Current trends in early intervention programs for handicapped children birth to 3 years

How can early intervention for handicapped children from birth to age 3 be effectively implemented? The author collected information related to this topic. The writer was teaching in an Early Childhood classroom for handicapped children 3-5 years old. The possibility that children from birth to 3 could be educated in a public school setting was of great interest. It seemed that because of the requirements of PL 99-457, the public schools might take more of a role in servicing the birth to 3 handicapped population in the future. How could infants and toddlers be serviced? What strategies were being used effectively with the very young? What were the requirements of the new law? These were some of the questions the researcher endeavored to answer. The author wanted a first hand look at what was happening in early intervention locally. Interviews and observations at selected early intervention centers added information about what practices were being used in southeastern Wisconsin. Readers of this research will find factual information about Part H, about Wisconsin\u27s method of implementation, about research in early intervention, and about current practices in Wisconsin

A diagnostic survey of the strengths and weaknesses in reading at the fifth grade level

The purpose of this study was to determine the specific strengths and weaknesses in reading at the fifth grade level in a parochial school in Gary, Indiana. Since comprehension and study skills are extremely important at this level, these areas were chosen for intensive concentration. The specific objectives of this study were to determine: 1. In which areas of comprehension are the pupils weak? 2. In which areas of study skills are the pupils weak? 3. In which areas are the pupils showing strengths? 4. What are the specific weaknesses in the upper fourth of the class? 5. What are the specific strengths in the lower fourth of the class? 6. Do the children of similar intelligence portray similar weaknesses? From a pedagogical point of view this study is important in directing the reading program of the school and in determining and discussing the methods and procedures of instruction to be followed. The fifth grades were chosen because this is the transition from the lower grades to the upper level, and primarily because three years would provide ample time to emphasize particular skills before high school entrance if necessary. In order to obtain an accurate evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses in reading, both standardized and informal tests were administered. The eighty-eight pupils for this study were selected from one parochial school in the city of Gary. Since this involved a status study, measurement tools were utilized. A variety of tests--The Kuhlman Anderson Intelligence Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the Wide Range Pronunciation Test, and the Durkin Phonics Survey--were selected to identify important subskills and requisites for good comprehension. The quartile points and the quartile deviations of each of the subtest scores were calculated for the entire group and also for the upper and lower 27% of the group. The percentage of errors for each subskill was calculated and compared with the national norms. From the study of these results, a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the group as a whole and of the lower and upper 27% would be presented. Even though this study would not concern itself directly with the cause and remediation of the weaknesses, it would, however, contribute toward determining causal factors and suitable remedial measures

An Analysis Of Obsidian Artifacts from the Black Mountain Redoubt (48FR6463): A Late Archaic to Late Prehistoric Shoshone Campsite in Northwestern Wyoming

The Black Mountain Redoubt is a small Late Archaic through Late Prehistoric campsite in northwestern Wyoming associated with a series of communal bighorn sheep hunting traps. A diverse tools assemblage along with several house features indicates a wide range of activities specifically associated with bighorn sheep hunting. We use a 100 percent analysis of the obsidian formal tool and debitage assemblage as a test of obsidian conveyance in western Wyoming. Obsidian artifacts come from the five major regional sources but are dominated by Obsidian Cliff materials in keeping with the Yellowstone Plateau conveyance zone. In contrast, obsidian from Malad, Idaho is rare. There is no difference in the outcomes of the source analysis when comparing formal tools and debitage indicating that previous interpretations of regional obsidian conveyance are robust. The analysis also provides an opportunity to examine the technological differences in which artifacts from different sources enter the site’s archaeological record. Obsidian formal tools are limited to projectile points and bifaces. Obsidian debitage analysis indicates that these materials enter the archaeological record in many forms that are not specific to source. The key difference between sources in the obsidian debitage assemblage is artifact size, but contrary to expectations artifacts from the closest sources are not necessarily the largest in the assemblage. This analysis highlights the potential of detailed obsidian source analysis from a single site that integrates both formal tools and debitage into a comprehensive interpretation of obsidian technological organization

Applied Research Engages Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

Extension master gardener (EMG) volunteers can be a valuable resource for Extension professionals in applied research if they are given clear instructions and tools for success. We developed recruitment and training materials for EMGs that equipped them for planting, maintaining, and collecting data in four demonstration/research gardens to measure the benefits of biochar on plant growth. EMGs\u27 evaluations showed 80% satisfaction with the quality of the project, the education they gained about biochar, the volunteer training experience, and the communication methods used. Volunteers reported that working in applied research was a fulfilling educational experience

PROPEL: implementation of an evidence based pelvic floor muscle training intervention for women with pelvic organ prolapse: a realist evaluation and outcomes study protocol

Abstract Background Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is estimated to affect 41%–50% of women aged over 40. Findings from the multi-centre randomised controlled “Pelvic Organ Prolapse PhysiotherapY” (POPPY) trial showed that individualised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) was effective in reducing symptoms of prolapse, improved quality of life and showed clear potential to be cost-effective. However, provision of PFMT for prolapse continues to vary across the UK, with limited numbers of women’s health physiotherapists specialising in its delivery. Implementation of this robust evidence from the POPPY trial will require attention to different models of delivery (e.g. staff skill mix) to fit with differing care environments. Methods A Realist Evaluation (RE) of implementation and outcomes of PFMT delivery in contrasting NHS settings will be conducted using multiple case study sites. Involving substantial local stakeholder engagement will permit a detailed exploration of how local sites make decisions on how to deliver PFMT and how these lead to service change. The RE will track how implementation is working; identify what influences outcomes; and, guided by the RE-AIM framework, will collect robust outcomes data. This will require mixed methods data collection and analysis. Qualitative data will be collected at four time-points across each site to understand local contexts and decisions regarding options for intervention delivery and to monitor implementation, uptake, adherence and outcomes. Patient outcome data will be collected at baseline, six months and one year follow-up for 120 women. Primary outcome will be the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS). An economic evaluation will assess the costs and benefits associated with different delivery models taking account of further health care resource use by the women. Cost data will be combined with the primary outcome in a cost effectiveness analysis, and the EQ-5D-5L data in a cost utility analysis for each of the different models of delivery. Discussion Study of the implementation of varying models of service delivery of PFMT across contrasting sites combined with outcomes data and a cost effectiveness analysis will provide insight into the implementation and value of different models of PFMT service delivery and the cost benefits to the NHS in the longer term

Relation between hospital orthopaedic specialisation and outcomes in patients aged 65 and older: retrospective analysis of US Medicare data

Objective To explore the relation between hospital orthopaedic specialisation and postoperative outcomes after total hip or knee replacement surgery

Designing potentials by sculpturing wires

Magnetic trapping potentials for atoms on atom chips are determined by the current flow in the chip wires. By modifying the shape of the conductor we can realize specialized current flow patterns and therefore micro-design the trapping potentials. We have demonstrated this by nano-machining an atom chip using the focused ion beam technique. We built a trap, a barrier and using a BEC as a probe we showed that by polishing the conductor edge the potential roughness on the selected wire can be reduced. Furthermore we give different other designs and discuss the creation of a 1D magnetic lattice on an atom chip.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figure

Individualised pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

<br>Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is common and is strongly associated with childbirth and increasing age. Women with prolapsed are often advised to do pelvic floor muscle exercises, but supporting evidence is limited. Our aim was to establish if one-to-one individualised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is effective in reducing prolapse symptoms.</br> <br>Methods: A parallel‐group multicentre randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN35911035) in female outpatients with newly-diagnosed, symptomatic stage I, II or III prolapse, comparing five PFMT appointments over 16 weeks (n=225) versus a lifestyle advice leaflet (n=222). Treatment allocation was by remote computer allocation using minimisation. Our primary endpoint was participants’ self-report of prolapsed symptoms at 12 months. Group assignment was masked from outcome assessors. We compared outcomes between trial groups in an intention-to-treat analysis. The cost of PFMT and savings on subsequent treatments were calculated to estimate cost-effectiveness.</br> <br>Findings: Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported fewer prolapse symptoms at 12 months (mean difference between groups in change score 1.52, 95% CI [0.46, 2.59], p=0.0053); reported their prolapse to be “better” more often (57.2% versus 44.7%, difference 12.6%, 95% CI [1.1%, 24.1%], p=0.0336); and had an increased but non-significant odds of having less severe stage of prolapse at their 6-month clinical examination, (OR 1.47, 95% CI [0.97, 2.27], p=0.07). The control group had a greater uptake of other prolapse treatment (49.6% versus 24.1%, difference 25.5%, 95% CI [14.5%, 36.0%], p <0.0001). Findings were robust to missing data. The net cost of the 25 intervention was £131.61 per woman and the cost per one-point reduction in the symptom score was £86.59, 95% CI [£50.81, £286.11]. </br&gt

The Viability of Podcasts in Extension Education: Financial Education for College Students

The article examines the viability of podcast use to provide financial education for college students by Extension educators. A focus group study of college students was conducted by a team of Extension educators from the University of Minnesota Extension related to the potential use of podcasts. Eight focus groups were conducted at a variety of colleges throughout the upper Midwest. Researchers found podcasts are not a stand-alone educational approach, but potentially a tool in a blended learning approach. Implications for using podcast and other technologies in Extension education are discussed

Activin Limits Progenitor Capability by Promoting Epithelial Cell Differentiation in the Mammary Gland

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and activin utilize common signaling pathways, via smad2/3 and smad4, to mediate tumor suppression by effecting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Differences in temporal expression patterns suggest that each cytokine has specific roles in mammary gland development. Activin is expressed during pregnancy and lactation and is required for branching and lactogenesis, implying a role in mammary gland maturation. In contrast, TGF-beta is expressed during involution during mammary gland regression and functions to re-organize the mammary epithelial content to the non-lactating state. Previously, we found that TGF-beta and activin do share common signaling pathways allowing both cytokines to restrict the growth of mammary epithelial cells. However, extended exposure to TGF-beta (5ng/ml; 14 days) causes epithelial to mesencymal transition (EMT). The TGF-beta-treated cells were de-differentiated with loss of both luminal and basal markers. Activin treatment (50ng/ml; 14 days) did not activate EMT. Rather, activin promotes luminal epithelial differentiation with increased expression of prolactin receptor and luminal keratins. Therefore, to test the hypothesis that activin-treatment promotes luminal differentiation and decreases the proportion of progenitor cells in the epithelial population, we compared mammosphere forming capability in vitro and performed limiting dilution experiments in vivo by transplanting 50,000 or 500,000 pre-treated cells into cleared mouse mammary fat pads. The mammosphere assay showed that secondary mammospheres were significantly decreased in the activin-treated cells compared to both the control and TGF-beta treated cells. Tumor incidence between activin-treated and control cells were similar for transplants of 50,000 cells, but tumor incidence was significantly greater in TGF-beta-treated transplants. However, the activin-treated cells had poor outgrowth potential at both 50,000 and 500,000 cells relative to control. We conclude that activin may have the potential to reduce the stem cell population by promoting epithelial cell differentiation