bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fitting methods for intravoxel incoherent motion imaging of prostate cancer on region of interest level: Repeatability and gleason score prediction
Authors: Merisaari Harri , Movahedi Parisa , Perez Ileana M. , Toivonen Jussi , Pesola Marko , Taimen Pekka , Boström Peter J. , Pahikkala Tapio , Kiviniemi Aida , Aronen Hannu J. , Jambor Ivan
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To evaluate different fitting methods for intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging of prostate cancer in the terms of repeatability and Gleason score prediction.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer underwent two repeated 3 Tesla diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) examinations performed using 14 b‐values in the range of 0–500 s/mm2 and diffusion time of 19.004 ms. Mean signal intensities of regions‐of‐interest were fitted using five different fitting methods for IVIM as well as monoexponential, kurtosis, and stretched exponential models. The fitting methods and models were evaluated in the terms of fitting quality [Akaike information criteria (AIC)], repeatability, and Gleason score prediction. Tumors were classified into three groups (3 + 3, 3 + 4, > 3 + 4). Machine learning algorithms were used to evaluate the performance of the combined use of the parameters. Simulation studies were performed to evaluate robustness of the fitting methods against noise.

Results

Monoexponential model was preferred over IVIM based on AIC. The “pseudodiffusion” parameters demonstrated low repeatability and clinical value. Median “pseudodiffusion” fraction values were below 8.00%. Combined use of the parameters did not outperform the monoexponential model.

Conclusion

Monoexponential model demonstrated the highest repeatability and clinical values in the regions‐of‐interest based analysis of prostate cancer DWI, b‐values in the range of 0–500 s/mm2. Magn Reson Med 77:1249–1264, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Volumetric multislice gagCEST imaging of articular cartilage: Optimization and comparison with T1rho
Authors: Kogan Feliks , Hargreaves Brian A. , Gold Garry E.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To develop and optimize a multislice glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chemical exchange saturation transfer (GagCEST) sequence for volumetric imaging of articular cartilage, and to validate the sequence against T1ρ relaxation times in whole joint imaging of tibiotalar cartilage.

Methods

Ex vivo experiments were used to observe the effect of the number of partitions and shot TR on signal‐to‐noise ratio and measured GagCESTasym. GagCEST imaging of the entire tibiotalar joint was also performed on 10 healthy subjects. The measured GagCESTasym was compared and correlated with T1ρ relaxation times.

Results

Ex vivo studies showed a higher average GagCESTasym from articular cartilage on multislice acquisitions acquired with two or more partitions than observed with a single‐slice acquisition. In healthy human subjects, an average GagCESTasym of 8.8 ± 0.7% was observed. A coefficient of variation of GagCESTasym across slices of less than 15% was seen for all subjects. Across subjects, a Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.58 was observed between the measured gagCESTasym and T1ρ relaxation times.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility and optimization of multislice GagCEST mapping of articular cartilage. Volumetric analysis and decreased scan times will help to advance the clinical utility of GagCEST imaging of articular cartilage. Magn Reson Med 77:1134–1141, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Overcoming element quality dependence of finite elements with adaptive extended stencil FEM (AES‐FEM)
Authors: Conley Rebecca , Delaney Tristan J. , Jiao Xiangmin
Published: February 2016

The finite element methods (FEMs) are important techniques in engineering for solving partial differential equations, but they depend heavily on element shape quality for stability and good performance. In this paper, we introduce the Adaptive Extended Stencil Finite Element Method (AES‐FEM) as a means for overcoming this dependence on element shape quality. Our method replaces the traditional basis functions with a set of generalized Lagrange polynomial basis functions, which we construct using local weighted least‐squares approximations. The method preserves the theoretical framework of FEM and allows imposing essential boundary conditions and integrating the stiffness matrix in the same way as the classical FEM. In addition, AES‐FEM can use higher‐degree polynomial basis functions than the classical FEM, while virtually preserving the sparsity pattern of the stiffness matrix. We describe the formulation and implementation of AES‐FEM and analyze its consistency and stability. We present numerical experiments in both 2D and 3D for the Poisson equation and a time‐independent convection–diffusion equation. The numerical results demonstrate that AES‐FEM is more accurate than linear FEM, is also more efficient than linear FEM in terms of error versus runtime, and enables much better stability and faster convergence of iterative solvers than linear FEM over poor‐quality meshes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The generation of triangular meshes for NURBS‐enhanced FEM
Authors: Sevilla Ruben , Rees Luke , Hassan Oubay
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the first method that enables the fully automatic generation of triangular meshes suitable for the so‐called non‐uniform rational B‐spline (NURBS)‐enhanced finite element method (NEFEM). The meshes generated with the proposed approach account for the computer‐aided design boundary representation of the domain given by NURBS curves. The characteristic element size is completely independent of the geometric complexity and of the presence of very small geometric features. The proposed strategy allows to circumvent the time‐consuming process of de‐featuring complex geometric models before a finite element mesh suitable for the analysis can be produced. A generalisation of the original definition of a NEFEM element is also proposed, enabling to treat more complicated elements with an edge defined by several NURBS curves or more than one edge defined by different NURBS. Three examples of increasing difficulty demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach and illustrate the advantages compared with those of traditional finite element mesh generators. Finally, a simulation of an electromagnetic scattering problem is considered to show the applicability of the generated meshes for finite element analysis. ©2016 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Model predictive and linear quadratic Gaussian control of a wind turbine
Authors: Hur S. , Leithead W. E.
Published: February 2016

Model Predictive and linear quadratic Gaussian controllers are designed for a 5MW variable‐speed pitch‐regulated wind turbine for three operating points – below rated wind speed, just above rated wind speed, and above rated wind speed. The controllers are designed based on two different linear dynamic models (at each operating point) of the same wind turbine to study the effect of utilising different control design models (i.e. the model used for designing a model‐based controller) on the control performance. The performance of the LQG controller is enhanced by improving the robustness, achieved by replacing the Kalman filter with a modified Luenberger observer, whose gain is obtained to minimise the effect of uncertainty and disturbance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and Management of Hearing Loss in Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Bass Johnnie K. , Knight Kristin R. , Yock Torunn I. , Chang Kay W. , Cipkala Douglas , Grewal Satkiran S.
Published: February 2016

Hearing loss (HL) is common in childhood cancer survivors exposed to platinum chemotherapy and/or cranial radiation and can severely impact quality of life. Early detection and appropriate management can mitigate academic, speech, language, social, and psychological morbidity resulting from hearing deficits. This review is targeted as a resource for providers involved in aftercare of childhood cancers. The goal is to promote early identification of survivors at‐risk for HL, appropriate evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic tests, timely referral to an audiologist when indicated, and to increase knowledge of current therapeutic options.
DNA Methylation Adds Prognostic Value to Minimal Residual Disease Status in Pediatric T‐Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Borssén Magnus , Haider Zahra , Landfors Mattias , Norén‐Nyström Ulrika , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Åsberg Ann E. , Kanerva Jukka , Madsen Hans O. , Marquart Hanne , Heyman Mats , Hultdin Magnus , Roos Göran , Forestier Erik , Degerman Sofie
Published: February 2016

Background

Despite increased knowledge about genetic aberrations in pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL), no clinically feasible treatment‐stratifying marker exists at diagnosis. Instead patients are enrolled in intensive induction therapies with substantial side effects. In modern protocols, therapy response is monitored by minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis and used for postinduction risk group stratification. DNA methylation profiling is a candidate for subtype discrimination at diagnosis and we investigated its role as a prognostic marker in pediatric T‐ALL.

Procedure

Sixty‐five diagnostic T‐ALL samples from Nordic pediatric patients treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL 2008 (NOPHO ALL 2008) protocol were analyzed by HumMeth450K genome wide DNA methylation arrays. Methylation status was analyzed in relation to clinical data and early T‐cell precursor (ETP) phenotype.

Results

Two distinct CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) groups were identified. Patients with a CIMP‐negative profile had an inferior response to treatment compared to CIMP‐positive patients (3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR3y) rate: 29% vs. 6%, P = 0.01). Most importantly, CIMP classification at diagnosis allowed subgrouping of high‐risk T‐ALL patients (MRD ≥0.1% at day 29) into two groups with significant differences in outcome (CIR3y rates: CIMP negative 50% vs. CIMP positive 12%; P = 0.02). These groups did not differ regarding ETP phenotype, but the CIMP‐negative group was younger (P = 0.02) and had higher white blood cell count at diagnosis (P = 0.004) compared with the CIMP‐positive group.

Conclusions

CIMP classification at diagnosis in combination with MRD during induction therapy is a strong candidate for further risk classification and could confer important information in treatment decision making.
Prevalence of Metastasis at Diagnosis of Osteosarcoma: An International Comparison
Authors: Marko Tracy A. , Diessner Brandon J. , Spector Logan G.
Published: February 2016

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in many countries, with metastatic disease responsible for most patient deaths. This study compares the prevalence of metastatic OS at diagnosis across countries to inform the critical question of whether diagnostic delay or tumor biology drives metastases development prior to diagnosis.

Procedure

A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted to compare the prevalence of metastatic disease at the time of OS diagnosis between countries. A pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was calculated for each study meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped for analysis based on human development index (HDI) scores.

Results

Our analysis found an 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15%, 20%) average global pooled proportion of metastasis at OS diagnosis. The average prevalence of metastasis at diagnosis increased as HDI groupings decreased, with very high HDI, high HDI, and medium/low HDI groups found to be 15% (95% CI: 13%, 17%), 20% (95% CI: 14%, 28%), and 31% (95% CI: 15%, 52%), respectively.

Conclusions

Our evidence suggests there is a biological baseline for metastatic OS at diagnosis, which is observed in countries with very high HDI. In countries with medium/low HDI, where there are more barriers to accessing healthcare, the higher prevalence of metastasis may result from treatment delay or an artificial prevalence inflation due to patients with less severe symptoms not presenting to clinic. Additional research in countries with medium/low HDI may reveal that earlier detection and treatment could improve patient outcomes in those countries.
Nabilone for the Management of Pain
Authors: Tsang Corey C. , Giudice Mirella G.
Published: February 2016

Nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, is approved in many countries including, but not limited to, Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom for the treatment of severe nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Clinical evidence is emerging for its use in managing pain conditions with different etiologies. We review the efficacy and safety of nabilone for various types of pain as well as its abuse potential, precautions and contraindications, and drug interactions; summarize pertinent clinical practice guidelines; and provide recommendations for dosing, monitoring, and patient education. Citations involving nabilone were identified through systematic reviews evaluating cannabinoids for pain. A systematic search (updated July 23, 2015) of the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Eight randomized controlled trials, two prospective cohort trials, and one retrospective chart review were retrieved. Cancer pain, chronic noncancer pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and pain associated with spasticity were the pain conditions evaluated. Nabilone was most commonly used as adjunctive therapy and led to small but significant reductions in pain. The most common adverse drug reactions included euphoria, drowsiness, and dizziness. Nabilone was rarely associated with severe adverse drug reactions requiring drug discontinuation, and the likelihood of abuse was thought to be low. Although the optimal role of nabilone in the management of pain is yet to be determined, certain clinical practice guidelines consider nabilone as a third‐line agent.
Exploiting the quantile optimality ratio in finding confidence intervals for quantiles
Authors: Prendergast Luke A. , Staudte Robert G.
Published: February 2016

A standard approach to confidence intervals for quantiles requires good estimates of the quantile density. The optimal bandwidth for kernel estimation of the quantile density depends on an underlying location‐scale family only through the quantile optimality ratio (QOR), which is the starting point for our results. While the QOR is not distribution‐free, it turns out that what is optimal for one family often works quite well for families having similar shape. This allows one to rely on a single representative QOR if one has a rough idea of the distributional shape. Another option that we explore assumes the data can be modelled by the highly flexible generalized lambda distribution (GLD), already studied by others, and we show that using the QOR for the estimated GLD can lead to more than competitive intervals. Effective confidence intervals for the difference between quantiles from independent populations is a byproduct. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TXRF intensity dependence on position of dried residue on sample carrier and TXRF determination of halogen in liquid samples
Authors: Tabuchi Yuri , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: February 2016

Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy is an effective technique for simultaneous multi‐elemental trace analysis of a small volume of a sample placed on a flat substrate. An internal standard method is usually applied for quantitative TXRF analysis of liquid samples such as drinking water and environmental samples. However, it was difficult to determine Cl and Br because they were lost as volatile hydrogen halide compounds by adding an acid internal standard solution. Thus, we attempted to apply the traditional calibration curve method for the determination of halogens without internal standard. If internal standard method is not applied, the TXRF intensity drastically changes depending on the relative position of the dried residue to the detector. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between TXRF intensity and the position of dried residue relative to the detector. As a result, it was confirmed that TXRF intensity critically depended on the position of the dried residue on the sample carrier. The position of the droplet of the sample solution was carefully controlled by using an air blower in order to place the dried residue at the most effective position on the sample carrier. We could successfully make a calibration curve for Cl with a good relationship without internal standard. Finally, Cl in the NaCl solutions (0 –5 ppm, 10 µl) was successfully determined by the calibration curve method using a table‐top TXRF instrument. The limit of detection of Cl was 63 ppb (ng/ml). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Hexathiometadiphosphate Cu2P2S6
Authors: Kuhn Alexander , Schoop Leslie M. , Eger Roland , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: February 2016

Copper hexathiometadiphosphate, Cu2P2S6, was synthesized and characterized. Brick‐red copper hexathiometadiphosphate Cu2P2S6 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P42/mnm (no. 136) with a = b = 5.2565(7), c = 15.066(3) Å and V = 416.3(1) Å3 in a novel structure type. This is the first hexathiometadiphosphate, whose crystal structure is based on a slightly distorted cubic closest packing of sulfur atoms. 1/3 of the tetrahedral voids are occupied by Cu and P in an ordered fashion, thus resulting in a layered structure. The structural motif of layers composed of corner‐sharing CuS4 tetrahedra (comparable to red HgI2) that are separated by [P2S6]2– anions orientated perpendicular to these layers, is rarely found in solid state chemistry. The compound is diamagnetic and shows negligible electronic conductivity. Electronic structure calculations and UV/Vis measurements point to a bandgap in the visible range and explain the red color of the compound. Additionally, the oxidation state +1 for Cu was confirmed by the electronic structure calculations. The thermal properties of Cu2P2S6 were investigated by DTA.
Is enhancing cGMP-PKG signalling a promising therapeutic target for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
Authors: Kovács Á. , Alogna A. , Post H. , Hamdani N.
Published: February 2016

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, i.e. HFpEF, is highly prevalent in ageing populations, accounting for more than 50 % of all cases of heart failure in Western societies, and is closely associated with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes and arterial hypertension. However, all large multicentre trials of potential HFpEF treatments conducted to date have failed to produce positive outcomes. These disappointing results suggest that a ‘one size fits all’ strategy may be ill-suited to HFpEF and support the use of tailored, personalised therapeutic approaches with specific treatments designed for specific comorbidity-related HFpEF phenotypes. The accumulation of a multitude of cardiovascular comorbidities over time leads to increased systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and coronary microvascular endothelial inflammation, eventually resulting in degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) via multiple pathways, thereby reducing protein kinase G (PKG) activity. The importance of cGMP-PKG pathway modulation is supported by growing evidence that suggests that this pathway may be a promising therapeutic target, evidence that is mainly based on its role in the phosphorylation of the giant cytoskeletal protein titin. This review will focus on the preclinical and early clinical evidence in the field of cGMP-enhancing therapies and PKG activation.
HORTICULTURAL GROWERS’ WILLINGNESS TO ADOPT RECYCLING OF IRRIGATION WATER
Authors: CULTICE ALYSSA , BOSCH DARRELL J. , PEASE JAMES W. , BOYLE KEVIN J. , XU WEIBIN
Published: February 2016

Recycling irrigation water can provide water during periods of drought for horticulture operations and can reduce nonpoint-source pollution, but water recycling increases production costs and can increase risk of disease infestation from waterborne pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthora. This study of water recycling adoption by horticultural growers in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania finds that the potential for increased disease infestation would reduce growers’ probability of adopting water recycling. Widespread adoption of recycling irrigation water would require government incentives or coercion or growers’ ability to pass cost increases on to customers.
Infectious Disease Information Collection System at the Scene of Disaster Relief Based on a Personal Digital Assistant
Authors: Li Ya-Pin , Gao Hong-Wei , Fan Hao-Jun , Wei Wei , Xu Bo , Dong Wen-Long , Li Qing-Feng , Song Wen-Jing , Hou Shi-Ke
Published: February 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to build a database to collect infectious disease information at the scene of a disaster through the use of 128 epidemiological questionnaires and 47 types of options, with rapid acquisition of information regarding infectious disease and rapid questionnaire customization at the scene of disaster relief by use of a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Methods

SQL Server 2005 (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA) was used to create the option database for the infectious disease investigation, to develop a client application for the PDA, and to deploy the application on the server side. The users accessed the server for data collection and questionnaire customization with the PDA.

Results

A database with a set of comprehensive options was created and an application system was developed for the Android operating system (Google Inc, Mountain View, CA). On this basis, an infectious disease information collection system was built for use at the scene of disaster relief. The creation of an infectious disease information collection system and rapid questionnaire customization through the use of a PDA was achieved.

Conclusions

This system integrated computer technology and mobile communication technology to develop an infectious disease information collection system and to allow for rapid questionnaire customization at the scene of disaster relief. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:668–673)
Casting innovative aerospace design case studies in the parameter analysis framework to uncover the design process of experts
Authors: Kroll Ehud , Farbman Ido
Published: February 2016

Traditional aerospace design methods offer quick and efficient ways to generate new designs, but such that often resemble previous ones. For truly innovative design, however, a different approach is needed. This paper suggests that a general conceptual design method called ‘parameter analysis’ (PA) may be used for teaching and practicing innovative aerospace design. To support this proposition, we investigate four diverse, innovative and unique case studies, all carried out by very experienced aerospace designers: the ‘dam busting’ bouncing bomb of World War II, the Gossamer Condor human-powered plane of the 1970s, the asymmetric Boomerang twin-engine plane of the 1990s and the SpaceShipOne suborbital spacecraft of the early 2000s. The paper elaborates on how the methodology of case-study research has been adapted and applied to provide the evidence supporting the research hypothesis, and presents the results of analyzing the case studies. It shows that the expert aerospace designers followed a thought process similar to PA, even if unknowingly, where the similarity was measured by counting the number of PA characteristics that could be shown to exist in the case studies. Advantages and limitations of the research methodology are also discussed.
Transition to turbulence in an oscillatory flow over a rough wall
Authors: Mazzuoli Marco , Vittori Giovanna
Published: February 2016

A study of the oscillatory incompressible flow close to a wall covered with fixed rigid spheres is carried out by numerical means to provide information on unsteady flows over a rough wall. The simulations are carried out for two bottom configurations, characterized by different values of the diameter of the spheres and different values of the Reynolds number for a total of 10 cases. Three different flow regimes are identified as functions of both the Reynolds number and the diameter of the spheres. The force exerted by the flow on the spheres is discussed also in relation to the different flow regimes.
Fluid flow over and through a regular bundle of rigid fibres
Authors: Zampogna Giuseppe A. , Bottaro Alessandro
Published: February 2016

The interaction between a fluid flow and a transversely isotropic porous medium is described. A homogenized model is used to treat the flow field in the porous region, and different interface conditions, needed to match solutions at the boundary between the pure fluid and the porous regions, are evaluated. Two problems in different flow regimes (laminar and turbulent) are considered to validate the system, which includes inertia in the leading-order equations for the permeability tensor through a Oseen approximation. The components of the permeability, which characterize microscopically the porous medium and determine the flow field at the macroscopic scale, are reasonably well estimated by the theory, both in the laminar and the turbulent case. This is demonstrated by comparing the model’s results to both experimental measurements and direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations which resolve the flow also through the pores of the medium.
The ‘Unique Role’ of Government Lawyers in Canada
Authors: Dodek Adam
Published: February 2016

Discussions and depictions of lawyers in Canada largely ignore a significant segment of the legal population: government lawyers. Canada is a modern liberal democratic state with a significant public sector employing a large number of lawyers in many public sector settings. Lawyers who work directly for the executive branch – government lawyers – are a special subset of public lawyers. These government lawyers are ‘unique’ in many respects. They do not have paying clients as do private sector lawyers. Their client is ‘the Crown’ – an abstract emanation of the state. This article explains the unique role of government lawyers in Canada as derived from the historic and legislative responsibilities of the Attorney General. It then addresses questions that arise for government lawyers in Canada in public law litigation.
Hired Guns and Ministers of Justice: The Role of Government Attorneys in the United States and Israel
Authors: Asimow Michael , Dotan Yoav
Published: February 2016

What is the role of a government attorney who represents a government agency on judicial review? Most academic literature in the United States (US) advocates the ‘hired gun’ model in which the role of the government lawyer is no different from that of a lawyer who represents a private client (although some academics and government lawyers disagree). The prevailing view in Israel is that government lawyers are ‘ministers of justice’, who owe a primary obligation to the public interest rather than to the client agency. This difference is attributable both to fundamental differences in legal culture between the US and Israel as well as to unique features of the Israeli system of judicial review.
Letters and the Topography of Early Christianity
Authors: Lieu Judith M.
Published: February 2016

While embedded in contemporary letter-writing conventions, early Christian letters were also instrumental in the creation of a distinctive Christian world-view. Fundamental to letters of all types, ‘real’ and fictional, is that they respond to, and hence negotiate and seek to overcome, actual and imagined spatial and temporal distance between author and recipient(s). In practice and as cultural symbols, letters, sent and transmitted in new contexts, as well as letter collections, produced in the Christian imagination new trans-locational and cross-temporal dynamics of relationality that can be mapped onto the standard epistolary topoi – ‘absent as if present’, half a conversation, a mirror of the soul.
‘Public Theology’ in Luke-Acts: The Witness of the Gospel to Powers and Authorities
Authors: Edwards James R.
Published: February 2016

This study surveys the numerous and diverse powers and authorities to which the gospel is addressed in Luke-Acts, including major Jewish institutions and officials, Herodian rulers, Roman military officers, Greco-Roman officials, diverse officials, and pagan cults and supernatural powers. Well over half the references to authorities in Luke-Acts occur nowhere else in the New Testament. The frequent and diverse references to powers defend Christianity in a preliminary and obvious way from charges of political sedition. In a broader and more important way, however, they redefine power itself according to the standard of the gospel.
The Diatessaron, Canonical or Non-canonical? Rereading the Dura Fragment
Authors: Crawford Matthew R.
Published: February 2016

Among those texts that vied for a position as authoritative Scripture, but were eventually rejected by ecclesiastical authorities, was the so-called Diatessaron of Tatian. Having been compiled from the four canonical gospels, Tatian's work occupies a liminal position between the categories of ‘canonical’ and ‘apocryphal’, since the majority of its content was common to users of the fourfold gospel, though this content existed in a radically altered form and was tainted by association with an author widely accused of heresy. In order to demonstrate the originality of Tatian's gospel composition, this article gives a close reading of the only surviving Greek witness to it, a fragment of parchment found in excavations at Dura-Europos. Dura's very location as a borderland between Rome and Persia corresponds with the fact that in this outpost garrison city Christians were using a gospel text that would have appeared markedly strange to those in the mainstream of the Christian tradition. The wording that can be recovered from the Dura fragment shows how Tatian creatively and intelligently combined the text of the four gospels to produce a new narrative of the life of Jesus, choosing to leave out certain elements and to make deliberate emendations along the way. However, it was precisely such originality that made his gospel appear problematic, so in order to rescue his text from censure, later scribes had to domesticate it by making it conform throughout to the canonical versions. Comparison of the Dura fragment with the medieval Arabic gospel harmony and with the Latin version in Codex Fuldensis illustrates well this process whereby Tatian's gospel went from being a rival to the fourfold gospel to a designedly secondary, and therefore acceptable, work.
On the Origin of the Pastorals' Authenticity Criticism: A ‘New’ Perspective
Authors: Van Nes Jermo
Published: February 2016

It is generally agreed among contemporary scholars that the modern critique of the authorship claim of the New Testament letters addressed to Timothy and Titus originated in early nineteenth-century Germany with the studies of Schmidt and Schleiermacher on 1 Timothy. However, a late eighteenth-century study by the British clergyman Edward Evanson challenges this consensus as it proves Titus to have been suspect of pseudonymity before. This ‘new’ perspective found in Evanson's neglected source also nuances the common assumption that from its very beginnings the critical campaign against the letters' authenticity was mainly driven by linguistic considerations.
Aberrant intrinsic functional connectivity within and between corticostriatal and temporal–parietal networks in adults and youth with bipolar disorder
Authors: Stoddard J. , Gotts S. J. , Brotman M. A. , Lever S. , Hsu D. , Zarate C. , Ernst M. , Pine D. S. , Leibenluft E.
Published: February 2016

Background

Major questions remain regarding the dysfunctional neural circuitry underlying the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) in both youths and adults. In both age groups, studies implicate abnormal intrinsic functional connectivity among prefrontal, limbic and striatal areas.

Method

We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from youths and adults (ages 10–50 years) with BD (n= 39) and healthy volunteers (HV;n= 78). We identified brain regions with aberrant intrinsic functional connectivity in BD by first comparing voxel-wise mean global connectivity and then conducting correlation analyses. We used k-means clustering and multidimensional scaling to organize all detected regions into networks.

Results

Across the brain, we detected areas of dysconnectivity in both youths and adults with BD relative to HV. There were no significant age-group × diagnosis interactions. When organized by interregional connectivity, the areas of dysconnectivity in patients with BD comprised two networks: one of temporal and parietal areas involved in late stages of visual processing, and one of corticostriatal areas involved in attention, cognitive control and response generation.

Conclusions

These data suggest that two networks show abnormal intrinsic functional connectivity in BD. Regions in these networks have been implicated previously in BD. We observed similar dysconnectivity in youths and adults with BD. These findings provide guidance for refining models of network-based dysfunction in BD.
Sensitive periods and language in cochlear implant users
Authors: MORENO-TORRES IGNACIO , MADRID-CÁNOVAS SONIA , BLANCO-MONTAÑEZ GEMA
Published: February 2016

This study explores the hypothesis that the existence of a short sensitive period for lower-level speech perception/articulation skills, and a long one for higher-level language skills, may partly explain the language outcomes of children with cochlear implants (CIs). The participants were fourteen children fitted with a CI before their second birthday. Data about their language skills and the environmental conditions (e.g. Family Involvement in rehabilitation) were obtained over a period of three years. Age at implantation correlated exclusively with the ratio of errors of place of articulation, a phonological feature for which CIs provide insufficient information. The degree of Family Involvement was significantly correlated with the remaining language measures. We conclude that small plasticity reductions affecting lower-level skills may partly explain the difficulties of some CI users in developing language.
Predicting the development of interrogative forms and functions in early years: a corpus-based study of Mandarin-speaking young children
Authors: LI HUI , JING MENGGUO , WONG EILEEN CHIN MEI
Published: February 2016

This study examined the development of and possible predictors of interrogative forms and functions in early childhood Mandarin. All the interrogatives drawn from the Early Child Mandarin Corpus (168 children 2;6, 3;6, 4;6, and 5;6) were analyzed. The main results indicated that (i) there were significant age effects in interrogative forms and functions, with the periods between the ages of 3;6 and 4;6 and between the ages of 2;6 and 3;6 being critical in the early acquisition of interrogative forms and functions, respectively; (ii) the form–function preference was verified, with wh-questions being primarily used to seek information (RfI), and intonation/echo and rhetorical questions being used to request action (RfA); (iii) more than half (59·5%) of the Mandarin interrogatives were used for RfI, whereas only 38·9% of them were used for RfA; and (iv) age, TV viewing time, and parent–child conversation time were the significant predictors of interrogative development.
A Model of The Determinants of Teachers’ Attitudes to Integrating the Intellectually Handicapped
Authors: Thomas David
Published: February 2016

In this paper a model of teachers’ attitudes to integrating children with moderate learning difficulties into ordinary classrooms is described. The basis of this model is an AID analysis described in a previous paper (Thomas, 1986) and an analysis of the spontaneous comments of teachers in unstructured interviews. The sample consisted of 550 teachers in Tucson, Arizona and Devon, U.K. drawn from primary, secondary and special schools and advisory services. From the data of the unstructured interviews, four factors, not mentioned in the earlier paper, are included in the model. These are: traumatic experiences with the handicapped, class size, the what-happened-yesterday factor and leadership. Some implications of the model, the generality of the findings and suggestions for future are included in the discussion.
Issues in the Suspension and Exclusion of Disruptive Students
Authors: Bain Alan
Published: February 2016

This paper will address issues associated with the use of suspension and exclusion as an intervention for dealing with disruptive behaviour in schools, with a particular focus on secondary students in Western Australia. There is increasing support for the view that many of the students suspended or excluded from school for disruptive behaviour may be socially/emotionally handicapped and as such are being denied access to an appropriate education on the basis of their handicapping condition. The legal and service delivery implications of this position are discussed within the context of current Australian special education policy and international agreements pertaining to the educational rights of children.
Structuring the Classroom for Success
Authors: Blankenship Colleen S.
Published: February 2016

This article summarizes recent research on effective classroom management practices that teachers can use to enhance learning and to prevent, or at least minimize, the occurrence of misbehaviour. Suggestions for creating and maintaining an appropriate climate for learning are discussed. Strategies that are particularly effective in teaching mildly handicapped students are emphasized and procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of one’s management practices are discussed.
Teacher Training for Special Education in Singapore
Authors: Chalmers Jennifer B.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, my objective is to discuss how both macro and micro level influences have operated in Singapore to achieve over a remarkably short period of time a much improved national provision for special educational needs and training for special needs teachers in both special schools and regular schools.

In the 25 years since Singapore gained independence, this newly industrialising nation without natural resources, has placed a priority on training and developing a well-educated, skilled work force. In order to avoid human wastage there has been an emphasis on establishing a quality education system available to all who are willing to learn, and in which recognition has largely been related to academic achievement.
Coming in From the Margin
Authors: O’Brien Patricia M.
Published: February 2016

Des English was a person of great charm, innovation, and inner strength. His early death at the age of 44 in 1977 came as a bitter blow not only for his family but for the many teachers and parents he had influenced and guided in respectively providing and in seeking educational opportunities for children with disabilities. Des grew up in a
small town in Victoria called Donnybrook, north of Melbourne. He was educated by the Marist Brothers at Kilmore College, and in the 50’s trained as a primary teacher at Geelong Teachers College, from which he gained an extension of one year to study as a Special Teacher at Melbourne Teachers College. His first appointment was as an Opportunity Grade teacher at North Melbourne State School. His talent for leadership surfaced early and in his second appointment he became Principal of Footscray Special School for children and adolescents with intellectual disability. Throughout the rest of his career he gained one promotion after another to the Principal positions at Ormond, Travencore and St. Alban’s Special schools. I was fortunate to work as a deputy principal with him throughout his last two appointments.
A Review of Naturalistic Communication Training Strategies for Persons with Severe Handicaps: Implications for the Development of Spontaneity
Authors: Carter Mark
Published: February 2016

This paper considers the nature of communicative spontaneity and examines current communication teaching strategies. Contemporary thinking on the nature of spontaneity is examined and its relation to stimulus control and generalisation is discussed. The possible mechanisms by which communication training strategies could induce transfer of stimulus control and assist in the development of spontaneous responding are then considered. Current naturalistic communication training strategies are briefly overviewed and examined in relation to efficacy research and their potential to induce transfer of stimulus control and communicative spontaneity. A taxonomy of communicative cues and prompts is then proposed. Areas for further research are identified
The Des English Memorial Lecture: Journeying
Authors: Elkins John
Published: February 2016

I am honoured to have been asked to deliver the Des English Memorial Lecture. While I never met Des English, I have long been aware of his signal contributions to the field of Special Education and have learned much in conversations with those who knew him well. It is thus a considerable challenge to respond to the invitation by the Conference Committee.
Australian Special Education: Issues of the Eighties Directions for the Nineties
Authors: Bailey Jeff
Published: February 2016

In the last decade, the 1980s, we have witnessed the consolidation and maturing of Special Education, a far cry from the post-Karmel era which saw a frantic rush to expand Australian Special Education, particularly in the area of teacher preparation. It is an appropriate time to review some of the key topics and issues which have shaped Special Education in Australia in the last decade and it should be a useful exercise, on the basis of mat review, to make recommendations for the next decade.
The Effects of the Sociopolitical Environment on Developments in Special Education
Authors: Kauffman James M.
Published: February 2016

The current sociopolitical context of special education is one of dangerous currents. I will give a brief overview of three of these currents and then discuss how we might proceed to avoid their taking us where we don’t want to go.
Acknowledging quality in New Zealand special education
Authors: Wilton Keri
Published: February 2016

New Zealand has much of real quality to be proud of in special education. On numerous international surveys of education, New Zealand schools continue to rank highly - especially with respect to reading and written language, and were such surveys to focus on special educational matters, my guess is that the picture would be equally positive. There are very real difficulties in developing special educational provisions for a country with New Zealand’s geographical characteristics. New Zealand has a relatively small total population, which is scattered widely across a rather large and geographically well separated area, and these factors make for real problems in providing for children with difficulties which occur infrequently - as do most conditions associated with exceptionality and special education.
Knowledge and skills for special educators in the 1990s: Perceptions from the field
Authors: Westwood Peter , Palmer Carolyn
Published: February 2016

Since the early 1970s special education courses at graduate and post-graduate levels have become standard offerings at many Australian universities. As these courses continue to be the main avenue of professional development for special educators in this country, it is pertinent to wonder how often the objectives and content of the courses are examined and revised to ensure contemporary relevance. It must be recognized that the field of special education appears to be in what Tomlinson (1982, p.24) has described as a ‘permanently dynamic state’, with frequent changes in policy, service delivery, roles and responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities of special educators have certainly changed significantly during the past decade (Watts, 1990; Dyson, 1991), and the earlier studies of essential competencies required by special education teachers (e.g. Whitmore,1982; Scott, 1983; Davis, 1983) may not provide reliable data on which to design current courses. There has been renewed interest overseas in the issue of what constitutes essential knowledge and skills for teachers working in special education (Best, 1988; Ramsey & Algozzine, 1991; Ramsey, Algozzine & Smith, 1990; Glomb & Morgan, 1991; Folio, 1990; Cannon, Idol & West, 1992; Reynolds, Wang & Walberg, 1992; Swan & Sirvis, 1992), and it is worth analysing some of this material to determine its relevance for the Australian context. The information could well prove useful as a basis for evaluating special education courses here.
Misconceptions of undergraduate teacher trainees to intellectual disability
Authors: Dempsey Ian
Published: February 2016

The recent development of special education courses within teacher education degrees has focussed attention on the content of these courses. Although several policy documents recommending content for these courses have been published in recent years, very little empirical work has been conducted to determine the relevance of such proposals. This study examined the misconceptions of teacher trainees about intellectual disability as a means of identifying particular aspects of special education content that may need to be addressed in special education courses. The sample held several misconceptions which suggest that many teacher trainees may have a poor understanding of intellectual disability.
Opportunities for choice in day programs for adults with severe intellectual disabilities
Authors: Shaddock Anthony J. , Zilber David , Guggenheimer Sally , Dowse Leanne , Bennett Meredith , Browne Frances
Published: February 2016

This paper examines choice-making in work and community access programs by people perceived to have a severe intellectual disability. The results indicate that the quality and quantity of choice-making are restricted in these settings. The impact of factors such as type of work setting, gender, perceived attractiveness and level of ability are investigated. The implications of this study for research, personnel preparation and workplace interactions are explored.
Preschool integration: Parental values and perceptions
Authors: Johnston Christine , McAlpine Ethel , Wheeler Barbara
Published: February 2016

The move into the preschool represents the first of many transitions for children with developmental disabilities or delay and for their families. The present study examined the transition process for 111 children as reported by their parents. The data indicate that clear relationships exist between parental evaluations of the success of the integration and the four following factors: parental involvement in the transition process, continuing support from the early intervention service, the degree to which parents perceive themselves as equal members of the preschool group and the degree of congruence among the goals expressed by the parents, the preschool teachers and the early intervention workers. The implications of the findings for best practices are explored.