It has been a matter of debate whether the specifically human capacity to process syntactic information draws on attentional resources or is automatic. To address this issue, we recorded neurophysiological indicators of syntactic processing to spoken sentences while subjects were distracted to different degrees from language processing. Subjects…

We present two ERP studies on the processing of word order variations in Japanese, a language that is suited to shedding further light on the implications of word order freedom for neurocognitive approaches to sentence comprehension. Experiment 1 used auditory presentation and revealed that initial accusative objects elicit increased processing…

This is a historical and philosophical survey of the relation of logic (including automata theory and inductive logic) to the biological sciences. (Author)

In this study, the number of alternatives for an extended arm swing was varied in order to test two memory drum predictions regarding movement refractoriness. (JS)

The fifth in a series of annual bibliographies of Collaborative Perinatal Project is presented. All manuscripts based on core data presented at national and international professional conventions and/or published in variety of medical and public health journals or periodicals are covered. (NF)

The hypothesis that autistics may experience a degree of stimulus overload was supported by an experiment in which visual event-related potentials and cognitive effects were recorded for five male autistic children (ages 6-14 years) and five matched controls. (DB)

Left/right brain research and its implications for teachers of handicapped and nonhandicapped students are highlighted. Medical and psychological research in asymmetry and the related attitudinal changes toward brain functioning are reviewed. Respect for the functioning of each hemisphere and the need for the "teaming" of both are emphasized.…

Two major advances in developmental brain sciences have implications for understanding development: (1) neuroimaging; and (2) molecular and cellular events that give rise to the developing brain and ways in which the brain is modified by experiences. Critical, new knowledge of behavioral development can be achieved by considering the…

This paper summarizes results of research on functional and structural abnormalities of the brain in autism. The current concept of causation is seen to involve multiple biologic levels. A consistent profile of brain function and dysfunction across methods has been found and specific neuropathologic findings have been found; but some research…

The study of computerized tomography brain-scan findings with 45 autistic and 19 control subjects concluded that autism is nonspecifically associated with brain-scan abnormalities, and that other nonorganic, as well as organic, factors should be taken into account. (Author/DB)

The study investigated whether variations in P3 amplitude of the auditory event-related potential were related to the degree of language impairment and/or level of intellectual ability in 17 autistic children (ages 8-19). (Author/DB)

This review examines clinical aspects of seizures among individuals with Down's syndrome and explores possible mechanisms by which the trisomy 21 brain may generate seizures. Evidence suggests an interplay between pathologically hyperexcitable membrane properties, altered neuronal structure, and abnormal inhibitory neurotransmission. (Author/JDD)

Analysis of 54 autistic patients and 72 controls found no intergroup differences in startle modulation by inhibitory or facilitatory prestimulation, short-term habituation of startle amplitude, long-term habituation of startle amplitude or latency, or unmodulated startle amplitude. Differences included prolongation of unmodulated startle onset…

This study examined whether stuttering speakers (N=10) differed from fluent speakers in relations between the neural control systems for speech and life support. It concluded that in some stuttering speakers the relations between respiratory controllers are atypical, but that high participation by the high frequency oscillation-producing circuitry…