bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Evidence on Class Size Effects: A Pupil Fixed Effects Approach*
Authors: Altinok Nadir , Kingdon Geeta 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe impact of class size on student achievement remains a thorny question for educational decision makers. Meta‐analyses of empirical studies emphasize the absence of class‐size effects but detractors have argued against such pessimistic conclusions because many of the underlying studies have not paid attention to the endogeneity of class size. This article uses a stringent method to address the endogeneity problem using Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study data on 47 countries. We measure the class size effect by relating the difference in a student's achievement across subjects to the difference in his/her class size across subjects. This (subject‐differenced) within‐pupil achievement production function avoids the problem of the non‐random matching of children to specific schools, and to classes within schools. The results show a statistically significant negative effect of class size in 14 countries, but the effect size is small in most cases. Several robustness tests are carried out, including control for students’ subject‐specific ability and subject‐specific teacher characteristics, and correction for possible measurement error. Thus, our approach to addressing the endogeneity problem confirms the findings of meta‐analyses that find little support for class size effects. Additionally, we find that class size effects are smaller in countries with higher teacher quality.
Environmental Compliance and Firm Performance: Evidence from China*
Authors: Yang Xi , Yao Yang 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis article evaluates the impact of environmental compliance on firms’ innovation and financial performance using a panel dataset of Chinese firms for the period of 2000–5. Our results show certification of the ISO14000 has a significantly positive impact on firms’ profitability. This finding is robust when we take into account possible endogeneity of certification, effects of export and types of customers, and possible precertification time trends. In addition, we find that certified firms have larger per‐worker sales volumes and market shares in the country, which suggests an alternative mechanism for the Porter hypothesis in the context of a developing economy.
Overlooked and under‐served? Promoting service use and engagement among ‘hard‐to‐reach’ populations
Authors: Cortis Natasha 
Published: July 2011

Cortis N. Overlooked and under‐served? Promoting service use and engagement among ‘hard‐to‐reach’ populationsSocial service providers strive to meet the needs of those most marginalised from society and from service systems. Yet many people who might benefit from available help consistently miss out. Using qualitative data, this study developed a repertoire of actions that organisations and service personnel can employ to improve participation and outcomes for groups who may be eligible for and may benefit from services, but whom service providers find difficult to identify, reach and engage. Semi‐structured interviews with service managers and coordinators of child, family and youth services in Australia attest to the diversity and context specificity of those who are deemed to be ‘hard‐to‐reach’. The research data highlight ways to improve reach and engagement in a managerialist context by refining organisational action in four strategic domains: overcoming access barriers, building client relationships, utilising networks and partnerships, and ensuring staff capacity and sustainability.
International Contract‐Based Migration, Remittances, and Household Well‐Being in the Western Province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sharma Manohar P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractContractual temporary international migration has become a major avenue for employment for Sri Lankans. To the extent that this migration is fuelled by demand for relatively low‐skilled labour, expansion of this segment of the global labour market can be expected to benefit poor Sri Lankans disproportionately and provide them an unusually swift exit out of poverty. But is this really so? This study employs an innovative sampling design to draw a representative sample of migrant and non‐migrant households in the western province of Sri Lanka. Using household survey data, the study examines key demographic correlates of migrants and their families, and computes various types of transactions costs associated with the migration process. Using the Propensity Score Matching method, it assesses the net impact of migration on several measures of household well‐being. The study indicates that relatively poor households do in general gain from international contract based migration, but there are also several strong caveats. First, the upfront costs of securing an overseas employment contract and financing migration‐related expenses is high, and poor households that are liquidity‐ or credit‐constrained are less likely to take advantage of migration opportunities. Second, many poor households are also less likely have the needed social connections to facilitate effective job search. Consequently, public policy that corrects these market failures would be significantly pro‐poor. On the effect of migration, the study finds the cumulative impact of migration and remittance to be significantly positive on key areas such as food consumption, health expenditures, and expenditure on basic non‐food goods. Even so, there is substantial scope for integrating remittance transfer with banking services (both savings and loans), not only to reduce the cost of transfers but also to provide remittance recipients wider options to manage this important resource.
Glucose transporters GLUT4 and GLUT8 are upregulated after facial nerve axotomy in adult mice
Authors: Gómez Olga , Ballester‐Lurbe Begoña , Mesonero José E. , Terrado José 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPeripheral nerve axotomy in adult mice elicits a complex response that includes increased glucose uptake in regenerating nerve cells. This work analyses the expression of the neuronal glucose transporters GLUT3, GLUT4 and GLUT8 in the facial nucleus of adult mice during the first days after facial nerve axotomy. Our results show that whereas GLUT3 levels do not vary, GLUT4 and GLUT8 immunoreactivity increases in the cell body of the injured motoneurons after the lesion. A sharp increase in GLUT4 immunoreactivity was detected 3 days after the nerve injury and levels remained high on Day 8, but to a lesser extent. GLUT8 also increased the levels but later than GLUT4, as they only rose on Day 8 post‐lesion. These results indicate that glucose transport is activated in regenerating motoneurons and that GLUT4 plays a main role in this function. These results also suggest that metabolic defects involving impairment of glucose transporters may be principal components of the neurotoxic mechanisms leading to motoneuron death.
Survival at 19 years of age in a total population of children and young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: WESTBOM LENA , BERGSTRAND LINDA , WAGNER PHILIPPE , NORDMARK EVA 
Published: July 2011

Aim The aims were to investigate survival of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to search for modifiable factors that influence survival in CP.Method The total population of children with CP in southern Sweden born between 1990 and 2005, and followed from 1994 to 2010 comprised 718 children. The study included 708 of these children (297 females, 411 males) participating in a secondary prevention programme. CP subtype, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels, and comorbidities were described. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted. The following factors were investigated using Cox regression analysis: GMFCS level (co‐varies with overall health), size of health care catchment area, gastrostomy feeding, and sex.Results The estimated survival at 19 years of age was 60% in children with the most severe gross motor limitations (GMFCS level V). Death occurred throughout childhood. All children at GMFCS level I or II, and 96% of the whole CP population, survived. The mortality risk in childhood CP was three times higher in catchment areas that covered small populations than in areas with a large population. Gastrostomy feeding was associated with a ninefold increased risk of dying, regardless of GMFCS level and catchment area.Interpretation Fragile children with CP, as indicated by GMFCS level V and gastrostomy feeding, had the lowest chance of surviving childhood. Health care catchment area seemed to influence survival rate.
SALTIRSOIL: a simulation model for the mid to long‐term prediction of soil salinity in irrigated agriculture
Authors: Visconti F. , De Paz J. M. , Rubio J. L. , Sánchez J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe SALTIRSOIL model predicts soil salinity, sodicity and alkalinity in irrigated land using basic information on soil, climate, crop, irrigation management and water quality. It extends the concept of the WATSUIT model to include irrigation and crop management practices, advances in the calculation of evapotranspiration and new algorithms for the water stress coefficient and calculation of electrical conductivity. SALTIRSOIL calculates the soil water balance and soil solution concentration over the year. A second module, SALSOLCHEM, calculates the inorganic ion composition of the soil solution at equilibrium with soil calcite and gypsum at the soil’s CO2 partial pressure. Results from comparing predicted and experimentally determined concentrations, observations and predictions of pH, alkalinity and calcium concentration in calcite‐saturated solutions agree to the second significant figure; in gypsum‐saturated solutions the standard difference between observations and predictions is <3% in absolute values. The algorithms in SALTIRSOIL have been verified and SALSOLCHEM validated for the reliable calculation of soil salinity, sodicity and alkalinity at water saturation in well‐drained irrigated lands. In simulations for horticultural crops in southeast Spain, soil solution concentration factors at water saturation, quotients of electrical conductivity (EC25) at saturation to electrical conductivity in the irrigation water, and quotients of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) are very similar to average measured values for the area.
Effects of attentional/ hyperactive and oppositional/ aggressive problem behaviour at 14 months and 21 months on parenting stress
Authors: Beernink Anne‐Claire E. , Swinkels Sophie H.N. , Van der Gaag Rutger Jan , Buitelaar Jan K. 
Published: July 2011

Background:  To evaluate effects of attentional/ hyperactive (Att/Hi) and oppositional/ aggressive (Opp/Agg) behaviours of children at 14 and 21 months of age on parenting stress at 21 months.Method:  107 children from the general population with low, intermediate, and high levels of disruptive behaviours at 14 months, as evaluated by parents on a 55‐item checklist, participated. Parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist 1.5–5 and the Dutch version of Parenting Stress Index (NOSI) at 21 months. Effects of problem behaviours were examined in a 2 (Att/Hi and Opp/Agg) by 2 (not high versus high) by 2 (14 and 21 months) multivariate design with parental stress as dependent variable.Results:  Oppositional/ aggressive behaviour at 14 months had a strong main effect on parenting stress, but not at 21 months. There was a significant interaction between parenting stress and Att/Hi behaviour at 14 and 21 months, indicating that increase in these behaviours over time was associated with parenting stress. Both Opp/Agg behaviour and an interaction between Att/Hi behaviour and parenting stress contributed to maternal role restriction and social isolation. Oppositional/ aggressive behaviour led to higher scores for parental competence and depression, whereas Att/Hi behaviour led to lower scores for attachment.Conclusions:  Early Opp/Agg and Att/Hi behaviour had differential effects on parenting stress at 21 months. The increase in parenting stress associated with early Opp/Agg behaviour may be linked to overall feelings of parental competence, whereas the course of Att/Hi behaviour may be associated with increased demands on parent‐child interactions and attachment. Our results have implications for development of early intervention programmes.
Zoledronate and pamidronate depress neutrophil functions and survival in mice
Authors: Kuiper JWP , Forster C , Sun C , Peel S , Glogauer M 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) has been identified as a severe complication of patients previously treated with i.v. bisphosphonates. It has been noted that necrotic bone from BRONJ sites display signs of bacterial infection suggesting that an immune defect may play a role in the pathophysiology of BRONJ. Here, we have examined the effect of two potent bisphosphonates, zoledronate and pamidronate, on neutrophil function, differentiation and survival.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of bisphosphonates on chemotaxis, NADPH oxidase activity and neutrophil survival were assessed in vitro using bone marrow‐derived primary neutrophils or in vitro differentiated haematopoetic progenitors from mice. The same parameters and the number of circulating neutrophils were quantified in neutrophils isolated from mice treated in vivo with zoledronate. In vivo recruitment of neutrophils was assessed by sodium periodate‐induced peritonitis.KEY RESULTS Zoledronate and pamidronate inhibited in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis and NADPH oxidase activity in a dose‐dependent manner. In vivo recruitment of neutrophils was also suppressed. Zoledronate did not affect in vitro differentiation of neutrophils but shortened their life span in a granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor‐dependent manner. fMLP‐induced activation of RhoA activity was decreased by zoledronate treatment.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results show that bisphosphonate exposure leads to impaired neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity and reduced circulating neutrophil counts. This work suggests that bisphosphonates have the potential to depress the innate immune system for a prolonged time, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of BRONJ.
cAMP signalling protects proximal tubular epithelial cells from cisplatin‐induced apoptosis via activation of Epac
Authors: Qin Yu , Stokman Geurt , Yan Kuan , Ramaiahgari Sreenivasa , Verbeek Fons , de Graauw Marjo , van de Water Bob , Price Leo S 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSENephrotoxicity is the principal dose‐limiting factor for cisplatin chemotherapy and is primarily associated with proximal tubular epithelial cells, including disruption of cell adhesions and induction of apoptosis. Cell adhesion and survival is regulated by, amongst other factors, the small GTPase Rap and its activator, the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac). Epac is particularly enriched in renal tubule epithelium. This study investigates the cytoprotective effects of cAMP–Epac–Rap signalling in a model of cisplatin‐induced renal cell injury.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe Epac‐selective cAMP analogue 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP was used to activate the Epac–Rap signalling pathway in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Cells were exposed to cisplatin, in the presence or absence of 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP, and nephrotoxicity was determined by monitoring cell–cell junctions and cell apoptosis.KEY RESULTSActivation of Epac–Rap signalling preserves cell–cell junctions and protects against cell apoptosis of mouse proximal tubular cells during cisplatin treatment. Activation with the Epac‐selective cAMP analogue 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP or receptor‐mediated induction of cAMP both induced cytoprotection against cisplatin, whereas a PKA‐selective cAMP analogue was not cytoprotective. 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP mediated cytoprotection was blocked by RNAi‐mediated silencing of Epac–Rap signalling in these cells. In contrast, 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP did not protect against cisplatin‐induced cell death of cancer cells that lacked Epac1 expression.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur study identifies activation of Epac–Rap signalling as a potential strategy for reducing the nephrotoxicity associated with cisplatin treatments and, as a result, broadens the therapeutic window of this chemotherapeutic agent.
Transfusion reaction reporting in the era of hemovigilance: where form meets function
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Walsh Shannon J. , Maynard Kimberly J. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Transfusion services rely on transfusion reaction reporting to provide patient care and protect the blood supply. By voluntary participation in the Hemovigilance Module of the Biovigilance Component of the National Healthcare Safety Network, health care facilities have an opportunity to share institutional transfusion reaction data nationally. An optimally designed reporting form is a critical part of reaction reporting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All reports of transfusion reactions from 2006 to 2009 were analyzed to evaluate the frequency of reported signs and symptoms and the ability of our reporting form to capture this information. A total of 400 reactions with 879 reported signs and symptoms were reviewed. We then redesigned our reporting form to facilitate participation in hemovigilance reporting and capture with the check‐box option at least 90% of historically reported signs and symptoms and all those reported in at least 2% of reactions.RESULTS: Our original reporting form failed to capture 10 of 32 (31%) signs and symptoms present on the hemovigilance reporting tool. Although our original reporting form contained 27 check‐box options, these captured only 657 (74.8%) of reported signs and symptoms. Our redesigned form captures all hemovigilance signs and symptoms. Based on our retrospective review, the new form would also capture up to 95% of previously reported signs and symptoms using the check‐box option.CONCLUSION: We believe that this study presents an evidence‐based approach to the improvement of the transfusion reaction reporting form, which may be attractive for hospitals considering participation in the hemovigilance program.
Storage of aliquots of apheresis platelets for neonatal use in syringes with and without agitation
Authors: Diab Yaser , Wong Edward , Criss Valli R. , Moroff Gary , Wagner Stephen J. , Luban Naomi L.C. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: To facilitate volume control in neonates, platelets (PLTs) are aliquoted and stored for short periods in non–gas‐permeable syringes before infusion. Although agitation of PLTs during storage in gas‐permeable bags is performed to maintain their quality, the effect of syringe agitation during storage is unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Double apheresis PLTs (n = 6) were collected and split, providing two identical products. On Days 2 and 4 of storage, aliquots from one bag of each pair were transferred to two syringes and stored for 6 hours on flatbed agitator or were left at 20 to 24°C without agitation. A series of in vitro tests was performed on Days 0, 2 (Hours 0 and 6), and 4 (Hours 0 and 6). Control samples were obtained from the second matched bag that was stored on the agitator. Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance with differences considered significant if the p value was less than 0.05.RESULTS: Comparable results for several PLT variables were obtained with or without agitation of the syringes. On Day 4 Hour 6, pH values were 7.18 ± 0.12 (agitated syringes) and 7.19 ± 0.1 (nonagitated syringes), and extent of shape change and hypotonic shock response measurements were not significantly different between agitated syringes and nonagitated syringes (23.7 ± 6.4 and 74.3 ± 9.8% vs. 23.3 ± 5.4 and 76.0 ± 7.6%), respectively.CONCLUSION: Based on in vitro testing, apheresis PLT aliquots can be stored in syringes for at least 6 hours without agitation before transfusions.
The effect of blood transfusion on pulmonary permeability in cardiac surgery patients: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Vlaar Alexander P.J. , Cornet Alexander D. , Hofstra Jorrit J. , Porcelijn Leendert , Beishuizen Albertus , Kulik Willem , Vroom Margreeth B. , Schultz Marcus J. , Groeneveld A.B. Johan , Juffermans Nicole P. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: There is an association between blood transfusion and pulmonary complications in cardiac surgery. Mediators of increased pulmonary vascular leakage after transfusion are unknown. We hypothesized that factors may include antibodies or bioactive lipids, which have been implicated in transfusion‐related acute lung injury.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in two university hospital intensive care units in the Netherlands. Pulmonary vascular permeability was measured in cardiac surgery patients after receiving no, restrictive (one or two transfusions), or multiple (five or more transfusions) transfusions (n = 20 per group). The pulmonary leak index (PLI), using 67Ga‐labeled transferrin, was determined within 3 hours postoperatively. Blood products were screened for bioactive lipid accumulation and the presence of antibodies.RESULTS: The PLI was elevated in all groups after cardiac surgery. Transfused patients had a higher PLI compared to nontransfused patients (33 × 10−3 ±  20 × 10−3 vs. 23 × 10−3 ± 11 × 10−3/min, p < 0.01). The amount of red blood cell (RBC) products, but not of fresh‐frozen plasma or platelets, was associated with an increase in PLI (β, 1.6 [0.2‐3.0]). Concerning causative factors in the blood product, neither the level of bioactive lipids nor the presence of antibodies was associated with an increase in PLI. Patient factors such as surgery risk and time on cardiopulmonary bypass did not influence the risk of pulmonary leakage after blood transfusion.CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion in cardiothoracic surgery patients is associated with an increase in pulmonary capillary permeability, an effect that was dose dependent for RBC products. The level of bioactive lipids or the presence of HLA or HNA antibodies in the transfused products were not associated with increased pulmonary capillary permeability.
DIII Type 7 is likely the original serologically defined DIIIb
Authors: Lomas‐Francis Christine , Halter Hipsky Christine , Velliquette Randall W. , Reid Marion E. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Due to their homology, close proximity, and opposite orientation, RHD and RHCE can exchange nucleotides giving rise to variant alleles. Some of these variants encode the so‐called partial phenotypes. The DIII partial D category has been subdivided into DIIIa, DIIIb, DIIIc, DIII Type 4, DIII Type 6, and DIII Type 7. During DNA‐based screening tests, we identified a second example of DIII Type 7 in a Dce donor from South Africa. Our study describes hemagglutination tests on this sample and raises a question regarding the molecular basis of the originally defined DIIIb category.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hemagglutination and DNA testing were performed by standard techniques.RESULTS: Red blood cells from this DIII Type 7 donor typed D+C−E−c+e+G−, DAK+ and did not react with anti‐D made by people with the DIII phenotype. The allele is RHD*DIII 150C, 178C, 201A, 203A, 307C, 410T, 455C, 602G, 667G.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the serotype and ethnicity (black African), it is likely that DIII Type 7 is the originally defined DIIIb category.