bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine kinase inhibition reverses TDP‐43 effects on synaptic protein expression, astrocytic function and amino acid dis‐homeostasis
Authors: Heyburn Lanier , Hebron Michaeline L. , Smith Jacqueline , Winston Charisse , Bechara John , Li Zhaoxia , Lonskaya Irina , Burns Mark P. , Harris Brent T. , Moussa Charbel E.‐H.
Published: August 2016

The trans‐activating response of DNA/RNA‐binding protein (TDP)‐43 pathology is associated with many neurodegenerative diseases via unknown mechanisms. Here, we use a transgenic mouse model over‐expressing human wild‐type neuronal TDP‐43 to study the effects of TDP‐43 pathology on glutamate metabolism and synaptic function. We found that neuronal TDP‐43 over‐expression affects synaptic protein expression, including Synapsin I, and alters surrounding astrocytic function. TDP‐43 over‐expression is associated with an increase in glutamate and γ‐amino butyric acid and reduction of glutamine and aspartate levels, indicating impairment of presynaptic terminal. TDP‐43 also decreases tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism and induces oxidative stress via lactate accumulation. Neuronal TDP‐43 does not alter microglia activity or significantly changes systemic and brain inflammatory markers compared to control. We previously demonstrated that brain‐penetrant tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), nilotinib and bosutinib, reduce TDP‐43‐induced cell death in transgenic mice. Here, we show that TKIs reverse the effects of TDP‐43 on synaptic proteins, increase astrocytic function and restore glutamate and neurotransmitter balance in TDP‐43 mice. Nilotinib, but not bosutinib, reverses mitochondrial impairment and oxidative metabolism. Taken together, these data suggest that TKIs can attenuate TDP‐43 toxicity and improve synaptic and astrocytic function, independent of microglial or other inflammatory effects. In conclusion, our data demonstrate novel mechanisms of the effects of neuronal TDP‐43 over‐expression on synaptic protein expression and alteration of astrocytic function.

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Neuroprotective effects of antibodies on retinal ganglion cells in an adolescent retina organ culture
Authors: Bell Katharina , Wilding Corina , Funke Sebastian , Perumal Natarajan , Beck Sabine , Wolters Dominik , Holz‐Müller Jana , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H.
Published: August 2016

Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (rgc). Up‐ and down‐regulated autoantibody immunoreactivities in glaucoma patients have been demonstrated. Previous studies showed protective effects of down‐regulated antibodies [gamma (γ)‐synuclein and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]) on neuroretinal cells. The aim of this study was to test these protective antibody effects on rgc in an organ culture model and to get a better understanding of cell–cell interactions of the retina in the context of the protective effect. We used an adolescent retinal organ culture (pig) with an incubation time of up to 4 days. Retinal explants were incubated with different antibodies for 24 h (anti‐GFAP, anti‐γ‐synuclein and anti‐myoglobin antibody as a control). Brn3a and TUNEL staining were performed. We also conducted glutamine synthetase staining and quantification of the retinal explants. Mass spectrometry analyses were performed as well as protein analyses via microarray. We detected a continuous decrease of rgc/mm in the retinal explants throughout the 4 days of incubation with increased TUNEL rgc staining. Immunohistochemical analyses showed a protective effect of anti‐γ‐synuclein (increased rgc/mm of 41%) and anti‐GFAP antibodies (increased rgc/mm of 37%). Mass spectrometric, microarray and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated Müller cell involvement and decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the antibody‐treated retinae. We could detect that the tested antibodies have a protective effect on rgc which seems to be the result of reduced stress levels in the retina as well as a shift of glutamine synthetase localization in the endfeet of the Müller cells towards the inner retinal layer.

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Loss of retinal ganglion cells (rgc) in glaucoma leads to blindness. Several antibodies are down‐regulated in glaucoma patients. Our aim was to test if these antibodies have a protective effect of rgc in a retinal organ culture. This could be shown with an increase of rgc numbers. This effect results through reduced stress levels and the shift of glutamine synthetase localization.
The Effects of Major Customer Networks on Supplier Profitability
Authors: Kim Yoon Hee
Published: August 2016

Whereas extant research on supply chain networks focuses mainly on the networks of major suppliers, this study fills a gap in the literature by exploring the relational and structural characteristics of networks of major customers and their impact on the financial performance of suppliers. Based on the major customer disclosure of the Statements of Financial Accounting Standards 131, this study identifies three dimensions of the major customer networks of U.S. public firms—customer concentration, mutual dependence and customer interconnection—and investigates how they affect the supplier's return on assets (ROAt+1) and return on sales (ROSt+1). Drawing on 717 suppliers and their major customer networks from the Compustat database, the study shows that customer concentration and interconnection negatively affect the supplier's ROAt+1 and ROSt+1, whereas mutual dependence enhances them and reduces the negative impact of customer concentration on the supplier's profitability. This positive interaction between customer concentration and mutual dependence demonstrates how two governance principles, power and embeddedness, simultaneously affect concentrated relationships with major customers.
The association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms severity among pregnant women differs by social support category: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Natamba Barnabas K. , Mehta Saurabh , Achan Jane , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Young Sera L.
Published: August 2016

Common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, affect approximately 16% of pregnant women in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Food insecurity (FI) has been shown to be associated with depressive symptoms. It has also been suggested that the association between FI and depressive symptoms is moderated by social support (SS); however, there is limited evidence of these associations among pregnant women living in low‐income and middle‐income countries. We studied the association between FI and depressive symptoms severity and assessed whether such an association varied among Ugandan pregnant women with low vs. high SS. Cross‐sectional data were collected among 403 pregnant women in northern Uganda. SS was assessed using an eight‐item version of the Duke‐UNC functional SS scale. FI and depressive symptoms were assessed by, respectively, the individually focused FI scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression scale. Women were categorized into two SS groups, based on scoring < or ≥ to the median SS value. Multivariate linear regression models indicated an independent association between FI and depressive symptoms severity. The association between FI and depressive symptoms severity was moderated by SS i.e. was stronger among women in the low SS category (adjusted beta (95%CI): 0.91 (0.55; 1.27)) than for women belonging to the high SS group (0.53 (0.28; 0.78)) (adjusted p value for interaction = 0.026). There is need for longitudinal or interventional studies among pregnant women living in northern Uganda or similar contexts to examine the temporal sequence of the associations among food insecurity, depressive symptoms severity and social support. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Gauging scale effects and biogeographical signals in similarity distance decay analyses: an Early Jurassic ammonite case study
Authors: Zacaï Axelle , Brayard Arnaud , Dommergues Jean‐Louis , Meister Christian , Escarguel Gilles , Laffont Rémi , Vrielynck Bruno , Fara Emmanuel
Published: August 2016

In biogeography, the similarity distance decay (SDD) relationship refers to the decrease in compositional similarity between communities with geographical distance. Although representing one of the most widely used relationships in biogeography, a review of the literature reveals that: (1)SDDis influenced by both spatial extent and sample size; (2) the potential effect of the phylogenetic level has yet to be tested; (3) the effect of a marked biogeographical structuring uponSDDpatterns is largely unknown; and (4) theSDDrelationship is usually explored with modern, mainly terrestrial organisms, whereas fossil taxa are seldom used in that perspective. Using this relationship, we explore the long‐distance dispersal of the Early Jurassic (early Pliensbachian,c. 190.8 Ma to 187.6 Ma) ammonites of the western Tethys and adjacent areas, in a context of marked provincialism. We show that the long‐distance dispersal of these ammonites is not related to shell size and shape, but rather to the environmental characteristics of the province to which they belong. This suggests that their long‐distance dispersal may have been essentially driven by passive planktonic drift during early juvenile, post‐hatching stages. Furthermore, it seems that theSDDrelationship is not always an appropriate method to characterize the existence of a biogeographical structuring. We conductedSDDanalyses at various spatial, sampling and phylogenetic scales in order to evaluate their sensitivity to scale effects. This multi‐scale approach indicates that the sampling scale may influenceSDDrates in an unpredictable way and that the phylogenetic level has a major impact onSDDpatterns.
Dynamic Pricing to Minimize Maximum Regret
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Long , Hall Nicholas G. , Kellerer Hans
Published: August 2016

We consider a dynamic pricing problem that involves selling a given inventory of a single product over a short, two‐period selling season. There is insufficient time to replenish inventory during this season, hence sales are made entirely from inventory. The demand for the product is a stochastic, nonincreasing function of price. We assume interval uncertainty for demand, that is, knowledge of upper and lower bounds but not a probability distribution, with no correlation between the two periods. We minimize the maximum total regret over the two periods that results from the pricing decisions. We consider a dynamic model where the decision maker chooses the price for each period contingent on the remaining inventory at the beginning of the period, and a static model where the decision maker chooses the prices for both periods at the beginning of the first period. Both models can be solved by a polynomial time algorithm that solves systems of linear inequalities. Our computational study demonstrates that the prices generated by both our models are insensitive to errors in estimating the demand intervals. Our dynamic model outperforms our static model and two classical approaches that do not use demand probability distributions, when evaluated by maximum regret, average relative regret, variability, and risk measures. Further, our dynamic model generates a total expected revenue which closely approximates that of a maximum expected revenue approach which requires demand probability distributions.
How Governance Misalignment and Outsourcing Capability Impact Performance
Authors: Handley Sean M.
Published: August 2016

Notwithstanding the popularity of outsourcing as a business strategy, the performance benefits realized through outsourcing efforts are observed to be mixed in practice. This leads to important unresolved questions regarding why some firms are able to derive substantial value from their outsourcing initiatives while other firms are left disappointed. This study joins an emerging literature integrating transaction cost economics and capabilities‐based perspectives to develop a deeper understanding of the drivers of outsourcing performance. I develop a theoretical model that examines the independent and joint influence of governance misalignment (i.e., deviation from transaction cost's predicted mode of governance) and a firm's outsourcing capability on the performance of outsourced processes. I test the theoretical model using a dataset of 172 outsourced and 156 in‐house processes. The finding that governance misalignment corresponds to inferior process performance supports transaction cost's discriminating alignment hypothesis. Interestingly, I also find that a retained technical expertise (TE) and outsourcing knowledge management routines (OKMR; both contributors to a firm's outsourcing capability) positively influence outsourcing performance both directly and via their relationship with governance misalignment. While a retained technical expertise and outsourcing knowledge management routines each positively influence outsourcing performance, they do so in distinctive ways. These findings have important managerial implications and make a significant theoretical contribution. Specifically, this study demonstrates that the notion of a governance misalignment is firm‐specific, conditional on the governance capabilities of the organization. This insight underscores the value of integrating transaction cost logic with capabilities‐based perspectives.
Pricing Theater Seats: The Value of Price Commitment and Monotone Discounting
Authors: Tereyağoğlu Necati , Fader Peter S. , Veeraraghavan Senthil
Published: August 2016

We examine the value of price commitment in a non‐profit organization using individual‐level purchases over a series of concert performances. To decide on a pricing policy, the performing arts organization must be able to accurately measure when each ticket will be sold and what type of audience will purchase the tickets for each performance. We use a competing hazards framework to model the timing of ticket purchases when customer segments differ in their valuations and arrival times. We show that the customer purchase likelihoods change based on the prices observed earlier in the season. Hence, price commitment can aid in improving sales, revenues, and customer visits. In particular, we show that price commitment to a decreasing monotone discount policy can improve the revenues in the range 2.1%–6.7% per concert.
The role of ICT in nursing practice: an integrative literature review of the Swedish context
Authors: Fagerström Cecilia , Tuvesson Hanna , Axelsson Lisa , Nilsson Lina
Published: August 2016

Background

The Swedish healthcare system employs information and communication technologies (ICT) in nursing practice to meet quality‐, security‐ and efficiency‐related demands. Although ICT is integrated with nursing practices, nurses do not always feel that they are convenient to use it. We need to improve our knowledge of the role of ICT in healthcare environments and so we decided to complement existing experience of how ICT influences nursing practice.

Aim

This study aimed to review and synthesise the available literature on the role of ICT in nursing practice in Swedish healthcare settings.

Method

To consolidate previous studies based on diverse methodologies, an integrative literature review was carried out. Three databases were used to search for literature, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The literature review indicates that ICT integration into nursing practice is a complex process that impacts nurses’ communication and relationships in patient care, working conditions, and professional identities and development. Nurses are found to express ambiguous views on ICT as a usable service in their everyday practice since it impacts both positively and negatively.

Discussion and conclusion

Although ICT cannot replace physical presence, it can be considered a complementary service that gives rise to improved patient care. However, nonverbal communication cues may be missed when ICT is used as mediating tool and ICT can be limiting because it is not always designed to meet nurse and patient needs. The meaning of an encounter appears to change when ICT is used in nursing practice, not only for patient relationships but also for interpersonal communication.
Receptor Antagonist of IL‐13 Exerts a Potential Negative Regulation During Early Infection of Human Schistosomiasis
Authors: Figueiredo A. L. C. , Domingues A. L. C. , Melo W. G. , Tashiro T. , de Lorena V. M. B. , Montenegro S. M. L. , Morais C. N. L.
Published: August 2016

The pathology of schistosomiasis is associated with the formation of granulomas, and this process is associated with liver fibrosis. Studies indicate that Th1 cytokines reduce fibrosis in schistosomiasis, while Th2 cytokines play a part in the progression of fibrosis, and IL‐13 has a critical role in this process. The IL‐13Rα2 receptor, known as a ‘receptor antagonist’ binds with high affinity to IL‐13, and studies have identified that this plays a part in reducing fibrosis and the size of granulomas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the function of IL‐13Rα2 and cellular immune response in hepatic fibrosis. A negative correlation between IL‐13Rα2 and IL‐13 was found, suggesting an increase in cytokine in early fibrosis. Initially, a negative correlation between IFN‐γ and IL‐13 was found in patients without fibrosis, and subsequently, this correlation was found to be positive in patients with severe fibrosis, thereby highlighting a new mechanism for regulating the progress of periportal fibrosis. There was a positive correlation between the profiles of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, suggesting the presence of both responses, thus regulating the disease. The results contribute to a better understanding of the immune mechanisms that control the process of hepatic fibrogenesis in schistosomiasis in humans.
Testosterone‐dependent sex differences in red blood cell hemolysis in storage, stress, and disease
Authors: Kanias Tamir , Sinchar Derek , Osei‐Hwedieh David , Baust Jeffrey J. , Jordan Andrew , Zimring James C. , Waterman Hayley R. , de Wolski Karen S. , Acker Jason P. , Gladwin Mark T.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis represents an intrinsic mechanism for human vascular disease. Intravascular hemolysis releases hemoglobin and other metabolites that inhibit nitric oxide signaling and drive oxidative and inflammatory stress. Although these pathways are important in disease pathogenesis, genetic and population modifiers of hemolysis, including sex, have not been established.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied sex differences in storage or stress‐induced hemolysis in RBC units from the United States and Canada in 22 inbred mouse strains and in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) using measures of hemolysis in 315 patients who had homozygous SS hemoglobin from the Walk‐PHASST cohort. A mouse model also was used to evaluate posttransfusion recovery of stored RBCs, and gonadectomy was used to determine the mechanisms related to sex hormones.

RESULTS

An analysis of predisposition to hemolysis based on sex revealed that male RBCs consistently exhibit increased susceptibility to hemolysis compared with females in response to routine cold storage, under osmotic or oxidative stress, after transfusion in mice, and in patients with SCD. The sex difference is intrinsic to the RBC and is not mediated by plasmatic factors or female sex hormones. Importantly, orchiectomy in mice improves RBC storage stability and posttransfusion recovery, whereas testosterone repletion therapy exacerbates hemolytic response to osmotic or oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that testosterone increases susceptibility to hemolysis across human diseases, suggesting that male sex may modulate clinical outcomes in blood storage and SCD and establishing a role for donor genetic variables in the viability of stored RBCs and in human hemolytic diseases.
Epigenetic regulation of redox state mediates persistent cardiorespiratory abnormalities after long‐term intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Nanduri Jayasri , Peng Ying‐Jie , Wang Ning , Khan Shakil A. , Semenza Gregg L. , Kumar Ganesh K. , Prabhakar Nanduri R.
Published: August 2016

Key points

The effects of short‐term (ST; 10 days) and long‐term (LT; 30 days) intermittent hypoxia (IH) on blood pressure (BP), breathing and carotid body (CB) chemosensory reflex were examined in adult rats.

ST‐ and LT‐IH treated rats exhibited hypertension, irregular breathing with apnoea and augmented the CB chemosensory reflex, with all these responses becoming normalized during recovery from ST‐ but not from LT‐IH.

The persistent cardiorespiratory responses to LT‐IH were associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the CB and adrenal medulla, which were a result of DNA methylation‐dependent suppression of genes encoding anti‐oxidant enzymes (AOEs).

Treating rats with decitabine either during LT‐IH or during recovery from LT‐IH prevented DNA methylation of AOE genes, normalized the expression of AOE genes and ROS levels, reversed the heightened CB chemosensory reflex and hypertension, and also stabilized breathing.

Rodents exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH), simulating blood O2 saturation profiles during obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), have been shown to exhibit a heightened carotid body (CB) chemosensory reflex and hypertension. CB chemosensory reflex activation also results in unstable breathing with apnoeas. However, the effect of chronic IH on breathing is not known. In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic IH on breathing along with blood pressure (BP) and assessed whether the autonomic responses are normalized after recovery from chronic IH. Studies were performed on adult, male, Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to either short‐term (ST; 10 days) or long‐term (LT, 30 days) IH. Rats exposed to either ST‐ or LT‐IH exhibited hypertension, irregular breathing with apnoeas, an augmented CB chemosensory reflex as indicated by elevated CB neural activity and plasma catecholamine levels, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the CB and adrenal medulla (AM). All these effects were normalized after recovery from ST‐IH but not from LT‐IH. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the persistent effects of LT‐IH revealed increased DNA methylation of genes encoding anti‐oxidant enzymes (AOEs). Treatment with decitabine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, either during LT‐IH or during recovery from LT‐IH, prevented DNA methylation, normalized the expression of AOE genes, ROS levels, CB chemosensory reflex and BP, and also stabilized breathing. These results suggest that persistent cardiorespiratory abnormalities caused by LT‐IH are mediated by epigenetic re‐programming of the redox state in the CB chemosensory reflex pathway.
Roadmap for cardiovascular circulation model
Authors: Safaei Soroush , Bradley Christopher P. , Suresh Vinod , Mithraratne Kumar , Muller Alexandre , Ho Harvey , Ladd David , Hellevik Leif R. , Omholt Stig W. , Chase J. Geoffrey , Müller Lucas O. , Watanabe Sansuke M. , Blanco Pablo J. , de Bono Bernard , Hunter Peter J.
Published: August 2016

Computational models of many aspects of the mammalian cardiovascular circulation have been developed. Indeed, along with orthopaedics, this area of physiology is one that has attracted much interest from engineers, presumably because the equations governing blood flow in the vascular system are well understood and can be solved with well‐established numerical techniques. Unfortunately, there have been only a few attempts to create a comprehensive public domain resource for cardiovascular researchers. In this paper we propose a roadmap for developing an open source cardiovascular circulation model. The model should be registered to the musculo‐skeletal system. The computational infrastructure for the cardiovascular model should provide for near real‐time computation of blood flow and pressure in all parts of the body. The model should deal with vascular beds in all tissues, and the computational infrastructure for the model should provide links into CellML models of cell function and tissue function. In this work we review the literature associated with 1D blood flow modelling in the cardiovascular system, discuss model encoding standards, software and a model repository. We then describe the coordinate systems used to define the vascular geometry, derive the equations and discuss the implementation of these coupled equations in the open source computational software OpenCMISS. Finally, some preliminary results are presented and plans outlined for the next steps in the development of the model, the computational software and the graphical user interface for accessing the model.
Test Item Selection for the Project UNIQUE Physical Fitness Test
Authors: Winnick Joseph P. , Short Francis X.
Published: August 2016

In order to enhance the physical fitness development of individuals with selected handicapping conditions. Winnick and Short (1984b) published a manual which presented the Project UNIQUE Physical Fitness Test and training program. This article presents criteria and supporting technical information pertaining to the selection of test items.
The Effects of Sport Participation on Individuals with Mental Retardation
Authors: Riggen Katherine , Ulrich Dale
Published: August 2016

This study compared individuals with mental retardation participating in either a traditional segregated Special Olympic program or the new Unified Special Olympic program, which is integrated. The dependent variables of the study included self-perceptions of physical ability, social skills, and general self-worth. Actual physical abilities were also compared between the two groups. A control group not participating in sport programs was utilized. Self-perceptions were assessed with a modified version of the Perceived Competence Scale for Children (Harter, 1982). Cardiovascular fitness was estimated with the 1-mi run-walk (AAHPERD, 1984). Sport skills were assessed by use of a standard skills test routinely used for team placement by Special Olympics. Unified athletes demonstrated an increase in social self-perception, which remained unchanged in the traditional athletes. There were no significant increases found in self-perceptions of physical and general self-worth for either the traditional or Unified Special Olympic participants. Both the segregated and integrated basketball participants demonstrated significant increases in basketball skills but not in cardiovascular fitness.
Use of Selected Reinforcers to Improve the Ball Kicking of Youths with Profound Mental Retardation
Authors: Silliman Lisa M. , French Ron
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of preferred verbal praise and music reinforcement on improving the soccer kick performances of youths with profound mental retardation (PMR). Subjects (N = 15) were randomly assigned to three groups. Based on visual inspection and the split-middle technique, all three groups (i.e., control, verbal praise, and music reinforcer) improved performances in their kicking accuracy. Comparison of graphed mean data of the three groups, by visual inspection and the split-middle technique, showed that the verbal praise and music reinforcement groups had higher scores than the control group. Visual inspection of 2-week follow-up data revealed that both experimental groups maintained higher scores than the control group. In addition, all of the subjects had the ability to generalize this kicking skill into a physical recreation environment.
The Effect of Balance on the Determination of Peak Oxygen Consumption for Hearing and Nonhearing Female Athletes
Authors: Ellis M. Kathleen , Darby Lynn A.
Published: August 2016

This study compared balance and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) among hearing, congenital nonhearing, and acquired nonhearing female intercollegiate athletes. Twenty-seven subjects completed two measures of peak VO2 and two measures of balance (static and dynamic). Two pieces of exercise equipment requiring different levels of balance were used: the bicycle ergometer (minimal balance) and the bench-step (maximal balance). Significant differences were found for dynamic balance and for peak VO2 for all subject groups. The significant difference remained among the groups for peak VO2 using the bicycle ergometer when dynamic balance was used as a covariate. There was no significant difference for peak VO2 dependent on type of test when dynamic balance was controlled. The results indicated that dynamic balance affected peak VO2 performance on the bench-step, but not on the bicycle ergometer. These findings suggest that if dynamic balance is required for an assessment of peak VO2, balance should be tested in nonhearing populations.
The Effects of Exercise Intensity on the Stereotypic Behaviors of Individuals with Autism
Authors: Levinson Leslie J. , Reid Greg
Published: August 2016

The effects of exercise intensity on the stereotypic behaviors of three subjects with autism were examined. Two exercise programs of different intensities were implemented. The mild exercise program involved 15 min of walking, and the vigorous program involved 15 min of jogging. The frequency of stereotypic behavior was measured prior to exercise, immediately following exercise, and 90 min following exercise. The results indicated that significant reductions in stereotypic behaviors occurred as a function of the vigorous exercise condition only. The mean reduction of stereotypic behaviors between prejogging and postjogging was 17.5%. However, the duration of these reductions was temporary. Increases to preexercise levels were noted in stereotypic behaviors 90 min after exercise. The stereotypic behaviors of subjects were categorized into three components: motor, vocal/oral, and other. The motor component was most common. The mild exercise condition had little effect on the motor component; the vigorous condition resulted in a mean reduction of 17%.
Integrating Children with Special Needs in Physical Education: A School District Assessment Model from Finland
Authors: Heikinaro-Johansson Pilvikki , Sherrill Claudine
Published: August 2016

The purpose was to develop a model to guide assessment for physical education planning for integration and inclusion at the school district level. A secondary goal was to determine if teachers’ gender, age, education, and experience of teaching children with special needs are associated with beliefs about barriers to integration. To test the model, data were collected from physical education specialists and classroom teachers in central Finland. The survey instruments were three scales: (a) Awareness of Individual Differences Survey, (b) Survey of Adapted Physical Education Needs–Finnish modification (SAPEN-F), and (c) Teacher Beliefs About Physical Education Integration Scale. Results indicated that Finnish teachers know they have students with special needs. PE specialists and classroom teachers share many common beliefs about priority needs. Teachers believe that the most important barrier that hinders physical education integration is attitude. The model described herein worked in Finland and is ready for further testing by other countries.
Power Output and Technique of Wheelchair Athletes
Authors: Roeleveld Karin , Lute Eric , Veeger Dirkjan , Woude Luc van der , Gwinn Tom
Published: August 2016

To assess power output, force application, and kinematics of wheelchair propulsion in peak exercise, nine wheelchair athletes with medical lesion levels of T8 or lower performed a 30-s sprint test on a stationary wheelchair ergometer. Mean power output, calculated for the right wheel only, was 59.4 ± 8.5 W. The ratio between effective force and total propulsive force was 60 ± 6%. A negative torque around the hand and a not tangentially directed total force accounted for this low effectiveness. Since the subject group was highly trained, their technique was considered to be optimal for the given circumstances. Therefore, athletes who want to improve power output by increasing effectiveness should keep in mind the existence of a nontangential propulsive force and a braking torque applied by the hands onto the hand rim surface. It is likely that both aspects will be influenced by the geometry of the wheelchair, for example, hand rim dimension or seat position.
Using Goal Setting to Improve Physical Performance of Adolescents with Behavior Disorders: The Effect of Goal Proximity
Authors: Bar-Eli Michael , Hartman Ilan , Levy-Kolker Noa
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the present investigation was to investigate the relationship between goal proximity and performance. Goal setting was used as a motivational technique for enhancing physical performance of adolescents with behavior disorders. Subjects (N = 80) were randomly assigned to one of two goal-setting conditions: (a) long-term goals and (b) short- plus long-term goals. After a 3-week baseline period, subjects were tested on a 1-min sit-up task once a week for 10 weeks. Results indicated that the short- plus long-term group exhibited the greatest increase in performance, although the long-term group also displayed significant improvements. Results are discussed in reference to Locke and Latham’s (1985) approach to goal setting. In addition, several methodological and theoretical aspects are discussed that are particularly relevant to the use of goal setting with physical activity tasks among persons with disabilities such as behavior disorders.
Subtypes of Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Hoare Deborah
Published: August 2016

Although the heterogeneity of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) has been well documented, the search for subtypes within the DCD population with distinguishable profiles has been limited. The present study investigated whether a group of 80 children identified as having DCD could be classified into subtypes based on their performances on six perceptuo-motor tasks. Five clusters were identified and are discussed in terms of current understanding of DCD. This exploratory study supports the notion of heterogeneity within DCD samples, with five patterns of dysfunction emerging.
Ophthalmic Factors in Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Mon-Williams Mark A. , Pascal Eve , Wann John P.
Published: August 2016

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) occurs in a small number of children who present with impaired body/eye coordination. No study of ophthalmic function in DCD exists despite vision’s primary role in perception. Ocular performance was therefore assessed with a battery of tests. Five hundred children aged between 5 and 7 years were involved in the study. Diagnosis of DCD was confirmed for 29 children by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (ABC); 29 control children were randomly selected. Comprehensive examination with a battery of ophthalmic tests did not reveal any significant difference in visual status between the two groups. Strabismus was found in 5 children from both groups. All 5 children with strabismus from the DCD group showed a similar movement profile with the Motor Competence Checklist. While a causal relationship cannot be discounted, the presence of strabismus appears more likely to be a “hard” neurological sign of central damage common to this group. The evidence seems to indicate that a simple ophthalmic difficulty does not explain problems with movement control.
Tapping a Rhythm: A Problem of Timing for Children Who Are Clumsy and Dyslexic?
Authors: Geuze Reint H. , Kalverboer Alex F.
Published: August 2016

This study is concerned with deficits in the ability to maintain an imposed rhythm in a tapping task and the possible sources of these deficits. Three groups of children between the ages of 7 and 12 with IQs above 75 participated: a group of children who were clumsy, a group who were dyslexic, and a control group whose reading and coordination were considered age appropriate. The children performed a series of “continuation” tapping tasks in which hand, speed, and rhythm of tapping were manipulated. The performance measure taken was the variability of tapping after the pacing signal had ceased. When the three groups were compared, the children who were clumsy showed a slightly increased variability across all tasks but no sign of lateralized performance differences. In contrast, the children who were dyslexic showed increased variability in only one task, involving the right hand. The results are discussed in relation to three different models of brain dysfunction.
Adapted Physical Education Consultant Service Model to Facilitate Integration
Authors: Heikinaro-Johansson Pilvikki , Sherrill Claudine , French Ronald , Huuhka Heikki
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this research was to develop and test an adapted physical education consultant model to assist regular elementary school classroom teachers to include children with special needs into regular physical education. The consultation model consisted of (a) Level 1, conducting a needs assessment, (b) Level 2, designing/implementing the program, and (c) Level 3, evaluating the program. The model was tested in two communities in Finland using the intensive and the limited consulting approaches. Data collection methods included videotaped observations of teacher and students, interviews, dialogue at interdisciplinary team meetings, and journals. Results are presented as case studies, which describe the process and product over a 2-month period of model implementation. Analysis of data indicate that classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and students benefited from the consultant model. The adapted physical education consultant model appears to be a viable approach in facilitating the integration of children with special needs.
Three-Dimensional Kinematics of Wheelchair Propulsion across Racing Speeds
Authors: Wang Yong Tai , Deutsch Helga , Morse Martin , Hedrick Brad , Millikan Tim
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional (3-D) kinematic features of wheelchair propulsion across four selected speeds were investigated based on 10 skilled male wheelchair athletes. Kinematic data were collected through 3-D cinematography with a mirror. The results demonstrated that as the speed increased, the drive phase was performed faster while the range of the push-angle remained constant. More trunk forward lean motion resulted in a large initial contact angle in front of the top dead center of the pushrim. Recovery involved a large range of vertical motion in terms of shoulder abduction and hyperextension in order to increase the distance over which a greater velocity could be developed. To maximize wheelchair racing speed, it was critical to obtain the maximal shoulder and elbow velocities at initial contact of the drive phase and the maximal hand velocity at the end of the recovery phase.
Visual Feedback Processing and Goal-Directed Movement in Adults with Down Syndrome
Authors: Hodges Nicola J. , Cunningham Sheri J. , Lyons James , Kerr Tracey L. , Elliott Digby
Published: August 2016

Frith and Frith (1974) suggested that adults with Down syndrome have difficulty planning goal-directed movements and therefore are more reliant on feedback than other mentally disabled people. The purpose of the study was to examine this hypothesis directly through the manipulation of visual feedback. Twelve adults with Down syndrome, 12 mentally disabled adults without Down syndrome, and 12 nondisabled adults performed simple aiming movements to targets of three different diameters. While the target was always visible, on half the trial blocks vision of the movement was occluded upon response initiation. Subjects with Down syndrome exhibited longer movement times than other subjects, regardless of vision condition. In terms of target-aiming consistency, subjects with Down syndrome were actually less affected by the elimination of visual feedback than subjects in the other mentally disabled group. While adults with mental disabilities appear to be more reliant on visual feedback for the control of goal-directed movement, this dependence is not a specific characteristic of Down syndrome.
Physical Education and Sport Participation of Children and Youth with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele
Authors: Connor-Kuntz Fiona J. , Dummer Gail M. , Paciorek Michael J.
Published: August 2016

Physical education and sport participation of 133 children and youth with myelomeningocele (MM), aged 7 to 16 years, was investigated with respect to age, level of MM, and ambulation. Results showed that 90.2% of subjects received physical education. Elementary-aged subjects were least likely to be excluded from physical education, as were full-time manual wheelchair users. Regular physical education placements were afforded to 51.7% of subjects, although individuals may have been placed according to their MM label rather than their ambulation ability. Sport participation was reported by 82.6% of subjects. Subjects with cervical MM, and those not receiving physical education, were least likely to have participated. Interestingly, children who walked without assistive devices were least likely to participate in nonschool sports. However, 9.2% of subjects, including almost 20% of the subjects with sacral MM, felt they could benefit from use of a wheelchair in the future, or from use of a wheelchair for sport.
Contact Theory and Attitudes of Children in Physical Education Programs Toward Peers with Disabilities
Authors: Tripp April , French Ron , Sherrill Claudine
Published: August 2016

Contact theory was examined by comparing total and subscale attitude scores of children toward peers with disabilities (physical, learning, behavioral) in integrated (contact) and segregated (noncontact) physical education settings. Subjects were 455 children ages 9 to 12 years; class size was 40 to 45. Data were collected using the Peer Attitudes Toward the Handicapped Scale (PATHS). ANOVA on total attitude scores indicated gender differences, with girls having more positive attitudes, but no difference between settings. MANOVA on subscale attitude scores revealed gender differences, favoring girls, only on the physical disability subscale. Setting significantly affected attitudes toward physical and behavioral disabilities but not learning disabilities. Children in the integrated setting had significantly more positive attitudes toward peers with behavioral disabilities than those in the segregated setting, but the reverse was true toward peers with physical disabilities. Contact theory was supported by this research for only behavioral disability.
A Test of the Activity Deficit Hypothesis with Children With Movement Difficulties
Authors: Bouffard Marcel , Watkinson E. Jane , Thompson Linda P. , Dunn Janice L. Causgrove , Romanow Sandy K.E.
Published: August 2016

An activity deficit hypothesis was posited that children with movement difficulties are less physically active during recess than age- and gender-matched controls without movement difficulties. Criteria used in identifying children with movement difficulties were (a) a score of at least 4 on the Test of Motor Impairment, (b) regular physical education student, and (c) age 80 to 109 months. An observational study was conducted over a 2-month period in recess settings with 52 subjects. Findings revealed that during recess time, children with movement difficulties were vigorously active less often, played less often with large playground equipment, were not observable for significantly more time, and spent less time in positive social interactions with others of their own gender. Accordingly, it was concluded that the data support the activity deficit hypothesis.
Social Support Mechanisms among Athletes with Disabilities
Authors: Martin Jeffrey J. , Mushett Carol A.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this investigation was to describe social support mechanisms of swimmers with disabilities and examine relationships among social support, self-efficacy, and athletic satisfaction. Results indicated that athletes felt satisfied with the social support they received. Mothers and friends provided primary support in a variety of areas requiring non-sport-related knowledge. Additionally, there were important secondary sources of support in areas requiring sport-specific knowledge. Coaches were primary sources of support in areas that required sport expertise. Fathers were also important sources of secondary support in areas that required both sport expertise and nonsport expertise. Correlational results suggested that athletes who were supported by being listened to and by being challenged to become better athletes and people also reported strong self-efficacy.
Factors Influencing Preservice Student Attitudes Toward Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Kowalski Ellen M. , Rizzo Terry L.
Published: August 2016

This study examined the relationship among selected attributes—gender, level of program (graduate/undergraduate), major, number of infusion-based courses, number of adapted physical education courses, and perceived competence—of physical education students (N = 133) and their attitudes toward teaching/working with individuals with disabilities. Students were enrolled in an infusion-based curriculum at a university in the northeastern United States. Data were collected via a modified version of the Physical Educators’ Attitude Toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities (PEATID–III) instrument. Results from a stepwise selection, multiple-regression procedure showed that of the six selected student variables assessed, students’ perceived competence in teaching/working with individuals with disabilities was the best predictor of favorable attitudes. Results also showed that the number of infusion-based courses, coursework in adapted physical education, and program major also were significant predictors of favorable attitudes.
Teaching across the Curriculum: Language-Enriched Physical Education for Preschool Children
Authors: Connor-Kuntz Fiona J. , Dummer Gail M.
Published: August 2016

Children age 4 to 6 years from special education (n = 26), Head Start (n = 35), and typical preschool classes (n = 11) were assigned to a physical activity intervention or a language-enriched physical activity intervention. Language and motor skill performances were measured before, immediately following, and 3 months following the 24-session, 8-week intervention. Results illustrated that language instruction can be added to physical education lessons without requiring additional instructional time and, more importantly, without compromising improvement in motor skill performance. Further, preschool children exposed to language-enriched physical education improved their language skills regardless of whether their educational progress was characterized by a cognitive and/or language delay. Thus, physical activity appears to be an effective environment in which to enhance the cognitive development of preschool children of all abilities.
Effect of an Integrated Physical Education Setting on Motor Performance of Preschool Children with Developmental Delays
Authors: Zittel Lauriece L. , McCubbin Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an integrated physical education setting on the motor performance of preschool children with developmental delays. Subjects participated in segregated and integrated physical education classes and were observed practicing locomotor and object control skills. The quality of performance was analyzed to determine the number of critical elements present and the level of teacher or peer prompt required to initiate and complete each performance. A single-subject reversal design (A-B-A-B) was used. Four children with developmental delays were filmed within an 8-week school schedule while practicing two fundamental gross motor skills during segregated and integrated conditions. The results provide evidence that children with developmental delays are able to maintain their level of gross motor skill and independence within an integrated physical education setting. Although day-to-day variability was calculated for each subject, overall skill level remained stable and level of independence was not compromised in the integrated setting.