bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Modification of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Following a Cold Lesion
Authors: Raymond Jennifer J. , Robertson David M. , Dinsdale Henry B. , Nag Sukriti
Published: July 2016

The effect of desipramine, imidazole, thioridazine and trifluoperazine on blood-brain barrier(BBB) permeability after a 24 hour cold lesion was studied in rats. Changes in BBB permeability were determined using a quantitative horseradish peroxidase (HRP) assay. The four drugs tested did not alter the quantity of HRP in the cortex of control animals, or in the contralateral cortex of test animals. However, imidazole, desipramine and trifluoperazine significantly reduced the HRP extravasation in and around the cold lesion. Several mechanisms for this effect are suggested; one possible mechanism common to all these drugs is the reduction of increased vesicular transport in cortical vessels adjacent to the cold lesions.
Bromocriptine in the Management of End of Dose Deterioration in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Grimes J.D. , King D.B. , Kofman O.S. , Molina-Negro P. , Wilson A.F. , Bouchard S.
Published: July 2016

Thirty-three patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease complicated by end of dose deterioration were treated with bromocriptine. The drug was slowly increased so that by treatment week 24 the mean daily dose of bromocriptine was 22mg and levodopa had been decreased by an average of 15 percent. The majority of improvement in daily fluctuations and Parkinsonian disability score was documented by 8 weeks, at which time the mean daily bromocriptine dose was only 12mg.

End of dose deterioration was reduced in 78 percent of the patients (mean 43% improvement). Total Parkinsonian disability score was decreased by 33 percent. Adverse effects were minimal; the most common was mild transient early treatment nausea which occurred in 15 percent of the patients.

The slow introduction of small doses of bromocriptine, combined with minimal levodopa reduction, can give Parkinsonian patients significant improvement in end of dose deterioration.
Third Ventricle Choroid Plexus Carcinoma
Authors: Broad R.W. , Allen P.B.R.
Published: July 2016

Benign and malignant tumors of the choroid plexus in infancy are extremely uncommon. Diagnosis and management of a malignant tumor is described and the literature survey of the problem is presented.
Neurotransmitters in the Basal Ganglia
Authors: McGeer Edith G. , Staines William A. , McGeer Patrick L.
Published: July 2016

The literature is reviewed on the afferents and efferents of the caudate/putamen, globus pallidus and substantia nigra, and on the neurotransmitters occurring in the various tracts. Emphasis is placed upon the diverse roles played by GABA and glutamate as transmitters in motor pathways and upon the probability that the substantia nigra pars reticulata plays a pivotal role in the output of the basal ganglia. Excessive stimulation of the projection from the pedunculopontine tegmental area to the substantia nigra is shown to cause destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the latter nucleus, suggesting another possible mechanism for cell death in Parkinson’s disease.
Cross Correlation Studies in Primate Motor Cortex: Synaptic Interaction and Shared Input
Authors: Murphy John T. , Kwan Hon C. , Wong Yiu C.
Published: July 2016

Awake, unrestrained monkeys were trained to reach out with the forelimb and touch a button. Extracellular spike trains were recorded from pairs of neurons in contralateral precentral cortex with the same or separate microelectrodes. The neurons were located in the same or different functional columns as defined by intracortical microstimulation and passive sensory stimulation. Cross correlation analysis showed patterns consistent with synaptic excitation and/or inhibition between members of the cell pairs during the voluntary movement. The strength of correlation was inversely related to distance between columns, with the strongest correlations found between cells within the same column. Inhibitory correlations were virtually restricted to cell pairs within a single column. Temporal analysis showed that direct synaptic interaction and shared input patterns could be clearly distinguished in this physiologic setting. Spatial analysis indicated that shared input was concentrated among columns in the same and adjacent joint controlling zones as well as within a single column. No directional preference of shared input was present, a finding which was consistent with the observed nested organization of the forelimb area.
The Association of Extracranial and Intracranial Vascular Malformations in Children
Authors: Pascual-Castroviejo Ignacio
Published: July 2016

This review is an attempt to relate the types of angiomas and other cutaneous vascular lesions appearing in the face with abnormalities in the formation of cerebral vessels including arteries at their origin, veins and venous sinuses, and with other less constant alterations that affect other organs, particularly the heart and cerebellum. After angiographic study of a series of patients exhibiting diverse types of vascular nevi (capillary and cavernous hemangiomas, nevus flammeus, and lymphangiomas), a correlation was established for each type of dermal nevus with a corresponding group of intracranial vascular anomalies. An explanation of these malformations based on the embryological development of the principal cerebral vessels during the 7th and 8th weeks of gestation is offered. Involvement of the facial and scalp dermatome innervated by the first sensory trigeminal branch correlates most consistently with the presence of abnormal cerebral vessels. The capillary hemangioma occurs preferentially in girls and frequently is associated with developmental anomalies of major cerebral arteries characterised by the absence of some adult vessels and the persistence of others that should have disappeared during embryogenesis such as the fetal trigeminal artery. The complete angiographic exploration of the cerebral vessels from their origin in the aortic arch to the phase of intracranial venous evacuation may reveal unexpected important findings, and is recommended for children with majorfacial vascular nevi, even if they are neurologically asymptomatic.
Complications of Chemotherapy
Authors: Cairncross J.G. , Pexman W. , Farrell M. , Gilbert J.J. , Noseworthy J.
Published: July 2016

A 2-year-old previously healthy girl presented to hospital because of irritability, fatigue, pallor and lower extremity weakness. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (non-T non-B type) was diagnosed by peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspirate. Chemotherapy was given and included vincristine, prednisone, L-asparaginase and intrathecal methotrexate. In addition, blood and platelet transfusions were given as appropriate. A lumbar puncture showed no cells, glucose 2.7 mmol/L (normal 2.2 – 4.4 mmol/L), protein of 0.40 (normal 0.150 – 0.450 g/L).

A routine chest x-ray had shown probable spinal column anomalies subsequently confirmed on thoraco-lumbar views as splitting of the T10 and T11 vertebra with anterior fusion. Other examiners failed to demonstrate leg weakness and at discharge (5 weeks later) the child was walking normally.
Mononeuritis Multiplex Associated With Infectious Mononucleosis
Authors: Liveson J. A. , Goodgold J.
Published: July 2016

A patient with infectious mononucleosis was found to have a mononeuritis multiplex involving the long thoracic and contralateral supra-scapular nerves. A review of all cases of asymmetrical brachial neuropathy associated with infectious mononucleosis revealed involvement only of the upper brachial plexus. The associated severe tonsillitis or pharyngitis (ipsilateral to the neuropathy in 2 cases) suggests a relationship to the neuropathy via the lymph drainage which is to the region of the upper brachial plexus.
Syncope of Obscure Nature
Authors: Fisher C. M.
Published: July 2016

One hundred and eleven cases of syncope or loss of consciousness are analyzed. Most are of obscure nature while some illustrate features of syncope that deserve further scrutiny. The cases are divided into six groups: 1) Resembling cardiac syncope (30 cases); 2) vasovagal syncope (22 cases); 3) features of both cardiac and vasovagal syncope (12 cases); 4) orthostatic hypotensive (29 cases); 5) akinetic seizure? (12 cases); and 6) miscellaneous (5 cases). Some groups are subdivided according to the circumstances surrounding the spells, for example, seated eating, nocturnal, associated with bowel movement, response to anticonvulsant therapy, etc. The following conclusions seem warranted: 1) The evidence favors the existence of a type of akinetic seizure resembling cardiac syncope; 2) loss of consciousness while seated eating (prandial syncope) may comprise a syndrome; 3) syncope related to bowel movement or abdominal pain is a striking association; 4)sporadic nocturnal syncope due to temporary hyp or e activity ofbaroreceptors is not sufficiently recognized; 5) alcohol ingestion may precipitate orthostatic hy-poreactivity of baroreceptors is not sufficiently recognized; 5) alcohol ingestion may precipitate orthostatic hypotension. Familial syncope, syncope proneness and cold drink syncope are illustrated.
Treatment of Postanoxic Intention Myoclonus with Valproic Acid
Authors: Bruni J. , Willmore L.J. , Wilder B.J.
Published: July 2016

Valproic acid in therapeutic doses was used in the treatment of postanoxic intention myoclonus. Disappearance of the myoclonus occurred with marked improvement in the electroencephalogram. No significant side effects were noted. Hepatic function tests were monitored. Determination of valproic acid plasma levels was used to guide therapy. Levels above 55 ßg were generally required. The patient remains free of myoclonus after four and one half months.
Features Peculiar to the Trigeminal Innervation
Authors: Miles Timothy S.
Published: July 2016

The aspects of trigemina! sensory structure and function which are uniquely different from spinal systems are reviewed in this paper.

In the periphery, several unique arrangements of sensory receptors are seen, and appear to have unique sensory functions. The receptors in the cornea, the nasal mucosa, and the tooth pulp are morphologically unspecialized and are associated with “protopathic” sensory experiences. The important sensory functions of the mammalian vibrissae are also discussed, as well as their relationship to the anatomically distinctive cortical “barrels”.

Aspects of trigeminal proprioception are also of interest. The absence of spindles in some muscles and the unique central organization of trigeminal proprioceptive afférents in the jaw and extraocular muscles are of functional significance in the motor function of the jaw and the eye.

Trigeminal afférents are also involved in several complex autonomie reflexes. Characteristic changes in cardiovascular and respiratory function are elicited by various patterns of trigeminal sensory stimulation. These reflexes include the diving reflex, the oculo-cardiac reflex, naso-cardiorespira-tory reflexes, and the trigeminal depressor response. The clinical significance of these reflexes is discussed.

Several coordinated behavioral responses including suckling are also elicited from trigeminal afférents. The evidence implicating trigeminal afférents in eating and drinking behavior is presented.
Photically Induced Seizures in the Yellow Baboon, Papio Cynocephalus
Authors: Corcoran Michael E. , Cain Donald P. , Wada Juhn A.
Published: July 2016

Significant susceptibility to photically induced seizures has in the past been observed only in Senegalese baboons (Papio papio) and epileptic humans. However, we have unexpectedly observed a phot omy oclonic response to intermittent photic stimulation in 5 of a sample of 6 yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus).
Melanin Containing Neurofibroma: Case Report with evidence of Schwann Cell Origin of Melanin
Authors: Anderson Brian , Robertson David M.
Published: July 2016

This case report describes a melanin-containing neurofibroma involving a spinal nerve root. Electron microscopy of the tumor shows that neoplastic Schwann cells are capable of melanogene-sis. Although this capability is suggested in the literature, few reports provide ultra-structural confirmation.

The likely identity between reported “cellular blue nevi of spinal nerve roots” and nerve sheath tumors is discussed. It is possible that pigmented nerve sheath tumors behave more aggressively than nonpigmented ones, although it is debatable.
Cardiovascular Evaluation of Obligate Hétérozygotes in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Cote M. , Larose A. , Cimon M. , Lemieux B.
Published: July 2016

A study of 17 parents (obligate hétérozygotes) of children with Friedreich's ataxia was carried out. In addition to medical histories and physical examinations, a standard 12 lead ECG tracing was obtained. In the age group below 50, there was no significant evidence of ischaemic or primary cardiomyopathy. Older subjects had more frequent risk factors for arteriosclerotic heart disease.
The Neuropathy of Charlevoix-Saguenay Ataxia: An Electrophysiological and Pathological Study
Authors: Peyronnard J.M. , Charron L. , Barbeau A.
Published: July 2016

Two female patients aged 30 and 40 years with the Charlevoix-Saguenay ataxia were studied. Both had absent sensory action potentials in upper and lower extremities but, unlike typical cases of Friedreich's ataxia, they displayed a marked slowing of motor conduction velocities. Sural nerve biopsies taken from calf and ankle revealed a severe loss of large my elina ted axons contrasting with a normal myelinated fiber density. Evidence for active axonal degeneration was scarce, with no indication of axonal regeneration.

Teased myelinated fibers revealed an increased variability of internodal length but no evidence for myelin breakdown. These findings support, as a primary defect, a developmental abnormality of peripheral nerve, namely a lack of maturation of large myelinated axons and possibly a faulty myelination of nerve fibers. We think it is unlikely to represent a progressive axonal atrophie or dystrophic process, as suggested in Friedreich's ataxia.
Amino Acid Changes in Thiamine-Deficient Encephalopathy: Some Implications for the Pathogenesis of Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Butterworth R.F. , Hamel E. , Landreville F. , Barbeau A.
Published: July 2016

Thiamine-deficient encephalopathy in the rat is characterized by ataxie gait, loss of righting reflex and curvature of the spine. N euro chemie ai changes include a diminished activity of cerebral pyruvate decarboxylase leading to abnormal pyruvate oxidation. The present study shows that this defective pyruvate oxidation produces a significant depletion of three important amino acid neurotransmitters, namely gamma aminobuiyrie acid (GABA), glutamic acid, andaspartic acid. Such changes could lead to severe neuronal dysfunction and the observed neurological symptoms of thiamine deficiency. Some implications for the pathogenesis of Friedreich's ataxia are discussed.
The Syrian Golden Hamster: A Model for the Cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Azari J. , Reisine T. , Barbeau A. , Yamamura H.I. , Huxtable R.
Published: July 2016

In light of the available information on the cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's ataxia, the cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster may be an appropriate laboratory model. Cardiomyopathy in these animals is a result of calcium accumulation. We analyzed the atria and right and left ventricles from cardiomyopathic (CM) and random bred (RB) animals for calcium, magnesium, and iron concentrations at 30-40 and 60-70 days of age (age of maximum lesioning). There are no significant differences in the concentration of iron or magnesium among age-matched groups. The concentration of calcium in the left ventricles of the CM animals at 60 days old is 14 fold higher than that of R B animals. Although there is a significant difference in the concentration of calcium in the left ventricles of younger animals, it is not as pronounced as the difference in older animals. Analysis of the taurine concentration in 30-40 day old animals revealed that the CM animals show slightly higher taurine concentrations than RB in the whole heart. In 60 day old CM hamsters the ß-adrenergic receptor density of the ventricles is unchanged. This indicates that calcium overload is not due to a drene rg i c super sensitivity.
Pre- And Postsynaptic Effects of Taurine and Gaba in the Cockroach Central Nervous System
Authors: Hue B. , Pelhate M. , Chanelet J.
Published: July 2016

Taurine resembles G ABA in its synaptic effects in the cockroach cereal nerve giantfiber synapse where it exerts a depressant action upon synaptic transmission. Both taurine and G A B A produce an increased conductance of pre- and postsynaptic membranes through changes in the permeability of chloride ions.
Erythrocyte Membrane Lipids in Fríedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Draper P. , Huang Y.S. , Shapcott D. , Lemieux B. , Brennan M. , Barbeau A. , Davignon J.
Published: July 2016

In a study of the lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes in Friedreich's ataxia, the concentration of the major membrane components (phosr pholipids, cholesterol and protein) in ataxie patients, family members, and control subjects were found to be the same. The total fatty acid distribution was also normal. However, an altered distribution of phospholipid classes in erythrocytes was noted (an increase of PI + PS and a decrease of P E in Friedreich's ataxia patients).
Friedreich's Ataxia 1979: An Overview
Authors: Barbeau A.
Published: July 2016

This overview summarizes the investigations carried out during the second part of Phase Two of the Quebec Cooperative Study of Friedreich's Ataxia. These investigations outline in more details the fundamental role played by an abnormality in the fatty acid composition (deficient linoleic acid, 18:2) of the cholesterol esters of high density lipoproteins (HDL) in the phenotypic expression of the disease. They postulate a defective incorporation of linoleic acid to surface phos-phatidylcholine of chylomicrons and consequent relative and absolute decreases in lipoproteinprotein components because of overpacking with defective cholesteryl esters. Secondarily to these changes, the postulated lack of activation of the lipoamide dehydrogenase (LAD) of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex could result in slow pyruvate oxidation, glucose intolerance, deficient synthesis of acetylcholine, and depletion of glutamic and aspartic acid pools. In parallel, abnormal phosphatidyl-choline molecules could be incorporated to membranes, resulting in specific defects in some functions of these membranes, including transport of calcium and I or taurine and myelinization. The framework of an understanding of Friedreich's ataxia is now available, but much fundamental and clinical work remains to be done to fill in and prove each one of these postulated steps.
Blood-Injury-Injection Fears and Fainting: Nature, Assessment, and Management
Authors: Page Andrew C.
Published: July 2016

Blood-injection-injury phobia involves stimulus-bound fear and faintness. The present paper outlines a program of research that has been investigating the nature of symptoms elicited by these stimuli. The structure of the symptoms and their heritability is examined, and it is speculated that the symptoms may form a triphasic response of anticipatory anxiety, stimulus-bound fear, and faintness. The treatments for blood-injury-injection phobia are examined, and data suggesting ways to improve existing treatments are outlined.
Obsessional Indecision: Its Psychological Conceptualisation, Assessment, and Treatment
Authors: Dunne Peter , Llamas Michael
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the clinical entity of obsessional indecision. It argues for its conceptualisation as a form of “pure” obsessional disorder and discusses assessment issues and proposed intervention techniques. Data gathered from four patients treated by the authors is used to substarniate the arguments and points made. The paper illustrates the nature of the problem, as well as highlighting its varying topography and elucidating a novel treatment package that appears to show promise.
Future Directions in the Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders
Authors: Ward Tony , Hudson Stephen M.
Published: July 2016

Sexual offences against women and children constitute a serious and distressingly prevalent social problem. The psychological and emotional costs to victims and their families, the high reoffending rates of some types of offenders, and the financial costs of incarceration all highlight the urgent need for effective research and treatment of this problem behaviour. In the past two decades, a number of innovations have led to improved treatment of these difficult men. In addition, theories and models have been developed with the aim of furthering our understanding of sex offenders. In this paper we identify a number of issues within the broad areas of assessment and treatment that we believe to be problematic, and make some suggestions about ways of resolving these problems in the future.
The Need for Vigilance in Identifying Those at Risk from Drug-induced Headache
Authors: Forsyth Michael R. , Martin Paul R.
Published: July 2016

A case study is described to illustrate the need for vigilance in detecting drug-induced headache. A woman (“Jane”) volunteered for a headache research program, and assessment revealed a very high consumption of headache medication. Jane was taking an average of 21 tablets per day as well as receiving injections several times a week. The research staff directed her to record her medication, and to take these records to her doctor for review. Two general practitioners and a psychiatrist responded that there was no need for intervention, but the researchers were sufficiently concerned that they encouraged her to find another doctor. The fourth doctor admitted her to hospital immediately for detoxification with spectacularly beneficial results.
The Heterogeneity of Children's Social Difficulties and the Need for Multiple Assessment Measures
Authors: Ralph Alan
Published: July 2016

A structured diary was used to collect information about the informal peer interactions of 536 children in their final year at nine primary schools. Measures of self-concept, social avoidance, and popularity were also taken. Initially, seven different scores were derived from the information contained in the diary to produce the Adolescent Social Interaction Profile (ASIP). Previous research with the ASIP subsequently identified three factors labelled scale, scope, and enjoyment of peer interactions, that were separate from a fourth generic self-concept factor derived from self-report questionnaires. Inspection of the factor scores for 19 children with full data sets who received the fewest peer nominations showed considerable heterogeneity, with only 1 child scoring low on more than two of the four factors. More expedient composite scores were then derived that reflected the factor loadings for the two complex ASIP scores labelled scale and scope. The utility of these scores for identifying and monitoring specific aspects of peer interaction difficulties is discussed.
Teaching Children and Young Adults with Mental Retardation in School Programs: Current Research
Authors: Snell Martha E.
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the recent behavioural research on instruction of children and young adults with mental retardation in schools settings and community-based school programs. Instructional research in 12 skill areas (motor, self-care, communication, social skills, choice making, school behaviours, health and safety skills, home management, leisure skills, community use, vocational skills, and academics) meeting specified criteria on population (age and disability), location of instruction, functionality of skill, and research integrity was identified in 11 journals from 1990 through 1996. The pool of identified research is discussed by skill category and by intervention method, with critical comments made regarding strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions are drawn for practitioners and future researchers.
Empirically Validated Treatments and AACBT
Authors: King Neville J.
Published: July 2016

Recently, the American Psychological Association (APA; 1993) Division of Clinical Psychologists (Division 12) established a task force to define empirically validated treatment and make recommendations in relation to methods for educating mental health professionals, third-party payors, and the public about effective psychotherapies. Predictably, the task force report has a somewhat controversial status but continues to be an influential blueprint for the improvement of clinical psychology in various countries including Australia. The role of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (AACBT) is highlighted in relation to accreditation and mandatory professional development (Australian Psychological Society).
Out of the Rut: A Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Program for Driving-while-disqualified Offenders
Authors: Bakker Leon , Ward Tony , Cryer Marilyn , Hudson Stephen M.
Published: July 2016

Driving while disqualified represents a serious and recurrent social problem, with approximately 40% of convicted individuals reoffending. The high relapse (or recidivism) rates in this group are thought to be associated with compulsivity or addictive processes. In this paper we describe a cognitive-behavioural treatment program (relapse prevention) for offenders convicted of driving while disqualified. This program represents a significant innovation in the rehabilitation of persistent driving offenders, as in the past most intervention programs have focused on driver education and/or alcohol treatment. A major assumption of the relapse-prevention approach is that for many men their driving offences represent a maladaptive response to stressful events such as interpersonal conflict. Therefore, the primary treatment approach revolves around teaching individuals more effective ways to solve their interpersonal problems and to regulate negative affective states.
An Application of Azrin's Job Club Methodology to People Who Have Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Young Amanda E. , Murphy Gregory C. , Athanasou James A.
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the employment achievements of people following spinal cord injury, and briefly reviews the literature on methods used by job seekers in obtaining employment. The scientific literature on job seeking supports the social validity claims of Azrin's behaviourally-basedjob clubmethodology (Azrin, Flores, & Kaplan, 1975) and thus suggests that the job club approach might be successfully offered to people with a spinal cord injury who wish to work. A group case study is presented wherein a modified job club format was utilised with ten spinal cord injured people. Encouraging results were obtained, both in terms of changed behaviour and in actual employment status.
Maximising Resources for Servicing the Needs of Children Exhibiting Behaviour Problems in Primary School: The Shift from Withdrawal to Outreach
Authors: Ralph Alan , Strong Linda , Vaughan Kath
Published: July 2016

Socio-psycho-educational resource (SPER) centres were first established in Western Australia in 1977 for the purpose of educating and managing primary school-aged children with severe behaviour problems. Each centre functioned as a separate unit located on the campus of a host primary school. Selected children were initially withdrawn from their regular schools to attend the SPER centre where they received a specialised program aimed at decreasing their problematic behaviour. The host school assisted re-entry of SPER centre children into the mainstream by providing part-time integration within its regular classes prior to eventual return to the regular school. In 1988 the Coolbellup SPER Centre began to replace this withdrawal service model with an outreach model. By 1991 the preferred method was to deliver intervention programs within a child's home school. Data revealed that the outreach model was able to service in excess of three times as many children each year as the withdrawal model, with only a minimal increase in teaching staff and with an associated reduction in the length of waiting lists. Post hoc evaluation of student records demonstrated high levels of success for the outreach model, based on teacher ratings of improvement in rule following, peer interactions, and overall school behaviour and performance. Other benefits of the outreach program are discussed.
Teaching Coping Skills to Depressed Adolescents in High School Settings
Authors: Ralph Alan , Nicholson Linda
Published: July 2016

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in Year 10 students in two metropolitan high schools, and the implication of a short-term, school-based group intervention to assist students in coping with depression are described. A total of 260 students were screened using a multistage, multimethod procedure that resulted in 16% and 20% of students in each school meeting criteria for depression. Nine students identified as depressed from one school formed an initial treatment group and a matched wait-list control group was formed from students in the second school. Dependent measures included self-report measures of depression and self-concept, teacher ratings of classroom participation and demeanour, and school records of academic performance and absenteeism. Clinical improvements that maintained were noted for just over half of those in the initial treatment group, whereas no such changes occurred in the control group. Differences at follow-up were statistically significant, although not immediately posttreatment. Some improvements were also recorded for participation and demeanour in class. A subsequent, less intensive intervention with 12 students with more severe depressive symptoms from the second school was less effective. The results are discussed in relation to variations in delivery of the intervention program, and the severity and nature of problems experienced by the students who participated in each intervention.
The First 20 Years of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association
Authors: Birnbrauer Jay S.
Published: July 2016

Plans are underway to commemorate the 20th birthday of the ABMA at the 17th National Conference to be held in Perth in 1994. Attaining such milestones usually prompts, in addition to ceremony and celebration, interest in history, roots, trends and resolutions for the future. There may be curiosity about what is being celebrated. It is easy enough to count back to the first National Conference in 1978 to arrive at the number 17, but the 20th birthday is not so obvious. My purpose here is to assuage that curiosity and give my version of the events that have followed.
Handling Parents' Concerns Regarding the Behavioural Treatment of Infant Sleep Disturbance
Authors: France Karyn G.
Published: July 2016

Infant sleep disturbance (ISD) is widespread and troublesome. Although effective management techniques have been established, some lay and professional authors have expressed concern about these interventions. These concerns are sometimes shared by parents who seek professional advice while feeling ambivalent about undertaking treatment. These concerns include (a) that ISD is normal and inevitable, (b) that it results from unnatural or artificial cultural practices, (c) the belief that ISD expresses a need state, and (d) the belief that the use of extinction is harmful. These concerns are examined and the management of ISD by extinction and its alternatives are considered in the light of the ethics of professional practice. It is concluded that these concerns are best answered within the context of a professional relationship based on a partnership and the sharing of expertise with parents.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hopkins Oliver , King Neville
Published: July 2016

In recent years researchers and clinicians have paid increasing attention to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. Issues of definition and evaluation are discussed and studies of children subsequent to natural disasters, accident, war, sexual abuse and human-made traumas are reviewed. Issues relating to treatment and “debriefing” are also discussed.
Anxiety-related Attentional Biases in Childhood
Authors: Vasey Michael W.
Published: July 2016

Research indicates that highly anxious adults show an attentional bias favouring emotionally threatening over emotionally neutral stimuli. In contrast, low-anxious adults show a bias favouring neutral over threatening stimuli. Such attentional biases may play important roles in the regulation and dysregulation of anxiety. Therefore, they have substantial potential to foster or protect against the development, maintenance, or intensification of anxiety disorders. Evidence from several recent studies suggests that such biases also occur among children. This paper reviews these studies, placing particular emphasis on methodological issues that must be considered when applying methods from studies of adults to children of varying ages.
Test Anxiety in Girls and Boys: A Clinical—Developmental Analysis
Authors: Warren Margaret K. , Ollendick Thomas H. , King Neville J.
Published: July 2016

A large sample of children and adolescents were screened for test anxiety using the Test Attitude Inventory (Spielberger, 1980). Subjects with low and high test anxiety were then compared on self-report measures of trait anxiety, depression, and fear and then asked to report their thoughts and level of distress following an imagined test. Academic grades and performance on standardised achievement and ability tests were also obtained. High test-anxious children and adolescents reported higher levels of trait anxiety, depression, and fear as well as greater distress and cognitive interference during the imagined test. They also obtained lower grades and performed more poorly on the standardised measures. Age effects moderated these findings. Discussion focuses on the clinical and developmental implications of the findings.
Training Medical Students in Behavioural and Cognitive Strategies
Authors: Schofield Margot J. , Walsh Raoul A. , Sanson-Fisher Robert W.
Published: July 2016

It is argued that psychologists have an important role in ensuring appropriate training of medical students in behavioural and cognitive strategies. This paper outlines the innovative medical curriculum at the University of Newcastle and describes the contribution of cognitive psychology to the problem-solving method which underlies the curriculum. It also describes the medical school's approach to training students in interactional skills. One focus of the interactional skills training is to provide practical skills which incorporate behavioural and cognitive strategies to address common, preventable health problems, such as excessive alcohol consumption.
Behavioural Intervention Strategies in Education: Implications for Training Educational Professionals
Authors: Glynn Ted
Published: July 2016

Effective applied behavioural intervention in teaching and learning settings requires a knowledge and skill base in human development, school curriculum, and cultural issues, as well as competence in the principles of applied behaviour analysis. Simple applications of operant principles to increasing on-task behaviour and work output have been very effective. However, behavioural practitioners in education now require a broader perspective on the interactive social contexts in which teaching and learning take place. This paper reviews a range of intervention strategies in the area of literacy learning which have been devised within this perspective, namely (a) antecedent discussion of context, (b) explicit modelling of competent performance, (c) responsive written feedback, (d) incidental teaching, (e) errors as contexts for learning, (f) Pause, Prompt, Praise, (g) reciprocal learning and peer tutoring. In conclusion, some of the implications for the training of educational professionals are examined.
Convicted of Our Relevance: An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Blampied Neville M.
Published: July 2016

“I'd warned her that intellectuals didn't count for much in the scheme of things: but academics are like the clergy in their blind conviction that their vocation has relevance to the rest of the world.” (McCauley, 1990).

In the beginning, the founders of behaviour therapy were quite explicit about the link between basic laboratory research and their new therapies (Eysenck, 1960; Wolpe, 1958). Their claim that behaviour therapy was based on “modern learning theory” was not, however, without controversy (e.g., Breger & McGaugh, 1965; London, 1972); but while the logical necessity for appeal to laboratory research on learning might have been questioned (Breger & McGaugh, 1965), the historical contingencies linking Pavlov's dogs, Masserman's cats, and Wolpe's first systematic desensitisation patients can scarcely be questioned (American Psychological Association, 1980; Kazdin, 1978).

It is equally clear that there was a similar close historical link between laboratory studies of operant behaviour, especially by Skinner and his students, and the development of behaviour modification applications such as reinforcement therapy and the token economy (Kazdin, 1978; Krasner 1971; Skinner, 1953). Again, the continuing necessity for behaviour modification to be linked to basic research in operant behaviour has been challenged (Azrin, 1977; cf. Deitz, 1978) but the historic fact of the relationship is well established (Krasner, 1971).
Lectures, Prompts and Contracts to Promote Parental Safety
Authors: Seal Anne M. , Swerissen Hal
Published: July 2016

This study examined the effectiveness of lectures, prompts, and contracts in promoting maternal safety behaviours. The term maternal safety behaviours refers to any actions that mothers perform which will help prevent injuries to children, such as supervising toddlers near a swimming pool or storing poisons so that they are out of reach. Fifty-six mothers participated in a safety education program in one of four groups: (a) waiting-list control, (b) standard safety lecture, (c) lecture plus prompts (check-list), and (d) lecture plus prompts and contract. The results indicated that while there were no significant differences between groups in mothers' self-reported behaviours 6 to 8 weeks after the intervention, a consistent trend in the predicted direction was found. The results are discussed in relation to the need to develop more effective educational strategies based on behavioural techniques to promote parental safety within a minimal intervention framework.
Reducing Inappropriate Questioning Behaviour in an Adolescent with Autism: A Case Study
Authors: Dixon R.S. , Moore D.W. , Hartnett N. , Howard R. , Petrie K.
Published: July 2016

Self-management techniques have been shown to be less labour intensive than other intervention procedures and to produce changes in behaviour that endure. Autistic children have been successfully taught to use self-management techniques across a variety of settings. The present study used an AB design with a follow-up to assess whether self-monitoring could be successfully employed to reduce inappropriate questioning behaviour in a high-functioning autistic adolescent. Results show that self-monitoring was associated with a reduction in questioning behaviour and a qualitative change in the questions asked. These findings are discussed in relation to their possible implications for the successful integration of autistic children into the mainstream.
Childhood Coping: Avoiding a Lifetime of Anxiety
Authors: Kendall Philip C.
Published: July 2016

Short-term social judgments that involve avoidance can contribute to the production of a habit that forecloses on later adaptation. When a child uses avoidance in one setting, and then in another, the child may have already begun the foreclosure process. Short-term decisions have long-term consequences, and to reduce anxious avoidance in youth is to increase long-range opportunities. Teaching behavioural and cognitive skills to increase social competence and adaptation will increase opportunities and increase choice. In the ideal situation, the plan is to encourage the development of coping skills, to encourage the family and the school to provide opportunities for coping, and to encourage the social system to provide the rewards that will maintain nonanxious nonavoidant behaviour. The thrust of this presentation is (a) to review and integrate behavioural and cognitive theories that guide us to understand the nature of anxiety in youth, (b) to describe intervention strategies that build childhood coping, and (c) to consider the necessary environmental changes that are needed to maintain treatment-produced gains.
Psychosocial Interventions for Schizophrenia
Authors: Falloon Ian R. H. , Brooker Charles , Graham-Hole Victor
Published: July 2016

During the past decade there has been a major advance in clinical management of schizophrenic disorders (Falloon & Shanahan, 1990; Lam, 1991; Schooler & Hogarty, 1987). This has resulted from application of strategies based upon a vulnerability-stress model of mental disorders. This considers mental disorders to result from interactions between specific biological vulnerability and non-specific environmental stresses (Falloon & Fadden, 1993).

Therapeutic interventions derived from this model combine biomedical strategies, predominantly optimal pharmacotherapy, with psychosocial strategies that aim to enhance the capacity of the index patient and his/her social network to cope with the impact of environmental stresses on the course of the disorder. Ten controlled studies have been published since 1980 that meet minimal standards of research design, with follow-up for at least 1 year (Bellack, Turner, Hersen, & Luber, 1985; Falloon, 1985; Gunderson et al., 1984; Hogarty et al., 1986; Leff, Kuipers, Berkowitz, Eberlein-Fries, & Sturgeon, 1982; Leff et al., 1989; Malm, 1982; McFarlane, 1990; Tarrier et al., 1988; Wallace & Liberman, 1985). Nine also provided 2-year results. Overall, these studies show that the addition of psychosocial strategies to optimal case management and long-term drug prophylaxis halves the rate of major clinical exacerbations in people suffering from schizophrenia. This benefit is most notable during the first year after a major schizophrenic episode, particularly when the psychosocial interventions encompass patients' immediate social support systems, usually the family or marital household (Falloon, 1985; Hogarty et al., 1986; Leff et al., 1982; Leff et al., 1989; McFarlane, 1990; Tarrier et al., 1988).
Concurrent Treatment of Marital and Child Behaviour Problems in Behavioural Family Therapy
Authors: Dadds Mark R.
Published: July 2016

Much research has demonstrated that marital discord and divorce are risk factors for the development of childhood behavioural and emotional disorders. Although theoretical models and research programs that focus attention on possible mechanisms of influence are scarce, it is clear that marital discord can powerfully influence children via its effect on spouse's parenting behaviour. Thus, marital discord can represent a significant impediment for intervention programs that aim to help children by providing parent training. It is argued that marital and child focused interventions can be successfully integrated in behavioural family therapy. A description of the process and content elements of such an integration is presented, and future directions for research and practice are discussed.
Childhood Autism: What Do We Know and Where Should We Go?
Authors: Prior Margot R.
Published: July 2016

The object of this paper is to provide a brief review of current knowledge of childhood autism. A sketch of the most recent knowledge concerning diagnosis, aetiology, patterns of cognitive disability, and treatment approaches is provided. In the second part of the paper, areas of research needing further development to enhance our understanding of the syndrome are identified, along with some suggested strategies for future work.
Collecting Parent Reports of Behaviour: A Clinical Note
Authors: MacDougall Colin
Published: July 2016

The aim of this clinical note is to describe a cost effective method of collecting parent reports of their children's behaviour, and to stimulate research and discussion about its application.

The method was developed in a community based children's mental health clinic which saw many parents who sought help to improve the noncompliant behaviour of their children. Behavioural methods were used extensively because they often lead to lasting changes, are cost effective, and are accepted by parents.

An 8-week group program taught parents to observe and record their children's behaviour, and to use these records with behaviour management skills and problem-solving techniques to develop their own approach to discipline. Behaviour management skills included reinforcement, time-out, extinction, effective use of commands, house rules, and contracts.

Therapists wanted to collect data frequently to assess problems, tailor an intervention program for the family's needs, and to evaluate the extent and maintenance of change. In addition, therapists wished to monitor the client's progress and involvement with the program and take early steps to correct any problems. The research component required regular data to evaluate the overall outcome and to analyse the effect of particular components of the program.

Unfortunately, the methodological standard of using independent observers to rate changes in the behaviour of families was judged to be inappropriate in the clinic. With a small number of staff facing a high demand for services, it was argued that the expense of independent observers was difficult to justify. Staff favouring nonbehavioural approaches and those less enthusiastic about research perceived the use of independent observers as intrusive and unwieldy. There was no easy access to researchers, grant funds, or tertiary institutions who could assist.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Technique with a Chronic Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Gale Ian G.
Published: July 2016

Detailed neuropsychological investigation of a schizophrenic patient found a deficit in functions usually attributed to the left parieto-occipital region. Interventions designed to exercise the putatively left parieto-occipital functions (‘understanding the verbal expression of spatial relationships’) and to exercise putatively right hemisphere functions (exercises based on Edwards' — ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’) were compared. The patient demonstrated lowest levels of hallucinatory behaviour, aggressive verbal outbursts, and physical aggression during phases when right hemisphere exercises were programmed. Possible reasons for this outcome are examined.
Assessment of Positive and Negative Affect as a Result of Thoughts and Real-life Experiences
Authors: Dua Jagdish
Published: July 2016

Cognitive behaviour therapists have argued that certain types of maladaptive thoughts cause affective distress and psychological problems faced by the individuals. The paper reports on a scale which assesses the degree to which peoples' thoughts and real-life experiences cause negative affect and positive affect (the THARL Scale). The Scale has been found to be a reliable and valid instrument.