Semantic categorization and reading skill across Dutch primary grades: development yes, relationship no

Item does not contain fulltextIn the present study, the development of semantic categorization and its relationship with reading was investigated across Dutch primary grade students. Three Exemplar-level tasks (Experiment 1) and two Superordinate-level tasks (Experiment 2) with different types of distracters (phonological, semantic and perceptual) were administered to assess semantic categorization skills. Reading was measured with a standardized word-reading test. Results of both experiments demonstrated that children in the higher grades had shorter reaction times and fewer errors than children in the lower grades. Reading skill, however, was not related to semantic categorization performance. Moreover, neither grade level nor reading skill was related to the effect of distracter type on error percentages. Based on the results of this study, we suggest a substantial development of semantic categorization skills over time, and reject the notion that Dutch poor readers have less advanced semantic categorization skills than typical readers

Synonymous and Nonsynonymous Polymorphisms versus Divergences in Bacterial Genomes

Comparison of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous polymorphisms within species with the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions between species has been widely used as a supposed indicator of positive Darwinian selection, with the ratio of these 2 ratios being designated as a neutrality index (NI). Comparison of genome-wide polymorphism within 12 species of bacteria with divergence from an outgroup species showed substantial differences in NI among taxa. A low level of nonsynonymous polymorphism at a locus was the best predictor of NI < 1, rather than a high level of nonsynonymous substitution between species. Moreover, genes with NI < 1 showed a strong tendency toward the occurrence of rare nonsynonymous polymorphisms, as expected under the action of ongoing purifying selection. Thus, our results are more consistent with the hypothesis that a high relative rate of between-species nonsynonymous substitution reflects mainly the action of purifying selection within species to eliminate slightly deleterious mutations rather than positive selection between species. This conclusion is consistent with previous results highlighting an important role of slightly deleterious variants in bacterial evolution and suggests caution in the use of the McDonald–Kreitman test and related statistics as tests of positive selection

Benefits of computer-presented speed training for poor readers

Contains fulltext : 56702.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)The effects of computer-presented automatization exercises in a group of 14 poor readers were assessed in comparison to a matched control group of 14 poor readers that received computer-presented exercises aimed at the use of context for word identification and comprehension. Training took place three sessions a week for 15 minutes per session and lasted about two months in each group. Results showed that the automatization or “speed” group progressed more than the context group in word and text reading efficiency, and the effect transferred to more complex word types than the CVC word type that was presented in the exercises. Both groups progressed to the same extent in accuracy, but the speed group made more progress in speed. No effects were found for reading comprehension. The findings make clear that computer-supported automatization exercises can be effective in reducing reading problems of poor readers in a short period of time. Implications for practice are discussed

Emesis in dogs: a review

Emesis is a common presenting sign in small animal practice. It requires a rational approach to management that is based upon a sound understanding of athophysiology combined with logical decision making. This review, which assesses the weight of available evidence, outlines the physiology of the vomiting refl ex, causes of emesis, the consequences of emesis and the approach to clinical management of the vomiting dog. The applicability of diagnostic testing modalities and the merit of traditional approaches to management, such as dietary changes, are discussed. The role and usefulness of both traditional and novel anti-emetic drugs is examined, including in specific circumstances such as following cytotoxic drug treatment. The review also examines areas in which common clinical practice is not necessarily supported by objective evidence and, as such, highlights questions worthy of further clinical research