Semantic predictability of implicit causality can affect referential form choice.

Models of language comprehension show that predictable elements are easier to understand. Does predictability also guide production? While many models suggest it does (e.g.

Selecting the Best Hand Protection for the Task.

When the correct level of persistence is applied toward identifying the hazard exposures, true cost savings will be seen every time.

Target categorization with primes that vary in both congruency and sense modality.

In two experiments we examined conceptual priming within and across sense modalities by varying the modality (picture and environmental sounds) and the category congruency of prime-target pairs. Both experiments used a repetition priming paradigm, but Experiment 1 studied priming effects with a task that required a superordinate categorization response (man-made or natural), while Experiment 2 used a lower level category response (musical instruments or animal): one that was more closely associated with the basic level of the semantic network. Results from Experiment 1 showed a strong effect of target modality and two distinct patterns of conceptual priming effects with picture and environmental sound targets.

Catamenial epilepsy: in search of a clinical entity and its prevalence.

The prevalence of catamenial epilepsy has been difficult to determine for several reasons, including menstrual cycle variability and randomness of seizure occurrence, a high prevalence of seizure clustering in males and nonmenstruating females with epilepsy, and the lack of a definition of catamenial epilepsy in previous studies. Recently, a definition describing three distinct patterns that may provide a sensible nomenclature for future research on catamenial epilepsy has been proposed, and it may provide standardized criteria for inclusion in catamenial epilepsy studies. Such a definition should allow estimates of true prevalence of this disorder to be more precise and prospective treatment trials to be designed.

Seizure exacerbation and status epilepticus related to carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide.

Over a 3-year period, we encountered 6 adults whose seizure control unexpectedly deteriorated with the occurrence of partial status epilepticus and daily multiple seizures. Analysis of the case histories and subsequent clinical follow-up for 1 1/2 to 3 years disclosed the following evidence that demonstrates the role of carbamazepine-epoxide in the development of the seizure exacerbation: (1) There were high serum carbamazepine-epoxide concentrations while serum carbamazepine concentrations were lower than or the same as baseline levels; (2) all patients were taking drugs that are known to increase serum carbamazepine-epoxide concentrations; (3) status epilepticus failed to respond to intravenous phenytoin loading; (4) seizure exacerbation in all patients was corrected by withholding carbamazepine dose; (5) seizure exacerbation recurred in 1 patient who resumed the same dose of carbamazepine; and (6) there were no prior status epilepticus or daily multiple seizures despite previous toxicities with other antiepileptic drugs in 3 patients. Our experience shows that inconspicuous elevation of carbamazepine-epoxide levels during polytherapy may precipitate a distinct state of drug toxicity characterized by severe exacerbation of seizures.