bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do infants build a semantic system?
Authors: Styles Suzy J. , Plunkett Kim 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDo infants learn their early words in semantic isolation? Or do they integrate new words into an inter-connected semantic system? In an infant-friendly adaptation of the adult lexical priming paradigm, infants at 18 and 24 months-of-age heard two words in quick succession. The noun-pairs were either related or unrelated. Following the onset of the target word, two pictures were presented, one of which depicted the target. Eye movements revealed that both age groups comprehended the target word. In addition, 24-month-olds demonstrated primed picture looking in two measures of comprehension: Named target pictures preceded by a related word pair took longer to disengage from and attracted more looking overall. The finding of enhanced target recognition demonstrates the emergence of semantic organisation by the end of the second year.
The cognitive poetics of literary resonance
Authors: Stockwell Peter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe application of cognitive science to literary scholarship in the form of a cognitive poetics offers the opportunity for accounting for many features of literary reading that have been rendered only in vague or impressionistic terms in the past. In this paper, an argument for cognitive poetics is made, with a focus on the affective and experiential phenomenon of resonance. This is modelled through cognitivist work on the field of attention and perception, to give a particularly literary-angled approach. The argument is exemplified with reference to a Shakespeare sonnet and then further demonstrated in a poem by Dylan Thomas, where the notion of a lacuna is developed to account for the phenomenon of “felt absence”. The paper concludes with observations on the role of cognitive poetics in relation to cognitive science, literary criticism, and in its own right.
Prototype constructions in early language acquisition
Authors: Ibbotson Paul , Tomasello Michael 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn this paper we bring together several lines of cross-linguistic research to demonstrate the role of prototypicality in young children's acquisition of the transitive construction. Much research has shown that young children are slow to form abstract constructions because they fail to see the more general applicability of syntactic markers such as word order and case marking. Here we attempt to explain this fact by investigating the nature of the language children do and do not hear, specifically, the reliability and availability of the linguistic cues they are exposed to. We suggest that constructions redundantly marked with multiple cues could have a special status as a nucleus around which the prototype forms—which makes it difficult for them to isolate the functional significance of each cue. The implications of this view for language acquisition are discussed within a usage-based framework.
The enactment of language: Decades of interactions between linguistic and motor processes
Authors: Anderson Sarah E. , Spivey Michael J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMany long-standing predominant theories of cognition have viewed higher levels of processing, such as language and cognition, as free from the influence of lower levels of processing, such as action and perception. However, many recent experiments have found evidence that the delineation between traditional modules is not so clean or precise, with motor output and language comprehension interacting much more fluidly than traditional theories predict. Evidence for this account includes findings of systematic activation of motor cortex while processing action words, as well as functional consequences of language on action and of action on language. It is worth noting that this recent spate of interest in the embodiment of cognition is not without historical precedence. Here, we will review such evidence coming from previous decades of research on the interaction between language and action, in addition to exploring the empirical results of these more recent experiments and methodologies. It seems to be the case, as evidenced from research in cognitive neuroscience and modeling, that motor representations and actions can influence language processing in predictable ways. Not only is there continuous competition between simultaneously active representations in language processing, with multiple sources of information interacting immediately, this competition is apparent in the motor output produced as a response to language.
A Note on the Determination of Plastic Limit of Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Prakash K. , Sridharan A. , Prasanna H. S. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPlastic limit of fine-grained soils is conventionally determined in the laboratory by the soil thread rolling method. Many adverse comments have been recorded in the geotechnical engineering literature on the method about its reproducibility and operator dependency. The present experimental study, which is based on a well-planned and meticulously executed experimental program, critically evaluates the effect of size of the rolled soil thread on the plastic limit of fine-grained soils and the operator dependency of the results. The results have shown that if the plastic limit tests are performed by a trained operator, then consistent results can be obtained and that the effect of size of the rolled soil thread on plastic limit is negligibly small.
Estimated Blood Alcohol Concentrations for Child and Adolescent Drinking and Their Implications for Screening Instruments
Authors: Donovan John E. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. Blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in children after consumption of different numbers of standard drinks of alcohol have not been estimated previously. The goal was to determine the number of drinks at each age that led to a BAC of ≥80 mg/dL, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criterion for binge drinking.METHODS. The updated Widmark equation to estimate BAC was modified to take account of the differing body composition (total body water) and accelerated rates of ethanol elimination of children. The modified formula was used with 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to estimate BACs for &gt;4700 children and adolescents from 9 through 17 years of age, for intake levels of 1 to 5 standard drinks.RESULTS. The estimated BACs for children after consumption of just 3 standard drinks within a 2-hour period were between 80 and 139 mg/dL for boys 9 to 13 years of age and for girls 9 to 17 years of age, indicating substantial potential alcohol impairment. With 5 drinks within 2 hours (the level used to define binge drinking among college students), children 9 to 13 years of age were estimated to have BACs 2 to 3 times the adult legal limit for intoxication of 80 mg/dL.CONCLUSION. Binge drinking should be defined as ≥3 drinks for 9- to 13-year-old children, as ≥4 drinks for boys and ≥3 drinks for girls 14 or 15 years of age, and as ≥5 drinks for boys and ≥3 drinks for girls 16 or 17 years of age.
Adequacy of a Single Unstimulated Luteinizing Hormone Level to Diagnose Central Precocious Puberty in Girls
Authors: Houk Christopher P. , Kunselman Allen R. , Lee Peter A. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. Using basal specimens from original gonadotropin radioimmunoassays, it was not possible to differentiate prepuberty from puberty hence gonadotropin-releasing hormone or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) testing was required to make this distinction. Third-generation gonadotropin assays have far greater specificity and sensitivity. Using a group of patients who had the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) verified or excluded by using GnRHa and traditional diagnostic criteria, the objective of this study was to determine if a single basal gonadotropin measurement was adequate to verify the diagnosis of CPP by using 2 third-generation gonadotropin assays.
METHODS. Girls referred for assessment of early puberty had previously been evaluated for central precocious puberty including gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog stimulation testing with gonadotropin measurements by 2 different chemiluminescent third-generation immunoassays. Diagnosis of central precocious puberty was made on the basis of the response to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog, and clinical criteria. Girls with central precocious puberty had luteinizing hormone responses ranging from 9.1 to 67.6 U/L, the prepubertal luteinizing hormone response range was 0.2 to 5.0 U/L. Basal serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations from these girls have been assessed to determine the utility of using such a single sample to diagnose central precocious puberty.
RESULTS. Basal luteinizing hormone levels using the 2 third-generation gonadotropin assays were sufficient to diagnose central precocious puberty in &gt;90% of the girls. Luteinizing hormone values were undetectable in both assays with different lower limits of detection (&lt;0.15 and &lt;0.20 U/L) in 29 of 34 prepubertal girls; the detectible values in 5 girls ranged from 0.20 to 0.66 U/L. All girls with central precocious puberty had values of &gt;0.83 U/L, except a single value of 0.46 U/L. The basal follicle-stimulating hormone failed to differentiate prepubertal girls from those with central precocious puberty, whereas luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratios would seem to have limited discernment.
CONCLUSION. A single basal luteinizing hormone measurement is adequate to document a pubertal hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in most but not all girls with central precocious puberty.
Behavioral Problems and Cognitive Performance at 5 Years of Age After Very Preterm Birth: The EPIPAGE Study
Authors: Delobel-Ayoub Malika , Arnaud Catherine , White-Koning Mélanie , Casper Charlotte , Pierrat Véronique , Garel Micheline , Burguet Antoine , Roze Jean-Christophe , Matis Jacqueline , Picaud Jean-Charles , Kaminski Monique , Larroque Béatrice ,   for the EPIPAGE Study Group
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVES. We compared the frequency of behavioral problems in very preterm and term children at 5 years of age. We hypothesized that behavioral problems would be associated with cognitive impairment and environmental factors and that differences between the 2 groups would be reduced but persist after adjusting for cognitive performance and environmental factors.PATIENTS AND METHODS. The Etude Epidémiologique sur les Petits Ages Gestationnels (EPIPAGE) study was a prospective population-based cohort study that included all births occurring between 22 and 32 weeks' gestation and a control group of infants born at 39 to 40 weeks' gestation in 1997 in 9 French regions. Neonatal and obstetrics data were collected at birth. At 5 years of age, sociodemographic status and neurodevelopmental and cognitive development of the children, as well as maternal mental well-being, were assessed. The behavioral problems of 1102 very preterm and 375 term singletons without major impairments were studied by using the parent-completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.RESULTS. Parents of very preterm children reported significantly more behavioral problems, with a twofold higher prevalence compared with term children for hyperactivity/inattention, emotional symptoms, and peer problems. Behavioral problems were associated with low cognitive performance, developmental delay, hospitalizations of the child, young maternal age, and poor maternal mental well-being. Very preterm children were still at higher risk of behavioral problems compared with term children after adjustment for cognitive performance and all others factors.CONCLUSIONS. Behavioral problems were strongly related to cognitive impairment, but very preterm children were still at higher risk even after adjusting for cognitive performance. Early screening for behavioral problems should be encouraged for all very preterm children, and maternal well-being should also be the focus of special attention.
Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, A Potentially Better Practice, Reduces the Use of Mechanical Ventilation Among Very Low Birth Weight Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Nowadzky Teresa , Pantoja Alfonso , Britton John R. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to assess a quality improvement initiative to implement a potentially better practice, bubble continuous positive airway pressure, to reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia and improve other pulmonary outcomes among very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome.METHODS. An initiative to implement the use of bubble continuous positive airway pressure is described that was based on the adoption of habits for change, collaborative learning, evidence-based practice, and process development. To assess the efficacy of this intervention, very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome born after implementation of bubble continuous positive airway pressure use (period 2: March 1, 2005, to October 4, 2007; N = 126) were compared with historical controls born during a previous period of ventilator use (period 1: January 1, 2003, to February 28, 2005; N = 88). Infants at both time periods were similar with respect to characteristics and aspects of perinatal care. Pulmonary outcomes compared for the 2 time periods included receipt of mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, pneumothoraces, and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Nonpulmonary outcomes were also compared.RESULTS. The use of mechanical ventilation declined during period 2. The mean duration (+ SD) of conventional ventilation during period 2 was shorter than during period 1 (3.08 + 6.17 vs 5.25 + 8.16 days), and fewer infants during period 2 required conventional ventilation for &gt;6 days compared with those in period 1 (13.6% vs 26.3%). In regression models, the effect of period 2 persisted after controlling for other predictors of duration of conventional ventilation. There were no significant differences in other pulmonary or nonpulmonary outcomes, with the exception of mild retinopathy of prematurity (stage I or II), which was more common during period 2. The enhanced odds of retinopathy of prematurity persisted after controlling for other known predictors of this condition.CONCLUSION. Among very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome, the use of bubble continuous positive airway pressure is a potentially better practice that may reduce the use of mechanical ventilation. Although an increase in retinopathy of prematurity was observed in our population, carefully designed randomized, controlled trials will be required to more accurately address the potential risks and benefits of this therapy.
The Impact of Early Behavior Disturbances on Academic Achievement in High School
Authors: Breslau Joshua , Miller Elizabeth , Breslau Naomi , Bohnert Kipling , Lucia Victoria , Schweitzer Julie 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND. Previous research has indicated that childhood behavioral disturbances predict lower scores on academic tests and curtail educational attainment. It is unknown which types of childhood behavioral problems are most likely to predict these outcomes.
METHODS. An ethnically diverse cohort was assessed at 6 years of age for behavioral problems and IQ and at 17 years of age for academic achievement in math and reading. Of the original cohort of 823 children, 693 (84%) had complete data. Multiple regressions were used to estimate associations of attention and internalizing and externalizing problems at age 6 and with math and reading achievement at age 17, adjusting for IQ and indicators of family socioeconomic status.
RESULTS. Adjusting for IQ, inner-city community, and maternal education and marital status, teacher ratings of attention, internalizing behavior, and externalizing problems at age 6 significantly predict math and reading achievement at age 17. When types of problems are examined simultaneously, attention problems predict math and reading achievement with little attenuation, whereas the influence of externalizing and internalizing problems is materially reduced and not significant.
CONCLUSIONS. Interventions that target attention problems at school entry should be tested as a potential avenue for improving educational achievement.
New Vaccines Against Otitis Media: Projected Benefits and Cost-effectiveness
Authors: O'Brien Megan A. , Prosser Lisa A. , Paradise Jack L. , Ray G. Thomas , Kulldorff Martin , Kurs-Lasky Marcia , Hinrichsen Virginia L. , Mehta Jyotsna , Colborn D. Kathleen , Lieu Tracy A. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. New vaccines that offer protection against otitis media caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and by Moraxella catarrhalis are under development. However, the potential health benefits and economic effects of such candidate vaccines have not been systematically assessed.
METHODS. We created a computerized model to compare the projected benefits and costs of (1) the currently available 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, (2) a candidate pneumococcal–nontypeable H influenzae vaccine that has been tested in Europe, (3) a hypothetical pneumococcal-nontypeable H influenzae–Moraxella vaccine, and (4) no vaccination. The clinical probabilities of acute otitis media and of otitis media with effusion were generated from multivariate analyses of data from 2 large health maintenance organizations and from the Pittsburgh Child Development/Otitis Media Study cohort. Other probabilities, costs, and quality-of-life values were derived from published and unpublished sources. The base-case analysis assumed vaccine dose costs of $65 for the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, $100 for the pneumococcal-nontypeable H influenzae vaccine, and $125 for the pneumococcal-nontypeable H influenzae–Moraxella vaccine.
RESULTS. With no vaccination, we projected that 13.7 million episodes of acute otitis media would occur annually in US children aged 0 to 4 years, at an annual cost of $3.8 billion. The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was projected to prevent 878000 acute otitis media episodes, or 6.4% of those that would occur with no vaccination; the corresponding value for the pneumococcal–nontypeable H influenzae vaccine was 3.7 million (27%) and for the pneumococcal–nontypeable H influenzae–Moraxella vaccine was 4.2 million (31%).
Using the base-case vaccine costs, pneumococcal–nontypeable H influenzae vaccine use would result in net savings compared with nontypeable 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate use. Conversely, pneumococcal–nontypeable H influenzae–Moraxella vaccine use would not result in savings compared with pneumococcal–nontypeable H influenzae vaccine use, but would cost $48 000 more per quality-adjusted life-year saved. The results were sensitive to variations in assumptions on vaccine effectiveness and vaccine dose costs but not to variations in other assumptions.
CONCLUSIONS. New candidate vaccines against otitis media have the potential to prevent millions of disease episodes in the United States annually. If priced comparably with other recently introduced vaccines, these new otitis vaccines could achieve cost-effectiveness comparable with or more favorable than that of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Attitudes Toward Neonatal Intensive Care Treatment of Preterm Infants With a High Risk of Developing Long-term Disabilities
Authors: Lam Hugh Simon , Wong Samuel Po Shing , Liu Flora Yuen Big , Wong Hiu Lei , Fok Tai Fai , Ng Pak Cheung 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVES. To assess (1) the differences in attitudes toward disabilities of 3 groups of subjects involved in neonatal care decision-making: health care workers, mothers of term infants, and parents of preterm infants, and (2) the impact of subject characteristics on these attitudes including parental education level, religion, and severity of disability.
METHODS. Five hundred seventy-eight subjects were interviewed, of whom 135 were health care workers, 155 were mothers of term infants, and 288 were parents of preterm infants. We assessed between-group differences of the (1) health state ranking permutations, (2) proportion of subjects willing to save the infant at all costs, (3) pivotal risks of each group to the 5 health states comprising varying combinations of mental, physical, and social disabilities, and (4) impact of personal characteristics on decision-making.
RESULTS. Most health care workers ranked the most severe disability health state as worse than death, whereas most parents of preterm infants ranked death as the worst outcome. Significantly more parents of preterm infants chose to save the infant at all costs, compared with mothers of term infants and health care workers, and the pivotal risks of the parents of preterm infants group were highest for all health states. Religious worship was associated with increased probability of saving at all costs and pivotal risks. Increased severity of neonatal complications was associated with decreased probability of saving at all costs and pivotal risks in parents of preterm infants.
CONCLUSIONS. Our findings suggest that parents of preterm infants as a group were most likely to save the infant at all costs and prepared to tolerate more severe disability health states. However, personal characteristics, in particular religious belief and severity of neonatal complications, have overriding influence on these attitudes. We suggest inclusion of experienced parents of preterm infants for more effective counseling of parents in making life-and-death decisions.
Access to the Medical Home: New Findings From the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Strickland Bonnie B. , Singh Gopal K. , Kogan Michael D. , Mann Marie Y. , van Dyck Peter C. , Newacheck Paul W. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. This article reports new findings from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) regarding parental perceptions of the extent to which children with special health care needs (CSHCN) have access to a medical home.
METHODS. Five criteria were analyzed to describe the extent to which CSHCN receive care characteristic of the medical home concept. Data on 40840 children included in the NS-CSHCN were used to assess the presence of a medical home, as indicated by achieving each of the 5 criteria.
RESULTS. Results of the survey indicate that (1) approximately one half of CSHCN receive care that meets all 5 criteria established for a medical home; (2) access to a medical home is affected significantly by race/ethnicity, income, health insurance status, and severity of the child's condition; (3) parents of children who do have a medical home report significantly less delayed or forgone care and significantly fewer unmet needs for health care and family support services; and (4) limited improvements have occurred since success rates were first measured by using the 2001 NS-CSHCN.
CONCLUSIONS. The findings suggest that, although some components of the medical home concept have been achieved for most CSHCN, care synonymous with the principles underlying the medical home is not yet in place for a significant number of CSHCN and their families.