bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Measures Associated With Increased Risk of Covert Brain Infarction and Worsening Leukoaraiosis in Older Adults
Authors: Leung Lester Y. , Bartz Traci M. , Rice Kenneth , Floyd James , Psaty Bruce , Gutierrez Jose , Longstreth W.T. , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: June 2017

Objective—

In people without previous stroke, covert findings on serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of incident brain infarcts and worsening leukoaraiosis are associated with increased risk for ischemic stroke and dementia. We evaluated whether various measures of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate are associated with these MRI findings.

Approach and Results—

In the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), a longitudinal cohort study of older adults, we used relative risk regression to assess the associations of mean, variability, and trend in systolic BP, diastolic BP, and heart rate measured at 4 annual clinic visits between 2 brain MRIs with incident covert brain infarction and worsening white matter grade (using a 10-point scale to characterize leukoaraiosis). We included participants who had both brain MRIs, no stroke before the follow-up MRI, and no change in antihypertensive medication status during follow-up. Among 878 eligible participants, incident covert brain infarction occurred in 15% and worsening white matter grade in 27%. Mean systolic BP was associated with increased risk for incident covert brain infarction (relative risk per 10 mm Hg, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.47), and mean diastolic BP was associated with increased risk for worsening white matter grade (relative risk per 10 mm Hg, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.69). These findings persisted in secondary and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions—

Elevated mean systolic BP is associated with increased risk for covert brain infarction, and elevated mean diastolic BP is associated with increased risk for worsening leukoaraiosis. These findings reinforce the importance of hypertension in the development of silent cerebrovascular diseases, but the pathophysiologic relationships to BP for each may differ.
Pericarditis as a Marker of Occult Cancer and a Prognostic Factor for Cancer Mortality
Authors: Søgaard Kirstine Kobberøe , Farkas Dóra Körmendiné , Ehrenstein Vera , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Bøtker Hans Erik , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: June 2017

Background:

Pericarditis may be a serious complication of malignancy. Its significance as a first symptom of occult cancer and as a prognostic factor for cancer survival is unknown.

Methods:

Using Danish medical databases, we conducted a nationwide cohort study of all patients with a first-time diagnosis of pericarditis during 1994 to 2013. We excluded patients with previous cancer and followed up the remaining patients for subsequent cancer diagnosis until November 30, 2013. We calculated risks and standardized incidence ratios of cancer for patients with pericarditis compared with the general population. We assessed whether pericarditis predicts cancer survival by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression using a matched comparison cohort of cancer patients without pericarditis.

Results:

Among 13 759 patients with acute pericarditis, 1550 subsequently were diagnosed with cancer during follow-up. The overall cancer standardized incidence ratio was 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–1.5), driven predominantly by increased rates of lung, kidney, and bladder cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and unspecified metastatic cancer. The <3-month cancer risk among patients with pericarditis was 2.7%, and the standardized incidence ratio was 12.4 (95% CI, 11.2–13.7). The 3- to <12-month standardized incidence ratio of cancer was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2–1.7), subsequently decreasing to 1.1 (95% CI, 1.0–1.2). Three-month survival after the cancer diagnosis was 80% and 86% among those with and without pericarditis, respectively, and the hazard ratio was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–1.8). One-year survival was 65% and 70%, respectively, corresponding to a 3- to <12-month hazard ratio of 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1–1.5).

Conclusions:

Pericarditis may be a marker of occult cancer and augurs increased mortality after a cancer diagnosis.
Gut Microbiota Metabolites and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Disease Events and Death: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Heianza Yoriko , Ma Wenjie , Manson JoAnn E. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Qi Lu
Published: June 2017

Background

Gut microbial metabolites have been implicated as novel risk factors for cardiovascular events and premature death. The strength and consistency of associations between blood concentrations of the gut microbial metabolites, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (
TMAO
) and its precursors, with major adverse cardiovascular events (
MACE
) or death have not been comprehensively assessed. We quantified associations of blood concentrations of
TMAO
and its precursors with risks of
MACE
and mortality.

Methods and Results

PubMed and Embase databases were searched up, and a total of 19 prospective studies from 16 publications (n=19 256, including 3315 incident cases) with quantitative estimates of the associations of
TMAO
with the development of
MACE
or death were included in our main analysis. Multivariate‐adjusted relative risks (
RR
s) were used when these were available. Elevated concentrations of
TMAO
were associated with a pooled
RR
of 1.62 (95%
CI,
1.45, 1.80;
P
heterogeneity
=0.2; I
2
=23.5%) for
MACE
compared with low
TMAO
levels, and 1 study of black participants influenced the heterogeneity of the association. After excluding the data of blacks, the
RR
s were not different according to body mass index, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, history of cardiovascular diseases, and kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, elevated
TMAO
concentrations were associated with a pooled
RR
of 1.63 (1.36, 1.95) for all‐cause mortality. Individuals with elevated concentrations of
TMAO
precursors (
l
‐carnitine, choline, or betaine) had an approximately 1.3 to 1.4 times higher risk for
MACE
compared to those with low concentrations.

Conclusions

Elevated concentrations of
TMAO
and its precursors were associated with increased risks of
MACE
and all‐cause mortality independently of traditional risk factors.
Physical Exercise Improves Cognitive Outcomes in 2 Models of Transient Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Stradecki-Cohan Holly M. , Youbi Mehdi , Cohan Charles H. , Saul Isa , Garvin Alexandra A. , Perez Edwin , Dave Kunjan R. , Wright Clinton B. , Sacco Ralph L. , Perez-Pinzon Miguel A.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Preclinical studies suggest that exercise can enhance cognition after cerebral ischemia but often use long training regiments and test cognition during or acutely after training. The cognitive changes may result from enhanced physical fitness and may only provide acute benefit. We sought to determine whether a short period of exercise after cerebral ischemia could improve cognitive outcomes when measured days after completion of exercise training in 2 cerebral ischemia models.

Methods—

Focal or global cerebral ischemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats recovered (3–4 days) then were subject to no exercise (0 m/min), mild (6 m/min), moderate (10 m/min), or heavy (15–18 m/min) treadmill exercise (5–6 days). Cognition was tested 8 to 10 days after the last exercise session with hippocampal-dependent contextual fear conditioning.

Results—

A short training period of moderate exercise enhanced cognitive function for a week after exercise completion in both models of cerebral ischemia.

Conclusions—

Utilization of this exercise paradigm can further the elucidation of exercise-mediated factors involved in cognitive recovery independent of changes in physical fitness.
Extracellular Mitochondria in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Neurological Recovery After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Chou Sherry H.-Y. , Lan Jing , Esposito Elga , Ning MingMing , Balaj Leonora , Ji Xunming , Lo Eng H. , Hayakawa Kazuhide
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Recent studies suggest that extracellular mitochondria may be involved in the pathophysiology of stroke. In this study, we assessed the functional relevance of endogenous extracellular mitochondria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats and humans after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods—

A standard rat model of SAH was used, where an intraluminal suture was used to perforate a cerebral artery, thus leading to blood extravasation into subarachnoid space. At 24 and 72 hours after SAH, neurological outcomes were measured, and the standard JC1 (5,5’,6,6’-tetrachloro-1,1’,3,3’-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide) assay was used to quantify mitochondrial membrane potentials in the CSF. To further support the rat model experiments, CSF samples were obtained from 41 patients with SAH and 27 control subjects. Mitochondrial membrane potentials were measured with the JC1 assay, and correlations with clinical outcomes were assessed at 3 months.

Results—

In the standard rat model of SAH, extracellular mitochondria was detected in CSF at 24 and 72 hours after injury. JC1 assays demonstrated that mitochondrial membrane potentials in CSF were decreased after SAH compared with sham-operated controls. In human CSF samples, extracellular mitochondria were also detected, and JC1 levels were also reduced after SAH. Furthermore, higher mitochondrial membrane potentials in the CSF were correlated with good clinical recovery at 3 months after SAH onset.

Conclusions—

This proof-of-concept study suggests that extracellular mitochondria may provide a biomarker-like glimpse into brain integrity and recovery after injury.
Posttraumatic Growth in Case of Internal Displacement
Authors: Mosashvili Ketevan , Klein Constantin
Published: June 2017

Most of the empirical research in trauma psychology focuses on posttraumatic reactions, rather than on positive outcomes besides increased attention to contributing factors to the concept of posttraumatic growth. The study presented in this paper investigates the role of religious commitment on the one hand and religious and nonreligious coping on the other as contributing factors to posttraumatic growth among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) in Georgia. Based on data from N = 190 IDPS, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to understand posttraumatic growth and the role of religiosity as a coping resource and strategy. Results indicate that religious commitment is not directly related to areas of posttraumatic growth but it has a positive impact on posttraumatic growth when it fosters religious and non-religious ways of coping. Each and every component has shown to have unique contribution to the outcome variable. Finally, implications of the practical value and for the field in general are discussed.
‘The Wuding Editions’: Printing, Power, and Vernacular Fiction in the Ming Dynasty
Authors: Gregory Scott W.
Published: June 2017

The vernacular fiction ‘novel’ is a genre typically associated with the explosion of commercial printing activity that occurred in the late sixteenth century. However, by that time, representative works such as theShuihu zhuanandSanguo yanyihad already been in print for several decades. Moreover, those early print editions were printed not by commercial entities but rather the elite of the Jiajing court. In order to better understand the genre as a print phenomenon, this paper explores the publishing output of one of those elites: Guo Xun (1475-1542), Marquis of Wuding. In addition to vernacular fiction, Guo printed a number of other types of books as well. This paper examines the entirety of his publishing activities in order to better contextualize the vernacular novel at this early stage in its life in print.
Three new species of Coecobrya (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from caves in the Thai Peninsula
Authors: NILSAI AREERUK , JANTARIT SOPARK , SATASOOK CHUTAMAS , ZHANG FENG
Published: June 2017

Three new species of the genus Coecobrya are described from caves in the Thai Peninsula for the first time: C. cavicta sp. nov. and C. polychaeta sp. nov. from Satun Province, and C. chumphonensis sp. nov. from Chumphon Province. These species differ in antennal length, clypeal chaetae, labial palp, sublobal chaetae of maxillary outer lobe, labial and postlabial chaetae, claw, ventral tube, manubrial plaque, and dorsal cephalic and tergal chaetotaxy. They are similar to C. annulata Zhang, Bedos & Deharveng, 2016 but differ from the latter in the combination of antennal length, claw and dorsal chaetotaxy. DNA barcoding COI sequences are provided for two species and three populations and key to the Thai species is also given. One population, which exhibits a great genetic distance (0.219–0.239) and minor but stable morphological differences from C. polychaeta sp. nov., cannot be accepted as a full species as the evidence is insufficient.
Solutions to Patent Hold-up beyond FRAND: An SOS to SSOs
Authors: Saint-Antoine Paul H. , Trego Garrett D.
Published: June 2017

While standard setting has well-recognized benefits to industry and consumers alike, the process is also subject to possible abuse by owners of standard essential patents (SEPS), who may through patent hold-up frustrate the efficient implementation of the standard. Even when a standard-setting organization (SSO) requires covenants to license on fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory (FRAND) terms, threats of injunctions and other tactics by SEP owners have potential anticompetitive effects. SSOS may play a useful role, beyond securing FRAND commitments, in further reducing the prospect of patent hold-up. While some policymakers and SSOS have embraced ex ante licensing negotiations as a means to prevent hold-up, there are also other, nonmonetary solutions to consider. This article suggests a number of nonmonetary solutions, including limits on injunctive relief, increased disclosure of prior licensing rates, and mandatory ADR, that SSOS may adopt to streamline the licensing of FRAND-encumbered patents and thus reduce hold-up.
Deriving a Language for Interaction Sequences
Authors: Pilisuk Marc , Uren Emmanuel
Published: June 2017

Two parties in a conflict situation go through cycles of interactive behavior. Their independent moves within these cycles can be scored along a dimension of hostile-conciliatory, but there exists no precise language to describe a pattern of moves and move responses. This article examines data from moves by nations in the cold war and from moves made by players in a laboratory conflict situation. It then develops some preliminary language for particular sequences of two-party behavior.
On The Perception of Unreleased Voiceless Plosives in English
Authors: Andrésen Björn Stålhane
Published: June 2017

An experiment concerned with the possibility of distinguishing auditively between unreleased /?/ and unreleased /p/, /t/, and /k/ in English was carried out, with two groups of hearers, one listening by means of earphones, one listening by means of loudspeaker. It was found that correct identification of all the voiceless stops largely depended on the way in which the sounds were (re)produced and conveyed to the hearers. It was also found that correct identification very much depended on the quality of the preceding vowel sound, especially in the case of /p/, /k/, and /?/. Under the best listening conditions /?/ was identified with considerable accuracy. Under less favourable conditions the identification was—in part—scarcely better than pure chance.
Thematization and Intonation in the Organization of Sentences
Authors: Goodenough-Trepagnier Cheryl , Smith Frank
Published: June 2017

Sixteen subjects were presented with pairs of sentences to choose from embedded in discourse. One member of the pair maintained the topic of the discourse while the other failed to do so. Subjects preferred the topic-maintaining sentence.

The intonation patterns with which sentences of both types were read aloud by subjects did not differ as a function of whether or not the sentences were topic-maintaining.

These results are evaluated in respect to two facets of Halliday's theory of theme: the psychological meaning of theme, and the independence of thematization and information structure.
The Limiting Effect of Discard Interval On Time-Compressed Speech
Authors: Gerber Sanford E. , Wulfeck Beverly B.
Published: June 2017

Twenty subjects listened to CNC word lists compressed at a 2: 1 compression ratio using four different discard intervals, 40, 50, 60, and 70 milliseconds. The stimuli were presented to the subjects both dichotically and diotically. Results indicated a clear advantage in word intelligibility of time-compressed speech at discard intervals from 40 to 70 milliseconds when the signal was presented dichotically. Intelligibility was found to decline rapidly, however, under diotic presentation when the discard interval exceeded 50 to 60 milliseconds. Intelligibility scores for all discard intervals, dichotic presentation, remained above 90%.
The Effects of Punishment Schedule on Disfluency Rate
Authors: Martin Richard R. , Hasbrouck Jon M.
Published: June 2017

In Experiment I, 40 normal speaking subjects spoke spontaneously. One group of 20 subjects received 100% punishment (time-out) for disfluencies in the first session and 25% punishment for disfluencies in the second session. A second group of 20 subjects received the treatments in the reverse order. In both groups, the 100% punishment produced a marked reduction in disfluencies, whereas the 25% punishment had little effect either on conditioning or extinction of disfluencies.

In Experiment II, 20 subjects received the same 100% punishment procedure in all four eight-minute "conditioning" periods. A different 20 subjects received 100% punishment for the first two eight-minute conditioning periods, but only 25% punishment for the last two eight-minute conditioning periods. Subjects in both groups experienced a marked reduction in disfluencies in the first two eight-minute punishment periods. From that point on, the subjects who continued to receive 100% punishment continued to decrease their disfluencies, but the subjects who were switched to 25% punishment remained at almost the same disfluency rate. Neither group demonstrated any marked increase in disfluency during extinction.
Aspects of Agrammatism in Aphasia
Authors: Beyn E.S. , Vizel T.G. , Hatfield F.M.
Published: June 2017

The handling by aphasic patients of the grammatico-semantic aspect of word-combination is compared with their handling of the grammatico-structural aspect. Three groups of patients, with efferent motor, afferent motor and sensory aphasia (Luria Classification), respectively, were selected for observation of their performance on a number of grammatical tasks in the Russian language. The efferent motor aphasics made on the whole more grammatical errors. In assessing correctness of locational preposition phrases the efferent motor group made more errors with the grammatical case, the other two tending to mishandle the preposition itself. Other specific differences were observed in related tasks. The significance of the various differences in performance between the three groups is discussed.
An Instrumental Analysis of the Voicing Contrast in Word-Initial Stops in the Speech of Four-Year-Old English-Speaking Children
Authors: Barton David , Macken Marlys A.
Published: June 2017

This paper reports on an investigation of the voice-onset-time (VOT) characteristics of word-initial stops produced by four four-year-old children. Instrumental analysis of the children's spontaneous speech showed that they had distinct distributions for voiced and voiceless stops at all three places of articulation and that there was very little overlap between voiced and voiceless cognates. Comparison of words uttered in isolation with words uttered in a sentence context revealed that these children had shorter VOT values in running speech. Reanalysis of data from younger children showed evidence of such modification according to context at age 1;9. However, even at age 4 the data were not completely adult-like: Compared with adults, the four-year-olds had longer mean VOT values, there was a greater range of values and there was less modification according to sentence context. The four-year-olds' data were interpreted as further evidence for the position that in producing voiceless stops in terms of mean VOT values, children first overshoot adult values and then only gradually draw them back towards adult values.
Development of Metalinguistic Performance in the Early School Years
Authors: Scholl Dennis M. , Bouchard Ryan Ellen
Published: June 2017

The extent to which children in kindergarten, second, and fourth grade could control their knowledge of syntax was examined in two metalinguistic tasks, judgment and repetition of sentences that varied in grammaticality. The older children produced more accurate judgments, but no age differences were noted for repetitions. Furthermore, unbiased judgment accuracy was correlated with the prereaders' reading readiness scores, providing some evidence for the relationship between the development of these two types of metalinguistic skills.
Listeners' Evaluations of Voice Quality in Australian English Speakers
Authors: Pittam Jefffery
Published: June 2017

Voice qualities function communicatively in various ways within social interactions. This study uses a matched guise technique, in which Australian speakers producing examples of breathy, creaky, nasal, tense, and whispery voices were evaluated by Australian and American listeners on the dimensions of status and solidarity. The major results indicated that high status was accorded to male tense voice, and high solidarity to female breathy voice. Both these results are in accordance with earlier studies. Nasal voice was evaluated low in status but somewhat higher on solidarity. Nasal voice has been associated with the non-standard “Broad Australian” speech variety. The last result, therefore, may indicate a type of accent loyalty, or be an example of the covert prestige accorded non-standard accents generally. No nationality of subject differences were found.
Eye Movements and Anaphor Resolution: Effects of Antecedent Typicality and Distance
Authors: Duffy Susan A. , Rayner Keith
Published: June 2017

The coordination of the eye movement control system with comprehension processes was studied. Eye movements were monitored while subjects read paragraphs containing an anaphoric noun phrase. in Experiment 1, fixations on the anaphoric noun were shorter when its antecedent was close and typical of the noun category than when it was distant and/or atypical. Subjects took longer reading the words following the anaphoric noun when the antecedent was atypical than when it was typical. in Experiment 2, distance of antecedent affected anaphor fixation times for category name anaphors but not for general noun anaphors (e.g., “object”). The results suggest that the eyes do not wait for the completion of anaphor resolution processes. Rather, these processes are completed after the eyes have left the anaphoric noun. The different patterns of effects on the anaphors themselves and the post-anaphor region were interpreted to reflect two different stages in anaphor resolution.
Units of Intonation in Discourse: A Comparison of Acoustic and Auditory Analyses
Authors: Schuetze-Coburn Stephan , Shapley Marian , Weber Elizabeth G.
Published: June 2017

Measurements were made of the correspondence between acoustic (declination) units and auditory (intonation) units in American English conversation in an attempt to relate these two levels of description. The results showed that 99% of the acoustic unit boundaries coincided with auditory unit boundaries, indicating that the acoustic cues of F0 reset, pause, and speaker change used in defining the acoustic units were perceived, verifying the validity of both types of analyses. However, the units differed in scope, with many more auditory units occurring than acoustic units. This result suggests that the common practice of assuming the ‘intonational phrase’ to be the primary domain of prosodic phenomena such as declination does not adequately account for our data of larger periods of speech. Both acoustic and auditory analysis are needed for a satisfactory description of intonation. The establishment of a methodological connecting link between the acoustic and auditory dimensions suggests that further comparisons of such different data types may yield guidelines for regularizing the relationship between the two levels.
Human Development in Indian States, 70s to 90s
Authors: Mitra Siddhartha
Published: June 2017

As is well known, three measures of the quality of human life and human capabilities-life expectancy, literacy and income, comprise the building blocks of the Human Development Index (HDI). HDI and related statistics are presented here for Indian States. Almost all the States of India showed a monotonie increase in per capita income, literacy and HDI over time, from 1970 to 1998, though the same could not be said of life expectancy. While States with a higher per capita income did not necessarily exhibit higher HDI values, in general, economic development over time was accompanied by an improvement in the HDI. Significantly, inter State disparities in the HDI were found to decrease over time. Per capita income disparities increased, and literacy disparities narrowed down.
A Study of Prescribing Patterns with Special Reference to Drug Use Indicators in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania
Authors: Massele A Y , Ofori-Adjei D , Laing R O
Published: June 2017

Drug prescribing patterns were studied in 720 retrospective and 779 prospective outpatient prescriptions from 20 dispensaries in Dar es Salaam region, and these revealed a mean drug exposure of 2.0 and 2.3, respectively. The percentage of patients leaving the dispensaries with no prescribed drugs was 1.3% and 0.7%, respectively. Prescriptions containing antibiotics were 36.8% (retrospective) and 39.8% (prospective), while injections accounted for 24.6% and 34% of the total encounters, respectively. Over 70% of prescriptions conformed to the Tanzania essential drug list (EDP) and/or standard treatment guidelines and consisted of 83.9% and 79.1% generic prescriptions, respectively. Interestingly, only 15% of the surveyed dispensaries had an EDP book and/or calendar. Despite the consulting and dispensing times being short (2.98 min and 77.7 s, respectively), 70% of the patients could remember the dosing instructions. Only 64% of the patients had a minimum physical examination.
The Role of Stress in Workers' Compensation: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Brock Meagan E. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: June 2017

An overview of stress, workers' compensation and the growing impact of stress on workers' compensation claims are presented. An in-depth look at different types of workplace stress injuries, including physical-mental, mental-physical, and mental-mental, are reviewed. In addition, the prevalence of such claims is discussed. Finally, recommendations are made on how to reduce the costs associated with work-related stress claims from a stress reduction perspective and an organizational efficiency perspective.
International Financial Capital and the Brazilian Land Market
Authors: Mendonça Maria Luisa , Pitta Fábio Teixeira
Published: June 2017

International financial capital stimulated the production of industrial agricultural supplies in Brazil during the foreign debt crisis of the 1980s. In the mid-1990s new financial sources became available for debt rollovers, and this fueled a new cycle of industrialization in agriculture. This trend intensified in the years that followed, when commodity prices were high on the international markets. It led to an increase in the concentration of capital in agricultural assets such as machinery and land, which in turn generated a new cycle of indebtedness for agribusiness. This process of crisis accumulation was marked by the overexploitation of labor and predatory control over natural resources.

Capitais financeiros internacionais de empréstimo fomentaram a internalização da produção de insumos industriais agrícolas no Brasil, em um período que coincide com a crise da dívida externa brasileira na década de 1980. A partir da metade da década de 1990, a retomada dos financiamentos para a rolagem de dívidas promoveu um novo ciclo de industrialização da agricultura. Esta tendência se acentuou nos anos posteriores durante o período de alta dos preços das commodities no mercado internacional e fomentou o aumento da concentração de ativos financeiros na forma de maquinário e terras, gerando um novo ciclo de endividamento para o agronegócio. Este processo de crise-acumulação é marcado pela superexploração do trabalho e pelo controle predatório de recursos naturais.
Properties of adult and adolescent mothers' speech, children's verbal performance and cognitive development in different socioeconomic groups: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lacroix Véronique , Pomerleau Andrée , Malcuit Gérard
Published: June 2017

The research analysed longitudinally the properties of maternal utterances and their relation with child's language and cognitive development. The sample consisted of 125 mother-child dyads divided in three groups: 32 adolescent mothers, 54 adult mothers of low socioeconomic status (LSES), and 39 adult mothers of middle socioeconomic status (MSES). The form and function of each mother's utterances to her child at 18, 30 and 36 months of age were evaluated during a free-play session in the laboratory. Results showed differences between the three groups in the properties of maternal utterances. Adolescent and adult LSES mothers used more utterances that controlled or directed what the child was doing, and fewer utterances that informed or questioned the child. During their second and third year of life, children from the MSES group obtained higher scores than children of adolescent and adult LSES mothers on measures of language and cognitive development. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the forms and functions of maternal utterances were important predictors of child development. Most importantly, the forms and functions of maternal utterances from 18 to 36 months explained 45% of the variance in the children's score on the Stanford-Binet.
Increasing Access to Teacher Preparation: The Effectiveness of Traditional Instructional Methods in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Smith Steven Bradford , Smith Sean Joseph , Boone Randall
Published: June 2017

Distance education via the World Wide Web is currently being examined as a method to provide special and general education instruction in teacher preparation programs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of traditional instructional methods in an online learning environment. Results of this study revealed that overall there were no significant differences between learning under the two conditions. That is, student academic outcomes were the same when instruction was delivered in a traditional classroom or through an online learning environment. Some advantage was found to online discussions in contrast to face-to-face discussions. Traditional instructional methods, such as those used in this study, produce similar academic outcomes when delivered through online learning environments. The implications of these results for teacher preparation practice are discussed.
The Impact of Technology Use in Special Education Field Experience on Preservice Teachers' Perceived Technology Expertise
Authors: Anderson Cindy L. , Petch-Hogan Beverly
Published: June 2017

This article outlines the results of an exploratory study designed to measure changes in the awareness of preservice teachers concerning technology for students with disabilities. A pretest-posttest survey collected data on (a) awareness of the types of instructional technology available for students with disabilities, (b) ability to integrate technology into the classroom, (c) knowledge of the operation of computers and peripherals, (d) knowledge of technology available for assessment, and (e) extent of dissemination of new knowledge to colleagues. Results of this study indicated that participation in a technology-rich field experience increases the likelihood that preservice special educators will perceive an increase in (a) knowledge concerning the appropriate use of technology for students with disabilities, (b) the use of technology to facilitate student learning, and (c) the use of technology as a teacher tool.
Working with Asian American Families Whose Children Have Augmentative and Alternative Communication Needs
Authors: Parette Phil , Huer Mary Blake
Published: June 2017

The increase in students with disabilities from Asian backgrounds who receive special education and related services places greater responsibility on professionals providing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services to children and families. Numerous values that are deeply embedded in Asian American families may influence the success of family involvement in team decision-making processes as well as subsequent AAC interventions. Contrasting Euro-American and Asian values are examined with particular emphasis on differences exhibited by these families with regard to (a) perspectives on disability, health care, family life, and education/intervention; (b) communication styles; and (c) reactions to AAC. Specific suggestions are offered to practitioners who may be working with this growing minority population in contemporary society.
A Qualitative Study of Teachers' Acceptance of a Speech-to-Text Transcription System in High School and College Classrooms
Authors: Elliot Lisa B. , Foster Susan , Stinson Michael
Published: June 2017

Student success using an assistive technology may be partially attributed to educators' acceptance of the technology. High school and college educators in New York and California participated in a qualitative study of the implementation of a speech-to-text support service for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Educators' interviews were analyzed using criteria from Rogers (1995) model of diffusion of innovations. Educators accepted the support service due to its relative advantage to other notetaking services, perceived simplicity of the system, and perceived potential for students. Acceptance was less clear-cut in the domains of compatibility and trialability. Educators were less certain that it was compatible with their expectations for student learning in the classroom and trialability of the service was influenced by educators' perceptions of how they were approached for the trial of the service in their classrooms. Results of this study suggest that successful implementation of assistive technology depends on the ability to satisfy both student needs and educators' values.
Exploration of Unknown Spaces by People Who are Blind Using a Multi-Sensory Virtual Environment
Authors: Lahav Orly , Mioduser David
Published: June 2017

Exploration of unknown spaces is essential for the development of efficient orientation and mobility skills. Most of the information required for the exploration is gathered through the visual channel. People who are blind lack this crucial information, facing in consequence difficulties in mapping as well as navigating spaces. This study is based on the assumption that the supply of appropriate spatial information through compensatory sensorial channels may contribute to the spatial performance of people who are blind. The main goals of this study were (a) the development of a haptic virtual environment enabling people who are blind to explore unknown spaces and (b) the study of the exploration process of these spaces by people who are blind. Participants were 31 people who are blind: 21 in the experimental group exploring a new space using a multi-sensory virtual environment, and 10 in the control group directly exploring the real new space. The results of the study showed that the participants in the experimental group mastered the navigation of the unknown virtual space in a short time. Significant differences were found concerning the use of exploration strategies, methods, and processes by participants working with the multi-sensory virtual environment, in comparison with those working in the real space.
Developing Reflective Thought in Preservice Educators: Utilizing Role-Plays and Digital Video
Authors: Robinson LeAnne , Kelley Bridget
Published: June 2017

This study was designed to investigate the role of video in the growth of written reflective responses between two groups of preservice teachers. Fifty-four students enrolled in four sections of a required special education course that focused on family-professional collaboration participated. Subjects included candidates seeking general and special education certification and a teaching endorsement in special education. Participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 students participated in three role-plays, reflected on their actions, and then wrote reflections after each role-play. Group 2 students participated in three role-plays that were recorded with digital videotape and placed on a streaming server. Students watched each video, reflected on their actions, and then wrote reflections. A developmental coding rubric was used to score students' written reflections following the role-plays. Analysis of the written responses and follow-up focus discussions demonstrated an increase in reflective thought in the written reflections of the students who used video. Findings also showed positive attitudes about the use of technology for personal reflection. Implications for future practice and the use of digital video technologies are discussed.
A Model Program for Prevocational/Vocational Education with Moderately and Severely Handicapped Adolescents
Authors: Adams Terence W. , Strain Phillips , Salzberg Charles L. , Levy Sid
Published: June 2017

This paper provides a detailed description of a model program that offers prevocational and vocational training to moderate and severely handicapped adolescents. Specific information is provided on the following program dimensions: a) population and setting; b) program entry assessment; c) school-based training; d) on-the-job training; and e) project evaluation.
The Future of Biofeedback Training in the Field of Special Education
Authors: Walton W.T.
Published: June 2017

Biofeedback training has proved to be a successful tool in the treatment of many problems, emotional and physical. For the most part the treatment and research in biofeedback training has been carried out with adults. Recent research indicates that children and adolescents also may profit from biofeedback training. Biofeedback is the process of feeding back to an organism information pertaining to its body functions. Automatic functions such as muscle tension, brain waves, vascular activity, and external body temperature are among those body functions that can be measured. Past research has been carried out which may prove helpful in reducing the problems of handicapped children and adolescents. Research carried out in muscle relaxation training of individuals with physical paralyses, subvocalization reduction training in individuals with silent reading problems, relaxation training of children and adolescents with learning disabilities and behavioral problems are only a few examples. At the present time there is a growing number of areas in which the application of biofeedback training can be considered a valuable tool for treatment in the field of special education. (Green & Green, 1977; Brown, 1977; Budzynski & Stoyva, 1972; Walton, 1979a)
Teaching Oral Reading: A Review with Recommendations for Improving Instruction
Authors: Gable Robert A. , Crowley-Fleming Elizabeth , Smith Deborah D.
Published: June 2017

The teaching of reading is one of the most frequently investigated curricular areas, but most studies have not contributed significantly to the ability of teachers to maximize the effectiveness of classroom instruction. Oral reading represents a particular problem area for classroom teachers. The failure of current findings to greatly enhance teaching of oral reading stems from several factors. A review of the literature revealed that, on the whole, insufficient information is provided with regard to such areas as initial assessment, pinpointing errors, curriculum readability factors, teaching strategies and the basis for selecting teaching strategies. These and related concerns are discussed, with recommendations for improving future efforts to teach oral reading.
Interactive Media Based Instruction Materials Using the Visual Image Controlled (VIS-I-CON) Instructional Delivery System
Authors: Fox Raymond G.
Published: June 2017

In contrast to computer assisted instruction, media based instruction materials have consisted of slides, lectures or linear motion and audio sequences. This has resulted in minimal interactive delivery capabilities for these systems. The introduction of viable technologies to permit addressing, control, and display of media based materials, presents new potential in instructional materials design and delivery. This paper reviews techniques developed, using the Visual Image Controlled (Vis-I-Con) projector, for interactive instructional materials delivery.
American Printing House for the Blind: 1981 Update
Authors: Lappin Carl W.
Published: June 2017

This 1981 update focuses on the new items available for the current school year: The Talking Worldbook; Patterns, a beginning reading program for the tactile reader; Low Vision, a program to develop efficiency in visual functioning; the Raised Line Drawing Kit; and the Variable Intensity Study Lamp.
Media Development Project for the Hearing Impaired: A Review
Authors: Stepp Robert E.
Published: June 2017

This article focuses on the work of the Media Development Project for the Hearing Impaired, funded by the Office of Special Education, and established at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1964. Special emphasis is given to the scope of the current contract which is involved in the curricular areas “decision-making skills” and “concept development.”
Nutrition-Education Materials for the Deaf
Authors: Hack Carole
Published: June 2017

This paper is a discussion of the development and use of photographic sorting cards, a “teacher-made” media product for teaching shopping skills to handicapped students.
Improving Parent-Teacher Communication through Recorded Telephone Messages: Systematic Replication in a Special Education Classroom
Authors: Heward William L. , Chapman Judith E.
Published: June 2017

Six students in an elementary special education classroom served as subjects in a study conducted to evaluate the effects of a parent-teacher communication system which used a daily recorded telephone message as a communications link between parents and the students' teacher. An ABAB reversal design was used to determine 1) if parents would use the system; 2) if inclusion of the next day's spelling words would increase students' performance on in-class spelling tests; and 3) if parents would comply with teacher requests made via the recorded messages. Results of the experiment show the system was used regularly, three of the six students' spelling performance improved as a function of the message system, and families complied with recorded teacher requests at a higher rate than when those requests were made by sending a note home with the child. This study extends to the special education classroom the findings of a similar experiment conducted in a regular second grade classroom.
Weeding Instructional Materials: A Process for Finding a Rose between Two Thoms
Authors: Grosenick Judith K.
Published: June 2017

This article discusses one approach to the process of systematic withdrawal of instructional materials from an existing collection of such materials held by a Special Education Instructional Materials Center.

Included in the discussion is a description of the planning phase, orientation and training, criteria for withdrawal, personnel considerations and implementation strategies.
Conducting Curriculum-Based Measurement with Computerized Data Collection: Effects on Efficiency and Teacher Satisfaction
Authors: Fuchs Lynn S. , Hamlett Carol L. , Fuchs Douglas , Stecker Pamela M. , Ferguson Carl
Published: June 2017

This study assessed the efficiency of and teacher satisfaction with curriculum-based measurement (CBM) when student performance data are collected by teachers or by computers. Participants were 20 special education teachers, randomly assigned to teacher and computer administration groups. Each practitioner selected two mildly handicapped pupils for participation. For 15 weeks, teachers employed CBM in reading, spelling, and math, with data collected by teachers or by computers. Ten weeks into the study, teachers and students were observed during measurement and evaluation activities, and durations of time allocated to CBM procedures were recorded. Teacher satisfaction was indexed with a questionnaire at the study's completion. Observational data indicated that teachers spent less time in measurement and evaluation when data were collected by computers; further, satisfaction data revealed that computer-data-collection teachers were more satisfied with the procedures. However, students spent more time in measurement with computer data collection. Implications for special education practice are discussed.
Technology and Transformation: A Naturalistic Study of Special Students and Computers in the Middle School
Authors: Morocco Catherine Cobb , Zorfass Judith M.
Published: June 2017

This article describes the EDC/TERC Middle School Technology Integration Project, which is investigating how technology is integrated into language arts and mathematics curricula, and its impact on mainstreamed mildly handicapped students. Over 3 years, EDC/TERC will build a model of technology integration by holistically studying four diverse school districts as they expand computer use Based on assumptions that technology integration is evolutionary and dynamic and studying it requires outside intervention, EDC/TERC has adopted a naturalistic perspective. The research approach includes 10 features: natural setting, grounded theory, emergent design, interactive researchers, intervention/analysis, qualitative procedures, case study method, triangulation of data, negotiation of results, and multiple reporting modes. The resulting model will encompass relationships between critical variables emerging from the diverse sites, the different pathways schools follow to integrate technology, and interim outcomes reflecting stages within the process.
Increasing Instructional Efficiency: A Comparison of Voice Plus Text vs. Text Alone on the Error Rate of Students with Mild Disabilities during CAI
Authors: McGregor Gail , Drossner Debra , Axelrod Saul
Published: June 2017

This study evaluated the impact of synthesized speech as a supplement to written instruction in drill-and-practice lessons used by two young students with mild disabilities. Using a multi-element design to compare student performance across two instructional conditions, i.e., Voice Plus Text vs. Text Alone, students participated in CAI on a daily basis. An analysis of the error rate for each child indicated that both students made fewer errors in the Voice Plus Text than in the Text Alone condition. The implications of this performance pattern for software selection and instructional design are discussed.
Applications of Technology for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers with Disabilities
Authors: Kinsley Tina Couch , Langone John
Published: June 2017

This paper reviews research studies involving the use of technological interventions for direct educational application with children who have disabilities from birth to age five. Studies are organized relative to two categories present in the extant literature: adapted switch toys and microcomputer software. Methodological limitations and implications for future research are discussed for each category.