bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 15-Year-Old Male Baseball Player With a Mass in the Brachialis Muscle
Authors: Golub Ivan J. , Garcia Roberto A. , Wittig James C.
Published: April 2016

A 15-year-old boy presented with a mass in his right arm after suffering a minor injury playing baseball. He had been diagnosed with a hematoma. There was no other outstanding medical/surgical history. Magnetic resonance images showed a heterogeneous mass arising from the brachialis muscle that mainly enhanced peripherally with extremely scant internal nodular enhancement. Core needle biopsy cells were positive for CD31 and CD34, markers for atypical endothelial cells, as well as MIB-1 and p53. The final diagnosis was an angiosarcoma of the brachialis muscle. Pediatric angiosarcoma, particularly within deep tissue, is exceedingly rare. Histological and immunohistochemical modalities led to the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance images suggested a mass with a large cystic/hemorrhagic space that could have been misconstrued as a hematoma had there been absolutely no nodular or septal enhancement. The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation before undergoing limb-sparing surgery that included resection of the mass with the brachialis muscle and short head of the biceps muscle. Neoadjuvant treatment was deemed successful due to a drastic reduction in the size of the tumor and 95% tumor necrosis. The patient was disease free 2 years postoperatively. There had been no local/systemic recurrences. He was pain free, had normal elbow function, and had returned to playing baseball. It is important to be extremely suspicious when a patient presents with a hemorrhagic, painless, enlarging mass after sustaining minor trauma. A careful and meticulous biopsy must be completed to achieve the correct diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium is recommended for evaluation because these masses can be often misinterpreted as hematomas. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(3):e545–e548.]
High Disparity Between Orthopedic Resident Interest and Participation in International Health Electives
Authors: Zhang Steven , Shultz Paul , Daniels Alan , Ackelman Edward , Kamal Robin N.
Published: April 2016

Few orthopedic surgical residency programs offer international health electives (IHEs). Efforts to expand these programs have been increasing across medical disciplines. Whether orthopedic residents will participate remains unknown. This study quantified and characterized orthopedic resident interest and barriers to IHEs in US residency programs. A web-based survey was administered to residents from 154 US orthopedic residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 2014 to 2015. Questions assessed demographics and program background, previous medical experience abroad, barriers to participation, and level of interest in participating in an international health elective during their training and beyond. Twenty-seven (17.5%) residency programs responded. Chi-square analysis showed that residents who expressed interest in participating were significantly more likely to have experience abroad compared with those who expressed no interest (
P
<.004). Analysis using Mann-Whitney
U
test suggested that those who expressed interest were more likely to believe IHEs are important to resident training (
P
<.0011; mean Likert scale score of 3.7 vs 2.6), provide valuable experience (
P
<.001; mean Likert scale score of 4.2 vs 3.2), and should be required for orthopedic residencies (
P
<.001; mean Likert scale score of 2.8 vs 1.9). Residents are strongly interested in participating in IHEs during their training, and many may integrate global health into future practices. Residents perceive lack of funding and scheduling flexibility as barriers preventing them from participating. Prior experience abroad influences level of interest, and international clinical experience may enhance future perception of its value. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e680–e686.]
Novel Protocol for Knee Mobilization Under Femoral and Sciatic Nerve Blocks for Postoperative Knee Stiffness
Authors: Wanivenhaus Florian , Tscholl Philippe M. , Aguirre José A. , Giger René , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent femoral and sciatic nerve blocks combined with an in-house physiotherapy protocol for treating postoperative knee stiffness. Sixty-eight patients with postoperative knee stiffness were evaluated for passive knee flexion and extension at different time points, beginning preoperatively and continuing throughout a median 10-month follow-up after mobilization intervention. Sciatic and femoral nerve catheters were activated 1 hour prior to each physiotherapy session, which was performed twice per day and supported by a continuous passive range of motion machine. Median time from admission to catheter removal was 4 days (range, 1–8 days). Mean hospital length of stay was 7 days (range, 2–19 days). Overall mean flexion increased significantly from pretreatment (74°) to discharge (109°;
P
<.01). There was no significant difference in mean flexion at 6-week follow-up compared with that at discharge (108°;
P
=.764), but there was a significant increase in flexion at final follow-up (120°;
P
=.002). Overall mean knee extension lag decreased significantly from pretreatment (5°) to discharge (0.4°;
P
=.001). There was no significant increase in mean extension lag from discharge to final follow-up (1°;
P
=.2). Overall, 11 patients underwent revision surgery for persistent stiffness. This novel protocol for continuous knee mobilization under perineural blocks is a valuable alternative to knee manipulation under anesthesia for this select group of procedures. The 2 techniques produced a similar early range of motion gain, but the reported protocol resulted in less range of motion loss at follow-up and fewer possible complications. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e708–e714.]
Evaluation of a Summer Bridge: Critical Component of the Leadership 2.0 Program
Authors: Pritchard Tracy J. , Perazzo Joseph D. , Holt Julie A. , Fishback Benjamin P. , McLaughlin Michaela , Bankston Karen D. , Glazer Greer
Published: April 2016

Background:

Summer bridges facilitate the transition from high school to college. Although many schools employ summer bridges, few have published outcomes. This article's purpose is to share preconceptions of college by underrepresented and disadvantaged nursing students and describe important elements and long-term impact of a summer bridge, a component of the Leadership 2.0 program.

Method:

A longitudinal study design was used to collect baseline, short-term, and long-term post-summer bridge data. Methods included pre- and postsurveys, interviews, and focus groups.

Results:

After bridge completion, students felt more prepared for the nursing program. Students ranked socialization components as most important. The summer bridge had lasting impact through the first year, where grade point average and retention of underrepresented and disadvantaged bridge students was comparable to the majority first-year students.

Conclusion:

The summer bridge was effective in preparing nursing students for the first year of college. Through holistic evaluation, unique aspects of socialization critical to student success were uncovered. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2016;55(4):196–202.]
Sight-Threatening Retinopathy of Prematurity: Changing Trends in Treatment
Authors: Brown Kate A. , Heath Jeffery Rachael C. , Bajuk Barbara , Shadbolt Bruce , Essex Rohan W. , Todd David A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To study the incidence and treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants younger than 30 weeks' gestational age (GA) in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia, from 2003 to 2008. These data were then compared to data from previously reported epochs (1986 to 1987, 1992 to 1997, and 1998 to 2002).

Methods:

Data were divided into two sub-epochs (2003 to 2005 and 2006 to 2008) to study trends and combined to compare over 22 years.

Results:

From 2003 to 2008, 2,550 of 3,004 (84.9%) infants survived, 200 (7.8%) were diagnosed as having severe ROP, and 119 (59.5%) required laser therapy. No significant difference in the incidence of severe ROP or treatment rate in infants younger than 27 and 30 weeks' GA from 2003 to 2005 and 2006 to 2008 occurred. Similarly, between 1986 and 2008 there was no difference in the incidence of severe ROP. However, the treatment rate significantly increased during this time.

Conclusions:

The incidence of severe ROP has been stable since 1986. However, laser treatment significantly increased to include 8 infants with stage 2 ROP from 2003 to 2008.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53(2):90–95.]
Comparison of Transcorneal and Pars Plana Routes in Pediatric Cataract Surgery in Infants Using a 25-Gauge Vitrectomy System
Authors: Raina Usha K. , Bhambhwani Vishaal , Gupta Anika , Bhushan Gauri , Seth Anisha , Ghosh Basudeb
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To demonstrate and compare the performance of the 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system via anterior (transcorneal) and posterior (pars plana) routes in congenital cataracts in infants.

Methods:

In this prospective interventional study, 12 pediatric patients younger than 1 year with bilateral congenital cataract were included to undergo cataract surgery with posterior vitreorhexis and limited anterior vitrectomy using a 25-gauge vitrectomy system. One eye of each patient was operated on by the anterior (transcorneal) route and the other by the posterior (pars plana) route. All eyes were left aphakic. Intraoperative and postoperative (12 months after surgery) results were compared between the two routes, including visual axis opacification and astigmatism. All eyes were rehabilitated with contact lenses or spectacles.

Results:

The 25-gauge vitrectomy system allowed excellent intraoperative control in both groups. Postoperatively, there was minimal conjunctival congestion, corneal edema, and inflammatory reaction. No intra-operative or postoperative complications were noted in any eye. All eyes had a clear visual axis 12 months after surgery. Mean spherical equivalent was 15.50 ± 2.28 diopters (D) and mean astigmatism was 0.25 ± 0.45 D in the transcorneal group, whereas in the pars plana group it was 15.46 ± 2.45 D and 0.16 ± 0.39 D, respectively, at 12 months, the difference being statistically insignificant (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

The 25-gauge vitrectomy system allows sutureless surgery with excellent intraoperative control and minimal postoperative inflammation and astigmatism with clear visual axis by both the transcorneal and pars plana routes.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53(2):105–112.]
Subjective Quality of Vision After Myopic LASIK: Prospective 1-Year Comparison of Two Wavefront-Guided Excimer Lasers
Authors: Yu Charles Q. , Manche Edward E.
Published: April 2016

PURPOSE:

To compare subjective quality of vision between two wavefront-guided lasers in the treatment of myopia up to 1 year postoperatively.

METHODS:

In this prospective randomized study, 100 eyes of 50 patients were treated with wavefront-guided LASIK. One eye was treated with the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q 400-Hz excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Hünenberg, Switzerland) and the other was treated with the VISX Star S4 IR CustomVue excimer laser (Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA). Patients completed a questionnaire assessing quality of vision and visual symptoms preoperatively and at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12.

RESULTS:

The Allegretto system demonstrated non-statistically significant superiority in several subjective parameters as early as 1 month after surgery. At 12 months, there was better clarity during the day (
P
= .001) in the Allegretto group. Subgroup analyses were performed on eyes with preoperative higher order aberrations of 0.3
µ
m or less and in patients with preoperative higher order aberrations greater than 0.3
µ
m. In subgroup analysis, there were no differences between the two systems in eyes with low higher order aberrations or high higher order aberrations. Patients did not express any preference for one system over the other when surveyed at 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

One year after surgery, there were no differences in self-reported quality of vision outcomes with the exception of better clarity of vision during the day in the eyes treated with the Allegretto system. Patients did not express any preference for one treatment modality over the other.

[
J Refract Surg.
2016;32(4):224–229.]
Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy for Hyperopia: A 12-Month Bicentral Study
Authors: Adib-Moghaddam Soheil , Arba-Mosquera Samuel , Walter-Fincke Roberta , Soleyman-Jahi Saeed , Adili-Aghdam Fatemeh
Published: April 2016

PURPOSE:

To investigate the safety, efficacy, and stability of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for hyperopia.

METHODS:

This interventional case series study at two sites included 55 eyes (31 patients) with hyperopia (0.50 to 6.00 diopters [D]), with or without astigmatism (0.00 to −3.00 D), that underwent one-step transepithelial PRK with a Amaris 500-Hz excimer laser (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions, Kleinostheim, Germany). A 12-month follow-up was conducted. Preoperative and successive postoperative visual acuity, manifest refraction, haze, and other complication data were analyzed.

RESULTS:

The preoperative mean spherical equivalent of 2.56 ± 1.90 D improved to emmetropia (−0.08 ± 0.14 D) by 6 months, with subsequent slight mean regression of 0.024 D (range: −0.75 to 0.50) until month 12. Of the treated eyes, 75% and 76.2% were within the target refraction of ±0.50 D at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The final mean cylindric refraction was comparable to the preoperative value (−0.94 ± 0.12 to −0.71 ± 0.12 D,
P
= .17); however, it was induced in 23% of eyes. The preoperative mean uncorrected distance visual acuity logMAR of 0.54 ± 0.05 significantly improved to 0.15 ± 0.03 by month 12 (
P
< .0001), and 64.2% of the treated eyes gained an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Ten eyes (23.8%) lost one line of preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). No eye lost two or more lines of preoperative CDVA. Four eyes with a 3+ degree of haze were observed by the final visit. No other notable complications occurred. The low hyperopic eyes exhibited better overall results compared to the moderate hyperopic group.

CONCLUSIONS:

One-step transepithelial PRK with the Amaris 500-Hz excimer laser provided reasonable outcomes for the correction of hyperopia with or without mild to moderate astigmatism.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2016;32(3):172–180.]
Very Late-Onset Corneal Scarring After Photorefractive Keratectomy Induced by Cataract Surgery
Authors: Fischinger Isaak , Seiler Theo G. , Zapp Daniel , Seiler Theo
Published: April 2016

PURPOSE:

To report two cases with very late-onset scarring of the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) induced by cataract surgery.

METHODS:

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS:

Two patients presented with a subepithelial corneal scar more than 20 years after PRK. Scarring occurred within the first few months after cataract surgery. Scar tissue was successfully removed by laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS:

A few cases of late-onset corneal scarring after PRK have been described in the literature following trauma or ophthalmic surgery. Due to the need for cataract surgery in an aging population with previous PRK, this might become a more common problem.

[
J Refract Surg.
2016;32(4):266–268.]
A Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey-Based Investigation of Alternative Primary Care Models in Nursing Homes: Cost and Utilization Differences
Authors: Lee A. James , Gautam Ramraj , Melillo Karen Devereaux , Abdallah Lisa M. , Remington Ruth , Van Etten Deborah , Gore Rebecca
Published: April 2016

The current study used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey-Based (MCBS) Cost and Use files for 2006–2008 to investigate whether health care costs and service utilization of nursing home residents varied with nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) involvement, compared to the use of medical doctors (MDs) only. The sample included Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older residing in a nursing home for the entire study year (433 annual observations). A generalized estimating equations procedure was used to assess whether health care cost and utilization measures varied by cohort. Point estimates indicated that the annual per-person cost of non-institutional services (total medical cost less the cost of the nursing home itself) was $3,847 and $3,170 more for individuals in the MD-only and MD-dominant cohorts, respectively, compared to those in the NP/PA-dominant cohort.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(3):115–122.]
Multi-Modal Longitudinal Evaluation of Subthreshold Laser Lesions in Human Retina, Including Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope-Adaptive Optics Imaging
Authors: Wood Edward H. , Leng Theodore , Schachar Ira H. , Karth Peter A.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is efficacious for a variety of retinovascular disorders. Currently, it is unknown which laser parameters can ensure no detectable damage to human retina tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

One informed physician participant with a normal retina was treated with three levels (75%, 50%, and 25%) of subthreshold 577-nm laser (PASCAL; Topcon, Santa Clara, CA) at 20-millisecond (ms) duration and 100 µm spot size. Several high-resolution retinal imaging modalities, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscope-adaptive optics (SLO-AO), were used to longitudinally image retinal laser lesions during a 9-month period.

RESULTS:

SLO-AO and SD-OCT imaging of subthreshold laser therapy in human retina showed no cone cell or RPE damage at all time points during a 9-month period using the 25% threshold power 577-nm laser in the human retina.

CONCLUSION:

It is likely that subthreshold laser therapy with 577-nm laser at 20-ms duration in the human retina is safe at the 25% of threshold power level.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:268–275.]
The Origin of Subretinal Fluid in Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy
Authors: Türkçüoğlu Peykan , Taskapan Cagtay
Published: April 2016

A surgical approach for the drainage of fluid leaking over the pit in optic disc pit maculopathy is described, and a theory of the origin of fluid is discussed. In two cases, complete fluid-air exchange was performed. The air infusion pressure was decreased to 5 mm Hg, and the collected fluid was drained by raising the infusion pressure to 25 mm Hg. The fluid inside the back-flush needle was routed via a microcentrifuge tube. Biochemical analyses of the fluids were conducted in order to find their origin. Results of the first and second case were comparable to normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels (chloride: 125 mmol/L, 122 mmol/L; sodium: 146 mmol/L, 147 mmol/L; potassium: 2.8 mmol/L, 3.0 mmol/L; protein: 29 mg/dL, 18.4 mg/ dL; and glucose: 60 mg/dL, 57 mg/dL, respectively). These findings suggest that the origin of subretinal fluid found in the submacular space in optic disc pit maculopathy is CSF.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:294–298.]
Hybrid 25- and 27-Gauge Vitrectomy for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Thanos Aristomenis , Abbey Ashkan M. , Thomas Benjamin J. , Todorich Bozho , Faia Lisa J. , Williams George A. , Capone Antonio , Wolfe Jeremy D. , Hassan Tarek S.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The authors report the technique of using the 27-gauge (G) vitreous cutter through 25-G valved cannulas to allow hybrid instrumentation of both gauges.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Vitrectomy is initiated with standard placement of 25-G valved cannulas, followed by insertion of a 27-G vitreous cutter through the 25-G cannulas.

RESULTS:

The hybrid procedure emphasizes the advantages of both platforms: The 25-G cutter is more efficient for core vitrectomy and is more rigid to facilitate peripheral vitrectomy; the 25-G platform enjoys a wider armamentarium of instrumentation options; and the smaller profile of the 27-G cutter can be maneuvered more easily into tight surgical planes to act analogous to vertical scissors, with the added benefits of aspiration and spatula-like features. The authors illustrate this technique in three cases: diabetic tractional retinal detachment with dense plaques, posterior stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity, and sutureless scleral fixation of an intraocular lens.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hybrid use of the 25-G and 27-G platforms offers greater versatility for the management of complex vitreoretinal conditions.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:352–355.]
Choroidal Thickness and En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Autoimmune Retinopathy
Authors: Polascik Breanna A. , Grewal Dilraj S. , Jiramongkolchai Kim , Fekrat Sharon
Published: April 2016

A 57-year-old white woman developed autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) in both eyes associated with bilateral autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss. Laboratory testing was positive for 68kDa (heat-shock protein) and 136kDa (human interstitial retinoid-binding protein). Extensive cancer screening was negative. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography enhanced depth imaging demonstrated a markedly thickened choroid in both eyes. En face imaging showed a distinctive pattern of granular hyperreflective foveal dots. The concurrent sensorineural hearing loss was thought to be of autoimmune origin and also responded to immunosuppressive treatment. Eyes with non-paraneoplastic, seropositive AIR may have associated increased choroidal thickness. Audiology testing should be considered.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:362–365.]
A New Variant of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy With Annular Pigmentary Changes in Haitian Males
Authors: Thanos Aristomenis , Miller John B. , Ma Kelly N. , Subramanian Manju L. , Kim Ivana K. , Eliott Dean
Published: April 2016

The authors report a new variant of idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV) in middle-aged Haitian men characterized by extramacular polypoidal lesions and bilateral extensive pigmentary alterations in the posterior pole in an annular wreath-like pattern surrounding the optic nerve and macular area. Two patients were seen at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and one at Boston University Medical Center between 2010 and 2015. All three patients were middle-aged Haitian men who exhibited bilateral features of IPCV, including subretinal hemorrhages and serosanguinous pigment epithelial detachments. Indocyanine green angiography revealed extramacular polypoidal lesions located mostly along the major vascular arcades. Extensive pigmentary alterations were evident in the posterior pole surrounding the macula and optic nerve in an annular wreath-like pattern. These cases further expand the clinical spectrum of IPCV.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:381–386.]
Nonverbal Learning Disorder
Authors: Casey Joseph E.
Published: April 2016

Since the first description of nonverbal learning disorder (NLD) was published in 1967, much research has been conducted elucidating its key features, its neuroanatomical associations, and the assessment procedures essential to establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan. Although there is theoretical and empirical evidence supporting the validity of NLD, awareness of this disorder is lacking, arguably in large part due to its absence in any formal classification system. This chapter reviews the scientific literature that has given rise to our current conceptualization of NLD. Clinical practice considerations are discussed as related to its assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. These considerations are illustrated by a case study. The chapter continues with a discussion of issues in need of further research and the benefits of considering NLD in the context of the World Health Organization's classification system for describing health and health-related conditions. The chapter ends with a proposed definition of NLD.
Extended Assistive Technology
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the history of technology and its founding purposes. The evolution of technology resulted in the creation and development of assistive technology. The impact of interactivity of human-computer interfaces on independence, employment, and organizations is analyzed and addressed in relations to disabilities. The utilization of assistive technology, in the disabled community, as well as in relations to the independence of the disabled are covered via the paradigms of assistive technology trainer and job developer for the disabled in the United States of America—capital of technology—Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Cisco Systems—and capital of assistive technology.
Realabilities
Authors: Silton Nava R. , Arucevic Senada , Ruchlin Rebecca , Norkus Vanessa
Published: April 2016

This chapter explores Realabilities, a video-based children's television program featuring unique characters, each with a distinct disability. Beyond utilizing video technology to directly teach cognitive and social-emotional skills to children with autism, Realabilities demonstrates how video can be used to foster positive behavioral intentions and cognitive attitudes towards children with autism and other disabilities. Realabilities also reveals how a video medium can promote a stop bullying platform, especially since children with disabilities are at least two to three times more victimized by bullying than their typical peers. One hundred and sixty-six students from schools in Manhattan, NY, and Baltimore, MD, showed more favorable behavioral intentions and cognitive attitudes towards hypothetical peers with disabilities following a three episode viewing of Realabilities. Finally, Realabilities not only showcases the realities of disabilities but shares the potential strengths that children with disabilities possess. This is particularly illuminating, since the Affect/Effort Theory suggests that children are more motivated to interact with others when they possess positive expectancies of their social interaction partners.
Camera-Based Motion Tracking and Performing Arts for Persons with Motor Disabilities and Autism
Authors: Kontogeorgakopoulos Alexandros , Wechsler Robert , Keay-Bright Wendy
Published: April 2016

The aim of this chapter is to discuss a range of computer applications designed to enable people with disabilities to interact through music, dance, and the visual arts. A review of the main motion tracking algorithms and software environments is included as well as an overview of theoretical positions regarding the mapping of real time extracted motion features to sound, interactive music, and computer-generated or modified visual content. The chapter concludes with descriptions of how the concepts have been applied to research projects undertaken with different groups of young people with motor limitations and autism spectrum disorders.
Improving Students' Academic Learning by Helping Them Access Text
Authors: Ben-Avie Michael , Randall Régine , Dunne Diane Weaver , Kelly Chris
Published: April 2016

Conventional methods of addressing the needs of students with print disabilities include text-to-speech services. One major drawback of text-to-speech technologies is that computerized speech simply articulates the same words in a text whereas human voice can convey emotions such as excitement, sadness, fear, or joy. Audiobooks have human narration, but are designed for entertainment and not for teaching word identification, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension to students. This chapter focuses on the 3-year pilot of CRISKids; all CRIS recordings feature human narration. The pilot demonstrated that students who feel competent in their reading and class work tend to be more engaged in classroom routines, spend more time on task and demonstrate greater comprehension of written materials. When more demonstrate these behaviors and skills, teachers are better able to provide meaningful instruction, since less time is spent on issues of classroom management and redirection. Thus, CRISKids impacts not only the students with print disabilities, but all of the students in the classroom.
Differentiating through Technology for Gifted Students
Authors: Sprague Debra R. , Shaklee Beverly
Published: April 2016

Challenging gifted students in regular classroom settings can be effectively accomplished through the use of innovative technology. This chapter explores the case of pre-service teachers addressing the needs of gifted students by differentiating curriculum using sophisticated technologies. Also considered are the technological tools that go beyond simple reporting and move toward authentic real-life experiences. Further, in review, the case specifically addresses attributes of the gifted learner along with the skill of the classroom teacher to promote differentiation through technology. Finally, recommendations for practice are discussed along with the need for teacher preparation programs to prepare teachers more effectively to use technology in complex and challenging ways for gifted students.
The Use of Mobile Technologies for Students At-Risk or Identified with Behavioral Disorders within School-Based Contexts
Authors: Sansosti Frank J. , Bedesem Peña L.
Published: April 2016

Students at-risk or identified with behavioral disorders often present complex challenges to educators. The purpose of this chapter is to: (a) highlight the benefits and challenges of using mobile technologies within school-based contexts; (b) provide a brief overview of the contemporary research regarding the use of mobile devices for improving the outcomes of students with behavioral disorders within schools; and (c) offer essential techniques, methods, and ideas for improving instruction and management for students with behavioral difficulties via mobile technologies. Taken together, the intent is to call attention to the evidence that supports the use of mobile technologies for students who are at-risk or identified with behavioral disorders in schools, raise awareness of those strategies that appear to be the most effective for such students and assist service providers in providing accountable education.
Leveled Literacy Intervention
Authors: Campbell Kelli
Published: April 2016

In this chapter, the qualitative study will investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of the Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) framework with English Language Learners (ELL) newcomers and their literacy achievement using the case study method and cross case analysis. Student case studies will consist of LLI pre and post assessment data, guided reading data, and information gathered from student interviews. The triangulation of student interviews, teacher surveys, and extant literature provide the foundation for answering questions regarding the effectiveness of LLI with the ELL newcomers. Findings are presented through student case studies, resulting from cross case analysis that identified themes, patterns, and commonalities in student reading achievement data and teacher survey results. Results show that ELL newcomers needed to develop social, academic, and content-related language. Findings from the study show that the students made progress while participating during the intervention but have not maintained or increased their reading levels after the intervention that provides opportunities for future research. Recommendation for future studies and conclusion are discussed.
Case Studies
Authors: Rissman Barbara
Published: April 2016

This chapter is taken from five illustrative case study reports resulting from doctoral research. Each case gave the researched a voice. The study selected five students at Level 1 risk of manifesting virtually all NLD assets and deficits as a consequence of shunted hydrocephalus related to spina bifida then spoke with their parents, teachers, aides and the students themselves. Each case begins with a brief description of the medical condition that predisposed each child to NLD followed by the contextual setting derived from family members. A snapshot of each student's life, classroom performance, psychological test results, teacher, aide, and parent perceptions of functional abilities, and the level of each participant's awareness of the NLD syndrome are then considered. Interpretative Discussions include teacher and aide understandings of the difficulties interspersed with those of the author. Practical help from teachers, aides, parents, and students is offered at the end of each case study. Case Studies conclude with a catalog of Key Terms and Definitions.
Public Administrators, School Safety, and Forms of Surveillance
Authors: Loutzenhiser Kirsten
Published: April 2016

In 2012, three minority students with disabilities died under a school district's watch. These tragedies placed the education, care and safety of students with disabilities on the public agenda. It put a high profile and an award-winning school superintendent on defense. What occurred in Tampa, Florida raises questions about school safety and equity across the country because it is located in the nation's largest school district. The public discourse shifted from performance to surveillance of a school district's most vulnerable population. In special education, surveillance includes a federally mandated process outlined in the 1975 Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) where students with disabilities are identified, categorized and placed. Florida calls this Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Once eligible, school districts are required to monitor these students through an Individual Educational Program (IEP). This is a legal document that should reflect a school district's effort to provide a “free and appropriate education” (FAPE) in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE).
French Immersion “So Why Would You Do Something Like That to a Child?”
Authors: Bourgoin Renée Christine
Published: April 2016

French Immersion (FI) continues to grow in popularity and diversity across Canada. However, the suitability of immersion for academically challenged students has often been questioned. This study explored English teachers' beliefs and practices, particularly as they relate to the suitability of French immersion for various learners. It also explored ways by which English teachers frame issues of accessibility to FI for students at risk for academic difficulties. Data revealed that myths about second language education still permeate the system in ways that potentially impact who as access to the FI program. Findings also highlight that the sociocultural and sociopolitical context of this study influences and is being influenced by beliefs about and attitudes toward second language learning. The widespread existence of beliefs and practices grounded in myths or traditional views about second language acquisition points to a need for greater education about issues that potentially limit access to FI.
Implementing Secondary RTI Models
Authors: Porter Susan G.
Published: April 2016

This chapter explores the critical role that superintendents, principals, and other school leaders play in the effective implementation of secondary Response to Intervention (RTI) models in schools and school districts. This chapter also outlines the unique challenges that school leaders often encounter in their efforts to implement RTI reforms in secondary schools, including the unique culture and structure of secondary schools, the mindset and perspectives of secondary teachers, and the complexity of secondary students and their academic challenges. Finally, through research-supported frameworks (e.g., teacher efficacy, distributed leadership models, and educational change process models), this chapter offers tools and strategies for educational leaders who are undergoing RTI reforms in their secondary schools.
Improving Socialization and Emotion Recognition for Children with Autism Using a Smartphone App
Authors: Lamm Cassidy , Lambert Lauren , Wolfe Joshua , Gray Jeff , Barber Angela , Edwards Gary
Published: April 2016

Smartphone apps are used with increased frequency to teach children a variety of skills and to supplement more traditional forms of instruction. In particular, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could benefit from applications suited to help them build social emotional skills that could contribute to more successful social interactions. In the study, the authors first investigated and compiled a list of existing apps to see where gaps exist in topic coverage. From this survey of existing smartphone apps for children with ASD, they developed a new app called LEA (Learning Emotions with Autism) that challenges children to interact in a social setting by responding to emotional cues, and having other children determine the emotion that is expressed. This app provides a new context to help children focus their attention on facial cues in order to recognize and interpret emotions through supported peer interaction. In this chapter, the authors discuss how this app was designed and implemented. They also provide a tutorial on how to develop smartphone apps that can be used for ASD research.
Dance and Movement as Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Authors: Teo Jane , Hoon Ong Puay
Published: April 2016

This chapter attempts to introduce the concept of Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) in treating autistic-like symptoms and discusses the validity and feasibility of adopting DMT as a complementary component of an existing intervention framework. By defining mainstream DMT, identifying its implications for children across the spectrum, and briefly touching upon the theoretical aspects of its workings, it is hoped that parents, teachers, and educators can gain a more thorough understanding of this method. An outline of how it can be adapted for children with a range of abilities is also supplied. Finally, initial observations of DMT applied in Kuching, Malaysia, are shared with concluding suggestions for success within this particular cultural and social context. This chapter is aimed at the new practitioner looking for a starting point resource as well as parents, teachers, and educators who may be thinking about implementing DMT into a child's routine or programme.
School Activities with New Dot Code Handling Multimedia
Authors: Ikuta Shigeru , Morton Diane , Kasai Mikiko , Nemoto Fumio , Ohtaka Masaki , Horiguchi Mieko
Published: April 2016

The authors use a new communication aid in conducting many activities at preschools, special needs schools, and general schools. They use dot codes printed on paper and linked with multimedia such as voices, sounds, movies, Web pages, html files, and PowerPoint files. More than one audio file can be linked with a single dot code, and other multimedia files can be further linked to the same dot code in addition to the audios. Just touching the dot code with sound pens (Speaking Pen and G-Talk) can produce the original voices and sounds clearly. If a G1-Scanner pen is connected to a tablet or a personal computer, the multimedia can be replayed on its screen. This chapter reports recent advancements in software used to create handmade teaching materials as well as several case studies from preschools, special needs schools, and general schools.
Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Singhal Deepti , Pradhan Chandan , Sankhe Kunal , Garimella Rama Murthy
Published: April 2016

The ever increasing demand for communication bandwidth has led to spectrum scarcity. We need to manage spectrum as a scare resource. Better utilization of spectrum is the key requirement for the radio communication systems. The inefficient usage of the existing spectrum can be improved through opportunistic access to the licensed bands without interfering with the primary users. This introduces the concept of dynamic spectrum access. Cognitive radio is must for providing quality of service in dynamic spectrum access. To deal with the cognition at physical layer, upper layers are also modified to support cognition and adaptation which make a network cognitive network. This book chapter describes the technical challenges and approaches for cognitive radio networks. Spectrum access models from regulatory point of view are presented. It also explains the challenges and solutions from literature for physical, MAC and network layer of cognitive networks. In the end of the chapter, real hope for designing protocols for such networks, i.e. cross layer protocol design is discussed.
Joint Source Channel Coding and Diversity Techniques for 3G/4G/LTE-A
Authors: Deka Surajit , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar
Published: April 2016

There has been a tremendous growth in the joint source channel coding techniques of recent wireless communication system. The main objective of this technique is to simplify the architecture which eliminates the network errors and instability. This chapter mainly focuses on Joint Source Channel Coding (JSCC) in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) diversity to minimize the effects of noise, distortion and related phenomena for better reception of the signal with increased efficiency and spectrum utilization with link reliability. JSCC techniques in presence of 3G/4G/LTE-A for high data rate communication with the carrier aggregation is an important element for communication over wireless channel. In this chapter, the authors shall discuss the current state of research, the challenges related to the deployment of JSCC, the likely solutions and the usefulness as part of upcoming communication networks. A major part of the work shall focus on their suitability in LTE-A frameworks so essential for sustaining the current growth in wireless communication.
Direction of Arrival (DOA) and Channel Estimation
Authors: Barua Shouman , Braun Robin
Published: April 2016

Future fit demand combined with a flexible technical solution that is by latest wireless technology stands for. Estimating of the user's location is going to be an integral system with the upcoming mobile technology. This chapter shows some techniques for estimating the direction of arrival (DOA) with mathematical elaboration and simulation results as well. Estimating the DOA in this chapter is regarded to the purpose of using Smart antenna system. It is possible to estimate the location of a user by considering the uplink transmission system of the mobile communication system. Estimating the channel and accurate path delay is also an important task which might be done by using 1D Uniform Linear Array (ULA) or 2D Uniform Rectangular (URA) array antenna system. In this chapter, 1D ULA is considered in order to utilize some popular techniques. The performance of a communication system between two ends is substantially determined by the behaviors of the channel characteristics. It determines signal transformation while propagating through the channel between receivers and transmitters. Accurate channel information is crucial for both the transmitter and receiver ends to perform their best services. The ultimate focus of this chapter is to estimate the channel based on 2D parameter estimation. Uniform Rectangular Array (URA) is used to perform the 2D parameter estimation. It is possible to estimate Azimuth and Elevation of a source by using URA model.
Marriage after Divorce
Authors: Doherty Brian
Published: April 2016

The Jane Bancroft Cook Library is shared by New College of Florida, a small liberal arts college and the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM), a regional campus within a research university system. It has served both institutions since they were merged on the same campus in 1975. The institutions were formally separated in 2001, and USFSM moved to its own campus in 2006. A number of fundamental issues challenge the partnership, including longstanding cultural differences that have impeded communication and planning. Both partners have agreed to develop a new library management agreement and identify new partnerships in student services and other areas. Although the future of this shared library is still uncertain, there is reason for optimism with the possibility that the partnering institutions can set aside past differences and develop a vital shared library while unearthing new collaborations in the process.
A Statewide Collaborative Storage and Print Repository Model
Authors: Walker Ben , Pursley Tabatha
Published: April 2016

As space pressures increase across college campuses, libraries are forced to make difficult decisions about their collections. The Florida Academic Repository (FLARE) is a centralized, collaborative storage facility managed by the University of Florida's George A. Smathers Libraries for the twelve public Florida universities and the University of Miami. This project has been in planning since 2007, but began operating a medium-density storage facility for partners in 2012. Although full funding for a true high-density facility has not been received, significant strides and lessons have been learned through the process. Included in this chapter are examples of policies, equipment used, governance structure, and past and future projects.
Collaborative Weeding among Public University Libraries Can Lead to Cost Savings for All
Authors: Levenson Helen N.
Published: April 2016

All academic libraries strive to have the highest quality collections which their acquisition budgets can support. However, the cost of quality resources continues to regularly increase, typically without corresponding increases in acquisition budgets. Additionally, print resources come with associated storage costs which are less tangible to measure than acquisition costs but which nonetheless have impact on overall library operations and expenditures. Storage and retention costs can have a substantial negative impact on general library usage, relevancy, and budget allocations. This chapter will focus on the management of retaining and weeding print monographs within the medium-sized public academic library and what a group of Michigan public academic libraries are doing to collectively address weeding and retention issues through the preliminary phase of a program called the Michigan Shared Print Initiative (MI-SPI).
Automating a Massive Online Course with Cluster Computing
Authors: Haas Timothy C.
Published: April 2016

Before massive numbers of students can take online courses for college credit, the challenges of providing tutoring support, answers to student-posed questions, and the control of cheating will need to be addressed. These challenges are taken up here by developing an online course delivery system that runs in a cluster computing environment and is designed to support the delivery of a course having 10K or more students. This delivery system enhances synchronous and asynchronous lectures, provides an online intelligent tutoring system, and detects plagiarism. The free software system is shown to provide fast response times when run on a mid-range cluster computer. The system's automatic plagiarism detection system is shown to be able to detect multiple authors of course assignments when used to analyze the work of actual online students. Use of this system on a large scale would allow most colleges to reduce their faculty size by 20 to 40%.