and there is no coherent dipole of extreme precipitation regimes between tropics and subtropics on interannual time scales. On intraseasonal time scales, the occurrence of extreme dry and wet events depends on the propagation phase of extratropical wave trains and consequent intensification (weakening) of 200-hPa zonal winds. Extreme wet and dry events over southeastern Brazil and subtropical Atlantic are in phase on intraseasonal time scales. Extreme wet events over southeastern Brazil and subtropical Atlantic are observed in association with low-level northerly winds above the 75th percentile of the seasonal climatology over central-eastern South America. Extreme wet events on intraseasonal time scales over southeastern Brazil are more frequent during seasons not classified as extreme wet or dry on interannual time scales.
Understanding Changes in the Asian Summer Monsoon over the Past Millennium: Insights from a Long-Term Coupled Model Simulation*
Authors: Fan Fangxing , Mann Michael E. , Ammann Caspar M. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The Asian summer monsoon (ASM) and its variability were investigated over the past millennium through the analysis of a long-term simulation of the NCAR Climate System Model, version 1.4 (CSM 1.4) coupled model driven with estimated natural and anthropogenic radiative forcing during the period 850–1999. Analysis of the simulation results indicates that certain previously proposed mechanisms, such as warmer large-scale temperatures favoring a stronger monsoon through their effect on Eurasian snow cover, appear inconsistent with the mechanisms active in the simulation. Forced changes in tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures play an apparent role in the long-term changes in the ASM. Analyses of the simulation results suggest that the direct radiative effect of solar forcing variations on the ASM is quite weak and that dynamical responses may be far more important. Volcanic radiative forcing leads to a clearly detectable short-term reduction in the strength of the ASM. Comparisons with long-term proxy reconstructions of the ASM are attempted but are limited by the divergent behavior among different reconstructions as well as the limitations in the model’s coupled dynamics.
Eddy Transport and Mixing in a Wind- and Buoyancy-Driven Jet on the Sphere
Authors: Cerovečki Ivana , Plumb R. Alan , Heres William 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The baroclinically unstable wind- and buoyancy-driven flow in a zonally reentrant pie-shaped sector on a sphere is numerically modeled and then analyzed using the transformed Eulerian-mean (TEM) formalism. Mean fields are obtained by zonal and time averaging performed at fixed height. The very large latitudinal extent of the basin (50.7°S latitude to the equator) allows the latitude variation of the Coriolis parameter to strongly influence the flow. Persistent zonal jets are observed in the statistically steady state. Reynolds stress terms play an important role in redistributing zonal angular momentum: convergence of the lateral momentum flux gives rise to a strong eastward jet, with an adjacent westward jet equatorward and weaker multiple jets poleward. An equally prominent feature of the flow is a strong and persistent eddy that has the structure of a Kelvin cat’s eye and generally occupies the zonal width of the basin at latitudes 15°–10°S.
A strongly mixed surface diabatic zone overlies the near-adiabatic interior, within which Ertel potential vorticity (but not thickness) is homogenized along the mean isopycnals everywhere in the basin where eddies have developed (and thus is not homogenized equatorward of the most energetic eastward jet). A region of low potential vorticity (PV) is formed adjacent to the strong baroclinic front associated with that jet and subsequently maintained by strong convective events.
The eddy buoyancy flux is dominated by its skew component over large parts of the near-adiabatic interior, with cross-isopycnal components present only in the vicinity of the main jet and in the surface diabatic layer. Close to the main jet, the cross-isopycnal components are dominantly balanced by the triple correlation terms in the buoyancy variance budget, while the advection of buoyancy variance by the mean flow is not a dominant term in the eddy buoyancy variance budget.
Along-isopycnal mixing in the near-adiabatic interior is estimated by applying the effective diffusivity diagnostic of Nakamura. The effective diffusivity is large at the flanks of the mean jet and beneath it and small in the jet core. The apparent horizontal diffusivity for buoyancy obtained from the flux–gradient relationship is the same magnitude as the effective diffusivity, but the structures are rather different. The diapycnal diffusivity is strongest in the surface layer and also in a convectively unstable region that extends to depths of hundreds of meters beneath the equatorward flank of the main jet.
Treadmill training post stroke: are there any secondary benefits? A pilot study
Authors: Smith Patricia S , Thompson Mary 
Published: October 2008

Objective: To explore the secondary benefits of treadmill training for people in the chronic stage of recovery from stroke. Design: Modified random assignment, matched-pair control group design with repeated measures. Setting: Outpatient stroke centre. Participants: Twenty individuals post first stroke who acknowledged walking slower than pre stroke. Participants matched by side of hemiparesis and motor impairment. Interventions: Twelve 20-minute sessions of walking on a treadmill or weekly phone call. Main outcome measures: Depression (Beck Depression Index), mobility and social participation (Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 subscales) were assessed initially, at the end of 12 treatments (four weeks) and six weeks later. Results: No significant difference was found between groups for any dependent measure. The ANOVA to investigate main effects in each group found no significant findings in the control group; however in the treatment group significant improvements over time for depression (P=0.005, P<0.001), mobility (P=0.008) and social participation (P= 0.004) were demonstrated. Conclusions: A task-specific intervention designed to improve gait speed may potentially provide secondary benefits by positively impacting depression, mobility and social participation for people post stroke.
A comparative study of oxygen consumption for conventional and energy-storing prosthetic feet in transfemoral amputees
Authors: Graham Lorraine E , Datta Dipak , Heller Ben , Howitt John 
Published: October 2008

Objective: To compare oxygen consumption for traumatic high-functioning transfemoral amputees wearing initially a conventional prosthetic foot (Multiflex) and then an energy-storing prosthetic foot (Vari-Flex). Setting: A regional prosthetic and amputee rehabilitation tertiary referral centre in a teaching hospital. Study design: Experimental crossover trial. Subjects: Six established unilateral transfemoral prosthetic users. Interventions: Oxygen consumption breath-by-breath analysis at multiple speeds on a treadmill for each amputee wearing initially the Multiflex foot and then repeated wearing the Vari-Flex foot. Results: Mean oxygen consumption across all subjects was lower for the Vari-Flex foot than for the Multiflex foot at all speeds, although the differences were only significant at speeds of 0.83 and 1.1 m/s (P<0.05). ANCOVA analysis across all speeds showed that oxygen consumption with the Vari-Flex foot was significantly lower (P<0.001). The estimated difference across all speeds was 3.54 mL/kg.min. Conclusion: A high functioning transfemoral amputee who wears an energy-storing prosthetic foot may have significantly reduced oxygen consumption at normal walking speeds.
Does functional strength training of the leg in subacute stroke improve physical performance? A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bale Marte , Inger Strand Liv 
Published: October 2008

Objective: To examine the effect of functional strength training in subacute stroke. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: Two rehabilitation units. Subjects: Eighteen patients in the subacute phase post stroke, randomly allocated to a functional strength training (intervention) group (n = 8) and a training-as-usual (comparison) group (n = 10). Intervention: The functional strength training group participated in functional progressive strength training of the affected lower extremity. The training-as-usual group had traditional training, excessive muscle power being avoided to prevent associated reactions. All trained 50 minutes five days a week for four weeks. Main measures: Maximum weight-bearing in standing (primary outcome), isometric muscle strength, gait speed and items of Motor Assessment Scale. Results: Maximum weight-bearing on the affected leg improved more in the functional strength training group (mean 17.4% of body weight) than in the training-as-usual group (mean 5.6% of body weight), but taking test data at inclusion into consideration, the difference in change was not statistically significant (P = 0.056). More patients in the functional strength training group (57%) could weight-bear on the affected leg while stepping forward, than in the training-as-usual group (17%). Improvement was clinically significant in 7 of 9 outcome measures in the functional strength training group (effect size ≥0.80, large), but in only 3 of 9 in the training-as-usual group. All patients in the functional strength training group and 70% of the patients in the training-as-usual group rated their overall status as `much' or `very much' improved. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that functional strength training of lower extremities improves physical performance more than traditional training.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review
Authors: Reid W. Darlene , Geddes E. Lynne , O'Brien Kelly , Brooks Dina , Crowe Jean 
Published: October 2008

Objective: We performed a systematic review to determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life for adolescents and adults living with cystic fibrosis. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL electronic databases were searched up to January 2008. Review methods: We performed a systematic review using the methodology outlined in the Cochrane Collaboration protocol. Articles were included if: (1) participants were adolescents or adults with cystic fibrosis (>13 years of age); (2) an IMT group was compared to a sham IMT, no intervention or other intervention group; (3) the study used a randomized controlled trial or cross-over design; and (4) it was published in English. Data were abstracted and methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Results: The search strategy yielded 36 articles, of which two met the inclusion criteria. Both studies used a targeted or threshold device for IMT. Meta-analyses were limited to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), which showed no difference in effect between the IMT group and the sham and/or control group. Individual study results were inconclusive for improvement in inspiratory muscle strength. One study demonstrated improvement in inspiratory muscle endurance. Conclusion: The benefit of IMT in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis for outcomes of inspiratory muscle function is supported by weak evidence. Its impact on exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life is not clear. Future research should investigate the characteristics of the subgroup of people with cystic fibrosis that might benefit most from IMT.
Wearable systems for monitoring mobility-related activities in older people: a systematic review
Authors: de Bruin Eling D , Hartmann Antonia , Uebelhart Daniel , Murer Kurt , Zijlstra Wiebren 
Published: October 2008

Objective: The use of wearable motion-sensing technology offers important advantages over conventional methods for obtaining measures of physical activity and/or physical functioning in aged individuals. This review aims to identify the actual state of applying wearable systems for monitoring mobility-related activity in older populations. In this review we focus on technologies and applications, research designs, feasibility and adherence aspects, and clinical relevance of wearable motion-sensing technology. Data sources: PubMed (MEDLINE since 1990), Ovid (BIOSIS, CINAHL), and Cochrane (Central) and reference lists of all relevant articles were searched. Review methods: Two authors independently reviewed randomized and non-randomized trials on people above 65 years systematically. Quality of selected articles was scored and study results were summarised and discussed. Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven abstracts were considered. After application of inclusion criteria and full text reading, 42 articles were taken into account in a full text review. Twenty of these papers evaluated walking with step counters, other papers used varying accelerometry approaches for obtaining overall activity measures (n = 16), or for monitoring changes in body postures and activity patterns (n = 17). Seven studies explicitly mentioned feasibility and/or adherence aspects. Eight studies presented outcome evaluations of interventions. Eight articles were representing descriptive research designs, three articles were using mixed descriptive and exploratory research designs, 23 articles used exploratory research-type designs, and eight articles used experimental research designs. Conclusion: Although feasible methods for monitoring human mobility are available, evidence-based clinical applications of these methods in older populations are in need of further development.
The effect of aquatic therapy on postural balance and muscle strength in stroke survivors — a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Dong Koog Noh  , Lim Jae-Young , Shin Hyung-Ik , Paik Nam-Jong 
Published: October 2008

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an aquatic therapy programme designed to increase balance in stroke survivors. Design: A randomized, controlled pilot trial. Setting: Rehabilitation department of a university hospital. Subjects: Ambulatory chronic stroke patients (n = 25):13 in an aquatic therapy group and 12 in a conventional therapy group. Interventions: The aquatic therapy group participated in a programme consisting of Ai Chi and Halliwick methods, which focused on balance and weight-bearing exercises. The conventional therapy group performed gym exercises. In both groups, the interventions occurred for 1 hour, three times per week, for eight weeks. Main measures: The primary outcome measures were Berg Balance Scale score and weight-bearing ability, as measured by vertical ground reaction force during four standing tasks (rising from a chair and weight-shifting forward, backward and laterally). Secondary measures were muscle strength and gait. Results: Compared with the conventional therapy group, the aquatic therapy group attained significant improvements in Berg Balance Scale scores, forward and backward weight-bearing abilities of the affected limbs, and knee flexor strength (P<0.05), with effect sizes of 1.03, 1.14, 0.72 and 1.13 standard deviation units and powers of 75, 81, 70 and 26%, respectively. There were no significant changes in the other measures between the two groups. Conclusions: Postural balance and knee flexor strength were improved after aquatic therapy based on the Halliwick and Ai Chi methods in stroke survivors. Because of limited power and a small population base, further studies with larger sample sizes are required.