bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Quantitative 3-Dimensional Modeling of the Aortic Valve and Root by 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Normals, Aortic Regurgitation, and Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Calleja Anna , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Ionasec Razvan Ioan , Houle Helene , Liu Shizhen , Voigt Ingmar , Sai Sudhakar Chittoor , Crestanello Juan , Ryan Thomas , Vannan Mani A.
Published: December 2012

Background—

We tested the ability of a novel automated 3-dimensional (3D) algorithm to model and quantify the aortic root from 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomographic (CT) data.

Methods and Results—

We compared the quantitative parameters obtained by automated modeling from 3D TEE (n=20) and CT data (n=20) to those made by 2D TEE and targeted 2D from 3D TEE and CT in patients without valve disease (normals). We also compared the automated 3D TEE measurements in severe aortic stenosis (n=14), dilated root without aortic regurgitation (n=15), and dilated root with aortic regurgitation (n=20). The automated 3D TEE sagittal annular diameter was significantly greater than the 2D TEE measurements (
P
=0.004). This was also true for the 3D TEE and CT coronal annular diameters (
P
<0.01). The average 3D TEE and CT annular diameter was greater than both their respective 2D and 3D sagittal diameters (
P
<0.001). There was no significant difference in 2D and 3D measurements of the sinotubular junction and sinus of valsalva diameters (
P
>0.05) in normals, but these were significantly different (
P
<0.05) in abnormals. The 3 automated intercommissural distance and leaflet length and height did not show significant differences in the normals (
P
>0.05), but all 3 were significantly different compared with the abnormal group (
P
<0.05). The automated 3D annulus commissure coronary ostia distances in normals showed significant difference between 3D TEE and CT (
P
<0.05); also, these parameters by automated 3D TEE were significantly different in abnormal (
P
<0.05). Finally, the automated 3D measurements showed excellent reproducibility for all parameters.

Conclusions—

Automated quantitative 3D modeling of the aortic root from 3D TEE or CT data is technically feasible and provides unique data that may aid surgical and transcatheter interventions.
Sex Differences in Aortic Valve Calcification Measured by Multidetector Computed Tomography in Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Aggarwal Shivani R. , Clavel Marie-Annick , Messika-Zeitoun David , Cueff Caroline , Malouf Joseph , Araoz Philip A. , Mankad Rekha , Michelena Hector , Vahanian Alec , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice
Published: December 2012

Background—

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is the intrinsic mechanism of valvular obstruction leading to aortic stenosis (AS) and is measurable by multidetector computed tomography. The link between sex and AS is controversial and that with AVC is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively performed multidetector computed tomography in 665 patients with AS (aortic valve area, 1.05±0.35 cm
2
; mean gradient, 39±19 mm Hg) to measure AVC and to assess the impact of sex on the AVC–AS severity link in men and women. AS severity was comparable between women and men (peak aortic jet velocity: 4.05±0.99 versus 3.93±0.91 m/s,
P
=0.11; aortic valve area index: 0.55±0.20 versus 0.56±0.18 cm
2
/m
2
;
P
=0.46). Conversely, AVC load was lower in women versus men (1703±1321 versus 2694±1628 arbitrary units;
P
<0.0001) even after adjustment for their smaller body surface area or aortic annular area (both
P
<0.0001). Thus, odds of high-AVC load were much greater in men than in women (odds ratio, 5.07;
P
<0.0001). Although AVC showed good associations with hemodynamic AS severity in men and women (all
r
>0.67;
P
<0.0001), for any level of AS severity measured by peak aortic jet velocity or aortic valve area index, AVC load, absolute or indexed, was higher in men versus women (all
P
≤0.01).

Conclusions—

In this large AS population, women incurred similar AS severity than men for lower AVC loads, even after indexing for their smaller body size. Hence, the relationship between valvular calcification process and AS severity differs in women and men, warranting further pathophysiological inquiry. For AS severity diagnostic purposes, interpretation of AVC load should be different in men and in women.
Achievement of Guideline-Concordant Care and In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease in Teaching and Nonteaching Hospitals
Authors: Tam Lori M. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Schwamm Lee H. , Giugliano Robert P.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Secondary prevention therapies improve longitudinal outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Previous studies showed that teaching hospitals (THs) more consistently use evidence-based secondary prevention therapies than non-THs (NTHs). It is unclear whether these differences persist after initiation of a national quality improvement system.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 270902 patients across 361 hospitals in the Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease program from June 2000 to September 2009. The primary outcome was guideline-concordant care, defined as compliance with all Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease quality measures: (1) aspirin within 24 hours, (2) aspirin at discharge, (3) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers for systolic dysfunction, (4) β-blockers at discharge, (5) lipid therapy if low-density lipoprotein >100 mg/dL, and (6) smoking cessation. We used multivariate modeling to compare the relationship between TH and NTH status on quality measures, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay. Guideline-concordant care was higher at THs (78.4% versus 73.3%; P<0.01). The adjusted odds ratio between 2000 and 2009 for guideline-concordant care at THs compared with NTHs was 2.78 (confidence interval, 1.28–6.06;
P
=0.01). Guideline-concordant care increased from 2000 to 2009 at THs (n=176; 65.3%→88.3%; adjusted odds ratio for year increase, 1.24 [confidence interval, 1.16–1.30; P<0.01]) and NTHs (n=185; 61.0%→93.9%; adjusted odds ratio for year increase, 1.35 [confidence interval, 1.26–1.45];
P
<0.01). THs had shorter length of stay (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74 for length of stay >4 days; confidence interval, 0.58–0.94) from 2000 to 2009. Lower in-hospital mortality was observed at THs (3.7% versus 4.4% at NTHs;
P
<0.01), but this was not significant after adjustment.

Conclusions—

Adherence to guideline-recommended therapies increased over time with participation in the Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease program, regardless of the teaching status. Guideline-concordant care over the full decade was higher in THs; however, NTHs demonstrated greater incremental improvement over time.
Integrated Regional Networks for ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care in Developing Countries
Authors: Solla Davi Jorge Fontoura , de Mattos Paiva Filho Ivan , Delisle Jacques Edouard , Braga Alecianne Azevedo , de Moura João Batista , de Moraes Xavier , Filgueiras Nivaldo Menezes , Carvalho Marcela Embiruçu , Martins Mariana Steque , Neto Orlando Manganotti , Filho Paulo Roberto , de Souza Roriz Pollianna
Published: December 2012

Background—

Regionalized integrated networks for ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care have been proposed as a step forward in overcoming real-world obstacles, but data are lacking on its performance in developing countries. We describe an integrated regional STEMI network in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Methods and Results—

The network was created in 2009. It was coordinated by the prehospital emergency medical service and encompassed the public emergency system (prehospital mobile units, community-based emergency units, general hospitals, and cardiology reference centers). The 12-lead ECGs are interpreted via telemedicine. This network operates as follows: The Telemedicine Center sends each ECG suggestive of STEMI to a Regional STEMI Alert Team, which, together with emergency medical services, offers support for thrombolysis or immediate transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In 14 months, there were 433 suspected victims, of which in 287 (76.5%) the STEMI could be confirmed (age, 62.1±12.5 years; 63.4% men). Most of them were self-transported. The median pain-to-admission time was 180 minutes (interquartile range, 90–473 minutes), and the median admission-to-ECG time was 159.5 minutes (interquartile range, 83.5–340 minutes). The median interval time between the ECG and the telemedicine report was 31 minutes (interquartile range, 21–44 minutes). For those who sought medical attention and had an ECG performed within 12 hours after symptoms onset (n=119), the reperfusion rate was 75.6% (34.4% by thrombolysis and 65.6% by primary percutaneous coronary intervention).

Conclusions—

Regional STEMI networks may be feasible in developing countries. Preliminary results showed this network to be effective, achieving primary reperfusion rtes comparable with those reported internationally despite the obstacles faced.
MicroRNA-15a and MicroRNA-16 Impair Human Circulating Proangiogenic Cell Functions and Are Increased in the Proangiogenic Cells and Serum of Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Spinetti Gaia , Fortunato Orazio , Caporali Andrea , Shantikumar Saran , Marchetti Micol , Meloni Marco , Descamps Betty , Floris Ilaria , Sangalli Elena , Vono Rosa , Faglia Ezio , Specchia Claudia , Pintus Gianfranco , Madeddu Paolo , Emanueli Costanza
Published: December 2012

Rationale:

Circulating proangiogenic cells (PACs) support postischemic neovascularization. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus impair PAC regenerative capacities via molecular mechanisms that are not fully known. We hypothesize a role for microRNAs (miRs). Circulating miRs are currently investigated as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Objective:

The objectives were the following: (1) to profile miR expression in PACs from critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients; (2) to demonstrate that miR-15a and miR-16 regulate PAC functions; and (3) to characterize circulating miR-15a and miR-16 and to investigate their potential biomarker value.

Methods and Results:

Twenty-eight miRs potentially able to modulate angiogenesis were measured in PACs from CLI patients with and without diabetes mellitus and controls. miR-15a and miR-16 were further analyzed. CLI-PACs expressed higher level of mature miR-15a and miR-16 and of the primary transcript pri–miR-15a/16-1. miR-15a/16 overexpression impaired healthy PAC survival and migration. Conversely, miR-15a/16 inhibition improved CLI-PAC–defective migration. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and AKT-3 were validated as direct targets of the 2 miRs, and their protein levels were reduced in miR-15a/16–overexpressing healthy PACs and in CLI-PACs. Transplantation of healthy PACs ex vivo–engineered with anti–miR-15a/16 improved postischemic blood flow recovery and muscular arteriole density in immunodeficient mice. miR-15a and miR-16 were present in human blood, including conjugated to argonaute-2 and in exosomes. Both miRs were increased in the serum of CLI patients and positively correlated with amputation after restenosis at 12 months postrevascularization of CLI type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Serum miR-15a additionally correlated with restenosis at follow-up.

Conclusions:

Ex vivo miR-15a/16 inhibition enhances PAC therapeutic potential, and circulating miR-15a and miR-16 deserves further investigation as a prognostic biomarker in CLI patients undergoing revascularization.
Endothelin Axis Is Upregulated in Human and Rat Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Nagendran Jayan , Sutendra Gopinath , Paterson Ian , Champion Hunter C. , Webster Linda , Chiu Brian , Haromy Al , Rebeyka Ivan M. , Ross David B. , Michelakis Evangelos D.
Published: December 2012

Rationale:

Right ventricular (RV) function is the most important determinant of morbidity and mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Endothelin (ET)-1 receptor antagonists (ERAs) are approved therapies for PAH. It is not known whether ERAs have effects on the RV, in addition to their vasodilating/antiproliferative effects in pulmonary arteries.

Objective:

We hypothesized that the ET axis is upregulated in RV hypertrophy (RVH) and that ERAs have direct effects on the RV myocardium.

Methods and Results:

RV myocardial samples from 34 patients with RVH were compared with 16 nonhypertrophied RV samples, and from rats with normal RV versus RVH attributable to PAH. Confocal immunohistochemistry showed that RVH myocardial ET type A (but not type B) receptor and ET-1 protein levels were increased compared with the nonhypertrophied RVs and positively correlated with the degree of RVH (RV thickness/body surface area;
r
2
=0.838 and
r
2
=0.818, respectively;
P
<0.01). These results were recapitulated in the rat model. In modified Langendorff perfusions, ERAs (BQ-123 and bosentan 10
−7,−6,−5
mol/L) decreased contractility in the hypertrophied, but not normal RV, in a dose-dependent manner (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

Patients and rats with PAH have an upregulation of the myocardial ET axis in RVH. This might be a compensatory mechanism to preserve RV contractility, as the afterload increases. ERAs use might potentially worsen RV function, and this could explain some of the peripheral edema noted clinically with these agents. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of ERAs on the RV in patients with RVH and PAH.
Function of BK
Ca
Channels Is Reduced in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Han Chinese Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Yang Yan , Li Peng-Yun , Cheng Jun , Mao Liang , Wen Jing , Tan Xiao-Qiu , Liu Zhi-Fei , Zeng Xiao-Rong
Published: December 2012

Chronic hypertension is associated with an impaired vascular relaxation caused by an increased vascular tone; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood in human patients. The present study was to investigate whether large-conductance Ca
2+
- and voltage-activated K
+
(BK
Ca
) channels are involved in dysfunctional relaxation of artery in Han Chinese patients with hypertension using the perforated patch clamp, inside-out single-channel, and macromembrane patch recording techniques to determine whole-cell current, spontaneous transient outward current, open probability, and Ca
2+
sensitivity and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis to examine the gene and protein expression of α-subunit (KCa1.1) and β1-subunit (KCNMB1) of BK
Ca
channels in isolated human vascular smooth muscle cells and mesenteric arteries from normotensive and hypertensive patients. It was found that whole-cell current density, spontaneous transient outward current, and Ca
2+
sensitivity, but not single-channel open probability and slope conductance, were significantly decreased in vascular smooth muscle cells from patients with hypertension. Interestingly, mRNA and protein levels of KCNMB1, but not KCa1.1, were reduced in the arterial tissue from patients with hypertension. These results demonstrate for the first time that whole-cell current, spontaneous transient outward current, and Ca
2+
sensitivity of BK
Ca
channels are reduced in human vascular smooth muscle cells, which resulted from downregulation of
β
1-subunit of the channel. This may account, at least in part, for the dysfunction of artery relaxation in Han Chinese patients with primary hypertension.
Functional Cross-Talk Between Aldosterone and Angiotensin-(1-7) in Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: de Almeida Pedro W. Machado , de Freitas Lima Ricardo , de Morais Gomes Enéas Ricardo , Resende Cibele Rocha , Roman-Campos Danilo , Gondim Antonio Nei S. , Gavioli Mariana , Lara Aline , Parreira Amanda , de Azevedo Nunes Sasha Luísa , Alves Márcia N.M. , Santos Sandra Lauton , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , Resende Rodrigo Ribeiro , dos Santos Cruz Jader , Souza dos Santos Robson Augusto , Guatimosim Silvia
Published: December 2012

High serum levels of aldosterone have been linked to the development of cardiac disease. In contrast, angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) was extensively shown to possess cardioprotective effects, including the attenuation of cardiac dysfunction induced by excessive mineralocorticoid activation in vivo, suggesting possible interactions between these 2 molecules. Here, we investigated whether there is cross-talk between aldosterone and Ang-(1-7) and its functional consequences for calcium (Ca
2+
) signaling in ventricular myocytes. Short-term effects of aldosterone on Ca
2+
transient were assessed in Fluo-4/AM-loaded myocytes. Confocal images showed that Ang-(1-7) had no effect on Ca
2+
transient parameters, whereas aldosterone increased the magnitude of the Ca
2+
transient. Quite unexpectedly, addition of Ang-(1-7) to aldosterone-treated myocytes further enhanced the amplitude of the Ca
2+
transient suggesting a synergistic effect of these molecules. Aldosterone action on Ca
2+
transient amplitude was mediated by protein kinase A, and was related to an increase in Ca
2+
current (
I
Ca
) density. Both changes were not altered by Ang-(1-7). When cardiomyocytes were exposed to aldosterone, increased Ca
2+
spark rate was measured. Ang-(1-7) prevented this change. In addition, a NO synthase inhibitor restored the effect of aldosterone on Ca
2+
spark rate in Ang-(1-7)-treated myocytes and attenuated the synergistic effect of these 2 molecules on Ca
2+
transient. These results indicate that NO plays an important role in this cross-talk. Our results bring new perspectives in the understanding of how 2 prominent molecules with supposedly antagonist cardiac actions cross-talk to synergistically amplify Ca
2+
signals in cardiomyocytes.
Hemodynamic and Hormonal Changes to Dual Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibition in Experimental Hypertension
Authors: Moniwa Norihito , Varagic Jasmina , Ahmad Sarfaraz , VonCannon Jessica L. , Simington Stephen W. , Wang Hao , Groban Leanne , Brosnihan K. Bridget , Nagata Sayaka , Kato Johji , Kitamura Kazuo , Gomez R. Ariel , Lopez Maria L. Sequeira , Ferrario Carlos M.
Published: December 2012

We examined the antihypertensive effects of valsartan, aliskiren, or both drugs combined on circulating, cardiac, and renal components of the renin–angiotensin system in congenic mRen2.Lewis hypertensive rats assigned to: vehicle (n=9), valsartan (via drinking water, 30 mg/kg per day; n=10), aliskiren (SC by osmotic mini-pumps, 50 mg/kg per day; n=10), or valsartan (30 mg/kg per day) combined with aliskiren (50 mg/kg per day; n=10). Arterial pressure and heart rate were measured by telemetry before and during 2 weeks of treatment; trunk blood, heart, urine, and kidneys were collected for measures of renin–angiotensin system components. Arterial pressure and left-ventricular weight/tibia length ratio were reduced by monotherapy of valsartan, aliskiren, and further reduced by the combination therapy. Urinary protein excretion was reduced by valsartan and further reduced by the combination. The increases in plasma angiotensin (Ang) II induced by valsartan were reversed by the treatment of aliskiren and partially suppressed by the combination. The decreases in plasma Ang-(1–7) induced by aliskiren recovered in the combination group. Kidney Ang-(1–12) was increased by the combination therapy whereas the increases in urinary creatinine mediated by valsartan were reversed by addition of aliskiren. The antihypertensive and antiproteinuric actions of the combined therapy were associated with marked worsening of renal parenchymal disease and increased peritubular fibrosis. The data show that despite improvements in the surrogate end points of blood pressure, ventricular mass, and proteinuria, dual blockade of Ang II receptors and renin activity is accompanied by worsening of renal parenchymal disease reflecting a renal homeostatic stress response attributable to loss of tubuloglomerular feedback by Ang II.
Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability and Long-Term Clinical and Imaging Outcomes in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Wardlaw Joanna M. , Doubal Fergus N. , Valdes-Hernandez Maria , Wang Xin , Chappell Francesca M. , Shuler Kirsten , Armitage Paul A. , Carpenter Trevor C. , Dennis Martin S.
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability occurs in cerebral small vessel disease. It is not known if BBB changes predate progression of small vessel disease.

Methods—

We followed-up patients with nondisabling lacunar or cortical stroke and BBB permeability magnetic resonance imaging after their original stroke. Approximately 3 years later, we assessed functional outcome (Oxford Handicap Score, poor outcome defined as 3–6), recurrent neurological events, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) progression on magnetic resonance imaging.

Results—

Among 70 patients with mean age of 68 (SD±11) years, median time to clinical follow-up was 39 months (interquartile range, 30–45) and median Oxford Handicap Score was 2 (interquartile range, 1–3); poor functional outcome was associated with higher baseline WMH score (
P
<0.001) and increased basal ganglia BBB permeability (
P
=0.046). Among 48 patients with follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, WMH progression at follow-up was associated with baseline WMH (ANCOVA
P
<0.0001) and age (ANCOVA
P
=0.032).

Conclusions—

Further long-term studies to evaluate the role of BBB dysfunction in progression of small vessel disease are required in studies that are large enough to account for key prognostic influences such as baseline WMH and age.
Postprocessing Model-Predicted Rainfall Fields in the Spectral Domain Using Phase Information from Radar Observations
Authors: Radhakrishna Basivi , Zawadzki Isztar , Fabry Frédéric
Published: December 2012

In an attempt to combine the short-term skill of radar nowcasting and the long-term skill of numerical models, successive 15-min rainfall accumulations obtained from the U.S. national radar composites and predicted by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model are corrected by adjusting the phases of Fourier components in the spectral domain while keeping the amplitudes invariant. The phase information is first obtained by decomposing the radar and model fields into Fourier space. Then, to correct the model outputs, a new set of Fourier components is constructed using the phases from the radar image and amplitudes from the model image. The corrected model image can be obtained by inverse transformation of the new set of Fourier components. Scales of wavelengths starting from 50 to 500 km are playing a crucial role in correcting the positional and intensity errors of continental-scale precipitating systems predicted by the WRF model, while scales greater than 500 km are contributing very little, which is negligible. The model errors are characterized in terms of phase and power. Compared to power/amplitude correction, phase correction plays a major role in eliminating the positional and intensity errors. Scales that are responsible for the errors or not predicted by the model have a decorrelation time of about 2 h in both the zonal and meridional directions. The higher critical success index (CSI) and smaller RMS error values of the radar-extrapolated and phase-corrected fields compared with the WRF model–predicted fields indicate that the extrapolated phase information can be used to correct the model outputs up to a lead time of about 4 h.
On the Measurement of Heat Waves
Authors: Perkins S. E. , Alexander L. V.
Published: December 2012

Despite their adverse impacts, definitions and measurements of heat waves are ambiguous and inconsistent, generally being endemic to only the group affected, or the respective study reporting the analysis. The present study addresses this issue by employing a set of three heat wave definitions, derived from surveying heat-related indices in the climate science literature. The definitions include three or more consecutive days above one of the following: the 90th percentile for maximum temperature, the 90th percentile for minimum temperature, and positive extreme heat factor (EHF) conditions. Additionally, each index is studied using a multiaspect framework measuring heat wave number, duration, participating days, and the peak and mean magnitudes. Observed climatologies and trends computed by Sen's Kendall slope estimator are presented for the Australian continent for two time periods (1951–2008 and 1971–2008). Trends in all aspects and definitions are smaller in magnitude but more significant for 1951–2008 than for 1971–2008. Considerable similarities exist in trends of the yearly number of days participating in a heat wave and yearly heat wave frequency, suggesting that the number of available heat wave days drives the number of events. Larger trends in the hottest part of a heat wave suggest that heat wave intensity is increasing faster than the mean magnitude. Although the direct results of this study cannot be inferred for other regions, the methodology has been designed as such that it is widely applicable. Furthermore, it includes a range of definitions that may be useful for a wide range of systems impacted by heat waves.
Modification and Tests of Particle Probe Tips to Mitigate Effects of Ice Shattering
Authors: Korolev Alexei , Emery Edward , Creelman Kirk
Published: December 2012

Ice particle shattering may significantly contaminate measurements taken by airborne particle probes in ice clouds. Environment Canada and the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) undertook efforts to modify and test probe tips in order to mitigate the effect of shattering on measurements. This work presents an overview of the results obtained during the design work on the particle probe arm tips. Even though this work was focused on the modifications of three of the probes—Particle Measuring Systems Inc. (PMS) Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe and optical array probe, and Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT) Cloud Imaging Probe—the outcomes of this work bear a general character and are applicable to other similar instruments. The results of the airflow analysis around the probe’s housing and the simulations of particle bouncing from the probe tips are discussed here. The originally designed and modified tips were tested in a high-speed wind tunnel in ice and liquid sprays. The ice particle bouncing processes as well as patterns of water shedding over the surface of the probes arms were studied with the help of a high-speed video camera. It was found that at aircraft speed, after bouncing from a solid surface, ice particles may travel several centimeters across the airflow and bounce forward up to 1 cm. For the first time it has been directly documented with high-speed video recording that the sample volumes of particle probes with the originally designed tips are contaminated by shattered and bounced particles. A set of recommendations on the existing modification and the design of future particle probe housings is presented.
Intimacy, homicide, and punishment: Examining court outcomes over three decades
Authors: Dawson Myrna
Published: December 2012

Little is known about changing patterns in official responses to crime over time despite changes in recent decades in how the law treats various types of violent crime. Drawing from data documenting court outcomes in homicides in one Canadian urban jurisdiction from 1974 to 2002, this study examines the role played by intimacy in law during several distinct social and public policy periods in one country. The central hypothesis is that the accused in intimate partner homicides will be subject to ‘less law’ than those in non-intimate partner homicides. However, given social and policy transformations, it is further hypothesized that evidence of differential treatment should be less in recent years and, specifically, post-Bill C-41 which was meant to change the way intimacy was considered at sentencing. In examining multiple decision points, results show that while differential treatment of intimate partner and non-intimate homicide was evident at some stages, it was not always in the direction hypothesized. Further, while patterns in treatment did change over time with ‘more law’ evident in cases involving intimate partners in more recent years, plea resolutions remained more common for intimate partner killers than for those who killed victims with whom they shared more distant relationships.
Homicide law reform and gender: Configuring violence
Authors: Morgan Jenny
Published: December 2012

This article charts aspects of the engagement by formal law reform agencies with feminist ideas in the context of homicide law reform. This requires, of course, a concentration on violence against women. The article uses law reform work on the provocation defence to map the ways in which violence against women was an apparent driver of reform. It has Victorian law reform as its focus, and concentrates on the various manifestations of independent law reform agencies in Victoria – the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC), and its two predecessor agencies, the Law Reform Commission of Victoria (LRCV) and the Law Reform Commissioner. The article explores the thesis that when law reform, at least homicide law reform, is driven by the social context in which the legal phenomenon of interest occurs, one is more likely to get progressive legal change than where reform is driven by legal categories. However, that social context had itself to be configured and the paper briefly traces the identification of ‘domestic violence’ as a social phenomenon.
Divergent directions in reforming legal responses to lethal violence
Authors: Fitz-Gibbon Kate , Stubbs Julie
Published: December 2012

Over the past three decades, debates about legal reforms to lethal violence have been evident across Australia and in other jurisdictions. While these debates have often arisen from shared concerns, the resulting reforms have taken different approaches to reformulating the defences to murder. This article considers the divergent approaches taken to reform and the process of law reform itself, documenting the significance of localised histories and high profile cases. It also questions whether reforms to the defences to murder have responded adequately to the varying contexts within which men and women kill. The analysis reveals the limitations of law reform inquiries that fail to take a comprehensive approach to considering the operation of the laws in this area. The article calls for ongoing critical analysis of homicide within and beyond the law.
Social and cultural meanings of legal responses to homicide among men: Masculine honour, sexual advances and accidents
Authors: Tomsen Stephen , Crofts Thomas
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses Australian controversies over defences and excuses to homicide that serve partly to normalise violence in fatal conflicts between men. The ‘homosexual advance defence’ (HAD), describes a specific use of the provocation plea to seek a reduction of murder charges to a finding of manslaughter in cases of alleged male on male sexual advance. Successful uses of HAD to support claims of provocation have reflected legal acceptance of the alleged affront to masculine honour that such an advance can comprise. Likewise, the excuse of ‘accident’ has become a matter of growing debate when used to counter homicide charges arising from petty disputes or unprovoked assaults between men. The ineffective outcome of debate and the extent of this violence mirrors official resignation about this phenomenon and casts doubt on the progression of ‘civilising’ trends against social brutality. Anti-violence activists and reformers have mobilised against the use of HAD and the excuse of accident with mixed success. Reform of provocation law to abolish HAD is still incomplete, and the accident excuse continues to impact on cases involving alcohol-related violence among men. Anti-homosexual attacks and other fatal male on male conflicts have been viewed as unrelated forms of crime, yet there is a symmetry between HAD-related and ‘accidental’ killings that arise in social scenarios where sudden rage in reply to insults to male honour is a common social expectation.
Battered women charged with homicide in Australia, Canada and New Zealand: How do they fare?
Authors: Sheehy Elizabeth , Stubbs Julie , Tolmie Julia
Published: December 2012

This article examines trends in the resolution of homicide cases involving battered women defendants from 2000 to 2010 in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Australia and Canada appear to have some commonalities in their treatment of such cases with higher acquittal rates and a greater reliance on plea bargaining to produce manslaughter verdicts, as compared with New Zealand. Although New Zealand’s small number of cases makes it difficult to generalise, its overall trends appear to be different from those observed in Australia and Canada, in both the high proportion of cases proceeding to trial and those resulting in conviction for murder. The authors conclude that there is a need to re-examine prosecutorial practices of proceeding to trial on murder rather than manslaughter charges even when manslaughter would be ultimately satisfactory to the prosecution, and of accepting guilty pleas to manslaughter verdicts in circumstances where the battered woman appears to have a strong self-defence case.
Cascades of violence and a global criminology of place
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: December 2012

This research is about the insight that some of the same dynamics may cause war and crime. Because this is not well understood, national peace agreements sometimes fail to resolve root causes; violent death is sometimes higher after the peace than during the war. The second ambition is a macrosociological imagination that opens a new way of seeing global patterns of crime-war. A third explores what to do about it. Five starting hypotheses toward a theory of crime-war are advanced: Violence cascades when Those displaced by violence displace others from spaces to which refugees flee. Refugee camps become recruiting centres for those who cause violence to cascade. Hot spots destabilized by successive waves of violence become anomic Hobbesian vacuums that attract violent tyrannies. Violent crime is highly concentrated at hot spots; twenty-first century warfare is concentrated at local hot spots. Peace is accomplished hot spot by hot spot more than nation by nation. Political settlements and a politics of reconciliation are needed to resolve contemporary violence that are less national, more oriented to a local politics of place. One control policy is a responsive enforcement pyramid that gives violent groups in control of hot spots an opportunity to negotiate a truce at the base of the pyramid. When they do, reintegration of perpetrators and shaming of their crimes can occur. When the opportunity to renounce violence is spurned, firm resolve to escalate to arrest backed by military capability in the case of armed resistance to arrest is necessary. Where this resolve is absent, violent hot spots proliferate. Negotiations that persuade violent groups to relinquish control of local hot spots of criminal opportunity under threat of prosecution will prevent violence more permanently when accompanied by reconciliation that is followed by reintegration into legitimate opportunity structures.
What happens when a new government enters office? A comparison of ideological change in British and Swedish foreign policy 1991–2011
Authors: Brommesson Douglas , Ekengren Ann-Marie
Published: December 2012

This study analyses to what extent a change of government in times of unchanged international structure affects the ideology of foreign policy. The main contribution is to investigate the role of political culture, as reflected through institutional design, as an intervening variable. Effects of changes of government in the United Kingdom in 1997 and 2010 and in Sweden in 1994 and 2006 is studied by analysing speeches in the General Debates of the UN General Assembly. The analysis is based on four ideal types. The results indicate that institutional design is an influencing intervening variable of foreign policy ideology. In the UK, a country dominated by majoritarian institutional design, foreign policy ideology changes more extensively in times of government change than in Sweden, a country dominated by consensual institutional design.
How and why the Cold War became a long peace: Some statistical insights
Authors: Vasquez John A , Kang Choong-Nam
Published: December 2012

A data-based analysis of how and why the long peace of the Cold War occurred. The analysis tests a proposition originally suggested by Senese and Vasquez (2008) that alliance polarization played an important role in producing the long peace, because in the 1816–1945 and post-Cold War periods, both sides having outside alliances was positively associated with the escalation of a militarized interstate dispute (MID) to war and in the Cold War it was negatively related. New hypotheses are derived to test this claim. Tests of two hypotheses support the claim that alliance polarization played a key role in the long peace, even when controlling for the presence of nuclear weapons.
The 2012 Leona Tyler Award Address
Authors: Savickas Mark L.
Published: December 2012

Thomas Kuhn (1996), the historian of science, referred to a paradigm as a pattern of conceptual models and dominant practices that characterize a particular historical period. The present article traces the evolution and compares three major paradigms for career intervention, namely the formist paradigm of modernity’s vocational guidance for the actor, the organismic paradigm of high modernity’s career education for the agent, and the contextual paradigm of post-modernity’s life designing for the author. Each of these paradigms has a distinct discourse that engages clients with a standard rhetoric and skill repertoire. Vocational guidance, from the objective perspective of individual differences, views clients as actors who may be characterized by scores on traits and who may be helped to match themselves to occupations that employ people whom they resemble. Career education, from the subjective perspective of individual development, views clients as agents who may be characterized by their degree of readiness to engage developmental tasks appropriate to their life stages and who may be helped to implement new attitudes, beliefs, and competencies that foster their vocational adaptation. Life design, from the project perspective of social constructionism, views clients as authors who may be characterized by autobiographical stories and who may be helped to reflect on life themes with which to reconstruct their careers. Depending upon a client’s personal needs and social context, practitioners may apply career interventions that reflect different paradigms: vocational guidance to identify occupational fit, career education to foster vocational adaptation, or life design to construct a career story.
Correlates of Risky Sexual Activity for Urban African American Youth in an Alternative Education Program
Authors: Carswell Steven B. , Hanlon Thomas E. , Watts Amy M. , O’Grady Kevin E.
Published: December 2012

This study examined the link between developmental risk and protective factors and risky sexual activity among 222 urban African American youth attending an alternative education program (AEP) because of problematic behavior. Self-report information provided by these AEP participants revealed that, for the risk and protective factors examined, the extent of their involvement in delinquent activity, including substance use, and the less parental monitoring they received were the principal correlates of both the likelihood of the initiation and extent of their engagement in risky sexual activity. Findings of the study also illustrate the feasibility of the early identification of individuals likely to be at increased risk for the development of sexually-related short and long-term adverse health outcomes.
Using the Many-Faceted Rasch Model to Evaluate Standard Setting Judgments
Authors: Kaliski Pamela K. , Wind Stefanie A. , Engelhard George , Morgan Deanna L. , Plake Barbara S. , Reshetar Rosemary A.
Published: December 2012

The many-faceted Rasch (MFR) model has been used to evaluate the quality of ratings on constructed response assessments; however, it can also be used to evaluate the quality of judgments from panel-based standard setting procedures. The current study illustrates the use of the MFR model for examining the quality of ratings obtained from a standard setting process employing the Multiple Yes-No, modified Angoff standard setting procedure to set the cut scores on the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam. The panelists’ severity, judged item difficulties, rounds, and cut scores using the MFR model were examined, in addition to panelists’ characteristics (gender and level of course taught). Findings from the Rasch analyses conducted in this study provide evidence of acceptable quality of the ratings obtained from the panelists. Thus, the current study provides an important source of both internal and procedural validity evidence for the Advanced Placement Environmental Science standard setting as well as an illustration of the utility of the MFR model for evaluating standard setting judgments.
Children’s rights in disasters: Concerns for social work – Insights from South Asia and possible lessons for Africa
Authors: Nikku Bala Raju
Published: December 2012

Disasters around the world disrupt the lives of millions of people, especially pushing many children into armed conflict, prostitution, drug trafficking and other dangerous situations, resulting in violation of their rights. Approaches to disaster management continue to be largely technology-centred, top-down and isolated from human development processes in the region. The rescue–relief–rehabilitation (3R) model of interventions largely results in treating children as beneficiaries and not as actors. This article offers possible lessons for Africa, based on the South Asian experience of how children’s rights are (not) practised in the context of disasters.
Witchcraft stigmatization in Nigeria: Challenges and successes in the implementation of child rights
Authors: Secker Emilie
Published: December 2012

Witchcraft stigmatization is increasingly identified as a growing human rights concern. The stigmatization of children as witches and resultant child rights abuse is particularly prevalent in Nigeria, and has been recognized as a major barrier to the effective implementation of child rights in this state. Witchcraft-related abuse entails significant violations of a range of children’s rights, and is yet to receive adequate or effective policy responses from government. Whilst Civil Society Organizations have attempted to address this issue, significant practical and conceptual challenges to their work remain.
The ethics of children’s participation: Fundamental to children’s rights realization in Africa
Authors: Viviers Andries , Lombard Antoinette
Published: December 2012

Children’s participation in decisions affecting them is a fundamental human right. This article proposes an ethical framework for meaningful, authentic children’s participation consistent with children’s rights, one developed within the context of international and continental human rights treaties, global commitments and declarations on children’s rights and legal provisions within South African legislation.
War-affected children in northern Uganda: No easy path to normality
Authors: Spitzer Helmut , Twikirize Janestic M.
Published: December 2012

Armed conflict and war violate children’s rights. In northern Uganda, thousands of children have been forcefully abducted and recruited by an armed opposition group. Despite relative peace and stability since 2006, children suffer from the destruction of the social, economic, and educational infrastructure, and lack of protection of their fundamental rights. This article provides an overview of international legal frameworks pertaining to children in war and discusses the role of social work in the overall rehabilitation process in northern Uganda. Children’s rights are introduced as guiding principles and a key reference point for programming and practice.
Exploring Risk Factors in Peer Coaching
Authors: Parker Polly , Kram Kathy E. , Hall Douglas T.
Published: December 2012

Peer coaching has become a recognized tool for career learning in response to the demands of the contemporary business environment. Researchers and practitioners alike have defined it as a dyadic relationship with the potential to foster significant learning for one or both parties. However, the potential of peer coaching to facilitate personal and professional development may be undermined if critical risk factors are not understood and addressed. Exploring the risk factors associated with peer coaching is the explicit focus of this conceptual article. We adopt an ecological lens to deepen understanding of the process of peer coaching, and to show how the interdependence among elements at different levels of analysis influences this relational exchange. This multilevel perspective highlights the dynamic nature of influences which differ in visibility, severity, and levels of the social fabric. We also draw on relational theory in careers, research on interpersonal relationships, and dysfunctional mentoring to predict ways in which effective peer coaching can be undermined. Finally, we propose intervention strategies for minimizing risk factors associated with peer coaching, and an agenda for future research.
Attitudes Toward and Sexual Partnerships With Drug Dealers Among Young Adult African American Females in Socially Disorganized Communities
Authors: Floyd Leah J. , Brown Qiana
Published: December 2012

Drug markets in disadvantaged African American neighborhoods have altered social and sexual norms as well as sexual networks, which impact an individual’s risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Presently, we describe the prevalence of sexual partnerships with males involved with illegal drugs among a sample of non-drug-dependent females. In 2010, 120 Black females aged 18 to 30 years completed a semistructured HIV-risk interview. Descriptive statistics revealed approximately 80% of females perceived neighborhood drug activity as a major problem, 58% had sex with a male drug dealer, 48% reported sex with a male incarcerated for selling drugs, and 56% believed drug dealers have the most sexual partners. Our results suggest sexual partnerships with males involved in the distribution of drugs are prevalent. These partnerships may play a substantial role in the spread of sexually transmitted infections among low-risk females, as drug dealers likely serve as a bridge between higher HIV-risk drug and prison populations and lower HIV-risk females. However, the significance of partnerships with males involved in drug dealing has received little attention in HIV and drug abuse literature. Presently, there is a need for more research focused on understanding the extent to which the drug epidemic affects the HIV risk of non-drug-dependent Black female residents of neighborhoods inundated with drugs. Special consideration should be given to the role of the neighborhood drug dealer in the spread of sexually transmitted infections.