Word Learning: Concrete vs Abstract Acquisition

Concrete vs abstract word learning was investigated in first grade subjects on a trials-to-criterion basis. Eight four-letter words were selected (four concrete, four abstract) from a list of common words and presented mechanically to subjects. Subjects were divided into groups high and low in reading readiness. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance indicated that contrary to previously published research, there is no difference in the ability to learn concrete or abstract words. Further, low-readiness subjects did not perform with any significant degree of difference from subjects high in readiness. It was concluded that concreteness or abstractness may not be a significant factor in word learning, as previously assumed. </jats:p

Cerebral cyst infection with Micrococcus sedentarius

✓ A 7-year-old boy with congenital hydrocephalus and a left septate cerebral cyst presented with a shunt infection due to Micrococcus sedentarius, resistant to all penicillins. The shunt infection was persistent despite several courses of parenteral, intraventricular, and intracyst antibiotics. Evaluation of the ventricular fluid revealed adequate “killing power” against the patient's microorganism. No extracranial focus of infection could be found. Computerized tomographic scanning, along with air ventriculography, identified a noncommunicating area of the cerebral cyst. Only when communication between this location and the rest of the cyst was established were the antibiotics efficacious. Undercirculated areas of cerebrospinal fluid should be sought when shunt infections and ventriculitis persist in spite of adequate parenteral and local therapy in patients with brain cysts.</jats:p

Guide to Good Practice in the Digital Representation and Management of Cultural Heritage Materials

Components of the Guide include: Introduction Project Planning Selecting Materials: an Iterative Process Rights Management Digitization and Encoding of Text Capture and Management of Images Audio/Video Capture and Management Quality Control and Assurance Working With Others Distribution Sustainability: Models for Long-Term Funding Assessment of Projects by User Evaluation Digital Asset Management Preservation In addition, the Guide includes the following resources: Bibliography Reports of Interviews with Digitization Sites Interview Instrument

The hydro-sedimentary system of the Upper-Normandy coast: synthesis

International audienc