bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensorimotor temporal recalibration within and across limbs
Authors: Yarrow Kielan , Sverdrup-Stueland Ingvild , Arnold Derek 
Published: November 2012

Repeated presentation of artificially induced delays between actions and events leads to shifts in participants’ subjective simultaneity towards the adapted lag. This sensorimotor temporal recalibration generalises across sensory modalities, presumably via a shift in the motor component. Here we examined two overlapping questions regarding (1) the level of representation of temporal recalibration (by testing whether it also generalises across limbs) and (2) the neural underpinning of the shift in the motor component (by comparing adaption magnitude in the foot relative to the hand). An adaption-test paradigm was used, with hand or foot adaptation, and same-limb and cross-limb test phases that used a synchrony judgement task. By demonstrating that temporal recalibration occurs in the foot, we confirmed that it is a robust motor phenomenon. Shifts in the distribution of participants’ synchrony responses were quantified using a detection-theoretic model of the SJ task, where a shift of both boundaries together gives a stronger indication that the effect is not simply a result of decision bias. The results showed a significant shift in both boundaries in the same-limb conditions, whereas there was only a shift of the higher boundary in the cross-limb conditions. These two patterns most likely reflect a genuine shift in neural timing, and a criterion shift, respectively.
Audiovisual synchrony perception of walkers as a function of distance and depth cues
Authors: Silva Carlos C. , Santos Jorge A. 
Published: November 2012

Audiovisual perception is still an intriguing phenomenon, especially when we think about the physical and neuronal differences underlying the perception of sound and light. Physically, there is a delay of ∼3 ms/m between the emission of a sound and its arrival to the observer but, on the other hand, we know that acoustic transduction is a very fast process (∼1 ms). Conversely, light speed makes negligible the physical delay while phototransduction is quite slow (∼50 ms). Audio and visual stimuli that are temporally mismatched can be perceived as a coherent audiovisual stimulus, but a sound delay is often required to achieve a better synchrony perception. In this study, we analyze the Point of Subjective Synchrony (PSS) as a function of stimulus distance to understand if individuals take into account sound velocity or if they compensate for differences in transduction time when judging synchrony. Using an audiovisual virtual-reality environment (CAVE-Like) with Point Light Walkers (PLW) as visual stimulus and sound of steps as audio stimulus, audiovisual sequences were presented from −285 to +300 ms of audio asynchrony, at different distances from the observer (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 m), and in three different conditions which differ only in the number of visual and auditory depth cues. The results show a relation between PSS and stimulus distance congruent with the differences in propagation velocity between sound and light. Depending on the number of depth cues presented, this relation appears to be increasingly closer to a model based on compensation for these physical differences.
Processing of audiovisual phonological incongruency depends on awareness
Authors: Adam Ruth , Noppeney Uta 
Published: November 2012

Capacity limitations of attentional resources allow only a fraction of sensory inputs to enter our awareness. Most prominently, in the attentional blink, the observer fails to detect the second of two rapidly successive targets that are presented in a sequence of distractor items. This study investigated whether phonological (in)congruency between visual target letters and spoken letters is modulated by subjects’ awareness. In a visual attentional blink paradigm, subjects were presented with two visual targets (buildings and capital Latin letters, respectively) in a sequence of rapidly presented distractor items. A beep was presented always with T1. We manipulated the presence/absence and phonological congruency of the spoken letter that was presented concurrently with T2. Subjects reported the identity of T1 and T2 and reported the visibility of T2. Behaviorally, subjects correctly identified T2 when it was reported to be either visible or unsure, while performances were below chance level when T2 was reported to be invisible. At the neural level, the anterior cingulate was activated for invisible > unsure > visible T2. In contrast, visible relative to invisible trials increased activation in bilateral cerebellum, pre/post-central gyri extending into parietal sulci and bilateral inferior occipital gyri. Incongruency effects were observed in the left inferior frontal gyrus, caudate nucleus and insula only for visible stimuli. In conclusion, phonological incongruency is processed differently when subjects are aware of the visual stimulus. This indicates that multisensory integration is not automatic but depends on subjects’ cognitive state.
From observation to enactment: Can dance experience enhance multisensory temporal integration?
Authors: Sgouramani Helena , Muller Chris , van Noorden Leon , Leman Marc , Vatakis Argiro 
Published: November 2012

We report two experiments aiming to define how experience and stimulus enactment affect multisensory temporal integration for ecologically-valid stimuli. In both experiments, a number of different dance steps were used as audiovisual displays at a range of stimulus onset asynchronies using the method of constant stimuli. Participants were either professional dancers or non-dancers. In Experiment 1, using a simultaneity judgment (SJ) task, we aimed at defining — for the first time — the temporal window of integration (TWI) for dancers and non-dancers and the role of experience in SJ performance. Preliminary results showed that dancers had smaller TWI in comparison to non-dancers for all stimuli tested, with higher complexity (participant rated) dance steps requiring larger auditory leads for both participant groups. In Experiment 2, we adapted a more embodied point of view by examining how enactment of the stimulus modulates the TWIs. Participants were presented with simple audiovisual dance steps that could be synchronous or asynchronous and were asked to synchronize with the audiovisual display by actually performing the step indicated. A motion capture system recorded their performance at a millisecond level of accuracy. Based on the optimal integration hypothesis, we are currently looking at the data in terms of which modality will be dominant, considering that dance is a spatially (visual) and temporally (audio) coordinated action. Any corrective adjustments, accelerations–decelerations, hesitations will be interpreted as indicators of the perception of ambiguity in comparison to their performance at the synchronous condition, thus, for the first time, an implicit SJ response will be measured.
Restricted recovery of external remapping of tactile stimuli after restoring vision in a congenitally blind man
Authors: Ley Pia , Bottari Davide , Shenoy Bhamy Hariprasad , Kekunnaya Ramesh , Roeder Brigitte 
Published: November 2012

People with surgically removed congenital dense bilateral cataracts offer a natural model of visual deprivation and reafferentation in humans to investigate sensitive periods of multisensory development, for example regarding the recruitment of external or anatomical frames of reference for spatial representation. Here we present a single case (HS; male; 33 years; right-handed), born with congenital dense bilateral cataracts. His lenses were removed at the age of two years, but he received optical aids only at age six. At time of testing, his visual acuity was 30% in the best eye. We performed two tasks, a tactile temporal order judgment task (TOJ) in which two tactile stimuli were presented successively to the index fingers located in the two hemifields, adopting a crossed and uncrossed hand posture. The participant judged as precisely as possible which side was stimulated first. Moreover, we used a crossmodal-congruency task in which a tactile stimulus and an irrelevant visual distracter were presented simultaneously but independently to one of four positions. The participant judged the location (index or thumb) of the tactile stimulus with hands crossed or uncrossed. Speed was emphasized. In contrast to sighted controls, HS did not show a decrement of TOJ performance with hands crossed. Moreover, while the congruency gain was equivalent to sighted controls with uncrossed hands, this effect was significantly reduced with hands crossed. Thus, an external remapping of tactile stimuli still develops after a long phase of visual deprivation. However, remapping seems to be less efficient and to only take place in the context of visual stimuli.
Secularization, Deprivatization, and the Reappearance of ‘Public Religion’ in Japanese Society
Authors: Mullins Mark R. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Sociological theories about the fate of religion in modern societies originated in Europe and were initially based on the history of Western Christianity. Whether or not these theoretical perspectives are useful for the analysis of other religious traditions in non-Western regions of the world has been the focus of considerable debate for decades. This article engages some of the familiar theories of secularization in light of major developments in Japanese religion and society over the past two centuries. While it has been widely assumed that modernization inevitably brings with it a decline in religion, the first phase of this process in Japan was accompanied by the creation of a powerful new form of religion—State Shintō—that served to unite the nation around a common set of symbols and institutions for half a century. This was followed by the rapid and forced secularization of Shintō during the Allied Occupation (1945-1952), which essentially privatized or removed it from public institutions. Since the end of the Occupation, however, there has been an ongoing movement to restore the special status of Shintō and its role in the public sphere. Even though recent case studies and survey research indicate that individual religiosity and organized religions are facing serious decline today, the reappearance of religion in public life and institutions represented by this restoration movement also needs to be taken into account in our assessment of secularization in contemporary Japan.
Reflection on design and testing of pancreatic alpha-amylase inhibitors: an in silico comparison between rat and rabbit enzyme models
Authors: Khalil-Moghaddam Shiva , Ebrahim-Habibi Azadeh , Pasalar Parvin , Yaghmaei Parichehreh , Hayati-Roodbari Nasim 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundInhibitors of pancreatic alpha-amylase are potential drugs to treat diabetes and obesity. In order to find compounds that would be effective amylase inhibitors,in vitroandin vivomodels are usually used. The accuracy of models is limited, but these tools are nonetheless valuable.In vitromodels could be used in large screenings involving thousands of chemicals that are tested to find potential lead compounds.In vivomodels are still used as preliminary mean of testing compounds behavior in the whole organism. In the case of alpha-amylase inhibitors, both rats and rabbits could be chosen asin vivomodels. The question was which animal could present more accuracy with regard to its pancreatic alpha-amylase.ResultsAs there is no crystal structure of these enzymes, a molecular modeling study was done in order to compare the rabbit and rat enzymes with the human one. The overall result is that rabbit enzyme could probably be a better choice in this regard, but in the case of large ligands, which could make putative interactions with the −4 subsite of pancreatic alpha-amylase, interpretation of results should be made cautiously.ConclusionMolecular modeling tools could be used to choose the most suitable model enzyme that would help to identify new enzyme inhibitors. In the case of alpha-amylase, three-dimensional structures of animal enzymes show differences with the human one which should be taken into account when testing potential new drugs.
From cytogenomic to epigenomic profiles: monitoring the biologic behavior of in vitro cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Redaelli Serena , Bentivegna Angela , Foudah Dana , Miloso Mariarosaria , Redondo Juliana , Riva Gabriele , Baronchelli Simona , Dalprà Leda , Tredici Giovanni 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into different cell lineages and have emerged as a promising tool for cell-targeted therapies and tissue engineering. Their use in a therapeutic context requires large-scale in vitro expansion, increasing the probability of genetic and epigenetic instabilities. Some evidence shows that an organized program of replicative senescence is triggered in human BM-MSCs (hBM-MSCs) on prolonged in vitro expansion that includes alterations in phenotype, differentiation potential, telomere length, proliferation rates, global gene-expression patterns, and DNA methylation profiles.

Methods
In this study, we monitored the chromosomal status, the biologic behavior, and the senescence state of hBM-MSCs derived from eight healthy donors at different passages during in vitro propagation. For a more complete picture, the telomere length was also monitored in five of eight donors, whereas the genomic profile was evaluated in three of eight donors by array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). Finally, an epigenomic profile was delineated and compared between early and late passages, by pooling DNA of hBM-MSCs from four donors.

Results
Our data indicate that long-term culture severely affects the characteristics of hBM-MSCs. All the observed changes (that is, enlarged morphology, decreased number of cell divisions, random loss of genomic regions, telomere shortening) might be regulated by epigenetic modifications. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that specific biologic processes of hBM-MSCs are affected by variations in DNA methylation from early to late passages.

Conclusions
Because we revealed a significant decrease in DNA methylation levels in hBM-MSCs during long-term culture, it is very important to unravel how these modifications can influence the biologic features of hBM-MSCs to keep track of this organized program and also to clarify the conflicting observations on hBM-MSC malignant transformation in the literature.
Towards establishing a viable macroeconomic and medium-term fiscal framework integrated approach for the Iraqi economy
Authors: Al-Ali Hashim 
Published: November 2012

This article intends to shed light on the importance of a functional link between medium-term macroeconomic framework and fiscal framework, to steer the economy towards achieving its development objectives and priorities in a coordinated manner. A medium-term macroeconomic framework
should, however, delineate and quantify the main development objectives reflecting, to greater extent, the actual needs of the society and the strategic goals of the economy, such as positive real GDP growth, economic diversification, low rate of unemployment, manageable inflation rate and
sectorial development priorities and sectorial allocation of investment/contribution to growth and development, poverty reduction and uplifting society's well-being. These and other objectives are obviously subject to a number of financial, investment, technical and absorptive capacity constraints.
Accordingly, it is imperative, nonetheless, to optimize the state of the macroeconomy given these constraints. Thus, this derived feasible macroeconomic setting should be used as the main developmental base to structure the country's medium-term fiscal and budgetary framework. By doing so,
the national economy would achieve, the aimed at, macroeconomic stability - achieving real growth without bottlenecks - and longer-term fiscal sustainability.
Furthermore, the article would attempt to bring together all significant development pillars in an integrated framework to produce
a more developmental oriented federal budget for the Iraqi economy. This would be approached analytically with relevant illustrations.
One-dimensional Ti–O based nanotubes as ion exchanger: synthesis, characterization and application in radiochemical separation of carrier-free 137mBa from 137Cs
Authors: Chakraborty Rajesh , Sen Buddhadeb , Chatterjee Sriparna , Chattopadhyay Pabitra 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Hydrogen titanate nanotubes (H2Ti3O7) were synthesized by hydrothermal process using 10 M NaOH and TiO2 anatase powder. The material synthesized was characterized by powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ensure the structural and morphological details of the above said nanotubes. This nanosized material behaved as a cation exchanger and it was employed to separate carrier-free 137mBa from 137Cs in column chromatographic technique using 1.0 M HNO3 as eluting agent.
Age, Academic Performance, and Stimulant Prescribing for ADHD: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Zoëga Helga , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Hernández-Díaz Sonia 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:
We evaluated whether younger age in class is associated with poorer academic performance and an increased risk of being prescribed stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS:
This was a nationwide population-based cohort study, linking data from national registries of prescribed drugs and standardized scholastic examinations. The study population comprised all children born in 1994–1996 who took standardized tests in Iceland at ages 9 and 12 (n = 11 785). We estimated risks of receiving low test scores (0–10th percentile) and being prescribed stimulants for ADHD. Comparisons were made according to children’s relative age in class.

RESULTS:
Mean test scores in mathematics and language arts were lowest among the youngest children in the fourth grade, although the gap attenuated in the seventh grade. Compared with the oldest third, those in the youngest third of class had an increased relative risk of receiving a low test score at age 9 for mathematics (1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–2.2) and language arts (1.8; 95% CI 1.6–2.1), whereas at age 12, the relative risk was 1.6 in both subjects. Children in the youngest third of class were 50% more likely (1.5; 95% CI 1.3–1.8) than those in the oldest third to be prescribed stimulants between ages 7 and 14.

CONCLUSIONS:
Relative age among classmates affects children’s academic performance into puberty, as well as their risk of being prescribed stimulants for ADHD. This should be taken into account when evaluating children’s performance and behavior in school to prevent unnecessary stimulant treatment.
Socialist modern global
Authors: Guga Stefan 
Published: November 2012

Lewis H. Siegelbaum., ed. 2011. The socialist car: Automobility in the Eastern Bloc. Ithaca, NY: Cornell
University Press. vii + 242 pages.Gabrielle Hecht, ed. 2011. Entangled geographies: Empire and technopolitics in the global Cold War.
Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. x + 337 pages.
Die rol van die ouers van Simson in die Simsonsage (Rigters 13-16))
Authors: Coetzee J.H. 
Published: November 2012

The role of the parents of Samson in the Samson saga (Judges 13-16) The parents of Samson, Manoah and his wife, play an important literary and theological role not only in Judges 13 where they act as main characters, but also in the rest of the saga where they occur in a diminishing role. By means of the interaction between the characters and the underlying motifs originating from them (especially the parents), Samson's conduct in relationship with his parents becomes an illustration of the tension found in the life of the people of Israel, viz. that between the orderly social institutions on the one hand and the natural non-traditional forces in a developing society on the other hand.
Politieke mag, die Ou Testament en kerkeenheid
Authors: Le Roux J.H. 
Published: November 2012

Political power, the Old Testament and church unity The family of Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa are involved in tense discussions on church unity. One aspect which must be discussed thoroughly is the legitimation of political "power. Not only in the past but also the present Mandela government is religiously supported. It is argued that this a dangerous venture. Some examples from the Old Testament are used to illustrate this point. It is stated that Israel became disillusioned in political power and therefore reformulated royal theology.
Wat het Athene met Jerusalem te doen? Enkele histories-sistematies gesigspunte in verband met die vraag of die teologie aan die universiteit tuishoort
Authors: Wethmar C.J. 
Published: November 2012

Jerusalem and Athens: A few historical and systematic considerations regarding the position of theology at state universities This article investigates the question whether theology as an academic discipline should be accommodated at state universities. This question proves to be determined by a complex constellation of historical, philosophical, theological and political ~ssues. In an attempt to give a systematic analysis and evaluation of these issues a brief historical description of the relationship between theology and university is given and the basic characteristics of a university and theology identified. Such an approach seems to provide adequate considerations for motivating an affirmative answer to the question at stake.
Von Harnack, Marcion en die Ou Testament
Authors: Le Roux J H 
Published: November 2012

This article focusses on Adolf Von Harnack’s profound study of Marcion, a theologian of the second century. He was amongst other things fascinated by Marcion’s view of the Old Testament. Marcion rejected the Old Testament because it depicted the creator-god as a mean figure who humiliated human beings. Jesus was in no way related to this god. He came from the good God who is described in the New Testament. Marcion compiled his own Bible which had no Old Testa-ment and only a few books from the New Testament which he purged from all Jewish or Old Testament influence. According to Marcion the newness of the Christ event made the Old Testament superflous.
A Social-constructionist, narrative understanding of the Church’s morality on sex
Authors: M J C , Pienaar H E 
Published: November 2012

This article can be described as a social constructionist, narrative understanding of a group of selected South African white Christians’ experience and perceptions regarding sexual morality in the context of heterosexual couples. In this article we will encounter alternative descriptions of sex, sexuality and marriage. The assertion is made that sexual morality should be understood within a relational contextual view of human interaction. This entails a shift away from act-centred, universally right or wrong sexually moral behaviour. These contentions are grounded in a thickened description of sex, sexuality and marriage,through which the thin, act-centred discourse of sex as coitus and marriage as ceremonial consent is deconstructed. A few guidelines are also being made in view of the church and parents. The authors use the metaphor of the board game “snakes and ladders” to enlighten the underlying worldview and findings, thereby situating sexual morality within the sphere of human social interaction and reality.