bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of PD-1 Blockade Is Critical to Effective Combination Immunotherapy with Anti-OX40
Authors: Messenheimer David J. , Jensen Shawn M. , Afentoulis Michael E. , Wegmann Keith W. , Feng Zipei , Friedman David J. , Gough Michael J. , Urba Walter J. , Fox Bernard A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Antibodies specific for inhibitory checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4 have shown impressive results against solid tumors. This has fueled interest in novel immunotherapy combinations to affect patients who remain refractory to checkpoint blockade monotherapy. However, how to optimally combine checkpoint blockade with agents targeting T-cell costimulatory receptors, such as OX40, remains a critical question.

Experimental Design: We utilized an anti-PD-1–refractory, orthotopically transplanted MMTV-PyMT mammary cancer model to investigate the antitumor effect of an agonist anti-OX40 antibody combined with anti-PD-1. As PD-1 naturally aids in immune contraction after T-cell activation, we treated mice with concurrent combination treatment versus sequentially administering anti-OX40 followed by anti-PD-1.

Results: The concurrent addition of anti-PD-1 significantly attenuated the therapeutic effect of anti-OX40 alone. Combination-treated mice had considerable increases in type I and type II serum cytokines and significantly augmented expression of inhibitory receptors or exhaustion markers CTLA-4 and TIM-3 on T cells. Combination treatment increased intratumoral CD4+ T-cell proliferation at day 13, but at day 19, both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation was significantly reduced compared with untreated mice. In two tumor models, sequential combination of anti-OX40 followed by anti-PD-1 (but not the reverse order) resulted in significant increases in therapeutic efficacy. Against MMTV-PyMT tumors, sequential combination was dependent on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and completely regressed tumors in approximately 30% of treated animals.

Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of timing for optimized therapeutic effect with combination immunotherapies and suggest the testing of sequencing in combination immunotherapy clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 23(20); 6165–77. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Colombo, p. 5999
Neoadjuvant Interferons: Critical for Effective PD-1–Based Immunotherapy in TNBC
Authors: Brockwell Natasha K. , Owen Katie L. , Zanker Damien , Spurling Alex , Rautela Jai , Duivenvoorden Hendrika M. , Baschuk Nikola , Caramia Franco , Loi Sherene , Darcy Phillip K. , Lim Elgene , Parker Belinda S.
Published: August 2017

The lack of targeted therapies available for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who fail to respond to first-line chemotherapy has sparked interest in immunotherapeutic approaches. However, trials utilizing checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in TNBC have had underwhelming responses. Here, we investigated the interplay between type I IFN signaling and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and tested the impact of combining IFN inducers, as immune activators, with anti–PD-1, to induce an antimetastatic immune response. Using models of TNBC, we demonstrated an interplay between type I IFN signaling and tumor cell PD-L1 expression that affected therapeutic response. The data revealed that the type I IFN-inducer poly(I:C) was an effective immune activator and antimetastatic agent, functioning better than anti–PD-1, which was ineffective as a single agent. Poly(I:C) treatment induced PD-L1 expression on TNBC cells, and combined poly(I:C) and anti–PD-1 treatment prolonged metastasis-free survival in a neoadjuvant setting via the induction of a tumor-specific T-cell response. Use of this combination in a late treatment setting did not impact metastasis-free survival, indicating that timing was critical for immunotherapeutic benefit. Together, these data demonstrated anti–PD-1 as an ineffective single agent in preclinical models of TNBC. However, type I IFN inducers were effective immune activators, and neoadjuvant trials combining them with anti–PD-1 to induce a sustained antitumor immune response are warranted. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 871–84. ©2017 AACR.
The Lung in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Dupuis-Girod Sophie , Cottin Vincent , Shovlin C.L.
Published: August 2017

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a dominantly inherited genetic vascular disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 6,000, characterized by recurrent epistaxis, cutaneous telangiectasia, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that affect many organs including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and brain. Its diagnosis is based on the Curaçao criteria, and is considered definite if at least 3 of the 4 following criteria are fulfilled: (1) spontaneous and recurrent epistaxis, (2) telangiectasia, (3) a family history, and (4) pulmonary, liver, cerebral, spinal, or gastrointestinal AVMs. The focus of this review is on delineating how HHT affects the lung.
Ischemic Stroke in a Young Patient Heralding a Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lestienne Fanny , Bruno Chiara , Bertora David , Benoit Jeanne , Mahagne Marie-Hélène , Suissa Laurent
Published: August 2017

Strokes in young patients may be the clinical expression of many complex and extremely rare diseases. Uncommon causes constitute less than 5% of all strokes, but are present in 30% of strokes in young patients. We report the case of a young woman whose ischemic stroke led to the diagnosis of a rare embolic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy, requiring a heart transplant.
Usage of Multilevel Paravertebral Block as the Main Anesthesia for Mini-Invasive PCNL: Retrospective Review of 45 Cases with Large Stones
Authors: Yang Huan , Yu Xiao , Hu Jia , Peng Ejun , Li Cong , Cui Lei , Zhao Chenming , Wang Shen , Wei Chao , Mei Wei , Wang Shaogang , Ye Zhangqun
Published: August 2017

Introduction: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of the paravertebral block (PVB) as the single main anesthesia for unilateral mini-invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: Forty-five American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I/II/III patients with large upper urinary tract stones were included in our retrospective study. All patients received multilevel PVB from T10 to L1 with 10 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine for each segment. After the block was confirmed, unilateral mini-invasive PCNL was performed. Intraoperative and postoperative pain management and associated adverse events were observed to investigate the feasibility of PVB in mini-invasive PCNL as the main anesthesia. Results: Successful blocking was confirmed 20 min after paravertebral injections. The mean operation time was 59 min. None of the patients experienced severe pain or hemodynamic dysfunction. Stone-free rate was 93.1% and no blood transfusion was required. The mean time to first analgesic requirement was 160 min, and the mean consumption of diclofenac sodium suppositories was 150 mg. All patients contained normal muscle strength on the contralateral side. Patients could recover ambulation within 1 h after the operation. Conclusions: Multilevel PVB was proved to be suitable as the main anesthesia for unilateral mini-invasive PCNL, providing feasible pain relief and quick postoperative recovery.
Hypertension Control in Adults With Diabetes Mellitus and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Navar Ann Marie , Gallup Dianne S. , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Green Jennifer B. , McGuire Darren K. , Armstrong Paul W. , Buse John B. , Engel Samuel S. , Lachin John M. , Standl Eberhard , Van de Werf Frans , Holman Rury R. , Peterson; Eric D.
Published: August 2017

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment targets for adults with diabetes mellitus remain unclear. SBP levels among 12 275 adults with diabetes mellitus, prior cardiovascular disease, and treated hypertension were evaluated in the TECOS (Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes With Sitagliptin) randomized trial of sitagliptin versus placebo. The association between baseline SBP and recurrent cardiovascular disease was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling with restricted cubic splines, adjusting for clinical characteristics. Kaplan–Meier curves by baseline SBP were created to assess time to cardiovascular disease and 2 potential hypotension-related adverse events: worsening kidney function and fractures. The association between time-updated SBP and outcomes was examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Overall, 42.2% of adults with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension had an SBP ≥140 mm Hg. The association between SBP and cardiovascular disease risk was U shaped, with a nadir ≈130 mm Hg. When the analysis was restricted to those with baseline SBP of 110 to 150 mm Hg, the adjusted association between SBP and cardiovascular disease risk was flat (hazard ratio per 10-mm Hg increase, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.02). There was no association between SBP and risk of fracture. Above 150 mm Hg, higher SBP was associated with increasing risk of worsening kidney function (hazard ratio per 10-mm Hg increase, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.18). Many patients with diabetes mellitus have uncontrolled hypertension. The U-shaped association between SBP and cardiovascular disease events was largely driven by those with very high or low SBP, with no difference in cardiovascular disease risk between 110 and 150 mm Hg. Lower SBP was not associated with higher risks of fractures or worsening kidney function.
Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease Increases the Risk of Incident Stroke and Mortality: The Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Wright Clinton B. , Dong Chuanhui , Perez Enmanuel J. , De Rosa Janet , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Rundek Tatjana , DeCarli Charles , Gutierrez Jose , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: August 2017

Background

The effects of white matter hyperintensity volume and subclinical brain infarcts on the risk of incident stroke, its ischemic subtypes, and mortality require further study in diverse samples.

Methods and Results

Stroke‐free participants in the Northern Manhattan Study underwent magnetic resonance imaging (N=1287; mean age 71±9 years, 60% women, 15% non‐Hispanic white, 17% non‐Hispanic black, 68% Hispanic) and were followed for a median of 8 years (interquartile range: 6–9 years). Cox models estimated proportional hazards of incident stroke of all types, ischemic stroke (and its subtypes), and mortality and stratified by race/ethnicity. In total 72 participants (6%) had incident strokes and 244 died (19%). In fully adjusted models, those with larger white matter hyperintensity volume had greater risk of all stroke types (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.4; 95%
CI
, 1.1–1.9), ischemic stroke (
HR
: 1.3; 95%
CI
, 1.0–1.8), and cryptogenic stroke (
HR
: 2.2; 95%
CI
, 1.1–4.4). White and black but not Hispanic participants had increased stroke risk (
P
<0.05 for heterogeneity for all and ischemic stroke). Those with subclinical brain infarct had greater risk for all stroke types (
HR
: 1.9; 95%
CI
, 1.1–3.3), ischemic stroke (
HR
: 2.2; 95%
CI
, 1.3–3.8), lacunar (
HR
: 4.0; 95%
CI
, 1.3–12.3), and cryptogenic stroke (
HR
: 3.6; 95%
CI
, 1.0–12.7), without significant heterogeneity across race/ethnic groups. Greater white matter hyperintensity volume increased both vascular (
HR
: 1.3; 95%
CI
, 1.1–1.7) and nonvascular (
HR
: 1.2; 95%
CI
, 1.0–1.5) mortality among Hispanic and white but not black participants (
P
=0.040 for heterogeneity). Subclinical brain infarct was associated with increased vascular mortality among Hispanic participants only (
HR
: 2.9; 95%
CI
, 1.4–5.8).

Conclusions

In this urban US sample, subclinical cerebrovascular lesions increased the risk of clinical stroke and vascular mortality and varied by race/ethnicity and lesion type.
Phylogeny and morphology of genus Nephrocytium (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta) from China
Authors: LIU XUDONG , ZHU HUAN , LIU BENWEN , LIU GUOXIANG , HU ZHENGYU
Published: August 2017

The genus Nephrocytium Nägeli is a common member of phytoplankton communities that has a distinctive morphology. Its taxonomic position is traditionally considered to be within the family Oocystaceae (Trebouxiophyceae). However, research on its ultrastructure is rare, and the phylogenetic position has not yet been determined. In this study, two strains of Nephrocytium, N. agardhianum Nägeli and N. limneticum (G.M.Smith) G.M.Smith, were identified and successfully cultured in the laboratory. Morphological inspection by light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed to explore the taxonomic position. Ultrastructure implied a likely irregular network of dense and fine ribs on the surface of the daughter cell wall that resembled that of the genus Chromochloris Kol & Chodat (Chromochloridaceae). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Nephrocytium formed an independent lineage in the order Sphaeropleales (Chlorophyceae) with high support values and a close phylogenetic relationship with Chromochloris. Based on combined morphological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic data, we propose a re-classification of Nephrocytium into Sphaeropleales, sharing a close relationship with Chromochloris.
Ranunculus angustisepalus (Ranunculaceae) is an Oxygraphis and conspecific with O. delavayi
Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate that Ranunculus angustisepalus (Ranunculaceae) described from Bomi in southeastern Xizang (Tibet) is conspecific with Oxygraphis delavayi, a species widely distributed in northern Sichuan, southeastern Xizang, and northwestern Yunnan, China. We therefore place the former in synonymy within the latter. We also reduce Ranumculus subgen. Stenoglossa and R. sect. Stenoglossa, both with R. angustisepalus as their type, to the synonymy of the genus Oxygraphis.
Coptus Wollaston (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae): A genus new to China with descriptions of two new species
Authors: OMAR YOUSSEF MOHAMED , ZHANG RUNZHI , DAVIS STEVEN R.
Published: August 2017

The genus Coptus Wollaston is recorded for the first time in mainland China with the description of two new species, Coptus brevirostris sp. nov, and Coptus vitreous sp. nov. A key to the known species from the Palearctic and Oriental regions of the genus is presented and illustrations of diagnostic features of the new species are provided.
Description of a new species of Trichogypsiidae (Porifera, Calcarea) and first record of the genus in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: LEHNERT HELMUT , STONE ROBERT P.
Published: August 2017

A new species of Trichogypsiidae is described and compared to its congeners. Trichogypsia alaskensis n. sp. represents the fifth species of the family and with this record all three genera of the family are now represented in the North Pacific Ocean. Calcarea are rare in the Gulf of Alaska but with this new record the number of confirmed species rises from two to three. The new species has larger diactines of a broader size range and with a different pattern of spination than all congeners.
Revision of the Neotropical moth genus Ptychotrichos Schaus (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini, Ctenuchina)
Authors: PINHEIRO LÍVIA R. , DUARTE MARCELO
Published: August 2017

Ptychotrichos Schaus, 1894 is revised and redescribed based on external and genitalia characters. The genus is now characterized by the following autapomorphic characters: forewing more than twice as long as hindwing, hairbrush on dorsal surface of inner margin of hindwing, vinculum sigmoid, uncus bilobed, and valva with a proximal finger-like projection. Ptychotrichos is comprised of two species, P. zeus Schaus, 1894 (type-species) and P. elongata Schaus, 1905, which differ from each other in fore- and hindwing patterns, coloration of abdominal tergites and male and female genitalia. Both species of Ptychotrichos are redescribed and illustrated, and maps of their geographical distribution are provided, with a discussion on the unusual distribution of P. zeus. A new combination for Ptychotrichos [sic] fenestrifer Zerny, 1931 is also proposed: Heliura fenestrifer comb. nov.
Two new species of cave-dwelling Charinus Simon, 1892 from Brazil (Arachnida: Amblypygi: Charinidae)
Authors: VASCONCELOS ANA CAROLINE OLIVEIRA , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: August 2017

Two new species of the genus Charinus are described from caves of Brazil: Charinus spelaeus sp. n., the fourth described species of the genus for the state of Minas Gerais, and Charinus santanensis sp. n., the sixth described species of the genus for the state of Bahia. Charinus spelaeus sp. n. has reduced median and lateral eyes, and is the sixth troglobitic Charinus described for Brazil. We present here an updated key and a distribution map for all the Brazilian species of Charinus.
Taxonomy of the subgenus Ocypus Leach (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) and three new species from China
Authors: HE LIANG , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: August 2017

Three new species of the subgenus Ocypus s. str. of the genus Ocypus Leach, 1819 are described from South China: Ocypus (s. str.) liui sp. nov., Ocypus (s. str.) aglaosemanticus sp. nov. and Ocypus (s. str.) pterosemanticus sp. nov. Line drawings and color illustrations of adults and genitalia of the new species, as well as of Ocypus (s. str.) rhoetus Smetana, 2007 and Ocypus (s. str.) weisei Harold, 1877 are given. A key to Chinese species of the subgenus Ocypus Leach, 1819 is provided.
Four new species of Nazeris Fauvel in Guangxi, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)
Authors: HU JIA-YAO , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: August 2017

Five species of Nazeris Fauvel are reported for Guangxi, China. Four of them are described as new: N. huapingensis Hu & Li, sp. n., N. alatus Hu & Li, sp. n., N. exilis Hu & Li, sp. n., and N. chenyanae Hu & Li, sp. n. Additional records of N. obtortus Assing, 2016, an identification key to the Nazeris species in Guangxi, and a map showing their distribution are provided.
FABP4 and Cardiovascular Events in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Höbaus Clemens , Herz Carsten Thilo , Pesau Gerfried , Wrba Thomas , Koppensteiner Renate , Schernthaner Gerit-Holger
Published: August 2017

Fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a possible biomarker of atherosclerosis. We evaluated FABP4 levels, for the first time, in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the possible association between baseline FABP4 levels and cardiovascular events over time. Patients (n = 327; mean age 69 ± 10 years) with stable PAD were enrolled in this study. Serum FABP4 was measured by bead-based multiplex assay. Cardiovascular events were analyzed by FABP4 tertiles using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses after 5 years. Serum FABP4 levels showed a significant association with the classical 3-point major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) end point (including death, nonlethal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) in patients with PAD ( P = .038). A standard deviation increase of FABP4 resulted in a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.33 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.03-1.71) for MACE. This association increased (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03-1.71) after multivariable adjustment ( P = .020). Additionally, in multivariable linear regression analysis, FABP4 was linked to estimated glomerular filtration rate ( P < .001), gender ( P = .005), fasting triglycerides ( P = .048), and body mass index ( P < .001). Circulating FABP4 may be a useful additional biomarker to evaluate patients with stable PAD at risk of major cardiovascular complications.
In-house or outsourced public services? A social and economic analysis of the impact of spending policy on the private wage share in OECD countries
Authors: Pensiero Nicola
Published: August 2017

This article analyses the relationship between government spending and the distribution of private income between capital and labour. While most previous research assumes that government spending redistributes in favour of the less wealthy, I distinguish between types of expenditures that enhance the bargaining position of labour – that is, unemployment benefits, public sector employment and investment in new capital – and labour-saving and pro-business types of expenditures – that is, outsourcing to private firms. The results are derived from various panel regression techniques on a panel of 19 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the period 1985–2010 and show that expenditures on public sector employment and, to a lesser extent, on new capital prevented the private wage share from declining further, even after controlling for labour market institutions, globalisation and technological change. Conversely, expenditures on outsourcing substantially contributed to reducing the private wage share. Unemployment benefits had a non-significant and negative effect on the private wage share because their increase was the consequence of higher levels of unemployment rather than policy. Implications for theory and policy are drawn, including the support for a public employment-led spending policy.
Residential Proximity to Electronic Dance Music Nightclubs and Associations With Substance Use, Sexual Behaviors, and Related Problems
Authors: Buttram Mance E. , Pagano Maria E. , Kurtz Steven P.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the association between proximity of place of residence to preferred nightclub and substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and related problems, among a sample of 498 young adult substance users in Miami who report regular nightclub participation. Hierarchal linear models and logistic regressions were constructed to examine the impact of residential proximity to preferred nightclub on risk behaviors. Compared with participants residing in closer proximity to their preferred nightclub, participants residing further away reported higher intensities of alcohol and cocaine use ( p < .01), greater condomless vaginal sex frequencies ( p < .001), and more substance dependence symptoms ( p < .05). Conversely, participants residing in closer proximity to their preferred nightclub had higher likelihood of arrest history ( p < .05) than participants residing further away. Results suggest that participants residing further from their preferred nightclubs may be more invested in the nightclub outing and, therefore, engage in more risk behaviors.
Positive school leadership
Authors: Murphy Joseph , Louis Karen Seashore , Smylie Mark
Published: August 2017

In November 2015, the National Policy Board for Educational Administration — a coalition of nine professional associations — adopted the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), a set of guidelines for the training, certification, hiring, evaluation, and supervision of school principals and superintendents. While it draws heavily from the earlier standards published by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium in 2008, PSEL is distinguished by a positive, asset-based approach to school management and leadership.
Self-governing schools, parental choice, and the need to protect the public interest
Authors: Fiske Edward B. , Ladd Helen F.
Published: August 2017

As policy makers call for the dramatic expansion of school choice and voucher programs across the U.S., it becomes all the more important for educators and advocates to consider lessons learned in countries – such as the Netherlands, New Zealand, and England – that have already gone down this path. Efforts to promote choice and school self-governance have shown clear benefits for individual students and families, but they have had troubling consequences for the broader public.
Washington View
Authors: Ferguson Maria
Published: August 2017

Current policy and practice diverge from what the American public wants (as measured by the 2017 PDK Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools) and a good bit of education research. This year’s PDK poll reveals a sharp rise in public support for integrating academic and career preparation, a view that closely aligns with research by the author’s organization, the Center for Education Policy. CEP recently analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network, which surveys employers on the kinds of skills and knowledge required for more than 900 jobs and occupations, and learned that the best way to prepare students for the fastest-growing jobs is by helping them cultivate a mix of social, personal, and academic strengths, including the ability to communicate effectively, to analyze and solve complex problems, to work well in teams, and to be persistent in the face of challenges.
Solid Waste Management and Social Inclusion of Wastepickers: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Marello Marta , Helwege Ann
Published: August 2017

As informal workers, wastepickers gather recyclable material without adequate social benefits and occupational protection. In response to wastepicker demands for legalization and access to the waste stream, cities have created inclusion programs to improve livelihoods and promote recycling. While inclusion yields benefits for many participants, it brings challenges at each step of development. In the poorest countries, workers lack the skills, capital, and managerial experience to operate profitably, while projects in wealthier cities employ few wastepickers and face stiff competition from the formal sector. The most sophisticated municipal systems mechanize waste processing and threaten wastepickers’ livelihoods because capital-intensive methods yield few jobs. To realize genuine inclusion, policies to support wastepickers must enable workers to compete throughout the broader economy.

Como trabajadores informales, los recolectores de basura se encargan de recoger materiales reciclables sin prestaciones sociales o protección laboral adecuadas. En respuesta a sus demandas de legalización y acceso al flujo de residuos, las ciudades han creado programas de inclusión para mejorar las condiciones de vida y promover el reciclaje. Mientras que dicha inclusión brinda beneficios a muchos participantes, también conlleva retos en cada etapa del desarrollo. En los países más pobres, los trabajadores carecen de las habilidades, capital y experiencia administrativa necesarias para operar de manera rentable, mientras que los proyectos en las ciudades más ricas emplean pocos recolectores que enfrentan una dura competencia por parte del sector formal. Los sistemas municipales más sofisticados mecanizan el procesamiento de los desechos y amenazan los medios de subsistencia de los recolectores dado que los métodos intensivos en capital generan pocos puestos de trabajo. Para que haya una genuina inclusión, las políticas de apoyo a los recolectores de basura deben permitir que dichos trabajadores compitan en el grueso de la economía.
Investigating the Effects of Differential Item Functioning on Proficiency Classification
Authors: Rome Logan , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2017

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of differential item functioning (DIF) on proficiency classification. Using Monte Carlo simulation, item- and test-level DIF magnitudes were varied systematically to investigate their impact on proficiency classification at multiple decision points. Findings from this study clearly show that the presence of DIF affects proficiency classification not by lowering the overall correct classification rates but by affecting classification error rates differently for reference and focal group members. The study also reveals that multiple items with low levels of DIF can be particularly problematic. They can do similar damage to proficiency classification as high-level DIF items with the same cumulative magnitudes but are much harder to detect with current DIF and differential bundle functioning (DBF) techniques. Finally, how DIF affects proficiency classification errors at multiple cut scores is fully described and discussed.
“It’s Really Where Your Parents Were”
Authors: Morrison Hugh
Published: August 2017

This essay focuses on early twentieth-century missionary British world missionary children and their families to provide a point of comparison with an existing body of work on nineteenth-century missionary children. Through a case study approach, focusing on two Presbyterian missionary families (Scottish and New Zealand) and using both written and oral sources, it asks how we might usefully historicize their lives. The case studies indicate that early twentieth-century children’s historical lives were primarily framed within the religiously defined narratives of the missionary family—albeit narratives that varied depending on geographical, cultural, theological, and temporal contexts or with respect to points of family origin—and that these narratives were articulated differently from children’s and parents’ perspectives. While family is central to the analysis, the article makes a case for attending to the voices of both children and parents, within broader historiographical and historical contexts.
A sociology of caravans
Authors: Beilharz Peter , Supski Sian
Published: August 2017

Why do caravans matter? Australians, like others, holiday in them, travel in them, cook, eat, drink, play, sleep and have sex in them. They also live in them, often involuntarily. Caravans have a longer history than this, however caravan life has almost no presence in existing historical or cultural sociology scholarship. Our immediate interest is in caravans in Australia, modernity and mobility. Some broader interest is apparent. Theoretical arguments about mobility on a global scale have been developed by Bauman and Urry. Sociologists like Jasper have connected mobility, masculinity and automobility in Restless Nation. The sociologist and writer Marina Lewycka has used caravans as the locus of everyday life study in her novel Two Caravans. In this paper we background some of these broader issues, and offer a case study of postwar caravan manufacturing. This paper anticipates a larger possible research project in these fields. We anticipate this project raising themes like freedom, mobility, escape, utopia; images of domesticity on wheels, décor and design, materials, technology, DIY production and Fordism; caravan parks as homes and as itinerant and long-term accommodation. These themes and images are also necessarily interwoven with class, gender, sex and age. We are interested in the possibilities of using the caravan as a carrier for making sense of postwar Australia.
Spectrum of Off-Label Nitric Oxide Utilization After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Among Centers of Varying Surgical Volume
Authors: Gupta Punkaj , Rettiganti Mallikarjuna , Wilcox Andrew , Eble Brian K. , Schmitz Michael L. , Zakaria Dala
Published: August 2017

Objective:

Nitric oxide is utilized after pediatric cardiac surgery as an off-label medication without much evidence, is expensive, and varies among centers of varying surgical volume. The objective of our study was to describe the spectrum of nitric oxide utilization and to evaluate the effect of nitric oxide utilization on outcomes among patients cared for in centers of varying surgical volume using Pediatric Health Information system.

Methods:

Patients aged ≤18 years undergoing heart surgery were included (2004-2015). Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate association of center volume with odds of nitric oxide utilization among patients undergoing heart operations. Centers were classified into 3 volume categories based on tertiles of number of cardiopulmonary bypass cases performed (low volume: 34 792 patients, 21 centers; medium volume: 38 362 patients, 13 centers; high volume: 30 560 patients, 7 centers).

Results:

A total of 103 714 patients from 41 hospitals were included. Of these, 15 708 (15.1%) patients received nitric oxide after cardiac surgery. Of the patients receiving nitric oxide, only 3936 (25.1%) patients were associated with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. In adjusted models, low- and medium-volume centers were associated with higher nitric oxide utilization after heart operations as compared to high-volume centers (low vs high, odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-1.60; medium vs high, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.26-1.41). Despite higher nitric oxide utilization, the mortality was worse among patients treated in low- and medium-volume centers, as compared to high-volume centers (low vs high, OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.26-1.60; medium vs high, OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.25).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates variation in nitric oxide utilization after heart operations among centers of varying surgical volume. Further, it raises questions on the benefit of nitric oxide administration after pediatric cardiac surgery.
The Relationship Between Posttraumatic Growth and Psychosocial Variables in Survivors of State Terrorism and Their Relatives
Authors: Cárdenas-Castro Manuel , Faúndez-Abarca Ximena , Arancibia-Martini Héctor , Ceruti-Mahn Cristián
Published: August 2017

The present study explores reports of growth in survivors and family members of victims of state terrorism ( N = 254) in Chile from 1973 to 1990. The results indicate the presence of reports of posttraumatic growth ( M = 4.69) and a positive and statistically significant correlation with variables related to the life impact of the stressful events ( r = .46), social sharing of emotions ( r = .32), deliberate rumination ( r = .37), positive reappraisal ( r = .35), reconciliation ( r = .39), spiritual practices ( r = .33), and meaning in life ( r = .51). The relationship between growth and forgiveness is not statistically significant. The variables that best predict posttraumatic growth are positive reappraisal (β = .28), life impact (β = .24), meaning in life β = .23), and reconciliation (β = .20). The forward-method hierarchical model indicates that these variables are significant predictors of growth levels, R2 = .53, F(8, 210) = 30.08, p < .001. The results indicate that a large proportion of the victims of state terrorism manage to grow after these experiences, and the redefinition of meaning in life and the positive reappraisal of the traumatic experiences are the elements that make it possible to create a new narrative about the past.
A new efficient free-rolling tyre-testing procedure for the parameterisation of vehicle dynamics tyre models
Authors: Smith Gregory , Blundell Mike
Published: August 2017

This paper describes an efficient tyre test procedure that can be used to collect the data required to parameterise empirical tyre models used in the computer simulations of vehicle dynamics. The new GS2MF FreeRolling test procedure develops established methodologies, such as the time measurement procedure from the TIME project and the MICH2MF measurement protocol developed as alternatives to traditional square matrix testing. The new process is designed to reduce the number of expensive tyre tests without compromising the accuracy of the generated tyre model parameters.

The process is demonstrated by a programme of tyre testing carried out using the Calspan TIRF tyre testing facility in the USA, and it is shown here how the GS2MF Flat-Trac® tyre test procedure can be used more efficiently to parameterise the pure lateral and self-aligning moment components for the well-known ‘magic formula’ tyre model. This is achieved using a ‘cruise’-type procedure which is more representative of conditions existing when driving a real vehicle. During the tests, a novel automated logic approach is also proposed to manage the temperature of the tyres. Finally, graph sweeps are introduced at the start and the end of the tests, allowing a judgement to be made as to the influence of the tyre wear on the data obtained throughout the tests. The development of accurate and representative tyre models remains a significant challenge as vehicle manufacturers target increased use of virtual prototypes and simulations. This work contributes to this challenge by improving the efficiency of the expensive testing process needed to parameterise the models.
Dynamic characteristics of the nozzle opening pressure based on the fluid–structure interaction for a double-solenoid-valve fuel injection system
Authors: An Xiaodong , Liu Xinghua , Sun Baigang
Published: August 2017

The nozzle opening pressure of fuel injection systems affects the initial fuel atomization, the fuel injection quantity, the emission characteristics and the operation stability of diesel engines. This paper presents an investigation on the dynamic characteristics of the nozzle opening pressure for a double-solenoid-valve fuel injection system. A numerical model for the nozzle opening pressure based on the fluid–structure interaction theory is established, including the models for the physical properties of the fuel, the leakage rate of the piston pair and the elastic deformation of the piston chamber and the piston pair. Also, experiments were carried out to validate the proposed model. Good agreement was found between the simulated results and the measured results. Based on this model, the effects of some factors on the nozzle opening pressure are analysed. The results show that the rotational speed of the cam, the initial clearance of the piston pair and the sealing length of the piston pair have slight effects on the nozzle opening pressure but that the diameter of the piston, the initial fuel temperature and the residual volume greatly influence the nozzle opening pressure.
The academic–practitioner gap in Spanish library and information science: An analysis of authorship and collaboration in two leading national publications
Authors: Ardanuy Jordi , Urbano Cristóbal
Published: August 2017

It is not unusual to hear that a significant separation or divergence exists between the interests of library and information science professionals who work in library and information services and those who are university teachers. This division results in limited cooperation between the two communities and further debilitates already weak international collaboration in the discipline. This article first conducts a qualitative review of the various types of literary evidence that address the divergence and lack of cooperation, and subsequently presents quantitative evidence for the Spanish geographical context.
Health Financing in South Asia—The Role of Public–Private Partnerships
Authors: Razvi Saleema , Khan Amir Ullah
Published: August 2017

Millions of households are pushed into poverty every year because of high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on health care. Globally, each year more than 150 million people face financial catastrophe and around 100 million suffer destitution due to OOP payments made for health care. More than 90 per cent of these people reside in low-income countries. In South Asia, impoverishment due to health payments is significant with at least 32 million people in India alone being pushed into poverty annually due to OOP expenditures on health care. In most health care systems in this region, the role of public spending on health and prepaid schemes, such as tax and social insurance, is limited as is the extent of financial risk protection. The problem is compounded by the large informal sector which is a major challenge to attaining universal health coverage in South Asian countries.

Recent literature points to the role of public–private partnerships (PPP) in health care as a viable solution for ensuring equitable access to health care especially for the poor. This article seeks to review the major components of health care financing and reform including financial risk protection, resource generation and pooling, and PPPs in procurement and payment in South Asia. It identifies key lessons across the health financing systems of Asian countries that have attempted to reduce dependence on OOP expenditures, expanded health service delivery and increased pooled health financing mechanisms. It analyses the role and importance of PPPs in mitigating the impoverishing effects of OOP health expenditure in South Asia.
SAARC Geopolitics and Trade
Authors: Chaturvedi Pratiksha , Hussain Zaki , Nag Biswajit
Published: August 2017

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region is bestowed with geographical, historical and cultural continuity and yet it remains one of the least integrated regions of the world. This article attempts to analyse the factors inhibiting the economic integration of the region. The intra-SAARC trade is analysed in view of the existence of a free trade agreement between the member nations. The socio-development, infrastructural and economic indicators of the nations are also compared. The reasons for the existence of mistrust and hostility between the SAARC countries are discussed, from India’s evident dominant position in the group as a cause for insecurity among other members to the political standoffs between the member nations. While there exists immense potential for greater economic integration and gains from trade, the lack of basic transport-transit connectivity, technical harmonisation and non-tariff barriers are found to reinforce trade costs and inhibit legal trade. Ensuring better connectivity is recognised as a prerequisite by the nations unanimously; however, their political differences have kept them away from making much headway in this regard.
Impact of Demographic Characteristics of Crime Victim on Interaction with Police in India—Gender, Caste, Class and Police Response
Authors: Vinod Kumar T. K.
Published: August 2017

Demographic characteristics of crime victims have an impact on their interaction with the police. The initial mindset of the victim before contact with the police and post interaction assessment of satisfaction with police services are important indicators of the social dynamics and functioning of the criminal justice system. The first indicating individual perception of social location and accessibility to police, and the latter the levels of professionalism in police response to victims of crime. This study examines the influence of demographic characteristics on the state of mind of victims when they approach police in India and further on their assessment of police after the interaction, and on the basis of the findings comments on the state of police services in India.
Households’ Toilet Facility in Rural India: Socio-spatial Analysis
Authors: Kumar Arjun
Published: August 2017

The 2030 agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlights the importance of sanitation and sets the Goal #6: ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. While rural households in India have witnessed a marginal improvement in access to toilet facility in recent decades, they continue to face high levels of deprivation along with spatial and socio-economic disparities and exclusions, which have been highlighted in this article using data from Census of India, National Sample Surveys and Baseline Survey. Determinants of households having access to latrine facility in the house have been estimated using an econometric exercise and contribution of caste-based factors of the gap in access among various social groups have been estimated using decomposition technique on household-level information from National Sample Survey data. Households located in backward regions and belonging to the weaker sections of society, such as poor, wage labourers, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, have been found to be the most deprived and excluded. Thus, there is an urgent need to pace up the developmental efforts for rural sanitation to achieve the SDGs, along with complementary measures to focus on backward regions, weaker sections and socio-spatial position of households in rural India.
The Role of Urbanisation in the Economic Development Process: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Solarin Sakiru Adebola
Published: August 2017

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between urbanisation and economic growth, while controlling for the agricultural sector, industrial development and government expenditure in Nigeria. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration is applied to examine the long-run relationship between the variables over the period 1961–2012. In the process of estimating the long-run coefficients, the ARDL method is augmented with a fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) estimator and a dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimator. The direction of causality between the variables is examined through the vector error correction method (VECM) Granger causality test. The results establish the existence of a long-run relationship in the variables. The results of the long-run regressions indicate the presence of long-run causality from urbanisation, agriculture and industrialisation to economic growth. Due to the deficiencies associated with the single-equation methods (including the ARDL model), we also use the structural vector error correction model (SVECM) to analyse the relationship between the variables. The impulse response and variance decomposition analyses derived from the SVECM method suggest that urbanisation, agriculture and industrialisation are important determinants of economic growth. The implications of the results are discussed.

JEL Classification: Q43, O55, O18
Evidence-Based Practice and School Nurse Practice: A Review of Literature
Authors: Yonkaitis Catherine F.
Published: August 2017

School nurses report that evidence-based practice (EBP) is not a part of their daily practice, and most have had no formal education regarding EBP or its implementation. The purpose of this review is to identify what strategies might be effective to educate school nurses about EBP as a first step toward establishing EBP in school nurse practice. Three scientific databases were searched, and eight pertinent manuscripts were identified. A review of the manuscripts indicates that EBP learners should be addressed in terms of the level of education needed (EBP “user” vs. “practitioner”) and that a multifaceted approach to learning that addresses EBP knowledge, skill, and attitude is most effective. School nurse leaders and educators should work to provide learning opportunities to develop school nurses knowledge and skill using various learning modalities and delivery methods. EBP mentor relationships should be developed to bridge knowledge into practice.
Case Managers for High-Risk, High-Cost Patients as Agents and Street-Level Bureaucrats
Authors: Swanson Jeffrey , Weissert William G.
Published: August 2017

Case management programs often designate a nurse or social worker to take responsibility for guiding care when patients are expected to be expensive or risk a major decline. We hypothesized that though an intuitively appealing idea, careful program design and faithful implementation are essential if case management programs are to succeed. We employed two theory perspectives, principal–agent framework and street-level bureaucratic theory to describe the relationship between program designers (principals) and case managers (agents/street-level bureaucrats) to review 65 case management studies. Most programs were successful in limited program-specific process and outcome goals. But there was much less success in cost-saving or cost-effectiveness—the original and overarching goal of case management. Cost results might be improved if additional ideas of agency and street-level theory were adopted, specifically, incentives, as well as “green tape,” clear rules, guidelines, and algorithms relating to resource allocation among patients.