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The buckling problem of an infinite thin plate resting on a tensionless Winkler foundation and subjected to shearing loads is investigated. The infinite plate is simplified to a one-dimensional mechanical model by assuming a lateral buckling mode function and a borderline function between contact and noncontact regions. After the governing differential equations for the plate sections in the contact and non-contact regions have been solved, the problem reduces to two nonlinear algebraic equations. Buckling coefficients for plates with simply supported edges and clamped edges are determined for a range of relative foundation stiffness factors. Comparison of the results with existing theory and finite element analyses shows good agreement. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This paper presents an investigation of the influence of pile-soil-structure interaction (PSSI) on the vibration control of adjacent buildings with pile foundations. With the initial assumption that adjacent buildings are linked by the control actuator of an ideal hydraulic servo-system, based on the Penzien model, the calculation model for adjacent structures with piled foundations considering PSSI is established. The motion and control equations of adjacent structures are then derived, and the influences of PSSI on vibration control of adjacent buildings analyzed. Finally, the influences of soil and structural parameters on structural vibration control are investigated. The results show that the PSSI has an obvious influence on the response of adjacent structures, but little obvious influence on the change in control force. However, the soil and structural parameters, such as shear-wave velocity and pile stiffness, play a significant role in the control process. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

In 2007, the low level of young adults with developmental disabilities who were employed in the 3 months postgraduation from high school led the Washington State legislature to authorize and fund the Jobs by 21 Partnership Project. The intent of the project was to identify and demonstrate best practices in sustainable partnerships among Washington State's school and adult service systems. Results indicated that participants in the project were more likely to be employed following school exit and had stronger employment outcomes than students who did not participate. Further, data suggest that improved employment outcomes were supported by the leveraging and maximization of financial and in-kind resources and the strengthening of collaborative relationships across project stakeholders.

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the rocking behavior of rigid blocks.Two types of test specimens have been tested, namely M and C types. Nine blocks of the M type and two blocks of the C type with different aspect ratios were tested with varying initial rotational amplitudes and with different materials at the contact interface, namely concrete, timber, steel, and rubber. The results showed that the interface material has significant influence on the free rocking performance of the blocks. Blocks tested on rubber had the fastest energy dissipation followed by concrete and timber bases, respectively. Analysis of the test results has shown that the energy dissipation in the case of tests on a rubber base is a continuous mechanism whereas in the case of tests on rigid bases, i.e. timber and concrete, energy dissipation is a discrete function. Finally, the rocking characteristics of the blocks were calculated using piece wise equations of motion and numerical analysis. It was possible to predict the correct free rocking amplitude response when a reliable value for the coefficient of restitution was used. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Funding is a central tool for improving the quality and range of employment service options. While outcome-based funding models are more common in the Vocational Rehabilitation system, there is a need for funding structures in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) service systems that signal a clear preference for high-quality, cost-effective integrated employmentoutcomes.Inanenvironmentofincreasingfiscaldemandsandlimitations,andexpansionofself-directedservicesand individualized budgeting, state IDD systems must engage in rate-setting and funding discussions that are rooted in their priorities and long-term goals. This paper explores rate-setting methodologies, rate structures, and incentives for integrated employment, and the relationship between funding, policies, and priorities. A detailed analysis within five states yields lessons for other state IDD systems as they contend with evolving funding structures that respond to fiscal pressures and demands. Implications include the need for funding to be seamless, goal-focused, and connected to and consistent with larger systems strategies.

A new friction moment joint for steel framed structures is described. It has a similar cost to conventional construction and is designed such that there is negligible damage to the frame or slabs. Experimental testing shows that steel, brass or aluminium shims can provide satisfactory friction resistance and that there is almost no damage to the frame during design level displacements. A method for establishing the dependable friction force is developed considering construction tolerances and bolt moment-axial-force-shear interaction. A design methodology for the joint and a design example are provided.

Proposed herein is a new vibration-reduction technique for multi-adjacent-building systems subjected to earthquake excitations. Based on a three-building model, three different connecting methods are presented for reducing the seismic response of the multi-building system. After the equation of motion is derived, a numerical example is employed to demonstrate the seismic performances of the controlled systems. The vibration-reduction mechanism, the vibration-reduction effect, and the influential parameters are also studied. Numerical results show that the method of coupling adjacent structures is a viable and attractive vibration-reduction strategy for seismically excited structures.

This study examined the extent to which employment specialists implemented the job development practices recommended in the research literature when assisting job seekers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Self-reported data were collected through a Web-based survey from 163 employment specialists from 74 employment programs in 28 states. Questions focused on the following four clusters of activities: Getting to know job seekers, finding job openings, engaging employers to hire, and facilitating transition to a job. Findings showed that some employment specialists self-reported practices conflicted with the practices advocated in the literature. On the basis of our findings, we recommended a greater emphasis on implementing job development activities recommended in the literature as well as furthering research on effective, evidence-based practices.

This paper presents an investigation into the static response of an infinite beam supported on a unilateral (tensionless) elastic foundation and subjected to arbitrary complex loading, including self-weight. A new numerical method is developed to determine the initially unknown lengths that remain in contact. Based on the continuity conditions at the junctions of contact and non-contact segments, the response of the whole beam may be expressed through the displacement constants of the initial segment, reducing the contact problem to two nonlinear algebraic equations with two unknowns. The technique has been named the transfer displacement function method (TDFM). Comparison with the exact results of a particular limiting case shows the expected complete agreement. Finally, an example of a beam with several contact segments is presented and verified by the application of equilibrium conditions.

Over the past year, discussions have being going on within the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector on the possible implications of climate change on services provisions, and the practical adaptation measures that could or should be taken by the sector. Although not conclusive, two important points of agreement have emerged as a result of these discussions. First, climate change predictions are characterized by high levels of uncertainty, particularly at the spatial scales at which most decisions on WASH services provision are made. Second, while it should be taken very seriously, climate change is not the only, and probably not the most important, factor to consider in the short and medium term. This paper argues that the most effective approach to adaptation is to strengthen governance of the WASH sector, for example by adopting principles of adaptive management and by using tools such as scenario building as an integral part of decision-making. In addition, it calls for better embedding of WASH ...

This paper addresses the static response of an infinite beam supported on a unilateral (tensionless) two-parameter Pasternak foundation and subjected to complex transverse loads, including self weight. The transfer displacement function method (TDFM) is employed to determine the initially unknown lengths that remain in contact. In contrast to a Winkler Foundation System (WFS), the lift-off points in a PFS (Pasternak Foundation System) are not necessarily at zero displacement but may be determined sequentially through considering the compatibility conditions at the junctions of contact and non-contact segments. After the response of the whole system including the beam and foundation is expressed through the displacement constants of the initial segment, the contact problem is reduced to two nonlinear algebraic equations with two unknowns. The foundation reactions and the internal actions of the beam may also be determined from the displacement response of the system. Two simple cases are solved to illustrate the influence of the foundation stiffness factors and finally, a third example of a beam with several contact segments is presented to demonstrate the application of the TDFM.

Based on the grey theory, a GM(1,1) forecasting model and an optimal GM(1,1) forecasting model are developed and assessed for use in active vibration control systems for earthquake response mitigation. After deriving equations for forecasting the control state vector, design procedures for an optimal active control method are proposed. Features of the resulting vibration control and the influence on it of time-delay based on different sampling intervals of seismic ground motion are analysed. The numerical results show that the forecasting models based on the grey theory are reliable and practical in structural vibration control fields. Compared with the grey forecasting model, the optimal forecasting model is more efficient in reducing the influences of time-delay and disturbance errors.

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a national survey of a random sample of community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that hold Special Wage Certificates established under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. 214(c). The intent of the survey was to identify the types of services provided, the trends in the employment services, and the factors that were perceived as inhibiting and facilitating integrated employment outcomes. The survey results are categorized for this report in the following three areas: 1) characteristics of community rehabilitation programs, 2) organizational change trends, and 3) factors that influence the type of employment program utilized by consumers with disabilities. Representative results from the survey are that overall, facility-based programs continue to be the predominant service provided by community rehabilitation programs holding 14(c) certificates. Of the 20,075 staff members identified as serving consumers, only 1,741 (8.7%) are reported as working with individuals earning at least minimum wage. Although competitive employment and individual supported employment services among these CRPs are growing at a faster rate than other services, use of facility-based services continues to expand. Overall, the findings indicate that the organizations that provide daily services to those Americans with disabilities utilizing 14(c) certificates are continuing to predominately support facility-based work and non-work activities versus services leading to integrated employment outcomes.

This article presents findings on community-based nonwork (CBNW; activities that do not involve paid employment but take place in the community) from a 2001 survey of state intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities agency directors. Survey responses indicated that CBNW is a considerable and growing part of the day services mix but that it is loosely defined with respect to requirements, activities, populations served, and goals. Although CBNW has the potential to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, these findings raise some concerns, including how quality can be assured when supports are loosely defined, how CBNW can be provided without taking resources away from supported employment, and whether community connections can be made when people are supported in groups.

This article describes national trends in outcomes of the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, with a focus on adults with developmental disabilities during the period of 1995 to 2005. Findings show that the VR program has made substantial progress in excluding extended employment from the array of possible employment closures. Efforts are needed, however, to increase the number of people placed in integrated employment and the earnings at closure while reducing the time frame from application to closure. The study suggests that to achieve these results, practices that lead to above-average outcomes should be identified and disseminated to agencies that show below-average outcomes; the Rehabilitation Act should be rigorously interpreted to prioritize self-sufficiency of VR recipients; and data management should be enhanced through better performance measurement and rapid reporting to state VR agencies.

The unilateral contact buckling problem of thin plates resting on tensionless foundations is investigated. Three different plate models are considered. For a plate of limited length on a tensionless elastic foundation, the plate is first simplified to a one-dimensional mechanical model by assuming a buckling mode in terms of transverse coordinates, after which a new method is employed to determine the initially unknown boundaries of the areas in contact. Based on the continuity condition on the borderline between contact and noncontact regions, the buckling mode displacements of the whole plate may be expressed through the critical load coefficient and the first half-wavelength, reducing the buckling problem to two nonlinear algebraic equations with two unknowns. This procedure has been named the transfer function method. For a very long plate with a symmetric buckling mode, an infinite plate model with two half-waves is presented. For a plate on a rigid foundation, a single half-wave buckling model is shown to be appropriate. Comparison of limiting cases with exact solutions and with ABAQUS results showed good agreement. Finally, the influences of aspect ratio and foundation stiffness are presented.

In a rapidly changing and ever more complex world, ‘wicked problems’, which traditional, narrowly focused research struggles to grapple with, are becoming more and more common, including in the water sector. Here, numerous good practices derived through traditional research have shown a remarkable resistance towards scaling up. This paper discusses the Learning Alliance approach and its application to try to overcome the twin challenges of solving complex problems and scaling-up innovations in urban water management. Learning alliances are interlinked multi-stakeholder platforms formed at appropriate levels. Critically, the purpose of a learning alliance is to do things differently, rather than to do different things, in order to have more impact on policy and practice. The paper summarizes initial experiences and lessons learned in applying this approach in three urban water management projects.

Objective There is uncertainty about the direction and magnitude of the associations between parity, breastfeeding and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). We examined the separate and combined associations of parity and breastfeeding practices with the incidence of CHD later in life among women in a large, pan-European cohort study. Methods Data were used from European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-CVD, a case-cohort study nested within the EPIC prospective study of 520,000 participants from 10 countries. Information on reproductive history was available for 14,917 women, including 5138 incident cases of CHD. Using Prentice-weighted Cox regression separately for each country followed by a random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CHD, after adjustment for age, study centre and several socioeconomic and biological risk factors. Results Compared with nulliparous women, the adjusted HR was 1.19 (95% CI: 1.01-1.41) among parous women; HRs were higher among women with more children (e.g., adjusted HR: 1.95 (95% CI: 1.19-3.20) for women with five or more children). Compared with women who did not breastfeed, the adjusted HR was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.52-0.98) among women who breastfed. For childbearing women who never breastfed, the adjusted HR was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.09-2.30) compared with nulliparous women, whereas for childbearing women who breastfed, the adjusted HR was 1.19 (95% CI: 0.99-1.43). Conclusion Having more children was associated with a higher risk of CHD later in life, whereas breastfeeding was associated with a lower CHD risk. Women who both had children and breastfed did have a non-significantly higher risk of CHD.

Organizational variables, including policies, practices, collaborations, and funding mechanisms resulting in high performance in integrated employment, were described through case study research in 3 states. Findings address how contextual factors, system-level strategies, and goals of the system are related as well as how they sustain systems change. Strategies such as flexibility in funding and practices; communication of values through data, rewards, and funding incentives; and innovation diffusion through relationships and training were most successful when they were embedded within the context of a solid values base, a network of dedicated stakeholders, and clarity about systemic goals. Implications are presented with respect to state systems, community rehabilitation providers as partners in planning, and future leadership in the field.

Background Soluble TNF superfamily (TNFSF) ligands are less stable and less active than their transmembrane (tm) analogues. This is a problem for the therapeutic use of recombinant TNFSF ligands in diverse diseases including cancer and autoimmunity. Creating TNFSF ligand analogues with improved targeting of their respective receptors is important for research and therapeutic purposes. Findings Covalent internal cross-linking of TNF monomers by double mutations, S95C/G148C, results in stable trimers with improved TNFR2 function. The resulting mutein induced the selective death of autoreactive CD8 T cells in type-1 diabetic patients and demonstrates targeted proliferation and expansion of human CD4 Tregs. Conclusions Stable TNF trimers, created by internal covalent cross-linking, show improved signaling. The high structural homology within the TNF superfamily provides an opportunity to extend internal cross-linking to other TNF superfamily proteins to produce active trimers with improved stability and receptor signaling, and with potential applications for cancer, autoimmunity, infections, and transplantation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40591-015-0044-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Suspending a structure in the form of a pendulum would provide excellent protection from seismic ground motion, but is impractical for structures of any significance. The effect can be replicated in other ways, such as by placing the supports on shallow spherical dishes (the so-called friction pendulum), or by means of shaped, non-circular rollers placed between a building and its foundations. This paper investigates the dynamic response of structures resting on seismic isolators consisting of rollers with non-concentric, spherical upper and lower surfaces. The governing equations are developed, revealing a softening system with a period that is independent of mass. Expressions for period and stiffness as nonlinear functions of displacement are developed along with linear approximations. The roller element is then incorporated into a nonlinear time-history integration algorithm which is used to compare the response of an example structure on rolling isolators with a structure on conventional constant stiffness isolators. Peak acceleration response is significantly reduced, especially for high intensity earthquakes, with smaller reductions in peak displacement.

Supported employment for people with disabilities has been a national policy since the late 1980s. Because its implementation usually requires the resources of at least 2 funding and service state agencies, written interagency agreements have been a formal strategy for policy implementation. This qualitative study analyzes interagency agreements for supported employment and the resulting collaborations of 6 states to identify the crucial characteristics that reinforce their utility and value. Commonalities and differences indicated three broad categories: outcomes, characteristics of the written agreements, and characteristics of the midlevel staff. Specific elements are discussed to improve creation and implementation of interagency agreements to expand supported employment for people with disabilities.

Local anesthetics are manufactured with “inactive” ingredients to maintain sterility and prolong the “shelf-life” of the final product. Specific additives such as methylparaben are added to provide antibacterial activity, bisulfites and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) are added for their antioxidant properties, hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate are added to adjust the pH of the final solution, and solutions of sodium chloride and dextrose serve as vehicles. Clinicians must recognize that even local anesthetics labeled as “preservative-free” contain “inactive” ingredients. Therefore, attention must be paid to what is actually present in the local anesthetic product to be administered if toxicity associated with these substances is to be minimized.

This paper presents the preliminary findings of a WARFSA-funded study, whose objective is to facilitate the formulation of better policies and guidelines for implementing IWRM through a case study of local water conflicts. It is observed that, although the current water reforms in the country focus on the use of statutory legal systems to regulate the use of water resources, the country operates under a plural legal system. Apart from the statutory laws, diverse customary systems are relied upon in resolving waterrelated conflicts. Neglect of these norms and laws may have negative consequences for the majority of the villagers who rely on them. The paper presents some of the water-related conflicts in the study areas and the views of government authorities and river basin managers regarding customary norms and laws for water resource management. Also, the paper describes how different types of conflicts over water resources are handled through official legal channels. � 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

This paper reviews the historical development of domestic water supplies in Tanzania, the consequences of major policy shifts during the last seven decades, and some of the reasons for the failure of water supply systems. It considers the extent to which water resource issues are constraints in meeting the water supply needs of rural and urban populations, and the relevance of integrated water resources management to the WSS sector. Drawing upon case-study material from two major river basins, the Pangani and Rufiji, it reviews some of the practical steps being taken to implement IWRM principles in Tanzania.

Background: Although antibody targeting of the HER2 oncogene represents an outstanding clinical treatment and a success story showing direct cancer killing with antibodies, many oncogenes are intracellular and are not expressed broadly, whether on a single or multiple tumor types. The recently discovered TNFR2 oncogene is broadly expressed on many human tumors. Colon cancer cells, multiple myeloma cells, renal cell carcinoma cells, Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells, ovarian cancer epithelial cells and cutaneous non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells can aberrantly express the TNFR2 receptor as an oncogene for growth. For non-cutaneous T cell lymphomas, the genetic basis of the TNFR2 deregulation has recently been tied to constitutive overexpression of TNFR2 from frequent gene duplications or cytoplasmic TNFR2 mutations that confer constitutive agonism, i.e. tumor expansion. These features make TNFR2 an advantageous molecular target for direct tumor targeting. Methods: We designed monoclonal antibodies to target the TNFR2 oncogene and directly kill human tumor cells. TNFR2-directed antibodies were screened for their ability to induce the death of rapidly growing tumor cells, such as ovarian cancer cells (i.e., OVCAR3). Results: Novel dominant anti-TNFR2 antibody candidates (TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies) did not require Fc binding for activity, expressed dominance over TNF-mediated agonism, and hampered intracellular NF-κB activation and phosphorylation obligatory for TNFR2 signaling and cell growth of tumor cells. Even low doses of TNFR2 antagonists rapidly and directly killed TNFR2 oncogene-expressing ovarian cancer cells. Examination of the structural biology of these dominant TNFR2 antagonist antibodies uncovered a unique and stabilizing TNFR2 receptor formation, anti-parallel dimeric TNFR2, which inhibits intracellular signaling, cannot bind TNF, cannot be cleaved to create soluble TNFR2 and is exponentially more active on the dividing cells of cancer. Conclusions: TNFR2 is a unique and broadly expressed human oncogene that can potentially be targeted to directly stop the growth of cancer cells (including ovarian cancer cells) by antibody-induced cell death. The creation of dominant TNFR2 antagonism provides a unique, non-signaling complex that has implications for the therapeutic targeting of TNF superfamily receptors, especially TNFR2. Citation Format: Heather Torrey, John Butterworth, Toshiyuki Mera, Yoshiaki Okubo, Limei Wang, Danielle Baum, Audrey Defusco, Sara Plager, Sarah Warden, Daniel Huang, Eva Vanamee, Rosemary Foster, Denise L. Faustman. Inhibiting cancer growth by targeting the TNFR2 oncogene with TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2136. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2136

Background: A recognized and potent subtype of regulatory T cells (Tregs) expresses tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. TNFR2 expressing Tregs are overabundant in human and murine tumors and are the most potent suppressors of host immune responses. In addition, recent data in diverse human tumors show that TNFR2-expressing host T cells are the dominant Tregs in the tumor microenvironment, expressed far in excess of OX40 and GITR. Unlike many tumor markers, TNFR2 has limited expression in the immune system and almost no expression on parenchymal cells. This makes TNFR2 Tregs an attractive target for anticancer therapy. Methods: We produced monoclonal antibodies to human TNFR2 with the goal of inactivating the potent host Tregs that express TNFR2, competing with the agonism of TNF and inactivating infiltating Tregs of human tumors. Tregs from fresh ovarian ascites fluid were compared to Tregs from normal human blood donors for antibody potency. Results: Using a 48-hr cell-based Treg assay, we showed that TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies can inhibit Treg proliferation, suppress soluble TNFR2 secretion on normal cells and allow T effector expansion. The antagonism is dominant, succeeding even in the presence of TNF, which is a TNFR2 agonist. Furthermore, the structural biology of dominant TNFR2 receptor antagonism uncovers a unique conformation that equally inhibits downstream NFkB signaling. We also showed that dominant TNFR2 antibodies in a dose dependent fashion kill Tregs in ovarian cancer infiltrates more strongly than Tregs from healthy donors. Treg killing in the cancer microenvironment was dependent on cell proliferation and turnover the Tregs. Conclusion: In sum, blocking TNFR2 signaling on the most potent Tregs of the tumor microenvironment with a dominant antagonist antibody selectively heightens death of the immunosuppressive Tregs in the tumor microenvironment, at least in ovarian cancer. With the expanding knowledge that TNFR2 Tregs are the most potent host cells of the immune response, their dominance in diverse human tumor infiltrates and the natural low expression of this marker on normal lymphoid cells makes targeting of TNFR2 in the tumor microenvironment attractive. Citation Format: Heather Torrey, John Butterworth, Toshiyuki Mera, Yoshiaki Okubo, Limei Wang, Danielle Baum, Audrey Defusco, Sara Plager, Sarah Warden, Daniel Huang, Eva Vanamee, Rosemary Foster, Denise L. Faustman. Novel targeting of tumor-infiltrating TNFR2 Tregs: removing suppression with microenvironment-specific antibodies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 962. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-962

106 Background: A major barrier to cancer immunotherapy is lack of selective inhibitors of the regulatory T cells (Tregs) of the cancer microenvironment and methods to directly kill tumors through novel surface oncogenes. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a target protein with restricted expression on the most potent Tregs of the tumor infiltrate and newly identified as a broadly expressed oncogene on human tumors. Methods: We characterized the effect of TNFR2 antibody antagonists via TNFR2 in human samples from ovarian ascites compared to healthy controls. Results: TNFR2 antagonists potently inhibited Treg proliferation with exponential potency and selectivity for tumor microenvironment Tregs. Furthermore, common ovarian cancer cell lines such as OVCAR3 expressed the TNFR2 oncogene and were rapidly and completely killed by TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies. TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies were dominant because they succeeded even in the presence of TNF agonism. Remarkably, these antibodies worked as well in killing Treg cells as F(ab’)2 fragments, but not as well as Fc fragments. TNFF2 antagonists were not dependent on ADCC mechanisms for activity. Conclusions: Dominant TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies demonstrate tumor-specific Treg depletion. Blocking TNFR2 signaling with antagonist antibodies also creates a novel tool to possibly eliminate tumors expressing the TNFR2 oncogene and to more potently suppress Tregs of the tumor microenvironment.

This article presents the results of a secondary analysis of the RSA-911 database from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. All successful vocational rehabilitation (VR) closures for individuals with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy for five data points between 1985 and 1995 were investigated. Trends in the use of competitive employment versus sheltered workshops and employment outcomes (hours and earnings) are examined. The use of supported employment in the VR system and its outcomes are also discussed. An additional analysis of the impact of the 1992 Rehabilitation Act amendments is included. Findings include increased incidence of competitive employment and supported employment services but a decrease in real earnings.

The role of the workplace and its culture in supporting social inclusion and workplace support for employees with disabilities is discussed and results of a qualitative study of the workplace experiences of 8 young adults with developmental disabilities presented. Data were collected using participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Four characteristics of supportive workplaces were identified: (a) multiple context relationships, (b) specific social opportunities, (c) a personal and team-building management style, and (d) interdependent job designs. The more supportive workplaces had all of these characteristics, suggesting that collectively they represent key features of a supportive workplace culture. Implications for job development and job creation are identified.

This study is the first of three companion studies investigating the extent of interagency activity among state agencies that deliver or fund employment services. The purpose of this study is to identify exemplary models and strategies used in interagency agreements that improve the delivery of supported employment services. Interagency agreements were most frequent with state agencies that specialized in or had substantial involvement with disability services, including the state mental health (MH) agency, the state mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD) agency, and the state department of education (DOE). These agreements were seen as having a more positive impact on employment opportunities than agreements with other types of agencies. Agencies that typically provided employment services to the general population were as likely or more likely to be participating in informal interagency activity than in written state level interagency agreements. The impact of these agreements on encouraging supported employment varied by type of agency. The MH and MR/DD agency agreements with the vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency were rated as having the highest impact, whereas the agreements between the One-Stop Career Centers and the VR agency were rated as having no impact, either positive or negative. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.

In Zimbabwe during the 1980s and early 1990s, a sequence of severe droughts caused widespread food shortages and great hardship to rural communities. The droughts exacerbated the problems of environmental degradation in communal lands and highlighted the lack of understanding of the links between the climate, land use and hydrology of dryland regions. The Romwe Catchment Study addresses these issues, and has led to the establishment of the first fully-instrumented research catchment in a communally-managed dryland environment in southern Africa. The key objectives were (a) to improve the understanding of hydrological processes in communal land areas, mostly underlain by crystalline basement aquifers, and (b) to investigate the impacts of variations in climate and changes in land use and management on the hydrology and water resources. In this introductory paper, the physical characteristics of the catchment are described together with the instrumentation to monitor hydrological processes and quantify the catchment water balance.

This study used qualitative methodology to understand the participation of young people as they plan for their transition from school to adult life by using a person-centered planning process, specifically Whole Life Planning. Given the dynamic, interpersonal nature of person-centered planning, the study also examined the roles that others play in the process and how facilitators, family members, and other members of the young person's social network influence the focus person's participation. Findings revealed that student participation ranged from highly active to nonexistent across the observed planning meetings. The level of student participation was influenced by the student's conversational style, the size of the meeting, the level of abstraction in the planning discussions, and the expectations and behaviors of others.

Increased exploitation of groundwater for irrigation is one factor leading to dangerously high levels of fluoride in drinking water in parts of India. Involving local people in testing and monitoring can help to find safe sources. It is then important to protect sources by improving local recharge and reducing nearby extraction.

Although there is a growing consensus that including natural supports in the employment process is an important goal, there is considerable debate about the definition and appropriate role of these supports. This manuscript clarifies and extends current definitions of natural supports and proposes a working model to guide future research and practice. Primary emphasis is placed on natural supports as a desired outcome of successful employment rather than a distinct model for support and as a contributing factor to higher level outcomes such as quality of life. From both a researcher's and a practitioner's perspective there is a need to shift emphasis from competing models of employment support to developing a better understanding of the relationship between specific job coach interventions and the desired outcome of effective natural support.

A major barrier to cancer immunotherapy is lack of selective inhibitors of the regulatory T cells (Tregs) of the cancer microenvironment and methods to directly kill tumors through novel surface oncogenes. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a target protein with restricted expression on the most potent Tregs of the tumor infiltrate and on human tumors as a newly discovered human oncogene. We characterized the effect of TNFR2 antibody antagonists via TNFR2 in human samples from ovarian ascites compared to healthy controls. TNFR2 antagonists potently inhibited Treg proliferation with exponential potency and selectivity for the tumor microenvironment Tregs. Furthermore, common ovarian cancer cell lines such as OVCAR3 expressed the TNFR2 oncogene and were rapidly and completely killed by TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies. Dominant TNFR2 antagonists demonstrate tumor-specific Treg depletion. Blocking TNFR2 signaling with antagonist antibodies also creates a novel tool to possibly eliminate tumors expressing the TNFR2 oncogene and to more potently suppress Tregs of the tumor environment. Citation Format: Heather Torrey, John Butterworth, Toshi Mera, Yoshiaki Okubo, Limei Wang, Danielle Baum, Sarah Warden, Sara Plager, Daniel Huang, Eva Vanamee, Rosemary Foster, Denise Faustman. Direct oncogene cancer killing and selective tumor Treg killing through the TNFR2 receptor via dominant antibody antagonists. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A50.

The concept of facilitating natural supports as a resource for obtaining and maintaining employment has received considerable attention, and a number of strategies for facilitating natural supports from an individual's network of family and friends and an employee's co-workers and employers on the job have been proposed. Interviews were conducted with key personnel in 17 schools and 16 adult service organizations in Massachusetts to obtain descriptive information regarding which practices are currently used and what barriers exist to the implementation of such practices. Each organization was nominated as representing current best practices. Results indicate wide use of some practices as well as much confusion about the concept of natural supports and the role of human service providers in facilitating involvement.