bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical role of smoking and household dampness during childhood for adult phlegm and cough: a research example from a prospective cohort study in Great Britain
Authors: Cable Noriko , Kelly Yvonne , Bartley Mel , Sato Yuki , Sacker Amanda
Published: April 2014

Objective

To examine independent associations between childhood exposures to smoking and household dampness, and phlegm and cough in adulthood.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Participants

7320 of the British cohort who were born during 1 week in 1970 and had complete data for childhood and adult information.

Main outcome measures

Experiences of phlegm and coughing over the previous 3 months were assessed using questions from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms when the cohort participants were 29 years of age. 4 response patterns (no symptoms, phlegm only, cough only, both symptoms present) were created based on the responses to these questions.

Results

Childhood smoking and exposure to marked household dampness at age 10 were associated with phlegm (childhood smoking: relative risk ratio (RRR)=1.45, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.05; dampness: RRR=2.05, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.91) and co-occurring cough and phlegm (childhood smoking: RRR=1.35. 95% CI 1.08 to 1.67; dampness: RRR=2.73, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.99), while exposure to two or more adult smokers in the household was associated with cough-related symptoms (cough only: RRR=1.28, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.58; phlegm and cough: RRR=1.32, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.64). These associations were independent from adult smoking, childhood phlegm and cough, early social background and sex. Current smoking at age 29 contributed to all symptom patterns; however, a substantial association between household dampness and co-occurring phlegm and cough suggest long-term detrimental effects of childhood environmental exposures.

Conclusions

Our findings give support to current public health interventions for adult smoking and raise concerns about the long-term effects of a damp home environment on the respiratory health of children.
Clinical features of isolated gestational proteinuria progressing to pre-eclampsia: retrospective observational study
Authors: Akaishi Rina , Yamada Takahiro , Morikawa Mamoru , Nishida Ryutaro , Minakami Hisanori
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Some women with isolated gestational proteinuria (IGP) later develop hypertension and are diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (PE). This study was performed to determine whether clinical features of such proteinuria preceding PE (P-PE) differ from those of other PE (O-PE).

Design

Retrospective observational study after approval of the institutional review board of ethics.

Setting

A single university hospital. Proteinuria was defined as a protein-to-creatinine ratio (mg/mg; P/Cr) of ≥0.27 in the spot urine specimen. IGP was defined as proteinuria in the absence of hypertension. P-PE was defined as PE in which proteinuria preceded hypertension by more than 2 days.

Participants

All of 10 and 18 consecutive women with P-PE and O-PE, respectively, who gave birth between January 2008 and August 2013.

Results

Proteinuria appeared earlier (at 30.2±3.0 vs 35.3±4.3 weeks, p=0.001), the P/Cr level was greater at birth (7.28±2.14 vs 3.19±2.49, p<0.001), net maternal weight gain during the last antenatal 1 week was greater (3.1±1.8 vs 1.3±1.7 kg, p=0.023) and length of pregnancy was shorter (32.5±1.9 vs 36.1±3.6 weeks, p=0.001) in women with P-PE than in O-PE. The duration of IGP was 10.0±5.9 days (range 3–20), and the time interval until delivery after diagnosis of PE was 6.1±8.2 days (range 0–23) in 10 women with P-PE. The P/Cr levels at birth were significantly inversely correlated with the antenatal lowest antithrombin activity and fibrinogen levels among the 28 women with PE.

Conclusions

Women with P-PE were likely to exhibit greater proteinuria in the urine, greater water retention in the interstitial space and more enhanced coagulation–fibrinolysis, thus suggesting that they may constitute a more severe form of PE than women with O-PE do.
The use of report cards and outcome measurements to improve the safety of surgical care: the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Maggard-Gibbons Melinda
Published: April 2014

Postoperative adverse events occur all too commonly and contribute greatly to our large and increasing healthcare costs. Surgeons, as well as hospitals, need to know their own outcomes in order to recognise areas that need improvement before they can work towards reducing complications. In the USA, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) collects clinical data that provide benchmarks for providers and hospitals. This review summarises the history of ACS NSQIP and its components, and describes the evidence that feeding outcomes back to providers, along with real-time comparisons with other hospital rates, leads to quality improvement, better patient outcomes, cost savings and overall improved patient safety. The potential harms and limitations of the program are discussed.
Tweets about hospital quality: a mixed methods study
Authors: Greaves Felix , Laverty Antony A , Cano Daniel Ramirez , Moilanen Karo , Pulman Stephen , Darzi Ara , Millett Christopher
Published: April 2014

Background

Twitter is increasingly being used by patients to comment on their experience of healthcare. This may provide information for understanding the quality of healthcare providers and improving services.

Objective

To examine whether tweets sent to hospitals in the English National Health Service contain information about quality of care. To compare sentiment on Twitter about hospitals with established survey measures of patient experience and standardised mortality rates.

Design

A mixed methods study including a quantitative analysis of all 198 499 tweets sent to English hospitals over a year and a qualitative directed content analysis of 1000 random tweets. Twitter sentiment and conventional quality metrics were compared using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Key results

11% of tweets to hospitals contained information about care quality, with the most frequent topic being patient experience (8%). Comments on effectiveness or safety of care were present, but less common (3%). 77% of tweets about care quality were positive in tone. Other topics mentioned in tweets included messages of support to patients, fundraising activity, self-promotion and dissemination of health information. No associations were observed between Twitter sentiment and conventional quality metrics.

Conclusions

Only a small proportion of tweets directed at hospitals discuss quality of care and there was no clear relationship between Twitter sentiment and other measures of quality, potentially limiting Twitter as a medium for quality monitoring. However, tweets did contain information useful to target quality improvement activity. Recent enthusiasm by policy makers to use social media as a quality monitoring and improvement tool needs to be carefully considered and subjected to formal evaluation.
Loss of p16(INK4a) is associated with reduced patient survival in soft tissue tumours, and indicates a senescence barrier
Authors: Knösel Thomas , Altendorf-Hofmann Annelore , Lindner Lars , Issels Rolf , Hermeking Heiko , Schuebbe Gesa , Gibis Sebastian , Siemens Helge , Kampmann Eric , Kirchner Thomas
Published: April 2014

Aims

p16(INK4a) is an important factor in carcinogenesis, and its expression is linked to oncogene-induced senescence. Very recently it was shown that upregulation and downregulation of p16 indicates a senescence barrier in the serrated route of colorectal cancer. However, in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), the senescence mechanism is still not understood. In this study, we analysed a well characterised cohort of STS for p16(INK4a) expression and correlated the results with clinicopathological parameters including survival.

Methods

Tissue microarrays (TMA) of 183 soft tissue and bone tumours were analysed immunohistochemically. Furthermore, mRNA expression of p16(INK4a) was evaluated in four sarcoma cell lines, and a demethylation test was performed by treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytide.

Results

On protein level, expression of p16(INK4a) was observed in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) in 69.1%, leiomyosarcoma in 85.7%, synovial sarcoma in 77.8%, liposarcoma in 88.9%, angiosarcoma in 60.9% and MPNST in 22.2%. Loss of p16(INK4a) was observed in high grade sarcomas and showed a significant correlation with reduced patient survival (p=0.032). On DNA level, one out of four sarcoma cell lines exhibited a methylated p16(INK4a) promoter analysed by methylation-specific PCR. p16(INK4a) mRNA and protein expression was restored after demethylation using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytide.

Conclusions

Upregulation of p16(INK4a) might be associated with the induction of senescence and indicates a senescence barrier. Downregulation of p16(INK4a) is found in malignant progression, and is significantly correlated with reduced patient survival. Downregulation of p16(INK4a) may be explained by DNA-hypermethylation in sarcoma cells.
m.3635G>A mutation as a cause of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Kodroń Agata , Krawczyński Maciej R , Tońska Katarzyna , Bartnik Ewa
Published: April 2014

Over 90% of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is caused by one of three mtDNA mutations (m.11778A>G, m.3460G>A, m.14484T>C). The remaining cases are due to rare mutations in different genes encoding subunits of the respiratory chain. The proband is a 17-year-old male with symptoms of optic nerve atrophy. No common LHON mutations were found, but detailed sequencing identified a rare, homoplasmic mutation m.3635G>A in theND1gene.
Cationic lipid nanodisks as an siRNA delivery vehicle
Authors: Ghosh Mistuni , Ren Gang , Simonsen Jens B. , Ryan Robert O.
Published: April 2014

The term nanodisk (ND) describes reconstituted high-density lipoprotein particles that contain one or more exogenous bioactive agents. In the present study, ND were assembled from apolipoprotein A-I, the zwitterionic glycerophospholipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and the synthetic cationic lipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DMTAP). ND formulated at a DMPC:DMTAP ratio of 70:30 (by weight) were soluble in aqueous media. The particles generated were polydisperse, with diameters ranging from ∼20 to <50 nm. In nucleic acid binding studies, agarose gel retardation assays revealed that a synthetic 23-mer double-stranded oligonucleotide (dsOligo) bound to DMTAP containing ND but not to ND formulated with DMPC alone. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation studies provided additional evidence for stable dsOligo binding to DMTAP–ND. Incubation of cultured hepatoma cells with DMTAP–ND complexed with a siRNA directed against glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase showed 60% knockdown efficiency. Thus, incorporation of synthetic cationic lipid (i.e., DMTAP) to ND confers an ability to bind siRNA and the resulting complexes possess target gene knockdown activity in a cultured cell model.
Intrinsic and relative permeabilities of shredded municipal solid wastes from the Qizishan landfill, China
Authors: Xu Xiao Bing , Zhan Tony Liang Tong , Chen Yun Min , Beaven Richard Paul
Published: April 2014

Testing specimens for laboratory analysis were created from borehole samples of municipal solid waste (MSW) drilled from different depths at the Qizishan landfill, China. Laboratory water retention curve (WRC), water permeability, and air permeability tests were carried out to study the effects of compression and biodegradation on intrinsic permeability and the effect of water content on the relative permeability of the borehole specimens. The value of intrinsic permeability coefficient, k0, in the Kozeny–Carman model was found to be influenced by both the compression and biodegradation processes. Furthermore, the intrinsic permeability, ki, measured by air was found to be about one order of magnitude larger than that measured by water. Based on the regression results of WRC, relative water and air permeabilities were analyzed through the van Genuchten–Mualem (vG–M) model. The measured relative air permeability could be well fitted by the vG-M model. The value of parameter γv was found to be critical for a good prediction of relative water and air permeabilities using the vG-M model.
Algorithm 942
Authors: de la Cruz Raúl , Araya-Polo Mauricio
Published: April 2014

Finite Difference (FD) is a widely used method to solve Partial Differential Equations (PDE). PDEs are the core of many simulations in different scientific fields, such as geophysics, astrophysics, etc. The typical FD solver performs stencil computations for the entire computational domain, thus solving the differential operators. In general terms, the stencil computation consists of a weighted accumulation of the contribution of neighbor points along the cartesian axis. Therefore, optimizing stencil computations is crucial in reducing the application execution time.

Stencil computation performance is bounded by two main factors: the memory access pattern and the inefficient reuse of the accessed data. We propose a novel algorithm, named
Semi-stencil
, that tackles these two problems. The main idea behind this algorithm is to change the way in which the stencil computation progresses within the computational domain. Instead of accessing all required neighbors and adding all their contributions at once, the Semi-stencil algorithm divides the computation into several updates. Then, each update gathers half of the axis neighbors, partially computing at the same time the stencil in a set of closely located points. As Semi-stencil progresses through the domain, the stencil computations are completed on precomputed points. This computation strategy improves the memory access pattern and efficiently reuses the accessed data.

Our initial target architecture was the Cell/B.E., where the Semi-stencil in a SPE was 44% faster than the naive stencil implementation. Since then, we have continued our research on emerging multicore architectures in order to assess and extend this work on homogeneous architectures. The experiments presented combine the Semi-stencil strategy with space- and time-blocking algorithms used in hierarchical memory architectures. Two x86 (Intel Nehalem and AMD Opteron) and two POWER (IBM POWER6 and IBM BG/P) platforms are used as testbeds, where the best improvements for a 25-point stencil range from 1.27 to 1.76× faster. The results show that this novel strategy is a feasible optimization method which may be integrated into auto-tuning frameworks. Also, since all current architectures are multicore based, we have introduced a brief section where scalability results on IBM POWER7-, Intel Xeon-, and MIC-based systems are presented. In a nutshell, the algorithm scales as well as or better than other stencil techniques. For instance, the scalability of Semi-stencil on MIC for a certain testcase reached 93.8 × over 244 threads.
Plant Phenotypic Plasticity in Response to Environmental Factors
Authors: Gratani Loretta
Published: April 2014

Plants are exposed to heterogeneity in the environment where new stress factors (i.e., climate change, land use change, and invasiveness) are introduced, and where inter- and intraspecies differences may reflect resource limitation and/or environmental stress factors. Phenotypic plasticity is considered one of the major means by which plants can cope with environmental factor variability. Nevertheless, the extent to which phenotypic plasticity may facilitate survival under environmental condition changes still remains largely unknown because results are sometimes controversial. Thus, it is important to identify plant functional traits in which plasticity may play a determinant role in plant response to global change as well as on the ecological consequences at an ecosystem level for the competition between wild and invasive species, considering that species with a greater adaptive plasticity may be more likely to survive in novel environmental conditions. In the near future, it will be important to increase long-term studies on natural populations in order to understand plant response to environmental factor fluctuations including climate change. There is the necessity to analyze variations at phenotypic and genetic levels for the same species and, in particular, for endemic and rare species because these could have drastic effects at an ecosystem level.
Force Control for a Pneumatic Cylinder Using Generalized Predictive Controller Approach
Authors: Mohd Faudzi Ahmad ’Athif , Mustafa Nu’man Din , Osman Khairuddin
Published: April 2014

Pneumatic cylinder is a well‐known device because of its high power to weight ratio, easy use, and environmental safety. Pneumatic cylinder uses air as its power source and converts it to a possible movement such as linear and rotary movement. In order to control the pneumatic cylinder, controller algorithm is needed to control the on‐off solenoid valve with encoder and pressure sensor as the feedback inputs. In this paper, generalized predictive controller (GPC) is proposed as the control strategy for the pneumatic cylinder force control. To validate and compare the performance, proportional‐integral (PI) controller is also presented. Both controllers algorithms GPC and PI are developed using existing linear model of the cylinder from previous research. Results are presented in simulation and experimental approach using MATLAB‐Simulink as the platform. The results show that the GPC is capable of fast response with low steady state error and percentage overshoot compared to PI.
Activity-Trip Chaining Behavior of Urban Low-Income Populations in Nanjing, China: A Structural Equations Analysis
Authors: Chu Zhaoming , Chen Hui , Cheng Lin , Chen Xuewu , Zhu Senlai
Published: April 2014

This paper analyzes the activity-trip chaining behavior of urban low-income populations in Nanjing, China, based on a specific travel survey of low-income residents of Nanjing city (2010), and the database of residents travel survey of Nanjing city (2009). Individual’s information of activity participation and trip chains is extracted from the daily travel diary and matched with individual and household characteristics. On top of correlation analysis and normalization process, using the software AMOS, two structural equation models are formulated to analyze the relationship among individuals’ sociodemographics, activity duration, and trip chains of low-income populations and non-low-income populations, respectively. Seven household characteristics and six individual characteristics are chosen as the exogenous variables, while 4 indices of activity duration and 4 indices of trip chains are sleeted as the endogenous variables. The result shows that the activity-travel behavior of urban low-income populations is quite unique, which offers promising insights into activity-trip chaining behavior of the poor and extends the need to crafting effective transportation policies specifically for urban low-income populations in developing countries.
Effect of Magnesium Borates on the Fire-Retarding Properties of Zinc Borates
Authors: Kipcak Azmi Seyhun , Baran Acarali Nil , Moroydor Derun Emek , Tugrul Nurcan , Piskin Sabriye
Published: April 2014

Magnesium borate (MB) is a technical ceramic exhibiting high heat resistance, corrosion resistance, great mechanical strength, great insulation properties, lightweightness, high strength, and a high coefficient of elasticity. Zinc borate (ZB) can be used as a multifunctional synergistic additive in addition to flame retardant additives in polymers. In this study, the raw materials of zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and boric acid (H3BO3) were used in the mole ratio of 1 : 1 : 9, which was obtained from preexperiments. Using the starting materials, hydrothermal synthesis was applied, and characterisation of the products was performed using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies. The forms of Zn3B6O12·3.5H2O, MgO(B2O3)3·7(H2O), and Mg2(B6O7(OH)6)2·9(H2O) were synthesised successfully. Moreover, the surface morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the B2O3content was determined. In addition, the reaction yields were calculated. The results of the B2O3content analysis were in compliance with the literature values. Examination of the SEM images indicated that the obtained nanoscale minerals had a reaction efficiency ranging between 63–74% for MB and 87–98% for ZB. Finally, the fire-retarding properties of the synthesised pure MBs, pure ZBs, and mixtures of MB and ZB were determined using differential thermal analysis and thermal gravimetry (DTA-TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Mehar Methods for Fuzzy Optimal Solution and Sensitivity Analysis of Fuzzy Linear Programming with Symmetric Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Sidhu Sukhpreet Kaur , Kumar Amit , Appadoo S. S.
Published: April 2014

The drawbacks of the existing methods to obtain the fuzzy optimal solution of such linear programming problems, in which coefficients of the constraints are represented by real numbers and all the other parameters as well as variables are represented by symmetric trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, are pointed out, and to resolve these drawbacks, a new method (named as Mehar method) is proposed for the same linear programming problems. Also, with the help of proposed Mehar method, a new method, much easy as compared to the existing methods, is proposed to deal with the sensitivity analysis of the same type of linear programming problems.
Approximation by T-Transformation of Double Walsh-Fourier Series to Multivariable Functions
Authors: Zhao Yi , Yu Dansheng
Published: April 2014

We study the Walsh series expansion of multivariate functions in Lp  (1≤p≤∞) and, in particular, in Lip(α,p). The rate of uniform approximation by T-transformation of rectangular partial sums of double Walsh to these functions is investigated. By extending the concepts of rest (head) bounded variation series, which was introduced by Leindler (2004), we generalize the related results of Móricz and Rhoades (1996), Nagy (2012). Our results can be applied to many summability methods, including the Nörlund summability and weighted summability.
Nonrigid Registration of Monomodal MRI Using Linear Viscoelastic Model
Authors: Yang Jian , Chen Yang , Fan Jingfan , Tang Songyuan
Published: April 2014

This paper describes a method for nonrigid registration of monomodal MRI based on physical laws. The proposed method assumes that the properties of image deformations are like those of viscoelastic matter, which exhibits the properties of both an elastic solid and a viscous fluid. Therefore, the deformation fields of the deformed image are constrained by both sets of properties. After global registration, the local shape variations are assumed to have the properties of the Maxwell model of linear viscoelasticity, and the deformation fields are constrained by the corresponding partial differential equations. To speed up the registration, an adaptive force is introduced according to the maximum displacement of each iteration. Both synthetic datasets and real datasets are used to evaluate the proposed method. We compare the results of the linear viscoelastic model with those of the fluid model on the basis of both the standard and adaptive forces. The results demonstrate that the adaptive force increases in both models and that the linear viscoelastic model improves the registration accuracy.
A New Microstrip Filter Using CRLH Structure and Defected Ground Structure in Antenna Application
Authors: Cao Xin , Tang Zongxi , Wang Fei , Wu Yunqiu , Zhang Biao
Published: April 2014

A new microstrip bandpass filter using composite right/left-handed (CRLH) mushroom structure with interdigital capacitors and defected ground structure (DGS) is proposed. The proposed filter uses CRLH mushroom structure working at its first negative resonance mode to create the passband and DGS to increase rejection outside the passband. Simulation and measurement results are in good agreement, and low in-band insertion loss and great out-band rejection have been achieved. It is demonstrated that the combination of CRLH mushroom structure with interdigital capacitors and DGS has succeeded in achieving excellent performance. This new filter can be applied in transmitting and receiving antennas.
Picking the Point of Inhibition: A Comparative Review of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Dienstmann Rodrigo , Rodon Jordi , Serra Violeta , Tabernero Josep
Published: April 2014

The frequent activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in cancer, and its crucial role in cell growth and survival, has made it a much desired target for pharmacologic intervention. Following the regulatory approval of the rapamycin analogs everolimus and temsirolimus, recent years have seen an explosion in the number of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway inhibitors under clinical investigation. These include: ATP-competitive, dual inhibitors of class I PI3K and mTORC1/2; “pan-PI3K” inhibitors, which inhibit all four isoforms of class I PI3K (α, β, δ, γ); isoform-specific inhibitors of the various PI3K isoforms; allosteric and catalytic inhibitors of AKT; and ATP-competitive inhibitors of mTOR only (and thus mTORC1 and mTORC2). With so many agents in development, clinicians are currently faced with a wide array of clinical trials investigating a multitude of inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, being used both as single agents and in combination with other therapies. Here, we provide a review of the literature, with the aim of differentiating the genomic contexts in which these various types of inhibitors may potentially have superior activity. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1021–31. ©2014 AACR.
Taking Sides: Parent Views on Inclusion for Their Children with Severe Disabilities
Authors: Palmer David S. , Fuller Kathy , Arora Tina , Nelson Marianna
Published: April 2014

Written comments by 140 parents of students with severe disabilities are analyzed to identify reasons why they are supportive of, or resistive to, inclusive education programming. Reasons parents were supportive of inclusion included beliefs that the child would learn more in a general education classroom. Parents who opposed inclusion largely indicated that the severity of their children's disabilities precluded any benefit from such programs or that the general education classroom program would not be educationally appropriate or welcoming to their children. Discussion includes speculation that views regarding inclusion may often be related to perceptions of the general education system itself. Ideas regarding parental perceptions of the importance of social relationships between students with and without disabilities are also considered.
Learning and Motivational Characteristics of Boys with AD/HD and/or Giftedness
Authors: Zentall Sydney S. , Moon Sidney M. , Hall Arlene M. , Grskovic Janice A.
Published: April 2014

This study compared the academic and learning characteristics of students with (a) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), (b) giftedness, and (c) giftedness with AD/HD, and examines specific a priori questions. The information reported by teachers, parents, and children was analyzed with a multiple-case design with constant comparative procedures within and across groups. The results indicated that giftedness conferred benefits related to specific talents but did not offer protection from the negative outcomes of AD/HD, such as inattention and homework problems. The learning and motivational profiles of each group were discussed in terms of implications for differential diagnosis and research and for teaching children with AD/HD and giftedness in general and special settings.
Looking outside and inside: Self-Concept Development of Gifted Adolescents
Authors: Plucker Jonathan A. , Stocking Vicki B.
Published: April 2014

The internal/external frame of reference model (Marsh, 1986) was proposed to explain the development of academic self-concepts for general ability samples. Recent research calls into question the model's applicability for gifted adolescents' academic self-concept development. This model was examined for 131 adolescents participating in a summer program for academically talented students. Results suggest that the model is useful in understanding the academic self-concept development of students who are gifted, with no significant differences among students with demonstrable strengths in mathematics, verbal areas, or both areas. Educators should be aware that exceptional performance in one area, such as mathematics, will probably have a positive impact in mathematics self-concept but a negative impact on other academic self-concepts, such as verbal self-concept.
An Ecobehavioral Examination of High School Classrooms That Include Students with Disabilities
Authors: Wallace Teri , Anderson Amy Reschly , Bartholomay Tom , Hupp Susan
Published: April 2014

This study examined teacher behaviors, student responses, and classroom ecology in inclusive classrooms in four high schools that have had success at including students with disabilities in general education, and examined the differences in teacher and student behavior for students with and without disabilities. Using a computerized ecobehavioral assessment tool (EBASS), 199 observations in 118 inclusive classrooms were conducted. Major results were that (a) students with and without disabilities showed high levels of academic engagement and low levels of inappropriate behavior; (b) there were no significant differences in the behavior of students with and without disabilities; (c) teachers were active in their classrooms, spending more than 75% of their time involved in instructing, managing, and interacting with their students; and (d) students with disabilities were more often the focus of the teachers' attention than students without disabilities. Possible explanations for these results and implications for practice are discussed.
Current Challenges Facing Secondary Education and Transition Services: What Research Tells Us
Authors: Johnson David R. , Stodden Robert A. , Emanuel Ellen J. , Luecking Richard , Mack Mary
Published: April 2014

This article presents findings from research that identifies key issues influencing the implementation of the federal transition requirements of the IDEA Amendments of 1997 and policies at the state and local levels; examines the impact and implications of recent general education reform initiatives on secondary education and transition services; and presents major policy, system, and other challenges that must be addressed over the next several years. Specific strategies and recommendations are offered in relation to each of the major challenges examined in this article.
The Social Lives of Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Self-Contained Classrooms: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Panacek Luanne J. , Dunlap Glen
Published: April 2014

This descriptive study was conducted to examine the social lives of children with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) whose education occurred in segregated elementary school classrooms. The principal data were obtained from detailed interviews with 14 children with E/BD, and 14 matched comparison children from general education classrooms. Major findings indicated that the children with E/BD had little opportunity to engage in integrated school activities and their social networks in school were dominated by children and adults affiliated with special education. In contrast, the social networks of the same children in their homes and neighborhoods were similar in size and constellation to the networks of the general education children. In addition, children with E/BD identified their important friends as being from their home networks, whereas the general education children's important friends came from school. The results have implications for educational placements and future research.
Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability in Day Treatment and Residential Schools
Authors: Gagnon Joseph Calvin , Mclaughlin Margaret J.
Published: April 2014

This study determined school-level curricular, assessment, and accountability policies and practices in private and public day treatment and residential schools for elementary-age children with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD). A national random sample of 271 (56.45%) principals and 229 (47.70%) teachers responded to a mail survey. No significant differences existed between teacher and principal reports of school-level curricular, assessment, and accountability policies. However, several statistically significant differences existed in school policies for schools that served students from a single district and those that served students from across a single state or more than one state. Across all schools, teachers and principals indicated a prescribed school curriculum was common. District and state standards and student individualized education programs (IEPs) were used to receive information on curriculum of local schools. Approximately two-thirds of all of the schools administered district and state assessments and most schools used their state's accommodations guidelines. Assessment results were frequently reported to parents, teachers, and used to adjust instruction and curriculum. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
Monitoring Early Reading Development in First Grade: Word Identification Fluency versus Nonsense Word Fluency
Authors: Fuchs Lynn S. , Fuchs Douglas , Compton Donald L.
Published: April 2014

This study contrasts the validity of 2 early reading curriculum-based measurement (CBM) measures: word identification fluency and nonsense word fluency. At-risk children ( n = 151) were assessed (a) on criterion reading measures in the fall and spring of first grade and (b) on the 2 CBM measures each week for 7 weeks and twice weekly for an additional 13 weeks. Concurrent and predictive validity for CBM performance level and predictive validity for CBM slopes demonstrated the superiority of word identification fluency over nonsense word fluency. Findings are discussed in terms of the measures' utility for identifying children in need of intensive instruction and for monitoring children's progress through first grade.
Dictation and Speech Recognition Technology as Test Accommodations
Authors: MacArthur Charles A. , Cavalier Albert R.
Published: April 2014

This study addressed the feasibility and validity of dictation using speech recognition software and dictation to a scribe as accommodations for tests involving extended writing. On the issue of feasibility, high school students with and without learning disabilities (LD) learned to use speech recognition software with acceptable accuracy. Total word errors with speech recognition were under 10%, and there were few unreadable words. On the issue of writing quality, for students with LD, essays dictated using speech recognition were better than handwritten essays, and essays dictated to a scribe were even better. No differences in quality were found for students without LD. The results provide support for the validity of dictation as a test accommodation.
What we Know and Need to Know about the Consequences of High-Stakes Testing for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Ysseldyke Jim , Nelson J. Ruth , Christenson Sandra , Johnson David R. , Dennison Amanda , Triezenberg Heidi , Sharpe Michael , Hawes Maureen
Published: April 2014

Many positive and negative consequences of high-stakes testing for students with disabilities are alleged. Yet, there is little evidence on actual consequences. Both anecdotal and empirical evidence were reviewed with regard to increased participation in assessment, raised expectations, provision of appropriate assessment accommodations, alignment of individualized education programs (IEPs) to standards and assessments, improved access to general education, improved instruction, changes in promotion and grade advancement decisions, graduation and diploma options, test stress, and improved educational outcomes. Data needed to make judgments about intended and unintended consequences of high-stakes testing are also analyzed.
Involvement of Immigrant Chinese Canadian Mothers of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Lai Yuan , Ishiyama F. Ishu
Published: April 2014

This study investigated immigrant Chinese Canadian mothers' involvement in the education of their children with disabilities. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 recent immigrants. Thirteen categories emerged, which were subsumed under 4 thematic areas: (a) challenges in adapting to a new environment, (b) limited English proficiency, (c) different views toward education, and (d) involvement in the children's education. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of enhancing home–school communication and addressing obstacles to intercultural communication faced by teachers and immigrant parents.
The Use of Single-Subject Research to Identify Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education
Authors: Horner Robert H. , Carr Edward G. , Halle James , McGee Gail , Odom Samuel , Wolery Mark
Published: April 2014

Single-subject research plays an important role in the development of evidence-based practice in special education. The defining features of single-subject research are presented, the contributions of single-subject research for special education are reviewed, and a specific proposal is offered for using single-subject research to document evidence-based practice. This article allows readers to determine if a specific study is a credible example of single-subject research and if a specific practice or procedure has been validated as “evidence-based” via single-subject research.
Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies for English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Sáenz Laura M. , Fuchs Lynn S. , Fuchs Douglas
Published: April 2014

This study assessed the effects of Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS), a reciprocal classwide peer-tutoring strategy, on the reading performance of native Spanish-speaking students with learning disabilities (LD) and their low-, average-, and high-achieving classroom peers. Participants were 132 native Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELL) in Grades 3 through 6, along with their 12 reading teachers. Teachers were assigned randomly to PALS and contrast groups. PALS sessions were conducted 3 times a week for 15 weeks. Students were tested before and after treatment. PALS students outgrew contrast students on reading comprehension, and those effects were not mediated by student type.
Within-Group Diversity in Minority Disproportionate Representation: English Language Learners in Urban School Districts
Authors: Artiles Alfredo J. , Rueda Robert , Salazar Jesús José , Higareda Ignacio
Published: April 2014

A weakness of research on minority placement in special education is the tendency to overestimate the homogeneity of populations by failing to disaggregate factors such as language proficiency or to consider other relevant variables, for example, social class or program type. Similarly, certain groups have been understudied, such as English language learners (ELLs). We addressed these gaps by examining ELL placement patterns in California urban districts. Disproportionate representation patterns were related to grade level, language proficiency status, disability category, type of special education program, and type of language support program. Students proficient in neither their native language nor in English (particularly in secondary grades) were most affected. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.
Youth with Disabilities in Juvenile Corrections: A National Survey
Authors: Quinn Mary Magee , Rutherford Robert B. , Leone Peter E. , Osher David M. , Poirier Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2014

Improving our knowledge of the number of incarcerated youth with disabilities can assist educators, other professionals, and policymakers to develop more effective services for youth. This article reports the findings of a national survey conducted to determine the number of youth identified as having disabilities in the juvenile corrections systems in the United States. The data show that, when compared to the national average, there is an overrepresentation of students identified as having disabilities, especially emotional disturbance, in those systems.
Direct Observation of Teacher-Directed IEP Meetings: Establishing the Need for Student IEP Meeting Instruction
Authors: Martin James E. , Van Dycke Jamie L. , Greene Barbara A. , Gardner J. Emmett , Christensen W. Robert , Woods Lee L. , Lovett David L.
Published: April 2014

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) called for an increase in student involvement in individualized education program (IEP) meetings. To determine the extent of student involvement in educational planning, this study observed 109 middle and high school IEP meetings; 90% of the participants completed a postmeeting survey. There were statistically significant differences by role between those present throughout the meetings, and those who participated intermittently. Special education teachers talked 51% of 17,804 observed 10-s intervals, family members 15%, general educators and administrators 9%, support staff 6%, and students 3%. Students seldom exhibited leadership behavior, and scored significantly lower on IEP meeting knowledge questions compared to other meeting participants. The results from this study support research suggesting that students need to be taught effective meeting participation skills to enhance participation by all parties and result in more effective transition IEPs.
An Analysis of Three States' Alignment between Language Arts and Mathematics Standards and Alternate Assessments
Authors: Flowers Claudia , Browder Diane , Ahlgrim-Delzell Lynn
Published: April 2014

Recent guidelines for No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB; 2001) permit the use of alternate achievement standards for counting up to 1% of students with significant cognitive disabilities as proficient in adequate yearly progress (AYP) calculations. This provision increases the importance of assessing the technical quality of alternate assessments and their alignment to academic content standards. This study used a quantitative method of alignment to estimate the match between three states' alternate assessments and their state academic content standards. The results indicate that alternate assessments are aligned to academic content standards, but alternate assessments only capture a narrow range and depth of the content standards. Recommendations for using alignment procedures to address critical elements in Title I as amended by NCLB are discussed.
How Variable are Interstate Prevalence Rates of Learning Disabilities and other Special Education Categories? A Longitudinal Comparison
Authors: Hallahan Daniel P. , Keller Clayton E. , Martinez Elizabeth A. , Byrd E. Stephen , Gelman Jennifer A. , Fan Xitao
Published: April 2014

This study compared interstate variability of prevalence rates for special education categories from 1984 to 1985 through 2001 to 2002, using the coefficient of variation ( CV), which is designed to compare variances when the means of the groups compared are radically different. The category of learning disabilities, presumed by many to be the most variable, was consistently the least variable. Furthermore, as a group, high incidence categories were less variable than low incidence categories. The results strengthen the conclusion of Hallahan, Keller, & Ball (1986) that using state-to-state variability of disability prevalence rates as justification for criticizing learning disabilities identification practices is largely unfounded. Policy implications for methods of learning disabilities identification are discussed.
Distracted Driver Performance to Multiple Alerts in a Multiple-Conflict Scenario
Authors: Fitch Gregory M. , Bowman Darrell S. , Llaneras Robert E.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

We investigated whether collision avoidance systems (CASs) should present individual crash alerts in a multiple-conflict scenario or present only one alert in response to the first conflict.

Background:

Secondary alerts may startle, confuse, or interfere with drivers’ execution of an emergency maneuver.

Method:

Fifty-one participants followed a pickup truck around a test track. Once the participant was visually distracted, a trailing sedan repositioned itself into the participant’s blind spot while a box was dropped from the truck. Participants received a forward collision warning (FCW) alert as the box landed. Twenty-six drivers swerved left in response to the box, encountering a lateral conflict with the adjacent sedan. Half of these 26 drivers received a lane-change merge (LCM) alert.

Results:

Drivers who received both the FCW and LCM alerts were significantly faster at steering away from the lateral crash threat than the drivers who received only the FCW alert (1.70 s vs. 2.76 s, respectively). Drivers liked receiving the LCM alert, rated it to be useful, found it easy to understand (despite being presented after the FCW alert), and did not find it to be startling.

Conclusion:

Drivers who are familiar with CASs benefit from, and feel it is appropriate to generate, multiple alerts in a multiple-conflict scenario.

Application:

The results may inform the design of CASs for connected and automated vehicles.
Transnational Ethnic Processes
Authors: Ortiz Laura Velasco
Published: April 2014

The experience of migration to the United States of indigenous peoples is producing a change in ethno-racial systems of classification that is not simply reactive but reflects the history of each indigenous people and is expressed both at the institutional level and in the formation of a transnational ethnic subject. The experiences of the Purépechas of Michoacán, the Nahuas of Guerrero, and the Mixtecs of Oaxaca involve different migration histories and processes of ethnicization but share a history of Spanish colonization, subordination in the Mexican social structure, and discrimination as immigrants in the United States. Comparison of these experiences reveals the importance of the instrumental dimension, of the institutional context in the place of destination, and of ethnic agents as creators of emblems of ethnicity under conditions of geographical dispersion. State action continues to organize much of the political and cultural content of subnational identities, and the state remains the interlocutor in processes of ethnic agency every step of the way.

La migración de los pueblos indígenas a los Estados Unidos está produciendo un cambio en los sistemas de clasificación étnico-racial que no es meramente reactivo sino que refleja la historia de cada pueblo indígena y se expresa tanto en el plano institucional como en la formación de un sujeto étnico transnacional. Las experiencias de los Purépechas de Michoacán, los Nahuas de Guerrero y los Mixtecos de Oaxaca implican diferentes historias migratorias y procesos de etnificación, pero comparten una historia de colonización española, subordinación en la estructura social mexicana, y la discriminación que sufren como inmigrantes en Estados Unidos. Una comparación de estas experiencias revela la importancia de la dimensión instrumental y del contexto institucional en el lugar de destino, así como la de los de agentes étnicos como creadores de emblemas de etnicidad bajo condiciones de dispersión geográfica. Las acciones del estado continúan gestionando gran parte del contenido político y cultural de las identidades subnacionales y el estado sigue siendo el interlocutor en los procesos de agencia étnica en cada momento.