bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for Assessment of the Allowable Sea States During Installation of an Offshore Wind Turbine Transition Piece Structure Onto a Monopile Foundation
Authors: Acero Wilson Guachamin , Gao Zhen , Moan Torgeir
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a methodology suitable for assessing the allowable sea states for installation of a transition piece (TP) onto a monopile (MP) foundation with focus on the docking operation is proposed. The TP installation procedure together with numerical analyses is used to identify critical and restricting events and their corresponding limiting parameters. For critical installation phases, existing numerical solutions based on frequency and time domain (TD) analyses of stationary processes are combined to quickly assess characteristic values of dynamic responses of limiting parameters for any given sea state. These results are compared against (nonlinear and nonstationary) time domain simulations of the actual docking operations. It is found that a critical event is the structural damage of the TP's bracket supports due to the potential large impact forces or velocities, and a restricting installation event (not critical) is the unsuccessful mating operation due to large horizontal motions of the TP bottom. By comparing characteristic values of dynamic responses with their allowable limits, the allowable sea states are established. Contact–impact problems are addressed in terms of assumed allowable impact velocities of the colliding objects. A possible automatic motion compensation system and human actions are not modeled. This methodology can also be used in connection with other mating operations such as float-over and topside installation.
Inverse Estimation of Local Slamming Loads on a Jacket Structure
Authors: Tu Ying , Grindstad Thorvald C. , Muskulus Michael
Published: July 2017

Slamming loads from plunging breaking waves feature a high impulsive force and a very short duration. It is difficult to measure these loads directly in experiments due to the dynamics of the structures. In this study, inverse approaches are investigated to estimate the local slamming loads on a jacket structure using hammer test and wave test data from a model scale experiment. First, a state-of-the-art approach is considered. It uses two deconvolution techniques to first determine the impulse response functions and then to reconstruct the wave impact forces. Second, an easier applicable approach is proposed. It uses linear regression with the ordinary least square technique for the force estimation. The results calculated with these two approaches are highly identical. The linear regression approach can be extended to account for the loads transferred among different locations. This leads to lower and theoretically more accurate estimation of the loads compared to the previous two approaches. For the investigated case, the total impulse due to the wave is 22% lower. The estimated forces by the extended approach have a resolution at the millisecond level, which provides detailed information on the shape of the forces. The approach is an important tool for statistical investigations into the local slamming forces, and further on for the development of a reliable engineering model of the forces.
Topologically enabled optical nanomotors
Authors: Ilic Ognjen , Kaminer Ido , Zhen Bo , Miller Owen D. , Buljan Hrvoje , Soljačić Marin
Published: July 2017

Exploiting the topology of light-nanoparticle interactions could lead to novel ways for optical manipulation.
Multiple structural transitions driven by spin-phonon couplings in a perovskite oxide
Authors: Cazorla Claudio , Diéguez Oswaldo , Íñiguez Jorge
Published: July 2017

A perovskite oxide is predicted to present a double-reentrant phase transition sequence driven by spin-phonon couplings.
Neat monolayer tiling of molecularly thin two-dimensional materials in 1 min
Authors: Matsuba Kazuaki , Wang Chengxiang , Saruwatari Kazuko , Uesusuki Yusuke , Akatsuka Kosho , Osada Minoru , Ebina Yasuo , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: July 2017

A new technique has been developed to easily and rapidly arrange molecularly thin 2D materials edge by edge on various substrates.
Room temperature high-detectivity mid-infrared photodetectors based on black arsenic phosphorus
Authors: Long Mingsheng , Gao Anyuan , Wang Peng , Xia Hui , Ott Claudia , Pan Chen , Fu Yajun , Liu Erfu , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei , Nilges Tom , Xu Jianbin , Wang Xiaomu , Hu Weida , Miao Feng
Published: July 2017

Black arsenic phosphorus–based photodetectors sense detect long-wave mid-infrared light with high detectivity at room temperature.
CgMED3
Changes Membrane Sterol Composition To Help Candida glabrata Tolerate Low-pH Stress
Authors: Lin Xiaobao , Qi Yanli , Yan Dongni , Liu Hui , Chen Xiulai , Liu Liming
Published: July 2017

Candida glabrata
is a promising microorganism for organic acid production. The present study aimed to investigate the role of
C. glabrata
Mediator complex subunit 3 (
Cg
Med3p) in protecting
C. glabrata
under low-pH conditions. To this end, genes
CgMED3A
and
CgMED3B
were deleted, resulting in the double-deletion
Cgmed3AB
Δ strain. The final biomass and cell viability levels of
Cgmed3AB
Δ decreased by 64.5% and 35.8%, respectively, compared to the wild-type strain results at pH 2.0. In addition, lack of
Cg
Med3ABp resulted in selective repression of a subset of genes in the lipid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways. Furthermore, C18:1, lanosterol, zymosterol, fecosterol, and ergosterol were 13.2%, 80.4%, 40.4%, 78.1%, and 70.4% less abundant, respectively, in the
Cgmed3AB
Δ strain. In contrast, the concentration of squalene increased by about 44.6-fold. As a result, membrane integrity, rigidity, and H
+
-ATPase activity in the
Cgmed3AB
Δ strain were reduced by 62.7%, 13.0%, and 50.3%, respectively. In contrast, overexpression of
CgMED3AB
increased the levels of C18:0, C18:1, and ergosterol by 113.2%, 5.9%, and 26.4%, respectively. Moreover, compared to the wild-type results, dry cell weight and pyruvate production increased, irrespective of pH buffering. These results suggest that
CgMED3AB
regulates membrane composition, which in turn enables cells to tolerate low-pH stress. We propose that regulation of
Cg
Med3ABp may provide a novel strategy for enhancing low-pH tolerance and increasing organic acid production by
C. glabrata
.

IMPORTANCE
The objective of this study was to investigate the role of
Candida glabrata
Mediator complex subunit 3 (
Cg
Med3ABp) and its regulation of gene expression at low pH in
C. glabrata
. We found that
Cg
Med3ABp was critical for cellular survival and pyruvate production during low-pH stress. Measures of the levels of plasma membrane fatty acids and sterol composition indicated that
Cg
Med3ABp could play an important role in regulating homeostasis in
C. glabrata
. We propose that controlling membrane lipid composition may enhance the robustness of
C. glabrata
for the production of organic acids.
Bacteriocins of Non-aureus Staphylococci Isolated from Bovine Milk
Authors: Carson Domonique A. , Barkema Herman W. , Naushad Sohail , De Buck Jeroen
Published: July 2017

Non-
aureus
staphylococci (NAS), the bacteria most commonly isolated from the bovine udder, potentially protect the udder against infection by major mastitis pathogens due to bacteriocin production. In this study, we determined the inhibitory capability of 441 bovine NAS isolates (comprising 26 species) against bovine
Staphylococcus aureus
. Furthermore, inhibiting isolates were tested against a human methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolate using a cross-streaking method. We determined the presence of bacteriocin clusters in NAS whole genomes using genome mining tools, BLAST, and comparison of genomes of closely related inhibiting and noninhibiting isolates and determined the genetic organization of any identified bacteriocin biosynthetic gene clusters. Forty isolates from 9 species (
S. capitis
,
S. chromogenes
,
S. epidermidis
,
S. pasteuri
,
S. saprophyticus
,
S. sciuri
,
S. simulans
,
S. warneri
, and
S. xylosus
) inhibited growth of
S. aureus in vitro
, 23 isolates of which, from
S. capitis
,
S. chromogenes
,
S. epidermidis
,
S. pasteuri
,
S. simulans
, and
S. xylosus
, also inhibited MRSA. One hundred five putative bacteriocin gene clusters encompassing 6 different classes (lanthipeptides, sactipeptides, lasso peptides, class IIa, class IIc, and class IId) in 95 whole genomes from 16 species were identified. A total of 25 novel bacteriocin precursors were described. In conclusion, NAS from bovine mammary glands are a source of potential bacteriocins, with >21% being possible producers, representing potential for future characterization and prospective clinical applications.

IMPORTANCE
Mastitis (particularly infections caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
) costs Canadian dairy producers $400 million/year and is the leading cause of antibiotic use on dairy farms. With increasing antibiotic resistance and regulations regarding use, there is impetus to explore bacteriocins (bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides) for treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. We examined the ability of 441 NAS bacteria from Canadian bovine milk samples to inhibit growth of
S. aureus
in the laboratory. Overall, 9% inhibited growth of
S. aureus
and 58% of those also inhibited MRSA. In NAS whole-genome sequences, we identified >21% of NAS as having bacteriocin genes. Our study represents a foundation to further explore NAS bacteriocins for clinical use.
Clinicians approaches to management of background treatment in patients with SLE in clinical remission: results of an international observational survey
Authors: Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , McCarthy Eoghan M , Sergeant Jamie C , Reynolds John , Skeoch Sarah , Parker Benjamin , Bruce Ian N
Published: July 2017

Background

The definition of remission in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear, especially how background treatment should be interpreted.

Objective

To determine preferences of clinicians in treatment of patients in clinical remission from SLE and to assess how previous severity, duration of remission and serology influence changes in treatment.

Methods

We undertook an internet-based survey of clinicians managing patients with SLE. Case scenarios were constructed to reflect different remission states, previous organ involvement, serological abnormalities, duration of remission and current treatment (hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), steroids and/or immunosuppressive (ISS) agents).

Results

130 clinicians from 30 countries were surveyed. The median (range) duration of practice and number of patients with SLE seen each month was 13 (2–42) years and 30 (2–200), respectively. Management decisions in all scenarios varied with greater caution in treatment reduction with shorter duration of remission, extent of serological abnormalities and previous disease severity. Even with mild disease, normal serology and a 5-year clinical remission, 113 (86.9%) clinicians continue to prescribe HCQ. Persistent abnormal serology in any scenario led to a reluctance to reduce or discontinue medications. Prescribing in remission, particularly of steroids and HCQ, varied significantly according to geographical location.

Conclusions

Clinicians preferences in withdrawing or reducing treatment in patients with SLE in clinical remission vary considerably. Serological abnormalities, previous disease severity and duration of remission all influence the decision to reduce treatment. It is unusual for clinicians to stop HCQ even after prolonged periods of clinical remission. Any definition(s) of remission needs to take into consideration such evidence on how maintenance treatments are managed.
Regional heterogeneity in the mechanisms of myogenic tone in hamster arterioles
Authors: Jackson William F. , Boerman Erika M.
Published: July 2017

Myogenic tone is an important feature of arterioles and resistance arteries, but the mechanisms responsible for this hallmark characteristic remain unclear. We used pharmacological inhibitors to compare the roles played by phospholipase C (PLC; 10 μM U73122), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs; 100 μM 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane), protein kinase C (10 μM bisindolylmaleimide I), angiotensin II type 1 receptors (1 μM losartan), Rho kinase (10 nM−30 μM Y27632 or 300 nM H1152), stretch-activated ion channels (10 nM−1 μM Gd3+or 5 μM spider venom toxin GsMTx-4) and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+channels (0.3–100 μM diltiazem) in myogenic tone of cannulated, pressurized (80 cmH2O), second-order hamster cremaster or cheek pouch arterioles. Effective inhibition of either PLC or IP3Rs dilated cremaster arterioles, inhibited Ca2+waves, and reduced global Ca2+levels. In contrast, cheek pouch arterioles did not display Ca2+waves and inhibition of PLC or IP3Rs had no effect on myogenic tone or intracellular Ca2+levels. Inhibition of Rho kinase dilated both cheek pouch and cremaster arterioles with equal efficacy and potency but also reduced intracellular Ca2+signals in both arterioles. Similarly, inhibition of mechanosensitive ion channels with Gd2+or GsMTx-4 produced comparable dilation in both arterioles. Inhibition of L-type Ca2+channels with diltiazem was more effective in dilating cremaster (86 ± 5% dilation, n = 4) than cheek pouch arterioles (54 ± 4% dilation, n = 6, P < 0.05). Thus, there are substantial differences in the mechanisms underlying myogenic tone in hamster cremaster and cheek pouch arterioles. Regional heterogeneity in myogenic mechanisms could provide new targets for drug development to improve regional blood flow in a tissue-specific manner.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Regional heterogeneity in the mechanisms of pressure-induced myogenic tone implies that resistance vessels may be able to alter myogenic signaling pathways to adapt to their environment. A better understanding of the spectrum of myogenic mechanisms could provide new targets to treat diseases that affect resistance artery and arteriolar function.
Analysis of decreases in systemic arterial pressure and heart rate in response to the hydrogen sulfide donor sodium sulfide
Authors: Swan Kevin W. , Song Bryant M. , Chen Allen L. , Chen Travis J. , Chan Ryan A. , Guidry Bradley T. , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Kerut Edmund K. , Giles Thomas D. , Kadowitz Philip J.
Published: July 2017

The actions of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the heart and vasculature have been extensively reported. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of H2S are unclear in the anesthetized rat. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of H2S on the electrocardiogram and examine the relationship between H2S-induced changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and respiratory function. Intravenous administration of the H2S donor Na2S in the anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rat decreased MAP and HR and produced changes in respiratory function. The administration of Na2S significantly increased the RR interval at some doses but had no effect on PR or corrected QT( n)-B intervals. In experiments where respiration was maintained with a mechanical ventilator, we observed that Na2S-induced decreases in MAP and HR were independent of respiration. In experiments where respiration was maintained by mechanical ventilation and HR was maintained by cardiac pacing, Na2S-induced changes in MAP were not significantly altered, whereas changes in HR were abolished. Coadministration of glybenclamide significantly increased MAP and HR responses at some doses, but methylene blue, diltiazem, and ivabradine had no significant effect compared with control. The decreases in MAP and HR in response to Na2S could be dissociated and were independent of changes in respiratory function, ATP-sensitive K+channels, methylene blue-sensitive mechanism involving L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+channels, or hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. Cardiovascular responses observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats were more robust than those in Sprague-Dawley rats.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY H2S is a gasotransmitter capable of producing a decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. The hypotensive and bradycardic effects of H2S can be dissociated, as shown with cardiac pacing experiments. Responses were not blocked by diltiazem, ivabradine, methylene blue, or glybenclamide.
Cancer Cell–Autonomous Parainflammation Mimics Immune Cell Infiltration
Authors: Lasry Audrey , Aran Dvir , Butte Atul J. , Ben-Neriah Yinon
Published: July 2017

Parainflammation is a unique variant of inflammation, characterized by epithelial-autonomous activation of inflammatory response. Parainflammation has been shown to strongly promote mouse gut tumorigenesis upon p53 loss. In a recent study, we explored the prevalence of parainflammation in human cancer and determined its relationship to certain molecular and clinical parameters affecting treatment and prognosis. Parainflammation can be identified from a 40-gene signature and is found in both carcinoma cell lines and a variety of primary tumors, independently of tumor microenvironment. Here, we discuss the implications of our findings in analyses of tumor microenvironment, suggesting that as tumor cell gene expression may often mimic immune and inflammatory infiltration, caution should be applied when interpreting tumor expression data. We also address the connection between parainflammation and prevalence of p53 mutations in specific types of tumors, and cancer prevention by regular usage of NSAIDs. We suggest that parainflammation may serve as a novel biomarker for screening patients who may particularly benefit from NSAID treatment. Cancer Res; 77(14); 3740–4. ©2017 AACR.
Model Testing of Francis-Type Hydraulic Turbines
Authors: Kavurmaci Berat , Celebioglu Kutay , Aradag Selin , Tascioglu Yigit
Published: July 2017

Every single turbine is custom-designed specifically to meet the requirements of a hydroelectric power plant. Performance of a designed turbine is validated, to some extent, by computational fluid dynamics simulations; however, experimental testing according to International Electrotechnical Commission standards is necessary to ensure performance and reliability. Model tests are performed on similar, small-scale models at test facilities that are specifically designed for this purpose. This article features one such facility, which is capable of testing the performance and cavitation of Francis-type turbines. Test procedures, measured parameters, measuring instruments, and calibration techniques are explained in detail.
Lexical and Grammatical Impairment in Dysphasia
Authors: Clarke Brenda , Smith N. V.
Published: July 2017

The relative incidence of lexical and grammatical errors in oral reading was studied in three experiments on a group of twenty-eight dysphasic patients. In the first, lexical items were presented in isolation, in groups and in clauses; in the second and third, lexical and grammatical items were presented in isolation and embedded in continuous prose. Although no conclusive evidence was found of independent breakdown of lexical and grammatical functions, in two cases impairment was predominantly lexical and in two cases predominantly grammatical.
Cognition and Language: Problem Solving as Affected by Knowledge of English and Navaho
Authors: Stafford Kenneth
Published: July 2017

Two groups of Navaho children whose knowledge of English and Navaho differed were given “culture-fair” problems. Solutions to the problems were related to the age when English was learned (degree of knowledge of English). Differences were found between groups in number of problems solved, number of trials per problem solved, and proficiency in coping with certain problem types. It was tentatively concluded that performance on such problems is based on representational processes which in turn depend on available symbol system.
Verbal Conditioning Without Awareness: a Case Study
Authors: Barik Henri C.
Published: July 2017

To illustrate verbal conditioning without awareness, the data and answers to a post-experimental questionnaire of one subject are presented. The subject was reinforced for selecting one response alternative, to be used in a sentence, when presented with pairs of conceptually related items differing in size implications. Number of correct responses increased substantially from operant to reinforced trials, but the answers of the subject to the questionnaire revealed no insight on his part into the response-reinforcement contingency. The case study supports the view that conditioning and awareness are functionally independent events.
Transformational Complexity and Sentence Difficulty: a Developmental Study
Authors: Bell Philip
Published: July 2017

Two studies investigated the validity of an index of transformational complexity in predicting the difficulty of sentence recall and completion by young children. For seven groups of subjects aged from three to seven years, a scalogram analysis yielded high reproducibility coefficents across eight sentence types on a delayed recall task. Children's abilities to complete semantically appropriate sentences of various types was less predictable due to the extreme difficulty of passives. There was a linear relationship between age and frequencies of correct recall and completion. An examination of errors indicated that children strive to produce meaningful sentences despite limited knowledge of complex logical relationships in some sentence types. These limitations appear to constrain the child's grammatical competence. Hence the predicted order of sentence difficulty need not be interpreted as strong support for the primacy of grammatical factors in determining sentence complexity during the acquisition of language.
Establishing Intonationally Variable Systems in a Multidimensional Linguistic Space
Authors: Pellowe John , Jones Val
Published: July 2017

It is a matter of widespread anecdotal knowledge that prosodic and paralinguistic realizations vary as widely as do those of segmental systems in many regionally and socially different varieties of British English. Methods barely exist for making such knowledge precise. Our view in the present paper is that the only method of establishing variant intonation systems is from a careful multidimensional dissection of the quantified distributions of intonation realizations, and co-occurrences amongst them. This we demonstrate by analysing some of the interactions between two, three, and four of the most frequently realized tones from a total of 4066 tone units uttered in informal interviews by 20 speakers of localized Tyneside varieties. We show that though there are some cases in which the distribution of a particular tone increases at the expense of another across the varieties, not all of the dependencies are as simple as this. The stability of the distinctions between varietally different intonational systems and the factors which threaten or promote that stability are questions requiring further analysis.
Relative Amplitude of Aspiration Noise as a Voicing Cue for Syllable-Initial Stop Consonants
Authors: Repp Bruno H.
Published: July 2017

The present experiments demonstrate that amplitude of aspiration noise (relative to the following periodic portion of the vowel) is a cue for the distinction between voiced and voiceless syllable-initial stop consonants in English, and that it can be traded for voice onset time (VOT). In Experiment I, the category boundary on a synthetic VOT continuum (/da/-/ta/) was found to be a linear function of the amplitude ratio between the aspirated and unaspirated vocalic portions over a 24-dB range. A 1-dB increase in the ratio led to a shortening of the VOT boundary by 0.43 msec., on the average. In Experiment II, the synthetic stimuli were prefixed with a natural 10 msec. release burst, and burst and aspiration amplitudes were varied orthogonally. Both factors affected the voicing boundary in the expected direction but not independently; their interaction was ascribed to backward masking of weak bursts by strong aspiration noise. After accounting for this interaction, the effect of burst amplitude seemed very small compared to that of aspiration amplitude. These results suggest that the amount of aspiration noise is the primary voicing cue in the situation investigated, and that the perception of the noise follows psychoacoustic laws of time-intensity tradeoff. The methodological significance of amplitude parameters in speech synthesis is pointed out.
The Effect of Word Length and Frequency On Articulation and Pausing During Delayed Auditory Feedback
Authors: Geffen G. , Stierman I. , Tildesley P.
Published: July 2017

The effect of three levels of word frequency and two word lengths on articulation duration and pause time during immediate (IAF) and delayed auditory feedback (DAF) was investigated in 20 subjects. The articulation duration of all words lengthened during DAF, with long words showing the greatest effect. Pause time during IAF increased as word frequency declined, and also increased before long words, but was only slightly lengthened during DAF on high and middle frequency words. The results were discussed in terms of feedback-dependent levels of processing in the production of speech as a skilled movement.
Natural Phonology or Natural Memory? the Interaction Between Phonological Processes and Recall Mechanisms
Authors: Aitchison Jean , Chiat Shulamuth
Published: July 2017

An analysis of the attempts by 90 children between the ages of four and nine to learn a number of new words revealed that their recall errors were remarkably similar to the phonological deformations found in the speech of young children in the early stages of language development. Two complementary explanations are put forward to account for the observed similarities: phonological processes noted in the speech of young children may reflect recall problems, and recall in all children may be related to perceptual salience, since perceptually salient features are likely to be those most strongly encoded in auditory memory. We point out that the role of memory, which has been virtually ignored by linguists, clearly needs to be taken into consideration.
Allophonic Variation of /ε / and Its Morphologization in an Acadian Dialect of Nova Scotia
Authors: Wrenn Phyllis
Published: July 2017

The realization of /ε/ as [a] in certain contexts is attested not only in varieties of Canadian French but also in certain regional varieties of Metropolitan French. In the Franco-Acadian dialect here studied the distribution of the more open allophone shows only partial overlap with that described for other varieties of Canadian French, and in some other respects coincides with data cited elsewhere for the western and/or central regions of France. Most significant for the dialectologist perhaps is the morphologization of the phonetic feature in the flexions of the imperfect indicative. From the point of view of the phonetician, distributional "idiosyncracies," particularly the behaviour of the vowel phoneme before the /r/ phoneme, which contradicts the findings of other dialect studies cited, underline the role that surface features may play in linguistic evolution independent of the underlying structure. Finally, instrumental analysis of the formant structure of open allophones supports the separation of the + open allophone into four perceptually discrete variants that have, however, no absolute correlative distribution, and therefore no confirmed individual linguistic identity.
Social Class and Ritualized Speech
Authors: Cook Mark , Gurr Pauline J.
Published: July 2017

Data on the frequency of use of "ritualized speech" and "socio-centric" and "egocentric" phrases, in middle and working class adolescents, are presented. Contrary to hypothesis, no overall social class differences are discovered. However the two classes of subject differ markedly in their choice of particular phrases; also both groups differ significantly from student speakers. It is suggested that differences in speech patterns, such as the use of ritualized speech, may be determined by more specific, "local" factors than social class.
Letter Writing Differences: Relative Status Effects
Authors: Homzie M.J. , Kotsonis Miriam E. , Toris Carol C.M.
Published: July 2017

This paper is concerned with the relationship between the contents of written messages and the relative status of the letter writer and the addressee. University students, under the guise of assisting in a survey, individually composed two letters of request, one supposedly to a high school student and the other presumably to an individual with a master's degree. The letters were coded as to their degree of formality, the strength of the request, and the extent to which the writers identified with the survey project. The results clearly indicated that the writers adjusted their letters as a function of the supposed relative status of the addressees. Moreover, by considering only two variables, Formality and Identification, it was possible to correctly classify 76% of the letters as to the status of the intended recipient. These findings are discussed in terms of communicative devices that reflect asymmetrical status relationships.
Stimulus Considerations in Narrative Analysis of Normal Third Grade Children
Authors: Klecan-Aker Joan S. , McIngvale Gayelene K. , Swank Paul R.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the present study was to examine stimulus variables when eliciting stories from normal school-age children. Subjects were 24 third grade students exhibiting at least average performance in the classroom. Results indicated that spontaneous stories yielded more clauses and more subordination whereas narratives elicited with a visual stimulus resulted in a higher level story developmentally. Results are discussed relative to establishing a data base on the expressive language skills of school-age children.
The Relationship between Written Expression and Reading in Gifted Adolescents
Authors: Newcomer Phyllis L. , Goldberg Mary A.
Published: July 2017

This study was designed to: evaluate the performance of 107 gifted adolescents on a test of written language ability; compare the written expression of subgroups of superior and adequate readers drawn from the gifted sample; and examine the intercorrelations among written language components and reading. The results revealed that the gifted children did not evidence written language deficits but performed less well on measures of creative writing than they did on mechanical aspects. The superior readers in the sample performed significantly better than the adequate readers in all aspects of writing except handwriting. Finally, with the exception of word usage skills, areas of reading and components of writing do not appear to be highly interrelated.
Differential Descriptions of Gifted Learners
Authors: Fearn Leif
Published: July 2017

Using a fluent self-report technique, the investigation identified the extent to which learners, teachers, and parents name and rank-order gifted-learner descriptors similarly. Certain descriptors were commonly named across subjects, and certain others emerged as most frequently named by subject group. Intergroup correlations, however, tended to discriminate between adult subjects and learner subjects where the former clustered around affective-interactive descriptors and the latter around academic descriptors. Reasons for the adult-learner clusters are posited, and questions about what the data might mean are posed.
A Conceptual Model of Four Types of Parent-School Interactions
Authors: Colangelo Nicholas , Dettmann David F.
Published: July 2017

One of the most important issues in gifted education is the parent-school relationship. The most basic issue regarding this relationship concerns the role the school should take in providing special educational opportunities for gifted students. The authors present a model conceptualizing four types of interactions between parents and schools. These four types of interactions determine the underlying cooperation or conflict that is present between parents and schools. The model offers parents and schools insight into understanding the nature of their interactions concerning the role of the school in gifted education.
Use of the Ross Test as an Assessment Measure in Programs for the Gifted and a Comparison Study of the Ross Test to Individually Administered Intelligence Test
Authors: Beckwith Ann Hammond
Published: July 2017

The present study examined the ROSS Test of Higher Cognitive Processes as an appropriate assessment instrument in programs for the gifted where critical thinking skills are taught. Evidence suggests that the measure is a useful evaluation instrument in programs where critical thinking is addressed. There is some evidence to support the idea that more concentrated methods of teaching critical thinking skills are as effective as more extensive teaching approaches. Further analysis indicates that while earlier studies have found little relationship between group intelligence tests and cognitive abilities, there does appear to be a significant relationship between individual intelligence tests and critical thinking abilities. These indications may be influenced by a specific factor which relates to higher level thinking abilities. Further analysis indicates another specific intelligence factor which best predicts the gain score in critical thinking. These indications may have implications for future studies in identification of critical thinkers, thus broadening the concept of giftedness.
Speaking to Read: The Effects of Continuous vs. Discrete Speech Recognition Systems on the Reading and Spelling of Children with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Higgins Eleanor L. , Raskind Marshall H.
Published: July 2017

In recent literature on persons with learning disabilities (LD), speech recognition has been addressed primarily as an assistive technology to compensate for writing difficulties. However, prior research by the authors has shown that speech recognition may have a remedial effect on reading and spelling. The present study was conducted to compare the effects of two types of speech recognition systems, discrete speech and continuous speech, in terms of their relative remedial effects. Thirty-nine students with LD (aged 9-18) had participated in a previous study. Nineteen had used discrete speech systems for 50 minutes a week for sixteen weeks to write on self-selected topics, while twenty students in a control group had received general computer instruction. In the following semester, an additional experimental condition was added. Thirteen participants used continuous speech recognition systems 50 minutes a week for sixteen weeks to write on self-selected topics. Results were then compared across all three groups. Both discrete and continuous speech groups showed significant improvement in word recognition (p<.002, p<.018) and reading comprehension (p<.043, p<.041) over the control group and the discrete condition also showed significant improvement in spelling (p<.015). Pre- and post-tests on five reading-related cognitive processing measures (phonological, orthographic and semantic processing, metcognitive reading strategies, and working memory) indicated that only phonological processing improved significantly, and only for the discrete speech group when compared to controls (p<.04). Results were related to specific differences between continuous and discrete speech systems in terms of the task requirements for generating and correcting text using the two systems.
Training a School Team to Integrate Technology Meaningfully into the Curriculum: Effects on Student Participation
Authors: Schlosser Ralf W. , McGhie-Richmond Donna , Blackstien-Adler Susie , Mirenda Pat , Antonius Kim , Janzen Paul
Published: July 2017

The effects of training a school team in the use of the Participation Assessment Framework and barrier-specific interventions (including but not limited to technology applications) on the participation of a student during literacy and math activities were evaluated using a multiple probe design across instructional formats. Participants included a multi-disciplinary school team, and a 10-year old student with cerebral palsy and no functional speech supported by this team. Training consisted of a combination of adult learning strategies including workshops, modeling, practice in simulated and real settings, feedback, and coaching during actual practice. The results of this preliminary study provide suggestive evidence that this systematic training was not only effective in increasing participation, but also is perceived as useful and effective by the training recipients. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research.
Assistive Technology, Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning: Improved Learning Opportunities
Authors: Hitchcock Chuck , Stahl Skip
Published: July 2017

This article addresses the benefits that are likely to derive from shifting focus to developing and implementing a universally designed curriculum. It considers the goals for learning, the learning materials, the instructional methods, and the learning assessments. Benefits are expressed in terms of improved access, participation, and progress in the general education curriculum. Some of the forces that support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and possible barriers are addressed, as well as appropriate uses of technology within educational learning environments. Assistive Technology (AT), Universal Design (UD) and UDL are briefly defined and pointers to additional resources are included.
The Development and Application of an Instructional Materials Evaluation System: Preacademic Level
Authors: Mischio George S. , Franks David J.
Published: July 2017

An instructional materials model was constructed and employed as a perspective for a review of the literature. A need for an indirect evaluation technique for consumers at the post production level was identified. Consequently, a generic product evaluation system was developed and validated. Thirteen qualified educators were oriented and trained as three judge teams who estimated the developmental appropriateness of 239 DLM products. The teams provided feedback for product revision and supplementary use. The data had implications for long term planning, marketing techniques and new product development. The product evaluation system may be useful in the selection and modification of instructional materials for exceptional children.
The Effects of Group Reinforcement Contingencies in an “Open-Style” Classroom
Authors: Young K. Richard , Likins Marilyn , Johnson Judith I.
Published: July 2017

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of group reinforcement procedures in managing the disruptive behavior of handicapped and nonhandicapped students in a regular third grade classroom. The procedures were also socially validated by the students and classroom teachers.
An Analysis of the Rise and Fall of Programmed Instruction. Implications for Computer-Assisted Instruction
Authors: Foster Carol
Published: July 2017

As computer use in education develops, the comparison of Computer-Assisted Instruction with programmed instruction and teaching machines becomes apparent. Although programmed instruction and teaching machines were expected to revolutionize education they rapidly fell into disuse. This paper discusses the similarities between them and Computer-Assisted Instruction, which has inherited many of the same expectations. It describes the attitudes toward and the research concerning programmed instruction, describes the increased flexibility that computers add to the teaching machines of the sixties, and makes recommendations for research that would permit computers to be integrated into the educational structure with more of an empirical base, with more systematic planning, and with an emphasis on producing learning environments that are both effective and interesting for the learner.
Computerized vs. Noncomputerized Individualized Education Programs: Teachers' Attitudes, Time, and Cost
Authors: Ryan Lynne B. , Rucker Chauncy N.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between school districts using computerized and noncomputerized Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) on the attitudes of teachers towards IEPs, the time spent by teachers writing and preparing IEPs, and the cost per IEP. Teachers from twelve randomly selected districts in Massachusetts were involved in the study. Analysis of the data indicated that teachers in districts using computerized IEP systems spent less time writing IEPs and had a more favorable attitude toward the IEP for instructional planning than did teachers using noncomputerized IEP systems. In addition, the cost per IEP for computerized districts was less than the cost for noncomputerized districts. Implications of these results and areas in need of further investigation are discussed.
Computer-Assisted Video Instruction for Training Paraprofessionals in Rural Special Education
Authors: Singer George , Sowers Jo-Ann , Irvin Larry K.
Published: July 2017

Computer assisted video instruction (CAVI) was tested as a way to improve the teaching skills of a paraprofessional who was responsible for the instruction of a deaf-blind student in a rural school. A multiple baseline design was used to examine the impact of CAVI on four teaching behaviors. Direct observation revealed that CAVI was effective in modifying three of the four target behaviors. The potential of CAVI in staff improvement efforts is discussed.
Application of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) within a Curriculum Development Project
Authors: Foster Carol , Lent James R.
Published: July 2017

There is a need for accurate procedures for monitoring both process and productivity in educational systems. An accountability system was developed as part of a federal project to develop curriculum materials for individuals who have mental retardation (Project MORE). The accountability system was designed to monitor the development and completion of 46 products and to produce cost estimates. A 34-step process lattice was constructed to describe the procedures used in product development and then a PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart was designed to show the temporal relationships among the 34 steps. Data were collected on how long each step in the lattice required for completion. These data were then used to predict the product development that was feasible over the next three years. It was predicted that each product would require 490 days.

These data were then used to make yearly projections. After one year's data were collected these projections were compared to actual productivity. While there was a fair amount of variability across these steps, and the project has undergone extensive changes in both personnel and physical location, the mean actual time required was within one month of the original estimates. The use of the PERT has proven useful for doing long-range planning, for supervising the activity of a federal project; and for training new staff members in a fairly complex set of procedures.
Videodisc Levels: A Case Study in Hardware Obsession
Authors: Hofmeister Alan M. , Thorkildsen Ron J.
Published: July 2017

This article reviews a 10 year history of a programmatic line of research on videodisc programs with handicapped and nonhandicapped students in public schools. The review documents a clear trend from programs that were hardware-intensive and concerned with physical individualization and self-pacing to more modest hardware involvement and a concern for enhancing teachers in both group and individual instructional settings. Some of the present instructional applications of videodisc and computer technology in the public schools may be overemphasizing the role of hardware characteristics in the learning process and underestimating their role in increasing access to effective teaching.
The Genisys Program: Linking Content Area Knowledge to Problem Solving Through Technology-Based Instruction
Authors: Woodward John P. , Carnine Douglas W.
Published: July 2017

Genisys is an advanced CAI program that teaches remedial and mildly handicapped students how to solve complex earth science problems. The program builds on a 35-lesson videodisc course Throughout the course, students learn important content area knowledge such as mass and density, the rain cycle, convection, and the rock cycle After every five videodisc lessons, students apply this knowledge to challenging problem-solving exercises in the Genisys program. Genisys uses multiple rules for giving feedback, recycling missed exercises, and diagnosing underlying deficits in content area knowledge The details of Genisys, as well as relevant videodisc research, are presented in this article.
Interrogating the Asian Crisis: Economic Governance Under Challenge
Authors: Ritchie John
Published: July 2017

The so-called ‘Asian crisis’ at first appeared so incontrovertibly astounding, perplexing and compelling that few fully interrogated it as a result. As the accompanying shock and surprise further undermined other surrounding equilibria, economic governance at large appeared critically challenged. Few anticipated it and many were first quickly seized by it, but still this crisis puzzled, right through into any would-be ‘Asian recovery’ later. Although some regard that recovery as an ‘Asian reply’ to precipitate Western intervention, this paper argues that only better understanding of how any Asian crisis was socially constructed thus will reveal its full nature, course, and consequences generally.
The Attrition Crisis in South African Universities. How to Keep Students on the Graduation Path
Authors: Bokana K.G.
Published: July 2017

The attrition of students is a persistent and seemingly intractable problem of higher education in South Africa. Less than 15 percent of a cohort of matrics get into higher education where about 50 percent of students drop out of university in their first year and a mere 15 percent of them complete their degrees in the allotted time. Predictably the attrition of students from previously disadvantaged population groups may result in further racial and socioeconomic disparity in future generations – a concern to both education authorities and students. Using focus groups’ discussions, this study attempts to understand the perceptions of randomly selected education stakeholders of reasons for attrition of students particularly at the UKZN, South Africa. Exclusion on academic grounds and financial difficulties are not wholly to blame, other reasons including feeder high schools, life events, and a set of onset of youth sundry needs are equally considerable hurdles on the graduation path of students. A holistic approach in the educational policy making process run in parallel to appropriately targeted educational investments which should operate like the financial crisis bailout is imperative to keep students on the graduation path and reverse the trend of attrition.
Book Review: Ko Gakureki Wakingu Puua
Authors: Halloran Fumiko
Published: July 2017

Ko Gakureki Wakingu Puua [Highly Educated Working Poor] by Shodo Mizuki, Kobunsha Shinsho, 2007, 217 pages. Paperback, ¥ 700. ISBN-13: 978-4334034238
Book Review: Economic Theory and Hicksian Themes
Authors: Timbrell Martin
Published: July 2017

Economic Theory and Hicksian Themes. D.A.Collard, D.R.Helm, M.F.G.Scott and A.K.Sen (eds), Oxford University Press, 1984 (170 pp).
Book Review: Labour Economics
Authors: Timbrell Martin
Published: July 2017

Labour Economics. D.Carline, C.A. Pissarides, W.S.Siebert and P.J.Sloane, Longman, 1985 (viii3 240 pp).
The Attitudes and Responses of Trades Unions to Technical Change: A Case Study of Maintenance Workers in the North West of England
Authors: Penn Roger , Wigzell Barry
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the development of machine maintenance work in eight plants in Cumbria. It assesses both the arguments from the ‘flexibility’ literature concerning multi-skilling, and the ‘labour process’ debate about the deskilling of modern manual work. The eight case studies reveal complex patterns of occupational change, but overall there is little support for either the notion of multi-skilling or of deskilling. Rather, the evidence suggests a general continuity in the broad structure of occupational differentiation within this sphere of modern production.