bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The copper/caeruloplasmin ratio in routine clinical practice in different laboratories
Authors: Twomey P J , Wierzbicki A S , Reynolds T M , Viljoen A
Published: December 2008

Background:

The diagnosis of copper deficiency and excess states is challenging. It was hoped that the non-caeruloplasmin-bound (“free”) copper would reduce this difficulty; however, it has its own problems. The copper/caeruloplasmin ratio has been advocated as an alternative index of copper status, especially as it would not need gender-derived or age-derived reference intervals. However, there are no comparative data for different populations using different assays.

Method:

Independent paired copper and caeruloplasmin data were retrospectively obtained for three laboratories. From these data, the copper/caeruloplasmin ratio was calculated, and descriptive statistics for the populations and methods were obtained. The relationship between the copper/caeruloplasmin ratio and both copper and caeruloplasmin were also investigated for the three laboratories.

Results:

All three datasets displayed a non-Gaussian distribution. The Burton median was statistically different from the two other medians, which did not differ significantly from each other. The regression lines for both copper and caeruloplasmin with the ratio differed from each other.

Conclusion:

The copper/caeruloplasmin ratio behaves differently depending on the laboratory, the population studied, or both. Thus, cut-offs in the literature are not transferable. Each laboratory should therefore derive its own cut-offs.
Neonatal screening for sickle cell anaemia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: experience from a pioneer project on 31 204 newborns
Authors: Tshilolo L , Aissi L M , Lukusa D , Kinsiama C , Wembonyama S , Gulbis B , Vertongen F
Published: December 2008

Background:

Despite the high prevalence of sickle cell disease in Africa, a neonatal screening programme is available in only a few countries in the sub-Saharan region.

Aim:

To describe our experience of a pioneer study on 31 304 newborns screened systematically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods:

The prevalence of haemoglobinopathies was determined by a thin-layer isoelectric focusing method on dry filter-paper samples.

Results:

Of the 31 204 newborns screened by isoelectric focusing, 5276 (16.9%) displayed sickle cell trait and 428 (1.4%) were homozygous for haemoglobin S. No statistical differences were observed in the different ethno-linguistic groups, but some tribes displayed a higher prevalence of the βS gene, attributable to a higher prevalence of malaria, and a greater frequency of haemoglobin S homozygotes, in part attributable to an endogamic marriage system.

Conclusion:

The neonatal screening programme has now been introduced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the main challenges are to track all the new cases for a confirmatory test and to initiate early management.
Neonatal/newborn haemoglobinopathy screening in Europe and Africa
Authors: Bain B J
Published: December 2008

Neonatal/newborn haemoglobinopathy screening is being performed in an increasing number of European countries since changing patterns of immigration have led to significant numbers of neonates at risk of sickle cell disease. The purpose of screening is to improve management of sickle cell disease through early parental education and the institution of prophylaxis against infection. Some haemoglobinopathy screening programmes are stand-alone, while others are integrated into a neonatal screening programme for metabolic disorders. Despite the logistic problems and economic constraints, neonatal haemoglobinopathy screening is also being gradually introduced in a number of African countries.
Can we justify eliminating coercive measures in psychiatry?
Authors: Prinsen E J D , van Delden J J M
Published: December 2008

The practice of coercive measures in psychiatry is controversial. Although some have suggested that it may be acceptable if patients are a danger to others or to themselves, others committed themselves to eliminate it. Ethical, legal and clinical considerations become more complex when the mental incapacity is temporary and when the coercive measures serve to restore autonomy. We discuss these issues, addressing the conflict between autonomy and beneficence/non-maleficence, human dignity, the experiences of patients and the effects of coercive measures. We argue that an appeal to respect autonomy and/or human dignity cannot be a sufficient reason to reject coercive measures. All together, these ethical aspects can be used both to support and to reject a non-seclusion approach.

The total lack of controlled trials about the beneficial effects of coercive measures in different populations however, argues against the use of coercive measures.
The added value of peripheral blood cell morphology in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases—part 1: basic concepts
Authors: Prokocimer M , Potasman I
Published: December 2008

As automated blood cell analysers and sophisticated diagnostic technologies become widespread, requests for peripheral blood smear (PBS) examination—for the diagnosis of infectious diseases—diminish. Yet, PBS examination can provide rapid and invaluable information on infection—host susceptibility, aetiology, severity, and systemic impact. Besides direct visualisation of certain microorganisms (for example, Plasmodium, Ehrlichia), PBS examination may detect characteristic footprints left by various infections on the morphology of blood cells, thus yielding the cytologic clues of the disease (for example, Döhle bodies, haemophagocytosis). Additionally, PBS examination may disclose certain infection predisposing conditions (for example, May–Hegglin anomaly, hyposplenism), and several infection related haematological and systemic complications. Combined with a careful medical history and physical examination data, all this information may yield a speedy diagnosis, a rationalised diagnostic work-up, and timely initiation of treatment. The intention of the following review is to highlight the value of PBS, and recommend that PBS examination should be fostered in the diagnostic work-up of infectious diseases.
A Ratiometric Fluorescence Imaging System for Surgical Guidance
Authors: Moriyama Eduardo H. , Kim Anthony , Bogaards Arjen , Lilge Lothar , Wilson Brian C.
Published: December 2008

A 3‐chip CCD imaging system has been developed for quantitative in vivo fluorescence imaging. This incorporates a ratiometric algorithm to correct for the effects of tissue optical absorption and scattering, imaging “geometry” and tissue autofluorescence background. The performance was characterized, and the algorithm was validated in tissue‐simulating optical phantoms for quantitative measurement of the fluorescent molecule protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The technical feasibility to use this system for fluorescence‐guided surgical resection of malignant brain tumor tissue was assessed in an animal model in which PpIX was induced exogenously in the tumor cells by systemic administration of aminolevulinic acid (ALA).
On the Survival Time of a Duplex System: A Sokhotski‐Plemelj Problem
Authors: Vanderperre Edmond J.
Published: December 2008

We analyze the survival time of a renewable duplex system characterized
by warm standby and subjected to a priority rule. In order
to obtain the Laplace transform of the survival function, we employ
a stochastic process endowed with time‐dependent transition measures
satisfying coupled partial differential equations. The solution procedure
is based on the theory of sectionally holomorphic functions combined
with the notion of dual transforms. Finally, we introduce a security
interval related to a prescribed security level and a suitable risk criterion
based on the survival function of the system. As an example, we
consider the particular case of deterministic repair. A computer‐plotted
graph displays the survival function together with the security interval
corresponding to a security level of 90%.
Automorphisms of Right‐Angled Coxeter Groups
Authors: Gutierrez Mauricio , Kaul Anton
Published: December 2008

If (W, S) is a right‐angled Coxeter system, then Aut(W) is a semidirect product of the group Aut∘(W) of symmetric automorphisms by the automorphism group of a certain groupoid. We show that, under mild conditions, Aut∘(W) is a semidirect product of Inn(W) by the quotient Out∘(W) = Aut∘(W)/Inn(W). We also give sufficient conditions for the compatibility of the two semidirect products. When this occurs there is an induced splitting of the sequence 1 → Inn(W) → Aut(W) → Out(W) → 1 and consequently, all group extensions 1 → W → G → Q → 1 are trivial.
Novel KRIT1 Mutation and No Molecular Evidence of Anticipation in a Family with Cerebral and Spinal Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Kuhn Jens , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Brassat Ute , Lehnhardt Fritz G. , Chung Boi-Dinh , Harnier Simon , Bewermeyer Heiko , Harzheim Andreas , Assheuer Josef , Netzer Christian
Published: December 2008

Background: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are vascular brain anomalies which can result in a variety of neurological symptoms. Familial CCM is inherited as an autosomal-dominant trait. There is one study in the literature which reports statistical evidence for anticipation in familial CCM. Methods: We reevaluated the clinical course of the disease and performed molecular analyses in a previously described three-generation CCM family with apparent anticipation. Results: Disease started at a younger age in each generation, strongly suggesting anticipation. The patient in generation I showed no clinical symptoms by the age of 68, whereas his son became wheelchair-bound at the age of 43 due to an intramedullary cavernous malformation at the thoracolumbar transition of the spinal cord. The patient in generation III had a pons hemorrhage at the age of 11 due to a large brainstem cavernoma. The hemorrhage caused facial palsy and hemiparesis, persisting as Millard-Gubler syndrome. Sequencing of KRIT1 identified a novel frameshift mutation in exon 15 (c.1561delC or p.Leu551X) which cosegregated with the phenotype. Flow-FISH analysis of granulocyte and lymphocyte telomere length showed that telomeres were longest in the youngest affected family member. Conclusions: We could not find any evidence for either of the two currently known molecular mechanisms for genetic anticipation (i.e., expansion of repetitive DNA elements or progressive telomere shortening) in this family. However, the family presented here raises the important question whether surveillance of CCM families with gradient-echo MRI should not only include the cerebrum, but the spinal cord as well.
Role of Cysteine in Corneal Wound Healing after Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Meduri Alessandro , Grenga Pier Luigi , Scorolli Lucia , Ceruti Piero , Ferreri Giuseppe
Published: December 2008

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of cysteine oral supplements in corneal wound healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Methods: A total of 200 eyes (100 patients) underwent PRK. We divided patients into 2 groups; each group was composed of 50 patients (100 eyes). Group 1 patients were assigned to use oral L-cysteine, with a daily dose of 200 mg (100-mg pills to be taken twice a day) for a duration of 14 days, starting from the week preceding the operation; the patients in group 2 were used as a control, and received the oral supplementation of 40-mg placebo pills to be taken twice a day for a duration of 14 days, starting from the week preceding the operation. Results: All the eyes of patients treated with cysteine oral supplements showed shorter times to re-epithelization than the eyes of the control group. The mean time of corneal wound healing observed in group 1 was 102 ± 15 h, compared to an average of 159 ± 9 h in group 2. Conclusion: Our research showed that oral cysteine supplementation, in a daily dose of 200 mg, reduces mean corneal wound healing time in patients after PRK.
Coupled Contributions in the Doppler Radar Spectrum Width Equation
Authors: Fang Ming , Doviak Richard J.
Published: December 2008

Contrary to accepted usage, the second central moment of the Doppler spectrum is not the sum of the second central moments of individual spectral broadening mechanisms. A rigorous theoretical derivation of the spectrum width observed with short dwell times reveals that the sum cannot strictly be taken for the variances associated with various spectral broadening mechanisms and that an added-term coupling shear with turbulence is needed. Furthermore, shear and antenna rotation are coupled. The theoretical expressions derived herein apply to radars with fixed or scanning beams.
Performance Characteristics of Integrating Nephelometers in the Australian Outback
Authors: Mitchell R. M. , Campbell S. K. , Qin Y. , Gras J. L.
Published: December 2008

Radiance Research M903 nephelometers have been operated at remote Australian Outback sites since April 1998. This paper describes the calibration procedures applied to these instruments and reports on the noise performance and other operational issues. It is found that instrument noise leads to a detection limit of ∼0.2 Mm−1 in scattering coefficient at the 95% confidence interval for a 5-min integration. Changes in ambient temperature cause drift with a coefficient of ∼0.06 Mm−1 K−1, leading to a typical diurnal drift of amplitude ∼0.9 Mm−1. Over the 10-yr deployment at an Outback station, the accuracy of the derived scattering coefficient is compromised by drifts in sensitivity and offset, in part related to gross changes in bandpass filter characteristics resulting from environmental degradation. A method is developed to track these changes. An uncertainty analysis suggests that the typical background scattering coefficient of ∼10 Mm−1 can be measured to within 15% at the 95% confidence level. For events where the scattering coefficient is >100 Mm−1, the uncertainty falls to ∼5%. Correction factors are derived for angular truncation error and inlet efficiency for the particular inlet configuration adopted and illustrated via a case study using size distributions guided by collocated NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data.
A Smooth Cloud Model
Authors: Reisner J. M. , Jeffery C. A.
Published: December 2008

In this paper a large-eddy “smooth” cloud (SC) model will be presented with smooth implying that the entire model converges under a Newton-based solution procedure or that time scales within the SC model are being resolved. Besides ensuring that time scales within microphysical parameterizations are resolved, convergence of Newton’s method requires that advection schemes near cloud boundaries should not induce fast time scales. For example, flux-corrected transport (FCT) schemes that force cloud variables to stay oscillation free near boundaries are typically not differentiable in time and hence may prevent convergence of Newton’s method. To circumvent the use of a FCT scheme, an alternative approach, a cloud-edge (CE) diffusion-based approach, will be presented in this paper. Since the diffusion produced by the CE approach could conceivably lead to the fictitious evaporation of a real cloud, the first major point of this paper will be to document that the SC model when employing an evaporative limiter is able, like most traditional large-eddy cloud models, to reasonably reproduce nondrizzling stratus clouds observed during flight 1 of the Second Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus field study (DYCOMS-II). However, the SC model obtains the accuracy offered by higher-order time-stepping approaches, unlike most traditional cloud models. In fact, temporal errors from the SC model are shown to be at least two orders of magnitude smaller than those of a traditional large-eddy cloud model. Hence, the second major point of this paper will be to demonstrate the consequence of these large temporal errors found in traditional large-eddy cloud models, that is, the inability to accurately track an identifiable cloud feature in time.
Wintertime Supercell Thunderstorms in a Subtropical Environment: Numerical Simulation
Authors: Wang Chung-Chieh , Chen George Tai-Jen , Yang Shan-Chien , Tsuboki Kazuhisa
Published: December 2008

Following an earlier diagnostic study, the present paper performs numerical simulations of the rare wintertime supercell storms during 19–20 December 2002 in a subtropical environment near Taiwan. Using Japan Meteorology Agency (JMA) 20-km analyses and horizontal grid spacing of 1.5 and 0.5 km, the Cloud-Resolving Storm Simulator (CReSS) of Nagoya University successfully reproduced the three major storms at the correct time and location, but the southern storm decayed too early over the Taiwan Strait. The two experiments produce similar overall results, suggesting that the 1.5-km grid spacing is sufficient even for storm dynamics. Model results are further used to examine the storm structure, kinematics, splitting process, and the variation in the mesoscale environment. Over the Taiwan Strait, the strong surface northeasterly flow enhanced low-level vertical shear and helped the storms evolve into isolated supercells. Consistent with previous studies, the vorticity budget analysis indicates that midlevel updraft rotation arose mainly from the tilting effect, and was reinforced by vertical stretching at the supercell stage. As the ultimate source of vorticity generation, the horizontal vorticity (vertical shear) was altered by the baroclinic (solenoidal) effect around the warm-core updraft, as well as the tilting of vertical vorticity onto, and rotation of vortex tubes in the x–y plane, forming a counterclockwise pattern that pointed generally northward (westward) at the right (left) flanks of the updraft. In both runs, model storms travel about 15°–20° to the left of the actual storms, and they are found to be quite sensitive to the detailed low-level thermodynamic structure of the postfrontal atmosphere and the intensity of the storms themselves, in particular whether or not the existing instability can be released by forced uplift at the gust front. In this regard, the finer 0.5-km grid did produce stronger storms that maintained longer across the strait. The disagreement in propagation direction between the model and real storms is partially attributed to the differences in environment, while the remaining part is most likely due to differences not reflected in gridded analyses. Since the conditions (in both the model and real atmosphere) over the Taiwan Strait are not uniform and depend on many detailed factors, it is anticipated that a successful simulation that agrees with the observation in all aspects over data-sparse regions like this one will remain a challenging task in the foreseeable future.
Perspectives on Learning Disabilities
Authors: Barsch Ray H.
Published: December 2008

Learning disabilities is what this Journal is about. In the following article, Dr. Barsch sets forth past, present and possibilities for the future of the field. It clearly shows his concern for the failing learner of all ages and degree. Occasionally, his impatience breaks through for the lack of cohesiveness to worldwide efforts to help these adults and children. Dr. Barsch clearly states that if we do not move on a convergent pathway very soon, our efforts will truly be in vain and the idea of problems to be overcome, as well as the solutions to be found, will never take concise shape and form-professional caution must be tempered with immediacy. —C. C. E.
Visual Perception and Reading Dysfunction
Authors: Coleman Howard M
Published: December 2008

Eighty-seven children in school grades one through six with severe language arts and specific reading performance deficits were evaluated for visual and visual-perceptual development. Referrals were made for perceptual dysfunction, refractive or optometric correction, suspicion of neurologic deficit, emotional and psychologic involvement, and miscellaneous physical anomalies. There were a preponderance of males in the sample, and almost 50 per cent of the sample had significant visual-perceptual or visual dysfunctions judged severe enough to impede learning. Knowledge of visual-perceptual deficits could lead to correction and compensation through therapy and matching teaching methodology designed to meet the developmental needs of the child.
The Ability Deficits of Good and Poor Readers
Authors: Reed James C
Published: December 2008

Young, good and poor readers and older, good and poor readers are evaluated, as well as the different test instruments used for this study. Some of our readers may want to comment to the "Journal" regarding Dr. Reed's concluding statement.—C.C.E.
Learning Disabilities Often Result from Sheer Immaturity
Authors: Ames Louise Bates
Published: December 2008

In her current book, “The Shadow Children: A Book About Children's Learning Disorders,” Careth Ellingson clearly states, “We automatically assume that a first grader has either reached, or very nearly reached, a stage of neurological development that is comparable to his chronological age level. He is given work to do based on this assumption. But what happens to him if his maturity is that of only a four year old? He is defeated before he starts. The simplest techniques of perception, that other children have learned, are denied him.”
Interests and Adult Education
Authors: Knox Alan B.
Published: December 2008

The problems of learning disabilities are not always confined to childhood. We have adults who are illiterate, we have adults who must be reeducated, and we have adults who may wish to enhance a deprived education. Adults who specialize in the education of other adults face very special problems. When we view the complexities of adult education when no learning problem exists-which is primarily the case presented in this paper-we cannot help but take the next step and become concerned with those adults who still require education and must be taught "through" or around a learning disability. It would seem to be a truth that, relatively speaking, adults can be more difficult to educate than children.-C.C.E.
Factors Underlying Impairment of Visual Figure-Ground Discrimination and Sorting Tasks in Hemisphere-Damaged Patients1
Authors: Vignolo L. A.
Published: December 2008

This paper, though it deals with adult brain damaged patients, discusses a topic which is relative to the field of learning disabilities. Visual figure-ground discrimination and "aphasia-like" problems are present in so many children who suffer with a learning handicap that this study and its findings, will be of interest to many researchers.-C. C. E.
Diagnosing Learning Disabilities and Writing Remedial Prescriptions
Authors: Bannatyne Alex
Published: December 2008

Diagnosis is a concept with many labels, and many people in different disciplines or having different viewpoints may choose a particular term to their liking. Some part-synonyms used for discovering ‘what is wrong’ with fellow human beings are assessment, evaluation, task-analysis, investigation, check-up, finding out, observing behavior, problem-solving, etc. We will not be far away from a satisfactory definition of diagnosis if we accept Webster's three versions and slightly modify them. On this basis, a diagnosis is the act or process of deciding the nature of a disorder or disability by examination and through the examination making a careful investigation of the facts to determine the nature or basis of the problem. The final diagnosis is the decision from such an examination or investigation.
Law and Order: An Ignored but Essential Conceptual Skill
Authors: Siragusa Charles
Published: December 2008

One of five members of Governor Otto Kerner's (Illinois) Committee on Criminal Justice (created as a result of the National Crime Commission's recommendation), and serving as a member of the Organized Crime Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the 54-year old Charles Siragusa retired from the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1963, after 28 years as Deputy Commissioner of Narcotics, Federal Civil Service. He was appointed to his present position on December 16, 1963. During his career with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics he held every supervisory position up to and including the second top position. He was chief investigator of the Senate Sub-Committee to investigate crime in interstate commerce (Senator Kefauver) from May to August, 1951. Mr. Siragusa was also a member of the U.S. delegations to United Nations and Interpol conferences in 10 countries. Recipient of the U.S. Treasury Department's highest award "The Exceptional Civilian Service Honor Gold Medal," "The Colombo Award of 1960 (Italian American Man of the Year), and knighted by the Italian government for his international narcotic law enforcement work, Mr. Siragusa is author of the book "The Trial of the Poppy" released by Prentice Hall, Inc., September, 1966.—C.C.E.
Birth Defect of the Skull and Face Without Brain or Learning Disorder: A Psychological and Pedagogical Report
Authors: Money John , Bobrow Nanci A.
Published: December 2008

A 13-year-old boy has congenital hypoplasia of the left facial bones, absence of the left external ear and left eye, and flattening of the cranium from the frontal to the pos-teroparietal area, inclusive of the left temporal area. Intelligence is average and other neuropsychological functions are within the normal range, with the exception of left-handedness and color-blindness. Learning disability is conspicuous by its absence. It may have been expected as either a primary defect resultant from direct brain involvement, or as secondary to the emotional burden of his life's dilemma. The same might apply to the boy's short stature and delayed pubertal development. The idea of correlating psychological findings during life with a study of the brain itself at the time of death is proposed. An administrative organization, modeled after the Medic-Alert system, is suggested as the mechanism necessary to insure correlation of in vivo psychological findings with post-mortem brain research.
Responses of Psychological and Physiological Functions to Environmental Light—Part I.
Authors: Ott John
Published: December 2008

In this first of a two part series, Dr. Ott gives us a historical overview of light research and its effect on plant and animal life. This research has a direct physiologico-anatomical bearing on human activity. Next month Dr. Ott will detail some of the rather amazing data received as a result of some of the current laboratory research.—C.C.E.
The Etiology of Reading Disabilities: An Historical Perspective
Authors: Park George E. , Linden James D.
Published: December 2008

Parents are interested primarily in the form and concept of their own child's learning disability. Furthermore, they are interested in the many fine books available to them which give comfort and advice about their child's problem; and they are interested in what other parents have experienced in learning about and coping with a learning handicap. The Journal feels that parents may also be interested in what has been the historical research growth and evolution of reading and/or learning disabilities.—C.C.E.
Responses of Psychological and Physiological Functions to Environmental Radiation Stress
Authors: Ott John
Published: December 2008

In this second of a two part series, Dr. Ott delves deeply into the current research regarding the possibility of harmful radiation being emitted from T.V. sets, the tired child syndrome, and other aspects of man-made radiations.—C.C.E.
A Parents Guide to Learning Problems
Authors: Golick Margaret
Published: December 2008

The Learning Centre at the Montreal Children's Hospital has provided an opportunity for the staff-teachers and psychologists-to get to know more about children who are having trouble at school or who seem to be developing unevenly. We have been able to take the time to study these children extensively to find out what their strengths and weaknesses were; we have been able to teach some of them, either individually or in small groups, experimenting with a variety of training techniques to help them learn more effectively; we have been able to make suggestions to parents and to keep in touch to find out how they worked. Gradually our understanding of learning problems has increased.
The Treatment of Specific Dyslexia in a Community Mental Health Centre
Authors: Kline Carl L. , Kline Carolyn L. , Ashbrenner Marjorie , Calkins Sandra
Published: December 2008

A major program for the diagnosis and treatment of specific dyslexia was established in the Marathon County (Wisconsin) Child Guidance Clinic. Funded by the Woodson Foundation and the Mental Hygiene Division of the State of Wisconsin, the clinic has been functioning for nearly two years. This paper reports the experience of the first year of operation of the clinic and analyzes the first fifty completed cases.
A Neuropsychological Approach to Learning Disorders
Authors: Gaddes William H.
Published: December 2008

A proposal is made to integrate neurological, psychological and educational knowledge in the diagnostic understanding and educational planning of children with learning disorders. In the past, in almost all cases only behavioral cues have been used to guide teachers, even teachers of children suffering from various types of neurological and cerebral dysfunctions. It is argued that teachers of special classes can no longer ignore or avoid an understanding of the neurological aspects of the children they teach with the claim that this knowledge is irrelevant or unimportant to their task. A brief description is presented of how this proposed method operates in the Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University of Victoria.
Visual Function in Learning Disabilities
Authors: Flax Nathan
Published: December 2008

The function of the eyes and the necessary integration of a child's vision with his hearing, supported by touch and body movement seems to be little understood by parents. Vision and visual perception are nearly always factors, both at home and in school, in evaluating and understanding a learning handicap.—C.C.E.
The Improvement of Reading Ability Through A Developmental Program in Visual Perception
Authors: Lewis James N.
Published: December 2008

As the amount of information today concerning the child with reading disability is considerable and the converse is true concerning therapeutic aspects, a pilot program was initiated to determine if a specific type of therapy could be instrumental in improving perceptual ability as reflected in reading achievement gain.
The Learning Centers in Palo Alto
Authors: Owen Freya W. , Compton Carolyn L.
Published: December 2008

The re-writing, new or possibility of writing state or federal legislation to cover the funding needs of the educationally handicapped and/or learning disabled child is rapidly becoming a national dilema or cause celebré. The view taken is dependent upon where one stands for the viewing. Here is added another factor to the obvious lay and professional interests and concern; politics. We have seen the commentary from Texas (Journal of Learning Disabilities, Volume 1, No. 1, January 1968) and now we hear from California with a report of what may be accomplished with, as the authors describe, “permissive” legislation.—C.C.E.
The Use of Computerized Test Profiles in Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Knights Robert M. , Watson Peter
Published: December 2008

This paper describes the development and use of standard score profile programs based on psychological tests for evaluating the patterns of abilities and deficits in children with various types of brain damage or dysfunction. The test profile is described and comments made on: the collection of normative data, standard score characteristics, standard deviation limits, age change problems, and the use of a summary score. Two cases are presented on one child with a brain tumor and one with a history of learning problems. The technique of profile interpretation is illustrated and the test scores are related to the medical history. A second computer program which selects the test profiles most similar to any criterion case, from all the previous cases, in an effort to develop a technique for improved classification, is described.
The Dimensions of Classroom Data
Authors: Lovitt Thomas C. , Kunzelmann Harold P. , Nolen Patricia A. , Hulten William J.
Published: December 2008

Behavioral modification techniques have become quite widely utilized. Numerous instances exist where teachers, therapists and others in the field of rehabilitation have effectively used operant techniques to alter behavior. However the majority of reports from classroom settings describe how these techniques have been used to attenuate a variety of socially inappropriate behaviors. Few investigations have attempted to accelerate academic responses. Indeed, while many teachers see the use of behavioral management practices as effective with deceleration targets, they do not see it as effective with acceleration targets.

The intent of this paper is to describe how behavioral modification techniques may be employed to increase academic performance through a three phase procedure of data diagnosis, data programming and data decisions. Initially described is a method of obtaining pupil performance data and information concerning relevant variables of the teacher-pupil dyad. A second method is presented whereby pupil and teacher data may empirically enable the teacher to evaluate curricular materials. Lastly, a discussion is provided pertaining to the use of data in making classroom managerial decisions.
Relationships Between Written Spelling, Motor Functioning and Sequencing Skills
Authors: Bannatyne Alex D. , Wichiarajote Penny
Published: December 2008

The research was carried out on a representative sample of normal third-grade school children to investigate whether or not there were any meaningful relationships between spelling ability, motor functioning, balance, handedness, visuo-spatial ability (independent of motor activity), and various auditory and vocal (articulemic) skills.

The results reported in this paper and the subsequent discussion refer mainly to the relationship between spelling, psycholinguistic skills and motor functioning. The latter term is used here in its widest meaning in that it includes balance, vocal activity, writing and to some extent handedness. Obviously, kinesthetic sensory feedback is essential to muscular action and therefore it, too, is implicated.
Relationships Between Perceptual and Conceptual Cognitive Processes
Authors: Bibace Roger , Hancock Karen
Published: December 2008

Many theorists, psychologists and specialists in education currently assume that mastery of perceptual-motor processes is necessary prior to acquisition of higher cognitive processes and, hence, to scholastic achievement. An experimental design allowing variation in perceptual-motor functioning and scholastic ability tested this assumption. Contrary to the tested assumption some subjects perform well in school despite perceptual-motor deficiencies. In addition, it is scholastic achievement rather than perceptual-motor achievement (assumed to be crucial to learning) which discriminated between our groups in terms of their reliance on perceptual-motor or conceptual means on specially designed learning tasks.
Suggestions for Parents
Authors: Brown George W.
Published: December 2008

A child with neurological disabilities of behavior, attention, or learning can be helped by informed parents and teachers. Benefits may result from attention to several key areas: (1) understanding the individual child, (2) structuring the environment, (3) setting good examples and standards, (4) controlling with loving firmness, and (5) providing opportunities for success, to build self-esteem. This article presents some suggestions in these key areas.
Physical, Mental and Critical Period
Authors: Money John
Published: December 2008

Dr. Money has made significant contributions to the scientific literature in the field of learning disabilities through many published articles and editorials. He is connected with the department of pediatrics and psychology at Johns Hopkins.
Children with Perceptual Problems May Also Lag Developmentally
Authors: Ames Louise Bates
Published: December 2008

Children with perceptual problems as measured on the Bender are shown also to lag developmentally. Behavior growth can be speeded up or at least facilitated in such children by means of perceptual training carried out in the classroom. If such children do not receive perceptual training or other special help, they appear to fall even further behind.
Educational Evaluation and Visual-Perceptual-Motor Dysfunction
Authors: Coleman Howard M.
Published: December 2008

The child with visual-perceptual-motor problems probably will perform poorly on intelligence, achievement, and readiness test items assuming or demanding visual-perceptual skills and integration of these with motor skills. Unfortunately for this child, these tests contain many such items and require visual-perceptual-motor skills to deduce meaning from the format and to carry out the directions given. While such tests do measure the child's current performance, they apparently can be used as predictors of academic achievement only if therapeutic intervention does not take place.
Visual-Haptic Aptitude: Effect on Student Achievement in Reading
Authors: Erickson Richard C.
Published: December 2008

Earlier research efforts had indicated that students' perceptual orientation was a significant factor in the development of skill in using some forms of graphic communication. This investigation focused on the relationship between perceptual aptitude and the development of reading skills. The findings indicate that mean level of reading achievement for non-vidual or haptically inclined students is likely to be form one half to one full grade level below their more visually oriented classmates at the seventh grade level.
The Bookless Curriculum
Authors: Silberberg Norman E. , Silberberg Margaret C.
Published: December 2008

As more children in this country are exposed to education, and for longer periods of time, the number who are encountering difficulty in school increases. For many of these children, the problem is simply that, in order to learn, they must read. For a large number of children with learning problems or IQ's below 100, this requisite artificially deprives them of comfortable avenues for learning. Modern technology provides equipment to educate many of the children for whom reading is either an uncomfortable or inefficient technique. For such children, a bookless curriculum is proposed which would provide children with an education while reading is relegated to a more realistic role in education, that of a skill area which is only one of the many tools available for learning.

Development and preparation of the material was made possible under a Grant RT-2 of the Social and Rehabilitation Service of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, awarded to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the University of Minnesota Medical School, and the Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
Speech Therapy for the Learning Disabled Child
Authors: Byers Vincent W.
Published: December 2008

Two functions of the ear are described, one for the purpose of speech production, the other for the purpose of speech reception. The understanding of the differences is important for the clinician engaged in speech therapy with the hearing-impaired child. A therapy approach, based on the speech system as a servomechanism, is outlined utilizing the proprioceptive and tactile mechanisms as primary source information with the auditory as secondary.
Learning Disability: An Educational Definition*
Authors: Kass Corrine E. , Myklebust Helmer R.
Published: December 2008

This article suggests an educational definition of learning disabilities. Some 15 invited participants in a special study institute came to the conclusion that a multi-disciplinary definition does not satisfy the requirements of any one discipline, and that a professional working definition needs development from each discipline's point of reference.
An Approach to Diagnosis and Remediation of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Schiller Jerome J. , Deignan Margaret C.
Published: December 2008

An adaptation of Osgood's Generalized Behavioral Model has been used as a framework for diagnosis of learning disabilities and for coordination of remedial education. Application to case material illustrates the approach.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Learning Disabilities
Authors: Abrams Jules C.
Published: December 2008

This article reports on a conference held last summer at the Institute for Learning in the Department of Psychiatry at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in Philadelphia. The panel* talked about the functioning of an interdisciplinary team in the diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities and emphasized the necessity of open communication among all the disciplines.
A Model for Classifying Children According to Reading Level
Authors: Silberberg Norman E. , Iversen Iver A. , Silberberg Margaret C.
Published: December 2008

Existing methods for classifying children according to reading level appear to be qualitative, conflicting, and unnecessarily gross. This paper reviews problems of definition leading to failure in proper classification, and presents a case for consistency in defining dyslexic, hyperlexic, and normal readers. A classification model recognizing that reading expectation should be functionally related to a general measure of academic potential is proposed. Standard regression techniques are employed to develop the method, which can be used with continuous or grouped IQ data. A simplified approximation of the method is also described.
Educo-Therapy
Authors: Rice Ruth Dianne
Published: December 2008

The most salient aspects of several different theories from education and psychology were considered and carefully worked into a treatment program to meet the needs of ten delinquent girls who were appraised by a group of several evaluators as having learning disabilities and/or behavior disturbances. This very intensive, in-depth intervention occupied their total life space for three months. Most of the behavioral changes were documented by subjective evaluations made by the institutional and project staff. Educational improvements in reading performance and intellectual functioning are substantiated by post-test scores.
Graduate Training in the “Specialty” of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Adelman Howard S.
Published: December 2008

In an effort to stimulate an interchange among professionals concerned with graduate training in the “specialty” of Learning Disabilities, (1) a number of basic issues currently confronting training programs are reviewed and explored and (2) an experience-based analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of current programs is offered. The exploration of issues includes (a) a discussion of the need to determine the prerequistie skills required for success in a training program, (b) a proposal regarding program content and process, and (c) a view as to the appropriate direction for program evaluation at this time.
A Schema for the Coordinated Education of Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Bolen John E. , Kephart Newell C.
Published: December 2008

SUMMARY: Just as it is vital for the teacher to have extensive knowledge and skills in those disciplines in which he teaches, he should also have the ability to draw upon knowledge and employ skills from fields of specialization in education. The implications for teaching specialized education courses are directed toward and adapted to normal classroom procedures. Student teachers should be placed in a setting where they will have the opportunity to observe and participate with individuals who possess expertise in the more esoteric roles of public school education. It is felt that the proposed plan would tie together the various facets of professional education and focus them more intensively on the problems of classroom teaching. As a result, the teacher candidate would have a more useful student teaching experience.
Breaking the Failure Pattern
Authors: Glavach Matt
Published: December 2008

Many educationally difficult students, the so-called slow learners, are frustrated with a sense of failure. A major challenge to educators is to develop techniques for overcoming the failure syndrome. One method which has been found effective is the utilization of materials which involve puzzle and problem solving at the student's own level. These may be properly sequenced so the student is both challenged to act and guaranteed success from the start.
Considerations in Educating Children with Cerebral Dysfunction
Authors: Fine Marvin J.
Published: December 2008

The current state of educating children with cerebral dysfunctions seems to be one of dealing with a poorly defined and poorly understood commodity, through the use of unvalidated procedures and with the expectation of great gains.

This paper provides elaboration and elucidation on the following constructs: (1) An “experimental attitude” stressing the tentative nature of our knowledge and the need for systematic exploration of the child's behavior and consequent modification of remedial approaches should prove more effective than an attitude of certainty, as if we had truth at hand. (2) The motivational-attitudinal system of the child and how he sees himselfand the remedial experience needs to be understood. (3) The classroom teacher will be better able to aid in the remedial process if he can understand the complexities of educating the child and if his own value system is not in conflict with program objectives. (4) There are ways of structuring the learning environment to match the child's inner psychological state that are well within the capabilities of most teachers.
Rebuttal
Authors: Cohen S. Alan
Published: December 2008

This is a paper written in response to critiques offered on Dr. Cohen's original article published in this journal in October, 1969. In this paper, Dr. Cohen further explains his position on visuo-motor development and reading achievement and includes responses to some of the rebuttals.
Dyslexia
Authors: McGuire Marion L.
Published: December 2008

When a child has a severe behavioral disorder it may be necessary to provide for him through special class assignment in order to maintain a learning environment in the regular classroom. Some children termed “dyslexic” may fall into this category. However, the large majority of so called “dyslexic” children should be placed in regular classrooms. This article suggests guidelines for accomplishing appropriate management of these childre.
Classroom Diagnosis of Reading Readiness Factors
Authors: Anderson B. Betty
Published: December 2008

This article describes the results of a research study on the validation of a teacher checklist for diagnosis of reading readiness. The purpose of the study was to provide classroom teachers with a diagnostic tool for evaluating specific strengths and weaknesses in visual perception and auding. Such diagnostic information serves to assist teachers in planning a readiness program based on specific needs.
Developing Direct Classroom Consultation
Authors: Costanza Victor , Klapman Howard
Published: December 2008

Traditionally, schools have viewed mental health services as ancillary appendages to the regular curriculum. But it is impossible to separate the learning of facts from the growth and development of the individual's personality. Based on the premise that classroom teachers could do much to improve the mental health, of their students, a program of direct consultation with the teacher was initiated. The scheme utilized medical-psychological consultants with intermediary teacher-consultants to help the teachers to be more effective in their work with problem children.