bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common Neural Correlates of Intertemporal Choices and Intelligence in Adolescents
Authors: Ripke Stephan , Hübner Thomas , Mennigen Eva , Müller Kathrin U. , Li Shu-Chen , Smolka Michael N. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Converging behavioral evidence indicates that temporal discounting, measured by intertemporal choice tasks, is inversely related to intelligence. At the neural level, the parieto-frontal network is pivotal for complex, higher-order cognitive processes. Relatedly, underrecruitment of the pFC during a working memory task has been found to be associated with steeper temporal discounting. Furthermore, this network has also been shown to be related to the consistency of intertemporal choices. Here we report an fMRI study that directly investigated the association of neural correlates of intertemporal choice behavior with intelligence in an adolescent sample (n = 206; age 13.7–15.5 years). After identifying brain regions where the BOLD response during intertemporal choice was correlated with individual differences in intelligence, we further tested whether BOLD responses in these areas would mediate the associations between intelligence, the discounting rate, and choice consistency. We found positive correlations between BOLD response in a value-independent decision network (i.e., dorsolateral pFC, precuneus, and occipital areas) and intelligence. Furthermore, BOLD response in a value-dependent decision network (i.e., perigenual ACC, inferior frontal gyrus, ventromedial pFC, ventral striatum) was positively correlated with intelligence. The mediation analysis revealed that BOLD responses in the value-independent network mediated the association between intelligence and choice consistency, whereas BOLD responses in the value-dependent network mediated the association between intelligence and the discounting rate. In summary, our findings provide evidence for common neural correlates of intertemporal choice and intelligence, possibly linked by valuation as well as executive functions.
The Strength of Gradually Accruing Probabilistic Evidence Modulates Brain Activity during a Categorical Decision
Authors: Wheeler Mark E. , Woo Sarah G. , Ansel Tobin , Tremel Joshua J. , Collier Amanda L. , Velanova Katerina , Ploran Elisabeth J. , Yang Tianming 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe evolution of neural activity during a perceptual decision is well characterized by the evidence parameter in sequential sampling models. However, it is not known whether accumulating signals in human neuroimaging are related to the integration of evidence. Our aim was to determine whether activity accumulates in a nonperceptual task by identifying brain regions tracking the strength of probabilistic evidence. fMRI was used to measure whole-brain activity as choices were informed by integrating a series of learned prior probabilities. Participants first learned the predictive relationship between a set of shape stimuli and one of two choices. During scanned testing, they made binary choices informed by the sum of the predictive strengths of individual shapes. Sequences of shapes adhered to three distinct rates of evidence (RoEs): rapid, gradual, and switch. We predicted that activity in regions informing the decision would modulate as a function of RoE prior to the choice. Activity in some regions, including premotor areas, changed as a function of RoE and response hand, indicating a role in forming an intention to respond. Regions in occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes modulated as a function of RoE only, suggesting a preresponse stage of evidence processing. In all of these regions, activity was greatest on rapid trials and least on switch trials, which is consistent with an accumulation-to-boundary account. In contrast, activity in a set of frontal and parietal regions was greatest on switch and least on rapid trials, which is consistent with an effort or time-on-task account.
Updating the range of the narrowly distributed endemites Salamandra atra aurorae and S. atra pasubiensis
Authors: Romanazzi Enrico , Bonato Lucio 
Published: October 2014

Within the Alpine-Dinaric range of distribution of the Alpine salamanders (Salamandra atra), the genetically and phenotypically distinct Salamandra atra aurorae and S. atra pasubiensis are isolated in the south-eastern Prealps, but their precise distribution is only known incompletely. During 2012 we searched potentially suitable areas for a total of 155 hours during 48 days, and collected and evaluated occasional reports from people visiting these areas. S. atra aurorae was found on the northern part of the Sette Comuni and Vezzena plateau, at an altitude between 1200-1800 m, from Val Postesina to just north of Gallio and to Monte Fossetta (new site, more than 5 km from those previously known), within an estimated area of occupancy of 26 km2. S. atra pasubiensis was confirmed with a single population on the Pasubio massif, at 1450-1800 m, with an effective range of less than 2 km2. Previous reports of alpine salamanders from the Carega massif have remained unconfirmed.
A history of the altruism–morality debate in biology
Authors: Harman Oren 
Published: October 2014

Many different histories of the altruism–morality debate in biology are possible. Here, I offer one such history, based on the juxtaposition of four pairs of historical figures who have played a central role in the debate. Arranged in chronological order, the four dyads — Huxley and Kropotkin, Fisher and Emerson, Wynne-Edwards and Williams, and Hamilton and Price — help us grasp the core issues that have framed and defined the debate ever since Darwin: the natural origins of morality, the individual versus collective approach, the levels of selection debate, and the Is–Ought distinction. Looking forward, the continued relevance of the core issues is discussed.
The Transnationalization Strategy of Chinese Oil Companies: Case Studies of Sudan and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mo Chen 
Published: October 2014

This paper examines why Chinese National Oil Companies (cnocs) conduct transnationalization and why the level of transnationalization remains low.
Part one of the paper reveals the three main factors behind the transnationalization process since China has become a net importer of oil. Firstly, following economic reform in the 1990s, oil companies acquired autonomy and began to address the problem of domestic resource scarcity by seeking business opportunities abroad. Given the dependency on oil imports, the Chinese government is worried about energy security and so supports the overseas activities of nocs to ensure reliable sources of international oil. Furthermore, some basic conditions for transnationalization have been met: nocs have more than 30 years of domestic experience in oil exploration and development; the structural change of the international oil market, with resource countries looking East and welcoming cooperation with China; and the strategic adjustment of established international companies, making room for participation by Chinese companies. Part two evaluates the level of transnationalization of Chinese oil companies from a comparative perspective using uncted’s Transnationality Index (tni). Subsequently, four challenges to transnationalization are identified: geopolitical risks, resource nationalism, business competitiveness and human resources development. Part three provides empirical analysis on the performance of cnocs in Sudan and Saudi Arabia, focusing primarily on the driving forces, conditions, achievements and challenges of cnocs in these two countries; it also shows how some of the challenges are successfully addressed.
Three conclusions are reached: that the ongoing transnationalization of cnocs is a necessary result of the combination of a number of factors; that we should not exaggerate the level of transnationalization of cnocs, which remains low. Moreover, by addressing the challenges, cnocs are exploring a new way of transnationalization.
Reverse Mission or Migrant Sanctuaries? Migration, Symbolic Mapping, and Missionary Challenges of Britain’s Black Majority Churches
Authors: Adedibu Babatunde Aderemi 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The spread of African Christianity to Europe (including Britain) and North America over the last six decades has heralded a distinctive phase in global church history. Religion, which had been hitherto ignored as one of the motivations for migration, is gradually becoming a major mover in the global proliferation of African Christianity to the point that it is now a transatlantic phenomenon. Britain’s Black Majority Churches (BMCs) make use of self-representation and symbolic mapping in their discourses. The image of Britain as a post-Christian nation is projected with such epithets as “dead continent,” “prodigal nation,” and “secularized Britain.” It is apt to note that Britain’s BMCs are but one case of reverse mission that, in reality, more resembles migrant sanctuaries all across the Western world. The lack of understanding of the British culture, flawed church-planting strategies, and the operational methods employed by these churches have severely hampered the BMCs’ missionary endeavors in Britain.
Africa’s Poverty and Its Neo-Pentecostal “Liberators”: An Ecotheological Assessment of Africa’s Prosperity Gospellers
Authors: Golo Ben-Willie Kwaku 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The preponderance of various forms of liberation-oriented gospels among Africa’s neo-Pentecostals, particularly prosperity “gospelling,” should not be surprising when one considers the contexts within which they emerge. However, their narrow focus on the accumulation of wealth and material things as that which liberates from poverty is rather bewildering. Drawing on data collected from neo-Pentecostals, this article examines the definition of prosperity and the theological basis for such teachings, probes the environmental sustainability of the narrow wealth-seeking attitudes of these prosperity gospellers, and examines the ecological adequacy of the theology of salvation upon which prosperity gospelling is founded. The article concludes that the option available to the prosperity gospellers is a quest for liberation from poverty that correlates with the Christian vision for both human welfare and the health of the natural world.
The Right to Examine or Have Examined Witnesses as a Minimum Right for a Fair Trial
Authors: Biral M. 
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current significance of the right to examine, or have examined, incriminating witnesses within the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. In order to undertake this analysis, the paper will begin by recalling the traditional way through which Strasbourg has guaranteed the right to confrontation, namely through the “sole or decisive” rule which states that the rights of the defence are unacceptably undermined when a conviction is mainly based on evidence not subjected to confrontation. The discussion will subsequently focus on a recent and crucial judgement (Al-Khawaja and Tahery v. United Kingdom) that has inaugurated a new approach: the “overall examination”. Owing to this “overall examination” the use of untested evidence — even when decisive for convicting the accused — is “fair” in the presence of strong procedural safeguards, which permit a proper assessment of the reliability of unchallenged depositions.
Special attention will be paid to the effects of the overruling on the scope of the European right to confrontation and on its relationship with the increasingly wide notion of a “fair trial”. In the final section of the paper, the overruling will be examined in light of the European Court’s duty to develop common standards for the protection of human rights.
Diplomatic Protection in EU Law: What’s New under the Sun?
Authors: Forni Federico 
Published: October 2014

Summary
This article aims to assess which subjects could offer diplomatic protection in third countries to European citizens and/or European Union legal persons on the basis of eu law. The absence of a common standard of assistance and the lack of specific agreements with third states has de facto excluded the diplomatic protection ex Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (tfeu, formerly the tec or Treaty establishing the European Community). Yet the practice shows cases in which the European Commission claimed the infringement of the rights of eu citizens and eu corporations in cases of violation of an international agreement concluded by the Union, or in cases of a breach of general international law in a matter of eu exclusive competence. These evidences indicate that the eu could play an effective role in ensuring the protection of European citizens in third countries in situations in which the eu member states have transferred their competences to the European Union. However, these actions remain discretional, since the ‘duty to protect’ is far from achieved both in eu and in international law.
Uses of Domesticated Donkeys: Evidence from Old Kingdom Tombs Scenes*
Authors: El-Menshawy Sherine 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine the iconography of donkeys in Old Kingdom scenes executed in private tombs and how the ancient Egyptians utilized them in their farming community. Three categories of donkey usages can be specified: (1) Donkeys carrying loads; (2) Donkeys threshing grain; and (3) Donkeys carrying officials. The paper ends with a discussion see:king to evaluate the relationship between people and donkeys.
A Climatology of Precipitating Open-Cell Convection over the Northeast Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Sikora Todd D. , Wendoloski Eric B. , Marter Robert E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis brief paper addresses the frequency of precipitating open-cell convection over the northeastern Gulf of Alaska during a 5-yr period (2002–06). The research employs 154 previously documented satellite synthetic aperture radar–derived wind speed (SDWS) images that contain open-cell convection signatures. Each SDWS image is paired with a near-in-time, National Weather Service Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler Level-III 0.5°-elevation-angle short-range base reflectivity image from coastal Alaska for which coverage spatially overlaps open-cell convection signatures. The time difference between any two images of a single pair is typically a few minutes or less. For 65% of the image pairs, at least one SDWS open-cell convection signature in the overlap region is associated with precipitation. That percentage may be conservative given the method used in this research. Thus, the results of this research support a suggestion that has been posed in previous studies that the organization of open-cell convection can be controlled by the interaction of the environmental vertical wind shear and precipitation-driven cold pools.
Alleviating Simulator Sickness with Galvanic Cutaneous Stimulation
Authors: Gálvez-García Germán , Hay Marion , Gabaude Catherine 
Published: October 2014

Objective: In a driving simulation, we investigated the efficacy of galvanic cutaneous stimulation (GCS) provided during curves or intermittently during the whole circuit to mitigate simulator syndrome (SS). Background: The literature on how GCS decreases SS, although scarce, has demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique. Stimulation with this and similar techniques has usually been provided in curves or continuously during the whole circuit but never intermittently. This stimulation method could generate a continued activation of processes related to GCS mitigating SS. Method: Fifteen drivers (8 men; mean age = 25.5 years) participated in this experiment. We compared the total scores of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) across three stimulation conditions: (a) curve GCS condition, whereby GCS was provided in curves; (b) intermittent GCS condition, whereby GCS was provided intermittently during the whole circuit; and (c) no-stimulation condition, whereby no stimulation was provided (baseline condition). Results: The experimental outcomes revealed that GCS decreased SS in both the curve and intermittent stimulation conditions. Conclusion: We provide evidence that GCS is an effective countermeasure to decrease SS. It could be applied indifferently in curves or intermittently during the whole circuit. Application: For future interventions, we recommend the use of GCS to mitigate SS with similar intermittent stimulation programs. These programs have a crucial advantage as they are easily integrated into the simulator setup without the necessity of generating a complicated experimental design to stimulate during the curves.
Are we following the WHO recommendations for surgical scrubbing?
Authors: Ezzat Ahmed , Safdar Muhammad Muneeb , Ahmed Irfan 
Published: October 2014

Background Surgical site infections have an incidence as high as 10%. To reduce this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends guidelines for surgical scrubbing. Aims We assessed adherence of surgical staff scrub practice before gowning to current WHO recommendations. Methods A prospective study conducted in operation theatres in a university hospital. Participants comprised of consultant surgeons, trainees and scrub nurses. Variables included staff grade, scrub order, length of scrub time and appropriate dress code. Data were collected anonymously and analysed. Results We assessed 303 surgical scrub-episodes (95 scrub nurses, 123 trainees and 85 consultant surgeons). Mean time for first scrub of the day was 239 s, SD = 99, 95% CI 218, 259 and range = 530 (scrub nurses = 297 s, trainees = 204 s, consultant surgeons = 202 s). Mean time for subsequent scrubs was 161 s, SD = 63, 95% CI 152, 170, range = 312 (scrub nurses = 184 s, trainees = 158 s, consultant surgeons = 143 s). Statistical significance was found between staff grades based on scrub time, with WHO breaches in remaining variables. Conclusions No written local guidelines on hand scrubbing exist in the hospital and staff were unaware of WHO guidelines. In this study, mean scrub times were less than WHO guidelines with significant variation in practice across grades of staff. Clear written guidelines are needed.
Perceived Infant Feeding Preferences of Significant Family Members and Mothers’ Intentions to Exclusively Breastfeed
Authors: Mueffelmann Rebecca E. , Racine Elizabeth F. , Warren-Findlow Jan , Coffman Maren J. 
Published: October 2014

Background: Breastfeeding intention is a significant predictor of initiation and duration. The decision to breastfeed may be influenced by the opinions of family and friends. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal perception of the infant feeding preferences of the baby’s father and the maternal grandmother and the woman’s intention to breastfeed. Methods: This study analyzed data from the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II (2005-2007). Results: The sample included 4690 women, of whom approximately 82% were white, 67% were married, 68% were multiparous, and 66% had some college education or beyond. In adjusted analyses, the odds of intending to exclusively breastfeed in the first few weeks postpartum were higher among mothers who perceived that the baby’s father or the maternal grandmother preferred exclusive breastfeeding (vs preferred other feeding) (fathers: odds ratio [OR] = 7.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.20-8.92; maternal grandmothers: OR = 2.45; 95% CI, 2.01-2.99). Mothers in each of the racial/ethnic groups examined were more likely to intend to exclusively breastfeed in the first few weeks postpartum if they perceived that the expectant father preferred exclusive breastfeeding (vs preferred other feeding methods) (white: OR = 7.67; 95% CI, 6.25-9.41; black: OR = 11.76; 95% CI, 4.85-28.51; Hispanic: OR = 7.01; 95% CI, 3.44-14.28; other: OR = 7.51; 95% CI, 3.39-16.67). Conclusion: These results suggest that significant family members should be counseled on the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of formula feeding along with pregnant mothers.
Rescuing – a universal phenomenon
Authors: Little John 
Published: October 2014

Objective: Rescuing, where the person is delivered from the immediacy of their conundrum by another, complicates management. The object of this paper is to understand the difficulty in relinquishing the rescuing role. Conclusion: Rescuing is a universal phenomenon in parenting, teaching and therapy that has developed over time through a variety of interwoven social, economic, psychological and clinical variables.
A multicentre, randomized, double-blind trial of the safety and efficacy of mannose-6-phosphate in patients having Zone II flexor tendon repairs
Authors: Lees V. C. , Warwick D. , Gillespie P. , Brown A. , Akhavani M. , Dewer D. , Boyce D. , Papanastasiou S. , Ragoowansi R. , Wong J. 
Published: October 2014

The safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of mannose 6-phosphate in enhancing the outcome in Zone II flexor tendon repair was studied in a multicentre parallel double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Eight UK teaching hospitals were involved in treating repaired flexor tendons with a single intraoperative intrathecal dose of 600 mM mannose 6-phosphate, with follow-up over 26 weeks. A total of 39 patients (mannose 6-phosphate, n = 20; standard care, n = 19) were randomized. Seven were excluded from the safety and tolerability analysis because of intraoperative findings and eight were excluded due to early dropout ( n = 4) or tendon rupture ( n = 4), leaving 24 (mannose 6-phosphate, n = 13; standard care, n = 11) for assessment of total active motion. The safety, tolerability and other side effects were comparable between the groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the total active motion at Week 26. We concluded that mannose 6-phosphate, although safe and tolerable, had no beneficial effect on finger range of motion after Zone II tendon division. Level of evidence 1b
Genetic association and gene expression studies suggest that genetic variants in the SYNE1 and TNF genes are related to menstrual migraine
Authors: Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J , Smith Robert A , Roy Bishakha , Sutherland Heidi , Lea Rod A , Frith Alison , MacGregor E Anne , Griffiths Lyn R 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Background
Menstrual migraine (MM) encompasses pure menstrual migraine (PMM) and menstrually-related migraine (MRM). This study was aimed at investigating genetic variants that are potentially related to MM, specifically undertaking genotyping and mRNA expression analysis of the ESR1, PGR, SYNE1 and TNF genes in MM cases and non-migraine controls.

Methods
A total of 37 variants distributed across 14 genes were genotyped in 437 DNA samples (282 cases and 155 controls). In addition levels of gene expression were determined in 74 cDNA samples (41 cases and 33 controls). Association and correlation analysis were performed using Plink and RStudio.

Results
SNPs rs3093664 and rs9371601 in TNF and SYNE1 genes respectively, were significantly associated with migraine in the MM population (p = 0.008; p = 0.009 respectively). Analysis of qPCR results found no significant difference in levels of gene expression between cases and controls. However, we found a significant correlation between the expression of ESR1 and SYNE1, ESR1 and PGR and TNF and SYNE1 in samples taken during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Conclusions
Our results show that SNPs rs9371601 and rs3093664 in the SYNE1 and TNF genes respectively, are associated with MM. The present study also provides strong evidence to support the correlation of ESR1, PGR, SYNE1 and TNF gene expression in MM.