bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal Infection and Aflatoxin Contamination in Stored Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Kernels at Various Stages of Delivery Chain in North Sulawesi Province
Authors: Dharmaputra Okky S. , Ambarwati Santi , Retnowati Ina , Nurfadila Nijma
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTNutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) or fragrant nutmeg is an important commodity that has been used in food industry and medicine, hence its quality should be monitored. The objectives of the research were to obtain informations on the postharvest handling of nutmeg conducted by farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province and to investigate the occurrence of fungi (included A. flavus) and aflatoxin contamination in stored nutmeg collected from farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province. Moisture content and percentage of damaged kernels were also investigated, because they affect fungal infection. Surveys and obtaining samples of nutmeg in different points of the delivery chain were done in April and May 2013, in three regencies (North Minahasa, Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) and Sangihe Talaud) and two cities (Bitung and Manado). Interviews were conducted during the surveys to collect informations on the postharvest handling of nutmeg in different points of the delivery chain. The total number of nutmeg samples collected from different point of the delivery chain was 76. It consisted of samples collected from farmers (25 samples), collectors (22), and exporters (29). The results showed that in general, the moisture content of nutmeg collected from North Sulawesi province was not higher than the maximum limit of moisture content determineted by SNI (10%). In general, nutmeg collected from farmers and collectors had high percentage of damaged kernels. Aspergillus niger and Endomyces fibuliger were the dominant fungi infecting nutmeg collected from farmers and collectors, while Eurotium repens was the dominant fungus infecting nutmeg collected from exporters. Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin contents in nutmeg collected from farmers and exporters were relatively high. Based on the results of this study, the method of postharvest handling of nutmeg conducted by farmers, collectors and exporters in North Sulawesi province (North Minahasa, Sitaro andÂ  Sangihe Talaud regencies, Bitung and Manado cities) should be improved to minimize aflatoxin contamination.Â Keywords : aflatoxin, fungi, Myristica fragrans Houtt., nutmeg, North Sulawesi province,Â delivery chainÂ
CETP
Authors: Tardif Jean-Claude , Rhainds David , Rhéaume Eric , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2017

High-density lipoproteins are involved in reverse cholesterol transport and possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Paradoxically, CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) inhibitors have been shown to increase inflammation as revealed by a raised plasma level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. CETP inhibitors did not improve clinical outcomes in large-scale clinical trials of unselected patients with coronary disease. Dalcetrapib is a CETP modulator for which effects on cardiovascular outcomes were demonstrated in the dal-OUTCOMES trial to be influenced by correlated polymorphisms in the
ADCY9
(adenylate cyclase type 9) gene (
P
=2.4×10
−8
for rs1967309). Patients with the AA genotype at rs1967309 had a relative reduction of 39% in the risk of presenting a cardiovascular event when treated with dalcetrapib compared with placebo (95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.92). In contrast, patients with the GG genotype had a 27% increase in risk, whereas heterozygotes (AG) presented a neutral result. Supporting evidence from the dal-PLAQUE-2 study using carotid ultrasonography revealed that the polymorphisms tested in the
ADCY9
linkage disequilibrium block were associated with disease regression for patients with the protective genotype, progression for the harmful genotype, and no effect in heterozygotes (
P
≤0.05 and ≤0.01 for 10 and 3 polymorphisms, respectively) when comparing dalcetrapib to placebo. Strikingly concordant and significant genotype-dependent effects of dalcetrapib were also obtained for changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cholesterol efflux capacity. The Dal-GenE randomized trial is currently being conducted in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome bearing the AA genotype at rs1967309 in the
ADCY9
gene to confirm the effects of dalcetrapib on hard cardiovascular outcomes.
Role of Insulin-Stimulated Adipose Tissue Perfusion in the Development of Whole-Body Insulin Resistance
Authors: Emanuel Anna L. , Meijer Rick I. , Muskiet Marcel H.A. , van Raalte Daniël H. , Eringa Etto C. , Serné Erik H.
Published: January 2017

After food ingestion, macronutrients are transported to and stored in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. They can be subsequently used as an energy source in times of energy deprivation. Uptake of these nutrients in myocytes and adipocytes depends largely on adequate tissue perfusion. Interestingly, insulin is able to dilate skeletal muscle arterioles, which facilitates the delivery of macronutrients and insulin itself to muscle tissue. Insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle perfusion is impaired in several insulin-resistant states and is believed to contribute to impaired skeletal muscle glucose uptake and consequently impaired whole-body glucose disposal. Insulin-resistant individuals also exhibit blunted postprandial adipose tissue perfusion. However, the relevance of this impairment to metabolic dysregulation is less clear. In this review, we provide an overview of adipose tissue perfusion in healthy and insulin-resistant individuals, its regulation among others by insulin, and the possible influences of impaired adipose tissue perfusion on whole-body insulin sensitivity. Finally, we propose a novel hypothesis that acute overfeeding impacts distribution of macronutrients by reducing skeletal muscle perfusion, while adipose tissue perfusion remains intact.

Visual Overview—

An online visual overview is available for this article.
Involvement of CETP (Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein) in the Shift of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Among Lipoproteins and in the Modulation of its Functions
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Hara Masumi , Ikeda Hitoshi , Tsukamoto Kazuhisa , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: January 2017

Objective—

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a vasoprotective lipid mediator. About two thirds of plasma S1P rides on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and several pleiotropic properties of HDL have been ascribed to S1P. In human subjects, CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) greatly influences HDL quantities. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the roles of CETP in the metabolism of S1P.

Approach and Results—

We overexpressed CETP in mice that lacked CETP and found that CETP overexpression decreased the HDL level but failed to modulate the levels of S1P and apolipoprotein M (apoM), a carrier of S1P, in the total plasma. We observed, however, that the distribution of S1P and apoM shifted from HDL to apoB-containing lipoproteins. When we administered C
17
S1P bound to apoM-containing lipoprotein, C
17
S1P and apoM were rapidly transferred to apoB-containing lipoproteins in CETP-overexpressing mice. When HDL containing C
17
S1P was mixed with low-density lipoprotein ex vivo, C
17
S1P shifted to the low-density lipoprotein fraction independent of the presence of CETP. Concordant with these results, apoM was distributed mainly to the same fraction as apo AI in a CETP-deficient subject, although apoM was also detected in apo AI–poor fractions in a corresponding hypercholesterolemia subject. About the bioactivities of S1P carried on each lipoprotein, S1P riding on apoB-containing lipoproteins induced the phosphorylation of Akt (AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog) and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and CETP overexpression increased insulin secretion and sensitivity, which was inhibited by an S1P receptor 1 or 3 antagonist.

Conclusions—

CETP modulates the distribution of S1P among lipoproteins, which affects the bioactivities of S1P.
Motivational Salience Modulates Early Visual Cortex Responses across Task Sets
Authors: Rossi Valentina , Vanlessen Naomi , Bayer Mareike , Grass Annika , Pourtois Gilles , Schacht Annekathrin
Published: January 2017

Motivationally relevant stimuli benefit from strengthened sensory processing. It is unclear, however, if motivational value of positive and negative valence has similar or dissociable effects on early visual processing. Moreover, whether these perceptual effects are task-specific, stimulus-specific, or more generally feature-based is unknown. In this study, we compared the effects of positive and negative motivational value on early sensory processing using ERPs. We tested the extent to which these effects could generalize to new task contexts and to stimuli sharing common features with the motivationally significant ones. At the behavioral level, stimuli paired with positive incentives were learned faster than stimuli paired with neutral or negative outcomes. The ERP results showed that monetary loss elicited higher neural activity in V1 (at the C1 level) compared with reward, whereas the latter influenced postperceptual processing stages (P300). Importantly, the early loss-related effect generalized to new contexts and to new stimuli with common features, whereas the later reward effects did not spill over to the new context. These results suggest that acquired negative motivational salience can influence early sensory processing by means of plastic changes in feature-based processing in V1.
A TMS Investigation on the Role of Lateral Occipital Complex and Caudal Intraparietal Sulcus in the Perception of Object Form and Orientation
Authors: Chouinard Philippe A. , Meena Deiter K. , Whitwell Robert L. , Hilchey Matthew D. , Goodale Melvyn A.
Published: January 2017

We used TMS to assess the causal roles of the lateral occipital (LO) and caudal intraparietal sulcus (cIPS) areas in the perceptual discrimination of object features. All participants underwent fMRI to localize these areas using a protocol in which they passively viewed images of objects that varied in both form and orientation. fMRI identified six significant brain regions: LO, cIPS, and the fusiform gyrus, bilaterally. In a separate experimental session, we applied TMS to LO or cIPS while the same participants performed match-to-sample form or orientation discrimination tasks. Compared with sham stimulation, TMS to either the left or right LO increased RTs for form but not orientation discrimination, supporting a critical role for LO in form processing for perception- and judgment-based tasks. In contrast, we did not observe any effects when we applied TMS to cIPS. Thus, despite the clear functional evidence of engagement for both LO and cIPS during the passive viewing of objects in the fMRI experiment, the TMS experiment revealed that cIPS is not critical for making perceptual judgments about their form or orientation.
Speaking Style Influences the Brain's Electrophysiological Response to Grammatical Errors in Speech Comprehension
Authors: Viebahn Malte C. , Ernestus Mirjam , McQueen James M.
Published: January 2017

This electrophysiological study asked whether the brain processes grammatical gender violations in casual speech differently than in careful speech. Native speakers of Dutch were presented with utterances that contained adjective–noun pairs in which the adjective was either correctly inflected with a word-final schwa (e.g., een spannende roman, “a suspenseful novel”) or incorrectly uninflected without that schwa (een spannend roman). Consistent with previous findings, the uninflected adjectives elicited an electrical brain response sensitive to syntactic violations when the talker was speaking in a careful manner. When the talker was speaking in a casual manner, this response was absent. A control condition showed electrophysiological responses for carefully as well as casually produced utterances with semantic anomalies, showing that listeners were able to understand the content of both types of utterance. The results suggest that listeners take information about the speaking style of a talker into account when processing the acoustic–phonetic information provided by the speech signal. Absent schwas in casual speech are effectively not grammatical gender violations. These changes in syntactic processing are evidence of contextually driven neural flexibility.
Mere Exposure: Preference Change for Novel Drinks Reflected in Human Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Ballard Ian C. , Hennigan Kelly , McClure Samuel M.
Published: January 2017

Preferences for novel stimuli tend to develop slowly over many exposures. Psychological accounts of this effect suggest that it depends on changes in the brain's valuation system. Participants consumed a novel fluid daily for 10 days and underwent fMRI on the first and last days. We hypothesized that changes in activation in areas associated with the dopamine system would accompany changes in preference. The change in activation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) between sessions scaled with preference change. Furthermore, a network comprising the sensory thalamus, posterior insula, and ventrolateral striatum showed differential connectivity with the VTA that correlated with individual changes in preference. Our results suggest that the VTA is centrally involved in both assigning value to sensory stimuli and influencing downstream regions to translate these value signals into subjective preference. These results have important implications for models of dopaminergic function and behavioral addiction.
Interindividual Variability and Intraindividual Reliability of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation-induced Neuroplasticity Mechanisms in the Healthy Brain
Authors: Schilberg Lukas , Schuhmann Teresa , Sack Alexander T.
Published: January 2017

We combined patterned TMS with EMG in several sessions of a within-subject design to assess and characterize intraindividual reliability and interindividual variability of TMS-induced neuroplasticity mechanisms in the healthy brain. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was applied over M1 to induce long-term potentiation-like mechanisms as assessed by changes in corticospinal excitability. Furthermore, we investigated the association between the observed iTBS effects and individual differences in prolonged measures of corticospinal excitability. Our results show that iTBS-induced measures of neuroplasticity suffer from high variability between individuals within a single assessment visit and from low reliability within individuals across two assessment visits. This indicates that both group and individual effects of iTBS on corticospinal excitability cannot be assumed to be reliable and therefore need to be interpreted with caution, at least when measured by changes in the amplitudes of motor-evoked potentials.
Fifty Years On
Authors: Heberer Thomas , Heberer Feng-Mei
Published: January 2017

This article takes as its starting point the current discussion in China about how to assess the Cultural Revolution (CR) of 1966–1976 and whether it might recur in one form or another. For readers unfamiliar with this movement, we first present an overview of its origins, course and consequences. Since this modern Chinese trauma is inseparable from the political views and objectives of its initiator, Mao Zedong, the latter’s role will also be addressed. Second, we will show that while the CR is indeed officially a largely unaddressed and under-researched issue in China (frequently described as a taboo), it nevertheless remains the subject of an intensive, ongfoing debate, particularly on the Internet. To illustrate this, we will examine recent public discourse in China to show that a societal reconstruction of collective memory about lessons learned and notions of a recurrence of the CR is actually taking place in a new social space in the form of ‘connective action’. Third, we will enlarge on whether there are indications of the emergence of a new CR under the leadership of Xi Jinping. We conclude that despite leftist voices there are no real indications that the Cultural Revolution will be repeated.
Beyond Actorness
Authors: Müller Lukas Maximilian
Published: January 2017

This paper is concerned with the determining factors of the interregional relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), specifically its institutional proliferation on the three institutional levels of EU-to-ASEAN relations (bi-regionalism), relations inside ASEM (trans-regionalism) as well as relations between the EU and individual ASEAN member states (region-to-state). Commonly, interregional relations are seen as depending on the actorness of the regional organisations involved. This paper proposes an alternative approach, focusing on structural interdependence and agency on the part of both regional actors as the two main determinants of the institutional proliferation. The analysis suggests that levels of political and economic interdependence are low at the bi-regional level and higher at both the trans-regional and region-to-state level, leading to a proliferation of institutional structures at these levels. Additionally, the analysis reveals three unique strategies by ASEAN and the EU contributing to the design of their interregional relationship. For ASEAN, these strategies consist of (1) omni-enmeshment, (2) vertical and horizontal hedging, and (3) the rule of relative institutionalisation. For the EU, these strategies consist of (1) a pragmatic approach towards ASEAN, (2) a widening of interest towards East Asia, and (3) capacity-building bi-regionalism.
Adam Huber of Riesenpach (1545-1613) and his Translation of the Book on Regimen within the Context of the Prague Medical Milieu
Authors: Žemla Martin
Published: January 2017

This paper outlines the life, work, and views of Adam Huber of Riesenpach (1545-1613). Huber was one of the personal physicians to Rudolf II in Prague, a pharmacist, translator, pedagogue, progressive academic and chancellor at Prague University, aiming to re-establish its medical faculty. Here, I will first appraise Huber as a distinguished translator of medical books published by the prominent Prague printer Daniel Adam of Veleslavín (1546-1599) and as a scholar who helped establish Czech medical terminology, most notably through his new translation of the great Herbal of Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501-1577), which he reworked and expanded. In the second part, the article focuses on a popular book on regimen, the De conservanda valetudine (1576) by the German humanist author and politician Heinrich Rantzau (1526-1598), translated into Czech by Huber in 1587. The text and its translation are analysed against the backdrop of the new, more specifically Paracelsian, approaches in medicine. The author’s views are compared with Huber’s own ideas expressed in his foreword and in several of his other texts. His distinctive emphases and views are analysed, particularly in relation to Paracelsian medicine, Renaissance (and notably Piconian) concepts of man, and astrology.
Reinstatement of the Sino-Himalayan species Senecio pentanthus (Asteraceae, Senecioneae)
Authors: TANG MING , REN CHEN , YANG QIN-ER
Published: January 2017

Senecio pentanthus (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) has been previously placed in synonymy with Synotis triligulata. Our critical examination of herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants of S. pentanthus demonstrates that it can be easily distinguished from Syn. triligulata by the leaf serration and the number of phyllaries and florets. We therefore reinstate the independent specific status of S. pentanthus and propose a new combination, i.e. Syn. pentantha. Lectotypification is made for Syn. pentantha herein. A key to all the known species in Syn. ser. Microglossae and Syn. vagans, a species placed in Syn. ser. Erectae but actually more closely similar to those in the former series, is provided.
A new species of Hyalinobatrachium (Centrolenidae: Anura) from Serranía de Perijá, Venezuela
Authors: CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO , AYARZAGÜENA JOSÉ , VILÀ CARLES
Published: January 2017

We describe a new species of Hyalinobatrachium from Serranía de Perijá, Estado de Zulia, Venezuela. The new species is placed in the Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni group and can be differentiated from all other species of Hyalinobatrachium by having small enamelled glands on the lower part of the upper lip and on the skin covering the jaw, iris with a horizontal dark band that connects the pupil with the lateral edges of the eye, marked ulnar and tarsal white enamelled folds, extensive webbing between fingers and between toes, white pericardium and an advertisement call formed by a high-pitched single note composed of two parts: a group of modulated pulses increasing in frequency followed by a long and modulated sound at a constant frequency.
Two new species of Cerithiella (Apogastropoda: Cerithiopsidae) for the continental slope of Pernambuco (northeast Brazil)
Authors: DE LIMA SILVIO FELIPE B. , DE BARROS JOSÉ CARLOS N.
Published: January 2017

Two new species of Cerithiella Verrill, 1882 from the continental shelf of Pernambuco are described for northeast Brazil. Cerithiella cepene n. sp. and C. pernambucoensis n. sp. can be distinguished from C. amblytera (Watson, 1880) and C. enodis (Watson, 1880) based on conchological characters. Cerithiella amblytera and C. enodis are recorded for Brazil, but the soft parts are as yet unknown.
Revision of the Nearctic Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: TANTAWI TAREK I. , WHITWORTH TERRY L. , SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: January 2017

The Nearctic species of Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy are revised and all species are redescribed and/or diagnosed. Diagnostic characters to permit reliable identification of both sexes of Calliphora aldrichia (Shannon) and C. montana (Shannon) and detailed distributional records for both species are provided for the first time. A lectotype is designated for Calliphora loewi Enderlein, 1903. A revised key to the 13 species of Nearctic Calliphora is also included. The key is based on examination of over 1,000 specimens from across North America and the structure of the terminalia of both sexes of each species. Complete illustrations of the terminalia of both sexes are provided for all species, including those of eight poorly known species: Calliphora alaskensis (Shannon), C. aldrichia (Shannon), C. coloradensis Hough, C. grahami Aldrich, C. latifrons Hough, C. livida Hall, C. montana (Shannon) and C. terraenovae Macquart. The female terminalia of C. alaskensis, C. aldrichia, C. coloradensis, C. livida and C. montana are illustrated for the first time. Barcode data for all 13 species of Nearctic Calliphora are provided, several for the first time. Results support current species concepts but barcodes failed to distinguish C. aldrichia and C. montana.
New species of Hammerschmidtiella Chitwood, 1932, and Blattophila Cobb, 1920, and new geographical records for Severianoia annamensis Van Luc & Spiridonov, 1993 (Nematoda: Oxyurida: Thelastomatoidea) from Cockroaches (Insecta: Blattaria) in Ohio and Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: CARRENO RAMON A.
Published: January 2017

Two new species of thelastomatid nematodes parasitic in the hindgut of cockroaches are described. Hammerschmidtiella keeneyi n. sp. is described from a laboratory colony of Diploptera punctata (Eschscholtz, 1822) from a facility in Ohio, U. S. A. This species is characterized by having females with a short tail and males smaller than those described from other species. The new species also differs from others in the genus by a number of differing measurements that indicate a distinct identity, including esophageal, tail, and egg lengths as well as the relative position of the excretory pore. Blattophila peregrinata n. sp. is described from Periplaneta australasiae (Fabricius, 1775) and Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) in a greenhouse from Ohio, U.S.A. and from wild P. surinamensis in southern Florida, U.S.A. This species differs from others in the genus by having a posteriorly directed vagina, vulva in the anterior third of the body, no lateral alae in females, and eggs with an operculum. In P. surinamensis from southern Florida, an additional species, Severianoia annamensis Van Luc & Spiridonov, 1993 was found and did not co-parasitize the host with B. peregrinata n. sp. Blattophila peregrinata n. sp. and S. annamensis also occur in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, indicating that these have a widespread global range.
A new species of Mada Gordon from the Andes (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Epilachnini)
Authors: SZAWARYN KAROL , GONZÁLEZ GUILLERMO
Published: January 2017

Although Gordon (1975) revised the herbivorous ladybirds of the New World, the taxonomy of this group in the Americas is still poorly studied. Some recent efforts have been made at the generic (Szawaryn 2015b) as well as species level (Szawaryn 2015a; González & Gómez 2013; González 2015) to describe and improve our knowledge of the systematics of Neotropical Epilachnini, but they still need more investigation.
The Role of Downward Infrared Radiation in the Recent Arctic Winter Warming Trend
Authors: Gong Tingting , Feldstein Steven , Lee Sukyoung
Published: January 2017

During the past three decades, the most rapid warming at the surface has occurred during the Arctic winter. By analyzing daily ERA-Interim data, it is found that the majority of the winter warming trend north of 70°N can be explained by the trend in the downward infrared radiation (IR). This downward IR trend can be attributed to an enhanced poleward flux of moisture and sensible heat into the Arctic by poleward-propagating Rossby waves, which increases the total column water and temperature within this region. This enhanced moisture flux is mostly due to changes in the planetary-scale atmospheric circulation rather than an increase in moisture in lower latitudes. The results of this study lead to the question of whether Arctic amplification has mostly arisen through changes in the Rossby wave response to greenhouse gas forcing and its impact on moisture transport into the Arctic.
Reflections on a Research Career: Research as Detective Work
Authors: Zigmond Naomi
Published: January 2017

The CEC Research Award recognizes researchers for the significant contributions they have made to special education. We believe that the members of this distinguished group have much to share with our readers. We have invited each of them to contribute an article, addressing their perspectives on special education research and practices. Naomi Zigmond was awarded the Research Award in 1997. This article by Naomi Zigmond presents her perspective of research as detective work, starting from the investigation of dyslexia, and progressing over time to such topics as the design of secondary education for students with learning disabilities, dropouts, classroom and instructional variables, and educating students with chronic medical problems in inclusive schools.
Creating Responsive Schools: Contextualizing Early Warning, Timely Response
Authors: Dwyer Kevin P. , Osher David , Hoffman Catherine C.
Published: January 2017

Building upon extensive research, Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools asserts that schools can prevent violence and its preceding behaviors by providing a supportive schoolwide climate and responding early to at-risk students' academic and behavioral problems. The Guide's fundamental premise is that none of its recommended policies or procedures should be used to harm or label children. It stresses developing climates that avert violence and its precursors, through prevention approaches, collaboration, and clear and effective policies. Early and imminent warning signs are highlighted, as are procedures for developing appropriate responses to warning signs, including interventions and crisis plans. The Guide's blueprint can be used and adapted to prevent violence and develop safe and effective schools and communities.
Behavioral and Discipline Provisions of IDEA '97: Implicit Competencies Yet to Be Confirmed
Authors: Smith Carl R.
Published: January 2017

This article explores the status of implementation of the behavioral and discipline requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Data are presented from complaints, hearings, and court decisions related to the areas of functional behavioral assessments, manifestation determinations, individualized education program (IEP) behavioral planning, behavioral intervention programs, and alternative educational settings. The overall discrepancy between competency expectations for IEP teams and current performance appears significant at this time. Implications of this performance discrepancy are discussed.
College Programs for Able High School Students in California
Authors: Twitchell Theodore Grant
Published: January 2017

Data on college programs for able high school students were collected from 84 colleges and universities in the state of California. Selected students -were asked to respond to questions about their experiences in these programs. A statistical analysis of the relationship between students' high school and college subject marks was completed for 112 students from southern California. Significant differences were found between students' high school and college subject marks.
Verbal Deficit in Children with Hearing Loss
Authors: Roach Robert E. , Rosecrans C. J.
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to explore the relation between language and/or verbal ability and reduced auditory acuity at discrete frequencies and various frequency bands in children with high frequency impairment. Correlations reveal significant relationships between reduced hearing levels at 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 3,000 cps and lowered verbal ability as measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.
Development of Maturity in Deaf Children
Authors: Schlesinger Hilde S. , Meadow Kathryn P.
Published: January 2017

Research findings reporting teacher-counselor ratings of deaf children from differing home and school settings show significant differences in assessments for maturity. An analysis of various developmental crises for which deafness has a definite impact is presented, based on Erikson's theory of epigenetic development. Both research findings and theoretical analysts point to the conclusion that immaturity is not a necessary consequence of auditory deprivation.
The Measurement of Attentional Deficits
Authors: Anderson Robert P. , Halcomb Charles G. , Doyle Robert B.
Published: January 2017

A new methodological procedure has been developed based on the vigilance task for investigating attentional deficits. The subject is directed to respond to visual signals which occur randomly within a temporal sequence of visual events noted as a pattern of flashing lights. The procedures successfully differentiate between children with learning disabilities and normal control subjects. The procedure allows attentional deficits in children to be studied in such a way as to bring variables not previously controlled under experimental scrutiny. The procedure has potentialities as a diagnostic tool.
Innovation in Speech Therapy: A Cost Effective Program
Authors: Alvord David J.
Published: January 2017

Results of a program for treating mild to moderately speech disordered children through the use of trained paraprofessional aides are discussed. Data reveal that the use of trained aides in treating mild to moderately speech disordered children resulted in no significant difference in achievement when compared to achievement of clinician treated children. A reduction in clinician case loads of mild to moderately speech disordered children was also achieved through the program, thus leaving more time for clinicians to work with severely disordered children and to increase the incidence of work with individual children.
A Bandwagon without Music: Preparing Rural Special Educators
Authors: Marrs Lawrence W.
Published: January 2017

The bandwagon has finally reached rural America. This article discusses important considerations for those who would board this bandwagon carrying baggage which includes preconceived ideas about using traditional special education programs to prepare special educators for rural areas. Competencies and curriculum elements which should be included in preservice programs are discussed.
Implementing a Prereferral Intervention System: Part I. The Model
Authors: Graden Janet L. , Casey Ann , Christenson Sandra L.
Published: January 2017

This is the first of two articles on implementing a prereferral intervention model as the first step in the special education services delivery system. A description of the model and rationale for it are provided. In the follow-up article, which will appear in the April issue of Exceptional Children, implementation of the model and its effects on consultation, testing, and placement practices are described.
School Choice Policies and Practices for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Lange Cheryl M. , Ysseldyke James E.
Published: January 2017

A major missing piece in the current debate about school choice is the impact of these policies on students with disabilities. In this article, findings from 6 years of research on implications of school choice for students with disabilities are synthesized. We used multiple methodologies to conduct a set of 12 quantitative and qualitative studies. Participation rates, reasons for transfer, impact on students with disabilities, and school districts were investigated for three of the most popular school choice options. Students with disabilities are participating in school choice options. Their reasons for transfer are often related to special education programs and services. Findings provide needed information for policymakers, educators, parents, and students as states propose, pass, and implement school choice legislation.
Lifestyles of Students with Visual Impairments: Preliminary Studies of Social Networks
Authors: Sacks Sharon Zell , Wolffe Karen E. , Tierney Deborah
Published: January 2017

In this investigation, we examined how adolescents and young adults (15- to 21-year-olds) with visual impairments spent their time engaged in academic, social, daily living, and vocational pursuits in comparison to youth without visual impairments. We conducted two studies: (a) a quantitative analysis between matched pairs of visually impaired and sighted adolescents, and (b) a qualitative analysis involving students with visual impairments only. Both studies identified socialization and career development as areas where students with visual impairments may need additional supports to achieve life success.
Does Exchange Rate Influence External Trade?
Authors: Kong Duk Ahm , Sakthivel
Published: January 2017

External sector reforms, such as trade liberalisation, exchange rate reforms, etc. are vital elements in the economic reforms agenda of any liberalising economy. Does devaluation/depreciation act as an effective instrument in curing the ills of external payment account? This study essentially attempts to investigate the impact of depreciation/devaluation on Indian trade accounts. The study employs monthly data on trade and effective exchange rate series, culled out from IMF and RBI statistics, for the period spanning 1984 to 1998, in effect capturing both pre and postreform period. An examination of different individual series relating to India's external accounts, such as import, export, balance of trade, nominal effective exchange rate and real effective exchange rate based both on trade and export-based weights were undertaken. It shows that all the external account series are trend-stationary. Subsequently, results emerging from regression analysis reveal that export does not seem to have positively responded to devaluation/depreciation measures as well as other exchange rate policy changes. Trends in import appear to have accelerated in the post-reform period. Therefore, it is suggested that singular and undue importance on the exchange rate management as a policy instrument may not give the desired results.
Y-Chromosome Bodies in Brain and Kidney: The Normal Variation and an Unexpected Finding in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Thomsen Jørgen L.
Published: January 2017

The variation in the number of detectable Y-body like particles from brain and kidney was investigated in 223 males and 122 females. There was found to be a decreasing number in males with increasing age. The frequency of false negatives (≤ 10 per cent) in male brains was 1 per cent, in kidneys 5 per cent. The frequency of false positives (> 10 per cent) in female brains was 34 per cent, in kidneys 10 per cent. In brain tissue from boys where the cause of death was given as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) was found the highest number of fluorescent Y-body like particles, although not quite significant, and frequently more than one in each cell. The hypothesis is presented that some of these represent virus inclusion bodies and that the cause of SIDS may be virus encephalitis.
The Use of Electrodermal Responses in a Case of Amnesia (A Case Report)
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H.
Published: January 2017

This article presents an attempt to use an electrodermal apparatus in order to establish the identity of an amnesic patient. By employing items of high personal relevance it proved possible to detect some useful information from the patient, although she claimed to be unaware of the information sought. There was a marked increase in electrodermal responsivity to items of personal relevance as the patient admitted more awareness of her past history, suggesting that detect-ability may improve with heightened conscious awareness.
The Threat of Computer Crime: Identifying the Problem and Formulating a Response at Force Level
Authors: Bliss Andy , Harfield Clive
Published: January 2017

Computers impact on many aspects of daily life and increasingly are utilized in a wide range of criminal activities. They facilitate actions which might come to be considered criminal but which, as yet, are not illegal and they have affected the nature of victimization. Inevitably police forces are having to come to terms with this new phenomenon. This article presents research undertaken by Sussex Police in identifying the extent of the potential problem (elsewhere previous studies have focused on the nature of the problem) and in formulating a response. The work was undertaken by a Computer Crime Working Group of 15 officers and specialist support staff, including the present authors. The Group's Report was submitted to the Sussex Police Crime Management Sub-Committee in December 1996.
Preschool Vision Screening in Primary Care Pediatric Practice
Authors: Hered Robert W. , Wood David L.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We determined the efficacy of pediatric-based preschool vision screening, as knowledge of vision screening effectiveness in primary care pediatrics is incomplete.

Methods.

Pediatricians and staff at nine primary care pediatric practices were trained in vision screening, and practices screened children aged 3–5 years from May 2007 through July 2008. Children failing or considered untestable were referred for pediatric ophthalmology examinations We determined rates of testability, failure, referral, and ophthalmologic examination completion, as well as positive predictive values (PPVs) of screening failure and untestability We also surveyed practices to assess the ease and accuracy of preschool vision screening.

Results.

Of 2,933 children screened, 93 (3.2%) failed the vision screening and 349 (11.9%) were untestable. Untestability was highest (27.1%) among 3-year-olds. The PPV for failing any aspect of the vision screening was 66.7%; for children aged 3, 4, and 5 years, the PPVs for failing were 30.0%, 77.8%, and 87.5%, respectively However, only 38.7% of children who failed the vision screening received ophthalmologic examinations, despite multiple follow-up attempts Pediatricians rated the ease and accuracy of screening 3-year-old children lower than for screening older children.

Conclusions.

Visual acuity-based screening had good PPV for vision loss for 4- and 5-year-old children but was less successful for 3-year-olds. Rates of referral and ophthalmologic examination completion were low, especially among children from low-income families.
Ketamine: Parenteral Anaesthesia for Tonsillectomy
Authors: Odetoyinbo O
Published: January 2017

A total of 67 Nigerians aged 6–43 years had ton-sillectomy using ketamine hydrochloride as the sole anaesthetic agent. The patients were not intubated. Pharyngeal movement and laryngospasm were effectively eliminated with preoperative lignocaine (Xylocaine) spray.

The recovery period was prolonged. Pulse and blood pressure were elevated by 10–20% in all the patients for up to 10 hours. But there was no chest complication.

It is concluded that ketamine hydrochloride is a safe alternative to endotracheal anaesthesia for ton-sillectomy when the latter is not available.
People v. Palmer: Amnesia and Competency to Proceed Revisited
Authors: Miller Robert D.
Published: January 2017

Claims of amnesia are quite common in defendants charged with serious crimes, and courts have rarely dealt adequately with the problem. The Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court recently did attempt to deal with the substantive issues in a case of first impression in the state. This article discusses those decisions in the context of a detailed review of the case law, clinical, and legal articles on the subject and concludes that, at least in the case of temporary amnesia, courts should defer final determinations of competency to stand trial until adequate efforts to evaluate and treat amnestic defendants have been made.
Italian children's use of verb and noun morphology during the preschool years
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Caselli M. Cristina , Devescovi Antonella
Published: January 2017

Five groups of Italian-speaking children ages 2 to 7 years participated in tasks designed to assess their use of a range of grammatical morphemes. Present tense verb inflections and noun plural inflections reached ceiling levels by 4 years of age, whereas present tense copula forms and definite singular articles showed high accuracy levels by 5 years of age. Errors on present tense inflections were rarely infinitives. Instead, most errors could be characterized as ‘near misses’ – productions of forms that differed from the target by a single feature of person or number. Many of these one-feature errors were directional; first person forms were more likely to be replaced by third person forms than the reverse, and plural forms were more likely to be substituted by singular forms than the opposite pattern. Errors of this type are not handled by models of grammatical development that deal with broader constructs such as the availability or optionality of tense or finiteness.
The Problem-Based Learning Tutorial: Cultivating Higher Order Thinking Skills
Authors: Hmelo Cindy E. , Ferrari Michel
Published: January 2017

In today's information age, it is increasingly important to help learners develop higher order thinking skills as well as a flexible knowledge base. Research in cognitive science and education suggests that both of these aims can be achieved by having students learn through solving problems. Problem-based learning (PBL), with its emphasis on both strategies and content, is particularly well suited to achieving these aims. In PBL, student learning begins with a problem to be solved and includes cycles of reflection on the problem-solving experience. This paper will discuss the tutorial process in PBL and how it can be used to cultivate higher order thinking skills.
An Action Research Study of the Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Promoting the Acquisition and Retention of Knowledge
Authors: Dods Richard F.
Published: January 2017

This action research study compares the efficacies of problem-based learning (PBL), traditional lecture, and a combination of PBL and traditional lecture to promote understanding and retention of the principle content of an elective science course, biochemistry, taught at a school for talented students. The study utilizes a pre- and post-course self-evaluation of student understanding, a measure of depth of understanding, and a questionnaire designed to determine student satisfaction. Lecture tended to widen the content coverage, while understanding and retention was promoted by PBL. Curriculum must be designed to provide a balance between content coverage and depth of understanding. Due to previous training and perceived needs, students sometimes demand more content coverage than is necessary for a complete and adequate education.
Acoustic Tumors: Preoperative Measurement and Correlation with Postoperative Facial Nerve Function
Authors: Ruth Harry R. , Luetje Charles M. , Whittaker C. Keith
Published: January 2017

The cases of 67 patients consecutively operated on for acoustic tumors are reported. Preoperative records consist of tumor size and the position of the fourth ventricle on computerized tomography (CT) scans. An analysis is made of the immediate postoperative and current function of the facial nerves. There is a statistically significant relationship between the number of weak or paralyzed seventh nerves and displacement of the fourth ventricle (P <. 05). It is now possible to accurately measure acoustic tumors on preoperative CT scans. The position of the fourth ventricle can also be clearly seen. The current standard of diagnosis and management of acoustic tumors should include a cursor measurement of tumor size on CT scan and a notation of the position of the fourth ventricle. Adoption of this method of reporting will permit meaningful evaluation of treatment for acoustic tumors. This analysis illustrates the importance of accurate measurements in reporting and evaluating surgical results.
Facial Nerve Identification in Children
Authors: Farrior Jay B. , Santini Hector
Published: January 2017

A surgical technique utilizing common anatomic landmarks has been developed to aid in the safe identification of the facial nerve in children. Anatomic dissections demonstrated that the facial nerve trunk can be consistently found in a triangle formed by the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and cartilaginous ear canal. Because of the superficial course of the facial nerve in infants and the underdevelopment of surrounding structures, the standard techniques for identification of the facial nerve trunk in adults would jeopardize the nerve in children, and an alternative technique for identifying the facial nerve has been developed.
Midfacial Fractures: Importance of Angle of Impact to Horizontal Craniofacial Buttresses
Authors: Stanley Robert B. , Nowak George M.
Published: January 2017

The complex nature of midfacial fractures is a result of the interaction of impact forces and inherent resistance of the facial bones to displacement. Analysis of fractures created in cadavers shows that impact forces angled obliquely to the horizontal craniofacial buttresses cause LeFort II‐I fractures with inferior and posterior displacement of the midface. Forces directed head‐on to the buttresses cause LeFort II—I fractures with inferior rotation of the midface around the lower ends of the pterygoid plates. It appears that the point of impact is of lesser importance in creating midfacial fractures than is the angle of impact in relation to the horizontal craniofacial buttresses. This may explain why victims of equal impact forces at the same level on the face suffer widely varying injuries.