bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadening the market orientation: An added focus on internal customers
Authors: Mohrw‐Jackson Iris
Published: May 2007

Though the marketing concept is the cornerstone of the marketing discipline, businesses typically describe only limited success in implementing it. An examination of the core pillars of the marketing concept points to limitations in the first pillar, the customer focus. This pillar is directed at the external customer, the person purchasing the firm's products and services with no attention to the internal customer, the employee. Whereas much attention has been directed to human resource practices in total quality management, marketers have overlooked its importance. This article describes an exploratory study based on in‐depth interviews with corporate executives from a broad range of American organizations, which phenomenologically assesses the characteristics of the marketing concept and the employee activities that foster its implementation.
Leadership and management effectiveness: A multi‐frame, multi‐sector analysis
Authors: Bolman Lee G. , Deal Terrence E.
Published: May 2007

Bolman and Deal (1984, 1991) have developed four perspectives, or frames, for understanding organizations and leadership: structural, human resource, political, and symbolic. This paper reports two studies that operationalize that model. The first study uses critical incidents written by managers to assess how many and which frames they use. Most incidents show the use of one or two frames; very few contain all four. In every population, the structural frame was used frequently while the symbolic frame was rarely evident. Across different populations, the use of the human resource and political frames varied substantially. The second study used survey instruments to assess managers' frame orientations. Regression analyses show that their orientations, as perceived by colleagues, are differentially related to perceived effectiveness as manager and leader. Managerial effectiveness is related to an emphasis on rationality and organizational structure. Leadership effectiveness is linked to symbols and culture. For men and women in comparable positions, gender is unrelated to leadership orientations or to their effectiveness as managers or leaders.
Keys to action: Understanding differences in organizations' responsiveness to work‐and‐family issues
Authors: Morgan Hal , Milliken Frances J.
Published: May 2007

The authors address the question of what factors influence the corporate response to work‐and‐family issues, using data from a written survey of companies. They hypothesized that various demographic, organizational, and other characteristics might affect the degree of a business's response. Among their findings are (1) that the percentage of female employees was unrelated to the responsiveness measure when other factors were controlled; (2) that industry and geographic effects were significant; and (3) that companies which regularly survey their employees tended to be more responsive. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A value‐laden approach to integrating work and family life
Authors: Lobel Sharon Alisa
Published: May 2007

People experience work‐family conflict when they express different values in work and family roles, when personal values differ from organizational expectations, and when individuals feel that external factors have created these discrepancies. These ideas, and the corresponding strategies for managing value‐based conflicts between work and family roles, are explored. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Helping top management avoid failure during planned change
Authors: Nutt Paul C.
Published: May 2007

Managers use a variety of tactics to set directions, to identify ideas, and to implement plans during planned change. Some of these tactics were found to be quite successful, and others have high rates of failure. Failure stemmed from imposing ideas, adopting ideas after a limited search, and using power to implement plans. Managers were far more successful when objectives were set and the need for action made clear at the outset, when an unrestricted search for ideas was carried out, and when participation was used to entice people to go along with the planned change. Suggestions to improve practice are offered as steps to take and steps to avoid during planned change. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Perceptions or reality: Is multi‐perspective measurement a means or an end?
Authors: Tornow Walter W.
Published: May 2007

This article takes an epistemological perspective on “perceptions or reality” when examining multi‐rater assessment measures as means versus ends and contrasts the scientist's and practitioner's perspectives. Multiple ratings—when used to map differences as well as similarities in perceptions about common reference points—can be powerful tools for individual or organizational development applications. The application of measurement tools for development purposes is quite different from the psychometric focus of measurement, however. In the latter, measurement becomes an end in itself; in the former, it is more a means to an end. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Self–observer rating discrepancies: Once an overrater, always an overrater?
Authors: Nilsen Dianne , Campbell David P.
Published: May 2007

Differences between the perceptions of self‐raters and other observers are often found on 360‐degree feedback instruments. This article reports on the nature of these self–observer differences. Specifically, self–observer discrepancies were found to be stable over time. In addition, discrepancies on skill‐based multirater instruments were related to discrepancies on personality‐based multirater instruments. This suggests that accuracy in self‐perception is a stable individual difference. The implications for job performance and personality assessment are discussed. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Other people's expectations
Authors: Moses Joel , Hollenbeck George P. , Sorcher Melvin
Published: May 2007

360‐degree Feedback is a popular fad. It relies on instruments designed to capture information from a variety of sources in the hope that the feedback from these sources can be best applied by the individual. While the idea of collecting information from a variety of relevant sources is commendable, the overall simplicity of the information collection process limits the usefulness of the information.

The authors take issue with these kinds of instruments and point out why the “feedback” from 360‐degree feedback instruments is severely limited by many factors which include: (1) the reliance on generalized traits; (2) a limited or nonexistent frame of reference for making rater/observer judgments; (3) a memory‐based, often incomplete description of past performance; (4) the inability of the observer to interpret behaviors; and (5) the reliance on the instrument designer's scoring system, factor analysis, or data collection methods to interpret the information for the participant.

The authors have developed instruments which differentiate between Other People's Observations (OPOs) and Other People's Expectations (OPEs). OPOs are based on context‐free assumptions. In contrast, OPEs are situation‐specific and provide both the rater and the recipient with an accurate frame of reference through which to better understand the implications of the expectations held.

The article describes how the instruments were designed to capture critical leadership expectations and how this information can be applied. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
360‐degree feedback PLUS: Boosting the power of co‐worker ratings for executives
Authors: Kaplan Robert E.
Published: May 2007

As useful as co‐worker ratings can be, all too often managers are given feedback and nothing changes. This is not surprising, since habits die hard. But, what if, to stand a better chance of having an impact, the power of co‐worker ratings were boosted? This article describes several possible boosters: follow‐through, using verbal descriptions along with ratings; collecting data on motivation as well as behavior; getting a historical perspective on the individual's current managerial behavior; and gathering data on the individual outside of work. A caveat: The more data that are collected and the greater the depth of these data, the greater the responsibility of those who conduct such an exercise. Feedback PLUS means commitment PLUS. This is all the more true when all the boosters are used in concert—an intervention the author and his colleagues have employed with executives. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
360‐degree feedback as a competitive advantage
Authors: London Manuel , Beatty Richard W.
Published: May 2007

This article examines the status of 360‐degree feedback in organizations. How to optimally use feedback from multiple constituencies as a competitive advantage is discussed. Differences between traditional performance appraisal and 360‐degree feedback are elucidated. Elements of designing and implementing an effective 360‐degree feedback program are explored: content, employee involvement, item type, format, relevance, implementation, using results for evaluation and/or development, including managers' self‐assessment, and the form and content of the feedback. A research agenda on 360‐degree programs is charted. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Management commitment and company policies on education and training
Authors: Useem Michael
Published: May 2007

This article presents evidence from a 1991 survey of 406 large companies indicating that corporate education and training practices are shaped by four company characteristics: (1) human resource innovativeness, (2) management resistance to change, (3) work redesigns to enhance quality and involvement, and (4) firm downsizing. When managements create an innovative climate, their companies invest more in worker retraining and contribute more to public schooling; when they resist change, they find it more difficult to recruit entry‐level employees. When managements redesign work, their companies place greater emphasis on training, development, and school relations. When managements downsize, their companies take more interest in entry‐level training and apprenticeship programs. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bringing mutual gains bargaining to labor negotiations: The role of trust, understanding, and control
Authors: Friedman Raymond A.
Published: May 2007

Mutual gains bargaining (MGB) is an approach to labor negotiations that has gained widespread popularity among consultants in recent years. Yet little is known about what factors affect negotiator support for MGB. In this article longitudinal survey data from three negotiations are examined to find out the degree to which trust, understanding, and control contribute to support for MGB. The results for labor and management negotiators are compared, as well as the findings before, during, and after negotiations. This exploratory study revealed several findings, including: (1) the one factor that is consistently most important is trust, (2) trust is more important to labor negotiators than it is to management negotiators, and (3) early in negotiations, understanding of the tactical implications of MGB (rather than of MGB “ideas”) is most important. These issues should be addressed during MGB training, and during broader, nontraining interventions into labor–management relations. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Psychological contracts in the workplace—a lawyer's view
Authors: Spindler George S.
Published: May 2007

This article contrasts the formation and enforcement of legal contracts with the formation and enforcement of psychological contracts. The author has held a variety of legal and managerial positions with a major industrial corporation.
The new employment contract
Authors: Kissler Gary D.
Published: May 2007

From the turmoil of the last decade a new relationship has emerged between employees and their organizations. It is one that openly challenges many of the management assumptions behind the imbalance of power between the key participants. Making a successful adjustment to this change has enormous implications in terms of sustained competitive advantage based on the ability to access and retain a committed and skilled work force. Human Resource professionals will find themselves caught in competing loyalties as their roles in this change process evolve. This article offers insight into this changing contract and its impact on the business environment.
Human resource management's role in clarifying the new psychological contract
Authors: Sims Ronald R.
Published: May 2007

This article discusses the importance of understanding and managing the changing employee–employer relationship (psychological contract). It offers a brief discussion on changing employee–employer expectations and provides a definition and discussion on the importance of the psychological contract in managing employee–employer relationships. Several employee–employer interactions in which human resource management (HRM) personnel can help clarify and reshape the psychological contract are presented.
Human resource practices: Administrative contract makers
Authors: Rousseau Denise M. , Greller Martin M.
Published: May 2007

Practices used in recruiting, training, performance review, and compensation all contribute to employee beliefs in a psychological contract with their employer. This article presents the basic features of contract‐making which human resource practices must manage. Organizations with multiple contract makers must align the messages they send to create a contract that works and can be kept. Recommendations are made for managing the psychological contract more effectively.
When promises become contracts: Implied contracts and handbook provisions on job security
Authors: Parks Judi McLean , Schmedemann Deborah A.
Published: May 2007

In this article, policy capturing was used to examine how lawyers, as experts, understand the wording in employee handbook passages that promise procedural protections for employees. Specifically, how the wording of employee handbook passages can create both legal and nonlegal obligations was examined. Forty‐six lawyers were asked to make the following judgments: whether the handbook passage constituted a legal or moral obligation and the chances of the employer winning or being granted a summary judgment in a wrongful discharge suit. Five aspects of the handbook passages were examined: verb strength, specificity, contract disclaimers, legalistic jargon, and the employee's signature.
Employee benefits: A growing source of psychological contract violations
Authors: Lucero Margaret A. , Allen Robert E.
Published: May 2007

Since the 1940s, the number of employee benefits provided by employers and costs related to these benefits have increased dramatically. However, in the face of intensified product market competition, more and more organizations are decreasing their benefits packages as part of broader efforts to decrease labor costs. At the same time, many employees have become dependent on employer‐provided benefits to help satisfy basic security needs. This article examines the evolution of this predicament and the associated consequences that are likely to arise as a result of this conflict between worker expectations and employer practices. Ideas for resolution of this employee–employer conflict are also discussed.
Creating an employer‐employee relationship for the hture
Authors: Ehrlich Clifford J.
Published: May 2007

A tidal wave of change is sweeping across the American workplace. Resulting in part from tumultuous economic conditions, the relationship between employers and employees is being redefined in a fundamental and permanent way. The consequences are as critical to the future of business as are developments in marketing, financial management, and technology.
Shatter the glass ceiling: Women may make better managers
Authors: Bass Bernard M. , Avolio Bruce J.
Published: May 2007

There is considerable evidence that women encounter a glass ceiling or barrier to advancement into the executive ranks of organizations. Although many expected this barrier to be obliterated with the large influx of women entering the work force over the last two decades, little change has actually occurred in the most senior ranks. In most sectors, women still comprise less than 5 percent of board directorships and corporate officerships.

This article focuses on emerging evidence which indicates that the trend in U.S. corporations toward high‐involvement work teams, consensus decision making, and empowerment may actually benefit the leadership styles that women already exhibit. Preliminary evidence is also provided which indicates that female managers are seen as more transformational than their male counterparts—a leadership style that has been shown to have a strong positive impact on individual, group, and organizational performance.
The transition into management by scientists and engineers: A misallocation or efficient use of human resources?
Authors: Roberts Karen
Published: May 2007

A theme in the career paths of scientists and engineers is their transition into management. This transition is described as difficult both for those who make it and for those who do not. This article uses Human Research Information System data from a large research & development firm to explore an alternative perspective in which the transition is seen as an efficient human resource promotion strategy. The results support the alternative explanation and indicate that the policy serves the firm well in allocating human resources. The results suggest that good technical employees tend to become good managers and that if coupled with aggressive training for those technical employees who do not move into management, the best workers stay with the firm.
Managing predecessors' shadows in executive transitions
Authors: Gilmore Thomas North , Ronchi Don
Published: May 2007

New leaders inevitably face comparisons with predecessors. After a short time these comparisons usually give way to judgments about the leader's performance. Occasionally, however, the presence of the predecessor continues to be felt long after the new leader has taken charge. The metaphor of a “shadow” cast by a predecessor is used to describe the process whereby memories of a former leader play a dominant role in shaping current behavior in the organization. A case is analyzed in which a burdensome shadow impeded a new leader's efforts to take charge of a state agency. Counterprojective group techniques helped the new leader and his staff lift the shadow and form a more productive working relationship. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unplanned executive transitions and the dance of the subidentities
Authors: Hall Douglas T.
Published: May 2007

This is a study of a non‐routine transition in an academic setting. After studying the processes of executive succession, succession planning, and executive development for many years, I found myself serving as Acting Dean of a school of management following the sudden resignation of the dean. This article is an account of my personal journey through that process, using subidentity theory as a way of understanding the experience. This article compares my own transition experiences with the theories of subidentity change and executive succession. It also identifies implications for future research based upon the differences observed, such as the perceived or virtual permanence of the acting administration. The conclusion offers recommendations for practice, such as the need for clarity of role expectations, strong leadership, and clear strategic direction; the value of a long hand‐off process; and the utility of planned transition events. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Linking management selection and development through stretch assignments
Authors: McCauley Cynthia D. , Eastman Lorrina J. , Ohlott Patricia J.
Published: May 2007

This article provides a framework and suggests strategies for incorporating management development considerations into selection processes. Components of developmental jobs which were derived from studies of on‐the‐job learning are described first. How various managerial jobs differ in terms of developmental components and learning outcomes is illustrated with data from the Developmental Challenge Profile. Next, how the developmental challenge framework can be used in a selection context to assess the type and degree of “stretch” a job candidate might experience in an assignment is examined. Additional issues to consider in providing developmental assignments to individuals and in enhancing the development emphasis of succession planning systems are discussed. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Executive succession as an antecedent to corporate restructuring
Authors: Wiersema Margarethe F.
Published: May 2007

One of the most visible adjustments in company strategies in recent years was the dramatic increase in the level of corporate restructuring activity that took place during the 1980s. Strategic decisions that result in the realignment of firms with their environments are likely to be influenced by the composition of the top management team. This study found that firms experiencing non‐routine executive succession events within the management team subsequently underwent more restructuring activity than did firms without non‐routine executive turnover. These findings suggest that unexpected executive turnovers can significantly alter managerial perspectives within top teams and may thus provide an important mechanism by which firms adapt to their competitive environments. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human resource management innovations: Determinants of their adoption and implementation
Authors: Wolfe Richard A.
Published: May 2007

The benefits of innovation to many organizational functions are well documented. Very little research has addressed innovation within the HRM function, however. Given the importance of the HRM function to organizational competitiveness, successful HRM innovations (HRMIs) can be important determinants of organizational success. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understanding HRMIs, and thus, to assist managers in making more informed decisions regarding their adoption and implementation. In order to do so this article: (1) describes and defines HRMIs; (2) reviews three studies of HRMI implementation; (3) develops a model of HRMI implementation; and (4) discusses research and practical implications of the HRMI model. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stochastic simulation of physicochemical processes performance over supported metal nanoparticles
Authors: Kovalyov Evgenii V. , Elokhin Vladimir I. , Myshlyavtsev Aleksandr V.
Published: May 2007

The statistical lattice model has been proposed which permits one to take into account the change in the shape and surface morphology of the nanoparticle under the influence of the reaction media. The influence of monomolecular and dissociative adsorption on the particles equilibrium shape and surface morphology has been studied. It has been shown that by taking into account of attraction “adsorbate‐metal” the reshaping of the initial hemispheric particle into cone‐shaped one occurs induced by adsorption, similar to the experimentally observed reversible reshaping of active nanoparticles. The model reaction A+B2 has been studied taking into account the roughening of the active particle surface and the spillover phenomena of the adsorbed Aads species over the support surface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Heterogeneity of presentation and outcome in the Irish rapid‐onset dystonia–Parkinsonism kindred
Authors: McKeon Andrew , Ozelius Laurie J. , Hardiman Oria , Greenway Matthew J. , Pittock Sean J.
Published: May 2007

The authors report a 7‐year follow‐up video study and molecular data on the Irish rapid‐onset dystonia–Parkinsonism kindred. All affected patients tested had a missense mutation in the Na+/K+ ‐ATPase α3 subunit (ATP1A3), twice previously identified, suggestive of a mutation hotspot. Clinical presentation, progression, and outcome in this kindred is varied. Some patients remain stable over many years, others worsen, have a fluctuating course, or improve over time. To date there have been no effective treatments for this disorder, although Na+/K+ ATPase may be a future therapeutic target. The broad phenotypic spectrum of RDP described in the text and detailed in the video, should be considered when evaluating patients with dystonia. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of essential tremor in patients with Parkinson's disease vs. Parkinson‐plus syndromes
Authors: Louis Elan D. , Frucht Steven J.
Published: May 2007

Clinical literature suggests an association between essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and recent pathological studies describe Lewy bodies in some ET patients. If some ET were an expression of Lewy body disease, one could hypothesize that ET patients who develop parkinsonism would more likely develop PD (a Lewy body disease) than non‐Lewy body forms of parkinsonism. The objective was to compare the proportions of patients with PD vs. Parkinson‐plus syndromes who had diagnoses of ET. Retrospective chart review at the Neurological Institute (NI) of New York. A larger proportion of the 210 PD than 210 Parkinson‐plus syndrome patients had kinetic tremor on examination (119 [56.7%] vs. 70 [33.3%], P < 0.001). Patients with PD were more likely to have a prior diagnosis of ET than were patients with Parkinson‐plus syndromes (7.1% vs. 2.4%, OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.13–8.85, P = 0.02) and more likely to have a diagnosis of ET assigned by an NI neurologist (5.3% vs. 0.0%, OR 12.85, 95% CI 1.66–99.8, P = 0.001). Patients with PD were three to thirteen times more likely to have diagnoses of ET than were patients with Parkinson‐plus syndromes. These data further confirm the link between ET and PD, and possibly, between ET and Lewy body disease. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Antineuronal antibody status and phenotype analysis in Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Martino Davide , Defazio Giovanni , Church Andrew J. , Dale Russell C. , Giovannoni Gavin , Robertson Mary M. , Orth Michael
Published: May 2007

The Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) spectrum includes psychiatric comorbidities, mainly obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The role of environmental factors, e.g., antineuronal antibodies (ANeA), remains unclear. We compared the clinical features of ANeA‐positive and ANeA‐negative patients in 53 children and 75 adults with GTS. All diagnoses were made according to DSM‐IV‐TR criteria. A positive ANeA Western immunoblot showed bands for at least 1 of 3 reported striatal antigens (40, 45, and 60 kDa). Twelve children (23%) and 18 adults (25%) with GTS were ANeA‐positive. Disease duration, tic phenomenology and severity, frequency of echo/pali/coprophenomena, self‐injurious and aggressive behavior, or frequency of OCD comorbidity did not significantly differ between ANeA‐positive and negative patients. Similar findings were obtained analyzing separately the three different antibody reactivities. A comorbid diagnosis of ADHD was significantly less frequent in GTS patients positive for the anti‐60 kDa antibody only. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting for age, gender, and age at disease onset, a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD remained inversely associated with anti‐60 kDa antibodies (odds ratio = 0.14; P = 0.002; 95% confidence interval 0.04–0.49). ANeA status does not differentiate a specific phenotype of GTS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Efficacy and tolerability of entacapone versus cabergoline in parkinsonian patients suffering from wearing‐off
Authors: Deuschl Günther , Vaitkus Antanas , Fox Gabriele‐Cornelia , Roscher Torsten , Schremmer Dieter , Gordin Ariel
Published: May 2007

In this 12‐wk, multi‐center, randomized, open‐label, rater‐blinded study, efficacy and tolerability of Entacapone (ENT) or Cabergoline (CBG) in conjunction with levodopa were compared in 161 older Parkinson's disease patients with wearing‐off. Patients received either ENT, 3 to 5 times daily, or CBG, titrated according to requirements to a maximum of 6 mg/d. A significant decrease of nearly 2 hours in the daily OFF‐time (primary efficacy variable) was recorded in both treatment groups. The non‐inferiority test failed despite a trend in favor of ENT. Reduction in OFF‐time occurred faster in the ENT compared to the CBG treated patients. A decrease of ∼20% was detected in parts II and III of the UPDRS, with no differences between the groups. Forty‐three percent of the patients in the ENT group reported dyskinesias at baseline, and 35% at the final visit. The corresponding figures in the CBG group were 46% and 43%. Quality of life, measured by PDQ‐39, increased substantially with both ENT and CBG. The mean daily dosage at the final visit was 698 mg for ENT (plus 447 mg levodopa) and 3.45 mg for CBG (plus 475 mg levodopa). Adverse events (AE), leading to discontinuation, were reported in 8.5% of the ENT and 13.9% of the CBG treated patients. Nausea was the most common AE in each group, corresponding figures being 7.3% with ENT and 25.3% with CBG (P = 0.0024). A probable or possible causal relationship with ENT was reported in 41% and with CBG in 64% of the AE. Among these, only one serious AE (dehydration) was recorded with each treatment group. ENT and CBG reduced the patient's motor complications effectively and to a similar degree. The clinical benefit was more quickly apparent with ENT, which also showed a more favorable AE profile than CBG. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Prospective neuroimaging study in hereditary spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum
Authors: França Marcondes C. , D'Abreu Anelyssa , Maurer‐Morelli Cláudia V. , Seccolin Rodrigo , Appenzeller Simone , Alessio Andréia , Damasceno Benito P. , Nucci Anamarli , Cendes Fernando , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia
Published: May 2007

Our objective was to estimate the frequency as well as to establish the clinical and neuroimaging profile of hereditary spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum (HSP‐TCC). HSP‐TCC was recognized as a specific clinical subtype of HSP and mapped to chromosome (ch) 15q13‐15 in Japanese families. It has been considered rare in western countries. We assessed 45 patients with autosomal recessive HSP from 20 different families in search of clinical and imaging criteria for the diagnosis of HSP‐TCC. In addition, HSP‐TCC patients underwent further neurological, imaging and genetic evaluation. MRI scans were performed in a 2T scanner and sagittal T1 weighted images used for semiautomated volumetric measurements of corpus callosum, cerebellum, and brain. In seven patients, a 2‐year follow‐up MRI scan was performed. We genotyped seven microsatellite markers flanking the 15q13‐15 candidate region and calculated two‐point and multipoint LOD scores (Z). We identified 13 patients from seven unrelated families with HSP‐TCC. MRI showed significant corpus callosum, cerebral and cerebellar volumetric reductions (P < 0.001, P = 0.03, and P = 0.01, respectively). In the prospective analysis, we found progressive corpus callosum atrophy (P = 0.04). Two‐point and multipoint LOD scores were significantly negative for markers genotyped on ch 15q. However, independent pedigree analysis did not yield significant results. HSP‐TCC was found in 35% of families with autosomal recessive HSP. MRI volumetry showed cerebral and cerebellar atrophy in association with progressive corpus callosum thinning. Genetic studies did not show evidence for linkage to ch 15q. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Inhibitory control and spatial working memory in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gurvich Caroline , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Millist Lyn , White Owen B.
Published: May 2007

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have difficulty performing tasks relying on inhibitory control and working memory, functions of the prefrontal cortex. Eye movement paradigms can be used to investigate basic sensorimotor functions and higher order cognitive aspects of motor control. This study investigated inhibitory control and spatial working memory in the saccadic system of 13 individuals with mild‐moderate PD and 13 age‐matched controls. Tasks explored suppression of reflexive saccades during qualitatively different tasks, generation of express and anticipatory saccades, and the ability to respond to occasional, unpredictable (“oddball”) targets that occurred during a sequence of well‐learned, reciprocating saccades between horizontal targets. Spatial working memory was assessed using single and two‐step (involving a visually guided saccade during the delay period) memory‐guided tasks. Results for the PD group indicated an increased percentage of response selection errors during an oddball task, reduced suppression of inappropriate reflexive saccades during memory‐guided tasks (but not during fixation or saccade‐engagement tasks), and an increased percentage of express and anticipatory saccades. Spatial working memory was preserved in the PD group during single and two‐step memory‐guided tasks. These findings are consistent with dysfunction within fronto‐striatal and prefrontal‐collicular pathways influencing suppression and selection of eye movements. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Silas Weir Mitchell's essential tremor
Authors: Louis Elan D.
Published: May 2007

Silas Weir Mitchell (1829–1914) is recognized as an important American neurologist. Biographers refer in brief to a tremor. The objective of this review was to characterize Mitchell's tremor using handwriting samples, to examine handwriting samples of family members to determine whether this tremor was familial, and study Mitchell's allusions to tremor in personal, scientific, and fictional writings. Primary sources were the Papers of S. Weir Mitchell, College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and Mitchell's scientific and fictional writings. Mitchell's early handwriting was tremor‐free yet, by 1873, the writing was tremulous. Handwriting in the 1880s and 1890s shows clear oscillations of moderate‐amplitude. By the first decade of the 20th century, his handwriting was virtually illegible. Letters written by two siblings, his mother, and maternal grandfather also reveal tremor. Tremor was not prominent in Mitchell's personal or scientific writings and Mitchell referred to tremor in only 4 of 27 fictional writings In conclusion, Mitchell had a familial action tremor that began when he was in his early 40's and worsened considerably with age. The likely diagnosis was essential tremor. Curiously, Mitchell rarely alluded to tremor in personal writings and tremor was not prominently featured in his scientific or fictional works. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Reliability and validity of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia: A study in 64 ataxia patients
Authors: Weyer Anja , Abele Michael , Schmitz‐Hübsch Tanja , Schoch Beate , Frings Markus , Timmann Dagmar , Klockgether Thomas
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) in ataxia patients not suffering from autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). To this end, 64 patients with various ataxia disorders or stable cerebellar lesions were rated independently by two investigators. In addition to SARA, the following assessment instruments were applied: ataxia disease stage, Barthel index and part IV (functional assessment) of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating scale (UHDRS‐IV). Eighteen patients were rated twice. Inter‐rater and intrarater reliability were very high with ICCs of 0.98 and 0.99. Internal consistency was high indicated by Cronbach's α of 0.97. Factorial analysis revealed that the rating results were mainly determined by one major factor with an eigenvalue of 6.34 which explained 52.8% of the variance. SARA score increased with disease stage (P < 0.0001) and was closely correlated with Barthel index (r = −0.63, P < 0.0001) and UHDRS‐IV (r = −0.62, P < 0.0001), but only weakly correlated with disease duration (r = 0.44, P < 0.001). The results suggest that SARA is a reliable and valid measure of ataxia in non‐SCA ataxia patients. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Risk of incident dementia in essential tremor: A population‐based study
Authors: Bermejo‐Pareja Félix , Louis Elan D. , Benito‐León Julián
Published: May 2007

Essential tremor (ET) is a late‐life neurological disease. Mild cognitive deficits as well as an association with prevalent dementia have been reported in recent case–control studies. We determined whether ET was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia. In a population‐based study of older people in central Spain (NEDICES), nondemented ET cases and controls were followed prospectively. Incident dementia at follow‐up was diagnosed using DSM‐IV criteria and the risk of incident dementia was estimated in ET cases versus controls using Cox proportional hazards models. 3,891 participants had a mean duration of follow‐up of 3.2 years. Sixteen (7.8%) of 206 ET cases developed incident dementia versus 145 (3.9%) of 3,685 controls (unadjusted relative risk [RR] = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.24–3.50, P = 0.006 and adjusted RR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.99–2.80, P = 0.054). In an adjusted model, ET cases with tremor onset after age 65 years were twice as likely to develop incident dementia than were controls (RR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.14–3.45, P = 0.01), whereas ET cases with tremor onset < age 65 years and controls were equally to develop incident dementia (RR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.19–3.20, P = 0.79). Although ET is often considered a benign condition, in this prospective, population‐based study, elderly‐onset ET was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia. The basis for this dementia, which is not known, requires additional study. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Fast screening of paramagnetic molecules in zebrafish embryos by MRI
Authors: Canaple Laurence , Beuf Olivier , Armenean Mircea , Hasserodt Jens , Samarut Jacques , Janier Marc
Published: May 2007

Zebrafish embryo is a well‐established model used in many fields of modern experimental biology. We demonstrate that it provides a promising model platform for exploring fundamental MR aspects that can be used to screen and study active MR molecules before progressing to more complex living systems. Setting up a dedicated MRI methodology, we arrayed a large number of living embryos, which were microinjected at very early stages of development with different contrast agents. We also showed that MRI signal intensity correlates with the gadolinium content of zebrafish embryos. This allowed us to validate a new approach for MR compound screening. Using a specific surface coil of 5 mm inner diameter, we obtained for the first time high‐spatial‐resolution images at 7 T of living zebrafish embryos with a 47 µm isotropic voxel size with an acquisition time of 39 min. Finally, we discuss potential applications of this development: a viable in vivo assay for screening small pharmacological compounds; assessment of and tracking the action of molecules over time. Exploring in vivo biological activity, gene function analysis, and detailed characterization of disease processes in fish are natural extensions of these preliminary studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective citizen involvement: How to make it happen
Authors: Bens Charles K.
Published: May 2007

Citizens possess a central role in the enterprise of renewing their communities. Community involvement is a key instrument in the process. Good citizenship is hard work, and the price of neglecting its broader responsibilities is dramatized in our consistent failure to meet the challenges facing society.
A ‘best points’ interpolation method for efficient approximation of parametrized functions
Authors: Nguyen N. C. , Patera A. T. , Peraire J.
Published: May 2007

We present an interpolation method for efficient approximation of parametrized functions. The method recognizes and exploits the low‐dimensional manifold structure of the parametrized functions to provide good approximation. Basic ingredients include a specific problem‐dependent basis set defining a low‐dimensional representation of the parametrized functions, and a set of ‘best interpolation points’ capturing the spatial‐parameter variation of the parametrized functions. The best interpolation points are defined as solution of a least‐squares minimization problem which can be solved efficiently using standard optimization algorithms. The approximation is then determined from the basis set and the best interpolation points through an inexpensive and stable interpolation procedure. In addition, an a posteriori error estimator is introduced to quantify the approximation error and requires little additional cost. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suboptimal digital LQ output feedback control design via LMI relaxations
Authors: Lee Kwan Ho
Published: May 2007

This paper deals with suboptimal linear quadratic (LQ) output feedback control of linear discrete systems. It is shown that degree of freedoms by instrumental variables employed in this paper lead to much flexibility in obtaining a suboptimal LQ controller. An improved convex optimization method involving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is suggested to solve the matrix inequalities characterizing a solution of the suboptimal LQ problem. Of the major interest of this paper is an extension to a class of nonconvex LQ problems of large size arising in decentralized feedback, simultaneous control, periodic feedback control, etc. Illustrative examples demonstrate the validity of the proposed convex approximate approach to optimal LQ output feedback control. Also, it is shown that suboptimal LQ solutions obtained by the proposed method can be used as an initial feasible point of existing iterative LMI algorithms to improve the feasibility of the iterative methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
4D‐Var and the butterfly effect: Statistical four‐dimensional data assimilation for a wide range of scales
Authors: Lorenc Andrew C. , Payne Tim
Published: May 2007

We review the limits of 4D‐Var, particularly its ability to work well for a wide range of scales, and discuss the relationship to the atmospheric butterfly effect. As a concrete example, we consider how 4D‐Var might be applied to a global, convective‐scale model. Deterministic 4D‐Var, finding the most likely model evolution to fit observations, does not work in the limit of high resolution. Statistical 4D‐Var, minimising the mean‐square errors and estimating the mean of possible states, might work. We address the optimal regularisation of models for this. It requires a means of forecasting the evolution of the best estimate state and a perturbation model optimised for a range of finite perturbations. The parametrisation of uncertain scales in such models is discussed.

For several more practical reasons, as well as the difficulties of building such models, a seamless NWP system, based on 4D‐Var and capable of forecasting from convective to global scales, is unlikely. However, the concepts introduced are still useful in designing practical high‐resolution 4D‐Var systems. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
An objective definition of the Indian summer monsoon season and a new perspective on the ENSO–monsoon relationship
Authors: Xavier Prince K. , Marzin Charline , Goswami B. N.
Published: May 2007

The concept of an interannually varying Indian summer monsoon season is introduced here, considering that the duration of the primary driving of the Indian monsoon—the large‐scale meridional gradient of the deep tropospheric heat source—may vary from one year to another. Onset (withdrawal) is defined as the day when the tropospheric heat source shifts from south to north (north to south). This physical principle leads to a new thermodynamic index of the seasonal mean monsoon. While the traditional measure of seasonal rainfall, averaged from 1 June to 30 September, indicates a breakdown of the ENSO–monsoon relationship in recent decades, it is argued that this breakdown is partly due to the inappropriate definition of a fixed monsoon season. With a new physically based definition of the seasonal mean, the ENSO–monsoon relationship has remained steady over the decades. El Niño (La Niña) events contract (expand) the season, and thus decrease (increase) the seasonal mean monsoon by setting up persistent negative (positive) tropospheric temperature (TT) anomalies over the southern Eurasian region. Thus, we propose a new pathway, whereby the Indian summer monsoon could be influenced by remote climatic phenomena via modification of TT over Eurasia.

Diagnostics of the onset and withdrawal processes suggest that onset delay is due to the enhanced adiabatic subsidence that inhibits vertical mixing of sensible heating from warm landmass during the pre‐monsoon months. On the other hand, the major factor that determines whether the withdrawal is early or late is the horizontal advective cooling. Most of the late (early) onsets and early (late) withdrawals are associated with El Niño (La Niña). This link between the ENSO and the monsoon is realized through vertical and horizontal advections associated with the stationary waves in the upper troposphere set up by the tropical ENSO heating. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
On the distribution of subsidence in the hurricane eye
Authors: Schubert Wayne H. , Rozoff Christopher M. , Vigh Jonathan L. , McNoldy Brian D. , Kossin James P.
Published: May 2007

Two hurricane eye features that have yet to be adequately explained are the clear‐air moat that forms at the outer edge of the eye and the hub cloud that forms near the circulation centre. To investigate whether these features can be explained by the spatial distribution of the subsidence field, we have derived an analytical solution of the Sawyer–Eliassen transverse circulation equation for a three‐region approximation with an unforced central eye region of intermediate or high inertial stability, a diabatically‐forced eyewall region of high inertial stability, and an unforced far‐field of low inertial stability. This analytical solution isolates the conditions under which the subsidence is concentrated near the edge of the eye. The crucial parameter is the dimensionless dynamical radius of the eye, defined as the physical radius of the eye divided by the characteristic Rossby length in the eye. When this dimensionless dynamical radius is less than 0.6, there is less than 10% horizontal variation in the subsidence rate across the eye; when it is greater than 1.8, the subsidence rate at the edge of the eye is more than twice as strong as at the centre of the eye. When subsidence is concentrated at the edge of the eye, the largest temperature anomalies occur near there rather than at the vortex centre. This warm‐ring structure, as opposed to a warm‐core structure, is often observed in the lower troposphere of intense hurricanes. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society