Etiologic and pathogenetic aspects of the demyelinating process in multiple sclerosis

In our opinion there is no specific germ for multiple sclerosis. The pathogenic process is developed after a clinically "silent" period and results in a demyelinization process. Partially genetical aspects have to take into account for certain disease processes. Up to now both, the theory of infection as well as the neuroallergetic theory are of importance.     

Visual prototype formation with discontinuous representation of dimensions of variability

The prototype-distance model (Posner, 1969) predicts that when a series of similar visual stimuli are experienced, a prototype is abstracted at the point in the multidimensional similarity structure which represents the greatest similarity to all stimuli, whether the elements of the prototype have actually been experienced or not. The attribute-frequency model (Neumann, 1974) predicts the prototype as a pattern composed of the most frequently experienced elements on each dimension of variability. In three experiments, it was determined that: (1) Under some conditions, a prototype is formed of unexperienced values, and, under other conditions, the best recognized stimuli are those incorporating the most frequent values; (2) the present form of the prototype-distance model cannot account for best recognized stimuli being other than the central tendency; and, (3) the attribute-frequency model can, in principle, account for either finding by incorporating additional assumptions about the specificity with which values on dimensions of variability are encoded.     

Effects of parent training on parent instruction and child learning of intellectual skills

The present investigation examined the effects of a brief parent training package on parental application of behavioral procedures during child instruction. In addition, it investigated the effects of parent training on child learning of two intellectual skills. Forty-nine parents and their $\text{2}\text{1}\text{2}$ to 5-year-old children participated. A discriminant analysis revealed that the parent training package produced variations in parental use of modeling, physical prompting, verbal instructional prompting, and aversive control. However, the pattern of variations differed across instructional tasks. Regression analysis showed that parent training produced differences in child learning in one of the two skills targeted for instruction.     

Progress of research in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by study of the cerebrospinal fluid

There are neither specific cell investigations nor immunological tests for the diagnosis of MS. Various immunological alterations occur in the course of the disease, but none is unique to MS. Accurate diagnosis remains confined to the clinical field. The diagnosis can be supported by CSF analysis. Laboratory examinations can help to determine the particular stage of the disease and provide clues to the etiology and pathogenesis. The appearance of abnormal CSF levels increases the certainty of the diagnosis.     

Bindung und Liebe in den Partnerschaften von Psychotherapiepatienten

Based on attachment theory and love style typology, this study focuses on the relation between experiences in romantic relationships and mental health in a clinical sample. 117 outpatients of a psychosomatic clinic took part in the study. Self-report measures were used to assess relationship quality, attachment dimensions, love styles and correlates of mental disorders. Compared to a student sample, the patients’ reports refer to lower relationship quality. They experience more anxiety and less romantic feelings in their relationships which is especially true for women. Furthermore, anxiety, jealousy and altruism in the patients’ relationships are related to a variety of correlates of mental disorders including psychosomatic complaints. Results indicate that experiences in romantic relationships are strongly associated with general psychological well-being.