bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic Sentiment and Yield Spreads in Europe
Authors: Ferreira Eva , Martínez Serna M. Isabel , Navarro Eliseo , Rubio Gonzalo 
Published: September 2007

Abstract According to

Harvey (1988)

, the forecasting ability of the term spread on economic growth is due to the fact that interest rates reflect investors' expectations about the future economic situation when deciding their plans for consumption and investment. Past literature has used ex post data on output or consumption growth as proxies for their expected value. In this paper, we employ a direct measure of economic agents' expectations, the Economic Sentiment Indicator elaborated by the European Commission, to test this hypothesis. Our results indicate that a linear combination of European yield spreads explains a surprising 93.7\% of the variability of the Economic Sentiment Indicator. This ability of yield spreads to capture economic agent expectations may be the actual reason for the predictive power of yield spreads about future business cycle.
Corporate Sell‐offs in the UK: Use of Proceeds, Financial Distress and Long‐run Impact on Shareholder Wealth
Authors: Lee Edward , Lin Stephen 
Published: September 2007

Abstract This study examines the long‐run return performance following UK corporate sell‐off announcements. We observe significant negative abnormal returns up to five years subsequent to sell‐off announcements. Our finding is robust to various specifications, irrespective of the intended use of proceeds. We also find a significantly positive association between long‐run abnormal returns and the magnitude of cash proceeds for sellers reducing corporate debt as well as for sellers with deeper financial distress or higher growth prospects. Overall, we find that UK corporate sell‐offs are associated with declines in subsequent shareholder wealth.
On the Equivalence between the APV and the wacc Approach in a Growing Leveraged Firm
Authors: Massari Mario , Roncaglio Francesco , Zanetti Laura 
Published: September 2007

Abstract While in a steady state framework the choice between the wacc approach (

Modigliani‐Miller, 1963

) and the adjusted present value (APV) approach (

Myers, 1974

) is irrelevant since the two approaches provide the same result, however, in a growing firm context the wacc equation seems to be inconsistent with the APV result. In this paper we propose a simple model to evaluate the tax savings in a growing firm in order to show under which assumptions the two approaches lead to the same results. We demonstrate that the use of the wacc model in a steady‐growth scenario gives rise to some unusual assumptions with regard to the discount rates to be used in calculating tax shields. We show that the widely used wacc formula, if used, as it is in most cases, in a growth context, implies that a) debt tax shield related to already existing debt are discounted using kd; b) debt tax shield related to new debt, due to company's growth, are discounted, according to a mixed procedure, using both ku and kd. We discuss the inconsistency of such a discounting procedure and the preferred features of the APV approach.
Autism symptoms in toddlers with Down syndrome: a descriptive study
Authors: Hepburn Susan , Philofsky Amy , Fidler Deborah J. , Rogers Sally 
Published: September 2007

Background  Research suggests that children with Down syndrome may be at increased risk of having an autism spectrum disorder; however, previous studies have not utilized comprehensive, state‐of‐the‐art diagnostic tools to address the question of comorbid autism and Down syndrome.Method  Comprehensive evaluations for autism were conducted in 20 2‐year‐old children with Down syndrome. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐Generic (ADOS‐G) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI‐R) were administered by experienced clinicians, who then determined if the child presented with significant symptoms of autism. Eighteen children participated in a follow‐up evaluation at age 4 years.Results  Three children (15%) met criteria for an autism spectrum disorder at both time points, and two (10%) for autistic disorder. Case descriptions are provided. Several children presented with difficulties in communication and play, but did not show problems in core social relatedness. The ADOS‐G, if used alone, over‐identifies autism in toddlers with Down syndrome.Conclusions  Clinical judgement is critical in diagnosing autism in Down syndrome. Young children may show some signs of autism (particularly in the area of communication) and not have the disorder. Children who have comorbid Down syndrome and autism are particularly challenged, relative to their peers without autism.
Factors Affecting the Involvement of Day Centre Care Staff in the Delivery of Physiotherapy to Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: An Exploratory Study in One London Borough
Authors: Middleton M.‐J. , Kitchen S. S. 
Published: September 2007

Background  Physiotherapists for adults with intellectual disabilities often work in day centres, relying on care staff to support programmes. This study investigates factors affecting physiotherapy delivery in 4 day centres in one London borough.Materials and Method  Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with day centre care staff, managers and physiotherapists.Results  Service users’ needs were reported not to be met at three of the four centres. Barriers included low staffing levels, high absences and use of agency staff. Relevant variables included level of physiotherapist attendance, management priorities for care staff time, care staff confidence and whether a consistent team support delivery. Discrepancies emerged between staff and physiotherapists’ views on training needs.Conclusions  Physiotherapy delivered in day centres is an important part of a complex care package. It requires effective multiagency working to meet the known – and potentially unidentified – needs of individuals and to ensure that care staff are adequately supported.
Use of Outpatient Endometrial Biopsy in a Population with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Jaffe Joshua S. 
Published: September 2007

Background  To demonstrate the feasibility of outpatient endometrial sampling to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding in a population of women with intellectual disability.Method  Retrospective chart review was completed of all endometrial biopsies performed on women attending a dedicated gynaecology clinic for women with intellectual disability over an 8‐year period. A fine calibre disposable suction curette was utilized.Results  Of the 64 women sampled, adequate tissue for pathological diagnosis was obtained in 84%. Of the 35 with post‐menopausal bleeding, a pathological diagnosis was reported in 86% including one endometrial adenocarcinoma. Intravenous sedation was necessary in 12 cases.Conclusions  Endometrial sampling can be successfully performed on an outpatient basis in women with intellectual disability. Most were performed without sedation in a clinic setting suggesting that this technique is generally applicable in this population.
Family Structure in Norwegian Families of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Lundeby Hege , Tøssebro Jan 
Published: September 2007

Background  The idea that raising a child with disabilities has a negative impact on the parents’ relationship is still widely accepted despite contradictory research findings. This article addresses the impact of raising a child with disabilities on family structure in the present Norwegian context.Method  Family demographics were collected at two stages during the childhood of children with physical, intellectual or multiple disabilities born 1993–1995 (1999, n = 603 and 2003, n = 489). These figures were compared with the corresponding data for all children (Statistics Norway, Children Statistics).Results  The family structures of children with disabilities were fairly similar to those of the typical family. Slightly fewer children with disabilities had siblings and a higher proportion of the parents of children with disabilities were married or cohabiting. The type or degree of impairment was not found to have any impact on family structure.Conclusions  The results suggest that family structure in families raising a child with a disability is similar to other families. Whether this should only be seen as positive is discussed, as is whether the disability may produce a stronger feeling of obligation to stay together.
Effects of arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreceptor activation on simple and choice reaction times
Authors: McIntyre David , Ring Christopher , Hamer Mercedes , Carroll Douglas 
Published: September 2007

AbstractVariations in simple reaction time over the cardiac cycle could be due to cortical inhibition associated with activation of the arterial baroreceptors. It has been proposed that higher order cognitive processing may also be modulated and, moreover, that cardiopulmonary baroreceptors may have similar inhibitory effects. This study examined arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreceptor effects on simple and choice reaction times by presenting visual stimuli at one of six intervals after the R‐wave of the electrocardiogram (0, 150, 300, 450, 600, 750 ms) while participants lay supine with their legs raised or lowered. Reaction times were slower early in the cardiac cycle compared to later whereas reaction time slopes were not different. No cardiopulmonary baroreceptor effects were found. Cardiac cycle effects on reaction time are consistent with the arterial baroreceptor hypothesis and appear to be confined to lower order sensory‐motor processing.
Do ERP components triggered during attentional orienting represent supramodal attentional control?
Authors: Seiss Ellen , Gherri Elena , Eardley Alison F. , Eimer Martin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractLateralized ERP components triggered during cued shifts of spatial attention (anterior directing attention negativity [ADAN], late directing attention positivity [LDAP]) have been observed during visual, auditory, and tactile attention tasks, suggesting that these components reflect supramodal attentional control processes. This interpretation has recently been called into question by the finding that the ADAN is absent in response to auditory attention cues. Here we demonstrate that ADAN and LDAP components are reliably elicited in a purely unimodal auditory attention task where auditory cues are followed by auditory imperative stimuli. The fact that the ADAN is not restricted to task contexts where visual or tactile stimuli are relevant is consistent with the hypothesis that this component is linked to supramodal attentional control.
Investigating dimensional organization in scripts using the pupillary response
Authors: Raisig Susanne , Welke Tinka , Hagendorf Herbert , Meer Elke Van Der 
Published: September 2007

AbstractScripts are mental representations of activities in memory and are thought to be organized dimensionally in a temporal dimension. We investigated the cognitive strategies during the processing of temporal order of an event sequence to gain insight into the organization of scripts. Subjects were presented with triplets of script events (A – B – C). Fifty percent of the items included sequence violations at different positions within the triplet (late: A – C – B, or early: C – A – B). Reaction times indicate that subjects use an economical strategy by comparing the relative temporal positions of event pairs (e.g., A vs. B and if necessary B vs. C) and only attend to information that is necessary. Pupil data and error rates indicate that the temporal information of the complete sequence affects the decision process even if the first event pair indicates that temporal order has been violated. Results are seen as evidence of a dimensional structure of scripts.
An investigation of concurrent ERP and self‐paced reading methodologies
Authors: Ditman Tali , Holcomb Phillip J. , Kuperberg Gina R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTraditionally, event‐related brain potential (ERP) studies of language processing have presented words at a fixed rate using rapid serial visual presentation. Recent studies suggest, however, that the processes engaged during sentence comprehension are contingent on word presentation rate. These findings underscore the importance of allowing participants to read at a natural pace. The present study employed simultaneous self‐paced reading and ERP methodologies to examine behavioral and neural responses while participants read sentences containing pragmatic or morphosyntactic violations or no violations. ERP and self‐paced reading results replicated previous findings. This novel combination of behavioral and ERP methodologies combines the high temporal resolution and direct neural measures offered by ERPs with the more natural reading environment and information about processing load provided by self‐paced reading.
Dissociation of neural regions associated with anticipatory versus consummatory phases of incentive processing
Authors: Dillon Daniel G. , Holmes Avram J. , Jahn Allison L. , Bogdan Ryan , Wald Lawrence L. , Pizzagalli Diego A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIncentive delay tasks implicate the striatum and medial frontal cortex in reward processing. However, prior studies delivered more rewards than penalties, possibly leading to unwanted differences in signal‐to‐noise ratio. Also, whether particular brain regions are specifically involved in anticipation or consumption is unclear. We used a task featuring balanced incentive delivery and an analytic strategy designed to identify activity specific to anticipation or consumption. Reaction time data in two independent samples (n=13 and n=8) confirmed motivated responding. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed regions activated by anticipation (anterior cingulate) versus consumption (orbital and medial frontal cortex). Ventral striatum was active during reward anticipation but not significantly more so than during consumption. Although the study features several methodological improvements and helps clarify the neural basis of incentive processing, replications in larger samples are needed.
Age effects to negative arousal differ for self‐report and electrodermal activity
Authors: Gavazzeni Joachim , Wiens Stefan , Fischer Håkan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAffective processing and emotional experience may change with age. Because findings of age differences in affective experiences are mixed even in studies using standardized stimuli, this study assessed age differences along gradual increases in negative arousal. Younger (20–30 years) and older (70–80 years) healthy adults (n=78) viewed 110 neutral to negative pictures (IAPS) while intensity ratings and electrodermal activity were recorded. Results showed that age had opposite effects on intensity ratings and electrodermal activity over gradual increases in normative arousal. Whereas older adults showed greater increases in intensity ratings than younger adults, they showed attenuated electrodermal activity, especially at high negative arousal. Because self‐reports of arousal capture various aspects of affective processes (e.g., physiological changes as well as experience), effects of age may vary for these different aspects.
The role of asymmetrical frontal cortical activity in aggression
Authors: Peterson Carly K. , Shackman Alexander J. , Harmon‐Jones Eddie 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAggression correlates with relatively greater left than right frontal electroencephalographic activity (inverse of EEG alpha power). The present experiment extends this research by manipulating frontal asymmetry and examining its effect on aggression. Participants were assigned to increase left frontal activation or increase right frontal activation by contracting their contralateral hand. They then received insulting feedback and played a game in which they could aggress toward the person who insulted them. Right‐hand contractions caused greater left than right central and frontal activation and aggression as compared to left‐hand contractions. Within the right‐hand contraction condition, greater relative left frontal activity was associated with greater aggression.
Influence of cognitive control and mismatch on the N2 component of the ERP: A review
Authors: Folstein Jonathan R. , Van Petten Cyma 
Published: September 2007

AbstractRecent years have seen an explosion of research on the N2 component of the event‐related potential, a negative wave peaking between 200 and 350 ms after stimulus onset. This research has focused on the influence of “cognitive control,” a concept that covers strategic monitoring and control of motor responses. However, rich research traditions focus on attention and novelty or mismatch as determinants of N2 amplitude. We focus on paradigms that elicit N2 components with an anterior scalp distribution, namely, cognitive control, novelty, and sequential matching, and argue that the anterior N2 should be divided into separate control‐ and mismatch‐related subcomponents. We also argue that the oddball N2 belongs in the family of attention‐related N2 components that, in the visual modality, have a posterior scalp distribution. We focus on the visual modality for which components with frontocentral and more posterior scalp distributions can be readily distinguished.
Functioning in everyday life after stroke: a longitudinal study of elderly people receiving rehabilitation at home
Authors: Ekstam Lisa , Uppgard Brittmari , Von Koch Lena , Tham Kerstin 
Published: September 2007

Objective:  There is a need to identify different rehabilitation needs over time among individuals with stroke in order to implement client‐centred rehabilitation interventions after stroke. The objective of this research was to describe changes in some aspects of functioning and to explore the patterns of change in functioning in everyday life during the first year after stroke for elderly patients participating in rehabilitation at home.Design and subjects:  Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for a regular rehabilitation‐at‐home programme after stroke were considered for participation in this study. Twenty‐seven elderly patients participated on four data collection occasions during the year immediately subsequent to a stroke. The mean age of the 27 participants was 78.8 years (SD = 5.9) and 67% of the participants were women.Methods:  Data on certain aspects of functioning were collected and a person‐oriented approach was used to describe the patterns in the change in functioning for individuals.Results:  Four different patterns were identified: (a) moderate change in functioning (n = 4), (b) minor change in functioning (n = 11), (c) minor change despite major life event (n = 7), (d) disrupted change in functioning (n = 5). The study group improved significantly in most aspects of functioning, but still, most participants (n = 20) showed dissatisfaction with life as a whole 12 months after their stroke.Conclusion:  This study identified different patterns of change in functioning in everyday life. This knowledge should serve to help guide rehabilitation professionals in their assessment of clients’ needs during different phases after stroke.
Perceived health six months after delivery in women who have experienced low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy
Authors: Mogren Ingrid 
Published: September 2007

Background and objectives:  A majority of women suffer from low back pain and pelvic pain (LBPP) during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to investigate perceived health, sexual life, social situation, sick leave and use of medical services 6 months after pregnancy in women with LBPP during pregnancy.Research methods:  In a previous questionnaire study, 72% (n = 639) of the respondents had reported LBPP during pregnancy. These respondents were sent a second questionnaire approximately 6 months after delivery. The respondents were divided into three groups: ‘no pain’, ‘recurrent pain’ and ‘continuous pain’. Pearson's chi‐squared test was used to test the difference between groups.Results:  Perceived health status 6 months after pregnancy was less favourable for women with persistent LBPP compared to women with remission of LBPP. Family situation, change of relationship and sexual life did not differ among women with remission of LBPP or persistent LBPP after pregnancy. Four of 10 women with persistent LBPP had sought medical care, and two of 10 had been on sick leave because of LBPP after pregnancy.Conclusions:  Perceived health status was less favourable for women with persistent LBPP after pregnancy. Use of medical services among women with persistent LBPP was prevalent.
Self‐care as a health resource of elders: an integrative review of the concept
Authors: Høy Bente , Wagner Lis , Hall Elisabeth O.C. 
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To review the literature related to self‐care and health promotion for elders and to develop an understanding of self‐care as a health resource.Background:  Self‐care may improve health and prevent illness and disabilities in elders. Although studies of self‐care are numerous, the significance of the concept as a health resource for elders lacks clarity. Before 1989, research focused principally on medical self‐care at the expense of health care, and self‐care was seen more as supplementary to professional health care rather than as a health‐promoting approach in health care.Method:  In this integrative review from 2006, we selected theoretical and empirical articles published between 1990 and 2006, where self‐care was related to elders’ health promotion. Data were extracted from primary sources and included definitions of self‐care, critical attributes, antecedents, goals and outcomes. We interactively compared data and display matrices to describe self‐care as a health resource.Results:  Fifty‐seven articles addressed health self‐care and were integrated into a framework of self‐care as a health resource of elders. Self‐care was identified as a two‐dimensional construct including action capabilities and processes for health in self‐care practice. The capabilities consisted of fundamental capabilities, power capabilities and performance capabilities. The action processes included a process of life experience, a learning process and an ecological process.Conclusion:  This review offers insight into self‐care as a significant health resource of elders with different health status. It suggests that an elder's self‐care ability is determined by the interaction of various sub‐resources and conditions and emphasizes the constantly evolving nature of self‐care. The framework may be of use in clinical practice, policy‐making and research into health care of frail or robust elders.
THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WITNESSES IN THE INFORMED CONSENT PROCESS
Authors: ÁNGELES‐LLERENAS ANGÉLICA R. , WIRTZ VERONIKA , LARA‐ÁLVAREZ CÉSAR FRANCISCO 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTVarious mechanisms to ensure the protection of subjects in human research have been suggested, including the presence of witnesses during the informed consent process. For our commentary on the use of witnesses and their potential role and responsibility during the consent process, we start by addressing current guidelines for human subjects research in four Latin American countries. By using examples from public health research, we highlight some of the practical difficulties of using witnessed consent, from becoming a meaningless ritual at one end of the spectrum to the research subject feeling intimidated or coerced to participate at the other. Apart from these practical difficulties, it is unclear what responsibility the witness could and should have. We argue that there are important ethical questions about the role of witnesses that have not been adequately addressed in national and international regulations. This work addresses these gaps and argues that more debate is required to define the role and responsibilities of witnesses in the consent process, their training requirements and whether a universal legal requirement for witnessed consent, regardless of the type of research, is desirable.