bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MEG evidence that the central auditory system simultaneously encodes multiple temporal cues
Authors: Simpson Michael I. G. , Barnes Gareth R. , Johnson Sam R. , Hillebrand Arjan , Singh Krish D. , Green Gary G. R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSpeech contains complex amplitude modulations that have envelopes with multiple temporal cues. The processing of these complex envelopes is not well explained by the classical models of amplitude modulation processing. This may be because the evidence for the models typically comes from the use of simple sinusoidal amplitude modulations. In this study we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to generate source space current estimates of the steady‐state responses to simple one‐component amplitude modulations and to a two‐component amplitude modulation. A two‐component modulation introduces the simplest form of modulation complexity into the waveform; the summation of the two‐modulation rates introduces a beat‐like modulation at the difference frequency between the two modulation rates. We compared the cortical representations of responses to the one‐component and two‐component modulations. In particular, we show that the temporal complexity in the two‐component amplitude modulation stimuli was preserved at the cortical level. The method of stimulus normalization that we used also allows us to interpret these results as evidence that the important feature in sound modulations is the relative depth of one modulation rate with respect to another, rather than the absolute carrier‐to‐sideband modulation depth. More generally, this may be interpreted as evidence that modulation detection accurately preserves a representation of the modulation envelope. This is an important observation with respect to models of modulation processing, as it suggests that models may need a dynamic processing step to effectively model non‐stationary stimuli. We suggest that the classic modulation filterbank model needs to be modified to take these findings into account.
A global synthesis of plant extinction rates in urban areas
Authors: Hahs Amy K. , McDonnell Mark J. , McCarthy Michael A. , Vesk Peter A. , Corlett Richard T. , Norton Briony A. , Clemants Steven E. , Duncan Richard P. , Thompson Ken , Schwartz Mark W. , Williams Nicholas S. G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPlant extinctions from urban areas are a growing threat to biodiversity worldwide. To minimize this threat, it is critical to understand what factors are influencing plant extinction rates. We compiled plant extinction rate data for 22 cities around the world. Two‐thirds of the variation in plant extinction rates was explained by a combination of the city’s historical development and the current proportion of native vegetation, with the former explaining the greatest variability. As a single variable, the amount of native vegetation remaining also influenced extinction rates, particularly in cities > 200 years old. Our study demonstrates that the legacies of landscape transformations by agrarian and urban development last for hundreds of years, and modern cities potentially carry a large extinction debt. This finding highlights the importance of preserving native vegetation in urban areas and the need for mitigation to minimize potential plant extinctions in the future.
Learning from failures: testing broad taxonomic hypotheses about plant naturalization
Authors: Diez Jeffrey M. , Williams Peter A. , Randall Rod P. , Sullivan Jon J. , Hulme Philip E. , Duncan Richard P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOur understanding of broad taxonomic patterns of plant naturalizations is based entirely on observations of successful naturalizations. Omission of the failures, however, can introduce bias by conflating the probabilities of introduction and naturalization. Here, we use two comprehensive datasets of successful and failed plant naturalizations in New Zealand and Australia for a unique, flora‐wide comparative test of several major invasion hypotheses. First, we show that some taxa are consistently more successful at naturalizing in these two countries, despite their environmental differences. Broad climatic origins helped to explain some of the differences in success rates in the two countries. We further show that species with native relatives were generally more successful in both countries, contrary to Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis, but this effect was inconsistent among families across the two countries. Finally, we show that contrary to studies based on successful naturalizations only, islands need not be inherently more invasible than continents.
Faces are special for newly hatched chicks: evidence for inborn domain‐specific mechanisms underlying spontaneous preferences for face‐like stimuli
Authors: Rosa‐Salva Orsola , Regolin Lucia , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIt is currently being debated whether human newborns’ preference for faces is due to an unlearned, domain‐specific and configural representation of the appearance of a face, or to general mechanisms, such as an up‐down bias (favouring top‐heavy stimuli, which have more elements in their upper part). Here we show that 2‐day‐old domestic chicks, visually naïve for the arrangement of inner facial features, spontaneously prefer face‐like, schematic, stimuli. This preference is maintained when the up‐down bias is controlled for (Experiment1) or when put in direct conflict with facedness (Experiment 4). In contrast, we found no evidence for the presence of an up‐down bias in chicks (Experiment 2). Moreover, our results indicate that the eye region of stimuli is crucial in determining the expression of spontaneous preferences for faces (Experiments 3 and 4).
Analogical reasoning ability in autistic and typically developing children
Authors: Morsanyi Kinga , Holyoak Keith J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRecent studies (e.g. Dawson et al., 2007) have reported that autistic people perform in the normal range on the Raven Progressive Matrices test, a formal reasoning test that requires integration of relations as well as the ability to infer rules and form high‐level abstractions. Here we compared autistic and typically developing children, matched on age, IQ, and verbal and non‐verbal working memory, using both the Raven test and pictorial tests of analogical reasoning. Whereas the Raven test requires only formal analogical reasoning, the other analogy tests require use of real‐world knowledge, as well as inhibition of salient distractors. We found that autistic children performed as well as controls on all these tests of reasoning with relations. Our findings indicate that the basic ability to reason systematically with relations, for both abstract and thematic materials, is intact in autism.
Profit from the Priceless: Heritage Sites, Property Rights and the Duty to Preserve
Authors: GIBSON KEVIN 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThis article suggests that corporate responsibility should be interpreted to include concern about resources that cannot easily be treated as commodities. Heritage Sites are places of historical and cultural importance. Given the primacy of contingent valuation methods in creating policy, these sites are often at risk from development or tourism since there is pressure to treat them as revenue centers. The article moves to looking at the status of sites in terms of property rights, drawing on Locke's original formulation. The article concludes that there is a normative justification for treating these sites as collective property that may warrant maintenance, preservation and restricted access.
Financial Returns of Corporate Social Responsibility, and the Moral Freedom and Responsibility of Business Leaders
Authors: DEMACARTY PETER 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTA number of theorists have proposed mechanisms suggesting that corporate social responsibility produces better financial results. Others subscribe to the theory that, realistically, less ethical means are necessary. This article contains an analysis of these perspectives drawing on observations from evolutionary game theory and nature. Based on these analyses, it is concluded that the financial returns of corporate social responsibility and irresponsibility (CSR and CSI) are equal on average. The explanation is that CSR and CSI aredriven to a state of equilibrium, because if one or the other were to offer higher profits, it would attract more players who would compete for the best opportunities until there was no difference in average profit. Existing empirical research generally shows a positive correlation between CSR as measured and corporate financial performance. It is argued that what is actually causing that finding is probably not CSR but management skill. More skillful managers, whether actually responsible or irresponsible, are able to obtain both higher profits and greater credit in imperfect measures of CSR. Next it is shown that this theory of equal returns implies greater moral freedom and therefore responsibility for business leaders. It is concluded that this insight can intensify the interest of decent business leaders in vigorously championing CSR.
Unraveling the Source of African American Children's Positively Biased Perceptions of Peer Acceptance
Authors: Dunkel Stephanie B. , Kistner Janet A. , David‐Ferdon Corinne 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe present study investigated possible ethnic contributions to overly positive self‐perceptions in middle childhood. The goals of this study were threefold. First, the present study sought to replicate the intriguing findings reported by Zakriski and Coie that African American children overestimate their acceptance, and European American children underestimate acceptance by other‐ethnicity peers. Second, this study examined possible explanations for ethnic differences in the pattern of perceptual bias. Finally, this study extended prior research by examining ethnic differences in the accuracy of children's perceived peer acceptance. Archival data consisting of 826 children in third (N = 284), fourth (N = 241), and fifth grades (N = 301) were used in the present investigation; 237 of which were African American children, and 589 were European American children. Results of this study replicated the findings of Zakriski and Coie. Moreover, African Americans' overestimation and European Americans' underestimation of acceptance by other‐ethnicity peers was found to be attributable to more positive views of self and others among African American children relative to European American children. Finally, children were found to be more accurate about judging their acceptance by peers of the same ethnicity than those of a different ethnicity. Possible explanations of what causes African American children to have more positive views of self and others than European American children are discussed.
Ecological Inference Techniques: An Empirical Evaluation Using Data Describing Gender and Voter Turnout at New Zealand Elections, 1893–1919
Authors: Hudson Irene L. , Moore Linda , Beh Eric J. , Steel David G. 
Published: September 2009

Summary
The difference, if any, between men’s and women’s voting patterns is of particular interest to historians of gender and politics. For elections that were held before the introduction of opinion surveying in the 1940s, little data are available with which to estimate such differences. We apply six methods for ecological inference to estimate men’s and women’s voting rates in New Zealand (NZ), 1893–1919. NZ is an interesting case-study, since it was the first self-governing country where women could vote. Furthermore, NZ officials recorded the voting rates of men and women at elections, making it possible to compare estimates produced by methods for ecological inference with known true values, thus testing the efficacy of different methods for ecological inference for this data set. We find that the most popular methods for ecological inference, namely Goodman’s ecological regression and King’s parametric method, give poor estimates, as does the much debated neighbourhood method. However, King’s non-parametric method, Chambers and Steel’s semiparametric method and the Steel, Beh and Chambers homogeneous approach all gave good estimates that were close to the known values, with the homogeneous approach performing best overall. The success of these methods in this example suggests that ecological inference may be a viable option when investigating gender and voting. Moreover, researchers using ecological inference in other fields may do well to consider a range of statistical methods. This work is a significant NZ contribution to historical politics and the first quantitative contribution, in the area of NZ gender and politics.
Productivity and Trade Orientation in UK Manufacturing*
Authors: Rizov Marian , Walsh Patrick Paul 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe show that improvements in aggregate productivity in UK manufacturing during the first years after the implementation of the Euro, by the UK's main trading partners in Europe, are determined by both market share reallocation and within‐company productivity growth. Furthermore, we outline a structural methodology for estimating parameters of a production function linking the unobservable productivity to endogenous company‐level trade orientation, investment and exit decisions. This allows us to back out consistent and unbiased estimates of productivity dynamics by trade orientation of companies within four‐digit UK manufacturing industries using FAME data over the period 1994–2001. Our estimates of productivity dynamics indicate that improvements in aggregate productivity were mainly driven by market share reallocations away from inefficient and towards efficient exporting companies alongside productivity improvements within non‐exporting companies.
Two new lipoaminoacids with complementary modes of action: new prospects to fight out against skin aging
Authors: Dumont S. , Cattuzzato L. , Trouvé G. , Chevrot N. , Stoltz C. 
Published: September 2009

SynopsisThe mode of action of two cosmetic active ingredients (AIs), palmitoyl glycine (PG) and cocoyl alanine (CA) was studied with cDNA array experiments and quantitative PCR confirmations, which were performed on experimentally aged human fibroblasts. These preliminary studies revealed complementary profiles. Thus, specific supplementary investigations were then carried out for each AI. Protocols used were based either on in vitro models: (i) biochemical assays, (ii) monolayer cell culture (primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes) and (iii) the model of capillary‐like tube formation by human endothelial cells or on ex vivo models, i.e. topically treated skin explants and both immunohistochemical and ChromameterTM investigations. New prospects are proposed to fight out against skin aging. Indeed, PG and CA showed complementary properties and thus enabled a regulation or a restoration effect on main aging‐associated disorders. Thus, they can not only act on tissue architecture, cell–cell interactions and extracellular matrix protection but also on inflammation, cell longevity, skin immune system protection, skin radiance and stem cell survey. Finally, a clinical trial performed on Caucasian women confirmed AI anti‐wrinkle efficacy, which was superior to that of a market reference ingredient. In the future, complementary experiments enabling a better understanding of the aging‐induced decline of epidermal stem cells would be of a great interest.
Differential deposition of emollients from tripartite formulation systems
Authors: Mehling A. , Haake H.‐M. , Poly W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTo date, emollients are included in skin care formulations although not much is known about their adsorption/deposition properties and/or the interactions of the constituents within these multi‐component systems. The modulation of the adsorption/deposition via the use of specific surfactant and/or emollient systems could therefore help to increase performance and sensorial benefits as well as to reduce adverse effects. In this study, the effects of various tripartite systems consisting of sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), a co‐surfactant and an emollient were studied. The two different emollients tested adsorbed with varying amounts although the same surfactant/co‐surfactant system was used. Interestingly, the deposition of both SLES and/or the emollient is also substantially influenced by the emollient component itself as well as by the co‐surfactant used. Sensory assessments showed that although SLES has a negative effect on the skin feel, adsorbed emollients improve skin softness and smoothness. These results show that optimization of performance is possible when using a co‐surfactant best suited for the emollient.
ETFAD/EADV eczema task force 2009 position paper on diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Darsow U , Wollenberg A , Simon D , Taïeb A , Werfel T , Oranje A , Gelmetti C , Svensson A , Deleuran M , Calza A‐M , Giusti F , Lübbe J , Seidenari S , Ring J ,   for the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis/EADV Eczema Task Force
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is made using evaluated clinical criteria. Management of AD must consider the symptomatic variability of the disease.Methods  EADV eczema task force developed its guideline for atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment based on literature review and repeated consenting group discussions.Results and Discussion  Basic therapy relies on hydrating topical treatment and avoidance of specific and unspecific provocation factors. Anti‐inflammatory treatment based on topical glucocorticosteroids and topical calcineurin antagonists is used for exacerbation management and more recently for proactive therapy in selected cases. Topical corticosteroids remain the mainstay of therapy, but the topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are preferred in certain locations. Systemic anti‐inflammatory treatment is an option for severe refractory cases. Microbial colonization and superinfection may induce disease exacerbation and can justify additional antimicrobial/antiseptic treatment. Systemic antihistamines (H1) can relieve pruritus, but do not have sufficient effect on eczema. Adjuvant therapy includes UV irradiation preferably of UVA1 wavelength or UVB 311 nm. Dietary recommendations should be specific and given only in diagnosed individual food allergy. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy to aeroallergens may be useful in selected cases. Stress‐induced exacerbations may make psychosomatic counselling recommendable. ‘Eczema school’ educational programmes have been proven to be helpful.
Associations of drugs routinely given in labour with breastfeeding at 48 hours: analysis of the Cardiff Births Survey
Authors: Jordan S , Emery S , Watkins A , Evans JD , Storey M , Morgan G 
Published: September 2009

Background  Little is known about how breastfeeding rates are affected by drugs routinely administered in labour.Objective  To examine a large obstetric data set to investigate potentially modifiable associations between drugs routinely administered in labour and breastfeeding in healthy women and infants.Design  Retrospective cohort.Setting The Cardiff (Wales UK) Births Survey.Population  A total of 48 366 healthy women delivering healthy singleton babies at term.Methods  Analysis of the Cardiff Births Survey.Main outcome measure  Association between intrapartum medications and breastfeeding at 48 hours postpartum.Results  At 48 hours, 43.3% (20 933/48 366) women were not breastfeeding. Regression analysis confirmed previously reported associations of lower breastfeeding rates with certain demographic indicators, epidural analgesia, intramuscular opioid analgesia and ergometrine. Novel associations were detected with oxytocin alone or in combination with ergometrine administered for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), which were associated with reductions of 6–8%, (intramuscular oxytocin OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.91, intravenous oxytocin OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57–0.82, oxytocin/ergometrine OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.91), and prostaglandins administered for induction of labour. The associations were maintained when subgroups, such as primiparous women, women whose labours were neither induced nor augmented, and women not receiving epidural analgesia were considered.Conclusion  Prospective studies on drugs in labour are needed to investigate potential causative associations between intrapartum medications and breastfeeding. Such studies will delineate the optimum balance between breastfeeding and maternal health, most importantly the risk of PPH.
Immediate and delayed add‐back hormonal replacement therapy during ultra long GnRH agonist treatment of chronic cyclical pelvic pain
Authors: Al‐Azemi M , Jones G , Sirkeci F , Walters S , Houdmont M , Ledger W 
Published: September 2009

Objective  To assess the safety and efficacy of long‐term use of long‐acting GnRH agonist in women with chronic cyclical pelvic pain using immediate versus delayed add‐back hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).Design  A prospective randomised trial.Setting  Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Academic Unit, University Teaching Hospital and NHS Hospitals.Population  Thirty‐eight premenopausal women with chronic cyclical pelvic pain were recruited.Methods  Women were given Zoladex 10.8 mg over 18 months and randomised to receive HRT (tibolone 2.5 mg) either immediately or after 6 months. Follow up was 12‐month post‐treatment.Main outcome measures  Bone mineral density at 6 months, the end of treatment (18 months), and 12 months later, pain and quality of life.Results  Women treated with immediate HRT add‐back showed less bone mineral density loss at 6 months and less vasomotor symptoms compared with those who had delayed HRT add‐back treatment. Long‐term follow up showed both groups experienced equivalent bone mineral density loss. Pain and health‐related quality‐of‐life assessment showed improvement in both groups but there was evidence of a return to baseline levels after ending treatment.Conclusion  Long‐term use of GnRH agonist plus immediate add‐back HRT is a safe and acceptable approach to intractable cyclical pelvic pain. Given the delay in reactivation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐ovarian axis after long‐term suppression, an intermittent dose regime with GnRH agonist might warrant investigation.
How much does the levator hiatus have to stretch during childbirth?
Authors: Svabík K , Shek KL , Dietz HP 
Published: September 2009

Objective  This study was designed to define the degree of stretch/strain required of the levator hiatus in childbirth. There have been attempts at defining the distension required for vaginal childbirth with the help of individual data sets, but from previous work it is clear that hiatal dimensions and distensibility are likely to vary greatly between individuals.Design  Retrospective observational study.Setting  Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney.Population  Nulliparous women at 36–38 week’s gestation.Methods  The ultrasound data sets of 227 nulliparous women examined at 36–38 week’s gestation were investigated using post‐processing software. Minimal hiatal diameters, subpubic arch, circumference and area were measured at rest, on Valsalva and pelvic floor muscle contraction. To estimate required hiatal distension at vaginal birth we used neonatal biometric data obtained in a Caucasian population. The muscle ‘strain’ or ‘stretch ratio’ required to allow delivery of a Caucasian baby of average size was calculated from dimensions at rest and on maximal Valsalva.Main outcome measures  Degree of stretch/strain required of the levator hiatus in childbirth.Results  The mean strain (stretch ratio) required for vaginal delivery was calculated as 1.47 (range 0.62–2.76; SD 0.39) from resting length, and 1.07 (range 0.25–2.45; SD 0.44) when calculated from dimensions at maximal Valsalva. This implies that, from dimensions at maximal Valsalva, some women will have to distend only 25%, others by 245%Conclusions  We have obtained normative data for the required distension of the levator hiatus in a largely Caucasian population.