bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sources of knowledge acquisition for Chinese software engineers
Authors: Assimakopoulos Dimitris , Yan Jie
Published: January 2006

This research adopts a triangulation strategy based on ethnographic case study and questionnaire survey shedding light on how Chinese software engineers acquire codified and tacit knowledge in their daily development work. Software engineers make effective use of complementary resources within a broad spectrum of choices for seeking advice, learning how to solve technical problems, and transferring knowledge to the local community of practice from far beyond the organizational boundary. The analysis focuses on patterns of advice seeking relations within and across project team boundaries, also highlighting the Internet software technology forums as an important channel for technical information sharing across organizational boundaries. The implications for R&D managers are also discussed with special reference to software development and other knowledge intensive computer related work in China.
Product and process innovation in biopharmaceuticals: a new perspective on development
Authors: Lim Lisa P. L. , Garnsey Elizabeth , Gregory Mike
Published: January 2006

Developing new products and processes is increasingly a focal point of competition and often requires the development and successful implementation of novel process technologies. The process development and production of a new biological entity are significantly more complex than those for small molecule drugs. Conventional new product development models in the literature on firm level innovation fail to explain the nature of development projects for biopharmaceuticals. This paper makes the case that a new perspective is required to understand the management of product and process development in biopharmaceuticals. An explanatory model is proposed for this purpose.
The effect of observations on Bayesian choice of an autoregressive model
Authors: Young K. D. S. , Pettit L. I.
Published: January 2006

Abstract. We consider the effect, on a Bayes factor, of omitting observations in time‐series models. In particular, we study a Bayes factor for deciding between autoregressive models of different orders. Throughout we use Gibbs sampling to estimate the parameters of the models and the marginal densities. We illustrate the methods using data generated from an autoregressive model and some data on bag snatching in the Hyde Park area of Chicago.
Median‐unbiased Estimation and Exact Inference Methods for First‐order Autoregressive Models with Conditional Heteroscedasticity of Unknown Form
Authors: Luger Richard
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Consider the first‐order autoregressive model yt = φyt−1 + ɛt, t = 1,…, T, with arbitrary initial non‐zero value y0. Assuming that the error terms ɛt are independently distributed according to median‐zero distributions [Zieliński (1999)Journal of Time Series Analysis, Vol. 20, p. 477] shows that the estimator conjectured by Hurwicz (1950)Statistical Inference in Dynamic Economic Models. New York, NY: Wiley – the median of the consecutive ratios yt/yt−1– is an exactly median‐unbiased estimator of the autoregressive parameter φ. This paper shows that the Hurwicz estimator remains median‐unbiased under more general distributional assumptions, without assuming statistical independence. In particular, no restrictions are placed on the degree of heterogeneity and dependence of the conditional variance process. A computationally efficient method is also proposed to build exact confidence intervals for the autoregressive parameter which are valid in finite samples for any value of φ on the real line.
The Experience of Academic Non‐Mothers in the Gendered University
Authors: Ramsay Karen , Letherby Gayle
Published: January 2006

In this article we report on data from an empirical study concerned to explore the experience of women academics managing non‐motherhood and work in the gendered university. Although there is a growing body of work on the gendered experience of higher education in general and the experience of mothers as academics in particular, as yet there is little on non‐mothers and work. Drawing on our data we suggest that non‐mothers as well as mothers are affected by the ideology of motherhood and this has consequences for non‐mothers as workers within the academy. In addition to being perceived by students and other staff as ‘natural’ carers because they are women, academic non‐mothers are expected to put in the time and energy that mothers can not. However, as our data demonstrate, non‐mothers often have caring responsibilities outside the institution too. Overall, we argue that non‐motherhood needs to be recognized for the complex identity that it is.
Gender and the Limits to Diversity in the Contemporary British Army
Authors: Woodward Rachel , Winter Patricia
Published: January 2006

This article considers equal opportunities and diversity management policies in the contemporary British Army for what they indicate, not only about policy frameworks for women's military participation, but also for what they tell us about the construction of ideas about gender and difference within that organization. The article sets out contextual information on women in the British Army and describes the research methodology on which this article is based. It looks at the evolution of equal opportunities policies and the more recent shift towards diversity management policies in the Army, focusing on their contributions towards female equity. The article examines the consequences of the shift towards the management of diversity, noting how embracing the ideas of diversity management is ultimately limited by the Army's construction of female difference. It concludes with a discussion of the issues of female and military specificity in relation to the management of diversity.
Sentencing Practice in Magistrates' Courts Revisited
Authors: TARLING ROGER
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Research in the 1970s identified large variation between magistrates' courts in the sentences imposed. Twenty‐five years later wide variations continue to exist despite a significant shift in the sentencing landscape and despite the information and guidance that has been developed to assist magistrates with their sentencing decisions. Recent government reviews have drawn attention to inconsistencies in sentencing outcomes and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 has led to the creation of a Sentencing Guidelines Council. This research concludes that further guidance may not be sufficient. A mechanism to ensure adherence to guidelines may also be needed if greater uniformity in sentencing practice between magistrates' courts is to be achieved.
Repenalisation and Rights: Explorations in Comparative Youth Criminology
Authors: MUNCIE JOHN
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Studies of international youth justice, punishment and control are in their infancy but the issues of globalisation, transnationalisation, policy transfer and localisation are gradually being addressed. There also appears a growing demand in policy and pressure group circles in the UK to learn more about other jurisdictions in order to emulate ‘best practice’ and avoid the worst excesses of punitive populism. However, existing comparative work in this area rarely ventures much beyond country specific descriptions of historical development, powers and procedures. Statistical comparisons – predominantly of custody rates – are becoming more sophisticated but remain beset with problems of partial and inaccurate data collection. The extent to which different countries do things differently, and how and why such difference is maintained, remains a relatively unexcavated territory. This article suggests a conceptually comparative framework in which degrees of international, national and local convergence and divergence can begin to be revealed and assessed.
Plant metabolomics: from holistic hope, to hype, to hot topic
Authors: Hall Robert D.
Published: January 2006

In a short time, plant metabolomics has gone from being just an ambitious concept to being a rapidly growing, valuable technology applied in the stride to gain a more global picture of the molecular organization of multicellular organisms. The combination of improved analytical capabilities with newly designed, dedicated statistical, bioinformatics and data mining strategies, is beginning to broaden the horizons of our understanding of how plants are organized and how metabolism is both controlled but highly flexible. Metabolomics is predicted to play a significant, if not indispensable role in bridging the phenotype–genotype gap and thus in assisting us in our desire for full genome sequence annotation as part of the quest to link gene to function. Plants are a fabulously rich source of diverse functional biochemicals and metabolomics is also already proving valuable in an applied context. By creating unique opportunities for us to interrogate plant systems and characterize their biochemical composition, metabolomics will greatly assist in identifying and defining much of the still unexploited biodiversity available today.

Contents

Summary
453

I.
Introducing plant metabolomics
453

II.
The technologies for data acquisition
455

III.
Mind the gap: data analysis, bioinformatics and statistics
458

IV.
Potential and limitations
461

V.
Applications
462

VI.
Data integration, metabolic networks and systems biology
464

VII.
Where do we go from here? Bright prospects for the future
465

Acknowledgements
465

References
465
Recurrent Headache and Migraine as a Public Health Problem—A Population‐Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Molarius Anu , Tegelberg Åke
Published: January 2006

Objective.—To study the prevalence of recurrent headache and/or self‐considered migraine (RH/M) and its association with self‐rated health, other symptoms, and use of health care and medication in the general population.

Methods.—The study comprised a random population sample of 43,770 men and women aged 18 to 79 years covering an area of 58 municipalities in Sweden. The data were obtained using a postal survey questionnaire during March to May 2000. The overall response rate was 65%.

Results.—The overall prevalence of self‐reported RH/M was 10% among men and 23% among women. RH was more common (15%) than migraine (4%). The prevalence of RH was highest in the younger age groups (18 to 34 years) and decreased with increasing age. The prevalence of migraine was highest (6%) among 35 to 49 years old. Subjects with RH/M had poorer self‐rated health compared to subjects with no reported headache independent of age. Poor self‐rated health was most common among subjects with both RH and M. Musculoskeletal pain and psychosomatic symptoms were more common among those with RH/M. The association between RH/M and poor self‐rated health was partly explained by these symptoms. Those with RH/M utilized more health care at all levels than those with no RH/M. In addition, subjects with RH/M reported two to three times more often that they had been in need of medical care but not sought it. About two‐thirds of the subjects with RH/M had used analgesic during the last 2 weeks compared with less than one‐third among subjects with no RH/M.

Conclusion.—RH/M constitutes a substantial public health problem that mainly affects young and middle aged adults. It is associated with poor self‐rated health, musculoskeletal and psychosomatic symptoms, increased use of health care and medication as well as unmet needs of health care.
Serotonin Depletion, Cortical Spreading Depression, and Trigeminal Nociception
Authors: Supornsilpchai Weera , Sanguanrangsirikul Sompol , Maneesri Supang , Srikiatkhachorn Anan
Published: January 2006

Background.—The attack of migraine has been observed to be associated with low level of serotonin (5‐HT). Although the mechanism underlying this relationship is still unclear, change in cortical excitability or susceptibility of trigeminal system is a possible explanation.

Objectives.—The aim was to study the effect of 5‐HT depletion on the development of cortical spreading depression (CSD) and CSD‐evoked trigeminal nociception.

Methods.—Wistar rats were separated into low 5‐HT and control groups (eight rats each). 5‐HT was depleted by administration of para‐chlorophenylalanine, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. CSD was induced by applying 3 mg of potassium chloride on parietal cortex. Cortical activity was monitored for 1 hour. Trigeminal nociception was determined using number of Fos‐immunoreactive (Fos‐IR) neurons in trigeminal nucleus caudalis as the indicator.

Results.—Application of KCl led to the development of series of depolarization shift characteristics for CSD. The development of these CSD waves was enhanced in low 5‐HT state. The area under curve of each CSD wave and the number of CSD waves occurring within 1 hour were greater in low 5‐HT group. No significant change in peak amplitude and duration of CSD wave was observed. The numbers of Fos‐IR cells on ipsilateral and contralateral trigeminal nucleus caudalis were significantly greater in the low 5‐HT group than those of the controls.

Conclusion.—Our findings indicate that 5‐HT depletion enhances CSD‐induced trigeminal nociception by increasing the cortical excitability and sensitivity of trigeminal nociceptive system. These findings may provide a better understanding regarding the relationship between low 5‐HT and clinical headaches.
Use of Lamotrigine in Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A Case Report
Authors: Titlic Marina , Jukic Ivana , Tonkic Ante , Grani Paula , Jukic Jelena
Published: January 2006

We describe a case of a patient with glossopharyngeal neuralgia (refractory to treatment with carbamazepine, amytriptyline, diazepam, and indomethacin) treated with lamotrigine as monotherapy, the first described, who responded completely to the therapy and did not complain of side effects. The complete analgesic effect was reached at the lamotrigine daily dose of 200 mg per day and was maintained at that dose for additional 6 months, with the blood concentration within the reference range.
Sildenafil Can Trigger Cluster Headaches
Authors: Evans Randolph W.
Published: January 2006

Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors commonly trigger migraines but rarely trigger cluster headaches. Two cases of cluster headaches triggered by sildenafil are described.
Weather and Emergency Room Visits for Migraine Headaches in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Villeneuve P. J. , Szyszkowicz M. , Stieb D. , Bourque D. A.
Published: January 2006

Background.—Self‐reported surveys have indicated that weather can trigger migraine headaches. However, to date, we know of no previous study that has examined the relationship between weather and emergency room (ER) visits for this condition.

Objective.—To examine associations between ER visits for migraines and selected meteorological conditions within the 24 hours preceding the visit.

Design and Methods.—A case‐crossover design was used to study 4039 visits for migraines (ICD‐9: 346) that occurred at an Ottawa hospital between 1993 and 2000. Meteorological conditions were defined using hourly readings from a fixed‐site monitoring station. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare the occurrence of meteorological conditions during the 24 hours leading up to the time of the visit to control periods occurring 1 week before and after.

Results.—Precipitation‐related weather events (fog, snow, rain, thunder) were not associated with migraine visits. Similarly, no associations were observed with changes in atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and relative humidity during the 24 hours preceding presentation. No statistically significant differences in the frequency distribution of clusters defined by relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and temperature were found between case and control intervals. Conversely, a mean wind speed in excess of 19 km per hour was associated with a reduction in ER visits 8 to 12 hours later.

Conclusions.—Our findings provide little support for the hypothesis that ER visits for migraines are related to weather conditions occurring within the 24 hours preceding presentation. These results should be interpreted cautiously as some comparisons are based on a small number of cases, and ER visits for migraine may represent a highly selective group of patients who suffer from this condition.
Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Characterization of Interactions between Levetiracetam and Numerous Antiepileptic Drugs in the Mouse Maximal Electroshock Seizure Model: An Isobolographic Analysis
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Andres Marta M. , Czuczwar Piotr , Cioczek‐Czuczwar Anna , Ratnaraj Neville , Patsalos Philip N. , Czuczwar Stanislaw J.
Published: January 2006

Summary: Purpose:Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy do not experience satisfactory seizure control with antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy and often require polytherapy. The potential usefulness of AED combinations, in terms of efficacy and adverse effects, is therefore of major importance. The present study sought to identify potentially useful AED combinations with levetiracetam (LEV)

Methods:With isobolographic analysis, the mouse maximal electroshock (MES)‐induced seizure model was investigated with regard to the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin, phenobarbital (PB), valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate (TPM), and oxcarbazepine (OXC), administered singly and in combination with LEV. Acute adverse effects were ascertained by use of the chimney test evaluating motor performance and the step‐through passive‐avoidance task assessing long‐term memory. Brain AED concentrations were determined to ascertain any pharmacokinetic contribution to the observed antiseizure effect.

Results:LEV in combination with TPM, at the fixed ratios of 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1, was supraadditive (synergistic) in the MES test. Likewise, the combination of LEV with CBZ (at the fixed ratio of 16:1) and LEV with OXC (8:1 and 16:1) were supraadditive. In contrast, all other LEV/AED combinations displayed additivity. Furthermore, none of the investigated LEV/AED combinations altered motor performance and long‐term memory. LEV brain concentrations were unaffected by concomitant AED administration, and LEV had no significant effect on brain concentrations of concomitant AEDs.

Conclusions:These preclinical data would suggest that LEV in combination with TPM is associated with beneficial anticonvulsant pharmacodynamic interactions. Similar, but less profound effects were seen with OXC and CBZ.
Evidence Supporting a Role of Serotonin in Modulation of Sudden Death Induced by Seizures in DBA/2 Mice
Authors: Tupal Srinivasan , Faingold Carl L.
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a serious concern for epilepsy patients. DBA/2 mice are proposed as a SUDEP model, because these mice exhibit respiratory arrest (RA) after audiogenic seizures (AGSs), and RA is also implicated in human SUDEP. Respiratory mechanisms are modulated, in part, by serotonin. Therefore we evaluated the effects of serotoninergic agents on RA incidence in DBA/2 mice.

Methods: DBA/2 mice (75%) exhibited AGS and RA, and ∼99% of animals could be resuscitated. The mice exhibiting RA were given a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, 24 h after the initial AGS, and RA susceptibility was evaluated 30 min later. Ten percent of DBA/2 mice exhibited tonic hindlimb extension (TE) without RA, and a serotonin antagonist (cyproheptadine) was administered to these mice.

Results: Fluoxetine (15–25 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the incidence of RA in DBA/2 mice after AGSs, and this effect was reversible by 72 h. Only the 25‐mg/kg dose reduced AGS severity. In mice exhibiting TE without RA, the incidence of RA was significantly increased 30 min after cyproheptadine (1–2 mg/kg i.p.). Most of these mice exhibited AGSs without RA again by 72 h.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that fluoxetine reduced RA in DBA/2 mice at doses that did not reduce seizure severity. Because DBA/2 mice are a proposed model for human SUDEP, these data support evaluation of fluoxetine for SUDEP prevention in the patient population most susceptible to SUDEP. The data raise concern about the use of serotonin antagonists in this patient population.
Amygdala Kindling in the WAG/Rij Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy
Authors: Aker Rezzan Gülhan , Yananli Hasan Raci , Gurbanova Ayten Azizova , Özkaynakçi Aydan Ergün , Ateş Nurbay , van Luijtelaar Gilles , Onat Filiz Yilmaz
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The kindling model in rats with genetic absence epilepsy is suitable for studying mechanisms involved in the propagation and generalization of seizure activity in the convulsive and nonconvulsive components of epilepsy. In the present study, we compared the amygdala kindling rate and afterdischarge characteristics of the nonepileptic Wistar control rat with a well‐validated model of absence epilepsy, the WAG/Rij rat, and demonstrated the effect of amygdala kindling on spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWDs) in the WAG/Rij group.

Methods: Electrodes were stereotaxically implanted into the basolateral amygdala of rats for stimulation and recording and into the cortex for recording. After a recovery period, the animals were stimulated at their afterdischarge thresholds. EEG was recorded to analyze SWDs and afterdischarge durations. The seizure severity was evaluated by using Racine's 5‐stage scale.

Results: All nonepileptic control and four of seven WAG/Rij animals reached a stage 5 seizure state, whereas three animals failed to reach stage 3, 4, or 5 and stayed at stage 2 after application of 30 stimulations. Interestingly, WAG/Rij rats, resistant to kindling, demonstrated a significantly longer duration of SWDs on the first day of the experiment before kindling stimulation than did the kindled WAG/Rij animals. Additionally, the cumulative total duration and the number of SWDs after the kindling stimulation were statistically increased compared with SWDs before kindling stimulation.

Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate that the progress of amygdala kindling is changed in rats with genetic absence epilepsy, perhaps as a consequence of the hundreds of daily SWDs.
Epileptiform Activity Induced by Pharmacologic Reduction of M‐Current in the Developing Hippocampus in Vitro
Authors: Peña Fernando , Alavez‐Pérez Noé
Published: January 2006

Summary: Purpose:Benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNCs), an inheritable epilepsy that occurs in neonates but not in adults, is caused by hypofunctional mutations in genes codifying for the M‐type K+current. In an attempt to develop an in vitro model of this disease, we tested whether blocking M‐current with linopirdine induces epileptiform activity in brain slices from animals of different ages.

Methods:Horizontal hippocampus–entorhinal cortex slices were obtained from neonatal (1–2 weeks after birth) and adult (8–9 weeks after birth) rats. Extracellular field recordings of the CA1 region were performed. After recording control conditions, linopirdine was added to the bath, and field activity was recorded continuously for 3 h. 4‐Aminopyridine, a drug commonly used to induce epileptiform activity in vitro, was used as a control for our experimental conditions.

Results:Bath perfusion of linopirdine induced epileptiform activity only in slices from neonatal rats. Epileptiform activity consisted of interictal‐like and ictal‐like activity. In slices from adult rats, linopirdine induced erratic interictal‐like activity. In contrast, 4‐aminopyridine was able to induce epileptiform activity in slices from both neonatal and adult rats.

Conclusions:We demonstrated that blockade of M‐current in vitro produces epileptiform activity with a developmental pattern similar to that observed in BNFCs. This could be an in vitro model that can be used to study the cellular mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the developmental features of BFNCs, as well as to develop some therapeutic strategies.
Effects of Levetiracetam on Nocturnal Sleep and Daytime Vigilance in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Cicolin Alessandro , Magliola Umberto , Giordano Alessandra , Terreni Anna , Bucca Caterina , Mutani Roberto
Published: January 2006

Summary:   Purpose: Individuals with epilepsy commonly report daytime sleepiness, attributed to sleep disruption (frequent arousals, awakenings, and stage shifts) induced by ictal and interictal activity or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or both. To study the effect of levetiracetam (LEV) on sleep, at full doses but without the interference of epilepsy, we investigated the sleep architecture and daytime vigilance in healthy adults after 3 weeks of treatment.

 Methods: The study was of a double‐blind crossover design with random allocation of multiple doses of two different treatments (randomly first LEV ≤2,000 mg/day or placebo for 3 weeks, washout for 4 weeks, and then the alternative treatment for another 3 weeks). Fourteen healthy volunteers were studied with polysomnography (PSG) and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and sleep log also were evaluated.

 Results: After treatment with LEV, statistically significant increases were observed in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and time spent in non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages 2 and 4. Stage shifts and wake after sleep onset were significantly decreased. Sleep latency was normal at PSG and MSLT in all subjects and did not statistically differ between placebo and LEV. No changes were found in the ESS.

 Conclusions: Our findings show that in healthy volunteers, LEV consolidates sleep and does not modify vigilance, two appreciated qualities in epilepsy patients with sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness.
In Vivo Profiling of Focal Cortical Dysplasia on High‐resolution MRI with Computational Models
Authors: Colliot Olivier , Antel Samson B. , Naessens Veronique B. , Bernasconi Neda , Bernasconi Andrea
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: On MRI, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is characterized by a combination of increased cortical thickness, hyperintense signal within the dysplastic lesion, and blurred transition between gray and white matter (GM–WM). The visual identification of these abnormal characteristics may be difficult, and it is unclear to what degree these features occur among different FCD lesions. Our purpose was to investigate the pattern of occurrence of abnormal MRI characteristics in FCD by using a set of computational models and to generate quantitative lesion profiling.

Methods: A set of voxel‐wise operators was applied to high‐resolution 3D T1‐weighted MRI in 23 patients with histologically proven FCD and 39 healthy controls, creating maps of GM thickness, maps of relative intensity highlighting areas with hyperintense signal, and maps of gradient magnitude modeling the GM–WM transition. All FCD lesions were segmented manually on the T1‐weighted MRI.

Results: FCD volumes ranged from 734 mm3 to 80,726 mm3 (mean, 8,629 mm3± 16,238). The manually segmented FCD lesions were used to estimate features in the lesional area and to determine possible local variations of each feature by means of a histogram. In 78% of the patients, FCD lesions were characterized by simultaneous GM thickening, hyperintense signal, and blurring of the GM–WM transition. Moreover, in all patients, the FCD lesion had at least two of these three characteristics.

Conclusions: The three features occurred regardless of the lesion volume, and they characterized not only large FCD lesions, but also subtle ones that had been overlooked by conventional radiologic inspection before surgery.
Quantitative MRI Biomarkers of Cognitive Morbidity in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Oyegbile Tayo O. , Bhattacharya Abhik , Seidenberg Michael , Hermann Bruce P.
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the relation between neuropsychological morbidity, quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of whole brain structure, and clinical seizure factors reflecting epilepsy cause, course, and treatment.

Methods: Quantitative MRI measurements of total (whole brain) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and gray‐ and white‐matter volumes and clinical seizure features were examined in relation to summary indices of cognitive morbidity in 96 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. MRI volumes were adjusted for intracranial volume (ICV), and cognitive scores were adjusted for age, education, and gender, based on a sample of 82 healthy controls.

Results: Whole‐brain volumes (gray, white, and CSF) were abnormal in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy patients compared with controls and were related significantly to neuropsychological morbidity, especially total CSF. Statistical modeling demonstrated that markers of total atrophy (CSF) was the primary mediator of the relation between clinical seizure variables and neuropsychological morbidity.

Conclusions: Quantitative measurements of overall brain abnormality (atrophy) in temporal lobe epilepsy are clinically meaningful markers that are associated with increased cognitive morbidity. These biomarkers appear to mediate the adverse effects of some clinical seizure variables on cognition.
Cognitive Functions in Juvenile and Adult Patients with Gelastic Epilepsy due to Hypothalamic Hamartoma
Authors: Quiske Ansgar , Frings Lars , Wagner Kathrin , Unterrainer Josef , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To describe extend and severity of cognitive deficits in juvenile and adult patients with gelastic seizures and hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) and to analyze the impact of epilepsy‐related variables on cognitive performance.

Methods: Thirteen juvenile and adult patients (mean age, 25 years; seven men) underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing assessing intellectual performance, attention and executive functions, verbal and visual memory, and visuospatial abilities.

Results: Intellectual abilities ranged from moderate mental retardation to good average performance; 54% of the patients displayed below‐average global intellectual abilities. Attentional and executive functions were impaired in 23% to 46% of the patients. Below‐average visuospatial capabilities were observed in 39% of the cases. Memory functions were impaired regarding both visual (77%) and verbal learning (62%). Nonparametric correlation analysis revealed a significant relation between monthly partial seizure frequency and reduced cognitive flexibility and reduced performance in mental rotation. In addition, HH volume was significantly negatively correlated with cognitive flexibility, whereas age at onset and duration of epilepsy did not show significant correlation to cognitive performance.

Conclusions: More than half of the adult patients with gelastic seizures and HH displayed deficits in a broad range of cognitive functions, expressed mostly in visual and verbal learning and memory. Some of the deficits could be shown to correlate with disease‐related characteristics representing the severity of the epilepsy or the size of the underlying lesion. These findings prompt for a longitudinal investigation of the development of these cognitive deficits to analyze further the relevant factors contributing to this wide spectrum of cognitive impairments.
Somatosensory Auras in Refractory Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Erickson Jay C. , Clapp Lawrence E. , Ford Gwendolyn , Jabbari Bahman
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the prevalence, manifestations, lateralizing value, and surgical prognostic value of somatosensory auras (SSAs) in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: Eighty‐one consecutive patients undergoing temporal lobectomy for refractory complex‐partial seizures were screened for SSAs. The characteristics of the somatosensory phenomena, occurrence of other aura types, seizure semiology, findings of EEG and imaging studies, temporal lobe neuropathology, and postoperative seizure outcome were determined in each patient with SSAs.

Results: Nine (11%) of 81 patients with refractory temporal lobe seizures reported distinct SSAs as part of their habitual seizures. The most common manifestation of SSAs was tingling (eight of nine, 89%), but sensory loss (one of nine, 11%) and pain (one of nine, 11%) also were reported. Five patients had unilateral somatosensory symptoms, and four patients had bilateral somatosensory symptoms. Seizure origin was in the contralateral temporal lobe in four (80%) of five patients with unilateral SSAs, including all patients with unilateral SSAs affecting a limb. Partial temporal lobe resection produced complete seizure remission in all nine (100%) patients 1 year after surgery and in seven (78%) of nine patients 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions: SSAs occur more frequently than previously appreciated in patients with refractory temporal lobe seizures and usually manifest as either unilateral or bilateral tingling. In patients with temporal lobe seizures, unilateral SSAs involving a limb suggest a seizure origin in the contralateral temporal lobe. The surgical outcome of TLE patients with SSAs is favorable. Thus the presence of SSAs should not serve as a deterrent to temporal lobe resection in patients with clearly defined TLE.
β‐Ureidopropionase Deficiency Presenting with Febrile Status Epilepticus
Authors: Assmann Birgit E. , Van Kuilenburg Andre B. P. , Distelmaier Felix , Abeling Nico G. G. M. , Rosenbaum Thorsten , Schaper Jörg , Duran Marinus , Mayatepek Ertan
Published: January 2006

Summary:  β‐Ureidopropionase is the third enzyme in the catabolic pathway of uracil and thymine. To date, only three other patients are reported with this inborn error of metabolism. We report the clinical presentation of a male patient who presented at the age of 4 months after an ALTE‐like event (ALTE = acute life‐threatening event) with febrile status epilepticus. Such a clinical presentation has not been reported before in this condition. Diagnosis was based on biochemical, enzymatic and molecular studies. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) at the age of 11 months demonstrated large subdural hematomata and global supratentorial atrophy. At that time the patient showed severe psychomotor retardation with muscular hypotonia, extremely limited visual contact and poorly controlled epilepsy.

Conclusions: Pyrimidine degradation defects should be included in the defferential diagnosis of convulsions, (febrile) status epilepticus, psychomotor retardation and possibly also ALTE‐like events.
An Examination of the Differential Impact of Regulation FD on Analysts' Forecast Accuracy
Authors: Findlay Scott , Mathew Prem G.
Published: January 2006

Regulation fair disclosure (FD) requires companies to publicly disseminate information, effectively preventing the selective pre‐earnings announcement guidance to analysts common in the past. We investigate the effects of Regulation FD's reducing information disparity across analysts on their forecast accuracy. Proxies for private information, including brokerage size and analyst company‐specific experience, lose their explanatory power for analysts' relative accuracy after Regulation FD. Analyst forecast accuracy declines overall, but analysts that are relatively less accurate (more accurate) before Regulation FD improve (deteriorate) after implementation. Our findings are consistent with selective guidance partially explaining variation in the forecasting accuracy of analysts before Regulation FD.
Uncertain Demand, Heterogeneous Expectations, and Unintentional IPO Underpricing
Authors: Gouldey Bruce K.
Published: January 2006

Distinguishing between intentional and unintentional incentives to underprice initial public offerings (IPOs), I develop sufficient conditions for the winners' curse postulated by Miller (1977) and implications for intertemporal changes in the magnitude of underpricing. Specifically, I show that unintentional underpricing (and occasional overpricing) of IPOs is a consequence of investors' heterogeneous expectations of the uncertain value of a stock when the supply is constrained and the underwriter's price discovery process only partially identifies aggregate demand. Moreover, an IPO that is oversubscribed in the premarket sale almost certainly will experience a short‐term price increase in the secondary market.
Variance Spillover and Skewness in Financial Asset Returns
Authors: Korkie Bob , Sivakumar Ranjini , Turtle Harry J.
Published: January 2006

Bond and stock returns have been observed in the literature to exhibit unconditional skewness and temporal persistence in conditional skewness. We demonstrate that observed persistence in conditional third central moments can be due to the spillover of conditional variance dynamics. The confounding of true skewness and a variance spillover effect is problematic for financial modeling. Using market data, we empirically demonstrate that a simple standardization approach removes the variance‐induced skewness persistence. An important implication is that more parsimonious return and asset pricing models result if skewness persistence need not be modeled.
The Risks of Peace: Implications for International Mediation
Authors: Hampson Fen Osler
Published: January 2006

International mediators are often called upon to manage the risks of negotiation leading to a peace settlement. This article argues that important risks are often contained in the terms of a peace settlement, which must also be addressed by international negotiators. These risks are described as incurable covenant risks, curable covenant risks, and legal and systemic risks. This article discusses several different strategies for managing these risks. The article argues that although some of these risks can be managed by international mediators, not all are amenable to negotiated interventions.
The Effect of Negotiation Practices on the Relationship between Suppliers and Customers
Authors: Atkin Thomas S. , Rinehart Lloyd M.
Published: January 2006

This article examines the effects of negotiation practices, such as coercion and contract formality, on how suppliers and customers perceived the resulting business relationship. We conducted a purchasing negotiation simulation with students in a classroom setting in which participants competed for resources in a mock supply‐chain context. The participants were surveyed at key stages of the ongoing negotiation in order to measure their behaviors as a customer–supplier relationship developed. The data were used to test several hypotheses developed from the marketing and purchasing literature. The hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results demonstrated that the use of coercive techniques by negotiators during negotiation had a negative effect on satisfaction. In addition, the findings showed that, as expected, negotiators entering a negotiation with a cooperative orientation would tend to avoid the use of coercive practices during negotiation. The cooperative orientation also exhibited an unexpected positive effect on the formalization of the design of the contract between the parties. This study contributes to the current knowledge base focusing on the creation of agreements between companies and will, we hope, encourage the integration of suppliers and customers in an operating context within a supply‐chain setting.
The Cognitive Demands of a Negotiation Curriculum: What Does It Mean to “Get”Getting to YES?
Authors: Manwaring Melissa
Published: January 2006

A leading theory of human development — constructive‐developmental theory — posits that people make meaning in qualitatively different ways through the course of their lives and that their meaning‐making capacities continue to evolve even in adulthood. This article begins with a brief introduction to constructive‐developmental theory, including its roots in Jean Piaget's work on child development and Robert Kegan's more recent work on adult development. The author then explores the different ways in which students at different developmental stages might make sense of the same negotiation concepts. The article discusses some implications of these diverse understandings for negotiation teachers in terms of goal setting, evaluation, teaching methods, and transformational learning. It then concludes with a suggestion for more research on the connections between constructive–developmentalism and negotiation pedagogy.
Teaching Students How to Use Emotions as They Negotiate
Authors: Shapiro Daniel L.
Published: January 2006

Given that emotions are inescapable and complex, how do you teach students how to deal with them? This article offers instuctors a practical approach. It suggests that instructors and students turn their attention away from emotions and toward a more limited set of core emotional concerns that stimulate many emotions. The article describes ways to teach students how to use these core concerns as tools to understand the emotional terrain and to stimulate helpful emotions.
Partner Choice and the Differential Retreat From Marriage
Authors: Schoen Robert , Cheng Yen‐hsin Alice
Published: January 2006

The contemporary retreat from marriage in the United States has had a differential impact across socioeconomic and racial groups. Here, 1990 marriage rates and propensities for Virginia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin are analyzed regarding (a) the likelihood that persons in different groups ever marry and (b) patterns of partner choice with respect to race and educational level. Marriage remains strong in most race‐education groups but is substantially lower among Blacks and among those with less than 12 years of education. Patterns of partner choice have shifted to show greater symmetry between the educational levels of brides and grooms. Changes have been modest with regard to the level and pattern of interracial (Black‐White) marriage. Marriage is increasingly a union of equals, but a union chosen more by Whites than by Blacks and more by the well educated than by the poorly educated.
How Dual Are Dual‐Income Couples? Documenting Change From 1970 to 2001
Authors: Raley Sara B. , Mattingly Marybeth J. , Bianchi Suzanne M.
Published: January 2006

Using Current Population Survey data for 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2001 (N =73,001), we document change in the prevalence of couples where (a) the wife contributes less than 40% of the family income, (b) income contributions are relatively equal, and (c) the wife's income contribution surpasses her husband's contribution. In 1970, close to 90% of couples had conventional earning arrangements: The husband was the sole provider in 56% of couples and contributed 60% or more of the income in an additional 31% of couples. By 2001, husbands were still the sole (25%) or major provider (39%) in a majority (64%) of couples but wives shared equally in providing income in 24% of couples, more than double the 9% in 1970. Additionally, wives as primary (or sole) earners increased from 4% to 12%. We investigate the associations between income provisioning within dual‐income families and ongoing cohort replacement by younger couples, women's increased human capital, life course processes, couple's labor supply, and race. Our findings suggest that wives’ increased human capital and couple's labor supply were strongly associated with increased female breadwinning patterns, but age cohort replacement processes and life stage factors also played a role in explaining change over time.
Lesbian Couples’ Relationship Quality Across the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Sayer Aline
Published: January 2006

The transition to parenthood is a time of stress for many couples. Most research on the transition to parenthood has been conducted with middle‐class, heterosexual couples. The current study uses multilevel modeling to examine predictors of change in relationship quality (love and conflict) during the transition to parenthood in 29 lesbian couples. Predictors included personality variables, work context variables, social context variables, and couple characteristics. Results suggest that personality and couple characteristics were important predictors of change in love, whereas personality and expected social support were salient predictors of change in conflict. The importance of research on this key life transition for lesbian couples is discussed.
Parental After‐School Stress and Psychological Well‐Being
Authors: Barnett Rosalind Chait , Gareis Karen C.
Published: January 2006

The mismatch between employed parents’ work schedules and their children's school schedules creates the structural underpinning for an as‐yet‐unstudied stressor, namely, parental after‐school stress, or the degree of parents’ concern about their children's welfare after school. We estimate the relationship between parental after‐school stress and psychological well‐being in a sample of 243 employed parents of children in grades K–12. Parental after‐school stress is related to psychological well‐being. This relationship did not differ by parent gender or child age but was significantly stronger for parents of girls versus boys. Our results suggest that parental after‐school stress is an important stressor that affects the well‐being of a large segment of the work force and warrants further research.
Taking Pressure Off Families: Child‐Care Subsidies Lessen Mothers’ Work‐Hour Problems
Authors: Press Julie E. , Fagan Jay , Laughlin Lynda
Published: January 2006

We use the Philadelphia Survey of Child Care and Work to model the effect of child‐care subsidies and other ecological demands and resources on the work hour, shift, and overtime problems of 191 low‐income urban mothers. Comparing subsidy applicants who do and do not receive cash payments for child care, we find that mothers who receive subsidies are 21% less likely to experience at least one work hour–related problem on the job. Our results suggest that child‐care subsidies do more than allow women to enter the labor force. Subsidies help make it easier for mothers in low‐wage labor both to comply with employer demands for additional work hours and to earn the needed wages that accompany them.
Saving Performance in Individual Development Accounts: Does Marital Status Matter?
Authors: Grinstein‐Weiss Michal , Zhan Min , Sherraden Michael
Published: January 2006

Research indicates that marriage has a large effect on reducing the risk of poverty and is associated with a higher probability of attaining affluence over the life course when compared with nonmarriage. Using data from the American Dream Demonstration (N =2,364), this study compares savings performances of married and unmarried low‐income participants in a matched savings program—Individual Development Accounts. The results indicate that both married and unmarried low‐income participants can save in Individual Development Accounts. After controlling for program and other participant characteristics, there were no significant differences in savings between married and unmarried participants. We further examined possible factors that are associated with Individual Development Account savings performance for these two groups.
THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY ON HOUSEHOLDS – A REVIEW OF HOUSEHOLD STUDIES
Authors: NAIDU VENI , HARRIS GEOFF
Published: January 2006

Thirty two studies of the impact of HIV/AIDS on households conducted over the last decade were reviewed. The direct and indirect costs of HIV/AIDS to households increase with severity of illness and ultimately death. HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality affect household income and expenditure patterns. Households employ various survival strategies to alleviate loss of labour and income, survive the financial cost and optimise the use of safety networks. Various gaps were found in the literature, which future studies could explore. Household surveys should be multi‐disciplinary and longitudinal in nature so that the full impact of HIV/AIDS could be assessed over time.