bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward a Technology of Teacher Observation in Special Education Personnel Preparation
Authors: Agran Martin 
Published: January 2017

Observational systems can yield important information on a student teacher's performance. However, many observational systems may not be based upon reliable observation and recording procedures. Thus, it is possible that information regarding student teacher performance may be inaccurate. The present study investigated an observation instrument designed to assess student teacher performance. Two methods were used to examine interobserver agreement: (a) point-by-point and (b) kappa. The degree of reliable data on student teacher performance collected across the duration of the study (6 weeks) was reported. Analysis of the data revealed differences in mean levels of agreement were obtained for each method. The results were discussed in terms of selecting measures that provide indices of reliability as well as useful data on student teacher performance.
The Effects of Noise Reduction on Social Behaviors
Authors: Carbone Vincent J. , Duncan Phillip K. 
Published: January 2017

Previous researchers have suggested that noise level reduction is correlated with generalized improvements in untreated social behaviors. While these findings are encouraging it is not dear that this effect can be assumed to occur in a variety of settings with varying social behaviors. In addition, the results of previous studies were obtained by utilizing interval time sampling measurement procedures as opposed to continuous recording. In this study, electro-mechanical equipment was wired to a stereo in the recreation room of a juvenile shelter care facility. The equipment continuously measured the frequency and durations of disruptions above 85dB during experimental phases. In addition, several corollary social behaviors were continuously measured by trained observers. A contingency of reinforcement was placed on a social behavior in the latter phases of the experiment. A repeated time series design (reversal) demonstrated experimental control of disruptions above 85dB. However, no change was found in the level of social responding until a direct contingency of reinforcement was applied. Corollary social behaviors did not show a generalized effect of the contingencies placed upon disruptions above 85dB. The contradictory findings of previous research may be the result of measurement procedures and not differences in responding.
Using an Expert System to Study the Classroom Placement Decision for Students Who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing
Authors: Vinsonhaler John , Stewart David , Price Leighton , Hall Brenda 
Published: January 2017

This study applies expert systems technology to the problem of deciding whether to place deaf & hard-of-hearing children in mainstream or self-contained classrooms. This application includes: (a) developing a theoretical model of how experts make placement decisions, (b) creating a computer-based expert system to capture this model and to aid teachers and other members of the individualized educational plan committee (IEPC) in the making these decisions, and (c) conducting an empirical study comparing the placement decisions of the human experts with those of the expert system. The study provides a review of the theoretical model, describes the expert system in some detail and briefly summarizes those aspects of the study related to evaluation of the expert system. In the study, ten teachers made placement decisions for ten representative student-cases. A simulation experiment was run by presenting the same ten cases to the expert system. The decisions of the expert system were found to agree with those of a majority of teachers in 90% of the cases. This and other results indicate the value of expert systems in deaf education.
Computer Speech and the Remediation of Reading and Spelling Problems
Authors: Wise Barbara W. , Olson Richard K. 
Published: January 2017

A high-quality speech synthesizer (DECtalk, by Digital Equipment Corporation) is very intelligible to children with reading disabilities. Linking the DECtalk to a microcomputer yields a “talking computer” that provides a powerful tool for research and remediation of reading and spelling problems. Two clear and related findings about children with “specific reading disability” (dyslexia) have emerged from previous research: 1) deficits in word recognition primarily cause these children's problems in reading comprehension, and 2) inherited deficits in analytic language processes underlie their difficulties in word recognition. These two findings suggest that speech support for words in text could help these children. In several studies at the University of Colorado, children with reading problems have read stories and books on talking computers for about 30 minutes a day, usually for 3–4 days per week during most of a semester. The children's word recognition and phonological decoding have improved, compared to the skills of similar students who spent the time in regular classroom language arts instruction. The studies suggest that accurate word feedback supporting the reading of text helps these readers. One goal of the research has been to compare the benefits of presenting unknown words as wholes or in segments for different students. That goal has remained somewhat elusive, with interesting interactions that have been significant but not always stable. The paper also describes a different line of study using the DECtalk in a spelling program that allows children to explore English sound-spelling patterns as they compare pronunciations of their own spelling attempts and those of the test words. The paper concludes with descriptions of a current home-based reading study and a future study exploring the benefits of computer-based phonemic awareness training prior to the reading instruction.
Nasal Obstruction and Pulmonary Function: The Role of Humidification
Authors: Woodson Gayle E. , Robbins K. Thomas 
Published: January 2017

The function of the nose in respiration is poorly understood. This article reports on two studies of the effects of nasal obstruction on pulmonary function. First, blood gases were studied in 71 patients undergoing intranasal surgery. Patients with bilateral nasal packing had an average Po2 drop of 6.9 mm Hg. Lung disease and polyps were more prevalent in patients who showed a significant drop In Po2, and those who became most hypoxic complained of a dry throat. The second study tested the influence of humidification. Pulmonary function and blood gases were measured in 10 subjects before and after nasal occlusion. Those breathing only dry air had a drop in compliance after nasal clipping. When air was humidified, nasal occlusion had no significant effect. Humidification may be an important respiratory function of the nose. Any future studies of the nasopulmonary relationship should adequately control for humidity and bronchial reactivity.
Posturography following Rotation: A Model of Posture Control during Vestibular Dysfunction
Authors: Goebel Joel A. , Paige Gary D. 
Published: January 2017

Postural stability is Influenced by multiple sensory inputs, including visual, somatosensory, and vestibular cues. Adaptive changes in how these sensory inputs influence posture may occur in the presence of vestibular dysfunction. in this study, we simulated vestibular dysfunction in normal subjects in order to study immediate and adaptive modifications in postural control under reproducible and reversible experimental conditions. Twenty subjects (ages 20 to 35 years) were tested on a force‐detecting platform; the support surface or visual surround was modulated (anterior‐posterior) proportionally to body sway. Vestibular dysfunction was simulated by rotating subjects with their eyes closed at 180 degrees/second for 30 seconds, then rapidly halting rotation. Posturographic measures were obtained during the subsequent 20 seconds. Ten identical rotation trials for each subject were performed, alternating the direction of rotation, and with either the support surface or the visual surround modulated with sway in different subjects. Thus, only one sensory modality could provide Earth‐stable sensory cues. Control groups were tested to assess effects of repeated alternating rotations alone, and effects of repeated posturographic trials alone. Sway was quantified by measuring peak‐to‐peak excursions of the center of mass. Results showed that subjects were more stable after rotation when they were provided with a stable support surface than with a stable visual surround. No subject could maintain stance without at least one Earth‐stable sensory input. improvement of mean sway scores in either group was not significant, although isolated cases did exhibit adaptive changes with improved stability over repeated trials. Control studies suggested that effects of repeated rotations or posturographic trials alone were Insignificant. We conclude that rotatory vestibular stimulation provides a useful model of vestibular dysfunction for the study of multisensory influences on postural control and adaptive processes that help stabilize stance.
Meta‐Analysis of Antibiotics for the Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M. , Post J. Christopher 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:To reconcile conflicting reports of antibiotic efficacy for otitis media with effusion in children.DATA SOURCES:English‐language MEDLINE search (“antibiotics” and “otitis” media with effusion“) from January 1980 through December 1990. Current Contents 1990, consultation with experts, and references from review articles, textbook chapters, and retrieved reports.STUDY SELECTION:Randomized clinical trials with concurrent controls (placebo or no drug), and children with at least one ear not violated by tympanocentesis. Ten of the initial 82 articles were selected after blind review of the methods sections.DATA EXTRACTION:We independently evaluated each trial using 20 measures of internal and external validity, then extracted treatment and control responses for an end point of all affected ears free of effusion at the first posttreatment assessment.DATA SYNTHESIS:Pooled analysis of 1325 children yielded a rate difference of 22.8% (95% CI, 10.5 to 35.1) that was minimally affected by interstudy quality differences, and was unlikely to represent publication bias. Variations in trial outcomes were not attributable to chance, study design, or choice of drug, but were inversely related to the control group natural cure rate. Children with chronic bilateral effusions not related to a recent episode of acute otitis media tended to have lower natural cure rates, and a more favorable response to therapy.CONCLUSIONS:Antibiotics have a clinically and statistically significant impact on the resolution of otitis media with effusion. The association between outcome and natural cure rate has important implications for the design and interpretation of future trials.
Second place — resident basic science award 1993: Mucociliary function and endothelins 1, 2, and 3
Authors: Amble Finn R. , Lindberg Sven O. H. , McCaffrey Thomas V. , Runer Thomas 
Published: January 2017

Endothelins are recently discovered peptides that cause vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction. The significance to the mucociliary system of endothelins (ET) 1, 2 and 3 in upper as well as lower airways has not yet been clarified. Effects of these active peptides were investigated, combining both in vitro and in vivo rabbit models of mucociliary activity from the maxillary sinus and the trachea. The studies were performed using computerized photometric microscopy. Immunohistologic staining procedures were used to determine the presence of endothelins in sinus and trachea epithelium. Significant effects on mucociliary activity were noted for ET‐1, −2, and −3 in vitro as well as in vivo. All endothelins were noted to accelerate mucociliary activity of both sinus and tracheal mucosa. The effects of endothelins were greater in the sinus than in the trachea. In vitro studies using the calcium blocker nifedipine and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac indicated that the mechanism of action involves an intermediary prostaglandin pathway but is independent of release of intracellular calcium. These results were confirmed using ET‐1 in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining showed endothelin to be present in both maxillary and tracheal epithelium of the rabbit. We conclude that endothelins have significant mucociliary stimulatory effects and that the presence of endothelins in normal mucosa indicates a potentially important role in respiratory homeostasis as well as inflammatory conditions
First place — resident clinical science award 1993: A comparison of cocaine vs. lidocaine with oxymetazoline for use in nasal procedures
Authors: Tarver Cynthia P. , Noorily Allen D. , Sakai Connie S. 
Published: January 2017

This study compared the degree of vasoconstriction and anesthesia obtained with cocaine vs. that obtained with a mixture of lidocaine and oxymetazoline (lido/oxy) in healthy, male volunteers. Blood flow was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry. Anesthesia was measured with Semmes‐Weinstein monofilaments, testing both sensation threshold and pain perception. A greater decrease in blood flow was seen after the administration of lido/oxy than after the administration of cocaine. Pain perception change was not significantly different between treatment groups at 10 minutes after removal of the medication‐soaked pledget, but lido/oxy caused a greater decrease in pain perception than cocaine after 50 minutes. No significant difference in sensation threshold change was seen between treatment groups. Lidocaine with oxymetazoline is, therefore, believed to be an effective alternative to cocaine for nasal procedures.
Second place — resident clinical science award 1993: Effect of otologic drill noise on abr thresholds in a guinea pig model
Authors: Suits Gregg W. , Brummett Robert E. , Nunley Jim 
Published: January 2017

The Noise Generated By The Otologic Drill Has Been Implicated As A Cause Of Sensorineural Hearing Loss After Ear Surgery. However, Clinical Studies On This Subject Are Contradictory And Difficult To Interpret. Therefore A Guinea Pig Model Was Used To Study Whether The Level Of Noise Generated By The Otologic Drill Can Cause Threshold Shifts In The Auditory Brainstem Response (Abr). The Source Noise Was A Recording Obtained During A Human Cadaver Mastoidectomy Using A Microphone And An Accelerometer. Ten Female Topeka‐Strain Guinea Pigs Were Exposed To The Recorded Drill Noise For A Period Of 55 Minutes. Exposure Included Both Air‐Conducted Energy From A Speaker And Bone‐Conducted Energy From A Bone Vibrator Applied Directly To The Skull. Abr Threshold Measurements Were Taken Pre‐Exposure (Baseline), Immediately After Exposure, And At Weekly Intervals Thereafter For 3 Weeks. Three Control Animals Were Subjected To The Same Procedure Without The Sound Exposure. A Significant Threshold Shift (P > 0.0001) Was Seen For Each Frequency Tested (2, 4, 8, 16, 20, And 32 Khz) Immediately After Exposure To Noise In All Experimental Animals. Thresholds Returned To Baseline Within 3 Weeks. We Conclude That The Level Of Noise Generated By The Otologic Drill In Mastoid Surgery Can Cause A Temporary Threshold Shift In This Guinea Pig Model
Third place — resident clinical science award 1993: Effect of pentoxyfylline on myocutaneous flap viability in pigs
Authors: Armstrong Michael , Kunar Dario R. , Cummings Charles W. 
Published: January 2017

Partial necrosis of a skin flap can complicate reconstructive surgery. We performed a double‐blinded crossover study to determine if pentoxifylline improves perfusion and survival of a myocutaneous flap. Ten 20‐kg pigs were fed pentoxifylline (400 mg three times a day) or placebo for 1 week before and after raising a 5 × 30 cm panniculus carnosus flap on one flank. After 1 week of washout, each pig began the opposite drug treatment and the surgery was repeated on the opposite flank. Immediately after surgery, perfusion dermofluorometry and laser Doppler velocimetry demonstrated a significant increase in the perfusion of pentoxifylline‐treated flaps compared to control flaps. On postoperative day 7, the mean area of clinical necrosis was 39.7 ± 4.7 cm2 on the placebo sides and 30.1 ± 4.6 cm2 on the pentoxifylline sides (f = 2.21, p < 0.05). We conclude that pentoxifylline improves perfusion and survival of myocutaneous flaps in pigs. Clinical trials appear to be indicated on the basis of the findings of this experiment
Diuretic and diet effect on menière's disease evaluated by the 1985 committee on hearing and equilibrium guidelines
Authors: Santos Perry M. , Hall Raelene A. , Snyder Jack M. , Hughes Larry F. , Dobie Robert A. 
Published: January 2017

Fifty‐four patients, diagnosed with Menière's disease and treated with diuretics and a low‐salt diet, were evaluated retrospectively with the 1985 AAO/HNS Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium (CHE) guidelines for vertigo and hearing changes. The patient data base was also evaluated with other methods that helped determine the effectiveness of the 1985 AAO/HNS CHE guidelines. After 24 months of therapy, vertigo control was complete or substantial in 79% of the patients, limited or insignificant in 19%, and worse in 2% as evaluated by the CHE 1985 guidelines. Hearing improved in 35% of the patients, was unchanged in 29%, was worse in 22%, and could not be classified by CHE guidelines in 14%. Hearing was also evaluated by comparison of individual thresholds before medical therapy, and at 22 and 74 months after the start of medical therapy. We found a stabilization of low‐ and mid‐threshold frequencies, with an average rate of hearing loss approximating 0 dB/yr with 74 months of followup. The results of this preliminary study suggest that diuretics and a low‐salt diet may decrease the natural progression of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with Menière's disease. Compared with other methods of data analysis, the 1985 CHE guidelines lacked sensitivity to evaluate the hearing changes observed.
Hypersensitivity to latex in health care workers: Report of five cases
Authors: Rosen Arie , Isaacson David , Brady Mary , Corey Jacquelynne P. 
Published: January 2017

Concern about transmission of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis has greatly increased the use of latex gloves. Latex allergy is a newly emerging problem with potential life‐threatening sequelae among health care personnel. Patients are also at risk. We report on five cases of latex allergy in health care workers who were using latex gloves for variable lengths of time before their allergic reaction. All workers had a significant history of reactions to other allergens, including inhalants and food. Each individual had at least one systemic symptom that was directly attributed to latex exposure. Reactions to latex ranged from severe contact urticaria (all cases), bronchospasm (three cases), angioedema (two cases), and rhinorrhea (one case) to anaphylactic reactions that required immediate attention in three cases. Levels of specific IgE to latex (as measured by in vitro enzyme immunoassay) and total IgE were elevated in all five patients (total IgE > 100 kU/L). Long‐term treatment included avoidance of latex, administration of antihistamines, and desensitization to other, nonlatex allergens. Health care workers should have increased awareness of latex allergy. At risk are health care workers with a history of other allergies and those with atopic dermatitis or eczema. In vitro testing may be useful, especially in persons with skin conditions such as eczema or urticaria or for persons with a history of systemic reactions to the latex allergen as reported in these five cases
Results of revision stapedectomy for conductive hearing loss
Authors: Prasad Sanjay , Kamerer Donald B. 
Published: January 2017

Revision stapedectomy operations performed over a 13‐year period (1977 to 1990) for a conductive hearing loss are reviewed in terms of intraoperative findings and hearing results. All operations were performed in a conventional manner without use of laser techniques. A management algorithm based on intraoperative findings is described. Results are compared with previously reported series. The 66 cases include 20 males and 46 females, ranging in age from 8 to 73 years. Mean time between original and revision stapedectomy was 12.5 years. Prostheses encountered at time of revision included wireloop (29), Robinson (18), polyethylene (14), other (3), and two were not found. The most common cause of failure was displacement of the prosthesis. Incus erosion was found in 48% of wireloops, 35% of polyethylene, and only 11% of the Robinson prostheses. Revision resulted in closure of the pure‐tone average (PTA) air‐bone gap to within 10 dB in 46% and to within 15 dB in 76%. Sensorineural hearing loss (> 10 dB) occurred in 5 cases (7.6%), and a decline in speech discrimination (> 10%) occurred in 17%. Three of four cases requiring drillout had gap closure to within 10 dB. Findings suggest that our management technique produces results comparable to other large reported series. Drillout at the time of revision can be recommended
Craniofacial cephalometric evaluation in habitual snorers with and without obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Zucconi Marco , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Palazzi Stefano , Curci Chiara , Cucchi Emanuele , Smirne Salvatore 
Published: January 2017

Cephalometry has been used to evaluate soft tissue and craniofacial dimensions in moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), but rarely in habitual snoring, the preclinical stage of OSA. This study deals with craniofacial bone measurements in a sample of 28 male habitual snorers with and without OSA, and 10 healthy non‐snorers. Habitual snorers showed a significant decrease in sagittal dimensions of the cranial base and mandibular bone; there was also a shorter maxilla in group B (apnea plus hypopnea index more than 10) with respect to group A (apnea plus hypopnea index less or equal to 10). Facial height and angle dimensions were not different between snorers and non‐snorers. These findings indicate that some habitual snorers may have some anatomic disposition to upper airway obstruction during sleep.
Hearing improvement after conservative approach for large posterior fossa meningioma
Authors: Goebel Joel A. , Vollmer Dennis G. 
Published: January 2017

Hearing preservation during the posterior fossa surgery depends on many factors, including tumor size and site of origin. In many cases, regardless of the presumed tumor origin, the severity of the pure‐tone loss or decline in speech discrimination on preoperative testing prompts the surgeon to choose a surgical approach (translabyrinthine or transcochlear) that negates the chance for postoperative functional hearing in the involved ear. We describe a 41‐year‐old woman with unilateral severe sensorineural hearing loss who experienced a remarkable recovery of hearing after combined retrolabyrinthine and retrosigmoid removal of a 4 cm petrous ridge meningioma using intraoperative cochlear monitoring. Despite the tumor size, early intraoperative loss of wave I and proximity of the tumor to the porus, complete tumor removal was accomplished with preservation of the cochleovestibular bundle. Three weeks postoperatively, the patient noted marked subjective improvement and speech audiometry demonstrated an improvement in word recognition, from 0% to 86%. This improvement has remained 1 year postoperatively, with no evidence of persistent tumor on repeat MRI scan. The case report illustrates the possibility of not just hearing preservation but improvement after removal of even large posterior fossa meningiomas that do not directly invade the cochlear nerve itself.