bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Diagnostic Value of Electrical Ear Canal Stimulation in Cochlear Implant Candidates by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Neumann Katrin , Preibisch Christine , Spreer Joachim , Raab Peter , Hamm John , Euler Harald A. , Lanfermann Heinrich , Helbig Silke , Kiefer Jan
Published: April 2008

Prior to cochlear implant (CI) surgery in children, the integrity of the auditory pathway is sometimes assessed by electrical ear canal stimulation (ECS). However, the evaluation of reactions as auditory is subjective. To test the prognostic value of ECS, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed during ECS vicariously in 18 adult CI candidates. Activation of the primary auditory cortex was detected in 9 of 16 cases when auditory sensations during ECS occurred, and tended to be more bilaterally distributed in CI candidates than in normal-hearing controls. ECS sensations only tended to correlate with fMRI activations. However, solely frequency discrimination during electrical stimulation predicted CI outcome, but neither other auditory sensations nor fMRI activations did so satisfactorily, which limits the diagnostic value of these measures. Instead, preoperative residual hearing (nonamplified and amplified) was a robust predictor for CI benefit.
Does the Endothelium Abolish or Promote Arterial Vasomotion in Rat Mesenteric Arteries? Explanations for the Seemingly Contradictory Effects
Authors: Seppey Dominique , Sauser Roger , Koenigsberger Michèle , Bény Jean-Louis , Meister Jean-Jacques
Published: April 2008

Background and Aims: Vasomotion consists in cyclic oscillations of the arterial diameter induced by the synchronized activity of the smooth muscle cells. So far, contradictory results have emerged in the literature about the role of the endothelium in the onset and maintenance of vasomotion. Here our aim is to understand how the endothelium may either abolish or promote vasomotion. Methods and Results: We investigate rat mesenteric arterial strips stimulated with phenylephrine (PE). Our results show that the endothelium is not necessary for vasomotion. However, when the endothelium is removed, the PE concentration needed to induce vasomotion is lower and the rhythmic contractions occur for a narrower range of PE concentrations. We demonstrate that endothelium-derived relaxing products may either induce or abolish vasomotion. On the one hand, when the strip is tonically contracted in a nonoscillating state, an endothelium-derived relaxation may induce vasomotion. On the other hand, if the strip displays vasomotion with a medium mean contraction, a relaxation may induce a transition to a nonoscillating state with a small contraction. Conclusion: Our findings clarify the role of the endothelium on vasomotion and reconcile the seemingly contradictory observations reported in the literature.
Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome and Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Nakajima Koji , Nakano Hajime , Takiyoshi Noriko , Rokunohe Akiko , Ikenaga Satsuki , Aizu Takayuki , Kaneko Takahide , Mitsuhashi Yoshihiko , Sawamura Daisuke
Published: April 2008

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal-recessive genodermatosis characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and severe early-onset periodontitis. The development of malignant cutaneous neoplasms within the hyperkeratotic lesions of the syndrome is quite rare. Here, we report on a 51-year-old Japanese woman with PLS associated with recurrent malignant melanoma (MM). Mutation analysis of the cathepsin C gene revealed that the proband was homozygous for a missense mutation, c.415G→A, which is predicted to result in the amino acid substitution p.G139R. Including our case, 4 families have been described as having PLS with MM, 3 of which are Japanese, implying a high incidence of melanoma development in Japanese PLS patients. We suggest that hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) in Japanese patients might be predisposed to MM. A literature review revealed that in 18 cases of MM-associated PPK, 13 (76%) were Japanese, suggesting a high incidence of MM in Japanese PPK patients. This tendency might be attributable to the high frequency of acral lentiginous melanoma in Japanese subjects, in contrast to a lower frequency of this subtype in Caucasians.
Depression on Dialysis
Authors: Chilcot Joseph , Wellsted David , Da Silva-Gane Maria , Farrington Ken
Published: April 2008

Depression is the most common psychopathological condition among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet it is still under-recognized and misdiagnosed. Depression reduces quality of life and has a negative clinical impact upon sufferers with chronic illness, including ESRD. This article discusses the negative effects of depression among the ESRD population treated with dialysis, the prevalence of the condition, the methodological issues involved with screening and treatment, and the possible psychological and somatic causes. There is a need to identify the prevalence of the disorder by effective methods, overcome the current issues surrounding depression assessment and to undertake trials of suitable treatments.
Correlations of Sialic Acid with Markers of Inflammation, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tseke Paraskevi , Grapsa Eirini , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Samouilidou Elizabeth , Rammos George , Papamichael Christos , Zakopoulos Nikolaos
Published: April 2008

Background: Serum total sialic acid (S-TSA) is associated with atherosclerotic process in general population. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible correlations of S-TSA with markers of inflammation and atherosclerosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: We involved 53 asymptomatic, nondiabetic HD patients and 28 healthy controls. Atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid ultrasonography, estimating intima media wall thickness and wall to lumen ratio bilaterally. To confirm our findings, we performed a 32-month cohort study, during which cardiovascular (CV) events were analyzed in relation to S-TSA concentration. Results: HD patients had higher S-TSA compared to controls (adjusted OR: 1.04, p = 0.026). In HD patients, S-TSA independently correlated with hs-CRP (p < 0.0001), lipoprotein(a) (p = 0.02), intima media wall thickness (p = 0.023) and wall to lumen ratio (p = 0.028). Increased S-TSA concentration was associated with more CV events (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Serum TSA seems to correlate with inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis and CV events in nondiabetic HD patients, but more studies need to confirm our findings.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulates Basal Microvascular Tone in Humans In Vivo
Authors: Seddon Michael D. , Chowienczyk Philip J. , Brett Sally E. , Casadei Barbara , Shah Ajay M.
Published: April 2008

Background—

Nitric oxide (NO) has a pivotal role in the regulation of vascular tone and blood flow, with dysfunctional release contributing to disease pathophysiology. These effects have been attributed to NO production by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS); however, recent evidence suggests that a neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) may also be expressed in arterial vessels.

Methods and Results—

We undertook a first-in-humans investigation of the role of nNOS in the local regulation of vascular blood flow in healthy subjects. Brachial artery infusion of the nNOS-specific inhibitor
S
-methyl-
l
-thiocitrulline (SMTC, 0.025 μmol/min to 0.2 μmol/min) caused a dose-dependent reduction in basal flow, with a 30.1±3.8% decrease at the highest dose (n=10; mean±SE;
P
<0.01). The effect of SMTC was abolished by coinfusion of the NO synthase substrate
l
-arginine but was unaffected by
d
-arginine. A similar reduction in basal flow with the nonselective NO synthase inhibitor
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine (L-NMMA; 37.4±3.1%, n=10) required a 20-fold higher dose of 4 μmol/min. At doses that produced comparable reductions in basal flow, only L-NMMA (4 μmol/min) and not SMTC (0.2 μmol/min) inhibited acetylcholine-induced vasodilation; however, both SMTC and L-NMMA inhibited the forearm vasodilator response to mental stress.

Conclusions—

Basal forearm blood flow in humans is regulated by nNOS-derived NO, in contrast to the acetylcholine-stimulated increase in blood flow, which, as shown previously, is mediated primarily by eNOS. These data indicate that vascular nNOS has a distinct local role in the physiological regulation of human microvascular tone in vivo.
Menopausal Complaints Are Associated With Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Gast Gerrie-Cor M. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Pop Victor J.M. , Keyzer Jules J. , Wijnands-van Gent Colette J.M. , Samsioe Göran N. , Nilsson Peter M. , van der Schouw Yvonne T.
Published: April 2008

It has been hypothesized that women with vasomotor symptoms differ from those without with respect to cardiovascular risk factors or responses to exogenous hormone therapy. We studied whether the presence and extent of menopausal complaints are associated with cardiovascular risk profile. Data were used from a population-based sample of 5523 women, aged 46 to 57 years, enrolled between 1994 and 1995. Data on menopausal complaints and potential confounders were collected by questionnaires. Total cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and body mass index were measured. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Night sweats were reported by 38% and flushing by 39% of women. After multivariate adjustment, women with complaints of flushing had a 0.27-mmol/L (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.39) higher cholesterol level, a 0.60-kg/m
2
(95% CI: 0.35 to 0.84) higher BMI, a 1.59-mm Hg (95% CI: 0.52 to 2.67) higher systolic blood pressure, and a 1.09-mm Hg (95% CI: 0.48 to 1.69) higher diastolic blood pressure compared with asymptomatic women. Flushing was also associated with hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.84) and hypertension (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.34). Results were similar for complaints of night sweating. The findings support the view that menopausal complaints are associated with a less favorable cardiovascular risk profile. These findings substantiate the view that differences in the presence of menopausal symptoms as a reason for using hormone therapy could explain discrepant findings between observational research and trials.
Collecting Duct-Derived Endothelin Regulates Arterial Pressure and Na Excretion via Nitric Oxide
Authors: Schneider Markus P. , Ge Yuqiang , Pollock David M. , Pollock Jennifer S. , Kohan Donald E.
Published: April 2008

Mice with a collecting duct-specific deletion of endothelin-1 are hypertensive and have impaired Na excretion. Because endothelin-1 activates NO synthase (NOS) in the collecting duct, we hypothesized that impaired renal NO production in knockout mice exacerbates the hypertensive state. Control and knockout mice were treated chronically with
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester, and blood pressure (BP) and urinary nitrate/nitrite excretion were assessed. On a normal Na diet, knockout systolic BP was 18 mm Hg greater than in controls.
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester increased BP in control mice by 30 mm Hg and 10 mm Hg in collecting duct-specific deletion of endothelin-1 knockout mice, thereby abolishing the difference in systolic BP between the groups. A high-Na diet increased BP similarly in both groups. Urinary nitrate/nitrite excretion was lower in knockout mice than in controls on normal or high Na intake. In separate experiments, renal perfusion pressure was adjusted in anesthetized mice, and urinary nitrate/nitrite and Na excretion were determined. Similar elevations of BP increased urinary Na and nitrate/nitrite excretion in control mice but to a significantly lesser extent in knockout mice. Isoform-specific NOS activity and expression were determined in renal inner medulla homogenates from control and knockout mice. NOS1 and NOS3 activities were lower in knockout than in control mice given normal or high-Na diets. However, NOS1 or NOS3 protein expressions were similar in both groups on normal or high-Na intake. These data demonstrate that collecting duct-derived endothelin-1 is important in the following: (1) chronic
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester–induced hypertension; (2) full expression of pressure-dependent changes in sodium excretion; and (3) control of inner medullary NOS1 and NOS3 activity.
Atrial Fibrillation and Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Authors: Vagaonescu Tudor D. , Wilson Alan C. , Kostis John B.
Published: April 2008

We performed a post hoc analysis of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program database to assess the incidence of atrial fibrillation in the elderly hypertensive population, its influence on cardiovascular events, and whether antihypertensive treatment can prevent its onset. The Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 4736 subjects with isolated systolic hypertension aged ≥60 years. Atrial fibrillation was an exclusion criterion from the trial. Participants were randomly assigned to stepped care treatment with chlorthalidone and atenolol (n=2365) or placebo (n=2371). The occurrence of atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular events over 4.7 years as well as the determination of cause of death at 4.7 and 14.3 years were followed. Ninety-eight subjects (2.06%) developed atrial fibrillation over 4.7 years mean follow-up, without significant difference between treated and placebo groups. Atrial fibrillation increased the risk for: total cardiovascular events (RR 1.69; 95% CI 1.21 to 2.36), rapid death (RR 3.29; 95% CI 1.08 to 10.00), total (RR 5.10; 95% CI 3.12 to 8.37) and nonfatal left ventricular failure (RR 5.31; 95% CI 3.09 to 9.13). All-cause and total cardiovascular death were significantly increased in the atrial fibrillation group at 4.7 years (HR 3.44; 95% CI 2.18 to 5.42; HR 2.39; 95% CI 1.05 to 5.43) and 14.3 years follow-up (HR 2.33; 95% CI 1.83 to 2.98; HR 2.21; 95% CI 1.54 to 3.17). Atrial fibrillation increased the risk for total cardiovascular events, rapid death, and left ventricular failure. All-cause mortality and total cardiovascular mortality were significantly increased in hypertensives with atrial fibrillation at 4.7 and 14.3 years follow-up.
Relating Real-Time Backpropagation and Backpropagation-Through-Time: An Application of Flow Graph Interreciprocity
Authors: Beaufays Françoise , Wan Eric A.
Published: April 2008

We show that signal flow graph theory provides a simple way to relate two popular algorithms used for adapting dynamic neural networks, real-time backpropagation and backpropagation-through-time. Starting with the flow graph for real-time backpropagation, we use a simple transposition to produce a second graph. The new graph is shown to be interreciprocal with the original and to correspond to the backpropagation-through-time algorithm. Interreciprocity provides a theoretical argument to verify that both flow graphs implement the same overall weight update.
Computing Stereo Disparity and Motion with Known Binocular Cell Properties
Authors: Qian Ning
Published: April 2008

Many models for stereo disparity computation have been proposed, but few can be said to be truly biological. There is also a rich literature devoted to physiological studies of stereopsis. Cells sensitive to binocular disparity have been found in the visual cortex, but it is not clear whether these cells could be used to compute disparity maps from stereograms. Here we propose a model for biological stereo vision based on known receptive field profiles of binocular cells in the visual cortex and provide the first demonstration that these cells could effectively solve random dot stereograms. Our model also allows a natural integration of stereo vision and motion detection. This may help explain the existence of units tuned to both disparity and motion in the visual cortex.
Cytotaxonomic considerations with the description of two new NOR locations for South American toads, genus Bufo (Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Baldissera Flavio A. , Batistic Radenka F. , Haddad Célio F.B.
Published: April 2008

Cytogenetic studies were made on Brazilian Bufo: B. marinus, B. paracnemis, B. ictericus, B. rufus, B. arenarum, B. crucifer, Bufo granulosus, B. pygmaeus and B. margaritifer (= B. typhonius). All these species had a typical karyotype of 2n = 22. Species from the marinus and crucifer groups had NORs on Chromosome 7, species from the granulosus group had NORs on Chromosome 5, and B. margaritifer had NORs on Chromosome 10. The last two locations of NORs are described for the first time for the genus Bufo in South America.
Northern Hemisphere Extratropical Cyclones: A Comparison of Detection and Tracking Methods and Different Reanalyses
Authors: Raible C. C. , Della-Marta P. M. , Schwierz C. , Wernli H. , Blender R.
Published: April 2008

The applicability of three different cyclone detection and tracking schemes is investigated with reanalysis datasets. First, cyclone climatologies and cyclone characteristics of the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) are compared with the NCEP–NCAR dataset using one method. ERA-40 shows systematically more cyclones, and therefore a higher cyclone center density, than the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis dataset. Geostrophically adjusted geopotential height gradients around cyclone centers, a measure of cyclone intensity, are enhanced in ERA-40 compared with the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis dataset. The variability of the number of cyclones per season is significantly correlated between the two reanalysis datasets, but time series of the extreme cyclone intensity exhibit a higher correlation. This suggests that the cyclone intensity is a more robust measure of variability than the number of cyclones. Second, three cyclone detection and tracking schemes are compared, based on the ERA-40 dataset. In general the schemes show a good correspondence. The approaches differ in technical aspects associated with the cyclone identification and the tracking procedure, leading to deviations in cyclone track length. However, it is often not clear which scheme is correct or incorrect. With the application of lifetime thresholds, some of the cyclone tracks are too short to be included in statistical measures of cyclones. Nevertheless, consequences of these differences in mean cyclone characteristics are minor, but for specific research questions—for example, what is the cyclone activity in the Mediterranean in winter—the users should be aware of these potential differences and adjust their scheme if necessary. A trend analysis of cyclone characteristics shows that results appear to be sensitive to both the choice of cyclone detection and tracking schemes and the reanalysis dataset.
Diagnosis and Optimization of Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Vukicevic Tomislava , Jankov Isidora , McGinley John
Published: April 2008

In the current study, a technique that offers a way to evaluate ensemble forecast uncertainties produced either by initial conditions or different model versions, or both, is presented. The technique consists of first diagnosing the performance of the forecast ensemble and then optimizing the ensemble forecast using results of the diagnosis. The technique is based on the explicit evaluation of probabilities that are associated with the Gaussian stochastic representation of the weather analysis and forecast. It combines an ensemble technique for evaluating the analysis error covariance and the standard Monte Carlo approach for computing samples from a known Gaussian distribution. The technique was demonstrated in a tutorial manner on two relatively simple examples to illustrate the impact of ensemble characteristics including ensemble size, various observation strategies, and configurations including different model versions and varying initial conditions. In addition, the authors assessed improvements in the consensus forecasts gained by optimal weighting of the ensemble members based on time-varying, prior-probabilistic skill measures. The results with different observation configurations indicate that, as observations become denser, there is a need for larger-sized ensembles and/or more accuracy among individual members for the ensemble forecast to exhibit prediction skill. The main conclusions relative to ensembles built up with different physics configurations were, first, that almost all members typically exhibited some skill at some point in the model run, suggesting that all should be retained to acquire the best consensus forecast; and, second, that the normalized probability metric can be used to determine what sets of weights or physics configurations are performing best. A comparison of forecasts derived from a simple ensemble mean to forecasts from a mean developed from variably weighting the ensemble members based on prior performance by the probabilistic measure showed that the latter had substantially reduced mean absolute error. The study also indicates that a weighting scheme that utilized more prior cycles showed additional reduction in forecast error.
Endovascular Embolization of a Giant Renal Artery Aneurysm With Preservation of Renal Parenchyma
Authors: Gutta Rao , Lopes James , Flinn William R. , Neschis David G.
Published: April 2008

Renal artery aneurysm is a rare condition that has an unclear etiology. Although some patients present with symptoms of hypertension, pain, hematuria, or rupture, the majority are asymptomatic. Traditional surgical repair of renal artery aneurysms is often complex and may require ex vivo repair and reimplantation of the kidney if branch vessels are involved. Very large aneurysms made require nephrectomy. More recently, reports have described endovascular approaches to renal artery aneurysms, including coil embolization and stent graft coverage. This report describes successful endovascular treatment of a 10-cm renal artery aneurysm with preservation of renal mass.
Coronary Steal Due to Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery—Pulmonary Artery Fistulas: A Rare Cause of Chest Pain After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Hakeem Abdul , Bhatti Sabha , Williams Eric M. , Biring Timinder , Kosolcharoen Peter , Su Min Chang
Published: April 2008

A 54-year-old man with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) presented with chest pain and was found to have non—ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Left heart catheterization with coronary angiography demonstrated 100% occlusion of the right internal mammary artery (IMA) to the right coronary artery graft in its midsegment and a patent left IMA to the left anterior descending graft. An unusually large extensive fistulous collateral formation was observed between the right IMA and the left IMA to the pulmonary arterial system, causing left to right shunting. His angina was attributed to substantial coronary steal caused by the shunt. The patient refused any further intervention or surgery and opted for medical treatment. As a complication of CABG, IMA to pulmonary artery (PA) fistulas are rare. Thus far, more than 20 cases have been reported; most have been unilateral. This is the second reported case to date of bilateral IMA-PA fistula formation after CABG. An IMA-PA fistula should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain after CABG and can be diagnosed by selective angiography of IMA grafts.
Sociology in Political Practice and Public Discourse
Authors: Martinelli Alberto
Published: April 2008

Social science should take an active role in public discourse, interacting with its different publics, and should not be detached or separated from them — otherwise it becomes irrelevant; but at the same time it should keep itself at critical distance from both common sense and public discourse — otherwise it loses its autonomy of judgement. Sociology (as a science) and political practice are two distinct forms of action, which cannot be reduced to each other.
Ostriches and Change
Authors: Brechin Steven R.
Published: April 2008

Climate change poses the most significant challenge facing the world today and should be more than sufficient to mobilize the world and its many communities to respond meaningfully and quickly. However, response must be made to conditions not yet fully realized, presenting the challenge of preparing instead of simply reacting. It is likely that only after global societies are restructured by human altered natural processes will we see the rise of a new focal point for our discipline. Most people, especially in the rich and powerful Northern countries, do not really feel like they are living on the edge. Environmental concerns have become and continue to be seen as no more than background noise.
Transients in natural ventilation — A time-periodically-varying source
Authors: Bolster Diogo , Caulfield CP
Published: April 2008

We examine the transient behaviour of a naturally ventilated space with a time-varying heat source. The flow is modelled using the `emptying filling box' model developed by Linden et al.1 with an isolated heat source, modelled as a plume. Scaled laboratory experiments were conducted in a water bath using a brine solution to generate density differences. The room is connected to the exterior via high and low level openings. A natural ventilation flow leads to a two-layer flow with warm fluid in the upper layer and ambient fluid in the lower `occupied' layer. During the flow's transient evolution, the upper layer has a non-uniform stratification within it, which we study using a simple numerical model. The time-varying stratification leads to time-varying flow rates through the space. We identify four important flow rates and illustrate which of these dominate based on the strength and oscillation period of the thermal source.

Practical applications: Most of the current models for natural ventilation assume a steady state and constant heat loads. Many real heat sources are not constant in time and vary in some quasi-periodic manner. In this work, we show that there are four characteristic flow rates associated with such heat sources. Depending on the strength and period of the source these can vary significantly. In this paper, we show how to calculate these flow rates and select which one should be chosen from a design perspective.
Case studies of building envelope leakage measurement using an air-handler fan pressurisation approach
Authors: Jeong J-W , Firrantello J , Bahnfleth WP , Freihaut JD , Musser A
Published: April 2008

The air-handler fan pressurisation method can be a practical way to estimate envelope leakage in large scale or tall buildings where a conventional blower door test is not practical. Standards such as CGSB 149.15 describe desirable test conditions and protocols for such tests. However, because of the variety of building air handling system constructions and site conditions, and limited time and budget available for testing, one may not be able to perform the test under the recommended standard conditions, especially when the system configuration and operation at the site are unfavourable. This study describes air-handler fan pressurisation tests performed for two existing buildings having problematic site conditions affected the ability to perform standard test protocols. Envelope leakage was measured with and without sealing of elevator shafts. Both buildings were found to have standard leakage flow rates that exceed typical levels, with or without elevator shaft leakage. This paper provides some insight into what should be done to ensure a successful air-handler fan pressurisation test by describing what was done to deal with undesirable site conditions which could occur in many buildings.

Practical applications: This study shows that air-handler fan pressurisation tests can be performed even in problematic buildings by improving test conditions at the site by adjusting the system operation and by utilising site specific measurement techniques and instrumentation. The applicability of recently developed fan airflow and outdoor intake flow measuring sensors to the air-handler fan pressurisation test is also discussed. However, it also shows that perfect implementation of standard air-handler fan pressurisation test procedure may be difficult in real buildings for a reasonable cost. Published case studies providing methods for solving various practical problems at the test site are very rare. This paper is useful for engineers who are seeking practical information about the air-handler fan pressurisation.
Epistemic evaluation of policy influence on workplace indoor air quality of Hong Kong in 1996—2005
Authors: Mui KW , Wong LT , Hui PS , Law KY
Published: April 2008

Long-term measurement results of indoor air quality (IAQ) over a general community can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures for IAQ improvement of premises. However, this approach requires considerable measurement efforts and thus the complete data sets are not available in many circumstances. This study proposes an epistemic approach in estimating the probable influences of an IAQ policy for Hong Kong offices, using the regional IAQ measurement databases of offices in 1996, 1998—2001 and 2004—2005. After the implementation of the IAQ policy in 1997—1999, measurement results of IAQ in offices were collected and were used to quantify the IAQ improvement for Hong Kong offices. It is noted that IAQ dissatisfaction due to air pollutants predominated by indoor emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) might need additional attentions for an effective IAQ improvement programme.

Practical application: This study provides updated information on the forecasts of IAQ in air-conditioned offices of Hong Kong due to the influence of the IAQ policy implemented in 1997—1999. It is a useful source of reference for policymakers and decision makers in evaluating an indoor air pollution control policy for air-conditioned offices.
Extended Time as a Testing Accommodation for Students With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Lewandowski Lawrence J. , Lovett Benjamin J. , Rogers Cynthia L.
Published: April 2008

Testing accommodations have become a common component of services for students with disabilities at all levels of education. This study examined the effect of a common testing accommodation—extended time—on the reading comprehension test performance of high school students. Sixty-four students, half of whom had learning disabilities (LDs) in the area of reading, were given the Nelson Denny Reading Comprehension subtest under various time conditions. Nondisabled students benefited more from the extended time than students with LDs did. However, extended time did allow students with LDs to attempt as many questions as their nondisabled peers did under standard time conditions. Implications for future research, as well as policy in this area are discussed.
The Suitability of Holland's Self-Directed Search for Non-Readers with Learning Disabilities or Mild Mental Retardation
Authors: Mattie Harold D.
Published: April 2008

This investigation explored the use of Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) by non-readers with learning disabilities and non-readers with mild mental retardation. A total of 43 middle and high school special education teachers were instructed in the administration of the SDS to both readers and non-readers with learning disabilities and mild mental retardation (n = 337) . Results show that, for both readers and non-readers in this study, the SDS was reliable, able to validly measure preferences, and sensitive to preferences with respect to disability group membership. Hence, the SDS appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring vocational preferences of non-readers with learning disabilities or mild mental retardation and may be used for the subsequent planning of pre-vocational and vocational training for these individuals.
The Effects of Self-Directed IEP on Student Participation in IEP Meetings
Authors: Allen Sarah K. , Smith Anne C. , Test David W. , Flowers Claudia , Wood Wendy M.
Published: April 2008

This study evaluated the effects of teaching a modified version of Self-Directed IEP to students with moderate mental retardation on participation in their Individual Educational Program (IEP) meetings. Results indicated a functional relationship between the information taught in the modified Self-Directed IEP lesson package and an increase in student participation in their annual IEP meeting. In addition, there were statistically significant increases from pre-training IEP meetings to post-training IEP meetings for all skills.
Special Educators' Views of Community-based Job Training and Inclusion as Indicators of Job Competencies for Students with Mild and Moderate Disabilities
Authors: Cook Bryan G.
Published: April 2008

This study examines the perceptions of 173 pre- and in-service special education teachers regarding the job competencies of hypothetical high school students with mild and moderate disabilities. Participants rated one of nine student descriptions that varied by school experiences related to transition and disability category in five areas of vocational competence. The student was described as being placed primarily in separate special education settings, being fully included in general education classes, or being involved in community-based work experience and placed primarily in separate special education settings. Next, the student was described as having a learning disability, a behavioral disorder, or mild mental retardation. Results indicate that the student described as having a behavioral disorder received lower ratings regarding social coping than did the student described as having mild mental retardation (p = .04). The type of transition-related school experience did not affect special educators' ratings of job competencies. It is recommended that special educators receive training to enhance their knowledge of the benefits associated with effective transition practices such as community-based work experience.
Predictors of Post-High School Employment Among Young Adults with Disabilities
Authors: Rabren Karen , Dunn Caroline , Chambers Dalee
Published: April 2008

This study examined the employment status of 1,393 former special education students who had exited from 37 of Alabama's 128 school systems between 1996-2000. These 37 school systems served as demonstration sites through the state's transition systems change grant. Follow-up telephone interviews revealed that 73% (N=1,013) of these former students were employed one year after exit. Using a hierarchical logistic regression analysis, there was an 87% probability that these students would be employed one year after high school if they held a job at the time they exited school. Other significant findings include the relationship between employment status and gender, disability, and urban or rural setting. The probability of the student having a job one year after high school, for example, was greater if the student was male, had a learning disability, was from an urban school, and had a job at the time of school exit. In contrast, the probability of employment was less likely for females with a disability other than a learning disability, from rural schools, and without a job at the end of high school. These findings suggest that students with disabilities can benefit from participating in paid work experiences during high school and that females in rural settings need better transition planning and programs.
Career Assessment for Adolescents with Mild Disabilities: Critical Concerns for Transition Planning
Authors: Rojewski Jay W.
Published: April 2008

This paper addresses the theoretical and practical concerns of transition-related career assessment for adolescents with mild disabilities. First, different terms used with assessment-career, vocational, and transition assessment-are defined to gain a clearer understanding of the general purposes of career assessment in transition planning and preparation. Second, the applicability of prominent career theories, including common assumptions or misconceptions, about the career behavior of individuals with mild disabilities is discussed. Third, primary career assessment areas that support the preparation of adolescents with mild disabilities for making the transition from school to adult life are presented. Finally, the applicability of commonly used assessment instruments for individuals with mild disabilities is reviewed. Alternative ways to conceptualize the assessment process also are considered. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Understanding and Promoting the Transition of Minority Adolescents
Authors: Geenen Sarah , Powers Laurie , Vasquez Alfonso Lopez , Bersani Hank
Published: April 2008

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to investigate the barriers minority families encountered as their adolescent youth with disabilities move into adulthood and to identify what issues or goals are most important to families during this time of transition. The qualitative study consisted of focus groups or interviews with adolescents and their family members from Native American, African American and Hispanic communities. The transcripts were coded by a multicultural research team. The analysis of the coding revealed seven key themes: (a) insensitivity/discrimination; (b) lack of accommodations; (c) unresponsive services/supports; (d) typical adolescent issues; (e) contextual barriers; (f) desire for optimum capability and (g) the importance of family and family values. A survey designed to corroborate the findings of the qualitative study was completed by 308 African American, Hispanic, Native American and Euro-American parents who rated the extent to which certain barriers, experiences or issues around transition were true for their child. The quantitative results were generally consistent with the qualitative findings, suggesting that minority adolescents, overall, appear to encounter greater barriers to transition than do their nonminority peers.
Exit Plans for Students with Disabilities Attending Separate Approved Special Education Programs in the Private Sector
Authors: Kellner Millicent H. , Strickarz Barbara
Published: April 2008

The exit plans of 1,632 students from 15 states attending 92 approved, out-of-district special education programs in the private sector were studied, via a survey instrument, including programs for medical disorders, pervasive developmental and/or communication disorders, and emotional and behavioral disorders. Results indicate that students from programs for medical and pervasive developmental/ communication disorders were likely to plan transfers to self-contained programs within their districts, whereas students from emotional/behavioral disorders programs tended to plan transfers to other approved, private programs outside their districts. Among the graduates/aged-out students, those leaving medical and emotional/behavioral disorders programs were likely to plan pursuit of mainstream postschool activities, whereas those from pervasive developmental/communication disorders programs tended to make postschool plans to enter vocational rehabilitation programs. Follow-up studies are needed to determine the degree to which these plans were actually carried out over time.
The Status of Personnel Preparation for Transition Education and Services: What Is the Critical Content? How Can It Be Offered?
Authors: Morningstar Mary E. , Clark Gary M.
Published: April 2008

This article summarizes and comments on the primary themes of the articles found in this special issue of CDEI as well as the challenges that have been raised through the research found in this issue. We discuss two major issues found in the preparation of secondary transition educators: current content as well as existing delivery methods. Finally, we propose several recommendations for future transition personnel preparation.
Summer Activities of Youth with High-Incidence Disabilities from High-Poverty Backgrounds
Authors: Hughes Carolyn , Wehby Joseph H. , Carter Erik W. , Plank Don R. , Wilson Leah R. , Johnson Stephen M. , Barton-Arwood Sally M.
Published: April 2008

Secondary-level practitioners face mounting challenges in providing effective transition services to youth with disabilities living in high-poverty neighborhoods. We examined the summer activities of youth with high-incidence disabilities from high-poverty backgrounds who had taken vocational classes and participated in a self-determination curriculum during the previous school year. Few of the students were employed by the midpoint of summer, with the majority reporting difficulties related to finding a job. Students who were not employed were involved in a variety of activities (e.g., "hanging out" with friends or family, doing occasional odd jobs, caring for a child), but few reported satisfaction with these activities. Findings are discussed and recommendations are suggested for improving the effectiveness of secondary-level educational programming.
Self-Directed IEP
Authors: Valenzuela Rudolph L. , Martin James E.
Published: April 2008

This article describes the relationships among the Self-Directed IEP, cultural values, self-determination, and transition. Educators must move toward understanding collectivist values to provide appropriate opportunities to succeed within an individualistic school culture for culturally and linguistically diverse students with Individualized Education Programs and their families. The Self-Directed IEP process is a tool for culture sharing, which has been identified as a best practice for meeting the needs, preferences, and interests of culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families. School districts may use the Self-Directed IEP process to bridge the chasm between the individualistic values of schools and collectivist values of culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families to facilitate culturally appropriate transitions to adulthood.
Issues in Transition Planning
Authors: Etscheidt Susan
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this article is to identify legal issues concerning the transition planning process through a qualitative analysis of administrative and judicial decisions addressing transition services for students with disabilities. The issues that emerged from the analysis were categorized into five prevalent themes: agency contacts, student involvement, individualization of the transition plan, district obligations, and appropriateness of the transition plan. The themes included both procedural and substantive components. Changes in the newly reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are discussed, and implications for policy and practice are presented.
Legal and Policy Perspectives on Transition Assessment and Documentation
Authors: Shaw Stan
Published: April 2008

Federal policy regarding students with disabilities in the 21st century has emphasized a concern for adult outcomes. Recent federal legislation, particularly the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), retitled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, has sought to foster productive transition to help students fulfill postsecondary goals. In this article, the author reviews new policies regarding transition assessment and documentation, with a focus on how the new Summary of Performance requirement aligns with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Review of Research on Self-Management Interventions in Supported Employment Settings for Employees With Disabilities
Authors: Storey Keith
Published: April 2008

Self-management strategies involve the use of antecedent cue regulation, self-monitoring, self-determined consequences, or a combination of any of these techniques to facilitate job-skill acquisition, maintenance, and generalization. The purpose of this article is to review the empirical literature related to self-management strategies in supported employment settings for individuals with disabilities and offer guidelines for implementation. Best practices, limitations of current research, and needs for future research are offered.
Implications of the Summary of Performance for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Lamb Peg
Published: April 2008

Postsecondary education enhances the ability of all students to become competitively employed and economically independent. The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA, titled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, includes a major policy change stating that a comprehensive evaluation is not required prior to graduation from high school but specifying a Summary of Performance that includes a synopsis of academic achievement, functional performance, and recommendations of supports necessary for attainment of postsecondary goals for a student. This new policy raises questions and has major implications for rehabilitation counselors in providing transition services for postsecondary education and employment. In this article, the author discusses several of these questions and implications.
Two-Year Evaluation of a Vocational Support Program for Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Hillier Ashleigh , Campbell Heather , Mastriani Karen , Izzo Margo Vreeburg , Kool-Tucker Andrea K. , Cherry Laura , Beversdorf David Q.
Published: April 2008

In this article the authors provide a description and evaluation of a vocational support program for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). They followed 9 participants through 2 years of the program. Increases in employment rates and income were found for program participants, and 7 participants retained their initial job placements through the 2-year period. Employers rated program participants highly on a range of important job skills, although these individuals continued to experience social challenges in the workplace. Case notes offer further insight into the experiences of adults with ASD in the workplace. Overall, the results suggest that individuals on the autism spectrum can be successful in competitive, entry-level employment.
Person-Centered Planning in Two Culturally Distinct Communities
Authors: Trainor Audrey A.
Published: April 2008

Person-centered planning (PCP) is a recommended practice in developing and implementing individualized futures plans of and by youth and adults with disabilities. Yet, little is known about the cultural responsiveness of PCP, a salient issue because values and beliefs about transition differ across and within groups. Community connectors, facilitators of futures planning in two culturally distinct areas (a Spanish-speaking, socioeconomically depressed urban area and a suburb of English-speaking people from middle- and uppersocioeconomic backgrounds), were interviewed regarding their implementation of Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope and their responses to the preferences, strengths, and needs of families. Person-centered planning was effective in addressing transition-related concerns and obstacles to collaboration identified by community connectors, who adapted this model to address perceived community needs.
The Role of Program and Alterable Personal Factors in Postschool Employment Outcomes
Authors: Doren Bonnie , Lindstrom Lauren , Zane Claire , Johnson Pamela
Published: April 2008

Case study research design was used to examine the role of program and alterable personal factors in the postschool employment outcomes of young adults with learning disabilities. Seventy-one in-depth interviews were conducted with young adults and multiple key informants. A set of program factors clustered together to form two distinct patterns that the authors identified as targeted and restricted services, and a set of alterable personal factors clustered together to form two distinct patterns that they identified as active and passive career orientation. Overall, young adults who were identified with targeted services and active career orientation experienced more positive employment outcomes than did young adults identified with restricted services, passive career orientation, or both. Implications for instruction, student experiences, and professional development are discussed. Future research is suggested to generalize the findings to other samples and to conduct experimental research to disentangle cause and effect.