The teaching of choral sight singing: analyzing and understanding experienced choral directors' perceptions and beliefs

The purpose of this study was to analyze and understand experienced choral directors' perceptions and beliefs on a variety of topics surrounding the teaching and learning of secondary choral music sight singing or sight reading. A focus group of eight highly successful college, high school and middle school choral music educators addressed seven questions. The investigation gathered qualitative data that covered the purposes of teaching sight singing, the positive or negative attributes of movable Do, fixed Do and numbers, and a review of sight-singing curricula. Further, the investigation gathered data on the effect, if any, of an instrumental student's sight-singing ability and the use and effectiveness of Curwen or Kodály hand signs and sight-singing assessment for students. Additional data was gathered concerning how secondary music educators were evaluated. Results suggested that the focus group's purpose in teaching sight singing was to produce independent, self-reliant musicians. Individual sight-singing assessment was deemed important and should focus on how singers progressed. Music composed specifically for sight-singing contests or festivals should contain challenging notes and rhythms, dynamic changes, phrase markings and at least one tempo or meter change. Further, music teacher evaluations were discussed, coded and analyzed. Twenty-nine recommendations are offered that are designed to make sight singing more efficient and more effective in today's choral music classrooms. While there are some very good sight-singing materials in print, music publishers who contemplate printing new instructional material should offer a holistic approach to musicianship. Adjudicators for choral sight-singing festivals and contests should be trained. Choirs entering a sight-singing performance should be adjudicated on musical elements such as meter changes, correct tempi, phrasing, tone, articulation and dynamics, not merely on performing the correct notes and rhythms. Many more recommendations were offered to secondary and college choir teachers, supervisors, contest chairmen, adjudicators, composers, music publishers and students. The investigation was not intended to determine a recommended method for sight-singing instruction nor assessment. The purpose of this study was to understand and analyze experienced choral directors' perceptions and beliefs concerning sight singing on secondary campuses

Characterization of the human omega-oxidation pathway for omega-hydroxy-very-long-chain fatty acids

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) have long been known to be degraded exclusively in peroxisomes via beta-oxidation. A defect in peroxisomal beta-oxidation results in elevated levels of VLCFAs and is associated with the most frequent inherited disorder of the central nervous system white matter, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Recently, we demonstrated that VLCFAs can also undergo omega-oxidation, which may provide an alternative route for the breakdown of VLCFAs. The omega-oxidation of VLCFA is initiated by CYP4F2 and CYP4F3B, which produce omega-hydroxy-VLCFAs. In this article, we characterized the enzymes involved in the formation of very-long-chain dicarboxylic acids from omega-hydroxy-VLCFAs. We demonstrate that very-long-chain dicarboxylic acids are produced via two independent pathways. The first is mediated by an as yet unidentified, microsomal NAD(+)-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase and fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is encoded by the ALDH3A2 gene and is deficient in patients with Sjogren-Larsson syndrome. The second pathway involves the NADPH-dependent hydroxylation of omega-hydroxy-VLCFAs by CYP4F2, CYP4F3B, or CYP4F3A. Enzyme kinetic studies show that oxidation of omega-hydroxy-VLCFAs occurs predominantly via the NAD(+)-dependent route. Overall, our data demonstrate that in humans all enzymes are present for the complete conversion of VLCFAs to their corresponding very-long-chain dicarboxylic acids

Adopting a population-level approach to parenting and family support intervention

Evidence-based treatments and preventive interventions in the child and family area have not met with widespread adoption by practitioners. Despite the high prevalence of child behavioral and emotional problems, many parents and families in need are not receiving or participating in services, and when they do, the most efficacious interventions are not what is usually provided. Simultaneously addressing the issues of low penetration and insufficient dissemination of evidence-based programming requires a population approach to parenting and family support and intervention. Process issues are important, particularly in relation to engagement of stakeholders, recruitment of practitioners, consideration of organizational factors, and use of media and communication strategies. This article discusses why there is a need for a population-based approach, provides a framework of how to conceptualize such an approach, and describes an example from our own work of a recently initiated prevention trial that illustrates a population-based approach in action. The rationale, structure, and goals of the Triple P System Population Trial are described in the context of the aforementioned population framework. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Measuring progess on diet-related NCD's: the need to address the causes of the causes

WHO has developed nine voluntary global monitoring targets and 25 indicators to assess progress in the implementation of national strategies to achieve the global political commitment to reduce the probability of dying from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people aged 30–70 years, by 25% by 2025.1,2 Robert Beaglehole and colleagues (Oct 13, p 1283)3 argue that it is better to focus on two of the population-wide targets: tobacco control and dietary salt reduction, and the treatment target, and that the targets should be reported according to socioeconomic status and gender.Department of HE and Training approved lis

Impact of RNA Editing on Functions of the Serotonin 2C Receptor in vivo

Transcripts encoding 5-HT2C receptors are modified posttranscriptionally by RNA editing, generating up to 24 protein isoforms. In recombinant cells, the fully edited isoform, 5-HT2C-VGV, exhibits blunted G-protein coupling and reduced constitutive activity. The present studies examine the signal transduction properties of 5-HT2C-VGV receptors in brain to determine the in vivo consequences of altered editing. Using mice solely expressing the 5-HT2C-VGV receptor (VGV/Y), we demonstrate reduced G-protein coupling efficiency and high-affinity agonist binding of brain 5-HT2C-VGV receptors. However, enhanced behavioral sensitivity to a 5-HT2C receptor agonist was also seen in mice expressing 5-HT2C-VGV receptors, an unexpected finding given the blunted G-protein coupling. In addition, mice expressing 5-HT2C-VGV receptors had greater sensitivity to a 5-HT2C inverse agonist/antagonist enhancement of dopamine turnover relative to wild-type mice. These behavioral and biochemical results are most likely explained by increases in 5-HT2C receptor binding sites in the brains of mice solely expressing 5-HT2C-VGV receptors. We conclude that 5-HT2C-VGV receptor signaling in brain is blunted, but this deficiency is masked by a marked increase in 5-HT2C receptor binding site density in mice solely expressing the VGV isoform. These findings suggest that RNA editing may regulate the density of 5-HT2C receptor binding sites in brain. We further caution that the pattern of 5-HT2C receptor RNA isoforms may not reflect the pattern of protein isoforms, and hence the inferred overall function of the receptor

World lessons in comprehensive primary health care reform : final technical report

The comprehensive primary health care (CPHC) concept arose in response to the recognition of the limitations of a bio-medical and technological approach to improving health. A global literature review undertaken by the project reveals very few documented stories of true CPHC initiatives. The Revitalized Health for All (RHFA) program aims to renew the evidence base for CPHC and build regional and global networks of researchers and policy-makers. In addition, stories have been collected for a compilation volume from 20 participating teams and 50 collaborators, providing insights into CPHC towards future health reforms, and towards implementing truly “comprehensive” primary health care

Coverage of child health services in rural districts of Ethiopia with the health services extension program

Improving access to health care services has been advocated widely since the Declaration of Alma-Ata. Despite the efforts to realize this in Ethiopia, it is only in the year 2003 that the intention to take the package of essential health services to the kebele level (smallest administrative unit) was realized through the introduction of the Health Services Extension Program (HSEP). The objective of this study was to explore whether introduction of HSEP has improved the coverage of child health services in the rural areas of Jimma Zone. A cross sectional study was conducted in three randomly selected districts of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. The data collection was undertaken during the months of May, June and July, 2009. A structured questionnaire was used to interview female heads of sampled households from nine kebeles randomly selected in three Woredas (districts). Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics, use of health posts, child vaccination and childhood diarrhea. Checklists were used for record review. Data obtained were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) V14. Only 64.0% of the kebeles had functional health posts, although another 32.0% of the kebeles in the zone had health posts under construction. However, most (93.7%) of the kebeles in the zone already had two health extension workers (HEWs) assigned. Vaccination coverage as measured by DPT3 was 67.9%, and 10% of the under-two year old children included in this survey had diarrhoea during the past two weeks. Of the 34 (51.5%) mothers who sought help during diarrhoeal attacks, 12 (35.3%) of them went to the health post. The first places of treatment seeking were health centres and health posts, with equal proportion for both (43.5%). Treatment was sought within a day or two after commencement of diarrhoea for 70.6% of the children. Thirty nine (69.7%) of the 56 children who were given recommended fluids received oral rehydration solution (ORS) or homemade solution. In addition to continuing efforts to improve coverage, there is a need to ensure that activities are linked with follow up of vaccination, early treatment seeking and proper home management of diarrhoea

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia substrates after mustard and senning operations for d-transposition of the great arteries

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and risks of radiofrequency ablation of various forms of supraventricular tachycardia after Mustard and Senning operations for d-transposition of the great arteries. BACKGROUND In this patient group, the reported success rate of catheter ablation of intraatrial reentry tachycardia is about 70% with a negligible complication rate. There are no reports of the use of radiofrequency ablation to treat other types of supraventricular tachycardia. METHODS Standard diagnostic criteria were used to determine supraventricular tachycardia type. Appropriate sites for attempted ablation included 1) intraatrial reentry tachycardia: presence of concealed entrainment with a postpacing interval similar to tachycardia cycle length; 2) focal atrial tachycardia: a P-A interval ≤-20 ms; and 3) typical variety of atrioventricular (AV) node reentry tachycardia: combined electrographic and radiographic features. RESULTS Nine Mustard and two Senning patients underwent 13 studies to successfully ablate all supraventricular tachycardia substrates in eight (73%) patients. Eight of eleven (73%) patients having intraatrial reentry tachycardia, 3/3 having typical AV node reentry tachycardia, and 2/2 having focal atrial reentry tachycardia were successfully ablated. Among five patients having intraatrial reentry tachycardia (IART) and not having ventriculoatrial (V-A) conduction, two suffered high-grade AV block when ablation of the systemic venous portion of the medial tricuspid valve/inferior vena cava isthmus was attempted. CONCLUSIONS Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be effectively and safely performed for certain supraventricular tachycardia types in addition to intraatrial reentry. A novel catheter course is required for slow pathway modification. High-grade AV block is a potential risk of lesions placed in the systemic venous medial isthmus

Characterization of Semi-Autonomous On-Orbit Assembly CubeSat Constellation

Demand for more complex space systems is ever increasing as the scale of the future missions expands. Accordingly, much focus has been given recently to innovations in on-orbit assembly and servicing to ensure those missions are executed in a time-efficient manner. The past on-orbit servicing demonstrations have involved large satellites that were designed to dock/berth and service specific client satellites, and did not leverage the current advancements in small satellite technology. The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) is contributing to advancing the onorbit servicing and assembly technology with a next-generation robotic arm Intelligent Space Assembly Robot (ISAR) system, which is envisioned to operate independently or as a constellation of 3U CubeSats and seeks to demonstrate semi-autonomous robotic assembly capabilities on-orbit on a nano-satellite scale. This paper will present an overview of the ISAR system, outline design, operation, and demonstration modifications for the on-orbit demonstrator, analyze the results from the ground test platform, and discuss the interfacing between existing robotic operations structures and advanced sensors. It will also focus on the analysis of cost effectiveness of the proposed mission architecture by characterizing the operation envelope of CubeSat-based assembly satellite constellations and volumetric efficiency analysis of on-orbit assembly using “Bin of Parts”

Painful Temporomandibular Disorder: Decade of Discovery from OPPERA Studies

In 2006, the OPPERA project (Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment) set out to identify risk factors for development of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). A decade later, this review summarizes its key findings. At 4 US study sites, OPPERA recruited and examined 3,258 community-based TMD-free adults assessing genetic and phenotypic measures of biological, psychosocial, clinical, and health status characteristics. During follow-up, 4% of participants per annum developed clinically verified TMD, although that was a “symptom iceberg” when compared with the 19% annual rate of facial pain symptoms. The most influential predictors of clinical TMD were simple checklists of comorbid health conditions and nonpainful orofacial symptoms. Self-reports of jaw parafunction were markedly stronger predictors than corresponding examiner assessments. The strongest psychosocial predictor was frequency of somatic symptoms, although not somatic reactivity. Pressure pain thresholds measured at cranial sites only weakly predicted incident TMD yet were strongly associated with chronic TMD, cross-sectionally, in OPPERA’s separate case-control study. The puzzle was resolved in OPPERA’s nested case-control study where repeated measures of pressure pain thresholds revealed fluctuation that coincided with TMD’s onset, persistence, and recovery but did not predict its incidence. The nested case-control study likewise furnished novel evidence that deteriorating sleep quality predicted TMD incidence. Three hundred genes were investigated, implicating 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as risk factors for chronic TMD, while another 6 SNPs were associated with intermediate phenotypes for TMD. One study identified a serotonergic pathway in which multiple SNPs influenced risk of chronic TMD. Two other studies investigating gene-environment interactions found that effects of stress on pain were modified by variation in the gene encoding catechol O-methyltransferase. Lessons learned from OPPERA have verified some implicated risk factors for TMD and refuted others, redirecting our thinking. Now it is time to apply those lessons to studies investigating treatment and prevention of TMD