bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panbiogeography 1981-91: development of an earth/life synthesis
Authors: Grehan J.R.
Published: March 2008

Contributions to the method and theory of panbiogeography are reviewed in relation to a New Zealand interest that arose from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Panbiogeography was developed by Leon Croizat in the 1950s, but ignored by prominent evolutionary theorists in favour of traditional explanations of geographic distribution established from Darwin's time. The New Zealand interest has provided a critical reappraisal of Croizat's work and its continued relevance to evolutionary theory through new developments in method and synthesis.

Panbiogeography is presented in this review as an exploration of Hooker's paradox - the problem of integrating contradictory aspects of earth and life in space/time. Croizat's approach to biogeography involved analyses of geographic distribution by linking localities together to form line graphs called tracks. Analysis and interpretation of tracks has been developed by application of graph theory techniques for quantitative and statistical measures of track inter-relationships and their biogeog raphic significance.

Panbiogeographic approaches have developed the application of defining features called 'baselines' that represent spatial characters for biogeographic homology. Ocean basins comprise important biogeographic features for the baseline orientation of tracks. This approach has resulted in a new classification system where ocean basins are the natural biogeographic regions while major landmasses are located at regional boundaries. This subsumes the conflicts and contradictions inherent in the geographic classifications developed from Wallace onwards.

Panbiogeographic correlation of tracks with tectonic features provides a geographic basis for interpreting the evolutionary relationship between earth and life. Different standard tracks are compared in reference to the associated tectonic features such as spreading ridges, fault systems and suture zones. Novel geological predictions generated from distributional and tectonic congruence illustrated for the Americas, and for New Zealand where a novel parallel arcs model has been proposed for its natural history and evolution.

The conceptual implications for evolutionary ecology are explored in terms of life evolving as a 'geological' layer where organism-environment relationships evolve through coconstruction of interdependent processes rather than by interaction of organisms and environments as separately preformed entities. Progress in panbiogeography over the last decade provides a significant contribution to evolutionary theory through the continued development of a spatiotemporal synthesis for understanding biological and geological processes responsible for local and global biodiversity.
Holocene palynology: II human influence and vegetation change
Authors: Edwards Kevin J. , MacDonald Glen M.
Published: March 2008

Much palynological research has focused upon the role of humans in influencing the development of vegetation. This continues to be the case in Europe and anthropogenic studies in pollen analysis now extend to most parts of the world. An attempt is made to present some of the major research published between 1985 and mid-1991. The material selected represents a broad range of palynological applications and geographical areas. Methodological aspects include fine resolution, spatial and absolute pollen studies. Area studies concentrate upon Europe (with particular emphasis on the Corylus maximum, the Alnus rise and the Ulmus decline horizons in northwest European pollen diagrams), and to a lesser extent on North America, although available literature from other continents is also examined. It is concluded that a relatively small quantity of literature is devoted to methodology, but that it points the way to likely advances in elucidating human involvement in vegetation change. Fine resolution investigations may enable temporally precise changes in pollen spectra to be discerned and hence remove some of the inadequacies of coarse sampling procedures. Spatial studies reveal the complexity of palaeovegetational landscapes and the role of humans in their disturbance. Optimizing methods in the detection of cereal-type pollen grains provides challenges to both palynologists and archaeologists concerning the evidence for early agriculture. The potential of absolute data in examining human activity in forested areas is also shown. The palynological demonstration of hunter-gatherer and agricultural impacts beyond Europe is welcomed. The increasing use of microscopic charcoal data for investigating fire-vegetation relationships in cultural contexts is promising.
Landfill Gas Venting for Agricultural Restoration
Authors: Spreull W. John , Cullum Susan
Published: March 2008

A sand and gravel quarry at Great Sunnings near Upminster in Essex was backfilled with industrial and commercial waste (non-household municipal waste) in the process of restoration to agriculture. These waste types contain significantly less putrescible materials than domestic waste, nevertheless previous experience of farming such refilled land has resulted in crop damage and lowering of yields in early years following restoration due to the adverse effects of landfill gases. These effects may be two-fold: (a) removal of oxygen from the soil and (b) toxic effects of the gases, e.g. carbon dioxide and ethylene. A landfill gas venting system in conjunction with a capping layer was installed at the site before soil replacement and cultivations, following which winter wheat was sown in the same year as soil replacement. Data was recorded on the gas venting scheme and the agricultural activities with a view to establishing whether such a concept is a practical proposition for future restoration under similar circumstances and with comparable conditions. It is considered that the trials show the scheme to be workable.
Urea-Formaldehyde Foam as a Landfill Cover Material: Simulated Landfill Investigations
Authors: Graven Johannes T. , Pohland Frederick G.
Published: March 2008

A study was conducted, utilizing simulated landfill cells, to assess the relative suitability of urea-formaldehyde foam as an alternative landfill cover material. Research efforts were directed toward assessment of the extent and impact of formaldehyde leaching within the landfill environment when combined with natural processes of stabilization, and determination of the relative contribution of formaldehyde leached from the foam as compared with the other constituents present in the solid waste. The formaldehyde detected in the leachate samples (3-4.0 mg 1-1), some of which was attributable to the solid waste itself, was determined not to adversely affect the microbially mediated processes of stabilization within the landfill, even though the amount of foam used during this study (2.8 g kg-1 dry solid waste) was considered to be greater than that which may be typically used at a landfill (0.5-1.5 g kg-1). Furthermore, as stabilization progressed, formaldehyde was converted and reduced in concentration. Consequently, adverse environmental impacts attributable to the release of formaldehyde from urea-formaldehyde foam within a landfill environment were considered unlikely to occur.
Design and Operation of Leachate Control Measures At Compton Bassett Landfill Site, Wiltshire, U.K
Authors: Robinson Howard
Published: March 2008

This paper describes the conversion of a difficult landfill, inherited by Wiltshire County Council during local government re-organization in 1974, into a high-standard landfill, providing containment of wastes. It can now provide the capacity to continue to receive wastes for at least the next 30 or 40 years. An essential feature of these works is an on-site, automated leachate treatment plant. The design philosophy and difficulties encountered during the commissioning of the plant are described in this paper. Initial difficulties in treating large quantities of methanogenic leachate from saturated areas of waste have been overcome by a novel scheme, whereby a high-strength organic waste stream from a local jam factory is blended with the influent leachate streams for optimum treatment conditions.
Impact On Health of Chlorinated Dioxins and Other Trace Organic Emissions
Authors: Ahlborg Ulf G. , Victorin Katarina
Published: March 2008

The potential health effects of incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) have been studied by the Swedish National Institute of Environmental Medicine.

The greatest concern for health effects relates to the emission of PCDDs and PCDFs ("dioxins"). MSW incineration is presently estimated to be a large source for the emission of these compounds into ambient air. Based upon animal experiments, and by applying safety factors in the range 200-1000, a highest tolerable daily intake (TDI) has been estimated to be 1-5 pg kg-1 of TCDD for humans. This TDI-value has been extended to cover all the congeners of PCDDs and PCDFs by the application of the concept of "TCDD-equivalents" (Eadon et al., 1983). The high concentrations found in human breast milk and fish indicate that the TDI value may be exceeded, especially among breast-milk fed babies. If the emission can be reduced to the proposed Swedish limit value of 0.1 ng m-3n TCDD-equivalents, or less, the contribution from this source will be lowered. MSW incineration can be considered acceptable when the following aspects are taken into account: the risk estimation for TDI is conservative; there is no indication that man belongs to the most sensitive species although infants may be particularly sensitive; available studies indicate that the concept of TCDD-equivalents used overestimates the effect of mixtures of PCDDs and PCDFs; present levels in fish and human milk reflect the cumulative effect of many years of emission. Besides PCDDs and PCDFs, MSW incineration also gives rise to relatively high emissions of PAH, chlorinated PAH, phenols, benzenes and mutagenic substances under less well controlled combustion conditions. The emission of organic compounds is generally dependent on the combustion efficiency. If the combustion process is optimized and advanced flue-gas cleaning is applied so that the emission of TCDD-equivalents does not exceed 0.1 ng m-3, the emission of other organics probably will not cause significant health hazards.
Sources and Relative Importance of PCDD and PCDF Emissions
Authors: Rappe Christoffer , Andersson Rolf , Bergqvist Pers-Anders , Brohede Christina , Hansson Marianne , Kjeller Lars-Owe , Lindström Gunilla , Marklund Stellan , Nygren Martin , Swanson Stephen E. , Tysklind Mats , Wiberg Karin
Published: March 2008

Polychlorinated dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) have been identified in technical products and pesticides, most of which are not very widely used today. Other sources are incinerators of various types like MSW incinerators, hazardous waste incinerators and industrial incinerators. PCDDs and PCDFs have also been identified in exhausts from cars running on leaded gasoline with halogenated additives. Background levels of PCDDs and PCDFs have been identified in fish and other aquatic organisms from the Great Lakes and the Baltic Sea, and also in human adipose tissue samples from U.S.A., Canada, Sweden, Japan and Vietnam as well as in samples of breast milk from Sweden, Denmark, West Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia and Vietnam. The isomeric pattern in all these biological samples is very similar. The relative importance of different sources to the general background is difficult to estimate although the contribution of direct inhalation from point sources like MSW incinerators is small.
Problems Associated With the Measurement of PCDD and PCDF Emissions From Waste Incineration Plants
Authors: Hagenmaier Hanspaul , Brunner Hermann , Haag Roland , Kraft Michael , Lützke K.
Published: March 2008

Fly ash and stack gases from municipal waste and industrial incinerators in the F.R.G. have been analyzed for dioxins (PCDD and PCDF). Most of the currently used procedures of stack gas sampling for PCDD/PCDF have been compared and were found to be equally effective. Differences are found, however, in the recovery of surrogates added to the sampling train before sampling, which makes it difficult to validate the sampling procedure. The analysis for PCDD/PCDF in stack gas or fly ash samples from municipal waste incinerators can no longer be considered an analytical problem. Thirty samples of stack gas from a single (old) municipal waste incinerator showed wide variation in PCDD/PCDF emission, indicating that single measurements are not useful in characterizing a plant for average PCDD/PCDF emission. It will be extremely difficult to correlate plant operating conditions to PCDD/PCDF stack gas emissions or PCDD/PCDF fly ash concentrations, because the effects produced by changing conditions are obscured by the variations which occur in PCDD/PCDF concentrations during steady conditions. The variations found under steady conditions can be explained by the proposed mechanisms of PCDD/PCDF formation and decomposition at low temperatures catalyzed by fly ash. Incineration of hospital waste and pyrolytic reclamation of copper in cables and aluminium produced significant emission of PCDD/PCDF. A major non-combustion source of higher chlorinated PCDD/PCDF (tetra- to octa-isomers) is pentachlorophenol, a widespread preservative which contributes to the PCDD/ PCDF concentrations found, for example, in sewage sludge, river sediments and house dust.
Optimization of Combustion Conditions To Minimize Dioxin Emissions
Authors: Hasselriis Floyd
Published: March 2008

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) may enter an incinerator with the waste, be created in poor combustion or form in post-combustion zones under certain conditions of temperature and oxygen. Tests of MSW burning plants show a wide range of emissions of PCDD and PCDF. Diagnostic tests show the relationship between combustion conditions and the emission of PCDD/DF before and after emission controls. Mixing effectiveness, tightness of control, moisture, furnace and post-furnace temperatures, and the use of lime and reduced temperatures for acid-gas control all have an effect on emissions of trace organics. Carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen, moisture and furnace temperature have been found to be closely related to PCDD/PCDF emissions. By control of temperature and/or oxygen, and the use of CO as an indicator, it is possible to find and maintain optimum combustion conditions so as to minimize dioxins and furans. Plants having acid-gas controls reduce emissions below those achieved by good combustion alone.
Emission of Trace Organics From Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators—Rationale of National Guidelines in the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Barniske L.
Published: March 2008

In the Federal Republic of Germany a working party has developed recommendations for dealing with the dioxin problems posed by waste incineration. According to these recommendations limit values for dioxin emissions are neither necessary nor practical. However, from the point of view of preventive environmental protection, dioxin emissions should be further reduced as far as is possible with present-day technology. The TA Luft (Technical Instructions for Maintaining Air Quality) contains stipulations and advice on this. The most significant of the solid residues from waste incinerators are the filter ashes as they have a high dioxin content. The working party of Länder (states) has compiled a catalogue of recommendations for the disposal of filter ashes. The transport of solid residues from solid waste incinerators is controlled under the Abfallgesetz (Waste Act) and regulations passed in connection with this act and under the Gefahrgutverordnung Strasse—GGVS (Regulation on the transport of dangerous freight by road). The latter stipulates at what level of dioxin certain transport conditions must be respected. The new Gefahrstoffverordnung—GefStoffV (Regulation on dangerous substances) prohibits substances containing dioxin in concentrations above a certain level from being placed on the market. It does not apply to residues from solid waste incinerators.
The Problems Associated With Building On Landfill Sites
Authors: Emberton J.R. , Parker A.
Published: March 2008

Potential hazards facing landfill site developers are gas production, attack of building materials and subsidence. At some sites successful development may be possible provided that buildings are designed to overcome these problems. Design criteria are given with particular emphasis being placed on methods for preventing gas ingress. Examples of suitable buildings, which have been erected in the U.K. and the U.S.A. are given.
Integrated Biogas Technology in the Tropics. 2. Use of Slurry for Fish Culture
Authors: Edwards P. , Polprasert C. , Rajput V.S. , Pacharaprakiti C.
Published: March 2008

The composite slurry from four 3.5-m3 ferrocement digesters fed a mixture of nightsoil, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and rice straw was loaded into four 200-m2 earth fish ponds at organic loading rates of 25, 50, and 100 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD) ha-1 day-1. Impressive extrapolated net fish yields of about 10 kg ha-1 day-1 (3.7 ton ha -1 year-1) were obtained at the highest organic loading rate, equivalent to loading rates of about 120 kg total solids and 4.5 kg total Kjeldahl nitrogen ha-1 day-1. There may be potential for even greater yields from biogas slurry fed fish ponds because the relationship between net fish yield and slurry loading rate was linear. Constraints in the development of integrated biogas technology for poor farmers in the tropics are likely to be associated with the digester rather than with the reuse of slurry for fish culture.
The Revolving-Type Fluidized-Bed Incinerator: Its Basic Performance in Msw Combustion
Authors: Saito Harumitsu , Kosugi Shigeru , Sato Keiichi
Published: March 2008

For the purpose of investigating basic combustion characteristics of fluidized-bed incinerators, two types of test incinerator were built and subjected to refuse incineration tests burning non-shredded refuse. For stable operation of a fluidized-bed incinerator, it is very important to keep an adequate fluidized bed temperature, and this can be accomplished for various types of refuse by adequately controlling and selecting the combustion characteristics. Through temperature measurement and gas analysis in the incinerator, the factors that could affect the fluidized bed temperature were identified. Also, by comparison of conventional-type fluidized-bed incinerators and revolving-type fluidized-bed incinerators, it became clear that the latter type was able to keep its bed temperature more stable. This is quite desirable for a heat recovery type incinerator.
A Rapid Technique for Characterization and Proximate Analysis of Refuse-Derived Fuels and Its Implications for Thermal Conversion
Authors: Agrawal Ravindra K.
Published: March 2008

In this paper, a thermogravimetric procedure is described for obtaining information on the proximate analysis of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). In order to estimate the heating value of municipal solid waste (MSW), the concept of characterizing the combustible portion of MSW into low-calorific fuel (LCF) and high-calorific fuel (HCF) fractions is suggested. Based on the evolution of volatiles at low temperatures (LTV) and high temperatures (HTV), a technique to estimate the amounts of LCF and HCF fraction in RDF is proposed. The usefulness of LTV and HTV in designing and optimizing the operation of thermal conversion systems is also discussed briefly.
Short-Rotation Tree Plantations At Sanitary Landfills
Authors: Ettala Matti O.
Published: March 2008

Short-rotation tree plantations were studied at six sanitary landfills in southern Finland. Altogether 65,000 cuttings and seedlings of five species were used in 1982-1987. Most of the stands developed well, the most productive species being Salix aquatica, Betula pendula and Populus rasumowskyana. They were also suitable for landscaping. With leachate irrigation, the biomass production was one of the highest values measured in Finland. Growth was disturbed when leachate rich in salts was sprayed directly on the leaves at rates exceeding 500 mm/growing season. Growth was best when the substrate was at least 0.2-0.3 m deep and rich in humus, and the underlying refuse more than 2 years old. A coppiced stand survived when the snow cover was removed from it by a wheel loader to diminish infiltration. Short-rotation plantations can also be established at sanitary landfills still in operation, in order to increase evapotranspiration and landscape the sites.
The Predictive Accuracy of Published Solid Waste Generation Factors
Authors: Rhyner Charles R. , Green Barry D.
Published: March 2008

The accuracy of predictions of quantities of solid waste based upon waste generation factors reported in the literature was tested. Estimates of residential, industrial, and commercial solid waste quantities were computed for Brown County, Wisconsin U.S.A. and compared to actual waste quantities received. Predictions were within 20% for residential wastes and for some predictions of commercial wastes but far from the mark for industrial and construction-demolition wastes.
Diagnosis of Mental Retardation in Schizophrenia: Psychometric Distinction Between Intellectual Subnormality and Abnormality
Authors: Kay Stanley R.
Published: March 2008

Since many schizophrenics regress cognitively to the point of mental deficiency, the distinction between true (developmental) and functional retardation in the adult poses a recurrent diagnostic problem. Intelligence tests do not resolve the issue, which pivots on the question of whether cognitive processes, though deviant, have fully matured. The present study examined the ability of a series of developmentally rooted cognitive tests and other measures to differentiate between mentally and functionally retarded schizophrenics matched for IQ, sex, and race. Those with true retardation were found to be more primitive in their conceptual strategies, shorter in attention span, and slower in psychomotor pace. As a group, they tended to be younger, hospitalized earlier in life, and less variable on most tests. Optimal performance on each of six measures from the Cognitive Diagnostic Battery provided a statistical basis for ruling out mental retardation in the schizophrenic.
A Rose By Any Other Name: the Influence of Jargon On Teacher Perceptions of Psychological Reports
Authors: Wiese Martin J. , Bush Brenda R. , Newman Patricia M. , Benes Kathryn M. , Witt Joseph C.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of the present study was to investigate teacher perceptions of psychological reports as a function of the level of jargon utilized. A psychological report was varied such that the same content was conveyed using three levels of jargon: low, medium, and high. The influence of the jargon variable was assessed using the Psychological Report Evaluation Profile (PREP) which contains four dimensions: Usefulness, Understanding and Comprehension, Educational Relevance, and Student Behavioral Characteristics. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for overall satisfaction indicated a significant effect for the independent variable. Separate univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs) for each of the separate dimensions of the PREP suggested only the Understanding and Comprehension factor was significant. The results are discussed in terms of the implications for improving the quality and usefulness of psychological reports.
Three Studies of the Validity of the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement
Authors: Kamphaus Randy W. , Schmitt Carol S. , Mings Douglas R.
Published: March 2008

The current investigation assesses the construct validity of the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (K-TEA) via correlations with widely used group administered tests of academic achievement. Three separate samples were administered the Comprehensive Form of the K-TEA and a group administered achievement test; the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Tests, or Metropolitan Achievement Tests. Mean scores on the measures were quite similar. Correlations of the K-TEA with the group measures were quite high, supporting its potential utility as an achievement screener. Needed additional validation studies and practical assessment issues are discussed.
Comparison of Mother and Father Report on the Personality Inventory for Children in a Non Referred Canadian Sample
Authors: Saunders Cory D. , Voelker Sylvia L. , Shore Douglas L.
Published: March 2008

Examined interparental agreement for the four broadband factor scales, three validity scales, one general screening scale, and twelve substantive scales of the Personality Inventory for Children-Revised (PIC-R; Lachar, 1982). Cohabitating mothers and fathers of 47 non-referred children and adolescents in Ontario and Newfoundland independently completed the PIC-R. The 24 male and 23 female children ranged in age from 9 to 16. Results indicated high cross-informant consistency with respect to correlations, means comparisons, and absolute difference scores. Parental agreement was similar whether rating male or female children. The pattern of scores obtained also suggests a cultural drift toward increased levels of pathology, as well as greater heterogeneity of reports obtained from modern fathers. Implications for assessment practices and future research are discussed.
The Impact of Junior Kindergarten on Math Skills in Elementary School
Authors: Pagani Linda S. , Larocque Denis , Tremblay Richard E. , Lapointe Pierre
Published: March 2008

Using data from the first cycle of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, this study examines the impact of junior kindergarten on children's later skills in math, above and beyond regional differences and individual/ household factors. It was hypothesized that earlier schooling would better prepare children for first formal learning of arithmetic, resulting in a more developed knowledge-base for optimal performance at the middle and end of elementary school. We also hypothesized that junior kindergarten attendance would reduce the performance gap between children from economically disadvantaged and those from advantaged families. Our results suggest that earlier schooling did not provide the cognitive boost that would lead to better performance in arithmetic, especially for girls. These results are above and beyond a number of controls (sex, age, region, SES, family functioning, family configuration, education, and family size). Junior kindergarten attendance did not help bridge the performance gap based on economic advantage/disadvantage. Primary school children from poor families who attended junior kindergarten did not perform on a par with their middle-class peers. This study makes an important case for enrichment in the central conceptual structures related to intuitive and informal mathematical knowledge through games and activities potentially featured in the junior kindergarten curriculum.
Training Educators to Address the Needs and Issues of Students with Chronic Illnesses: Examining their Knowledge, Confidence Levels, and Perceptions
Authors: Duggan Dana D. , Medway Frederic J. , Bunke Vicki L.
Published: March 2008

This project involved a school psychologist's efforts to train teachers about chronic illnesses. A two-session training presentation was offered and supplemented by materials in written form and a specially designed Web site with links to additional resources. The training was offered to 91 educators in Georgia, United States. Training focused on prevalence, causes, symptoms (cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral), and educational implications (including tips on how educators should respond to medical crises) for six different chronic illnesses. Training served to increase participants' knowledge about various chronic illnesses and confidence in working with chronically ill students, although perceptions of these students did not become more positive as expected. Implications for school psychologists' practice are presented.
The Application of a WISC-III Short Form for Screening Gifted Elementary Students in Canada
Authors: Reiter Betty A.
Published: March 2008

This investigation explored the accuracy of a short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III} in predicting Full Scale IQ when administered as a separate test. The Dumont-Faro short form (i.e., Picture Completion, Information, Coding, Block Design, and Vocabulary; Dumont & Faro, 1993) was administered to 60 Canadian elementary students who were referred for gifted eligibility purposes. The remaining WISC-III standard subtests, coupled with two supplementary subtests, were administered immediately following the Dumont-Faro short form so that Full Scale IQ scores could be calculated. In order to determine the actual amount of time saved by using the short form, administration times were recorded for each WISC-III subtest. When administered as a separate test, the Dumont-Faro short form IQ scores correlated highly (.88) with the Full Scale IQ scores. Moreover, this instrument reduced the average administration time of the WISC-III standard battery by 55%. It was concluded that the Dumont-Faro short form is an effective screening instrument to use with elementary students who are referred for gifted eligibility purposes in Canada. This instrument can assist school psychologists in meeting increased service demands while still providing effective intellectual assessment.
A Prevalence Study:ADHD in Elementary School Children
Authors: Francis Garnett
Published: March 2008

Previous studies have investigated the prevalence of hyperkinesis, hyperactivity, and attention disorders in groups of children. This study was designed to determine the best estimate of the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children attending a midwestern urban Canadian school division. The Conners' Teachers Rating Scale-28 was chosen to allow for comparison of the results in this study to those found in previous studies. The ADHD Rnting Scale was clrosen to ensure that the results in this study more accurately reflect current diagnostic nosology of the disorder. Other instruments were chosen or designed to examine correlates of the disorder that have a negative effect on children's progress at school and that need to be considered when planning appropriate interventions for ADHD children. These correlates include academic and social/behavioral difficulties of ADHD children, teacher recognition of children for whom ADHD assessment would be appropriate, and teachers' feelings of discouragement when working with ADHD students. Results showed that approximately 9.65% of children were identified as ADHD by the Conners' Scale, 7.46% by the ADHD Rating Scale, whereas 6.36% were identified as ADHD by both scales. Furthermore, it was found that 55.17% of ADHD children scored at levels of clinical concern on the Academic Performance Rating Scale, whereas 62.07% scored within the clinical range on the School Situations Questionnaire-Revised. Teachers identified ADHD students as appropriate candidates for ADHD assessments 100% of the time while expressing discouragement with the progress of their ADHD students 75.86% of the time. Implications of these results are discussed.
Communication and Interaction Patterns in French Immersion Classrooms: Implications for Consultation
Authors: Carlson Laurie D. , Cole Ester
Published: March 2008

This observation study in French immersion elementary programs was carried out in six class rooms over an eight-week period. An observation grid was developed for use in order to determine the predominant language and the type of communication strategies used by teachers and students. The results indicated that: (a) communication in French was maximized in the whole-class classroom grouping; (b) the greatest variely of communication in both French and English occurred in student-to-student interactions; (c) the greatest number of student-initiated interactions occurred in the small-group classroom grouping; (d) student-initinted interactions predominated in discussing, social, and discipline/acting out communications; (e) French was the predominant language used for asking, telling, and discipline/acting out communications, while English was the predominant language used for social communications and both languages were used for discussing communications; (f) French was the predominant language in all subject areas. Study findings are discussed in terms of their implications for school psychology consultation practices that involve school psychologists and teachers.
Validity of IQ-Achievement Discrepancy Criteria for Identifying Learning Disabilities
Authors: Humphries Tom , Bone Janet
Published: March 2008

IQ-achievement discrepancy criteria identified 24 children with learning disabilities (LD) having a lower Verbal-higher Performance (LV-HP) WISC-R IQ profile and 33 children with slower learning (SL). The majority of children were white males of lower to middle-class background and ranged in age from 77 to 159 months. Except for predetermined Performance scale group differences, children with LD were not found to be otherwise distinguished by differences on WISC-R subtest scores, subtest scatter, or variation among Kaufman and Bannatyne category scores. Only one of the WISC-R profile differences that was an advantage for the children with LD satisfied test criteria for clinical significance. None of the differences predicted their reading, spelling, or aritlunetic achievement. Results suggest that children who are differentially identified as LV-HP LD or SL based on IQ achievement discrepancy criteria may not be distinguishable on any other aspects of their WISC-R profile that are related to their basic academic performance.
Stress And Coping in Adolescents: The Effects of Family Configuration and Environment on Suicidality
Authors: Kurtz Linda , Derevensky Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2008

Research examining the relationship between family disruption and suicidal behavior is integrated into a stress and coping conceptual framework. The number of suicides, unsuccessful attempts, and suicidal ideation is apparently on the rise and represents a major concern. In the last decade, the adolescent suicide rate in Quebec has doubled, and continues to be well above the national average. Parental conflict and divorce are acknowledged as important factors that may increase psychological vulnerability during the developmental phase of adolescence, consequently augmenting the risk of suicidality. Suicidal behavior during adolescence is a concomitant of prolonged and progressive family disruption, inadequate family relationships, and ineffective parent-child interactions. As such, it is not uncommon that the adolescent's psychological and social coping resotcrces are diminished, and feelings of isolation, loss, and hostility toward family members are reported. With respect to coping behaviors, it has been suggested that the adolescent from a dysfunctional home may resort to suicide as a communication system, as other efforts to communicate with family members have been perceived by the youth as ineffective. This article explores the effects of family disruption on suicidality in adolescents and provides recommendations for research and practice in school psychology.
Validation of a WISC-III Short Form for Canadian Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Beal A. Lynne , Dumont Ron , Branche Anne-Elizabeth H. , Cruse Carole L.
Published: March 2008

WISC-III subtests scores from 44 students referred for special education evaluations and identified as having learning disabilities were used to compute WISC-III short form IQs based on.the Dumont/Faro formula. The resultant short form IQs for Canadian students, scored using United States norms, were compared with the scores obtained from the complete WISC-III. Misclassification indexes were computed. This article discusses the composition of the WISC-III short form, its utility for Canadian children, and guidelines for apprapriate use.
Practical Implications of Differences Betzveen the American and Canadian Norms for WISC-III and a Short Form for Children with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Beal A. Lynne , Dumont Ron , Cruse Carole L. , Branche Anne-Elizabeth H.
Published: March 2008

The WISC-III protocols of 66 Canadian children with learning disabilities were scored using both the American and the Canadian norms to make comparisons of the resulting profiles. The Canadian WISC-III scores were compared with both the Canadian study of WISC-III and the American WISC-III scores for these children. The Canadian WISC-III scores were found to be lower than the American WISC-III scores in Verbal IQ, Full Scale IQ, Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Freedom from Distractibility. Lower scores resulted in changes in Full Scale IQ classifications, but use of the confidence interval around the Full Scale IQ avoids misclassifications of children. Fewer children had a scatter of 10 points or more when scored using the Canadian in contrast to the American norms. The Dumont/Faro short form for WISC-III was validated using Canadian normed scores. These results will assist prartitioners and researchers in the interpretation of scores using the Canadian norms. Practitioners are urged to use the Canadian norms when assessing the intellectual capabilities of canadian children.
An Integrative Perspective on School Psychology
Authors: Cole Ester
Published: March 2008

We must not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time.
The AD/HD Skills and Strategies Program : A Program for AD/HD Adults in Postsecondary Education
Authors: Burt Kathy L. , Parks-Charney Rosanne , Schwean Vicki L.
Published: March 2008

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is beginning to be recognized in postsecondary institutions; however, few institutions offer comprehensive programs that provide training in advocacy and study strategies pertinent to the needs of students with this disorder (Richard, 1995). In an effort to address the gap in the literature regarding the treatment of AD/HD adults in postsecondary education, the AD/HD Skills and Strategies Program was developed. The components of this program were carefidly established in accordance with the research literature on the adult form of AD/HD and in keeping with a model of adult AD/HD, proposed by Brown. A two-pronged approach was used to assess the effectiveness of this program. Results and future recommendations are discussed.
Familial Constraints on the Initiation of Cigarette Smoking Among Adolescents: An Elaboration of Social Bonding Theory and Differential Association Theory
Authors: De Civita Mirella , Pagani Linda
Published: March 2008

Researchers have identified specific familial risk factors associated with the onset of smoking among adolescents. Two theoretical perspectives have been employed to integrate the research. Social bonding theory suggests that weak family relations have a direct influence on adolescent smoking behavior, whereas the differential association perspective proposes that the quality of family relations has an indirect impact in the initiation of smoking through facilitating association with smoking peers. Parental smoking behavior and the nature of the family structure are acknowledged as important factors that may interact with or directly influence family relations. This article explores how familial risk factors play a direct and an indirect role in influencing the initiation of smoking. Implications for school-based smoking preventive programs and recommendations for future research are presented and discussed.
Teachers' Differential Use of Praise and Reinforcement Practices
Authors: Derevensky Jeffrey L. , Leckerman Randie
Published: March 2008

The patterns of reinforcement behaviors of elementary school teachers in special, integrated, and regular classroom settings were examined. Classroom data were collected on the Positive Reinforcement Observation Schedule (PROS), irrdirating the frequency of positive and negative types of reinforcement delivered to special and regular students. Trends in the data revealed, across classroom settings, that teachers in special education classrooms delivered a greater number of reinforcements of all types to their students than teachers in regular and integrated settings. Students in self-contained special education classrooms tended to be the recipients ofmore praise and positive reinforcement than typical students in regular classrooms. In integrated classrooms, however, the opposite trend was apparent, with regular students receiving more praise and reinforcement than special population students. Although the results were statistically nonsignificant, they clearly indicate patterns of differential teacher treatment of students based on ability. The ftndings are discussed in terms of their impliratians for teuching, particularly with respect to integrated classrooms where special and regular students learn side by side.
Prolonged Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus in a Child
Authors: Sahin Mustafa , Riviello James J.
Published: March 2008

Barbiturate anesthesia, which is commonly used for refractory status epilepticus, is an effective treatment, but with many significant complications. The relationship between the duration of this extreme therapy and the ultimate outcome of refractory status epilepticus has not been well studied. We report a 7-year-old girl who presented with refractory status epilepticus secondary to presumed encephalitis with a focal lesion on cranial magnetic resonance imaging. She was treated for 70 days with high-dose antiepileptic drugs and recovered with a residual seizure disorder. This case suggests that, if the status epilepticus is due to a reversible cause such as encephalitis, neurologic recovery may occur despite this very prolonged course of extreme therapy. (J Child Neurol 2001;16:147-150).
Topical Review : Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ty Edna B. , Rothner A. David
Published: March 2008

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal complication of treatment with antipsychotic medications. Prior to 1994, there was no accepted set of diagnostic criteria. This article presents four adolescents admitted at Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1985 to 1998, illustrating the broad spectrum of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. A review of the pediatric literature is discussed as to the current risk factors, pathogenesis, management, and outcome. Early recognition and supportive and specific treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome reduced the morbidity and mortality. ( J Child Neurol 2001;16:157-163).
Febrile Convulsions, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Obesity: A New Syndrome?
Authors: Lev Dorit , Watemberg Nathan , Aviram Ada , Fishoff Judith , Antman Eri , Lerman-Sagie Tally
Published: March 2008

We describe the association of recurrent complicated febrile convulsions, developmental delay, ataxia, and obesity in three unrelated girls. The three girls, aged 3 to 4 years, were all born to healthy, nonconsanguineous parents and have normal siblings. Their birth weight was appropriate for gestational age. They are not dysmorphic and have normal head circumference. Development is delayed; they all walked with an ataxic gait after the age of 2 years and started speaking at 3 years. Their growth charts are remarkably alike: they initially had a normal growth curve and around 24 months of age started to gain weight excessively. They all continue to suffer from complicated febrile seizures, which started before 12 months of age, and are resistant to prophylactic anticonvulsants. Metabolic evaluation is normal. They have normal magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms. Fragile X and Prader-Willi syndromes were ruled out. We suggest that this is a new mental retardation syndrome that should be considered in children with recurrent febrile convulsions, developmental delay, and obesity. In a recent study, mutations in the β4 calcium channel were identified in the mutant epileptic mouse that presents with epilepsy, mental retardation, and ataxia. We hypothesize that a calcium channel gene may be involved in this syndrome. ( J Child Neurol 2001;16:174-176).
Neurodevelopmental Delay Associated With Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in a Toddler
Authors: Shinawi Marwan , Shahar Eli
Published: March 2008

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is a prolonged and continuous state of increased unawareness without overt motor seizures linked with repetitive generalized epileptic discharges. In children, it may occur de novo but more commonly may complicate a preexisting epileptic disorder. We report on a 2-year-old female who presented with global developmental delay as the main manifestation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Following valproic acid treatment, her motor, cognitive, and speech delays had gradually subsided and nearly completely resolved, in concert with normalization of electroencephalography (EEG). Hence, given a possible, albeit rare, presentation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus with global developmental delay, we suggest that EEG should be recommended in any infant who manifests neurodevelopmental delay. ( J Child Neurol 2001;16:215-217).
Infantile-Onset Paroxysmal Dystonia: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Wilmshurst Jo M. , Howman-Giles Robert , Antony Jayne
Published: March 2008

A 4-year-old boy presented with a history of paroxysmal dystonic posturing since birth. Episodes were triggered by stress, fatigue, and cold. Sleep, for as short as 1 minute, resulted in complete resolution of dystonia. He was developmentally normal, with no focal neurologic deficits. Cerebrospinal fluid, homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were borderline low. On ictal spectroscopy, there was reduced blood flow to the right temporal region, caudate nuclei, and thalami. The typical infantile form of dystonia is benign, resolving by 2 years of age in an otherwise normal child. Our patient remains symptomatic at 4 years of age. ( J Child Neurol 2001;16:222-225).
Occurrence of Rett Syndrome in Boys
Authors: Leonard Helen , Silberstein Jon , Falk Rena , Houwink-Manville Isa , Ellaway Carolyn , Raffaele Linda S. , Witt Engerström Ingegerd , Schanen Carolyn
Published: March 2008

The neurologic disorder Rett syndrome was originally described exclusively in girls. We present two boys with clinical features of Rett syndrome. Other than head circumference deceleration, no longer considered mandatory, patient 1 meets all of the criteria. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, 97.6% of cells were found to be karyotypically normal (46,XY). No mutation was detected on screening of the coding region of the MECP2 gene. The second patient also has classic features of Rett syndrome. However, cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood revealed a karyotype 47,XXY[23]/46,XY[7] confirming mosaicism for Klinefelter's syndrome. A T158M missense mutation in the methylcytosine-binding domain of the MECP2 gene was identified. A diagnostic bias against the clinical identification of Rett syndrome in boys may exist. This presentation of the male phenotype could be more common than it would appear, although boys with MECP2 mutations might also manifest in other ways. Rett syndrome remains a clinical diagnosis that should not be dismissed in boys, and thorough evaluation including karyotype and mutation testing is warranted. (J Child Neurol 2001;16:333-338).