The functional significance of cross-sensory correspondences in infant-directed speech

Evidence suggesting that infants appreciate a range of cross-sensory correspondences is growing rapidly (see Dolscheid, Hunnius, Casasanto & Majid, 2014; Fernández-Prieto, Navarra & Pons, 2015; Haryu & Kajikawa, 2012; Mondloch & Maurer, 2004; Walker, Bremner, Mason, Spring, Mattock, Slater, & Johnson, 2010; Walker, Bremner, Lunghi, Dolscheid, Barba & Simion, 2018), and yet there is no known attempt to establish the functional significance of these correspondences in infancy. Research shows that speakers manipulate their prosody (i.e. melody of spoken language) to communicate the meaning of unfamiliar words and do so in ways that exploit the cross-sensory correspondences between, for example, pitch and size (Nygaard, Herold & Namy, 2009) and pitch and height (Shintel, Nusbaum & Okrent, 2006). But do infants attend to a speaker’s prosody in this context to interpret the meaning of unfamiliar words? The aim of this thesis is to further establish how infant-directed speakers use prosody to communicate the cross-sensory meanings of words and, for the first time, identify whether infants capitalise on their sensitivity to cross-sensory correspondences to resolve linguistic uncertainty. In Experiment 1 – 4 we identify a list of novel pseudowords to use in all experiments being reported. These pseudowords were judged by participants as being neutral in terms of their sound-symbolic potential, allowing us to rule out the impact of sound-symbolism in our investigation. Experiment 5 provides support for earlier studies revealing cross-sensory correspondences in infant-directed speech. When presented with pseudowords spoken in a prosodically meaningful way, 13-month-old infants demonstrated a preference for objects that were contradictory to the cross-sensory acoustic properties of speech (e.g. lower-pitch voice with higher objects) (Experiment 6), and adults failed to match pseudowords with objects based on the prosodic information that was provided (Experiment 7). However, Experiment 8 provides evidence that 24-month-olds match pseudowords spoken in a higher-pitch voice, and at a faster rate, with objects that are visually higher in space. The implications of these findings are discussed, with suggestions as to how they can be usefully extended

Baculovirus inhibitors of apoptosis

A putative inhibitor of apoptosis gene was located in the Heliothis zea nucleopolyhedrovirus (HzSNPV) genome, at map units 76 to 77. Alignment of the predicted amino sequence encoded by this gene with reported inhibitor of apoptosis (iap) sequences identifted a RING finger and baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) conserved in all the members of this protein family. The predicted sequence of the HzSNPV iap was found to be 42% identical to that of Orgyia pseudosugata (0p) MNPV iap and 39% identical to that of Cydia pomenella (Cp) GV iap. Primer extension analysis of the HzSNPV iap mRNA identified two transcription start sites typical of early (CAGT) and late (TAAG) baculovirus promoters. Activity from the early promoter motif was detected from 12 hours post infection, whilst activity from the late baculovirus promoter was detected from 24 hours post infection. The p35-deficient mutant of AcMNPV (Acp351acZ) induces apoptosis in Spodopterafrugiperda (Sf21) cells, but not in Richoplusia ni (T. nil cells. In complementation assays with Acp351acZ in MI. cells, both OpMNPV iap and CpGV iap are capable of complementing P35 function to produce a normal infection, characterised by the formation of occluded virus from 18 hours post infection. The HzSNPV iap was unable to produce this complementation effect and is therefore unique amongst the iap homologues identified in baculoviruses other than AcMNPV. Recombinant HzSNPV deficient in the production of iap was unstable and could not be isolated from the parental virus. The role of this gene in the infection process of HzSNPV remains unclear. Recombinant AcMNPV deficient in the synthesis of IAPI. (AciapllacZ) was derived. In addition, a virus deficient in both p35 and iapl was constructed (Acp35Aiap I lacZ). Both viruses replicated normally in T. ni cells, suggesting that 1AP1 is not responsible for inhibiting apoptosis in T. ni cells. In subsequent studies the host range of Acp351acZ, AciapilacZ and Acp35Aiap11acZ was examined in seven Lepidopteran cell lines. These results indicated that all three viruses replicated normally in T. nL Mamestra brassicae or Panotis flammea cells, thus discounting a role for AcMNPV IAP I in inhibiting apoptosis in the cells tested.

Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) biology, competition, and control in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The objectives of this research were to evaluate control options and investigate the biology and competitiveness of glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed in cotton. Our results determined that glufosinate followed by glufosinate, glufosinate plus pyrithiobac, and glufosinate plus fluometuron at 0.56 or 1.12 kg ai ha-1 resulted in the highest level of visual control and the highest yield. However, glufosinate followed by glufosinate was the only treatment that resulted in the highest yield and \u3e 90% control of GR giant ragweed. The development of glufosinate-tolerant, 2,4-D tolerant, and dicamba-tolerant crops may provide growers with new opportunities for difficult-to-control weeds such as GR giant ragweed. Therefore, the next objective of this research was to evaluate control options for GR giant ragweed with 2,4-D and dicamba applied alone and in combination with glufosinate or fomesafen. Results determined that tank-mix combinations with glufosinate or fomesafen that included either 2,4-D or dicamba resulted in a higher level of control of GR giant ragweed than 2,4-D or dicamba applied alone. Tank-mixing 2,4-D or dicamba with glufosinate will be a valuable approach for controlling GR giant ragweed. The final objective was to conduct a study to determine competition of giant ragweed in cotton. Early in the growing season, treatments with 2400 or more giant ragweed plants per ha-1 reduced cotton height when compared with the competition free control. A delay in cotton maturity was observed only with higher populations of 4800 or 9600 plants. However, the effect of giant ragweed on yield was evident with the lowest population of 600 giant ragweed plants per ha-1 reducing lint yields by 300 kg ha-1 when compared with a competition free control. Cotton fiber quality was not affected by giant ragweed. These results indicate that season-long giant ragweed competition can significantly reduce cotton yields

THEATER AS A MEDIUM OF HEALING: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF COPPER THUNDERBIRD BY MARIE CLEMENTS

The idea of the healing power of theater reaches back to Aristotle and his concept of catharsis. Greek philosopher states that tragedy “with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its katharsis of such emotions.” The process of catharsis is interpreted as purification or purging of the audience members’ strong emotions as a response to the dramatic action taking place on stage. Today very few western theater practitioners mention that particular aspect of theater in their artistic manifestoes. Yet in Native American theater narratives of illness and healing are ever present. The need for change, and faith in the power of theater to achieve it, fuels many Native American manifestoes, plays and scholarly works. In this thesis I focus on the process of emotional, spiritual and physical healing in native communities. I specifically concentrate on the role of theater in the process of healing. I use the play Copper Thunderbird by Marie Clements, a Metis playwright, as a case study. Copper Thunderbird is based on the life and art of Norval Morrisseau, the renowned Ojibway painter referred to by critics as the Picasso of the North . Morisseau was not only a talented artist, but also a Great Shaman and a student of the traditional stories of his people. Marie Clements portrays Morrisseau as someone who moved native art from museums to art galleries. Yet the playwright also boldly portrays the weaknesses and addictions of the painter, as well as his broken relationships with his family. Clements captures in her play Morrisseau\u27s moral struggle of whether or not white people even deserved the opportunity to purchase his paintings

Welcoming new life under lockdown:Exploring the experiences of first-time mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore how first‐time mothers in the UK experienced new parenthood during the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic. DESIGN: This study used a cross‐sectional exploratory, qualitative interview design. METHODS: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ten first‐time mothers who had given birth since COVID‐19 was declared as a pandemic. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULT: Experiences of new, first‐time mothers during the COVID‐19 pandemic were organized around two themes. First, new mothers felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility for their baby which was heightened by the pandemic. The challenge of meeting this responsibility was heightened in the context of societal expectations to do the ‘right’ thing and uncertainty and distrust around official guidance about COVID‐19. Secondly, the expected transition into motherhood was altered by the pandemic. Disruption to the birthing experience, an inability to connect with close friends and family, and limited healthcare support was perceived to be detrimental. However, altered social expectations and the increased presence of the partner were perceived as positives. CONCLUSION: Many of the common challenges experienced by new, first‐time mothers have been amplified by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Public policy and scientific research must target this group in order to protect this population from the negative impact of the remaining COVID‐19 pandemic and any future pandemics

Neonatal Brain MRI and Motor Outcome at School Age in Children with Neonatal Encephalopathy: A Review of Personal Experience

The aim of this paper is to review (i) the spectrum of neuromotor function at school age in children who had been born full-term and presented with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and low Apgar scores and (ii) the relation between the presence/absence of such difficulties and neonatal brain MRI. Motor outcome appears to be mainly related to the severity of basal ganglia and internal capsule involvement. Severe basal ganglia lesions were always associated with the most severe outcome, microcephaly, tetraplegia, and severe global delay, whereas more discrete basal ganglia lesions were associated with athetoid cerebral palsy, with normal cognitive development or minor neuro-motor abnormalities. White matter lesions were associated with abnormal motor outcome only if the internal capsule was involved. Children with moderate white matter changes but normal internal capsule, had normal motor outcome at school age

Development of a Coding Instrument to Assess the Quality and Content of Anti-Tobacco Video Games

Previous research has shown the use of electronic video games as an effective method for increasing content knowledge about the risks of drugs and alcohol use for adolescents. Although best practice suggests that theory, health communication strategies, and game appeal are important characteristics for developing games, no instruments are currently available to examine the quality and content of tobacco prevention and cessation electronic games. This study presents the systematic development of a coding instrument to measure the quality, use of theory, and health communication strategies of tobacco cessation and prevention electronic games. Using previous research and expert review, a content analysis coding instrument measuring 67 characteristics was developed with three overarching categories: type and quality of games, theory and approach, and type and format of messages. Two trained coders applied the instrument to 88 games on four platforms (personal computer, Nintendo DS, iPhone, and Android phone) to field test the instrument. Cohen's kappa for each item ranged from 0.66 to 1.00, with an average kappa value of 0.97. Future research can adapt this coding instrument to games addressing other health issues. In addition, the instrument questions can serve as a useful guide for evidence-based game development.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco ProductsNational Cancer Institute (NCI) Office of Communication and EducationCommunication Studie

Developing and evaluating a lay health worker delivered implementation intervention to decrease engagement disparities in behavioural parent training: a mixed methods study protocol.

IntroductionBehavioural parent training (BPT) programmes are effective in preventing and treating early-onset conduct problems and child maltreatment. Unfortunately, pervasive mental health service disparities continue to limit access to and engagement in these interventions. Furthermore, challenges with parental engagement can impede the successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in community settings that serve low-income, ethnic minority families. Lay health workers (LHWs)-individuals without formal mental health training-represent an important workforce to increase engagement, as they are members of the communities they serve. However, the mobilisation of LHWs has not been well studied as an implementation strategy to extend the reach or effectiveness of EBPs in the USA. LHW-delivered implementation interventions that specifically support the engagement of Latinx parents in evidence-based BPT programmes have the potential to improve clinical and implementation outcomes.Methods and analysisA community-partnered approach will use the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF) to tailor and implement an LHW-delivered implementation intervention that aims to promote Latinx parent engagement in BPT programmes. Steps from the QIF will guide study activities to (1) conduct a mixed methods needs assessment to fit the implementation intervention to the local context, (2) adapt LHW-delivered implementation strategies to promote parent access to and engagement in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and (3) conduct a hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the LHW implementation intervention at increasing engagement.Ethics and disseminationStudy procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Results will be shared with the community-advisory group, at community-based meetings for other stakeholders involved in the pilot project, and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals

Movement difficulties in children

The development of adequate motor control and coordination is an important part of general development, allowing an infant to interact with and learn about the world around them and making possible so many everyday activities for children - at home, at school and at play. We know that severe neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can have devastating effects on movement. Bugt the effects of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are perhaps less well known. What is our current understanding of the nature and impact of this condition? And how might psychologists help

The interaction of reading, spelling and handwriting difficulties with writing development

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