bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Error Negativity Does Not Reflect Conflict: A Reappraisal of Conflict Monitoring and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Activity
Authors: Burle Borís , Roger Clémence , Allain Sonia , Vidal Franck , Hasbroucq Thierry
Published: March 2008

Our ability to detect and correct errors is essential for our adaptive behavior. The conflict-loop theory states that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a key role in detecting the need to increase control through conflict monitoring. Such monitoring is assumed to manifest itself in an electroencephalographic (EEG) component, the “error negativity” (N e or “error-related negativity” [ERN]). We have directly tested the hypothesis that the ACC monitors conflict through simulation and experimental studies. Both the simulated and EEG traces were sorted, on a trial-by-trial basis, as a function of the degree of conflict, measured as the temporal overlap between incorrect and correct response activations. The simulations clearly show that conflict increases as temporal overlap between response activation increases, whereas the experimental results demonstrate that the amplitude of the N e decreases as temporal overlap increases, suggesting that the ACC does not monitor conflict. At a functional level, the results show that the duration of the N e depends on the time needed to correct (partial) errors, revealing an “on-line” modulation of control on a very short time scale.
Elucidating Factors that Can Facilitate Veridical Spatial Perception in Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Interrante Victoria , Ries Brian , Lindquist Jason , Kaeding Michael , Anderson Lee
Published: March 2008

Ensuring veridical spatial perception in immersive virtual environments (IVEs) is an important yet elusive goal. In this paper, we present the results of two experiments that seek further insight into this problem. In the first of these experiments, initially reported in Interrante, Ries, Lindquist, and Anderson (2007), we seek to disambiguate two alternative hypotheses that could explain our recent finding (Interrante, Anderson, and Ries, 2006a) that participants appear not to significantly underestimate egocentric distances in HMD-based IVEs, relative to in the real world, in the special case that they unambiguously know, through first-hand observation, that the presented virtual environment is a high-fidelity 3D model of their concurrently occupied real environment. Specifically, we seek to determine whether people are able to make similarly veridical judgments of egocentric distances in these matched real and virtual environments because (1) they are able to use metric information gleaned from their exposure to the real environment to calibrate their judgments of sizes and distances in the matched virtual environment, or because (2) their prior exposure to the real environment enabled them to achieve a heightened sense of presence in the matched virtual environment, which leads them to act on the visual stimulus provided through the HMD as if they were interpreting it as a computer-mediated view of an actual real environment, rather than just as a computer-generated picture, with all of the uncertainties that that would imply. In our second experiment, we seek to investigate the extent to which augmenting a virtual environment model with faithfully-modeled replicas of familiar objects might enhance people's ability to make accurate judgments of egocentric distances in that environment.
Bursaphelenchus chengi sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) isolated at Nanjing, China, in packaging wood from Taiwan
Authors: Li Hongmei , Trinh Phap Quang , Waeyenberge Lieven , Moens Maurice
Published: March 2008

Bursaphelenchus chengi sp. n. is described and illustrated. Dauer juveniles
were isolated from imported wood packaging materials from Taiwan to Nanjing
Port, China. Bursaphelenchus chengi sp. n. was reared and maintained on
Petri dish cultures of the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The new species is
characterised by the medium body size in both sexes, the presence of only
two incisures in the lateral field and the robust and strongly curved
spicules. The spicule lamina is angular distally, the rostrum digitate and
the condylus rounded. The tail is arcuate with a pointed terminus. The bursa
is usually truncate with the posterior margin indented in some specimens or
rounded with a fine axial point. Females have a small vulval flap formed by
a short extension of the cuticle of the anterior lip, and a conical tail
that gradually tapers to an almost straight or slightly recurved, pointed or
rounded terminus. Because of the presence of two lateral lines, similar
spicule shape, tapering female tail and the presence of a small vulval flap,
B. chengi sp. n. should be grouped in the abietinus-group sensu Braasch.
together with B. abietinus, B. antoniae, B. hellenicus, B. hylobianum and B.
rainulfi. ITS-RFLP profiles support the proposal of the new species, and
phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA D2/D3 domain sequence places it close
to B. antoniae and other species of the abietinus-group.
A Reexamination of the Jordan Mean Tropical Sounding Based on Awareness of the Saharan Air Layer: Results from 2002
Authors: Dunion Jason P. , Marron Christopher S.
Published: March 2008

The Jordan mean tropical sounding has provided a benchmark for representing the climatology of the tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea since 1958. However, recent studies of the Saharan air layer (SAL) have suggested that the tropical atmosphere in these oceanic regions may contain two distinct soundings (SAL and non-SAL) with differing thermodynamic and kinematic structures and that a single mean sounding like Jordan’s does not effectively represent these differences. This work addresses this possibility by examining over 750 rawinsondes from the tropical North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea during the 2002 hurricane season. It was found that a two-peak bimodal moisture distribution (dry SAL and moist non-SAL) exists in this region and that the Jordan sounding does not represent either distribution particularly well. Additionally, SAL soundings exhibited higher values of geopotential height, unique temperature profiles, and stronger winds (with an enhanced easterly component) compared to the moist tropical non-SAL soundings. The results of this work suggest that the Jordan mean tropical sounding may need to be updated to provide a more robust depiction of the thermodynamics and kinematics that exist in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea during the hurricane season.
Thermal Contrast between the Middle-Latitude Asian Continent and Adjacent Ocean and Its Connection to the East Asian Summer Precipitation
Authors: Cheng Huaqiong , Wu Tongwen , Dong Wenjie
Published: March 2008

To analyze the middle-to-lower-troposphere atmospheric thermal contrast between the middle latitude over the Asian continent and over its eastern adjacent ocean near Japan, an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data of the June–August (JJA) 500-hPa geopotential height over the Asia–Pacific area (10°–80°N, 60°–180°E) during 1958–2000 was done. It shows that the dominating pattern of the thermal contrast may well be represented by a “seesaw” of 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies between a land area (40°–55°N, 75°–90°E) and an oceanic area (35°–42.5°N, 140°– 150°E). An index showing the difference between the two areas is defined as the middle-latitude land–sea thermal contrast index (LSI). The LSI has significant interannual and interdecadal variability. Its interannual variation is mainly attributed to the atmospheric thermal condition over the ocean, which has a remarkably regional unique feature, while the interdecadal variability is greatly attributed to that over the land.

The LSI has a close connection to the East Asian summer precipitation. The results show that large (small) LSI is related to high (low) summer precipitation in the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Korea, Japan, and its eastern adjacent ocean at the same latitude, and low (high) precipitation in the South China Sea and tropical western Pacific, as well as low (high) precipitation in north China and high-latitude northeast Asia. The pattern of correlation between LSI and precipitation resembles the spatial distribution of the principle EOF mode of year-to-year precipitation variations. Furthermore, the variation of LSI is highly correlated to the time series of the first EOF mode of summer precipitation anomalies. This suggests that the middle-latitude land–sea thermal contrast is one of important factors to influence on the summer precipitation variations over the area from the whole East Asia to the western Pacific. The possible physical mechanisms of the land–sea thermal contrast impacting the East Asian summer monsoon precipitation are also investigated.
Convective Systems of the North Australian Monsoon
Authors: Pope Mick , Jakob Christian , Reeder Michael J.
Published: March 2008

The climatology of convection over northern Australia and the surrounding oceans, based on six wet seasons (September–April), is derived from the Japanese Meteorological Agency Geostationary Meteorological Satellite-5 (GMS-5) IR1 channel for the years from 1995/96 to 2000/01. This is the first multiyear study of this kind. Clouds are identified at two cloud-top temperature thresholds: 235 and 208 K. The annual cycle of cloudiness over northern Australia shows an initial (October–November) buildup over the Darwin region before widespread cloudiness develops over the entire region during the monsoon months (December–February), followed by a northward contraction during March and April. Tracking mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) reveals that both the size of the cloud systems and their lifetimes follow power-law distributions. For short-lived MCSs (less than 12 h), the initial expansion of the cloudy area is related to the lifetime, with mergers important for long-lived MCSs (greater than 24 h). During periods of deep zonal flow, which coincide with the active phase of the monsoon, the number of convective elements in the Darwin region peaks in the early afternoon, which is characteristic of the diurnal cycle over land. In contrast, when the zonal flow is deep and easterly and the monsoon is in a break phase, the areal extent of the convective elements in the Darwin region is greatest in the late morning, which is more typical of maritime convection.
Extreme Helicity and Intense Convective Towers in Hurricane Bonnie
Authors: Molinari John , Vollaro David
Published: March 2008

Helicity was calculated in Hurricane Bonnie (1998) using tropospheric-deep dropsonde soundings from the NASA Convection and Moisture Experiment. Large helicity existed downshear of the storm center with respect to the ambient vertical wind shear. It was associated with veering, semicircular hodographs created by strong, vortex-scale, radial-vertical flow induced by the shear. The most extreme values of helicity, among the largest ever reported in the literature, occurred in the vicinity of deep convective cells in the downshear-left quadrant. These cells reached as high as 17.5 km and displayed the temporal and spatial scales of supercells.

Convective available potential energy (CAPE) averaged 861 J kg−1 downshear, but only about one-third as large upshear. The soundings nearest the deep cells were evaluated using two empirical supercell parameters that make use of CAPE, helicity, and/or shear. These parameters supported the possible existence of supercells as a consequence of the exceptional helicity combined with moderate but sufficient CAPE. Ambient vertical wind shear exceeded 12 m s−1 for 30 h, yet the hurricane maintained 50 m s−1 maximum winds. It is hypothesized that the long-lived convective cells enabled the storm to resist the negative impact of the shear.

Supercells in large-helicity, curved-hodograph environments appear to provide a useful conceptual model for intense convection in the hurricane core. Helicity calculations might also give some insight into the behavior of vortical hot towers, which share some characteristics with supercells.
Office Type in Relation to Health, Well-Being, and Job Satisfaction Among Employees
Authors: Danielsson Christina Bodin , Bodin Lennart
Published: March 2008

This article investigates the hypothesis that office type has an influence on workers' health status and job satisfaction and 469 employees in seven different types, defined by their unique setup of architectural and functional features, have rated their health status and job satisfaction. Multivariate regression models were used for analysis of these outcomes, with adjustment for age, gender, job rank, and line of business. Both health status and job satisfaction differed between the seven office types. Lowest health status was found in medium-sized and small open plan offices. Best health was among employees in cell offices and flex offices. Workers in these types of offices and in shared room offices also rated the highest job satisfaction. Lowest job satisfaction was in combi offices, followed by medium-sized open plan offices. The differences between employees could possibly be ascribed to variations in architectural and functional features of the office types.
Factors That Influence Residents' Satisfaction With Neighborhoods
Authors: Hur Misun , Morrow-Jones Hazel
Published: March 2008

This study focuses on homeowners' satisfaction with their neighborhoods, which is a major factor associated with a strong sense of community. Beginning with the assumption that there are neighborhood factors that influence residents' satisfaction and that these factors differ between satisfactory and unsatisfactory areas in a city, the authors use regression analysis to examine the relationships. Regression analysis showed that 14 variables were significantly related to neighborhood satisfaction. An analysis that focused on the satisfactory group of neighborhoods had a similar result. However, analysis that focused on the unsatisfactory group showed noticeable differences. For instance, safety and social problems were much more significant influences than physical factors in neighborhood satisfaction in unsatisfactory areas.
“I'm Not in the Habit of Recycling”
Authors: Knussen Christina , Yule Fred
Published: March 2008

The role of habit was investigated using two potential measures of habitual recycling behavior: past recycling behavior and perceived lack of habit as a reason for previous failure to recycle. Data were collected from 252 participants in Scotland, United Kingdom. Situational constraints, demographic characteristics, and variables associated with the theory of planned behavior were controlled for. Both past behavior and lack of habit made significant independent contributions to the variance of intention to recycle, suggesting that past recycling behavior was not an adequate measure of habit. Lack of habit moderated the attitude–intention relationship, such that the attitudes of those lacking a recycling habit did not predict intention to recycle. This suggests that those who had failed to recycle because of lack of habit may have had the habit of treating recyclables as garbage. Further work is required to develop a range of adequate measures of habit in the recycling domain.
Environmental Beliefs and Endorsement of Sustainable Development Principles in Water Conservation
Authors: Corral-Verdugo Víctor , Carrus Giuseppe , Bonnes Mirilia , Moser Gabriel , Sinha Jai B. P.
Published: March 2008

It is thought that a dichotomy exists between two apparently contradictory belief systems: the so-called “Human Exception Paradigm” (HEP)—an anthropocentric belief system—and the “New Environmental Paradigm” (NEP), of ecocentric nature. The aim of this article was to test the presence of an integrative, nondichotomic, New Human Interdependence Paradigm (NHIP) and its influence on water conservation practices. The NHIP envisages interdependence between human progress and nature conservation and conceives it as a dynamic process of integration and incorporation of human needs into natural processes. Seven hundred and fifty-nine individuals living in cities of France, Italy, Mexico, and India responded to items of a purposively developed measuring instrument (the NHIP scale), as well to items of the HEP-NEP scale. They also self-reported the frequency of water conservation actions at their households. The NHIP coherently emerged from its observed indicators and it was a slightly better predictor of water conservation than the HEP-NEP scale.
Acting “Tough” in a “Tough” World: An Examination of Fear Among Urban African American Adolescents
Authors: Hall Diane M. , Cassidy Elaine F. , Stevenson Howard C.
Published: March 2008

African American adolescents (132 males and 128 females; age M = 14.8 years, SD = 0.92) enrolled in an urban community social skills development program participated in a study assessing the relationship among perceptions of family and community social support, fear of calamitous events, depression, and anger expression. Expressing fear of calamitous events that were considered harmful but not necessarily lethal was related to increased depression, whereas expressing fear of lethal calamitous events was related to increased anger expression. Results are discussed in terms of issues of race, gender, and adolescent development.
Should Persuasion Be Affective or Cognitive? The Moderating Effects of Need for Affect and Need for Cognition
Authors: Haddock Geoffrey , Maio Gregory R. , Arnold Karin , Huskinson Thomas
Published: March 2008

Three experiments tested the hypothesis that need for affect and need for cognition influence receptivity to affect- and cognition-based persuasive messages. Experiment 1 found that an affective message elicited more positive attitudes among individuals high in need for affect and low in need for cognition, whereas a cognitive message elicited more positive attitudes among individuals low in need for affect and high in need for cognition. Experiment 2 found that individual differences in need for affect influenced receptivity to an affect-based (but not cognition-based) message, whereas individual differences in need for cognition influenced receptivity to a cognition-based (but not affect-based) message. Experiment 3 found that individual differences in need for affect were associated with increased recognition of information from an affect-based (but not cognition-based) message, whereas individual differences in need for cognition were associated with increased recognition of information from a cognition-based (but not affect-based) message. Overall, the studies point to the importance of individual differences in need for affect and need for cognition in understanding how individuals respond to different types of persuasive messages.
Coping With Spousal Loss: Potential Buffering Effects of Self-Reported Helping Behavior
Authors: Brown Stephanie L. , Brown R. Michael , House James S. , Smith Dylan M.
Published: March 2008

The present study examined the role of self-reported helping behavior in attenuating the helper's depression following spousal loss. Using archival data from the Changing Lives of Older Couples sample (N = 289), the study shows that among bereaved participants who had experienced high loss-related grief, helping behavior (providing instrumental support to others) was associated with an accelerated decline in depressive symptoms for the helper from 6 months to 18 months following spousal loss. This relationship between giving help and recovery from depression was independent of support received, as well as measured health, and interpersonal and demographic factors. Implications of these results for theoretical approaches to the study of close relationships and well-being are discussed.
Robustness of Hierarchical Modeling of Skill Association in Cognitive Diagnosis Models
Authors: Templin Jonathan L. , Henson Robert A. , Templin Sara E. , Roussos Louis
Published: March 2008

Several types of parameterizations of attribute correlations in cognitive diagnosis models use the reduced reparameterized unified model. The general approach presumes an unconstrained correlation matrix with K(K−1)/2 parameters, whereas the higher order approach postulates K parameters, imposing a unidimensional structure on the correlation matrix between the latent skills. This article investigates the differences in performance between the correlational structure parameterizations (a general structure, a higher order single-factor structure, and a baseline uniform distributional approach constraining the attributes to be independent) across a wide variety of simulated multidimensional attribute spaces. Results suggest that the correlational approaches perform equally well with respect to classification and item parameter estimation accuracy, regardless of the violations of the assumptions of the higher order model. Findings suggest the general robustness of the higher order model and the associated estimation procedure. The three approaches are also used to analyze a real-world test; results suggest that such tests can be analyzed effectively by the higher order algorithm.
Empirical Selection of Anchors for Tests of Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Woods Carol M.
Published: March 2008

Differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when items on a test or questionnaire have different measurement properties for one group of people versus another, irrespective of group-mean differences on the construct. Methods for testing DIF require matching members of different groups on an estimate of the construct. Preferably, the estimate is based on a subset of group-invariant items called designated anchors. In this research, a quick and easy strategy for empirically selecting designated anchors is proposed and evaluated in simulations. Although the proposed rank-based approach is applicable to any method for DIF testing, this article focuses on likelihood-ratio (LR) comparisons between nested two-group item response models. The rank-based strategy frequently identified a group-invariant designated anchor set that produced more accurate LR test results than those using all other items as anchors. Group-invariant anchors were more difficult to identify as the percentage of differentially functioning items increased. Advice for practitioners is offered.
A Modified Frequency Estimation Equating Method for the Common-Item Nonequivalent Groups Design
Authors: Wang Tianyou , Brennan Robert L.
Published: March 2008

Frequency estimation, also called poststratification, is an equating method used under the common-item nonequivalent groups design. A modified frequency estimation method is proposed here, based on altering one of the traditional assumptions in frequency estimation in order to correct for equating bias. A simulation study was carried out to compare equating errors for the modified frequency estimation method, the traditional frequency estimation method, and the chained equipercentile method. The results show that the modified frequency estimation method performs better than the traditional frequency estimation method and, under most circumstances, also performs better than the chained equipercentile method.
Organizational Ambidexterity: Antecedents, Outcomes, and Moderators
Authors: Raisch Sebastian , Birkinshaw Julian
Published: March 2008

Organizational ambidexterity, defined as an organization's ability to be aligned and efficient in its management of today's business demands while simultaneously being adaptive to changes in the environment, has gained increasing interest in recent years. In this article, the authors review various literature streams to develop a comprehensive model that covers research into the antecedents, moderators, and outcomes of organizational ambidexterity. They indicate gaps within and across different research domains and point to important avenues for future research.
Psychological Influence in Negotiation: An Introduction Long Overdue
Authors: Malhotra Deepak , Bazerman Max H.
Published: March 2008

This article begins with an analysis of the limited extent to which social influence research has penetrated the field of negotiation. The authors argue that one barrier has been that research on social influence focuses almost exclusively on economic or structural levers of influence. With this background, the article seeks to do the following: (a) define the domain of psychological influence as consisting of tactics that do not require the influencer to change the economic or structural aspects of the bargaining situation, (b) review prior decision research to identify ideas that may be relevant to psychological influence, (c) provide numerous examples of how decision research can be leveraged to create psychological influence tactics for negotiators, (d) consider how targets of influence might defend against the tactics herein considered, and (e) consider some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of psychological influence in negotiation.
Managing Power in the Multinational Corporation: How Low-Power Actors Gain Influence
Authors: Bouquet Cyril , Birkinshaw Julian
Published: March 2008

This article provides a conceptual integration and synthesis of the literature on power and influence in multinational corporations (MNCs). To provide some focus to their synthesis, the authors concentrate on the situation facing, and the strategies pursued by, low-power actors within the MNC network, that is, actors who are currently positioned in relatively weak or low-status positions vis-à-vis other actors. Drawing inspiration from Ghoshal, the authors make a clear separation between ends and means: between the objectives pursued by low-power actors (their ends) and the strategies or tactics they pursue to achieve these objectives (their means). This approach allows the authors to pull together some strands of literature that had previously been entirely separate.
Assessing Local Capacity for Federal Grant-Getting
Authors: Hall Jeremy L.
Published: March 2008

Local areas, consisting of governments, special districts, and nonprofits, benefit from the receipt and use of federal funds in support of local programs and projects. This study examines the combined effects of political and administrative capacity factors that influence flows of federal grant funds into local areas. The effects of these capacity dimensions are measured and tested using pooled cross-sectional time-series analysis. The results indicate clearly that institutional measures of capacity must take into account not only political dimensions but also administrative and need/demand dimensions. These results help to explain the disparity observed between high- and low-capacity areas and provide some general lessons for enhancing local grant-getting capacity under differing conditions.
Alternative Work Schedules and Work–Family Balance
Authors: Facer Rex L. , Wadsworth Lori
Published: March 2008

For many years, employers have sought to improve employee productivity and work environments. One common strategy is alternative work arrangements, which include flextime, job sharing, telecommuting, and a compressed workweek. In this article, the authors examine the effects of implementing a compressed workweek (four 10-hour days) for employees in city government. This study examines the impact of the compressed workweek schedule on the job satisfaction and work–family conflict of the participating employees. Employees perceived that the alternative schedule increased their productivity and their ability to serve the citizens. Additionally, the authors report that employees working the 4/10 workweek experience lower levels of work–family conflict than their counterparts who are working other schedules, but no significant difference for most measures of job satisfaction. Overall, the authors argue that the impacts of alternative work schedules need more careful study.
Promoting Positive Youth Development
Authors: Kurtines William M. , Ferrer-Wreder Laura , Berman Steven L. , Lorente Carolyn Cass , Silverman Wendy K. , Montgomery Marilyn J.
Published: March 2008

The articles in this special issue report the efforts of the Miami Youth Development Project (YDP), a community-supported positive youth development program of outreach research that draws on a developmental intervention science (DIS) perspective (i.e., a fusion of the developmental and intervention science literatures). These reports illustrate how the application of DIS outreach research contributes to knowledge of human development at all levels (practical as well as methodological, theoretical, and metatheoretical). Consistent with a DIS outreach research approach, YDP is committed to the use of descriptive and explanatory knowledge about changes within human systems that occur across the life span in the development of evidence-based individual and institutional longitudinal change intervention strategies in promoting long-term developmental change. The evolution of the Miami YDP illustrates the value of DIS outreach research “in action.”
Association of the Dusp6 (Mkp3) Gene With Mouse Brain Weight and Forebrain Structure
Authors: Bin Liu
Published: March 2008

PYST1/MKP3 is a negative feedback modulator of fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) signaling in the mammalian isthmic organizer of the brain, which affects the development of the midbrain and the hindbrain. The Dusp6 ( Mkp3) gene is also highly expressed in the mouse embryonic forebrain. However, its role in forebrain development and function remains largely unknown. In this study, association analyses were preformed in silico between the variation I62M (rs13480726) of the Dusp6 ( Mkp3) gene and the mouse forebrain weight/structure in 385 mice of 20 strains. It was found that I62M (allele A) was associated with reduced mouse forebrain structure in both sexes and lower brain weight in males.
Use of Surface Electromyography (EMG) in the Diagnosis of Childhood Hypertonia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sanger Terence D.
Published: March 2008

In children, increased tone in a joint can be caused by spasticity, dystonia, rigidity, or mechanical limitations such as contracture. Determination of the cause of hypertonia is important for selection of appropriate therapy, but distinction between the types of hypertonia is difficult in a clinical setting. We present results of a pilot test of the use of a portable surface electromyography (EMG) device for the evaluation of hypertonia. Seven children 5–17 years of age with hypertonia due to cerebral palsy were each examined by 6 clinicians, both with and without the use of surface EMG. The use of surface EMG resulted in an increase in interrater agreement as well as an increase in the self-reported confidence of the clinicians in their assessment. These results support the importance of further testing of surface EMG as an adjunct to the clinical examination of childhood hypertonia.
Simultaneous Toxicities in a Child on Multiple Anticonvulsants
Authors: Delima Sarah Isis R. , Walsh Laurence E. , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: March 2008

It is rare to develop simultaneous toxicities while on anticonvulsants. This article presents a 3½-year-old child on valproic acid, lamotrigine, and phenytoin who developed simultaneous hepatotoxicity and bone marrow toxicity during a parainfluenza virus type 3 infection. These toxicities resolved after the cessation of anticonvulsants, and her seizures were managed acutely with scheduled lorazepam. This article discusses the possibility that simultaneous use of valproic acid, lamotrigine, and phenytoin could give this combination of toxicities and that concurrent viral infection may increase this risk.
Coping With a Child With Dravet Syndrome: Insights From Families
Authors: Nolan Kathleen , Camfield Carol S. , Camfield Peter R.
Published: March 2008

Dravet syndrome is a truly catastrophic childhood-onset epilepsy. Families are faced with repeated episodes of status epilepticus, intractable seizures, mental handicap, behavior disorders, and a life of dependency; understandably, coping with Dravet syndrome is very difficult. Twenty-four families with a child with Dravet syndrome were interviewed and identified some practical suggestions to improve their daily life. These included inserting an indwelling venous access device, creating a portable microenvironment, writing an emergency department protocol, establishing emergency routines for the family, assigning a parent on call to lessen the effect on siblings, creating personal time to decrease parental stress, finding respite care, and contacting an Internet support group. Unresolved and common issues included transition to adult care, the utility of early diagnosis, and social isolation. These solutions and issues may be helpful to many families with a child with Dravet syndrome and possibly other severe childhood-onset epilepsies.
Neurologic Findings in Infants With Deformational Plagiocephaly
Authors: Fowler Elizabeth A. , Becker Devra B. , Pilgram Thomas K. , Noetzel Michael , Epstein Jay , Kane Alex A.
Published: March 2008

This study evaluates the neurologic profiles of infants with deformational plagiocephaly. Forty-nine infants with deformational plagiocephaly between the ages of 4 and 13 months (mean age, 8.1 months) are evaluated, along with 50 age-matched control subjects (mean age, 8.1 months). A modified version of the Hammersmith infant neurologic assessment was performed on each infant. A caregiver completed a questionnaire regarding the infant's prematurity, development, and health to date. Results are analyzed using t test. There is a statistically significant difference in overall neurologic assessment scores of infants with deformational plagiocephaly vs their healthy peers ( P = .002). This difference is predominately in tone, whereby infants with deformational plagiocephaly have significantly more abnormal tone than nonplagiocephalic infants ( P = .003). This abnormality is not one of decreased tone but one of variable tone, deflecting abnormally high and low tone. Infants with deformational plagiocephaly are more likely to have altered tone but not exclusively decreased tone.
A Case of Pediatric Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesion Misdiagnosed and Treated as Glioblastoma
Authors: Riva Daria , Chiapparini Luisa , Pollo Bianca , Balestrini Maria Rosa , Massimino Maura , Milani Nicoletta
Published: March 2008

Because of their clinical and neuroradiological features, tumefactive demyelinating lesions, or giant plaques, are easily mistaken for tumors, with a consequent risk of gross errors in the choice of treatment. This article reports a 10-year-old girl who underwent surgery for a left parietal lesion misinterpreted as a glioblastoma which subsequently proved to be a case of giant plaque.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Presenting With Cognitive Regression in Childhood
Authors: Ramocki Melissa B. , Chapieski Lynn , McDonald Ryan O. , Fernandez Fabio , Malphrus Amy D.
Published: March 2008

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 typically presents in adulthood with progressive ataxia, dysarthria, tremor, and slow saccadic eye movements. Childhood-onset spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is rare, and only the infantile-onset form has been well characterized clinically. This article describes a girl who met all developmental milestones until age 3½ years, when she experienced cognitive regression that preceded motor regression by 6 months. A diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 was delayed until she presented to the emergency department at age 7 years. This report documents the results of her neuropsychologic evaluation at both time points. This case broadens the spectrum of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 presentation in childhood, highlights the importance of considering a spinocerebellar ataxia in a child who presents with cognitive regression only, and extends currently available clinical information to help clinicians discuss the prognosis in childhood spinocerebellar ataxia type 2.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1995
Authors: D'Angelo Jill , Brown Michael P.
Published: March 2008

This study evaluates the intended and unintended consequences of the Missouri Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1995. Factors related to sentence outcomes are examined prior to the Act's passage and then several years after the Act was implemented. The elimination of sex and race biases were intended goals of the Act. Although the analyses reveal mixed findings, the results clearly indicate that sex and race equity was not achieved. Some evidence suggests that judges may be taking a more retributive approach since the passage of the Reform Act, for example, not placing as much emphasis on drug/alcohol use when making sentencing decisions. Alternative explanations are offered.
Religion and Civil Society
Authors: Wagner Antonin
Published: March 2008

This article looks at some of the cutting-edge issues that have been raised in the current civic engagement debate, notably with respect to the role played by organized religion in reviving America's democracy. The framework used to analyze the relationship between religion and civil society borrows from Arendt's, Habermas's, and Rawls's writings in political philosophy. In its core analytical claim, the article draws a division between a discourse-based deliberative democracy and one that is based on participation in mostly local communities and associations. In this context, the author contrasts a social-capital approach to understanding the role of religion and civil society with one that emphasizes the primacy of political relations and hence the importance of political capital. The purpose of the article is to provide a critical framework that can be used by theoreticians and practitioners, facing issues of management and political activism in an organizational environment, in which religious values and secular guidelines increasingly overlap.
Altruistic by Association, Altruistic for Advantage? Buying Groups and Small Firm Community Involvement
Authors: Litz Reginald A. , Samu Sridhar
Published: March 2008

Does buying group membership affect small firm community involvement, and if it does, is there a further effect, in particular as it concerns small firm performance? This article addresses this intersection of issues. After advancing a set of hypotheses linking categorical and continuous dimensions of buying group activity to community involvement, this article also tests hypotheses of enlightened self-interest concerning the relationship between community involvement and firm performance. The article then describes a study of more than 300 small retail hardware stores. The findings show buying group membership being positively related to both scale and scope of community involvement. The authors also report a complex set of findings concerning the interaction of community involvement and buying group membership with small firm performance. The article concludes by reflecting on what these findings suggest for further work in small firm philanthropy.
Is the Grass Greener? Sector Shifting and Choice of Sector by MPA and MBA Graduates
Authors: Tschirhart Mary , Reed Kira Kristal , Freeman Sarah J. , Anker Alison Louie
Published: March 2008

Despite debate about distinctions among employment in the government, nonprofit, and business sectors, little research exists on the likelihood of, or barriers to, movement across sector boundaries. The authors propose and test models explaining individuals' current sector of employment—business, government, or nonprofit—and their sector-shifting behavior. They use survey data from 688 alumni of four schools: two offering MBAs and two offering MPAs. Study results indicate that most respondents have a favored sector when they graduate and remain within that sector for their employment. Results also indicate that this sector preference is influenced by perceived competence in the sectors and individuals' career values. This study shows that sector shifting is tied to sector desires and the strength of protean career orientation. The results are used to address existing claims about careers and to build understanding of influences on perceived sector competence and desires. The discussion informs employers and educators.
Limits to Institutional Isomorphism
Authors: Ramanath Ramya
Published: March 2008

Neo-institutional approaches to the study of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) suggest that as more NGOs cooperate with the state, they become isomorphic in their structures and processes. Such cooperation is expected to threaten inventiveness of the NGO sector, including its spontaneity, variety, and unpredictability. This article analyzes the internal institutional processes of three leading housing NGOs as they each implemented cooperative strategies with the state in Mumbai, India. It finds that, contrary to customary apprehensions, NGOs use different tactics in response to the same public policy environment. The article argues that pervasive isomorphism is constrained by path dependency and variability in resource environments.
Charitable Giving, Volunteering, and the Paid Labor Market
Authors: Apinunmahakul Amornrat , Barham Vicky , Devlin Rose Anne
Published: March 2008

Among the few articles that jointly determine an individual's gifts of time and money, there exists disagreement as to whether these gifts are complements or substitutes. The authors try to shed some light on this debate by expanding the analysis of private contributions to take account of whether or not the individual is working in the paid labor market. The analysis indicates that gifts of time and money are largely complementary to each other, especially for employed individuals. The donations of employed males also appear to be crowded out by government expenditures. The fact that employment status as well as gender affect how individuals respond to fiscal stimulus may have important policy implications.
Corporate Philanthropy in the Canadian Context
Authors: Foster Mary K. , Meinhard Agnes G. , Berger Ida E. , Krpan Pike
Published: March 2008

Fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with decision makers in corporations representing natural resources, finance, retail, technology, food and beverage, and communications to explore the diverse approaches to philanthropy in corporate Canada. The authors focused on gaining insight into the organizational differences among companies that are have integrated corporate philanthropy into their cultures, those where philanthropy is marginal to their main business and those that see philanthropy as a beneficial relationship. They learned that companies that have integrated philanthropy into their operations are quite distinct in both attitudes and behavior from the others. Although companies can change the role of philanthropy within their organization, truly integrating philanthropy into the business of the corporation is not something that can develop and evolve over time; if that vision is not present in the corporate culture from the beginning, it is not likely to develop.
Victim Rights and New Remedies
Authors: Davis Robert C. , Mulford Carrie
Published: March 2008

In the last two decades, state legislatures have greatly expanded the legal rights of crime victims. Victims have some rights under the law in all states, ranging from the right to be notified of court and parole hearings, the right to be present and express opinions at sentencing hearings, the right to be consulted about plea agreements, the right to compensation and restitution, and the right to a speedy trial. But researchers and audits have shown that many victims are not given the chance to exercise their rights. This article describes the history of victim rights legislation and then discusses recent efforts, including compliance programs and victim law clinics designed to increase compliance of criminal justice agencies charged with aiding victims in the exercise of their rights.
Rape Against Women
Authors: Fisher Bonnie S. , Daigle Leah E. , Cullen Francis T.
Published: March 2008

Although a pervasive problem that confronts females of all races and ages, studies show that some women are more likely to be rape victims than are others. Research reveals that certain behavioral and situational factors increase the risk of rape. To be most effective at reducing victimization, rape prevention programs and risk reduction interventions should target these behavioral and situational factors. A growing understanding of the relationships among these factors is evident, but to date what works to reduce vulnerability to rape remains somewhat obscure because of methodological weaknesses inherent in the limited number of published evaluations. Based on the current body of research, the authors offer suggestions regarding who should be targeted and what content should be included in rape prevention programs and risk reduction interventions to effectively reduce rape and its negative consequences.
Is Minority Status a More Consistent Predictor of Disability Than Socioeconomic Status?
Authors: Mwachofi Ari K. , Broyles Robert
Published: March 2008

Applying the social and capabilities models of disability and using individuals as the unit of analysis, the authors examined the consistency of socioeconomic status and membership in a minority group as covariates of four dimensions of disability. Using the responses of 260,062 individuals to the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the authors examined three binary variables identifying individuals who required assistive devices or experienced at least 1 day of limited activity because of physical, emotional, or mental problems or because of only physical problems. Among 55,026 respondents who experienced at least 1 day of limited activity, the authors examined variation in the number of disability days. After health needs, lifestyle risks, demographic attributes, and access to care were controlled, the results indicated that socioeconomic status is a more consistent predictor of disability than membership in a minority group.
The Challenge of Financing and Delivering Personal Assistant Services
Authors: Stout Brian J. , Hagglund Kristofer J. , Clark Mary J.
Published: March 2008

Over the past several years, a multitude of factors have converged to make the financing and delivery of personal assistant services (PAS) two of the most critical issues in American disability policy making. This article chronicles the development of assistive services and examines some of the more noteworthy strategies designed to improve PAS policy making. The argument is made that PAS should be a mandatory benefit provided through Medicaid. This approach, although imperfect, holds the greatest potential for improving the PAS delivery system. Incorporating PAS as a Medicaid benefit offers advantages over the current system, including the opportunity for ongoing need and satisfaction assessment among program beneficiaries, the development of a platform for strengthening the personal assistant workforce, and the ability to generate evidenced-based recommendations for improved service outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Comprehensiveness of Social Work Abstracts as a Database for Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: March 2008

Objective: The comprehensiveness of Social Work Abstracts (SWA) as a database was examined. Method: The coverage of articles of Research on Social Work Practice and Social Work Research in SWA from 1995 to 2005 was examined. SWA was compared with other databases on several dimensions. A case study based on the author's publications was conducted. Results: Not all articles published in these two journals were indexed in SWA. The number of social-work-related articles in SWA was lower than those in other databases. Articles relevant to social work and the allied helping professions were omitted in SWA . Conclusions: The comprehensiveness of journal articles indexed in SWA was not high.