Publications

@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.},

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pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@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}

}

@article{martinovski_framework_2006,

title = {Framework for analysis of mitigation in courts},

author = {Bilyana Martinovski},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Framework%20for%20analysis%20of%20mitigation%20in%20courts.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Pragmatics},

abstract = {This paper presents an activity-based framework for empirical discourse analysis of mitigation in public environments such as Swedish and Bulgarian courtroom examinations. Mitigation is defined as a pragmatic, cognitive and linguistic behavior the main purpose of which is reduction of vulnerability. The suggested framework consists of mitigation processes, which involve mitigating argumentation lines, defense moves, and communicative acts. The functions of mitigation are described in terms of the participants' actions and goals separately from politeness strategies. The conclusions and observations address two things: issues related to the pragmatic theory of communication especially mitigation and issues related to the trial as a social activity. For instance, non-turn-taking confirmations by examiners are often followed by volunteered utterances, which in some cases may be examples of 'rehearsed' testimonies. At the same time the witnesses' tendency to volunteer information even on the behalf of their own credibility indicates that they also favor pro-party testimonies. Despite the objective judicial role of the prosecutor or judge and/or despite the examiners accommodating style the verbal behavior of the witnesses exhibits constant anticipation of danger.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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}

}

@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}

}

@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}

}

@article{kwon_unsupervised_2005,

title = {Unsupervised Speaker Indexing Using Generic Models},

author = {Soon-il Kwon and Shrikanth Narayanan},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Unsupervised%20Speaker%20Indexing%20Using%20Generic%20Models.pdf},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-09-01},

journal = {IEEE Transactions on Speech and Audio Processing},

volume = {13},

number = {5},

pages = {1004–1013},

abstract = {Unsupervised speaker indexing sequentially detects points where a speaker identity changes in a multispeaker audio stream, and categorizes each speaker segment, without any prior knowledge about the speakers. This paper addresses two chal- lenges: The first relates to sequential speaker change detection. The second relates to speaker modeling in light of the fact that the number/identity of the speakers is unknown. To address this issue, a predetermined generic speaker-independent model set, called the sample speaker models (SSM), is proposed. This set can be useful for more accurate speaker modeling and clustering without requiring training models on target speaker data. Once a speaker-independent model is selected from the generic sample models, it is progressively adapted into a specific speaker-depen- dent model. Experiments were performed with data from the Speaker Recognition Benchmark NIST Speech corpus (1999) and the HUB-4 Broadcast News Evaluation English Test material (1999). Results showed that our new technique, sampled using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, gave 92.5% indexing accuracy on two speaker telephone conversations, 89.6% on four-speaker conversations with the telephone speech quality, and 87.2% on broadcast news. The SSMs outperformed the universal background model by up to 29.4% and the universal gender models by up to 22.5% in indexing accuracy in the experiments of this paper.},

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pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}