Automaticity, spelling, and second language learning.

This study investigated the relationship between a chronometric estimate of automaticity for the spelling of French words (Automaticity) and performance on four tests of French language attainment among a sample of Year 11 students of French as a foreign language. Fifty participants each completed a computerized test of French spelling and attainment tests in four aspects of French language learning: reading comprehension, writing fluency, oral fluency, and aural comprehension. Correlations were significant between Automaticity and performance on all four tests of French language attainment as well as on overall attainment.

Effects of replicating primary-reflex movements on specific reading difficulties in children: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Children with specific reading difficulties have problems that extend beyond the range of underlying language-related deficits (eg, they have difficulties with balance and motor control). We investigated the role of persistent primary reflexes (which are closely linked in the earliest months of life to the balance system) in disrupting the development of reading skills. METHODS: We assessed the efficacy of an intervention programme based on replicating the movements generated by the primary-reflex system during fetal and neonatal life. A randomised, individually matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used and children (aged 8-11 years) with persistent primary reflexes and a poor standard of reading were enrolled into one of three treatment groups: experimental (children were given a specific movement sequence); placebo-control (children were given non-specific movements); and control (no movements). FINDINGS: From an initial sample of 98 children, 60 children, 20 in each group were matched on age, sex, verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), reading ability, and persistent asymmetrical tonic neck reflex. For asymmetrical tonic neck-reflex levels there was a significant (group by time) interaction (p<0.001). The experimental group showed a significant decrease in the level of persistent reflex over the course of the study (mean change -1.8 [95% CI -2.4 to -1.2], p<0.001), whereas the changes in the placebo-control and control groups were not significant (-0.2 [-0.9 to 0.6] and -0.4 [-0.9 to 0.2]). INTERPRETATION: This study provides further evidence of a link between reading difficulties and control of movement in children. In particular, our study highlights how the educational functioning of children may be linked to interference from an early neurodevelopmental system (the primary-reflex system). A new approach to the treatment of children with reading difficulties is proposed involving assessment of underlying neurological functioning, and appropriate remediation.

A transmission imaging spectrograph and microfabricated channel system for DNA analysis.

In this paper we present the development of a DNA analysis system using a microfabricated channel device and a novel transmission imaging spectrograph which can be efficiently incorporated into a high throughput genomics facility for both sizing and sequencing of DNA fragments. The device contains 48 channels etched on a glass substrate. The channels are sealed with a flat glass plate which also provides a series of apertures for sample loading and contact with buffer reservoirs. Samples can be easily loaded in volumes up to 640 nL without band broadening because of an efficient electrokinetic stacking at the electrophoresis channel entrance. The system uses a dual laser excitation source and a highly sensitive charge-coupled device (CCD) detector allowing for simultaneous detection of many fluorescent dyes. The sieving matrices for the separation of single-stranded DNA fragments are polymerized in situ in denaturing buffer systems. Examples of separation of single-stranded DNA fragments up to 500 bases in length are shown, including accurate sizing of GeneCalling fragments, and sequencing samples prepared with a reduced amount of dye terminators. An increase in sample throughput has been achieved by color multiplexing.

DNA transport by a micromachined Brownian ratchet device.

We have micromachined a silicon-chip device that transports DNA with a Brownian ratchet that rectifies the Brownian motion of microscopic particles. Transport properties for a DNA 50-mer agree with theoretical predictions, and the DNA diffusion constant agrees with previous experiments. This type of micromachine could provide a generic pump or separation component for DNA or other charged species as part of a microscale lab-on-a-chip. A device with reduced feature size could produce a size-based separation of DNA molecules, with applications including the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Ergonomics in Northern Ireland: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and implementation in industry and the public services.

In spite of the palpable benefits to organizations of applying the principles of ergonomics, it appears that a majority of employers, whether through ignorance or neglect, fail to do so (Simpson 1990). The present study sought to assess the impact of ergonomics on a broad cross-section of organizations in Northern Ireland from three perspectives: (1) knowledge and awareness of ergonomics; (2) attitudes towards ergonomics; and (3) the extent to which the principles of ergonomics were put into practice in the work-place. In all, 700 organizations were surveyed, representing manufacturing, service, and public sectors and ranging in size from 10 to more than 1000 employees. A total of 417 questionnaires (59.7%) were returned and, of these, 152 (36.5%) claimed no knowledge whatever of ergonomics. The extent to which knowledge was claimed tended to depend on the nature of the organizations. Analysis of the remaining 263 questionnaires revealed that, while only 36 organizations employed ergonomic specialists or engaged outside ergonomic consultants, 163 respondents reported specific instances of addressing ergonomic issues during the previous 12 months. Respondents exhibited generally positive attitudes towards ergonomics, although some cynicism was evident. Principal components analysis of the questionnaire items revealed several factors, most notably a general concern for ergonomic issues, cynicism towards ergonomics and, arguably, an attitude of helplessness concerning the state of the organization. Implications of these findings for promoting implementation of ergonomics within organizations are discussed.

Capacity, duration, and position effects in visual memory following a successive field procedure.

This study considered the efficacy of a Successive Field procedure in revealing properties of iconic memory. 8 subjects were required to identify differences between sequentially presented stimulus and target arrays of letters. While results were broadly in line with previous estimates of the capacity and duration of iconic storage, there was also evidence that identification of target letters depended on their position in the array.