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281.
Buxbaum, Laurel J.; Palermo, Maryann; Mastrogiovanni, Dina; Read, Mary Schmidt; Rosenberg-Pitonyak, Ellen; Rizzo, Albert; Coslett, H. Branch
Assessment of Spatial Neglect with a Virtual Wheelchair Navigation Task Proceedings Article
In: 5th Annual International Workshop on Virtual Rehabilitation, New York, NY, 2006.
@inproceedings{buxbaum_assessment_2006,
title = {Assessment of Spatial Neglect with a Virtual Wheelchair Navigation Task},
author = {Laurel J. Buxbaum and Maryann Palermo and Dina Mastrogiovanni and Mary Schmidt Read and Ellen Rosenberg-Pitonyak and Albert Rizzo and H. Branch Coslett},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Assessment%20of%20Spatial%20Neglect%20with%20a%20Virtual%20Wheelchair%20Navigation%20Task.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
booktitle = {5th Annual International Workshop on Virtual Rehabilitation},
address = {New York, NY},
abstract = {We report data from 9 participants with right hemisphere stroke on a new virtual reality (VR) wheelchair navigation test designed to assess lateralized spatial attention and neglect. The test consists of a virtual winding path along which participants must navigate (or be navigated by an experimenter) as they name objects encountered along the way. There are 4 VR task conditions, obtained by crossing the factors array complexity (Simple, Complex) and Driver (Participant, Experimenter). Participants performed the VR task, a real-life wheelchair navigation task, and a battery of tests assessing arousal, visual attention under secondary task demands, and neglect. The VR test showed sensitivity to both array complexity and driver, with best performance occurring in the Experimenter Navigated, Simple Array condition. The VR test also showed high correlations with the wheelchair navigation test, and these correlations were in many instances higher than those between traditional clinical neglect tests and the wheelchair navigation task. Moreover, the VR test detected lateralized attention deficits in participants whose performance was within the normal range on other neglect tests. We conclude that the VR task is sensitive to factors likely to affect the severity of neglect in the daily environment, and shows promise as an efficient, easily administered measure of real-life wheelchair navigation.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
We report data from 9 participants with right hemisphere stroke on a new virtual reality (VR) wheelchair navigation test designed to assess lateralized spatial attention and neglect. The test consists of a virtual winding path along which participants must navigate (or be navigated by an experimenter) as they name objects encountered along the way. There are 4 VR task conditions, obtained by crossing the factors array complexity (Simple, Complex) and Driver (Participant, Experimenter). Participants performed the VR task, a real-life wheelchair navigation task, and a battery of tests assessing arousal, visual attention under secondary task demands, and neglect. The VR test showed sensitivity to both array complexity and driver, with best performance occurring in the Experimenter Navigated, Simple Array condition. The VR test also showed high correlations with the wheelchair navigation test, and these correlations were in many instances higher than those between traditional clinical neglect tests and the wheelchair navigation task. Moreover, the VR test detected lateralized attention deficits in participants whose performance was within the normal range on other neglect tests. We conclude that the VR task is sensitive to factors likely to affect the severity of neglect in the daily environment, and shows promise as an efficient, easily administered measure of real-life wheelchair navigation.
282.
Nelson, Nathaniel W.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Grote, Christopher L.; Smith, Clifford A.; II, James R. Sisung
The MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale: Concordance and Specificity of True and Estimated Scores Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, vol. 28, pp. 1–12, 2006.
@article{nelson_mmpi-2_2006,
title = {The MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale: Concordance and Specificity of True and Estimated Scores},
author = {Nathaniel W. Nelson and Thomas D. Parsons and Christopher L. Grote and Clifford A. Smith and James R. Sisung II},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/The%20MMPI-2%20Fake%20Bad%20Scale-%20Concordance%20and%20Specificity%20of%20True%20and%20Estimated%20Scores.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13803390490919272},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},
volume = {28},
pages = {1–12},
series = {1380-339},
abstract = {A number of recent studies have supported the use of the MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale (FBS) as a measure of negative response bias, the scale at times demonstrating greater sensitivity to negative response bias than other MMPI-2 validity scales. However, clinicians may not always have access to True FBS (T-FBS) scores, such as when True-False answer sheets are unavailable or published research studies do not report FBS raw scores. Under these conditions, Larrabee (2003a) suggests a linear regression formula that provides estimated FBS (E-FBS) scores derived from weighted validity and clinical T-Scores. The present study intended to validate this regression formula of MMPI-2 E-FBS scores and demonstrate its specificity in a sample of non-litigating, clinically referred, medically intractable epilepsy patients. We predicted that the E-FBS scores would correlate highly (textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextgreater.70) with the T-FBS scores, that the E-FBS would show comparable correlations with MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales relative to the T-FBS, and that the E-FBS would show an adequate ability to match T-FBS scores using a variety of previously suggested T-FBS raw score cutoffs. Overall, E-FBS scores correlated very highly with T-FBS scores (r = .78, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001), though correlations were especially high for women (r = .85, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001) compared to men (r = .62, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .001). Thirty-one of 32 (96.9%) comparisons made between E-FBS/T-FBS correlates with other MMPI-2 scales were nonsignificant. When matching to T-FBS "high" and "low" scores, the E-FBS scores demonstrated the highest hit rate (92.5%) through use of Lees-Haley's (1992) revised cutoffs for men and women. These same cutoffs resulted in excellent overall specificity for both the T-FBS scores (92.5%) and E-FBS scores (90.6%). The authors conclude that the E-FBS represents an adequate estimate of T-FBS scores in the current epilepsy sample. Use of E-FBS scores may be especially useful when clinicians conduct the MMPI-2 short form, which does not include all of the 43 FBS items but does include enough items to compute each of the validity and clinical T-Scores. Future studies should examine E-FBS sensitivity in compensation-seekers with incomplete effort.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A number of recent studies have supported the use of the MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale (FBS) as a measure of negative response bias, the scale at times demonstrating greater sensitivity to negative response bias than other MMPI-2 validity scales. However, clinicians may not always have access to True FBS (T-FBS) scores, such as when True-False answer sheets are unavailable or published research studies do not report FBS raw scores. Under these conditions, Larrabee (2003a) suggests a linear regression formula that provides estimated FBS (E-FBS) scores derived from weighted validity and clinical T-Scores. The present study intended to validate this regression formula of MMPI-2 E-FBS scores and demonstrate its specificity in a sample of non-litigating, clinically referred, medically intractable epilepsy patients. We predicted that the E-FBS scores would correlate highly (textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextgreater.70) with the T-FBS scores, that the E-FBS would show comparable correlations with MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales relative to the T-FBS, and that the E-FBS would show an adequate ability to match T-FBS scores using a variety of previously suggested T-FBS raw score cutoffs. Overall, E-FBS scores correlated very highly with T-FBS scores (r = .78, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001), though correlations were especially high for women (r = .85, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001) compared to men (r = .62, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .001). Thirty-one of 32 (96.9%) comparisons made between E-FBS/T-FBS correlates with other MMPI-2 scales were nonsignificant. When matching to T-FBS "high" and "low" scores, the E-FBS scores demonstrated the highest hit rate (92.5%) through use of Lees-Haley's (1992) revised cutoffs for men and women. These same cutoffs resulted in excellent overall specificity for both the T-FBS scores (92.5%) and E-FBS scores (90.6%). The authors conclude that the E-FBS represents an adequate estimate of T-FBS scores in the current epilepsy sample. Use of E-FBS scores may be especially useful when clinicians conduct the MMPI-2 short form, which does not include all of the 43 FBS items but does include enough items to compute each of the validity and clinical T-Scores. Future studies should examine E-FBS sensitivity in compensation-seekers with incomplete effort.
283.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Kratz, K. M.; Thompson, E.; Stanczyk, F. Z.; Buckwalter, John Galen
DHEA Supplementation and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women Journal Article
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 16, pp. 141–155, 2006, ISSN: 0020-7454.
@article{parsons_dhea_2006,
title = {DHEA Supplementation and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and K. M. Kratz and E. Thompson and F. Z. Stanczyk and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/DHEA%20Supplementation%20and%20Cognition%20in%20Postmenopausal%20Women.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/00207450500341506},
issn = {0020-7454},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {16},
pages = {141–155},
abstract = {Previous work has suggested that DHEA supplementation may have adverse cognitive effects in elderly women. This article analyzed 24-h measurements of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol to determine if cognitive decrease with treatment is mediated by DHEA’s impact on endogenous cortisol. It was found that DHEA administration increased cortisol at several hours during the day. In the treatment group, cortisol was positively associated with cognition at study completion. An increase in negative associations between DHEA(S) levels and cognition was found at completion. Increased cortisol does not explain the cognitive deficits associated with DHEA, suggesting a direct negative effect of exogenous DHEA on cognition.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Previous work has suggested that DHEA supplementation may have adverse cognitive effects in elderly women. This article analyzed 24-h measurements of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol to determine if cognitive decrease with treatment is mediated by DHEA’s impact on endogenous cortisol. It was found that DHEA administration increased cortisol at several hours during the day. In the treatment group, cortisol was positively associated with cognition at study completion. An increase in negative associations between DHEA(S) levels and cognition was found at completion. Increased cortisol does not explain the cognitive deficits associated with DHEA, suggesting a direct negative effect of exogenous DHEA on cognition.
284.
Feintuch, Uri; Liat, Raz; Hwang, Jane; Josman, Naomi; Katz, Noomi; Kizony, Rachel; Rand, Debbie; Rizzo, Albert; Shahar, Meir; Yongseok, Jang; Weiss, Patrice L. (Tamar)
Integrating haptic-tactile feedback into a video capture based VE for rehabilitation Journal Article
In: CyberPsychology and Behavior, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 129–132, 2006.
@article{feintuch_integrating_2006,
title = {Integrating haptic-tactile feedback into a video capture based VE for rehabilitation},
author = {Uri Feintuch and Raz Liat and Jane Hwang and Naomi Josman and Noomi Katz and Rachel Kizony and Debbie Rand and Albert Rizzo and Meir Shahar and Jang Yongseok and Patrice L. (Tamar) Weiss},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Integrating%20Haptic-Tactile%20Feedback%20into%20a%20Video-Capture%E2%80%93Based%20Virtual%20Environment%20for%20Rehabilitation.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {129–132},
abstract = {Video-capture virtual reality (VR) systems are gaining popularity as intervention tools. Todate, these platforms offer visual and audio feedback but do not provide haptic feedback. Wecontend that adding haptic feedback may enhance the quality of intervention for various theoretical and empirical reasons. This study aims to integrate haptic-tactile feedback into avideo capture system (GX VR), which is currently applied for rehabilitation. The proposedmulti-modal system can deliver audio-visual as well as vibrotactile feedback. The latter isprovided via small vibratory discs attached to the patient's limbs. This paper describes thesystem, the guidelines of its design, and the ongoing usability study.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Video-capture virtual reality (VR) systems are gaining popularity as intervention tools. Todate, these platforms offer visual and audio feedback but do not provide haptic feedback. Wecontend that adding haptic feedback may enhance the quality of intervention for various theoretical and empirical reasons. This study aims to integrate haptic-tactile feedback into avideo capture system (GX VR), which is currently applied for rehabilitation. The proposedmulti-modal system can deliver audio-visual as well as vibrotactile feedback. The latter isprovided via small vibratory discs attached to the patient's limbs. This paper describes thesystem, the guidelines of its design, and the ongoing usability study.
285.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Parsons, Thomas D.; Horst, Charles; Hall, Colin D.
Thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in nonpsychiatric human immunodeficiency virus seropositive individuals Journal Article
In: Death Studies, vol. 30, pp. 455–469, 2006, ISSN: 0748-1187.
@article{robertson_thoughts_2006,
title = {Thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in nonpsychiatric human immunodeficiency virus seropositive individuals},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Thomas D. Parsons and Charles Horst and Colin D. Hall},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/THOUGHTS%20OF%20DEATH%20AND%20SUICIDAL%20IDEATION%20IN%20NONPSYCHIATRIC%20HUMAN%20IMMUNODEFICIENCY%20VIRUS%20SEROPOSITIVE%20INDIVIDUALS.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/07481180600614435},
issn = {0748-1187},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Death Studies},
volume = {30},
pages = {455–469},
abstract = {The present study examines the prevalence of death thoughts and suicidality in HIV infection. Subjects (n = 246) were examined for psychiatric morbidity and suicidality. Compared to high risk HIV seronegatives, HIV seropositives (HIV•) had significantly increased frequency and severity of both suicidal ideation and death thoughts. Two-thirds of seropositives had suicidal ideation at some point; half of the seropositives reported suicide plans and one quarter suicide attempts; and third of seropositives reported current suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation did not increase with advancing disease. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation suggests inclusion of its assessment in HIV treatment regardless of stage.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The present study examines the prevalence of death thoughts and suicidality in HIV infection. Subjects (n = 246) were examined for psychiatric morbidity and suicidality. Compared to high risk HIV seronegatives, HIV seropositives (HIV•) had significantly increased frequency and severity of both suicidal ideation and death thoughts. Two-thirds of seropositives had suicidal ideation at some point; half of the seropositives reported suicide plans and one quarter suicide attempts; and third of seropositives reported current suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation did not increase with advancing disease. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation suggests inclusion of its assessment in HIV treatment regardless of stage.
286.
Gold, Jeffrey I.; Kim, Seok Hyeon; Kant, Alexis J.; Joseph, Michael H.; Rizzo, Albert
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pediatric Pain Distraction during IV Placement Journal Article
In: CyberPsychology and Behavior, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 207–212, 2006.
@article{gold_effectiveness_2006,
title = {Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pediatric Pain Distraction during IV Placement},
author = {Jeffrey I. Gold and Seok Hyeon Kim and Alexis J. Kant and Michael H. Joseph and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Effectiveness%20of%20Virtual%20Reality%20for%20Pediatric%20Pain%20Distraction%20during%20IV%20Placement.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {207–212},
abstract = {The objective of this study was to test the efficacy and suitability of virtual reality (VR) as apain distraction for pediatric intravenous (IV) placement. Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls) requiring IV placement for a magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) scan were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) VR distraction using Street Luge(5DT), presented via a head-mounted display, or (2) standard of care (topical anesthetic) with no distraction. Children, their parents, and nurses completed self-report questionnaires that assessed numerous health-related outcomes. Responses from the Faces Pain Scale–Revisedindicated a fourfold increase in affective pain within the control condition; by contrast, nosignificant differences were detected within the VR condition. Significant associations between multiple measures of anticipatory anxiety, affective pain, IV pain intensity, and measures of past procedural pain provided support for the complex interplay of a multimodalassessment of pain perception. There was also a sufficient amount of evidence supportingthe efficacy of Street Luge as a pediatric pain distraction tool during IV placement: an adequate level of presence, no simulator sickness, and significantly more child-, parent-, and nurse-reported satisfaction with pain management. VR pain distraction was positively endorsed by all reporters and is a promising tool for decreasing pain, and anxiety in childrenundergoing acute medical interventions. However, further research with larger sample sizesand other routine medical procedures is warranted.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The objective of this study was to test the efficacy and suitability of virtual reality (VR) as apain distraction for pediatric intravenous (IV) placement. Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls) requiring IV placement for a magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) scan were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) VR distraction using Street Luge(5DT), presented via a head-mounted display, or (2) standard of care (topical anesthetic) with no distraction. Children, their parents, and nurses completed self-report questionnaires that assessed numerous health-related outcomes. Responses from the Faces Pain Scale–Revisedindicated a fourfold increase in affective pain within the control condition; by contrast, nosignificant differences were detected within the VR condition. Significant associations between multiple measures of anticipatory anxiety, affective pain, IV pain intensity, and measures of past procedural pain provided support for the complex interplay of a multimodalassessment of pain perception. There was also a sufficient amount of evidence supportingthe efficacy of Street Luge as a pediatric pain distraction tool during IV placement: an adequate level of presence, no simulator sickness, and significantly more child-, parent-, and nurse-reported satisfaction with pain management. VR pain distraction was positively endorsed by all reporters and is a promising tool for decreasing pain, and anxiety in childrenundergoing acute medical interventions. However, further research with larger sample sizesand other routine medical procedures is warranted.
287.
Braaten, Alyssa J.; Parsons, Thomas D.; McCue, Robert; Sellers, Alfred; Burns, William J.
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 116, pp. 1271–1293, 2006.
@article{braaten_neurocognitive_2006,
title = {Neurocognitive Differential Diagnosis of Dementing Diseases: Alzheimers Demntia, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder},
author = {Alyssa J. Braaten and Thomas D. Parsons and Robert McCue and Alfred Sellers and William J. Burns},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/NEUROCOGNITIVE%20DIFFERENTIAL%20DIAGNOSIS%20OF%20DEMENTING%20DISEASES-%20ALZHEIMER%E2%80%99S%20DEMENTIA,%20VASCULAR%20DEMENTIA,%20FRONTOTEMPORAL%20DEMENTIA,%20AND%20MAJOR%20DEPRESSIVE%20DISORDER.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {116},
pages = {1271–1293},
abstract = {Similarities in presentation of Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder, pose differential diagnosis challenges. The current study identiï¬es speciï¬c neuropsychological patterns of scores for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Neuropsychological domains directly assessed in the study included: immediate memory, delayed memory, confrontational naming, verbal fluency, attention, concentration, and executive functioning. The results reveal speciï¬c neuropsychological comparative proï¬les for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. The identiï¬cation of these proï¬les will assist in the differential diagnosis of these disorders and aid in patient treatment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Similarities in presentation of Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder, pose differential diagnosis challenges. The current study identiï¬es speciï¬c neuropsychological patterns of scores for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Neuropsychological domains directly assessed in the study included: immediate memory, delayed memory, confrontational naming, verbal fluency, attention, concentration, and executive functioning. The results reveal speciï¬c neuropsychological comparative proï¬les for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. The identiï¬cation of these proï¬les will assist in the differential diagnosis of these disorders and aid in patient treatment.
288.
Rizzo, Albert; Graap, Ken; Pair, Jarrell; Reger,; Treskunov, Anton; Parsons, Thomas D.
User-centered design driven development of a virtual reality therapy application for Iraq war combat-related post traumatic stress disorder Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2006 International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technology, Esbjerg, Denmark, 2006.
@inproceedings{rizzo_user-centered_2006,
title = {User-centered design driven development of a virtual reality therapy application for Iraq war combat-related post traumatic stress disorder},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Ken Graap and Jarrell Pair and Reger and Anton Treskunov and Thomas D. Parsons},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/User-centered%20design%20driven%20development%20of%20a%20virtual%20reality%20therapy%20application%20for%20Iraq%20war%20combat-related%20post%20traumatic%20stress%20disorder.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2006 International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technology},
address = {Esbjerg, Denmark},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system in Iraq tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Other sites are preparing to use the application for a variety of PTSD and VR research purposes.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system in Iraq tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Other sites are preparing to use the application for a variety of PTSD and VR research purposes.
289.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Braaten, Alyssa J.; Hall, Colin D.; Robertson, R. Kevin
Better quality of life with neuropsychological improvement on HAART Journal Article
In: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, vol. 4, no. 11, 2006.
@article{parsons_better_2006,
title = {Better quality of life with neuropsychological improvement on HAART},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Alyssa J. Braaten and Colin D. Hall and R. Kevin Robertson},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Better%20quality%20of%20life%20with%20neuropsychological%20improvement%20on%20HAART.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Health and Quality of Life Outcomes},
volume = {4},
number = {11},
abstract = {Background: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have resulted in substantial improvements in the systemic health of HIV infected persons and increased survival times. Despite increased systemic health, the prevalence of minor HIV-associated cognitive impairment appears to be rising with increased longevity, and it remains to be seen what functional outcomes will result from these improvements. Cognitive impairment can dramatically impact functional ability and day-to-day productivity. We assessed the relationship of quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychological functioning with successful HAART treatment. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, subjects were evaluated before instituting HAART (naïve) or before changing HAART regimens because current therapy failed to maintain suppression of plasma viral load (treatment failure). Subjects underwent detailed neuropsychological and neurological examinations, as well as psychological evaluation sensitive to possible confounds. Re-evaluation was performed six months after institution of the new HAART regimen and/or if plasma viral load indicated treatment failure. At each evaluation, subjects underwent ultrasensitive HIV RNA quantitative evaluation in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Results: HAART successes performed better than failures on measures exploring speed of mental processing (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .02). HAART failure was significantly associated with increased self-reports of physical health complaints (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01) and substance abuse (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01). An interesting trend emerged, in which HAART failures endorsed greater levels of psychological and cognitive complaints (p = 06). Analysis between neuropsychological measures and QOL scores revealed significant. correlation between QOL Total and processing speed (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05), as well as flexibility (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05). Conclusion: Our study investigated the relationship between HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and quality of life. HAART failures experienced slower psychomotor processing, and had increased self-reports of physical health complaints and substance abuse. Contrariwise, HAART successes experienced improved mental processing, demonstrating the impact of successful treatment on functioning. With increasing life expectancy for those who are HIV seropositive, it is important to measure cognitive functioning in relation to the actual QOL these individuals report. The study results have implications for the optimal management of HIV-infected persons. Specific support or intervention may be beneficial for those who have failed HAART in order to decrease substance abuse and increase overall physical health.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have resulted in substantial improvements in the systemic health of HIV infected persons and increased survival times. Despite increased systemic health, the prevalence of minor HIV-associated cognitive impairment appears to be rising with increased longevity, and it remains to be seen what functional outcomes will result from these improvements. Cognitive impairment can dramatically impact functional ability and day-to-day productivity. We assessed the relationship of quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychological functioning with successful HAART treatment. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, subjects were evaluated before instituting HAART (naïve) or before changing HAART regimens because current therapy failed to maintain suppression of plasma viral load (treatment failure). Subjects underwent detailed neuropsychological and neurological examinations, as well as psychological evaluation sensitive to possible confounds. Re-evaluation was performed six months after institution of the new HAART regimen and/or if plasma viral load indicated treatment failure. At each evaluation, subjects underwent ultrasensitive HIV RNA quantitative evaluation in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Results: HAART successes performed better than failures on measures exploring speed of mental processing (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .02). HAART failure was significantly associated with increased self-reports of physical health complaints (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01) and substance abuse (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01). An interesting trend emerged, in which HAART failures endorsed greater levels of psychological and cognitive complaints (p = 06). Analysis between neuropsychological measures and QOL scores revealed significant. correlation between QOL Total and processing speed (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05), as well as flexibility (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05). Conclusion: Our study investigated the relationship between HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and quality of life. HAART failures experienced slower psychomotor processing, and had increased self-reports of physical health complaints and substance abuse. Contrariwise, HAART successes experienced improved mental processing, demonstrating the impact of successful treatment on functioning. With increasing life expectancy for those who are HIV seropositive, it is important to measure cognitive functioning in relation to the actual QOL these individuals report. The study results have implications for the optimal management of HIV-infected persons. Specific support or intervention may be beneficial for those who have failed HAART in order to decrease substance abuse and increase overall physical health.
290.
Miller, Karen J.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Whybrow, Peter C.; Herle, Katja; Rasgon, Natalie; Herle, Andre; Martinez, Dorothy; Silverman, Dan H.; Bauer, Michael
Memory Improvement with Treatment of Hypothyroidism Journal Article
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 16, no. 8, pp. 895–906, 2006.
@article{miller_memory_2006,
title = {Memory Improvement with Treatment of Hypothyroidism},
author = {Karen J. Miller and Thomas D. Parsons and Peter C. Whybrow and Katja Herle and Natalie Rasgon and Andre Herle and Dorothy Martinez and Dan H. Silverman and Michael Bauer},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Memory%20Improvement%20with%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {895–906},
abstract = {The consequences of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain and treatment effects of levothyroxine function are still poorly understood. This study prospectively assessed the effects of thyroid replacement therapy on cognitive function in patients suffering from biochemical evidenced, untreated hypothyroidism. Significant effects between the untreated hypothyroid group and control group were limited to verbal memory retrieval. When assessing the effects of 3-month treatment, results revealed that the treated hypothyroid group had significant increased verbal memory retrieval. Results suggest that specific memory retrieval deficits associated with hypothyroidism can resolve after replacement therapy with levothyroxine.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The consequences of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain and treatment effects of levothyroxine function are still poorly understood. This study prospectively assessed the effects of thyroid replacement therapy on cognitive function in patients suffering from biochemical evidenced, untreated hypothyroidism. Significant effects between the untreated hypothyroid group and control group were limited to verbal memory retrieval. When assessing the effects of 3-month treatment, results revealed that the treated hypothyroid group had significant increased verbal memory retrieval. Results suggest that specific memory retrieval deficits associated with hypothyroidism can resolve after replacement therapy with levothyroxine.
291.
Tröster, Alexander I.; Parsons, Thomas D.
Sodium Amytal Testing and Language Journal Article
In: Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics, vol. 11, pp. 500–503, 2006.
@article{troster_sodium_2006,
title = {Sodium Amytal Testing and Language},
author = {Alexander I. Tröster and Thomas D. Parsons},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Sodium%20Amytal%20Testing%20and%20Language.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics},
volume = {11},
pages = {500–503},
abstract = {The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) was first described by Juhn Wada and thus is often referred to as the 'Wada test.' Wada originally developed this technique to study the interhemispheric spread of epileptiform discharges in patients undergoing unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. Based on his observation that an expressive aphasia resulted when the language dominant hemisphere was injected with amobarbital, he reasoned that this technique might be useful in determining hemispheric language dominance in neurosurgical candidates (and thus minimize speech and language dysfunction in patients undergoing dominant hemisphere surgery).},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) was first described by Juhn Wada and thus is often referred to as the 'Wada test.' Wada originally developed this technique to study the interhemispheric spread of epileptiform discharges in patients undergoing unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. Based on his observation that an expressive aphasia resulted when the language dominant hemisphere was injected with amobarbital, he reasoned that this technique might be useful in determining hemispheric language dominance in neurosurgical candidates (and thus minimize speech and language dysfunction in patients undergoing dominant hemisphere surgery).
292.
Woods, Steven Paul; Rippeth, Julie D.; Conover, Emily; Carey, Catherine L.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Tröster, Alexander I.
Statistical Power of Studies Examining the Cognitive Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Journal Article
In: The Clinical Neuropsychologist, vol. 20, pp. 27–38, 2006, ISSN: 1385-4046.
@article{woods_statistical_2006,
title = {Statistical Power of Studies Examining the Cognitive Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease},
author = {Steven Paul Woods and Julie D. Rippeth and Emily Conover and Catherine L. Carey and Thomas D. Parsons and Alexander I. Tröster},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/STATISTICAL%20POWER%20OF%20STUDIES%20EXAMINING%20THE%20COGNITIVE%20EFFECTS%20OF%20SUBTHALAMIC%20NUCLEUS%20DEEP%20BRAIN%20STIMULATION%20IN%20PARKINSON%E2%80%99S%20DISEASE.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13854040500203290},
issn = {1385-4046},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {The Clinical Neuropsychologist},
volume = {20},
pages = {27–38},
abstract = {It has been argued that neuropsychological studies generally possess adequate statistical power to detect large effect sizes. However, low statistical power is problematic in neuropsychological research involving clinical populations and novel interventions for which available sample sizes are often limited. One notable example of this problem is evident in the literature regarding the cognitive sequelae of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current review, a post hoc estimate of the statistical power of 30 studies examining cognitive effects of STN DBS in PD revealed adequate power to detect substantial cognitive declines (i.e., very large effect sizes), but surprisingly low estimated power to detect cognitive changes associated with conventionally small, medium, and large effect sizes. Such wide spread Type II error risk in the STN DBS cognitive outcomes literature may affect the clinical decision-making process as concerns the possible risk of postsurgical cognitive morbidity, as well as conceptual inferences to be drawn regarding the role of the STN in higher-level cognitive functions. Statistical and methodological recommendations (e.g., meta-analysis) are offered to enhance the power of current and future studies examining the neuropsychological sequelae of STN DBS in PD.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
It has been argued that neuropsychological studies generally possess adequate statistical power to detect large effect sizes. However, low statistical power is problematic in neuropsychological research involving clinical populations and novel interventions for which available sample sizes are often limited. One notable example of this problem is evident in the literature regarding the cognitive sequelae of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current review, a post hoc estimate of the statistical power of 30 studies examining cognitive effects of STN DBS in PD revealed adequate power to detect substantial cognitive declines (i.e., very large effect sizes), but surprisingly low estimated power to detect cognitive changes associated with conventionally small, medium, and large effect sizes. Such wide spread Type II error risk in the STN DBS cognitive outcomes literature may affect the clinical decision-making process as concerns the possible risk of postsurgical cognitive morbidity, as well as conceptual inferences to be drawn regarding the role of the STN in higher-level cognitive functions. Statistical and methodological recommendations (e.g., meta-analysis) are offered to enhance the power of current and future studies examining the neuropsychological sequelae of STN DBS in PD.
293.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Parsons, Thomas D.; Sidtis, John J.; Inman, Tina Hanlon; Robertson, Wendy T.; Hall, Colin D.; Price, Richard W.
Timed Gait Test: Normative Data for the Assessment of the AIDS Dementia Complex Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, vol. 28, pp. 1053–1064, 2006, ISSN: 1380-3395.
@article{robertson_timed_2006,
title = {Timed Gait Test: Normative Data for the Assessment of the AIDS Dementia Complex},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Thomas D. Parsons and John J. Sidtis and Tina Hanlon Inman and Wendy T. Robertson and Colin D. Hall and Richard W. Price},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Timed%20Gait%20Test-%20Normative%20Data%20for%20the%20Assessment%20of%20the%20AIDS%20Dementia%20Complex.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13803390500205684},
issn = {1380-3395},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},
volume = {28},
pages = {1053–1064},
abstract = {The Timed Gait test is a standardized procedure assessing motor dysfunction of lower extremities and gait abnormalities associated with AIDS dementia complex. Heretofore, interpretations of Timed Gait results have been hampered by the lack of normative data. We provide results on this test derived from 1,549 subjects (HIV-seronegatives (HIV-) and seropositives (HIV+) classified according to ADC stage). Timed Gait was found to be a useful screening and assessment tool for evaluating ADC and correlated with clinical ADC staging as well as more extensive structured neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. Analysis of covariance results (with age and education as covariates) revealed symptomatic HIV+(SX) and AIDS groups having significantly slower Timed Gait scores than those in the HIV– and asymptomatic HIV+(ASX) groups. The SX group obtained significantly slower timed gait scores than those in the AIDS group. There was a significant increase in Timed Gait scores with each increase in dementia staging with the HIV- subjects having the fastest mean Timed Gait scores and the HIV+ dementia stage 2+ having the slowest. These normative data should prove useful in both recognition of ADC and treatment response. Given its minimal training requirements, the Timed Gait would have utility in resource limited settings.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Timed Gait test is a standardized procedure assessing motor dysfunction of lower extremities and gait abnormalities associated with AIDS dementia complex. Heretofore, interpretations of Timed Gait results have been hampered by the lack of normative data. We provide results on this test derived from 1,549 subjects (HIV-seronegatives (HIV-) and seropositives (HIV+) classified according to ADC stage). Timed Gait was found to be a useful screening and assessment tool for evaluating ADC and correlated with clinical ADC staging as well as more extensive structured neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. Analysis of covariance results (with age and education as covariates) revealed symptomatic HIV+(SX) and AIDS groups having significantly slower Timed Gait scores than those in the HIV– and asymptomatic HIV+(ASX) groups. The SX group obtained significantly slower timed gait scores than those in the AIDS group. There was a significant increase in Timed Gait scores with each increase in dementia staging with the HIV- subjects having the fastest mean Timed Gait scores and the HIV+ dementia stage 2+ having the slowest. These normative data should prove useful in both recognition of ADC and treatment response. Given its minimal training requirements, the Timed Gait would have utility in resource limited settings.
294.
Morie, Jacquelyn; Iyer, Kumar; Luigi, Donat-Pierre; Williams, Josh; Dozois, Aimee; Rizzo, Albert
Development of a Data Management Tool for Investigating Multivariate Space and Free Will Experiences Journal Article
In: Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 319–331, 2005.
@article{morie_development_2005,
title = {Development of a Data Management Tool for Investigating Multivariate Space and Free Will Experiences},
author = {Jacquelyn Morie and Kumar Iyer and Donat-Pierre Luigi and Josh Williams and Aimee Dozois and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Development%20of%20a%20Data%20Management%20Tool%20for%20Investigating%20Multivariate%20Space%20and%20Free%20Will%20Experiences%20in%20Virtual%20Reality.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-09-01},
journal = {Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback},
volume = {30},
number = {3},
pages = {319–331},
abstract = {While achieving realism has been a main goal in making convincing virtual reality (VR) environments, just what constitutes realism is still a question situated firmly in the research domain. VR has become mature enough to be used in therapeutic applications such as clinical exposure therapy with some success. We now need detailed scientific investigations to better understand why VR works for these types of cases, and how it could work for other key applications such as training. Just as in real life, it appears that the factors will be complex and multi-variate, and this plethoric situation presents exceptional challenges to the VR researcher. We would not want to lessen VR’s ability to replicate real world conditions in order to more easily study it, however, for by doing so we may compromise the very qualities that comprise its effectiveness. What is really needed are more robust tools to instrument, organize, and visualize the complex data generated by measurements of participant experiences in a realistic virtual world. We describe here our first study in an ongoing program of effective virtual environment research, the types of data we are dealing with, and a specific tool we have been compelled to create that allows us some measure of control over this data. We call this tool Phloem, after the botanical channels that plants use to transport, support and store nutrients.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
While achieving realism has been a main goal in making convincing virtual reality (VR) environments, just what constitutes realism is still a question situated firmly in the research domain. VR has become mature enough to be used in therapeutic applications such as clinical exposure therapy with some success. We now need detailed scientific investigations to better understand why VR works for these types of cases, and how it could work for other key applications such as training. Just as in real life, it appears that the factors will be complex and multi-variate, and this plethoric situation presents exceptional challenges to the VR researcher. We would not want to lessen VR’s ability to replicate real world conditions in order to more easily study it, however, for by doing so we may compromise the very qualities that comprise its effectiveness. What is really needed are more robust tools to instrument, organize, and visualize the complex data generated by measurements of participant experiences in a realistic virtual world. We describe here our first study in an ongoing program of effective virtual environment research, the types of data we are dealing with, and a specific tool we have been compelled to create that allows us some measure of control over this data. We call this tool Phloem, after the botanical channels that plants use to transport, support and store nutrients.
295.
Rizzo, Albert; Kim, Gerard J.; Yeh, Shih-Ching; Thiebaux, Marcus; Hwang, Jayne; Buckwalter, John Galen
Development of a Benchmarking Scenario for Testing 3D User Interface Devices and Interaction Methods Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human Computer Interaction, Las Vegas, NV, 2005.
@inproceedings{rizzo_development_2005,
title = {Development of a Benchmarking Scenario for Testing 3D User Interface Devices and Interaction Methods},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Gerard J. Kim and Shih-Ching Yeh and Marcus Thiebaux and Jayne Hwang and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Development%20of%20a%20Benchmarking%20Scenario%20for%20Testing%203D%20User%20Interface%20Devices%20and%20Interaction%20Methods.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-07-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human Computer Interaction},
address = {Las Vegas, NV},
abstract = {To address a part of the challenge of testing and comparing various 3D user interface devices and methods, we are currently developing and testing a VR 3D User Interface benchmarking scenario. The approach outlined in this paper focuses on the capture of human interaction performance on object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable block configurations that allow for measurement of speed and efficiency with any interaction device or method. The block configurations that we are using as benchmarking stimuli are accompanied by a pure mental rotation visuospatial assessment test. This feature will allow researchers to test usersX existing spatial abilities and statistically parcel out the variability due to innate ability, from the actual hands-on performance metrics. This statistical approach could lead to a more pure analysis of the ergonomic features of interaction devices and methods separate from existing user abilities. An initial test was conducted at two sites using this benchmarking system to make comparisons between 3D/gesture-based and 2D/mouse-based interactions for 3D selection and manipulation. Our preliminary results demonstrated, as expected, that the 3D/gesture based method in general outperformed the 2D/mouse interface. As well there were statistically significant performance differences between different user groups when categorized by their sex, visuospatial ability and educational background.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
To address a part of the challenge of testing and comparing various 3D user interface devices and methods, we are currently developing and testing a VR 3D User Interface benchmarking scenario. The approach outlined in this paper focuses on the capture of human interaction performance on object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable block configurations that allow for measurement of speed and efficiency with any interaction device or method. The block configurations that we are using as benchmarking stimuli are accompanied by a pure mental rotation visuospatial assessment test. This feature will allow researchers to test usersX existing spatial abilities and statistically parcel out the variability due to innate ability, from the actual hands-on performance metrics. This statistical approach could lead to a more pure analysis of the ergonomic features of interaction devices and methods separate from existing user abilities. An initial test was conducted at two sites using this benchmarking system to make comparisons between 3D/gesture-based and 2D/mouse-based interactions for 3D selection and manipulation. Our preliminary results demonstrated, as expected, that the 3D/gesture based method in general outperformed the 2D/mouse interface. As well there were statistically significant performance differences between different user groups when categorized by their sex, visuospatial ability and educational background.
296.
Alpaslan, Z. Y.; Yeh, S. -C.; Rizzo, Albert; Sawchuk, Alexander A.
Quantitative Comparison of Interaction with Shutter Glasses and Autostereoscopic Displays Proceedings Article
In: Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XII Symposium, San Jose, CA, 2005.
@inproceedings{alpaslan_quantitative_2005,
title = {Quantitative Comparison of Interaction with Shutter Glasses and Autostereoscopic Displays},
author = {Z. Y. Alpaslan and S. -C. Yeh and Albert Rizzo and Alexander A. Sawchuk},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Quantitative%20Comparison%20of%20Interaction%20with%20Shutter%20Glasses%20and%20Autostereoscopic%20Displays.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XII Symposium},
address = {San Jose, CA},
abstract = {In this paper we describe experimental measurements and comparison of human interaction with three different types of stereo computer displays. We compare traditional shutter glasses-based viewing with three-dimensional (3D) autostereoscopic viewing on displays such as the Sharp LL-151-3D display and StereoGraphics SG 202 display. The method of interaction is a sphere-shaped "cyberprop" containing an Ascension Flock-of-Birds tracker that allows a user to manipulate objects by imparting the motion of the sphere to the virtual object. The tracking data is processed with OpenGL to manipulate objects in virtual 3D space, from which we synthesize two or more images as seen by virtual cameras observing them. We concentrate on the quantitative measurement and analysis of human performance for interactive object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable configurations of 3D block objects. The experiments use a series of progressively more complex block configurations that are rendered in stereo on various 3D displays. In general, performing the tasks using shutter glasses required less time as compared to using the autostereoscopic displays. While both male and female subjects performed almost equally fast with shutter glasses, male subjects performed better with the LL-151-3D display, while female subjects performed better with the SG202 display. Interestingly, users generally had a slightly higher efficiency in completing a task set using the two autostereoscopic displays as compared to the shutter glasses, although the differences for all users among the displays was relatively small. There was a preference for shutter glasses compared to autostereoscopic displays in the ease of performing tasks, and glasses were slightly preferred for overall image quality and stereo image quality. However, there was little difference in display preference in physical comfort and overall preference. We present some possible explanations of these results and point out the importance of the autostereoscopic "sweet spot" in relation to the user's head and body position.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
In this paper we describe experimental measurements and comparison of human interaction with three different types of stereo computer displays. We compare traditional shutter glasses-based viewing with three-dimensional (3D) autostereoscopic viewing on displays such as the Sharp LL-151-3D display and StereoGraphics SG 202 display. The method of interaction is a sphere-shaped "cyberprop" containing an Ascension Flock-of-Birds tracker that allows a user to manipulate objects by imparting the motion of the sphere to the virtual object. The tracking data is processed with OpenGL to manipulate objects in virtual 3D space, from which we synthesize two or more images as seen by virtual cameras observing them. We concentrate on the quantitative measurement and analysis of human performance for interactive object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable configurations of 3D block objects. The experiments use a series of progressively more complex block configurations that are rendered in stereo on various 3D displays. In general, performing the tasks using shutter glasses required less time as compared to using the autostereoscopic displays. While both male and female subjects performed almost equally fast with shutter glasses, male subjects performed better with the LL-151-3D display, while female subjects performed better with the SG202 display. Interestingly, users generally had a slightly higher efficiency in completing a task set using the two autostereoscopic displays as compared to the shutter glasses, although the differences for all users among the displays was relatively small. There was a preference for shutter glasses compared to autostereoscopic displays in the ease of performing tasks, and glasses were slightly preferred for overall image quality and stereo image quality. However, there was little difference in display preference in physical comfort and overall preference. We present some possible explanations of these results and point out the importance of the autostereoscopic "sweet spot" in relation to the user's head and body position.
297.
Rizzo, Albert; Pair, Jarrell; McNerney, Peter J.; Eastlund, Ernie; Manson, Brian; Gratch, Jonathan; Hill, Randall W.; Swartout, William
Development of a VR Therapy Application for Iraq War Military Personnel with PTSD Book Section
In: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, vol. 111, no. 13, pp. 407+413, 13th Annual Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference, Long Beach, CA, 2005.
@incollection{rizzo_development_2005-1,
title = {Development of a VR Therapy Application for Iraq War Military Personnel with PTSD},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Jarrell Pair and Peter J. McNerney and Ernie Eastlund and Brian Manson and Jonathan Gratch and Randall W. Hill and William Swartout},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Development%20of%20a%20VR%20Therapy%20Application%20for%20Iraq%20War%20Veterans%20with%20PTSD.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Studies in Health Technology and Informatics},
volume = {111},
number = {13},
pages = {407+413},
address = {13th Annual Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference, Long Beach, CA},
series = {Medicine Meets Virtual Reality},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 returning Iraq War military personnel are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure therapy has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to specify the rationale, design and development of an Iraq War PTSD VR application that is being created from the virtual assets that were initially developed for theX-Box game entitled Full Spectrum Warrior which was inspired by a combat tactical training simulation, Full Spectrum Command.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 returning Iraq War military personnel are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure therapy has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to specify the rationale, design and development of an Iraq War PTSD VR application that is being created from the virtual assets that were initially developed for theX-Box game entitled Full Spectrum Warrior which was inspired by a combat tactical training simulation, Full Spectrum Command.
298.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert; Zaag, Cheryl; McGee, Jocelyn; Buckwalter, John Galen
Gender Differences and Cognition Among Older Adults Journal Article
In: Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, vol. 12, pp. 78–88, 2005.
@article{parsons_gender_2005,
title = {Gender Differences and Cognition Among Older Adults},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Albert Rizzo and Cheryl Zaag and Jocelyn McGee and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Gender%20Differences%20and%20Cognition%20Among%20Older%20Adults.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
journal = {Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition},
volume = {12},
pages = {78–88},
abstract = {The more replicated findings about gender difference in cognitive performance suggest female superiority on visuomotor speed and language ability and male superiority on mechanical and visuospatial tasks. Generally, group strengths found in the early school years become more established at adolescence and remain stable through adulthood. The current study tested whether the patterns established in the early years remained among 30 adult subjects. We also utilized a series of exploratory analyses to determine if observed gender differences were impacted by the covariance present between all cognitive tests. Results suggest that although the patterns established in the early years remain stable through time for males, the established patterns for females are altered with age. Our findings are compelling in supporting a male advantage on visuospatial tasks among older adults. These findings are discussed in terms of common variance between test instruments as a possible source of difference. Our finding that the gender effect tended to increase when common variance was controlled argues that this methodology may enhance the ability to detect domain specific effects.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The more replicated findings about gender difference in cognitive performance suggest female superiority on visuomotor speed and language ability and male superiority on mechanical and visuospatial tasks. Generally, group strengths found in the early school years become more established at adolescence and remain stable through adulthood. The current study tested whether the patterns established in the early years remained among 30 adult subjects. We also utilized a series of exploratory analyses to determine if observed gender differences were impacted by the covariance present between all cognitive tests. Results suggest that although the patterns established in the early years remain stable through time for males, the established patterns for females are altered with age. Our findings are compelling in supporting a male advantage on visuospatial tasks among older adults. These findings are discussed in terms of common variance between test instruments as a possible source of difference. Our finding that the gender effect tended to increase when common variance was controlled argues that this methodology may enhance the ability to detect domain specific effects.
299.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Mielke, Jens; Appiah, Kuku; Hall, Colin D.; Price, Richard W.; Kumwenda, Johnstone; Kanyama, Cecelia; Amod, Farida; Marra, Christina; Taylor, Terrie; Lalloo, Umesh; Jelsma, Jennifer; Holding, Penny; Boivin, Michael; Birbeck, Gretchen; Nakasujja, Noeline; Sanne, Ian; Parsons, Thomas D.; Parente, Amanda; Tucker, Karen A.
Assessment of neuroAIDS in Africa Journal Article
In: Journal of NeuroVirology, vol. 11, no. S1, pp. 7–16, 2005.
@article{robertson_assessment_2005,
title = {Assessment of neuroAIDS in Africa},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Jens Mielke and Kuku Appiah and Colin D. Hall and Richard W. Price and Johnstone Kumwenda and Cecelia Kanyama and Farida Amod and Christina Marra and Terrie Taylor and Umesh Lalloo and Jennifer Jelsma and Penny Holding and Michael Boivin and Gretchen Birbeck and Noeline Nakasujja and Ian Sanne and Thomas D. Parsons and Amanda Parente and Karen A. Tucker},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Assessment%20of%20neuroAIDS%20in%20Africa.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
journal = {Journal of NeuroVirology},
volume = {11},
number = {S1},
pages = {7–16},
abstract = {In June of 2004, the Center for AIDS Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a conference on the Assessment of NeuroAIDS in Africa, which was held in Blantrye, Malawai. The conference presentations summarized here highlight the need for research on NeuroAIDS in Africa and methods for assessing HIV-related neurological diseases (Robertson, 2004).},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In June of 2004, the Center for AIDS Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a conference on the Assessment of NeuroAIDS in Africa, which was held in Blantrye, Malawai. The conference presentations summarized here highlight the need for research on NeuroAIDS in Africa and methods for assessing HIV-related neurological diseases (Robertson, 2004).
300.
Rizzo, Albert; Morie, Jacquelyn; Williams, Josh; Pair, Jarrell; Buckwalter, John Galen
Human Emotional State and its Relevance for Military VR Training Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Las Vegas, NV, 2005.
@inproceedings{rizzo_human_2005,
title = {Human Emotional State and its Relevance for Military VR Training},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Jacquelyn Morie and Josh Williams and Jarrell Pair and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Human%20Emotional%20State%20and%20its%20Relevance%20for%20Military%20VR%20Training.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction},
address = {Las Vegas, NV},
abstract = {Combat environments by their nature can produce a dramatic range of emotional responses in military personnel. When immersed in the emotional "fog of war," the potential exists for optimal human decision-making and performance of goal-directed activities to be seriously compromised. This may be especially true when combat training is conducted under conditions that lack emotional engagement by the soldier. Real world military training often naturally includes stress induction that aims to promote a similarity of internal emotional stimulus cues with what is expected to be present on the battlefield. This approach to facilitating optimal training effectiveness is supported by a long history of learning theory research. Current Virtual Reality military training approaches are noteworthy in their emphasis on creating hi-fidelity graphic and audio realism with the aim to foster better transfer of training. However, less emphasis is typically placed on the creation of emotionally evocative virtual training scenarios that can induce emotional stress in a manner similar to what is typically experienced under real world training conditions. As well, emotional issues in the post-combat aftermath need to be addressed, as can be seen in the devastating emotional difficulties that occur in some military personnel following combat. This is evidenced by the number of recent medical reports that suggest the incidence of "Vietnam-levels" of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptomatology in returning military personnel from the Iraq conflict. In view of these issues, the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) has initiated a research program to study emotional issues that are relevant to VR military applications. This paper will present the rationale and status of two ongoing VR research programs at the ICT that address sharply contrasting ends of the emotional spectrum relevant to the military: 1. The Sensory Environments Evaluation (SEE) Project is examining basic factors that underlie emotion as it occurs within VR training environments and how this could impact transfer of training, and 2. The Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Project which is currently in the process of converting the existing FSW combat tactical simulation training scenario (and X-Box game) into a VR treatment system for the conduct of graduated exposure therapy in Iraq war military personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Combat environments by their nature can produce a dramatic range of emotional responses in military personnel. When immersed in the emotional "fog of war," the potential exists for optimal human decision-making and performance of goal-directed activities to be seriously compromised. This may be especially true when combat training is conducted under conditions that lack emotional engagement by the soldier. Real world military training often naturally includes stress induction that aims to promote a similarity of internal emotional stimulus cues with what is expected to be present on the battlefield. This approach to facilitating optimal training effectiveness is supported by a long history of learning theory research. Current Virtual Reality military training approaches are noteworthy in their emphasis on creating hi-fidelity graphic and audio realism with the aim to foster better transfer of training. However, less emphasis is typically placed on the creation of emotionally evocative virtual training scenarios that can induce emotional stress in a manner similar to what is typically experienced under real world training conditions. As well, emotional issues in the post-combat aftermath need to be addressed, as can be seen in the devastating emotional difficulties that occur in some military personnel following combat. This is evidenced by the number of recent medical reports that suggest the incidence of "Vietnam-levels" of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptomatology in returning military personnel from the Iraq conflict. In view of these issues, the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) has initiated a research program to study emotional issues that are relevant to VR military applications. This paper will present the rationale and status of two ongoing VR research programs at the ICT that address sharply contrasting ends of the emotional spectrum relevant to the military: 1. The Sensory Environments Evaluation (SEE) Project is examining basic factors that underlie emotion as it occurs within VR training environments and how this could impact transfer of training, and 2. The Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Project which is currently in the process of converting the existing FSW combat tactical simulation training scenario (and X-Box game) into a VR treatment system for the conduct of graduated exposure therapy in Iraq war military personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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