bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Inactivity and Pain in Older Men and Women with Hip Fracture History
Authors: Salpakoski Anu , Portegijs Erja , Kallinen Mauri , Sihvonen Sanna , Kiviranta Ilkka , Alen Markku , Rantanen Taina , Sipilä Sarianna
Published: May 2010

Hip fracture patients often suffer from pain for several months after surgery. This may lead to physical inactivity and subsequent mobility limitation and disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between severe musculoskeletal pain and the level of physical activity in older people with a history of hip fracture. Data were collected from 60- to 85-year-old (n = 78) community-dwelling people, 0.7–7.5 years after hip fracture. Physical activity was assessed with the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). According to the YPAS summary index distribution, the participants were divided into the physically inactive and physically active groups. Musculoskeletal pain in the lower back, hip or knee region was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale. Pain was defined as severe pain if the subject rated the pain 66 mm or over (upper third of the scale) in at least one of the relevant body regions in the lower body. Thirty-three subjects (42%) experienced severe pain in the lower body, of whom 23 (70%) reported severe pain in the operated hip. Twenty-three patients (30%) used pain medication prescribed by a physician. The level of musculoskeletal pain was significantly higher in the physically inactive (62%) than in the physically active (31%) group (p = 0.011). Logistic regression analysis showed that people with severe pain had over three times (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.30–9.39) the risk for physical inactivity compared to those with less or no pain. Multivariate adjustments for balance confidence, time since fracture, number of chronic diseases and type of surgery did not materially change the estimate (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.00–9.30). Pain is an important associated factor of physical inactivity in older people with a hip fracture history. Pain management may be important in restoring and sustaining the level of physical activity after hip fracture. Further prospective and experimental studies are, however, needed to explore the causality between pain and physical activity as well as the role of pain management and physical activity interventions in preventing mobility limitation and disability among older people recovering from hip fracture.
Nifedipine Induces Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activation in Macrophages and Suppresses the Progression of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Ishii Norio , Matsumura Takeshi , Kinoshita Hiroyuki , Fukuda Kazuki , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Senokuchi Takafumi , Nakao Saya , Tsutsumi Atsuyuki , Kim-Mitsuyama Shokei , Kawada Teruo , Takeya Motohiro , Miyamura Nobuhiro , Nishikawa Takeshi , Araki Eiichi
Published: May 2010

Objective—

Nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, protects against the progression of atherosclerosis. We investigated the molecular basis of the antiatherosclerotic effect of nifedipine in macrophages and apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Methods and Results—

In macrophages, nifedipine increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activity without increasing PPARγ-binding activity. Amlodipine, another L-type calcium channel blocker, and 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,-N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetraacetoxy-methyl ester (BAPTA-AM), a calcium chelator, decreased PPARγ activity, suggesting that nifedipine does not activate PPARγ via calcium channel blocker activity. Inactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 suppressed PPARγ2-Ser112 phosphorylation and induced PPARγ activation. Nifedipine suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation and PPARγ2-Ser112 phosphorylation, and mutating PPARγ2-Ser112 to Ala abrogated nifedipine-mediated PPARγ activation. These results suggested that nifedipine inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activity and PPARγ2-Ser112 phosphorylation, leading to PPARγ activation. Nifedipine inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and induced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 mRNA expression, and these effects were abrogated by small interfering RNA for PPARγ. Furthermore, in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, nifedipine treatment decreased atherosclerotic lesion size, phosphorylation of PPARγ2-Ser112 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression and increased ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 expression in the aorta.

Conclusion—

Nifedipine unlike amlodipine inhibits PPARγ-Ser phosphorylation and activates PPARγ to suppress monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and induce ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 expression in macrophages. These effects may induce antiatherogenic effects in hypertensive patients.
Short Communication: Oxidative Posttranslational Modifications Mediate Decreased SERCA Activity and Myocyte Dysfunction in Gαq-Overexpressing Mice
Authors: Lancel Steve , Qin Fuzhong , Lennon Shannon L. , Zhang Jingmei , Tong XiaoYong , Mazzini Michael J. , Kang Y. James , Siwik Deborah A. , Cohen Richard A. , Colucci Wilson S.
Published: May 2010

Background
:

Myocyte contractile dysfunction occurs in pathological remodeling in association with abnormalities in calcium regulation. Mice with cardiac myocyte–specific overexpression of Gαq develop progressive left ventricular failure associated with myocyte contractile dysfunction and calcium dysregulation.

Objective
:

We tested the hypothesis that myocyte contractile dysfunction in the Gαq mouse heart is mediated by reactive oxygen species, and in particular, oxidative posttranslational modifications, which impair the function of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase (SERCA).

Methods and Results
:

Freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from Gαq mice had marked abnormalities of myocyte contractile function and calcium transients. In Gαq myocardium, SERCA protein was not altered in quantity but displayed evidence of oxidative cysteine modifications reflected by decreased biotinylated iodoacetamide labeling and evidence of specific irreversible oxidative modifications consisting of sulfonylation at cysteine 674 and nitration at tyrosines 294/295. Maximal calcium-stimulated SERCA activity was decreased 47% in Gαq myocardium. Cross-breeding Gαq mice with transgenic mice that have cardiac myocyte-specific overexpression of catalase (a) decreased SERCA oxidative cysteine modifications, (b) decreased SERCA cysteine 674 sulfonylation and tyrosine 294/295 nitration, (c) restored SERCA activity, and (d) improved myocyte calcium transients and contractile function.

Conclusions
:

In Gαq-induced cardiomyopathy, myocyte contractile dysfunction is mediated, at least in part, by 1 or more oxidative posttranslational modifications of SERCA. Protein oxidative posttranslational modifications contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial dysfunction and thus may provide a target for therapeutic intervention.
Agreement Regarding Diagnosis of Transient Ischemic Attack Fairly Low Among Stroke-Trained Neurologists
Authors: Castle James , Mlynash Michael , Lee Karming , Caulfield Anna Finley , Wolford Connie , Kemp Stephanie , Hamilton Scott , Albers Gregory W. , Olivot Jean-Marc
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose—

Agreement between physicians to define the likelihood of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) remains poor. Several studies have compared neurologists with nonneurologists, and neurologists among themselves, but not between fellowship-trained stroke neurologists. We investigated the diagnostic agreement in 55 patients with suspected TIA.

Methods—

The history and physical examination findings of 55 patients referred to the Stanford TIA clinic from the Stanford emergency room were blindly reviewed by 3 fellowship-trained stroke neurologists who had no knowledge of any test results or patient outcomes. Each patient’s presentation was rated as to the likelihood that the presentation was consistent with TIA. We used 3 different scales (2-, 3-, and 4-point scales) to define TIA likelihood. We assessed global agreement between the raters and evaluated the biases related to individual raters and scale type.

Results—

The agreement between fellowship-trained stroke neurologists remained poor regardless of the rating system used and the statistical test used to measure it. Difference in rating bias among all raters was significant for each scale:
P
=0.001, 0.012, and <0.001. In addition, for each reviewer, the rate of labeling an event an “unlikely TIA” progressively decreased with the number of points that composed the scale.

Conclusions—

TIA remains a highly subjective diagnosis, even among stroke subspecialists. The use of confirmatory testing beyond clinical judgment is needed to help solidify the diagnosis. Caution should be used when diagnosing an event as a possible TIA.
Cost-Effectiveness of Outpatient Cardiac Monitoring to Detect Atrial Fibrillation After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kamel Hooman , Hegde Manu , Johnson Derek R. , Gage Brian F. , Johnston S. Claiborne
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose—

Extending the duration of continuous electrocardiography after ischemic stroke detects more new cases of atrial fibrillation, which is an important and treatable cause of stroke, but the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unknown. Therefore, we performed a cost-utility analysis of outpatient cardiac monitoring after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Using a Markov model, we determined the lifetime cost and utility of warfarin therapy in a hypothetical cohort of 70-year-old patients with atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, and no contraindication to warfarin therapy. Meta-analysis was used to determine the yield of outpatient cardiac monitoring.

Results—

Outpatient cardiac monitoring would detect 44 new cases of atrial fibrillation for every 1000 patients monitored. This would result in a gain of 34 quality-adjusted life-years at a net cost of $440 000. Therefore, the cost-utility ratio of outpatient cardiac monitoring would be $13 000 per quality-adjusted life-years gained. Outpatient monitoring remained cost-effective throughout a wide range of model inputs in sensitivity analyses, including changes in the cost and yield of monitoring.

Conclusions—

By identifying patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who will benefit from anticoagulation, outpatient cardiac monitoring is cost-effective after ischemic stroke over a wide range of model inputs. The optimal duration and method of monitoring is unknown.
Reproducing Dominion: Emotional Apprenticeship in the 4-H Youth Livestock Program
Authors: Irvine Leslie , Ellis Colter
Published: May 2010

This paper examines young people’s socialization into the doctrine known as “dominionism,” which justifies the use of animals in the service of human beings. Using qualitative research, it focuses on the 4-H youth livestock program, in which boys and girls raise cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep for slaughter. The analysis portrays 4-H as an apprenticeship in which children learn to do cognitive emotion work, use distancing mechanisms, and create a “redemption” narrative to cope with contradictory ethical and emotional experiences. Although this paper focuses on young people’s relationships with animals, and particularly with types of animals that have received little scholarly attention, the conclusions have implications for understanding the reproduction of inequalities, more generally. An understanding of the means through which people learn to justify the treatment of the animals known as “livestock” can shed light on the mechanisms involved in generic processes of inequality.
Exploration of the MODIS Cloud-Top Property Products for the Investigation of Equatorial Wave Systems
Authors: Li Yue , North Gerald R. , Yang Ping , Baum Bryan A.
Published: May 2010

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations provide an unprecedented opportunity for studying cloud macrophysical (cloud-top pressure, temperature, height, and phase), microphysical (effective particle size), and optical (optical thickness) properties. Given the length of time these MODIS products have been available, it is found that the cloud products can provide a wealth of information about equatorial wave systems. In this study, more than six years of the MODIS cloud-top properties inferred from the Aqua MODIS observations are used to investigate equatorial waves. It is shown that the high-resolution daily gridded cloud-top temperature product can be used to quantitatively study convective clouds. Various modes of convectively coupled equatorial waves including Kelvin, n = 1 equatorial Rossby, mixed Rossby–gravity, n = 0 eastward inertial-gravity waves, and the Madden–Julian oscillation are identified on the basis of space–time spectral analysis. The application of spectral analysis to cirrus cloud optical thickness, retrieved from MODIS cirrus reflectance, confirms the convective signals at high altitudes. A cluster of Kelvin pulses is found to propagate eastward around the globe at a phase speed approximately 15 m s−1. The Madden–Julian oscillation propagates at a slower speed and is most prominent over the Indian–Pacific Oceans region. The consistency between the present results with those of previous studies demonstrates that the MODIS cloud-top property products are valuable for studying phenomena associated with atmospheric dynamics.
Evaporation–Precipitation Variability over the Mediterranean and the Black Seas from Satellite and Reanalysis Estimates
Authors: Romanou A. , Tselioudis G. , Zerefos C. S. , Clayson C-A. , Curry J. A. , Andersson A.
Published: May 2010

Satellite retrievals of surface evaporation and precipitation from the Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data (HOAPS-3) dataset are used to document the distribution of evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater flux over the Mediterranean and Black Seas. An analysis is provided of the major scales of temporal and spatial variability of the freshwater budget and the atmospheric processes responsible for the water flux changes. The satellite evaporation fluxes are compared with fields from three different reanalysis datasets [40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40), ERA-Interim, and NCEP].

The results show a water deficit in the Mediterranean region that averages to about 2.4 mm day−1 but with a significant east–west asymmetry ranging from 3.5 mm day−1 in the eastern part to about 1.1 mm day−1 in the western part of the basin. The zonal asymmetry in the water deficit is driven by evaporation differences that are in turn determined by variability in the air–sea humidity difference in the different parts of the Mediterranean basin. The Black Sea freshwater deficit is 0.5 mm day−1, with maxima off the northern coast (0.9 mm day−1) that are attributed to both evaporation maxima and precipitation minima there.

The trend analysis of the freshwater budget shows that the freshwater deficit increases in the 1988–2005 period. The prominent increase in the eastern part of the basin is present in the satellite and all three reanalysis datasets. The water deficit is due to increases in evaporation driven by increasing sea surface temperature, while precipitation does not show any consistent trends in the period. Similarly, in the Black Sea, trends in the freshwater deficit are mainly due to evaporation, although year-to-year variability is due to precipitation patterns.
Changing Northern Hemisphere Snow Seasons
Authors: Choi Gwangyong , Robinson David A. , Kang Sinkyu
Published: May 2010

Spatial and temporal patterns in the onset, offset, and length of the snow season across Northern Hemisphere continents are examined for the period from 1967 to 2008. Full snow seasons (FSS) and core snow seasons (CSS) are defined based on the consistency of snow cover within a location over the course of the cold season. Climatologically, the seasonal onsets of FSS and CSS progress more rapidly across the continents than the slower spring northward offset. Average Northern Hemisphere FSS duration has decreased at a rate of 0.8 week decade−1 (5.3 days decade−1) between the winters of 1972/73 and 2007/08, while there is no significant hemispheric change in CSS duration. Changes in the FSS duration are attributed primarily to a progressively earlier offset, which has advanced poleward at a rate of 5.5 days decade−1. A major change in the trends of FSS offset and duration occurred in the late 1980s. Earlier FSS offsets, ranging from 5 to 25 days, and resultant abbreviated durations are observed in western Europe, central and East Asia, and the mountainous western United States. Where regional changes in CSS were observed, most commonly there were shifts in both onset and offset dates toward earlier dates. Results indicate that it is important to pay close attention to spring snowmelt as an indicator of hemispheric climate variability and change.
Observation and Parameterization of Ablation at the Base of Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Jenkins Adrian , Nicholls Keith W. , Corr Hugh F. J.
Published: May 2010

Parameterizations of turbulent transfer through the oceanic boundary layer beneath an ice shelf are tested using direct measurements of basal ablation. Observations were made in the southwestern part of Ronne Ice Shelf, about 500 km from open water. The mean basal ablation rate was measured over a month-long and a year-long period using phase-sensitive radar to record the thinning of the ice shelf. Ocean temperatures were observed within about 25 m of the ice shelf base over the period of the radar observations, while the tidally dominated ocean currents were estimated from tidal analysis of collocated current observations from an earlier period. Ablation rates derived using these ocean data and a number of bulk parameterizations of turbulent transfer within the boundary layer are compared with the direct measurements. The ablation rates derived using a parameterization that explicitly includes the impact of ocean currents on the turbulent transfer of heat and salt match the observations to within 40%; with suitable tuning of the drag coefficient, the mismatch can be reduced below the level of the observational errors. Equally good agreement can be obtained with two slightly simpler, current-dependent parameterizations that use constant turbulent transfer coefficients, and the optimal values for the coefficients at this particular location on Ronne Ice Shelf are given.
An Examination of the Incremental Balance in a Global Ensemble-Based 3D-Var Data Assimilation System
Authors: Caron Jean-François , Fillion Luc
Published: May 2010

This study examines the modification to the balance properties of the analysis increments in a global three-dimensional variational data assimilation scheme when using flow-dependent background-error covariances derived from an operational ensemble Kalman filter instead of static homogenous and isotropic background-error covariances based on lagged forecast differences. It is shown that the degree of balance in the analysis increments is degraded when the former method is used. This change can be attributed in part to the reduced degree of rotational balance found in short-term ensemble Kalman filter perturbations as compared to lagged forecast differences based on longer-range forecasts. However, the use of a horizontal and vertical localization technique to increase the rank of the ensemble-based covariances are found to have a significant deleterious effect on the rotational balance with the largest detrimental impact coming from the vertical localization and affecting particularly the upper levels. The examination of the vertical motion part of the analysis increments revealed that the spatial covariance localization technique also produces unrealistic vertical structure of vertical motion increments with abnormally large increments near the surface. A comparison between the analysis increments from the ensemble Kalman filter and from the ensemble-based three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var) scheme showed that the balance characteristics of the analysis increments resulting from the two systems are very similar.
Impact of Resolution Degradation of the Initial Condition on Typhoon Track Forecasts
Authors: Miyoshi Takemasa , Komori Takuya , Yonehara Hitoshi , Sakai Ryota , Yamaguchi Munenhiko
Published: May 2010

The operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems at the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) indicated that the typhoon track forecasts made by the control member of the ensemble prediction system (EPS) tended to be worse than those made by the high-resolution global NWP. The control forecast of the EPS with horizontal triangular truncation at 319 wavenumbers and 60 vertical levels (T319/L60 resolution) was initialized by eliminating the higher-wavenumber components of the global analysis at T959/L60 resolution. When the data assimilation cycle was performed at the lower T319/L60 resolution, the forecast gave typhoon track forecasts closer to the high-resolution global NWP. Therefore, it stands to reason that the resolution transform of the initial condition must be responsible for the degradation of the typhoon track forecasts at least to considerable extent. To improve the low-resolution forecast, two approaches are tested in this study: 1) applying a smoother spectral truncation for the resolution transform and 2) performing noncycled lower-resolution data assimilation during preprocessing. Results from the single case study of Typhoon Nuri (2008) indicate almost no impact from the former approach, but a significant positive impact when using the latter approach. The results of this study illuminate the importance of considering a model’s resolving capability during data assimilation. Namely, if the initial conditions contain features caused by unresolved scales, degraded forecasts may result.
From Popper’s Literary Remains
Authors: Agassi Joseph
Published: May 2010

This book is largely unpublished material from Popper’s literary remains regarding his The Open Society and Its Enemies that conveys some interesting stories about its publication and initial reception, throws light on its message, and complements it somewhat. It also contains much that Popper hardly discussed elsewhere.
Reviews: Milton’s Positivism Found Wanting
Authors: Hammes David
Published: May 2010

Milton Friedman’s 1953 essay created controversy and consternation amongst economists. It provided a prescription, based on empirically generated predictive success, of how to do economics, yet many saw it as a concession of the search for truth and theoretical beauty within the discipline. This article reviews a 50th anniversary festschrift devoted to views of the essay. The purpose of the volume is to provide today’s reader with the essay, responses, and a guide to interpreting it. The volume is selective and several contributors have their own agendas, but the feeling of tumult the essay still engenders is nicely conveyed.
Sign-supported Dutch in children with severe speech and language impairments: A multiple case study
Authors: Wijkamp Inge , Gerritsen Betsy , Bonder Freke , Haisma Hinke , van der Schans Cees
Published: May 2010

In the Netherlands, many educators and care providers working at special schools for children with severe speech and language impairments (SSLI) use sign-supported Dutch (SSD) to facilitate communication. Anecdotal experiences suggest positive results, but empirical evidence is lacking. In this multiple case study the changes that occur in the way children with SSLI ( n = 8) communicate after SSD is offered to them in an educational setting were explored.Video-recordings of teacher—student interactions were made at two-month intervals, starting with a baseline observation followed by six months of SSD input. The samples were analysed for mode of communication, and special attention was given to the gestures and signs used by the children.The way in which the children supplemented or replaced speech with hand movements, and the frequency in which they did so, varied and seemed to be associated with the form of their underlying speech problem. After six months of SSD input, the children did use early gestures more frequently, although they rarely used signs.
Education for Librarianship and Information Studies: fit for purpose?
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: May 2010

There are a lot of blogs, and they are attracting academic attention. But what is their significance? And are researchers asking the right questions about them?
New challenges for libraries in the information age: a comparative study of ICT in public libraries in 25 countries
Authors: Gould Elizabeth , Gomez Ricardo
Published: May 2010

This paper — drawn from the larger ‘Landscape Study,’ the first of its kind to look across 25 developing countries to compare how public access venues, including libraries, telecenters and cybercafés, are being used — looks at how public perceptions of libraries in these countries affect the way they are used as public access venues for information and communication technologies (ICT). When compared to other public access venues, public libraries are not perceived as important or useful places to get information, based on users’ perceptions of access to current information and technology, and to associated technology training and support. Furthermore, libraries tend not to be prioritized by government agencies for financial and policy support. This paper is part of a study conducted by the University of Washington’s Technology & Social Change group (TASCHA), carried out in association with local research partners in 25 developing countries around the globe. The goal of the study is to identify how people are satisfying their information needs through public access venues, with the intent of informing policy makers and funders, and of offering new insight into research that crosses between the disciplines of library and information science and information technologies for development. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Community Informatics Conference CIRN, 2009, Prato, Italy.
The cell phone as appropriate information technology: evidence from The Gambia
Authors: Harvey Jasmine , Sturges Paul
Published: May 2010

The adoption of modern information and communication technologies has been predicted to have a dramatic impact on cultures and civil societies, especially in those developing countries that have been ‘isolated’ from the information society. Theories and predictions on the impact of technologies are widely available in both popular and academic writing. To date, much new technology, in particular the Internet, has tended to prove unsustainable. However, reports on the cell phone’s influence have remained positive. In order to investigate the cell phone’s influence on non-Western cultures, over 1000 semi-qualitative questionnaires were collected and analysed alongside the details of ICT polices in The Gambia. In this paper, we discuss with empirical backing why the cell phone is an appropriate (information) technology for developing countries, and why IT continues to generate positive impact.
What variables condition syntactic transfer? A look at the L3 initial state
Authors: Rothman Jason , Cabrelli Amaro Jennifer
Published: May 2010

This study investigates transfer at the third-language (L3) initial state, testing between the following possibilities: (1) the first language (L1) transfer hypothesis (an L1 effect for all adult acquisition), (2) the second language (L2) transfer hypothesis, where the L2 blocks L1 transfer (often referred to in the recent literature as the ‘L2 status factor’; Williams and Hammarberg, 1998), and (3) the Cumulative Enhancement Model (Flynn et al., 2004), which proposes selective transfer from all previous linguistic knowledge. We provide data from successful English-speaking learners of L2 Spanish at the initial state of acquiring L3 French and L3 Italian relating to properties of the Null-Subject Parameter (e.g. Chomsky, 1981; Rizzi, 1982). We compare these groups to each other, as well as to groups of English learners of L2 French and L2 Italian at the initial state, and conclude that the data are consistent with the predictions of the ‘L2 status factor’. However, we discuss an alternative possible interpretation based on (psycho)typologically-motivated transfer (borrowing from Kellerman, 1983), providing a methodology for future research in this domain to meaningfully tease apart the ‘L2 status factor’ from this alternative account.
The relationship between initial trunk control or postural balance and inpatient rehabilitation outcome after stroke: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Di Monaco Marco , Trucco Marco , Di Monaco Roberto , Tappero Rosa , Cavanna Alberto
Published: May 2010

Objective: To compare the predictive validity of trunk control in sitting position assessed by Trunk Impairment Scale and balance in lying, sitting and standing posture assessed by Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients on functional outcome in stroke survivors.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: A single rehabilitation hospital in Italy.

Subjects: Sixty of 68 consecutive subjects admitted to a rehabilitation hospital after stroke.

Main measures: We performed Trunk Impairment Scale and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients at admission to inpatient rehabilitation. Outcome measures at discharge were Functional Independence Measure score and destination (classified as either home or institution).

Results: After adjustment for 14 potential confounders, including Functional Independence Measure score at admission to rehabilitation, both Trunk Impairment Scale and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients scores were significantly associated with the Functional Independence Measure score at discharge (P = 0.010 and P =0.04, respectively), change in the Functional Independence Measure score during rehabilitation (P = 0.003 and P<0.001, respectively), Functional Independence Measure effectiveness (P = 0.024 and P =0.017, respectively) and destination at discharge (P = 0.040 and P =0.032, respectively). The panel of prognostic variables predicted 64—65% of the variance in the final Functional Independence Measure score, 30—35% of the variance in the change of the Functional Independence Measure score during rehabilitation, and 45—46% of the variance in the Functional Independence Measure effectiveness depending on the inclusion of either Trunk Impairment Scale or Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients score among the predictors.
Pedestrian Detection and Tracking Using Three-dimensional LADAR Data
Authors: Navarro-Serment Luis E. , Mertz Christoph , Hebert Martial
Published: May 2010

The approach investigated in this work employs three-dimensional LADAR measurement to detect and track pedestrians over time. The sensor is employed on a moving vehicle. The algorithm quickly detects the objects which have the potential of being humans using a subset of these points, and then classifies each object using statistical pattern recognition techniques. The algorithm uses geometric and motion features to recognize human signatures. The perceptual capabilities described form the basis for safe and robust navigation in autonomous vehicles, necessary to safeguard pedestrians operating in the vicinity of a moving robotic vehicle.
Prison Tattoos as a Reflection of the Criminal Lifestyle
Authors: Rozycki Lozano Alicia T. , Morgan Robert D. , Murray Danielle D. , Varghese Femina
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prison tattoos and the criminal lifestyle and recidivism. Participants consisted of 81 male inmates with prison tattoos (i.e., prison-themed or prison-made tattoos), 75 inmates with nonprison tattoos (e.g., animal tattoos, tattoos of ethnic origin), 52 male inmates with no tattoos, and 66 college students with tattoos. Results indicated that inmates with prison tattoos differed from inmates with nonprison tattoos, inmates without tattoos, and college students with tattoos with regard to criminal thinking styles, were at increased risk of recidivism, and presented more institutional behavioral problems, resulting in more disciplinary infractions. There were no significant differences between inmate groups with regard to number of convictions; however, additional group comparisons indicated that inmates with visible tattoos and antisocial-themed tattoos were at greater risk for recidivism and received more disciplinary infractions than inmates without visible or antisocial-themed tattoos. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Hysteria? Blame it on the rotters
Authors: Mossop James
Published: May 2010

Stand by for over-the-top reporting, hyperbole and speculation to fuel the nation’s obsession with football, writes a veteran sports reporter
South Africa’s bi-polar seesaw
Authors: Rostron Bryan
Published: May 2010

FIFA’s early promise of a financial bonanza now looks empty, and “performance anxiety” is starting to pervade the Rainbow Nation
We are all in PR now
Authors: Evans Trish
Published: May 2010

As journalism flounders, public relations continues to thrive. But that’s good news for both sides of the divide, argues a PR academic
A movie tradition of love and hate
Authors: McNair Brian
Published: May 2010

Films portray journalists as heroes and villains – correctly so, as journalists are both, argues the author of a fascinating new book
Courting comment for survival
Authors: Levenson Ellie
Published: May 2010

Comments on newspaper websites sometimes can influence the subject and style of journalists’ online columns, says a freelance writer
Effects of fumonisin B1 on HLA class I antigen presentation and processing pathway in GES-1 cells in vitro
Authors: Yao ZG , Zhang XH , Hua F. , Wang J. , Xing X. , Wang JL , Yan X. , Xing LX
Published: May 2010

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a food-borne mycotoxin produced by genus Fusarium and was classified as possible carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen presentation pathway plays an important role in immunosurveillance. Defects in HLA class I antigen presentation pathway can down-regulate the expression of HLA class I antigen on the surface of nucleated cells that will confer a survival advantage to randomly mutant cells and may lead to malignant transformation. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of FB1 on the expression of HLA class I heavy chain (classical HLA-A, -B and -C genes included), beta2-microglobulin (β2m), LMP2 and TAP1 genes in human gastric epithelial immortalized GES-1 cells in vitro using semi-quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunocytochemical methods in dose- and time-effect studies. Our results revealed that FB1 have an effect on HLA class I antigen presentation pathway via the decreased expression of HLA class I heavy chain and/or defects of LMP2 and TAP1 expression. However, the importance of this effect in carcinogenesis needs further investigation.
Mediating subpolitics in US and UK science news
Authors: Jensen Eric
Published: May 2010

The development of therapeutic cloning research sparked a scientific controversy pitting patients’ hopes for cures against religious and anti-abortion opposition. The present study investigates this controversy by examining the production and content of Anglo-American print media coverage of the branch of embryonic stem cell research known as “therapeutic cloning.” Data collection included press articles about therapeutic cloning ( n = 5,185) and qualitative interviews with journalists ( n = 18). Patient activists and anti-abortion groups emerged as key news sources in this coverage. Significant qualitative differences in the mediation of these subpolitical groups and their arguments for and against therapeutic cloning are identified. Results suggest that the perceived human interest news value of narratives of patient suffering may give patient advocacy groups a privileged position in journalistic coverage. Finally, Ulrich Beck’s theoretical arguments about subpolitics are critically applied to the results to elicit further insights.
Reciprocating Bending Deformation and Mechanical Response of Shape-control Plate Using NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Wire
Authors: Tohgo Keiichiro , Shimamura Yoshinobu
Published: May 2010

This study deals with deformation and mechanical response of a shape-control plate, which consists of an aluminum alloy plate and a pre-strained NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. The shape-control plate exhibits reciprocating bending deformation by heating and cooling. Bending deformation tests of the plate are carried out by electric heating and natural cooling of the SMA wire, and then mechanical response of the bent plate under electric heating is examined by three-point bending. The experimental results exhibit that the bending deformation of the plate is considerably stable over more than 2000 heating-cooling cycles, and that a load-deflection relation of the bent plate is almost linear. Furthermore, the bending deformation and mechanical response of the plate are analyzed by a simple beam theory for the aluminum alloy plate and Brinson’s one-dimensional constitutive model for the SMA wire. The numerical results describe well the deformation behavior and mechanical response of the shape-control plate observed in the experiments. The proposed numerical model can be useful in design and estimation of shape-control plates.
Ferroelastic Phase Transition of BiVO4 Single Crystals with Prominent W -Domain Walls by Stress-Strain Hysteresis Measurements
Authors: Ae Ran Lim  , Jeong Se-Young
Published: May 2010

The phase transition of BiVO4 crystals with prominent W-domain walls was investigated by carrying out stress-strain hysteresis measurements. The change in the strain under a stress of 0.4 MPa was determined, and the non-linear behavior of the strain below TC was found to be due to the switching of the ferroelastic domains. Above TC, the strain has a minimum value, which indicates the presence of a paraelastic phase. A configuration of domain boundaries with two orientations separated by parallel lines was observed with polarizing microscopy in the ferroelastic phase, and these domain walls are not present in the paraelastic phase. Further, the stress-strain hysteresis loop has a shape typical of a ferroelastic phase below TC, and above TC has a shape indicative of a paraelastic phase. These results show that BiVO4 crystals undergo a ferroelastic phase transition near TC = 255° C.
Measures of Democratization: From Degree to Type to War
Authors: Bogaards Matthijs
Published: May 2010

The global spread of democracy has not resulted in scholarly consensus on how to conceptualize and measure democratization. The recent proliferation of hybrid regimes has encouraged attempts to empirically capture these new categories with the help of existing measures of democracy, raising the question of how one can go from degree to type. This issue has gained in salience because of the claim that incomplete democratic transitions, stopping halfway between dictatorship and democracy, increase the chance of war. This article presents a first overview of the different ways in which democratization has been defined and measured. In addition, it shows how scholars have used Freedom House and Polity scores to build regime typologies. A reexamination of the results of Mansfield and Snyder’s thesis about democratization and war shows the importance of operationalization and casts further doubt on the empirical robustness of their claims.
Do the Invariant Findings of Land, McCall, and Cohen Generalize to Cross-National Studies of Social Structure and Homicide?
Authors: Pridemore William Alex , Trent Carol L. S.
Published: May 2010

The Land, McCall, and Cohen study is one of the most highly cited articles in the social structure and homicide literature. In it, the authors found that three structural covariates—resource deprivation, population size and density, and divorce—were consistently associated with U.S. homicide rates over several decades, even when employing different units of analysis. In this article, we review 65 studies to determine whether Land, McCall, and Cohen’s invariant findings for these three structural covariates generalize to the cross-national empirical literature on social structure and homicide. We conclude that the findings for population structure and divorce are inconsistent in this literature but that there is relatively consistent evidence for an association between homicide and some form of resource deprivation cross-nationally. Based on our review, we also discuss two current directions of this literature and critically assess—much like Land, McCall, and Cohen did for the U.S. literature at the time—the current state of the scientific record on the topic of social structure and homicide at the cross-national level.
“Look Me in the Eye”: Empathy and the Transmission of Trauma in the Refugee Determination Process
Authors: Rousseau Cécile , Foxen Patricia
Published: May 2010

Debates between refugee advocates, institutional actors and the wider public regarding refugee claimants often evoke anger, fear and sadness, as well as more positive emotions such as compassion, suggesting a complex societal emotional response toward refugee stories. This article analyses the emotional interactions surrounding refugee determination hearings, as reflected in the discourse of administrative judges and refugees. Our results show that the concepts of empathy and compassion are often used by judges to confirm the benevolent image that the administrative tribunal wants to project as a representative body of the host country. However, the very unequal power relations of the hearing setting structure the transmission of the refugee stories in a way that often prevents an emotional encounter between decision makers and refugees. Beyond the specific context of the refugee determination process, these results illustrate how prevalent psychological models of empathy and the transmission of trauma implicitly reveal a political dimension that validates representations of the helpless but potentially dangerous Other, representations that often underlie broader north—south power relations.
The Pathway Between Conflict and Reconciliation: Coexistence as an Evolutionary Process
Authors: Sluzki Carlos E.
Published: May 2010

A normative sequence of six stages is proposed to describe the process of evolution from open conflict to harmonious coexistence, as well at its devolution from the latter to the former. The stages may be termed Confrontation , Truce, Collaboration, Cooperation, Interdependence and Integration. Each of the six stages constitutes an amalgam of practices, narratives and prevalent emotions in a relational “game” that tends to resist change. At the stage of Confrontation, each party assumes that any act of the other is motivated by ill intent, and active hostility prevails. In Truce or Freeze, acts of hostility are curtailed by a real or virtual “neutral zone” controlled by powerful third parties. The dominant emotions are resentment, anger, and mistrust. Collaboration retains some assumptions of ill intent while certain activities in common are carried out. The third party looses visibility, and the dominant emotions include ambivalence. Cooperation entails the assumption of neutral intent of self and other, while activities in common are planned and carried out. Key emotions include cautious compassion for the other. Interdependence is characterized by active involvement in planning toward the common good. The dominant emotions are trust and forgiveness. At the other end of the spectrum, parties at the stage of Integration are actively involved in projects aimed at the common good and each supports the other’s growth. The dominant emotions are solidarity and a friendly trust. Movement from one stage to another shares certain characteristics with other complex systems. For professionals aiming to facilitate evolutionary change, whether in interpersonal or in international relations, the systemic cohesion of each stage constitutes the main challenge, and the promise of similar cohesion at the next stage provides the main hope.
How should intergroup contact be structured to reduce bias among majority and minority group children?
Authors: Guerra Rita , Rebelo Margarida , Monteiro Maria B. , Riek Blake M. , Mania Eric W. , Gaertner Samuel L. , Dovidio John F.
Published: May 2010

This experiment examined the effectiveness of one-group and dual-identity recategorization strategies on reducing intergroup bias among 180 European Portuguese and African Portuguese 9- and 10-year-old children. Results revealed that each of these recategorization strategies, relative to one that emphasized separate group identities, was successful in producing positive attitudes toward the outgroup children present during the session, the outgroup as a whole, and the outgroup as a whole three weeks later. Consistent with a functional perspective regarding which representation would most effectively promote their group’s goals, a dual identity was more effective for the European Portuguese majority group, whereas a one-group identity was more effective for the African Portuguese minority group. Additional analyses explored a model of the process of generalization that formally links attitudes toward the outgroup as a whole to the attitudes toward outgroup members present during contact.
Predictors of ingroup projection: The roles of superordinate category coherence and complexity
Authors: Peker Müjde , Crisp Richard J. , Hogg Michael A.
Published: May 2010

Based on an integration of research on ingroup projection, self-anchoring and social identification, three experiments investigated whether projection of ingroup characteristics to a superordinate category would be moderated by both the perceived complexity (number of defining prototypes) and coherence (structural clarity, organization) of the superordinate category. We predicted that ingroup projection would be prevented by the presence of either a complex or coherent superordinate representation. However, we also predicted that complexity would reduce ingroup projection at the expense of superordinate category identification, while coherence would not. We observed the predicted interaction between superordinate category complexity and coherence in three studies: a complex or coherent superordinate category led to lower levels of projection. However, only complexity of the superordinate category reduced superordinate group identification. These findings clarify and refine our understanding of the conditions under which ingroup projection can be discouraged, and the cognitive mechanisms involved.
Issues with e-learning in nursing and health education in the UK: are new technologies being embraced in the teaching and learning environments?
Authors: Moule Pam , Ward Rod , Lockyer Lesley
Published: May 2010

In this paper we present aspects of a study that scoped e-learning implementation in nursing and health science disciplines throughout the UK and explored the factors affecting use. Data related to the use of technologies are presented here. While there are many drivers for the use of e-learning, the current scope of engagement in nursing and health science disciplines is unknown and variations in adoption have not been explored. A postal questionnaire sent to a purposive sample of 93 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) obtained data from 25 universities (response rate of 28%) related to their uptake and development of e-learning. Questionnaire data was analysed using descriptive statistics. From this, nine HEIs were identified, reflecting a range of levels of engagement in e-learning. Data was collected through 35 staff interviews across the sites. Qualitative data from the interviews was transcribed to allow thematic analysis. Though e-learning adoption and use vary across the sector, the predominant learning and teaching engagement is instructivist and managed through a virtual learning environment. There is limited experimentation with e-learning and teaching use, linked to key centres of excellence and the efforts of ‘champions’. It is suggested that a more systematic approach to development and funding is required to achieve enhanced use of e-learning.