bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational Productivity: Theory, Evidence, and Prospects
Authors: Walberg Herbert J.
Published: September 2017

A central problem of psychological research in education is to determine how to make learning more effective and productive. Effective learning means that students reach stated goals; productive learning means that they maximize their performance or goals while parsimoniously using scarce resources such as their own and their teacher's time. Since, as it is argued below, educational research has solved in principle the effectiveness part of the problem to a considerable extent, more energy can now be devoted to the investigation of productivity. The present paper, divided into four parts, illustrates the need, usefulness, and problems of such investigations; summarizes a psychological theory of educational productivity; discusses syntheses of the evidence relevant to the theory; and sets forth prospects for educational policy and subsequent research.
Gender, School Attainment and Occupational Plans: Determinants of Aspirations and Expectations among Australian Urban School Leavers
Authors: Saha Lawrence J.
Published: September 2017

This paper examines the factors related to the occupational plans of a sample of imminent Australian urban school leavers (N = 2135), with particular attention directed to differences by gender and level of school attainment (grade level). The conceptual distinction between preferred and expected occupational plans is discussed and empirically examined. Generally, males have higher career plans than females, as do students with higher levels of school attainment. Expected occupational destinations are more predictable, in terms of the variables in the model, than preferred occupations. Finally there appears to be no systematic variation in the disparities between preferred and expected occupation. The relevance of these findings for understanding career orientations and the need for further research into the formation and attainment of occupational goals is discussed.
Organizational Climate in Catholic Schools: The Development of a Concept
Authors: Thomas A. Ross , Mctaggart Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2017

The purposes of this study were to look afresh at the concept of organizational climate in schools and to investigate the climate of a sample of Catholic schools. Sixty teachers in Catholic schools who had previously taught in state schools were interviewed. The teachers were located in four dioceses in New South Wales. Analysis of interview statements revealed that the 60 teachers perceived organizational climate to have eight elements or components—staff relationships, goal orientation, religious dimension, student behaviour, principal's leadership style, parent interaction, number of students, and work conditions. Some of these components are not identified elsewhere in the literature on organizational climate. Overall the teachers perceived their current Catholic schools to rate more favourably on all but one of the eight climate dimensions.
The State, the Family, and Education: Ideology, Reproduction, and Resistance in Western Australia 1900–1929
Authors: Porter Paige H.
Published: September 2017

This paper argues that gender-related inequalities in education (and other areas) are most crucially understood as embedded in ideology about the family, and that that ideology is at least partially reproduced through the education system itself. The prevalent ideology about the family corresponds to the nature of the political economy and works to maintain and reproduce the social and sexual division of labour both within the family and in the society at large. This study describes one period of educational reform, 1900–1929 in Western Australia, and examines the ideology about the family that was perpetuated by the state through the formal education system at this time. However, social reproduction is seen as a complex process and subject to human mediation Consequently resistance to the state ideology is described, as are contradictions within the ideology itself. It is hoped that, by looking not only at reproduction but also at resistance and contradiction, the entire process will be seen as a more dynamic one.
Teachers and Counselling Services: A Case Study
Authors: Rice Alan
Published: September 2017

Guidance officers and teachers have generally suffered from a poor working relationship. Tensions between these professions burst on to the public stage in Victoria with Haskell's article attacking Counselling, Guidance and Clinical Services (CGCS), a section of the Victorian Education Department. Haskell argued that guidance officers, by building barriers between themselves and teachers, had destroyed an effective school-based counselling service. The Director-General responded publicly that the relationship between teachers and CGCS was harmonious and productive. A study of teachers and principals in the Shires of Warragul and Buln Buln undermines both positions. Teachers and counsellors seldom co-operate; but this is because of the activities not simply of guidance officers but of teachers as well.
Factors Influencing Retentivity and Satisfaction with Secondary Schooling
Authors: Power Colin
Published: September 2017

Having outlined some of the cultural, economic, and systems factors influencing participation rates in secondary education, this paper examines the degree to which selected school characteristics, home background, and cohort characteristics are associated with apparent school retentivity rates of 30 South Australian secondary schools, and the characteristics of 2711 secondary students with intention to quit school and student satisfaction. At the school level, the key factors turned out to be the socioeducational level of the parents and the type of school attended. At the student level, intention to quit school was found to be directly linked to satisfaction which in turn was associated with sex, academic self-concept, and parental encouragement.
Self-concept: The Application of a Frame of Reference Model to Explain Paradoxical Results
Authors: Marsh Herbert W.
Published: September 2017

Academic abilities were substantially correlated with academic self-concept for Year 6 students (n = 305), but were uncorrelated with non-academic self-concepts. Schools for this study were specifically chosen to represent the highest and lowest strata of socioeconomic status (SES) within the same geographical area, and students from the high-SES schools were substantially higher in family SES, reading ability, IQ, and teacher ratings of academic ability. Nevertheless, students from the high-SES schools had paradoxically lower academic self-concepts after controlling for academic ability and/or family SES. Thus, academic self-concept is positively affected by individual ability and SES, but is negatively affected by school-average values of these same variables. These paradoxical findings are consistent with a frame of reference model which hypothesizes that students appraise their own academic ability, compare this with the observed abilities of other children in the school, and use this relativistic impression of their ability to form their academic self-concept. Thus, a given child will see him/herself to be relatively more able in a low-SES/ability school and will form a more favourable academic self-concept than if the same child is in a high-SES/ability school.
Social Inequalities and Adjustment to School
Authors: Burns Ailsa , Homel Ross
Published: September 2017

This study focuses on the relationships between six measures of social inequality – parents’ occupational status, education, marital status and cultural background, neighbourhood quality and child's sex – and child and parent adjustment to the child's schooling. The sample comprised 305 9-11 year olds and their families living in 18 neighbourhoods (primary school districts) of Sydney. The outcome measures were: child's adjustment to school (as perceived by child and mother), parental aspirations and expectations, homework assistance available, parental satisfaction with school services and parental coping strategies for handling school-related problems. Cultural background, child's sex, school type (State/Catholic), local neighbourhood quality, marital status, and religion all predicted to particular adjustment patterns, over and above the effects of other predictor variables. In addition parents rated their children as doing better at school and liking school more than did the children themselves.
Sex and Background Factors: Effect on ASAT Scores
Authors: Adams Raymond J.
Published: September 2017

Data sets from Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and Western Australia were analysed using a causal model proposed by Adams (1984) to determine the possible causes of sex differences in ASAT scores. In Queensland and the ACT it was found that the observed differences could be explained in terms of differences in students’ English scores, the time students spent studying mathematics, and their confidence in success. In Western Australia it was found that sex had a significant effect on ASAT scores after taking into account the variables mentioned above, but there was some question as to whether the Western Australian sample was truly representative of the Western Australian population.
Cultural Differences in the Exploration of Career and Leisure Possibilities by Adolescents in Australia and Singapore
Authors: Poole Millicent E. , Cooney George H.
Published: September 2017

This study examined the personal possibilities 15-year-olds in Australia and Singapore perceived in relation to their career and leisure pursuits. In particular, it considered the extent to which both awareness of options and a consideration of multiple options for self were associated with culture, gender, and class. A sample, drawn from seven schools in Sydney and six in Singapore, was administered the ‘Life Possibility’ questionnaire (n= 451, and n= 162 respectively). The results in both domains revealed significant class, gender, and cultural differences which were considered within a multiple-possibility processing framework.
Plasma Membrane Disruption in Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats
Authors: Orellana M.F. , Smith A.K. , Waller J.L. , Deleon E. , Borke J.L
Published: September 2017

Sublethal plasma membrane disruption (PMD) is an established mechanism for signaling in several cell types, including endothelial cells and skeletal muscle. We used a rat model of orthodontic tooth movement to test the hypothesis that periodontal ligament (PDL) cells communicate stretch to changes in bone cell activity in part via PMD. To produce PMD, we used a 50-g load from a spring activated in the buccal direction against the maxillary first molars for 5 min. Uptake of endogenous serum albumin was used as a PMD marker. Immunohistochemistry demonstrates albumin in PDL cells surrounding moved first molar tips. Image analysis shows significantly more albumin in cells of the buccal side (tension) of the moved teeth compared with those of the lingual, distal, and mesial sides, and those of the unmoved control. Albumin localization within cells of the PDL, after only 5 min of mechanical loading, suggests that PMD could promote uptake or release of signaling molecules.
Being a Good Samaritan Requires You to Vote
Authors: Maskivker Julia
Published: September 2017

Do citizens have a moral duty to vote, or is the franchise just a right they are free to exercise or to abstain from, at will? The prevalent position in voting ethics is that citizens should be free to choose whether or not to exercise their right to vote. This article situates itself in opposition to the prevalent account and develops an argument supporting (1) a moral duty to vote and (2) a moral duty to vote well. I argue that a duty of Samaritan justice can require us to vote with care for the sake of the well-being of society. Samaritan duties of aid bind us when an intervention would not be unduly costly—not when it would be costless. I argue that voting with care is a cost that society can reasonably expect citizens to assume given what elections have the potential to achieve: minimally just governments.
Depression, emotion regulation, and the demand/withdraw pattern during intimate relationship conflict
Authors: Holley Sarah R. , Haase Claudia M. , Chui Irene , Bloch Lian
Published: September 2017

The demand/withdraw pattern is a detrimental set of communication behaviors in which one partner nags or pressures while the other partner avoids or withdraws. Past studies evaluating the influence of depression on this pattern have shown mixed findings. The present study sought to advance what is known by investigating whether difficulties in emotion regulation mediated the association between depression and the demand/withdraw pattern. A sample of 253 romantic couples participated in an online survey. Data were analyzed using a mediated actor–partner interdependence model framework. Results indicated that the association between an individual’s level of depression and his or her tendency to withdraw while the partner demanded was fully mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. This study supports the notion that there is a link between depression and the demand/withdraw pattern and further suggests that difficulties in emotion regulation may play an important role in understanding elements of this association.
Endothelium-specific amyloid precursor protein deficiency causes endothelial dysfunction in cerebral arteries
Authors: d’Uscio Livius V , He Tongrong , Santhanam Anantha V , Katusic Zvonimir S
Published: September 2017

The exact physiological function of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) in endothelial cells is unknown. Endothelium-specific APP-deficient (eAPP−/−) mice were created to gain new insights into the role of APP in the control of vascular endothelial function. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were significantly impaired in basilar arteries of global APP knockout (APP−/−) and eAPP−/− mice ( P < 0.05). In contrast, endothelium-independent relaxations to nitric oxide (NO)-donor diethylamine-NONOate were unchanged. Western blot analysis revealed that protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was significantly downregulated in large cerebral arteries of APP−/− mice and eAPP−/− mice as compared to respective wild-type littermates ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, basal levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were also significantly reduced in large cerebral arteries of APP-deficient mice ( P < 0.05). In contrast, protein expression of prostacyclin synthase as well as levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was not affected by genetic inactivation of APP in endothelial cells. By using siRNA to knockdown APP in cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells we also found a significant downregulation of eNOS mRNA and protein expressions in APP-deficient endothelium ( P < 0.05). These findings indicate that under physiological conditions, expression of APP in cerebral vascular endothelium plays an important protective function by maintaining constitutive expression of eNOS .
Short-term Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis with Fenticonazole Ovules: a Three-dose Schedule Comparative Trial
Authors: Wiest W. , Ruffmann R.
Published: September 2017

In an unblinded, randomized parallel group trial three different therapeutic dose schedules of fenticonazole (vaginal ovules) were compared in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. A total of 60 patients, aged 17–71 years, affected by mycologically confirmed symptomatic vaginal candidiasis were included and randomly allocated to three treatment groups: 200 mg daily, for 3 days; 600 mg in a single administration; and 1000 mg in a single administration. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by microbiological and clinical criteria 7 days after the end of the treatment. All mycologically cured patients were re-checked, microbiologically and clinically, 2 weeks after the end of treatment to identify and evaluate possible relapses. The results obtained indicate that vaginal application of fenticonazole ovules is highly effective in producing both symptomatic relief and mycological sterilization of vaginal swabs in 75–85% of treated patients. No relapses were noted at the time of re-check. The three administration schedules tested appear to be equally effective and well tolerated. In one case only of the group given 200 mg and two cases of those given 1000 mg, a local burning sensation was noted. These results show that short-term treatment of vaginal candidiasis with fenticonazole ovules is effective and well tolerated.
Serial Changes in the Joint Space Width and Joint Line Convergence Angle After Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Park Cheol Hee , Bae Dae Kyung , Kim Kang Il , Lee Jong Whan , Song Sang Jun
Published: September 2017

Background:

There have been little data concerning serial changes in the joint space width (JSW) and joint line convergence angle over the course of follow-up periods after closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO).

Purpose:

To evaluate serial changes in the JSW and joint line convergence angle after CWHTO.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 100 computer-assisted CWHTOs with a minimum follow-up period of 3 years (mean, 4.4 years) were analyzed. Clinically, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was evaluated. Radiographically, the mechanical axis was measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The minimal JSW was measured as the shortest distance between the femur and the tibia. The convergence angle was measured as the angle between the tangent to the subchondral plates of the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau. Serial changes in these measurements were analyzed preoperatively; at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively; and at the final follow-up. The intraclass correlation coefficients for all measurements were greater than 0.8.

Results:

The mean WOMAC score improved from 41.4 preoperatively to 14.9 at the final follow-up. The preoperative and postoperative mean mechanical axis was 8.1° varus and 1.6° valgus, respectively. The mean minimal JSW was 2.5, 2.9, 2.9, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.1 mm preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and the final follow-up, respectively ( P < .001). The mean convergence angle was 4.4°, 3.9°, 4.0°, 4.1°, 4.2°, and 4.3°, respectively, during the same time periods ( P = .068).

Conclusion:

Cartilage healing, as indicated by the JSW, and clinical improvement were maintained over the minimum 3-year follow-up after CWHTO. Cartilage pressure, as indicated by the convergence angle, remained unchanged after CWHTO.
Effectiveness and Tolerance of the Hypericum Extract LI 160 Compared to Maprotiline: A Multicenter Double-Blind Study
Authors: Harrer G. , Hübner W.-D. , Podzuweit H.
Published: September 2017

A randomized, double-blind study examining the effectiveness and tolerance of a standardized hypericum preparation when compared to maprotiline was performed in a group of 102 patients with depression, in accordance with ICD-10, F 32.1. The study was conducted in the offices of neurology and psychiatry specialists. The patients received, over a period of 4 weeks, either 3 x 300 mg of the hypericum extract or 3 x 25 mg maprotiline pills of identical appearance. Effectiveness was determined using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Depression Scale according to von Zerssen (D-S), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). The total score of the HAMD scale dropped during the 4 weeks of therapy in both treatment groups by about 50%. The mean values of the D-S scale and the CGI scale showed similar results, and after 4 weeks of therapy, no significant differences in either treatment group were noticed. The onset of the effects occurred up to the second week of treatment, but were observed earlier with maprotiline than with the hypericum extract. On the other hand, maprotiline treatment resulted in more cases of tiredness, mouth dryness, and heart complaints.
The transporting efficiency and mechanical behavior analysis of scraper conveyor
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Li Bo , Wang Shaowei , Yang Zhaojian , Cai Liu
Published: September 2017

Scraper conveyor is the main equipment for underground coal transportation, and its high-efficiency and smooth operation is of great significance to safety production. This study simulated the process of transporting bulk coal by the scraper conveyor using the discrete element method. Transporting efficiency of scraper conveyor affected by the chain speed, static frictional coefficient, particle size, and laying angle was studied. Then the relationship between the chain speed, static frictional coefficient and the chute wear was explored. The stress and deformation characteristics of the chute during the transportation were studied by coupling the discrete element method and finite element method. Results showed that the mass flow rate changed significantly with the chain speed and static frictional coefficient, while it varied slightly with the change of particle size and laying angle; the higher chain speed and larger bulk coal led to more serious wear of the chute, and large stress mainly concentrated at the direct contact area and the area under the impact load from the bulk coal. Therefore, when designing the chute structure, it is necessary to ensure the wear resistance and strength of the contact area on the chute. The results could provide a theoretical basis for structural optimization of scraper conveyor.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in female survivors of rape attending a genitourinary medicine clinic: a pilot study
Authors: Petrak Jenny A , Campbell Elizabeth A
Published: September 2017

This study describes psychological symptomatology including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 19 women attending a specialist sexual assault service within a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Women were interviewed within one year post-rape (mean=12 weeks) using standardized questionnaires for PTSD and other psychological symptomatology. Seventeen (89.5%) of 19 women met full criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Anxiety predominated amongst other psychological symptomatology. Suicidal ideation was reported by 8 women and one made a suicide attempt following the rape. Although it is acknowledged this is a small, select sample, the high level of psychological trauma found suggests that genitourinary medicine clinics providing for sexual assault require access to mental health professionals.
HIV/STD: the women to blame? Knowledge and attitudes among STD clinic attendees in the second decade of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Rakwar J , Kidula N , Fonck K , Kirui P , Ndinya-Achola J , Temmerman M
Published: September 2017

We aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/STDs among women attending an STD clinic by interviewing 520 randomly selected women. Nearly all had heard of HIV/AIDS/STDs, with posters, pamphlets and the radio being the main source of their information. The years of schooling was the only predictive factor of knowing a preventive measure of HIV. Two-thirds thought they were at risk of contracting HIV from their regular partner. Knowledge of the sexual habits of their male partners was low with 260 (50%) of the women distrusting their partner. Only 52 (10%) of respondents admitted to sex in exchange for gifts or money. In the event of a positive HIV test result, the perceived partner response would be to blame the woman for introducing the infection into the relationship. After a positive HIV test result, only 3.5% would resort to using condoms while another 3.7% would try to pass on the disease to other people. The quality of their knowledge of the transmission of HIV was low in spite of the fact that most respondents have heard of HIV/AIDS/STDs. Violence against women was expected in relation to a positive test result. There is a need for better educative effort on the modes of transmission and prevention of HIV, also in ‘low risk’ populations.
Social Work Treatment of Sleep Disturbance in a 5-Year-Old Boy: A Single-Case Evaluation
Authors: Brophy Gerard
Published: September 2017

Objective

A social work intervention with sleep disturbance in a family comprising a mother and her 5-year-old son using a behavior-analytic approach. Sleep disturbance is a common childhood problem that can adversely affect family functioning, parental relationship, and child development, but in general, social workers do not deal with the problem.

Method

Baseline assessment was conducted followed by a descriptive analysis. Intervention techniques included parent training, positive reinforcement, and a behavioral-collaborative approach.

Results

The child learned to settle when sent to bed and to sleep through the night. The social work intervention was effective in empowering the mother to effect change with her child in the home setting.

Conclusion

Behavior analysis can be effective in dealing with sleep problems and in providing a framework for antioppressive social work practice.
Impact of the level of sickness on higher mortality in emergency medical admissions to hospital at weekends
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed , Faisal Muhammad , Richardson Donald , Howes Robin , Beatson Kevin , Speed Kevin , Wright John
Published: September 2017

Objective

Routine administrative data have been used to show that patients admitted to hospitals over the weekend appear to have a higher mortality compared to weekday admissions. Such data do not take the severity of sickness of a patient on admission into account. Our aim was to incorporate a standardized vital signs physiological-based measure of sickness known as the National Early Warning Score to investigate if weekend admissions are: sicker as measured by their index National Early Warning Score; have an increased mortality; and experience longer delays in the recording of their index National Early Warning Score.

Methods

We extracted details of all adult emergency medical admissions during 2014 from hospital databases and linked these with electronic National Early Warning Score data in four acute hospitals. We analysed 47,117 emergency admissions after excluding 1657 records, where National Early Warning Score was missing or the first (index) National Early Warning Score was recorded outside ±24 h of the admission time.

Results

Emergency medical admissions at the weekend had higher index National Early Warning Score (weekend: 2.53 vs. weekday: 2.30, p < 0.001) with a higher mortality (weekend: 706/11,332 6.23% vs. weekday: 2039/35,785 5.70%; odds ratio = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20, p = 0.04) which was no longer seen after adjusting for the index National Early Warning Score (odds ratio = 0.99, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.09, p = 0.87). Index National Early Warning Score was recorded sooner (−0.45 h, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.38, p < 0.001) for weekend admissions.

Conclusions

Emergency medical admissions at the weekend with electronic National Early Warning Score recorded within 24 h are sicker, have earlier clinical assessments, and after adjusting for the severity of their sickness, do not appear to have a higher mortality compared to weekday admissions. A larger definitive study to confirm these findings is needed.
Clavicle fracture management: A comparison of a tertiary hospital and rural telehealth sites
Authors: McKerrow Megan , North John
Published: September 2017

The clavicle is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the adult population. Management has traditionally been conservative, however more recent research has yielded higher non-union rates associated with non-operative management. This study aims to analyse the proportion of operative and non-operative treatment methods for clavicle fracture in a tertiary hospital facility and rural health sites accessed via telehealth, comparing patient outcome between these two methods of fracture management. Following ethical approval, a retrospective review was conducted of patients presenting with clavicle fractures to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Fracture Clinics and to Orthopaedic Fracture Clinics run via teleconference with rural health sites. Only 2% of patients received operative fracture management in the telehealth group, versus 33% in the tertiary hospital sample. Patient outcome was measured in the larger tertiary hospital sample, with clinical notes reflecting good patient outcome in 70% of operatively managed patients and 85% of patients with conservatively managed clavicle fractures. For the patients in the telehealth sample that returned for follow-up appointments, 93% reported a good outcome with one of these individuals undergoing operative treatment and the rest managed conservatively.
Theistic humanism and a critique of Wiredu's notion of supernaturalism
Authors: Ani Emmanuel Ifeanyi
Published: September 2017

In decrying the evils of supernaturalism, African philosopher Kwasi Wiredu (1931–) proposes humanism, by making concern for human well-being the basis for morality. However, the presentation of humanism as a simple replacement of supernaturalism is objectionable. Wiredu’s notion of supernaturalism is too narrow, since it is only a variant of supernaturalism. His reference to humanism is too broad, since humanism is an umbrella of very conflicting worldviews, such as that between secular and theistic humanism. Although Wiredu does not specify which variant of humanism he means, and although he acknowledges that the Akan (the author’s tribe in West Africa) believe in a Supreme Being, his general ontology shows that he is closer to the secular than the theistic variant. This article explores the ideological extensions of the two and argues that theistic humanism provides the compatibility needed for being religious and at the same time basing morality on humanistic/naturalistic concerns. In doing so, it distinguishes supernaturalism per se from its ethical and cosmological variants. As a corrective to Wiredu, this article blames these two variants of supernaturalism, rather than supernaturalism per se, for the evils that Wiredu adduces. The conclusion is that in theistic humanism, humanism escapes the dangers of ethical and cosmological supernaturalism without necessarily adopting the antisupernaturalist connotations currently popular with modern secular humanism.
Circulating Tumor DNA in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Primer for the Clinician
Authors: Singh Aditi P. , Cheng Haiying , Guo Xiaoling , Levy Benjamin , Halmos Balazs
Published: September 2017

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) consists of short, double-stranded DNA fragments that are released into the circulation by tumor cells. With the advent of newer molecular platforms, ctDNA can be detected with high sensitivity and specificity in plasma. The assay’s noninvasive nature, ability to reflect intratumoral heterogeneity, short turnaround time, and ability to obtain serial samples make it an attractive option compared with traditional tissue biopsy tumor sequencing. Currently, this technology is mostly being used for the detection of EGFR mutations in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer where tissue is inadequate to detect EGFR mutations that drive acquired resistance, most notably EGFR T790M. Emerging uses include the incorporation of ctDNA testing into primary diagnosis, treatment monitoring, detection of minimal residual disease, and detection of early-stage disease in screening populations. This review summarizes both validated and evolving uses of ctDNA testing in non–small-cell lung cancer in the context of oncologists’ daily practice and some of its potential challenges in the era of targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Axonal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathies
Authors: Li Yuebing
Published: September 2017

Purpose of Review: This article describes clinical features of axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathies based on selected etiologies.

Recent Findings: Axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathies have been well described for some time. Recent advances include the assessment of the incidence of peripheral neuropathy in the elderly, the recognition of the limited influence of electrodiagnostic testing on the clinical management of uncomplicated axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy, the development of guidelines for treatment of painful neuropathy, the identification of risk factors predisposing patients for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, a report on the association of metabolic syndrome and idiopathic axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, and the availability of more cost-effective genetic testing for identifying inherited polyneuropathies.

Summary: Axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathies carry an extensive list of differential diagnoses. Diagnosis is based on detailed history, physical examination, recognition of associated neurologic and non-neurologic features, and appropriate testing. Disease-modifying treatments are lacking in many cases. Management focuses on modification of predisposing lifestyle and medical factors, rehabilitation, and pain relief.
Neurophysiologic Studies in the Evaluation of Polyneuropathy
Authors: Kincaid John C.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of Review: This article provides core information on the clinical neurophysiology techniques available for the investigation of disorders of the peripheral nervous system.

Recent Findings: The role of small fiber dysfunction in some types of polyneuropathy is being increasingly appreciated, and neurophysiologic techniques for evaluating the autonomic components of peripheral axons have enhanced our understanding of small fiber dysfunction.

Summary: The principles of nerve conduction studies and needle EMG are presented in this article, along with the patterns of abnormality encountered in patients with polyneuropathy due to large and small fiber involvement.
Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders
Authors: Goutman Stephen A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of Review: This article reviews the clinical features, diagnostic pathway, therapies, and current understanding of the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The spectrum of motor neuron diseases is reviewed, and the clinical heterogeneity of ALS is described.

Recent Findings: ALS is increasingly recognized as a clinical spectrum disorder with pure upper and pure lower motor neuron presentations, supported by genetic links. The phenotypic variability is broad. Identification of ALS-related genes provides insights into disease mechanisms.

Summary: ALS is a progressive fatal multisystem neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting motor neurons. Clinical recognition of suspicious symptoms and the appropriate laboratory evaluation are essential to limit diagnostic delay and avoid unnecessary testing and procedures. ALS has broad genetic and hypothesized environmental causes and phenotypic variability. Recognizing related motor neuron diseases will prevent misdiagnosis while allowing proper disease counseling. Although ALS cannot be cured, implementation of appropriate symptomatic treatment is valuable.
Live Fire: On Ron Haviv's The Lost Rolls
Authors: Robbins Bruce
Published: September 2017

War photography, a pervasive aspect of the militarization of everyday life, seems to work on the commonsensical premise that the world needs to know in order to be able to make proper decisions, in order to act. But what happens when war photographs age, when the events they recorded have faded into the past, when the photographs themselves can no longer count as moral or political interventions? Is this what Walter Benjamin meant by the aestheticization of politics? The Lost Rolls, by the famous war photographer Ron Haviv, deliberately and thoughtfully provokes these subversive reflections.
Terror Talk and Political Management
Authors: Simpson David
Published: September 2017

This essay argues that the recourse to terror as the defining term of the 9/11 experience is at odds with the rhetorical choices made by Edmund Burke in his writings on the French Revolution, as well as by various Cold War theorists in the 1950s. Burke regarded terror as an incapacitating experience among its victims and sought to deny the Jacobin claim to the power of terror, which he understood to be part of their claim to control of the state. Cold War theorists were concerned to persuade the civilian population to preserve self-control and social discipline, and understood terror as threatening to both. The media projection of terror after 9/11, in contrast, worked to encourage irrational and passive responses to management from above.
Politician Family Networks and Electoral Outcomes: Evidence from the Philippines
Authors: Cruz Cesi , Labonne Julien , QuerubÍn Pablo
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate the importance of politician social networks for electoral outcomes. Using large-scale data on family networks from over 20 million individuals in 15,000 villages in the Philippines, we show that candidates for public office are disproportionately drawn from more central families and family network centrality contributes to higher vote shares during the elections. Consistent with our theory of political intermediation, we present evidence that family network centrality facilitates relationships of political exchange. Moreover, we show that family networks exercise an effect independent of wealth, historical elite status, or previous electoral success. (JEL D72, D85, O17, Z13)
The Cyclicality of Sales, Regular, and Effective Prices: Business Cycle and Policy Implications: Comment
Authors: Gagnon Etienne , López-Salido David , Sockin Jason
Published: September 2017

Coibion, Gorodnichenko, and Hong (2015) argue that the CPI underestimates the deceleration in consumer prices during economic downturns because the index fails to account for the reallocation of consumer spending from high-price to low-price stores. We show that their conclusion hinges on some nonstandard methodological choices, including an aggressive censoring of price adjustments and a treatment for missing observations that can leave out some of the price variation. Under our preferred methodology, the regression results no longer indicate that greater store switching during downturns is a statistically or economically significant phenomenon. (JEL D12, E31, E32, L25, L81, M31)
Steering the Climate System: Using Inertia to Lower the Cost of Policy
Authors: Lemoine Derek , Rudik Ivan
Published: September 2017

Common views hold that the efficient way to limit warming to a chosen level is to price carbon emissions at a rate that increases exponentially. We show that this Hotelling tax on carbon emissions is actually inefficient. The least-cost policy path takes advantage of the climate system's inertia to delay reducing emissions and allow greater cumulative emissions. The efficient carbon tax follows an inverse-U-shaped path and grows more slowly than the Hotelling tax. Economic models that assume exponentially increasing carbon taxes are overestimating the cost of limiting warming, overestimating the efficient near-term carbon tax, and overvaluing technologies that mature sooner. (JEL H23, Q54, Q58)
Search at the Margin
Authors: Carrasco José A. , Smith Lones
Published: September 2017

We extend search theory to multiple indivisible units and perfectly divisible assets, solving them respectively with induction and recursion. Buyer demands and prices are random, and the seller can partially exercise orders. With divisible assets, the Bellman value function is increasing and strictly concave, and the optimal reservation price falls in the position, reflecting increasing holding costs (opportunity cost of delaying optionality for inframarginal units). The marginal value exists, and is strictly convex with a falling purchase cap density. Our model is amenable to price-quantity bargaining; e.g., greater buyer bargaining power is tantamount to greater search frictions. (JEL C61, C78, D25, D83, G31)
Correlation of near-Earth proton enhancements >100 MeV with parameters of solar microwave bursts
Authors: Гречнев Виктор , Grechnev Victor , Киселев Валентин , Kiselev Valentin , Мешалкина Наталия , Meshalkina Nataliya , Черток Илья , Chertok Il'ya
Published: September 2017

We analyze the relations between various combinations of peak fluxes and fluences of solar microwave bursts at 35 GHz recorded with the Nobeyama Radio Polarimeters during 1990–2015, and corresponding parameters of proton enhancements with E>100 MeV exceeding 0.1 pfu registered by GOES monitors in near-Earth environment. The highest correlation has been found between the microwave and proton fluences. This fact reflects a dependence of the total number of protons on the total duration of the acceleration process. In the events with strong flares, the correlation coefficients of proton fluences with microwave and soft X-ray fluences are higher than those with speeds of coronal mass ejections. The results indicate a statistically larger contribution of flare processes to acceleration of high-energy protons. Acceleration by shock waves seems to be less important at high energies in events associated with strong flares, although its contribution probably prevails in weaker events. The probability of a detectable proton enhancement was found to directly depend on the peak flux and duration of the microwave burst, that can be used for diagnostics of proton enhancements based on microwave observations.
Modernization of the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar
Authors: Кушнарев Дмитрий , Kushnarev Dmitriy , Лебедев Валентин , Lebedev Valentin , Хахинов Виталий , Khakhinov Vitaliy , Евстифеев Сергей , Evstifeev Sergey , Заруднев Виктор , Zarudnev Viktor
Published: September 2017

We present the results of modernization of the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar’s control and acquisition system. The modernization was carried out using results of space experiments “Plasma—Progress” and “Radar—Progress” involving Progress cargo spacecraft. The modernization has improved the accuracy of radar measurements of low-orbit spacecraft. For example, with a signal-to-noise ratio equal to10, the accuracy of range and angle measurements is 100–300 m and 1–5 arc min.
Waves from the Sun: to the 100th anniversary of V.A. Troitskaya’s birth
Authors: Гульельми Анатолий , Guglielmi Anatol , Потапов Александр , Potapov Alexander
Published: September 2017

It has been one hundred years since the birth of the outstanding scientist Professor V.A. Troitskaya. Her remarkable achievements in solar-terrestrial physics are widely known. For many years, Valeria Alekseevna was the President of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. This article deals with only one aspect of the multifaceted creative activity of V.A. Troitskaya. It relates to the problem of sources of ultra-low frequency (ULF) electromagnetic oscillations and waves outside Earth’s magnetosphere. We were fortunate to work under the leadership of V.A. Troitskaya on this problem. In this paper, we briefly describe the history from the emergence of the idea of the extramagnetospheric origin of dayside permanent ULF oscillations in the late 1960s to the modern quest made by ground and satellite means for ULF waves excited by solar surface oscillations propagating in the interplanetary medium and reaching Earth.
Managing upper limb lymphoedema with use of a combined armsleeve compression garment
Authors: Pugh Stacy , Stubbs Charlotte , Batchelor Ali
Published: September 2017

This article will detail the findings of 4 case studies following a product evaluation of a JOBST Bella Lite combined armsleeve for mild to moderate lymphoedema, while discussing the assessment and management of upper limb lymphoedema. Holistic assessment and consideration of psychosocial impact on the patient will be discussed briefly along with guidance on how to determine those ‘at risk’ of developing the condition.
Haddenham easywrap as part of self-management in lymphoedema and lipoedema: The patient perspective
Authors: Lee Natalie , Pugh Stacy , Cooper Robin
Published: September 2017

Self-management and the use of adjustable velcro compression wraps are not new concepts and quite often both can form part of the maintenance phase of treatment in those with lymphoedema or lipoedema, as well as those diseases in which compression therapy is advised as long-term management. The aim of this article is to identify some aspects that contribute to effective self-management and how the use of easywrap adjustable velcro compression wraps have improved quality of life for those with lymphoedema, chronic oedema and lipoedema. Case studies are given from patients to demonstrate the individual experience of living with lymphoedema or lipoedema, how this has impacted on daily life, and how using easywrap has helped as part of self-management.
Comparison of the outcome of total ankle arthroplasty for osteoarthritis with moderate and severe varus malalignment and that with neutral alignment
Authors: Joo S-D. , Lee K-B.
Published: September 2017

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in patients with pre-operatively moderate and severe arthritic varus ankles to those achieved for patients with neutral ankles.

Patients and Methods

A total of 105 patients (105 ankles), matched for age, gender, body mass index, and follow-up duration, were divided into three groups by pre-operative coronal plane tibiotalar angle; neutral (< 5°), moderate (5° to 15°) and severe (> 15°) varus deformity. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form (SF)-36 score were used to compare the clinical outcomes after a mean follow-up period of 51 months (24 to 147).

Results

The post-operative AOFAS, VAS scores, range of movement and complication rates did not significantly differ among three groups. However, there was less improvement in the SF-36 score of the severe varus group (p = 0.008). The mean post-operative tibiotalar alignment was 2.6° (0.1° to 8.9°), 3.1° (0.1° to 6.5°) and 4.6° (1.0° to 10.6°) in the neutral, moderate and severe groups respectively. Although the severe varus group showed less corrected alignment than the neutral group, the mean tibiotalar angles of the three groups were within neutral alignment.

Conclusion

TAA for moderate and severe varus arthritic deformity showed similar satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes as those obtained by patients in the neutral group when post-operative neutral alignment was achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1335–42.
A 28-year clinical and radiological follow-up of alumina ceramic-on-crosslinked polyethylene total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Rajpura A. , Board T. N. , Siney P. D. , Wynn Jones H. , Williams S. , Dabbs L. , Wroblewski B. M.
Published: September 2017

Aims

Our aim in this study was to describe a continuing review of 11 total hip arthroplasties using 22.225 mm Alumina ceramic femoral heads on a Charnley flanged femoral component, articulating against a silane crosslinked polyethylene.

Patients and Methods

Nine patients (11 THAs) were reviewed at a mean of 27.5 years (26 to 28) post-operatively. Outcome was assessed using the d’Aubigne and Postel, and Charnley scores and penetration was recorded on radiographs. In addition, the oxidation of a 29-year-old shelf-aged acetabular component was analysed.

Results

The mean clinical outcome scores remained excellent at final follow-up. The mean total penetration remained 0.41 mm (0.40 to 0.41). There was no radiographic evidence of acetabular or femoral loosening or osteolysis. There was negligible oxidation in the shelf-aged sample despite gamma irradiation and storage in air.

Conclusion

These results highlight the long-term stability and durability of this type of crosslinked, antioxidant containing polyethylene when used in combination with a small diameter alumina ceramic femoral head. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1286–9.
Evaluation of clinical effectiveness in the provision of intravenous midazolam sedation for anxious dental patients
Authors: Wilson Kathy , Amin Kiran , Girdler Nick
Published: September 2017

The use of conscious sedation for patients is a valuable and effective method of anxiety management in the dental setting, provided it is delivered by an appropriately trained team in a suitable environment and with systems in place to ensure safe delivery of care.