bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovering the associations between test items in an examination
Authors: Dong Ligang , Tang Liujun , Liu Shihuan , Jiang Xian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAn examination is .an important approach to comprehensively evaluate students' abilities. An examination paper is composed of test items. Most studies assume that test items are independent, but there may, in fact, be associations among test items. How to select test items with low correlations into a test paper is our concern. Meanwhile, for diagnostic learning, students must perform highly relevant exercises to help them efficiently understand the concepts included in the test items. People usually find the associations among test items based on properties of individual test items. This paper proposes a test item association model to represent the correlations of test item pairs by mining the response data of examinees. Then, a hypothesis test and an empirical analysis were used to verify and analyse the relationship between the test item correlation and similarity. Next, the effects of test item parameters on the correlation are investigated by applying the model to the simulated response data which are produced by Item Response Theory (IRT) simulation data generation software. Finally, three applications of this test item association model are listed. After verification, the proposed model can be used for precise teaching.
Association of miR‐1247‐5p expression with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Peng , Fan Changsheng , Du Jun , Mo Xueli , Zhao Qikang 
Published: September 2018

SummaryOur study aimed to clarify the correlation between miR‐1247‐5p expression and clinicopathological parameters and survival of patients with breast cancer (BC). We evaluated the expression level of miR‐1247‐5p in 224 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens (112 BC and matched cancer free tissues) by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). miR‐1247‐5p expression in BC tissues was found to be decreased compared with matched normal tissues (P < 0.01). Additionally, low miR‐1247‐5p expression in BC tissues was significantly associated with the advanced TNM stage (P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015), poorer pathological differentiation (P = 0.005) and molecular subtype (P = 0.027). The patients in the low miR‐1247‐5p group had a shorter disease‐free survival and overall survival than those in the high miR‐1247‐5p group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the univariate and the multivariate analyses showed that miR‐1247‐5p expression was an independent predictor of overall survival (P < 0.01). Our study showed that miR‐1247‐5p was related to the biological behaviour of breast tumour and prognosis of patients with BC. miR‐1247‐5p could be a novel tumour suppressor and act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic agent for breast carcinoma.
House Damage Revisited: How Type of Damage and Perpetrating Actor Affect Intentions and Actions of IDPs in Iraq
Authors: Aymerich Olga , Zeyneloglu Sinan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHouse damage has been a widespread consequence of the Islamic State (IS) crisis in Iraq. However, house and property damage per se is not a factor limiting return. The type and timing in which property destruction occurs – during direct military confrontation or before/after it – and the alleged perpetrator constitute better indicators of inhibited returns as type of damage and inflicting actor appear to have a significant effect on fears, perceptions and intentions of IDPs and returnees.
Microclimatic gradients provide evidence for a glacial refugium for temperate trees in a sheltered hilly landscape of Northern Italy
Authors: Gubler Moritz , Henne Paul D. , Schwörer Christoph , Boltshauser‐Kaltenrieder Petra , Lotter André F. , Brönnimann Stefan , Tinner Willy 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTAimRefugia play a key role in conserving biodiversity during periods of unfavourable and highly variable regional climate. However, refugial populations are often small and fragmented, which makes their identification difficult. In this study, we investigate whether an area of complex topography in the southern foreland of the Alps could have provided a suitable microclimate to serve as a glacial refugium for temperate trees during the last glacial.LocationThe Euganean Hills in Northern Italy (Veneto).MethodsWe assessed the current microclimatic variability in the ecologically diverse region on a fine scale by recording half‐hourly near‐surface temperatures over a period of 11 months. After comparing our measurements with today's vegetation distribution, broad‐scale synoptic patterns, and topoclimatic factors, we estimated refugial suitability based on extreme temperatures, climatic stability, and difference from the regional average.ResultsPresent‐day temperature gradients within the Euganean Hills are large enough to explain the presence of the temperate tree species Fagus sylvatica as well as Mediterranean Quercus ilex, two species that are absent elsewhere in the adjacent Po Plain. During winter, anticyclonic weather patterns resulted in strong atmospheric inversions, with temperatures increasing by +1°C/100 m in the hills relative to the surrounding Po Plain.Main conclusionsOur high‐resolution climate data support multi‐proxy palaeoecological records identifying the Euganean Hills as a refugium for temperate trees. Temperature anomalies of 2–4°C relative to the surrounding Po Plain are sufficient to allow several temperate tree species to survive the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Euganean Hills under a harsh continental climate. Specifically, elevations >200 m a.s.l. in the central parts of the hills may have provided suitable conditions for local LGM refugia. Regions of complex topography such as the Euganean Hills conserved past and present biodiversity and provide high‐priority areas for conservation under future climate warming.
Subjective Priors for Item Response Models: Application of Elicitation by Design
Authors: Ames Allison , Smith Elizabeth 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBayesian methods incorporate model parameter information prior to data collection. Eliciting information from content experts is an option, but has seen little implementation in Bayesian item response theory (IRT) modeling. This study aims to use ethical reasoning content experts to elicit prior information and incorporate this information into Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation. A six‐step elicitation approach is followed, with relevant details at each stage for two IRT items parameters: difficulty and guessing. Results indicate that using content experts is the preferred approach, rather than noninformative priors, for both parameter types. The use of a noninformative prior for small samples provided dramatically different results when compared to results from content expert–elicited priors. The WAMBS (When to worry and how to Avoid the Misuse of Bayesian Statistics) checklist is used to aid in comparisons.
Promoting Stability for Youth Returning from Residential Care: Attorney Perspectives
Authors: Tyler Patrick M. , Trout Alexandra L. , Huscroft‐D'Angelo Jacqueline , Synhorst Lori L. , Lambert Matthew C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAftercare services have been suggested to improve reintegration for youth departing residential care programs. The purpose of this study was to collect views from legal professionals about the challenges youth and families face during reintegration and solutions to improve stability. Views were collected from 14 legal professionals (e.g., guardian ad litem, legal counsel) through a survey and 90‐minute nominal group technique focus group. Results indicated parent expectations about re‐entry and lack of services, supports and resources were challenges. Solutions suggested by participants included family, mental health and educational supports, and transition planning. Study limitations and future implications are discussed.
Potential Impact of Research on Adolescent Development on Juvenile Judge Decision‐making
Authors: Berryessa Colleen M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper discusses how biological and psychological literature on the developmental differences between juveniles and adults may affect juvenile judges in their “dual role” as retributive and rehabilitative decision‐makers in juvenile cases, specifically focusing on sentencing. Particularly, it discusses potential influences of this research on adolescent development regarding four factors known to be integral in juvenile judge decision‐making: legal factors, characteristics of juvenile offenders, and individual structural and social contexts in which judges’ decisions are made. To conclude, implications and recommendations stemming from this discussion are considered.
“I Wanna Make My Mom Proud of Me”: Embracing Mothers as Protective Factors Against Future Offending in Delinquent Youth
Authors: VanderPyl Taryn 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe potential protective factor of mothers is often overlooked in literature on juvenile delinquency. However, when hearing from incarcerated youth themselves, their mothers are a clear and unquestionable priority. Through embracing mothers using a strengths‐based lens, practitioners have an opportunity and responsibility to capitalize on this asset in a youth's life in an effort to aid rehabilitation and decrease recidivism. In this study, 1,008 writing samples from incarcerated youth were analyzed and writings to or about their mothers emerged prominently. Recommendations are shared on how to embrace and support mothers as protective factors against future offending among incarcerated youth.
Polarization and the growth of low‐skill service jobs in Spanish local labor markets
Authors: Consoli Davide , Sánchez‐Barrioluengo Mabel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper analyzes the long‐term transformations of the occupational structure in 50 provinces of Spain with a view to ascertain the existence and assess the extent of employment polarization. The peculiar characteristics of this country, namely rigid labor markets and the relatively recent transition to democracy, make for an interesting addition to existing studies on this topic. In line with previous literature on other countries, we find a strong association between the decline of “routine” mid‐skill jobs and the expansion of low‐skill service employment as well as differential labor market outcomes by levels of formal education. Results are robust to various controls and instrumental variables that account for long‐term industry specialization. We also find a positive local multiplier effect of high‐skilled workers on the demand for nontradable service jobs.
Effect of 5% transdermal lidocaine patches on postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy
Authors: Re Bravo V. , Aprea F. , Bhalla R. J. , De Gennaro C. , Cherubini G. B. , Corletto F. , Vettorato E. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of 5% lidocaine patches on postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy.Materials and MethodsClient‐owned dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy for a single acute intervertebral thoracolumbar disc extrusion were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, blinded clinical trial. Following methadone administration, anaesthesia was induced with propofol, and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and fentanyl infusion, in both groups. After skin closure, two 1∙5 cm wide 5% lidocaine patch strips were attached along both sides of the wound in dogs allocated to Group L. In Group C, the two lidocaine patch strips were applied but the transparent isolating liner was not removed. Postoperatively, all dogs received a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, gabapentin and diazepam. Methadone was administered according to the short form of Glasgow Composite Pain Scale with pain assessed every 2 hours for 48 hours by observers unaware of the treatment.ResultsThirty‐nine dogs completed the study. Demographic data, end‐expiratory fraction of isoflurane, fentanyl consumption, anaesthesia and surgical times were similar between groups. The number of dogs requiring postoperative methadone and the number of doses of methadone administered were not different between groups. No macroscopic skin reaction was noticed once the patches were removed.Clinical SignificanceIn this setting, 5% lidocaine patches did not provide additional postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy.
Generalist haemosporidian parasites are better adapted to a subset of host species in a multiple host community
Authors: Huang Xi , Ellis Vincenzo A. , Jönsson Jane , Bensch Staffan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractParasites that can infect multiple host species are considered to be host generalists with low host specificity. However, whether generalist parasites are better adapted to a subset of their host species remains unknown. To elucidate this possibility, we compared the variation in prevalence and infection intensity among host species of three generalist parasite lineages belonging to the morphological species Haemoproteus majoris, in a natural bird community in southern Sweden. Prevalence in each host species was confirmed by nested PCR and DNA sequencing, and infection intensities were quantified using lineage‐specific real‐time qPCR. For two of the three lineages, we detected positive correlations between prevalence and infection intensity, indicating that these generalist parasites are better adapted to a subset of host species, which may have been more frequently encountered during the evolution of the parasite; we refer to these as main host species. For both lineages, the main host species were more phylogenetically related than expected by chance as revealed by strong phylogenetic signal in prevalence among hosts. By comparing our results with previous records of these parasites, we found that the host range of a generalist parasite can vary among different communities and may partly be shaped by the presence of other parasites. Our study reveals that generalist parasites may be specialized on a subset of their host species and it highlights the importance of considering infection intensity and host phylogeny when determining the host specificity of a parasite.
Functional erythropoietin‐hepcidin axis in recombinant human erythropoietin independent haemodialysis patients
Authors: Touzot Maxime , Lefebvre Thibaud , Roux Arthur , Maheas Catherine , Ridel Christophe , Puy Hervé , Karim Zoubida 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTAimRelatively few haemodialysis (HD) patients remain independent of recombinant human erythropoietin (‘rHU‐EPO free patients’). We investigated the role of EPO and hepcidin, two key hormones involved in anaemia.MethodsWe report a monocentric case‐control series. Iron status, EPO and hepcidin levels were analysed in 15 Adult HD (Age > 18 years) with a stable haemoglobin (Hb) level that have not received rHU‐EPO for at least 6 months (=rHU‐EPO free patients); and in 60 controls with a stable rHU‐EPO dose and Hb level.ResultsThe rHU‐EPO free patients had a higher Hb level compared to controls (12.1 ± 0.99 g/dL vs 11.1 ± 0.73, P = 0.0014), and a lower ferritin level (183 ± 102 vs 312 ± 166 ng/mL, P = 0.001). Hepcidin levels were lower in the rHU‐EPO free patients (12.53 ± 10.46 ng/mL) compared to the controls (37.95 ± 34.33 ng/mL), P = 0.0033. Hepcidin levels correlated significantly with ferritin levels; but neither with transferrin saturation, C‐reactive protein nor EPO levels. Unsupervised analysis revealed that rHU‐EPO free patients had a specific clinical/biological profile (presence of renal cyst, longer dialysis vintage, lower ferritin, and EPO and hepcidin levels compared to the control group). Finally, we showed that a lower ferritin level might be a surrogate marker of a lower hepcidin status in this population.ConclusionRecombinant human erythropoietin free patients seem to restore the EPO‐hepcidin axis that is critical for erythropoiesis. A specific combination of clinical and biological parameters may help to detect future rHU‐EPO free patients.
Understanding the ASEAN way of regional qualification governance: The case of mutual recognition agreements in the professional service sector
Authors: Hamanaka Shintaro , Jusoh Sufian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractExisting studies on Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) are mostly based on the European experience. In this paper, we discuss the ongoing attempt of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to establish very unique MRAs, using professional service qualifications, particularly engineering, as a case study. Several ASEAN professional service qualification MRAs employ a “hub‐and spoke” model, wherein neither the hub (regional mechanism) nor the spokes (national authorities) are more powerful than the other. This model features both harmonization of professional qualifications led by regional mechanisms and the recognition of partner countries’ qualifications granted by national authorities. Why does ASEAN need unique MRA governance that features both harmonization and mutual recognition? We find several valid practical explanations, such as limitations of supranational power, confidence building among members, and capacity development. More fundamentally, neither simple harmonization nor simple mutual recognition functions well in ASEAN, where three types of gaps exist among member states. The diversity in legal backgrounds suggests that the combination of harmonization preferred by civil law countries and mutual recognition preferred by common law countries is suitable. The variety in social norms ranging from market mechanisms to social safety implies that the combination of harmonization and mutual recognition is also suitable. Gaps in the price and quality of professional services across ASEAN member states requires the unique approach to facilitate and control the movement of professionals and to promote the joint practice between foreign and local professionals in both high and low income countries to create a win‐win situation.
Millikan, Meaning, and Minimalism
Authors: Borg Emma 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAcross a series of seminal works, Ruth Millikan has produced a compelling and comprehensive naturalized account of content. With respect to linguistic meaning, her ground‐breaking approach has been to analyse the meaning of a linguistic term via the function it performs which has been responsible for securing the term's survival. This way of looking at things has significant repercussions for a number of recent debates in philosophy of language. This article explores these repercussions through the lens of what is known as semantic minimalism, using the tenets of minimalism to draw out some questions for Millikan's approach to the semantics/pragmatics divide.
Increased human stretch reflex dynamic sensitivity with height‐induced postural threat
Authors: Horslen Brian C. , Zaback Martin , Inglis J. Timothy , Blouin Jean‐Sébastien , Carpenter Mark G. 
Published: September 2018

Key points
Threats to standing balance (postural threat) are known to facilitate soleus tendon‐tap reflexes, yet the mechanisms driving reflex changes are unknown.
Scaling of ramp‐and‐hold dorsiflexion stretch reflexes to stretch velocity and amplitude were examined as indirect measures of changes to muscle spindle dynamic and static function with height‐induced postural threat.
Overall, stretch reflexes were larger with threat. Furthermore, the slope (gain) of the stretch‐velocity vs. short‐latency reflex amplitude relationship was increased with threat.
These findings are interpreted as indirect evidence for increased muscle spindle dynamic sensitivity, independent of changes in background muscle activity levels, with a threat to standing balance.
We argue that context‐dependent scaling of stretch reflexes forms part of a multisensory tuning process where acquisition and/or processing of balance‐relevant sensory information is continuously primed to facilitate feedback control of standing balance in challenging balance scenarios.
AbstractPostural threat increases soleus tendon‐tap (t‐) reflexes. However, it is not known whether t‐reflex changes are a result of central modulation, altered muscle spindle dynamic sensitivity or combined spindle static and dynamic sensitization. Ramp‐and‐hold dorsiflexion stretches of varying velocities and amplitudes were used to examine velocity‐ and amplitude‐dependent scaling of short‐ (SLR) and medium‐latency (MLR) stretch reflexes as an indirect indicator of spindle sensitivity. t‐reflexes were also performed to replicate previous work. In the present study, we examined the effects of postural threat on SLR, MLR and t‐reflex amplitude, as well as SLR‐stretch velocity scaling. Forty young‐healthy adults stood with one foot on a servo‐controlled tilting platform and the other on a stable surface. The platform was positioned on a hydraulic lift. Threat was manipulated by having participants stand in low (height 1.1 m; away from edge) then high (height 3.5 m; at the edge) threat conditions. Soleus stretch reflexes were recorded with surface electromyography and SLRs and MLRs were probed with fixed‐amplitude variable‐velocity stretches. t‐reflexes were evoked with Achilles tendon taps using a linear motor. SLR, MLR and t‐reflexes were 11%, 9.5% and 16.9% larger, respectively, in the high compared to low threat condition. In 22 out of 40 participants, SLR amplitude was correlated to stretch velocity at both threat levels. In these participants, the gain of the SLR–velocity relationship was increased by 36.1% with high postural threat. These findings provide new supportive evidence for increased muscle spindle dynamic sensitivity with postural threat and provide further support for the context‐dependent modulation of human somatosensory pathways.