bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orai1-Mediated

I
CRAC

Is Essential for Neointima Formation After Vascular Injury
Authors: Zhang Wei , Halligan Katharine E. , Zhang Xuexin , Bisaillon Jonathan M. , Gonzalez-Cobos José C. , Motiani Rajender K. , Hu Guoqing , Vincent Peter A. , Zhou Jiliang , Barroso Margarida , Singer Harold A. , Matrougui Khalid , Trebak Mohamed
Published: July 2011

Rationale:

The molecular correlate of the calcium release-activated calcium current (

I
CRAC

), the channel protein Orai1, is upregulated in proliferative vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, the role of Orai1 in vascular disease remains largely unknown.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to determine the role of Orai1 in neointima formation after balloon injury of rat carotid arteries and its potential upregulation in a mouse model of VSMC remodeling.

Methods and Results:

Lentiviral particles encoding short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting either Orai1 (shOrai1) or STIM1 (shSTIM1) caused knockdown of their respective target mRNA and proteins and abrogated store-operated calcium entry and

I
CRAC

in VSMC; control shRNA was targeted to luciferase (shLuciferase). Balloon injury of rat carotid arteries upregulated protein expression of Orai1, STIM1, and calcium–calmodulin kinase IIdelta2 (CamKIIδ2); increased proliferation assessed by Ki67 and PCNA and decreased protein expression of myosin heavy chain in medial and neointimal VSMC. Incubation of the injured vessel with shOrai1 prevented Orai1, STIM1, and CamKIIδ2 upregulation in the media and neointima; inhibited cell proliferation and markedly reduced neointima formation 14 days post injury; similar results were obtained with shSTIM1. VSMC Orai1 and STIM1 knockdown inhibited nuclear factor for activated T-cell (NFAT) nuclear translocation and activity. Furthermore, Orai1 and STIM1 were upregulated in mice carotid arteries subjected to ligation.

Conclusions:

Orai1 is upregulated in VSMC during vascular injury and is required for NFAT activity, VSMC proliferation, and neointima formation following balloon injury of rat carotids. Orai1 provides a novel target for control of VSMC remodeling during vascular injury or disease.
Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability as an Explanation for the Increased Risk of Stroke in Elderly Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: van Lammeren Guus W. , Reichmann Boudewijn L. , Moll Frans L. , Bots Michiel L. , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , de Vries Jean-Paul P.M. , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Borst Gert Jan
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Recent randomized trials showed an increased periprocedural risk for stroke with increasing age in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. Manipulation of atherosclerotic plaques during carotid artery stenting can result in plaque rupture with subsequent superimposed thrombus formation, embolization, and cerebrovascular events. We hypothesized that atherosclerotic plaques become more unstable with increasing age and thereby might provide insight into the age-related increased risk of cerebrovascular events during carotid artery stenting.

Methods—

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were harvested from 1385 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy between 2002 and 2010. Carotid plaques were quantitatively analyzed for macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and microvessels; and semiquantitatively analyzed for collagen, calcifications lipid cores, and intraplaque hemorrhages. Patients were divided in 4 groups by age: <60, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and ≥80 years. Measures of association between age as a continuous variable and histological characteristics were also calculated.

Results—

Increasing age was associated with a decrease in the amount of smooth muscle cells in the carotid plaque. More plaques with large atheroma and heavy plaque calcifications were observed among elderly patients. After correction for baseline differences, risk factors, and medication use, age was independently associated with a more vulnerable carotid plaque composition.

Conclusion—

Plaque stability decreases gradually with age. Older patients with carotid stenosis have relatively unstable plaques with low smooth muscle cell content, a high amount of large lipid cores, and more calcified plaques as compared with younger patients. The underlying vulnerable plaque composition in the elderly might be an important contributing factor to the increased risk of stroke for older patients undergoing carotid artery stenting.
Statins Promote the Growth of Experimentally Induced Cerebral Aneurysms in Estrogen-Deficient Rats
Authors: Tada Yoshiteru , Kitazato Keiko T. , Yagi Kenji , Shimada Kenji , Matsushita Nobuhisa , Kinouchi Tomoya , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Satomi Junichiro , Kageji Teruyoshi , Nagahiro Shinji
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

The pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms is linked to inflammation, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and vascular wall apoptosis. Statins exert pleiotropic effects on the vasculature, independent of their cholesterol-lowering properties. To explore the detailed pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms, we examined their progression in a rat model and studied whether statins prevent their initiation and growth.

Methods—

Cerebral aneurysms were induced in female rats subjected to hypertension, increased hemodynamic stress, and estrogen deficiency. The development of aneurysm was assessed morphologically on corrosion casts. The effects of pravastatin (5, 25, or 50 mg/kg per day) and of simvastatin (5 mg/kg per day) on their aneurysms were studied. Human brain endothelial cells were also used to determine the effects of pravastatin.

Results—

Pravastatin (5 mg/kg per day) reduced endothelial damage and inhibited aneurysm formation; there was an association with increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels and a decrease in human brain endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Unexpectedly, 25 mg/kg per day and 50 mg/kg per day pravastatin and 5 mg/kg per day simvastatin promoted aneurysmal growth, and high-dose pravastatin induced aneurysmal rupture. The deleterious effects exerted by these statins were associated with an increase in apoptotic caspase-3 levels and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, suggesting that statins exert bidirectional effects.

Conclusions—

Our results provide the first evidence that cerebral aneurysm growth is partly associated with apoptosis and issue a warning that statins exert bidirectional effects on cerebral aneurysms. Additional intensive research is necessary to understand better their mechanisms and to identify patients in whom the administration of statins may elicit deleterious effects.
Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Sirimarco Gaia , Deplanque Dominique , Lavallée Philippa C. , Labreuche Julien , Meseguer Elena , Cabrejo Lucie , Guidoux Céline , Olivot Jean-Marc , Abboud Halim , Lapergue Bertrand , Klein Isabelle F. , Mazighi Mikael , Touboul Pierre-Jean , Bruckert Eric , Amarenco Pierre
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

There is mounting evidence that atherogenic dyslipidemia (ie, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol combined with high triglyceride concentrations) is an independent predictor of high cardiovascular risk and possibly of stroke.

Methods—

All patients included in the SOS-TIA cohort underwent an initial standardized evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, routine blood biochemistry, and diagnostic testing, and were followed for 1 year. Lipid profile was evaluated under fasting conditions. Atherogenic dyslipidemia was defined as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol blood concentration ≤40 mg/dL and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL.

Results—

Among 1471 consecutive patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, overall prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia was 5.8%, but varied from 4.6% to 11.1%, depending on final diagnosis (possible TIA or TIA with a cerebral ischemic lesion, respectively). Prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia was independently associated with male sex, diabetes, and body mass index, but not with ABCD2 score. Atherogenic dyslipidemia also strongly associated with symptomatic intracranial stenosis ≥50% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.38–5.55), but not with symptomatic extracranial stenosis ≥50% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.64–2.26). Despite appropriate secondary prevention treatment, 90-day stroke risk was greater in patients with versus without atherogenic dyslipidemia (4.8% versus 1.7%;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

The atherogenic dyslipidemia phenotype in patients with TIA may be associated with intracranial artery stenosis and higher risk of early recurrent stroke. Additional data are needed to confirm these findings and to assess the best way to reduce important residual risk in such patients.
Acute Perfusion and Diffusion Abnormalities Predict Early New MRI Lesions 1 Week After Minor Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Asdaghi Negar , Hameed Bilal , Saini Monica , Jeerakathil Thomas , Emery Derek , Butcher Kenneth
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Transient ischemic attack and minor stroke are associated with high ischemic recurrence in the first week. We prospectively studied the correlation between baseline diffusion/perfusion deficits and development of new ischemic lesions.

Methods—

Patients with transient ischemic attack and those with minor stroke (n=50) underwent MRI at admission. Acute perfusion-weighted imaging deficit (Tmax+2-second delay) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volumes were measured planimetrically. Follow-up scans were examined for new DWI/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions at Days 7 and 30.

Results—

Twenty-eight patients (56%) had acute DWI lesions. New DWI lesions developed in 9 of 50 patients (18%) at 1 week and 11 of 50 (cumulative 22%) at 4 weeks. Patients with new infarcts were more likely to have baseline DWI lesions (χ
2
=8.264,
P
=0.003). Baseline DWI lesion volume was significantly larger in those who developed new lesions at Day 7 (median, 13.2 mL; interquartile range, 12 versus median 0.1 mL; interquartile range, 2 mL;
P
<0.001) and Day 30 (11.1 mL; interquartile range, 13 mL versus 0.1 mL; interquartile range, 13 mL;
P
<0.001). Thirty-eight patients had baseline perfusion-weighted imaging. Patients with recurrent lesions were more likely to have baseline perfusion deficits (χ
2
=19.5,
P
<0.0001). All new lesions developed within the baseline hypoperfused regions. Baseline DWI lesion volume predicted new lesion development at day 7 (OR, 1.17 per mL; CI, 1.05 to 1.30;
P
=0.005) and Day 30 (OR, 1.39 per mL; CI, 1.03 to 1.26;
P
=0.009) by regression analysis.

Conclusions—

Early recurrence of stroke is much more likely in patients with larger baseline DWI and perfusion-weighted imaging lesions. MRI lesion “recurrence” appears to be related to completion of the natural history of the original cerebrovascular syndrome rather than de novo events in most patients.
Corpus Callosum and Experimental Stroke
Authors: Jin Kunlin , Xie Lin , Sun Fen , Mao XiaoOu , Greenberg David A.
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Interhemispheric inhibition via the corpus callosum has been proposed as an exacerbating factor in outcome from stroke.

Methods—

We measured infarct volume and behavioral outcome after middle cerebral artery occlusion in callosotomized rats and acallosal mice.

Results—

Neither callosotomy in rats nor callosal agenesis in mice improved infarct volume or behavioral outcome after middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Conclusions—

These findings argue against a role for transcallosal projections in exacerbating focal cerebral ischemia.
Natural Course of Perihemorrhagic Edema After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Staykov Dimitre , Wagner Ingrid , Volbers Bastian , Hauer Eva-Maria , Doerfler Arnd , Schwab Stefan , Bardutzky Juergen
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

There is only limited knowledge on the time course of perihemorrhagic edema (PHE) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to investigate the chronological PHE course and its relation to in-hospital mortality in a large retrospective ICH cohort.

Methods—

Patients with supratentorial ICH treated at our institution between 2006 and 2009, who had received at least 3 CT scans in the course of conservative treatment, were included in the present analysis. PHE at Days 1, 2, 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 11, 12 to 16, 17 to 21, and >22 was assessed using a threshold based semiautomatic volumetric algorithm. A chart review was performed to achieve data on duration of stay, ventilation, treatment with external ventricular drains, and in-hospital mortality.

Results—

Two hundred nineteen patients aged 69.9±10.5 years with deep (n=103) or lobar (n=116) ICH were included in the study. Mean ICH volume was 35.7±31.5 mL. Mean absolute PHE volume significantly increased from initially 32.6±29.9 mL to 63.7±46.7 mL at Days 7 to 11. No significant changes were observed at later time points. ICH volume was strongly correlated with absolute PHE volume (ρ=0.8,
P
<0.001) and inversely correlated with relative PHE (ρ=−0.4 to −0.5,
P
<0.001). Increase in absolute PHE between Days 1 and 3 was significantly predictive for in-hospital mortality (
P
=0.014, ExpB=1.04).

Conclusions—

PHE develops early after ICH and doubles within the first 7 to 11 days after the initial bleeding event. This additional mass effect may contribute to secondary clinical deterioration and mortality, especially in larger ICH. Because of its inverse correlation with ICH volume, relative PHE may not be suitable for analyses considering the clinical impact of PHE.
Carbon Dioxide Exchange in an Irrigated Agricultural Field within an Oasis, Northwest China
Authors: Ji Xi-Bin , Zhao Wen-Zhi , Kang Er-Si , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Jin Bo-Wen , Zhao Li-Wen
Published: July 2011

Continuous eddy covariance measurements of CO2, water vapor, and heat fluxes were obtained from a maize field within an oasis in northwest China from 1 May 2008 to 30 April 2009. The experimental setup used was shown to provide reliable flux estimates on the basis of cross-checks made using various quality tests of the flux data. Results show that the highest half-hourly CO2fluxes (Fc) were −55.7 and 6.9μmol m−2s−1during the growing and nongrowing seasons, respectively. The daily net ecosystem exchange of carbon (NEE) ranged from −14.7 to 2.2 g C m−2day−1during the growing season; however, the daily NEE fell to between 0.2 and 2.1 g C m−2day−1during the nongrowing season. The annual NEE calculated by integrating flux measurements and filling in missing and spurious data was about −487.9 g C m−2. The total NEE during the growing season (−692.9 g C m−2) and the annual NEE were in the middle of the range, when compared with results obtained for maize fields in different studies and regions, whereas the differences between the off-season NEE from this study (205.0 g C m−2) and those defined in previous studies were very small. In addition, the seasonal variations in energy balance and evapotranspiration over the maize field were also addressed.
Seasonality of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Wang Hui , Kumar Arun , Wang Wanqiu , Xue Yan
Published: July 2011

The seasonality of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) is examined using North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) in observations and in a 480-yr simulation with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) coupled model. The PDO, both in observations and in the CFS, shows similar seasonality, with increasing SST variance during spring and a maximum in late spring and early summer. The vertical structure of the ocean temperature anomaly associated with the PDO in the CFS displays a significant transition from a deep to a shallow structure during late spring, consistent with the seasonal variation of the mean ocean mixed layer depth (MLD). An analysis of atmospheric surface wind and SST anomalies from the CFS simulation indicates that there is a 1-month delay in the PDO-related SST response to the atmospheric wind forcing. The results based on the CFS simulation are generally consistent with observations, including both atmospheric data from the NCEP/Department of Energy (DOE) Global Reanalysis 2 (GR-2) and ocean data from the NCEP Global Ocean Data Assimilation System (GODAS). The 1-month delay together with the seasonal variation of the mean MLD tends to amplify the PDO-related SST response to the atmospheric surface wind in late spring to early summer, and the combination leads to the maximum variability of the PDO, which is a 3-month delay from the peak phase of the surface wind in February and March.
Improved Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts for the Asian Monsoon Using 16 Atmosphere–Ocean Coupled Models. Part II: Anomaly
Authors: Krishnamurti T. N. , Kumar Vinay
Published: July 2011

This is the second part of a paper on the improved seasonal precipitation forecasts for the Asian monsoon using 16 atmosphere–ocean coupled models. This study utilizes a large suite of coupled atmosphere–ocean models; this second part largely addresses the skill of rainfall anomaly forecasts. These include both deterministic and probabilistic skill measures such as the RMS errors, anomaly correlations, equitable threat scores, and the Brier skill score. It was possible to improve the skills of rainfall climatology from the use of a downscaled multimodel superensemble to very high levels, and it is of interest to ask how far this methodology would go toward improving the skills of seasonal rainfall anomaly forecasts. It is possible to go through a sequence of multimodel post processing to improve upon these skills by using a dense rain gauge network over Asia, downscaling forecasts for each member model, and constructing a multimodel superensemble that benefits from the persistence of errors of the member models. This paper addresses the spinup issues of the downscaling and the superensemble results where the number of years of model data needed for training phase, for the downscaling, and for the construction of the superensemble, is addressed. In the context of cross validation, the training phase includes 14 seasons of monsoon data. The forecast phase is only one season; it is this season that was not included in the training phase each time.

The relationship between data length and the number of models needed for enhanced skills is another issue that is addressed. Seasonal climate forecasts over the larger monsoon Asia domain and over the regional belts are evaluated. The superensemble forecasts invariably have the highest skill compared to the member models globally and regionally. This is largely due to the presence of large systematic errors in models that carry low seasonal prediction skills. Such models carry persistent signatures of systematic errors, and their errors are recognized by the multimodel superensemble. The probabilistic skills show that the superensemble-based forecasts carry a much higher reliability score compared to the member models. This implies that the superensemble-based forecasts are the most reliable among all the member models. It is possible to examine the performance of models and of the superensemble during periods of heavy monsoon rainfall versus those for deficient monsoon rainfall seasons. One of the conclusions of this study is that given the uncertainties in current modeling for seasonal rainfall forecasts, post processing of multimodel forecasts, using the superensemble methodology, seems to provide the most promising results for the rainfall anomaly forecasts. These results are confirmed by an additional skill metric where the RMS errors and the correlations of forecast skills are evaluated using a normalized precipitation anomaly for the forecasts and the observed estimates.
Dynamically Derived Tropical Cyclone Intensity Changes over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Wu Liguang , Zhao Haikun
Published: July 2011

The study of the impact of global warming on tropical cyclone (TC) intensity is subject to uncertainty in historical datasets, especially in the western North Pacific (WNP) basin, where conflicting results have been found with the TC datasets archived in different organizations. In this study the basinwide TC intensity in the WNP basin is derived dynamically with a TC intensity model, based on the track data from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) of Tokyo, and the Shanghai Typhoon Institute (STI) of the China Meteorological Administration. The dynamically derived TC intensity is compared to the three datasets and used to investigate trends in TC intensity. The associated contributions of changes in SST, vertical wind shear, and prevailing tracks are also examined. The evolution of the basinwide TC intensity in the JTWC best-track dataset can be generally reproduced over the period 1975–2007. Dynamically derived data based on the JTWC, RSMC, and STI track datasets all show an increasing trend in the peak intensity and frequency of intense typhoons, mainly because of the combined effect of changes in SST and vertical wind shear. This study suggests that the increasing intensity trend in the JTWC dataset is real, but that it may be overestimated. In contrast, the TC intensity trends in the RSMC and STI intensity datasets are dynamically inconsistent. Numerical simulations also suggest that the frequency of intense typhoons is more sensitive to changes in SST and vertical wind shear than the peak and average intensities defined in previous studies.
Air and Surface Temperature Coupling in the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Garai Anirban , Kleissl Jan
Published: July 2011

In a convective boundary layer, coherent structures were detected through their thermal signature on an artificial turf surface using high-frequency thermal infrared (TIR) imagery and surface layer turbulence measurements. The coherent structures cause surface temperature variations over tens of seconds and spatial scales of tens to a few hundred meters. Evidence of processes similar to those in a renewal event was observed. Spatial and temporal correlation analysis revealed the geometric and velocity information of the structures at the ground footprint of air temperature measurements. The velocity of the coherent structures was consistent with the wind speed at 6.5 m AGL. Practical implications of turbulence-driven surface temperature variability for thermal remote sensing are also discussed.
Design of a Shadowband Spectral Radiometer for the Retrieval of Thin Cloud Optical Depth, Liquid Water Path, and the Effective Radius
Authors: Bartholomew M. J. , Reynolds R. M. , Vogelmann A. M. , Min Q. , Edwards R. , Smith S.
Published: July 2011

The design and operation of a Thin-Cloud Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (TCRSR) described here was used to measure the radiative intensity of the solar aureole and enable the simultaneous retrieval of cloud optical depth, drop effective radius, and liquid water path. The instrument consists of photodiode sensors positioned beneath two narrow metal bands that occult the sun by moving alternately from horizon to horizon. Measurements from the narrowband 415-nm channel were used to demonstrate a retrieval of the cloud properties of interest. With the proven operation of the relatively inexpensive TCRSR instrument, its usefulness for retrieving aerosol properties under cloud-free skies and for ship-based observations is discussed.
Bottom Topography Mapping via Nonlinear Data Assimilation
Authors: Zaron Edward D. , Pradal Marie-Aude , Miller Patrick D. , Blumberg Alan F. , Georgas Nickitas , Li Wei , Cornuelle Julia Muccino
Published: July 2011

A variational data assimilation method is described for bottom topography mapping in rivers and estuaries using remotely sensed observations of water surface currents. The velocity field and bottom topography are related by the vertically integrated momentum and continuity equations, leading to a nonlinear inverse problem for bottom topography, which is solved using a Picard iteration strategy combined with a nonlinear line search. An illustration of the method is shown for Haverstraw Bay, in the Hudson River, where the known bottom topography is well reconstructed. Once the topography has been estimated, currents and water levels may be forecast. The method makes feasible 1) the estimation of bottom topography in regions where in situ data collection may be impossible, dangerous, or expensive, and 2) the calibration of barotropic shallow-water models via control of the bottom topography.
Parameterizations of Sea-Spray Impact on the Air–Sea Momentum and Heat Fluxes
Authors: Bao J.-W. , Fairall C. W. , Michelson S. A. , Bianco L.
Published: July 2011

This paper focuses on parameterizing the effect of sea spray at hurricane-strength winds on the momentum and heat fluxes in weather prediction models using the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (a common framework for the parameterizations of air–sea fluxes). In this scheme, the mass-density effect of sea spray is considered as an additional modification to the stratification of the near-surface profiles of wind, temperature, and moisture in the marine surface boundary layer (MSBL). The overall impact of sea-spray droplets on the mean profiles of wind, temperature, and moisture depends on the wind speed at the level of sea-spray generation. As the wind speed increases, the mean droplet size and the mass flux of sea-spray increase, rendering an increase of stability in the MSBL and the leveling-off of the surface drag. Sea spray also tends to increase the total air–sea sensible and latent heat fluxes at high winds. Results from sensitivity testing of the scheme in a numerical weather prediction model for an idealized case of hurricane intensification are presented along with a dynamical interpretation of the impact of the parameterized sea-spray physics on the structure of the hurricane boundary layer.
The Enduring Association between Education and Mortality
Authors: Miech Richard , Pampel Fred , Kim Jinyoung , Rogers Richard G.
Published: July 2011

This article examines how educational disparities in mortality emerge, grow, decline, and disappear across causes of death in the United States, and how these changes contribute to the enduring association between education and mortality over time. Focusing on adults age 40 to 64 years, we first examine the extent to which educational disparities in mortality persisted from 1989 to 2007. We then test the fundamental cause prediction that educational disparities in mortality persist, in part, by shifting to new health outcomes over time. We focus on the period from 1999 to 2007, when all causes of death were coded to the same classification system. Results indicate (1) substantial widening and narrowing of educational disparities in mortality across causes of death, (2) almost all causes of death with increasing mortality rates also had widening educational disparities, and (3) the total educational disparity in mortality would be about 25 percent smaller today if not for newly emergent and growing educational disparities since 1999. These results point to the theoretical and policy importance of identifying social forces that cause health disparities to widen over time.
Distinguishing Differential Testlet Functioning From Differential Bundle Functioning Using the Multilevel Measurement Model
Authors: Beretvas S. Natasha , Walker Cindy M.
Published: July 2011

This study extends the multilevel measurement model to handle testlet-based dependencies. A flexible two-level testlet response model (the MMMT-2 model) for dichotomous items is introduced that permits assessment of differential testlet functioning (DTLF). A distinction is made between this study’s conceptualization of DTLF and that of differential bundle functioning (DBF) with an emphasis on the practical utility of decomposing differential functioning into item- and testlet-specific components. A small-scale simulation study is also conducted to assess estimation of the MMMT-2 model and its measures of DIF and DTLF when compared with SIBTEST’s estimation of DIF and DBF. Results support use of the MMMT-2 model for assessing impact, DIF, and DTLF for tests that include testlet-based dichotomous items with equal item discriminations.
Emotional Consequences of Collective Action Participation
Authors: Becker Julia C. , Tausch Nicole , Wagner Ulrich
Published: July 2011

The present research examines the emotional and behavioral consequences of collective action participation. It demonstrates that “positive” and “negative” emotions can be experienced simultaneously as a result of collective action participation, yet it is important to distinguish outgroup-directed from self-directed emotions. Results of two experiments ( N = 71 and N = 101) that manipulated participation in collective action illustrate that whereas collective action participants experience more outgroup-directed anger and contempt, they feel more self-directed positive affect. Furthermore, collective action participation predicted willingness to engage in moderate and radical collective actions in the future. These relations were mediated by outgroup-directed, but not by self-directed, emotions, suggesting that outgroup-directed rather than self-directed emotions play a crucial role in the maintenance of protest behavior. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Here today, gone tomorrow? The ambivalent ethics of contingency social work
Authors: Carey Malcolm
Published: July 2011

In the UK the number of state social workers supplied by independent employment agencies has increased significantly since the mid-1990s. Although state sectors of welfare such as education and health have always relied upon a steady supply of locum staff, there is no such tradition within social work. This paper explores some of the ethical tensions that have become apparent with the expansion of contingency social work. Questions remain about the ‘opportunity cost’ of agency social work, as well as subsequent problems of recruitment, access to training, collegiate relations and any impact upon service users. The paper notes tensions that persist between a push for more flexible labour, the ethics of practitioners and the needs of service users. Recent policy responses which aim to push responsibility back to local authorities and social work managers are also questioned.
Breaking the cycle or re-cycling errors: Critical comment on proposals for criminal justice reform
Authors: Whitehead Philip
Published: July 2011

The Ministry of Justice Green Paper on Breaking the Cycle contains proposals for the re-formation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales during the period 2010 to 2015. Even though the document includes a brief profile of the offender population, it does not engage critically by locating the profile within a neoliberal political, social, and economic explanatory context. It used to be the responsibility of the probation service to provide relevant information to the courts to explore and explain offending episodes. However, recent modernizing transformations have damaged this historic function and it is a considerable omission the Green Paper neither discusses nor rectifies. This has significant implications for both criminal and social justice.
How can informal caregivers in cancer and palliative care be supported? An updated systematic literature review of interventions and their effectiveness
Authors: Harding Richard , List Sally , Epiphaniou Eleni , Jones Hannah
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Informal caregivers needs in cancer/advanced disease are largely unmet. The science of carer intervention evaluation is methodologically challenging, and the evidence historically weak.

Objective: This systematic review updates an earlier effectiveness review to determine both the effectiveness of subsequently published intervention studies, and the current state of science.

Method: The evidence was identified and appraised using a comprehensive search strategy. Articles were searched from 2001 to 2010 using the following electronic databases: Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting intervention data for informal adult caregivers of a patient with a diagnosis of cancer or receiving palliative care. The design and evidence rigour were assessed using the Jadad Rating Scale, and the Quality Rating Scale.

Results: 33 studies met inclusion criteria. From the original review, an encouraging increase was identified in the number of evaluations (from 8 to 33), in carer-specific interventions (from 6 to 17) and in the robustness of the study design (an increase from 2 to 12 studies with before/after measures, comparison groups and prospective data).

Conclusions: The evidence suggests a rapid increase in the number of robust intervention studies. However, the range of models remains narrow in relation to caregivers’ needs and preferences.
Pain and distress in advanced dementia: Choosing the right tools for the job
Authors: Jordan Alice , Regnard Claud , O’Brien John T , Hughes Julian C
Published: July 2011

Objective:

There is a concern that pain is under-recognized in dementia. However, there may be other causes of distress. We wished to evaluate the utility of a distress tool and a pain tool.

Methods:

Nursing home residents with advanced dementia were observed using pain (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale (PAINAD)) and distress (Disability Distress Assessment Tool (DisDAT)) assessment tools. Those in pain were treated. Reassessment occurred at one and three months.

Results:

From 79 participants, 13 were assessed as being in pain. Psychosocial factors explained the behaviour of a false positive group. Both tools showed a significant decrease in pain following intervention ( p = 0.008). Behaviours were similar in both groups.

Conclusions:

Both tools are useful. However, the pain tool also picks up distress, which is not caused by pain. It could potentially lead to false ascriptions of pain. The distress tool picks up a broader array of signs, which may be useful both in practice and in research.
Drug interactions in palliative care – it’s more than cytochrome P450
Authors: Gaertner Jan , Ruberg Klaus , Schlesiger Grit , Frechen Sebastian , Voltz Raymond
Published: July 2011

Objective:

This study aims to identify the combination of substances with high potential for drug interactions in a palliative care setting and to provide concise recommendations for physicians.

Methods:

We used a retrospective systematic chart analysis of 200 consecutive inpatients. The recently developed and internationally advocated classification system OpeRational ClAssification of Drug Interactions was applied using the national database of the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists. Charts of patients with potential for severe DDIs were examined manually for clinical relevance.

Results:

In 151 patients (75%) a total of 631 potential drug interactions were identified. Opioids (exception: methadone), non-opioids (exception: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), benzodiazepines, proton-pump inhibitors, laxatives, co-analgesics (exception: carbamazepine) and butylscopolamine were generally safe. High potential for drug interactions included combinations of scopolamine, neuroleptics, metoclopramide, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (levo-) methadone, amitriptyline, carbamazepine and diuretics. The manual analyses of records from eight patients with risk for severe drug interactions provided no indicator for clinical relevance in these specific patients. Drug interactions attributed to the cytochrome pathway played a minor role (exception: carbamazepine).

Conclusion:

Most relevant drug interactions can be expected with: (i) drugs (inter-) acting via histamine, acetylcholine or dopamine receptors; and (ii) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Even in last hours of life the combination of substances (e.g. anticholinergics) may produce relevant drug interactions (e.g. delirium).

Perspective:

Data on the potential for drug–drug interactions in palliative case is extremely scarce, but drug interactions can be limited if a few facts are considered. A synopsis of the findings of these studies is presented as concise recommendation to minimize drug interactions.
Developing a national quality register in end-of-life care: The Swedish experience
Authors: Lundström Staffan , Axelsson Bertil , Heedman Per-Anders , Fransson Greger , Fürst Carl Johan
Published: July 2011

Background: The complexity of end-of-life care, represented by a large number of units caring for dying patients, different types of organizations and difficulties in identification and prognostication, signifies the importance of finding ways to measure the quality of end-of-life care.

Aim: To establish, test and manage a national quality register for end-of-life care.

Design: Two questionnaires were developed with an attempt to retrospectively identify important aspects of the care delivered during the last week in life. An internet-based IT platform was created, enabling the physician and/or nurse responsible for the care during the last week in life to register answers online.

Setting: Units caring for dying people, such as hospital wards, home care units, palliative in-patient care units and nursing facilities.

Results: The register received status as a National Quality Register in 2006. More than 30,000 deaths in nursing facilities, hospital wards, palliative in-patient units and private homes were registered during 2010, representing 34% of all deaths in Sweden and 58% of the cancer deaths.

Conclusions: We have shown that it is feasible to establish a national quality register in end-of-life care and collect data through a web-based system. Ongoing data analyses will show in what way this initiative can lead to improved quality of life for patients and their families. There is an ongoing process internationally to define relevant outcome measures for quality of care at the end-of-life in different care settings; the registry has a potentially important role in this development.
An extended-HCT semantic description for visual place recognition
Authors: Wang Min-Liang , Lin Huei-Yung
Published: July 2011

We describe a new semantic descriptor for robots to recognize visual places. The descriptor integrates image features and color information via the hull census transform (HCT) and image histogram indexing. Our approach extracts the semantic description based on the convex hull points and statistical calculation. The color histograms are then formed by four indices and added to the descriptor. The semantic codebook consists of several places with many image descriptors. Finally, a one-versus-one (OVO) multi-class support vector machine (SVM) is used to model the places. The proposed technique is achieved by using a high-level cue integration scheme based on the learning information over the color and feature space to optimally combine the weighted cues. It is suitable for visual place recognition, particularly for the images captured by an omnidirectional camera. The experimental results show that the codebook with less vectors is as robust as most popular codebooks under varying environments. The performance is evaluated and compared with several state-of-the-art descriptors.
Learning spatial relationships between objects
Authors: Rosman Benjamin , Ramamoorthy Subramanian
Published: July 2011

Although a manipulator must interact with objects in terms of their full complexity, it is the qualitative structure of the objects in an environment and the relationships between them which define the composition of that environment, and allow for the construction of efficient plans to enable the completion of various elaborate tasks. In this paper we present an algorithm which redescribes a scene in terms of a layered representation, from labeled point clouds of the objects in the scene. The representation includes a qualitative description of the structure of the objects, as well as the symbolic relationships between them. This is achieved by constructing contact point networks of the objects, which are topological representations of how each object is used in that particular scene, and are based on the regions of contact between objects. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm, by presenting results from the algorithm tested on a database of stereo images. This shows a high percentage of correctly classified relationships, as well as the discovery of interesting topological features. This output provides a layered representation of a scene, giving symbolic meaning to the inter-object relationships useful for subsequent commonsense reasoning and decision making.
‘When You Think of the Taliban, Think of the Nazis’: Teaching Americans ‘9/11’ in NBC’s The West Wing
Authors: Holland Jack
Published: July 2011

Only three weeks after the events of 11 September 2001 (hereafter 9/11), Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing delivered a special one-off episode, outside of usual storylines. The episode, titled ‘Isaac and Ishmael’, is interesting because it adopts an explicitly pedagogical theme to teach viewers how to think about the events of 9/11. The episode can thus be read as an instance in the wider construction of the meaning of those events. In this respect, this article argues that the production of the episode contributed to notions of rupture and exceptionalism. In addition, despite the potentially ‘liberal’ and ‘academic’ lessons given by the show’s stars, the extensive contextualisation of the previously incomprehensible events for a dominantly American audience actually relayed, amplified and reinforced the emerging dominant discourses of the Bush Administration. Accepting and repeating official tropes, The West Wing ultimately served to further limit space for debate in the wake of 9/11.
Comparison of Inside-Out and All-Inside Techniques for the Repair of Isolated Meniscal Tears
Authors: Grant John A. , Wilde Jeff , Miller Bruce S. , Bedi Asheesh
Published: July 2011

Background: Arthroscopic meniscal repair techniques are continuing to evolve. Most studies to date comparing the healing rate of inside-out to all-inside meniscal repair techniques are confounded by associated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or deficiency.

Purpose: This review was conducted to compare the effectiveness and complications of the inside-out repair technique to that of the all-inside repair technique in isolated unstable peripheral longitudinal (“bucket-handle”) meniscal tears.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Methods: Computerized keyword searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACP Journal Club, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were performed. Two reviewers independently performed searches and article reduction. Studies that included stratified data for isolated unstable longitudinal meniscal tears in stable knees, repaired with either an inside-out or all-inside repair technique, were selected. Data on clinical failure, subjective outcome measures, and complications were summarized.

Results: Nineteen studies included data specific to isolated meniscal tears. The rate of clinical failure was 17% for inside-out repairs and 19% for all-inside repairs. Lysholm scores and Tegner activity scores were similar between the 2 repair methods (87.8 vs 90.2 and 5.6 vs 5.5, respectively). The prevalence of nerve injury/irritation was higher with the inside-out technique (9% vs 2%). All-inside techniques had a higher rate of local soft tissue irritation, swelling, and implant migration or breakage. The use of older generation, rigid, all-inside implants is associated with chondral injury.

Conclusion: There are no differences in clinical failure rate or subjective outcome between inside-out and all-inside meniscus repair techniques. Complications are associated with both techniques. More nerve symptoms are associated with the inside-out repair and more implant-related complications are associated with the all-inside technique.

Clinical Relevance: Rates of structural healing and complications are comparable for inside-out and all-inside repair techniques for isolated meniscal injury. Differences in observed healing rates after meniscal repair may be more dependent on tear pattern and associated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rather than an inside-out versus all-inside surgical approach.
Racial and Ethnic Perceptions of Injustice
Authors: Buckler Kevin , Wilson Steve , Hartley Deborah , Davila Mario
Published: July 2011

The study tests the explicit and implicit racial/ethnic divide, gradient, and justice system contact propositions of comparative conflict theory and explores whether prior incarceration experience (personal and vicarious) alters the observed relationship between race/ethnicity and perceptions of injustice. The study uses data from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, the Washington Post, and Harvard University 2006 survey concerning issues relating to African American males. The study found support for the racial/ethnic divide, gradient, and justice system contact hypotheses. The study also found support for the notion that prior incarceration experience intensifies the relationship between race/ethnicity and perceptions of injustice. The gap between African Americans and Whites in perceptions of injustice is more pronounced among persons with prior incarceration experience. The gap in perception of injustice between Whites and Hispanics was also stronger among those with prior incarceration experiences. The gap between African Americans and Hispanics was not impacted by prior incarceration experience. Future research should continue to explore the potential for prior incarceration experience to impact the relationship between race/ethnicity and perceptions of injustice.
Retracking Johannesburg
Authors: Winkler Tanja
Published: July 2011

While promises of participatory governance are enshrined in the South African Constitution and legislated in public policies, state-led participation in Johannesburg is, seemingly, devoid of any real transformative potential. This article demonstrates this by revisiting spaces for participation facilitated by the local state. Findings from three cases and interviews spotlight reasons for ineffective participation: deepening centralization of decision making, a focus on performance management, and the powerful role of politics in planning. Without the necessary political will to secure citizens’ rights not only to participate in planning but also to change policies, the transformative potential of active citizenship may remain unrealized.
Rethinking educational leadership to transform pedagogical practice to help improve the attainment of minority ethnic pupils: the need for leadership dialogue
Authors: Mistry Malini , Sood Krishan
Published: July 2011

This study aims to explore how leaders are helping to close gaps of attainment for minority ethnic pupils in English schools, and in particular those pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the primary and secondary sector. This is a comparative study across selected schools using qualitative approaches to help gain an insight into current good practice embedded by leaders, to identify the future needs of EAL pupils and to show how this practice is helping to close the gap. The findings suggest that school leaders are making a difference in raising standards for pupils. However, we argue that schools need to do even more to close the gap, in particular for EAL pupils. Our conclusion is that leaders need to critique their own practice through effective dialogue to accelerate these pupils’ progress. Therefore the need for moral courage and conviction to challenge the norm is even more imperative.