bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infant information processing and family history of specific language impairment: converging evidence for RAP deficits from two paradigms
Authors: Choudhury Naseem , Leppanen Paavo H.T. , Leevers Hilary J. , Benasich April A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn infant's ability to process auditory signals presented in rapid succession (i.e. rapid auditory processing abilities [RAP]) has been shown to predict differences in language outcomes in toddlers and preschool children. Early deficits in RAP abilities may serve as a behavioral marker for language‐based learning disabilities. The purpose of this study is to determine if performance on infant information processing measures designed to tap RAP and global processing skills differ as a function of family history of specific language impairment (SLI) and/or the particular demand characteristics of the paradigm used. Seventeen 6‐ to 9‐month‐old infants from families with a history of specific language impairment (FH+) and 29 control infants (FH−) participated in this study. Infants’ performance on two different RAP paradigms (head‐turn procedure [HT] and auditory‐visual habituation/recognition memory [AVH/RM]) and on a global processing task (visual habituation/recognition memory [VH/RM]) was assessed at 6 and 9 months. Toddler language and cognitive skills were evaluated at 12 and 16 months. A number of significant group differences were seen: FH+ infants showed significantly poorer discrimination of fast rate stimuli on both RAP tasks, took longer to habituate on both habituation/recognition memory measures, and had lower novelty preference scores on the visual habituation/recognition memory task. Infants’ performance on the two RAP measures provided independent but converging contributions to outcome. Thus, different mechanisms appear to underlie performance on operantly conditioned tasks as compared to habituation/recognition memory paradigms. Further, infant RAP processing abilities predicted to 12‐ and 16‐month language scores above and beyond family history of SLI. The results of this study provide additional support for the validity of infant RAP abilities as a behavioral marker for later language outcome. Finally, this is the first study to use a battery of infant tasks to demonstrate multi‐modal processing deficits in infants at risk for SLI.
The informative value of emotional expressions: ‘social referencing’ in mother–child pretense
Authors: Nishida Tracy K. , Lillard Angeline S. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Mothers begin to pretend with their children during the second year, when children still have much to learn about the real world. Although it would be easy to confuse what is pretend with what is real, children at this young age often demonstrate comprehension during pretense situations. It is plausible that social referencing, in which the child uses the mother's emotional expression as a guide to behavior, might facilitate this emerging knowledge by signaling to the child not to take the pretend situation seriously. Data from 32 pairs of mothers and their 18‐month‐olds who had engaged in pretend and real snack behaviors were subjected to a sequential analysis to investigate a social referencing interpretation. Consistent with our hypothesis, behaviors suggestive of a baby's understanding pretense were more likely to follow a specific combination of behaviors consistent with social referencing than other combinations of behaviors. These results provide support for the possibility that children use information obtained through social referencing to assist understanding during pretense interactions.
The Toronto Women's Bathhouse Raid: Querying Queer Identities in the Courtroom
Authors: Bain Alison L , Nash Catherine J 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn 1998 the Toronto Women's Bathhouse Committee (TWBC) organized the “Pussy Palace”, Canada's first women's bathhouse event. Held semi‐annually at a gay male bathhouse in downtown Toronto, this newly emergent and potentially transgressive form of identity politics and spatial organizing caught the eye of the policing arm of the state; charges were laid and a public trial ensued. Through an analysis of the court decision and mainstream and alternative press coverage of the Pussy Palace, in this paper we explore the unstable and highly transitory operation of “queer” sexual citizenship within the confines of both the homonormativity of the gay and lesbian community and the regulatory regimes of the nation state. We argue that the policing and judicial institutions of the state seek to neutralize the potential transgressiveness of queer identities by absorbing them into hegemonic nationalist and citizenship discourses.
A COMPARISON OF THE IMPRECISE BETA CLASS, THE RANDOMIZED PLAY‐THE‐WINNER RULE AND THE TRIANGULAR TEST FOR CLINICAL TRIALS WITH BINARY RESPONSES
Authors: Gurrin Lyle C. , Burton Paul R. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThis paper develops clinical trial designs that compare two treatments with a binary outcome. The imprecise beta class (IBC), a class of beta probability distributions, is used in a robust Bayesian framework to calculate posterior upper and lower expectations for treatment success rates using accumulating data. The posterior expectation for the difference in success rates can be used to decide when there is sufficient evidence for randomized treatment allocation to cease. This design is formally related to the randomized play‐the‐winner (RPW) design, an adaptive allocation scheme where randomization probabilities are updated sequentially to favour the treatment with the higher observed success rate. A connection is also made between the IBC and the sequential clinical trial design based on the triangular test. Theoretical and simulation results are presented to show that the expected sample sizes on the truly inferior arm are lower using the IBC compared with either the triangular test or the RPW design, and that the IBC performs well against established criteria involving error rates and the expected number of treatment failures.
Convergence to Purchasing Power Parity at the Commencement of the Euro*
Authors: Lopez Claude , Papell David H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe investigate convergence towards purchasing power parity (PPP) within the eurozone and between the eurozone and its main partners using panel data methods. We find strong rejections of the unit‐root hypothesis, and therefore evidence of PPP, in the eurozone for different numéraire currencies, as well as in the eurozone plus the United States with the dollar as the numéraire currency, starting between 1996 and 1999. The process of convergence towards PPP, however, begins earlier, following the currency crises of 1992 and 1993, adoption of the Maastricht Treaty, and official completion of the Single Market.
Trade, Wages, and Specific Factors*
Authors: Dasgupta Indro , Osang Thomas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we use a multisector specific‐factors model with sector‐specific capital and two mobile factors, skilled and unskilled labor, to examine the effects of trade, technology, and factor endowments on the skill premium in US manufacturing industries. Based on this model and data for the US manufacturing sector from 1958–96, we calculate changes in the skill premium and then carry out a decomposition to identify the changes caused by product price changes (trade), technological progress, labor, and capital endowment changes. The decomposition reveals that trade effects, working through product price changes, caused the skill premium to increase moderately. Changes in capital endowments (new investments) had a positive effect on the skill premium, with the strongest impact during the 1980s, while the effect of technological change on the skill premium varied over time. Finally, changes in relative labor endowments had a negative effect on the skill premium.
Microeconomic determinants of acquisitions of Eastern European banks by Western European banks1
Authors: Lanine Gleb , Vander Vennet Rudi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA considerable number of Western European banks acquired banks in Central and Eastern Europe from the mid‐1990s onwards. The question is whether or not this will improve the efficiency and profitability of the Central and Eastern European banking sectors. We test the relative strength of the efficiency versus the market power hypotheses by investigating the bank‐specific characteristics of the banks involved in the cross‐border acquisitions. We also examine the determinants of the post‐acquisition target banks’ performance. Our results indicate that large Western European banks have targeted relatively large and efficient Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) banks with an established presence in their local retail banking markets. We find no evidence that cross‐border bank acquisitions in the CEEC are driven by efficiency motivations. The evidence supports the market power hypothesis, raising concerns about the optimal balance between foreign ownership and competition.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in a sex‐reversal fish, rice field eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: LI W. T. , LIAO X. L. , YU X. M. , CHENG L. , TONG J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe rice field eel (Monopterus albus) is a fish of economic importance in China and some Asian countries. From a (GT)n‐enriched genomic library, 30 microsatellites were developed by employing the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Thirteen loci exhibited polymorphism with two to 13 alleles (mean 7.9 alleles/locus) in a test population and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.3125 to 0.9688 (mean 0.7140). These loci should provide sufficient level of genetic variation to study the fine‐scale population structure and reproductive ecology of the species.
A Study on the Impact of GPA on Perceived Improvement of Higher‐Order Cognitive Skills*
Authors: Bradley Randy V. , Sankar Chetan S. , Clayton Howard R. , Mbarika Victor W. , Raju P. K. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTColleges of Business (COBs) have experienced high growth rates in the past decade and many colleges are imposing minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements for students to enter or remain in the college. A primary reason for this requirement may be the belief that students with high GPAs are more inclined to demonstrate higher‐order cognitive skills (HOCS) than students with low GPAs. It is not clear whether the link is valid. This study hypothesizes that students with high GPAs who are taught in the same way as students with lower GPAs will have higher perceptions of improved HOCS. We conducted an experiment in which students, with varying GPAs, at three large universities primarily used multimedia instructional materials. We obtained the students' perceptions of their improved HOCS from their responses to a survey. A regression analysis of the data reveals that the relationship between GPAs and students' perceived improvement in HOCS is significant (p < .001). We conclude the study by recommending that (a) it is critical to use research methodologies to evaluate perceived and actual learning improvements, (b) COB policies to implement GPA restrictions on admission are worthwhile, and (c) case studies need to be used much more frequently in undergraduate COB classes.
Lamellar Ichthyosis in a Saudi Kindred
Authors: Aboud Daifullah Al , Aboud Khalid Al , Ramesh V. , Kumar Joginder 
Published: February 2007

A series of 20 patients aged 4–16 years presented with lamellar ichthyosis at the dermatology unit of King Faisal Hospital at Taif in western Saudi Arabia. Though they had come from different families, they all belonged to the same tribe that was confined to a rural area in the precincts of Taif. The tribe is known for consanguineous marriages. The affected children are from 5 sibships. All the children presented with generalized thick dark scales. The history revealed that they all were born with a thick membrane around them, which was shed soon after. Gradually over months and years there was development of generalized scaling. A prototype is shown in the Figure. The scales had become darker and thicker with the passage of time. There was no pruritus. Teeth and mucous membranes were normal. None of the patients had erythroderma. The associated findings in some of the children were ectropion and alopecia. Contractures including pseudoainhum were also observed in some children. None of the patients' parents was found to be affected with a similar condition. There was no improvement with age. Skin biopsies from several of the patients revealed only hyperkeratosis. All had to be managed with topical emollients since they could not afford oral retinoids. One affected sibship with lamellar ichthyosis. image
Fixed Mandibular Restorations on Three Early‐Loaded Regular Platform Brånemark Implants
Authors: De Bruyn Hugo , Kisch Jenö , Collaert Bruno , Lindén Ulf , Nilner Krister , Dvärsäter Lisbeth 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT Background: Originally, the Brånemark System was used as a two‐stage surgical procedure. Comparable clinical results have made one‐stage and early‐loading concepts possible alternatives in the edentulous mandible. From the patient's point of view, the financial aspect of implant treatment is important. In an attempt to decrease financial burden, the reduction of surgical interventions and reduction of the number of implants could be considered. Purpose: This prospective multicenter study evaluated (1) the 1‐and 3‐year success rates of implants loaded within 1 month after one‐stage surgery with a fixed 10‐ to 12‐unit bridge on three regular platform Brånemark System implants in the mandible, (2) the outcome of the prosthetic treatment, and (3) the opinion of patients regarding the treatment procedure. Materials and Methods: Of 20 patients, 19 received five implants in the mandible, of which three were functionally loaded with the one‐stage technique (group 1). The loaded implants were inserted in a tripodal position, one implant in the symphysis and two located anterior of the mental foramen in the bicuspid area. Two additional implants were inserted for safety reasons but were not intended to be included in the restoration. These two additional implants served as either an unloaded one‐stage control implant (group 2) or an unloaded control implant installed with the submerged technique (group 3). Immediately after surgery, the implants were loaded with a relined denture. The patients received a 10‐ to 12‐unit prosthetic reconstruction an average 31 days (range, 4‐53 d) after surgery. Implant stability was clinically checked at 3, 12, and 36 months. Radiographs were taken at corresponding follow‐up visits to calculate bone‐to‐implant level and marginal bone resorption. Results: Six of 60 functionally loaded implants (10%) and 3 of 20 prostheses (15%) failed within the first year. The cumulative implant failure rate in group 1, both after 1 and after 3 years, was 9.5%. No implant failure occurred in the control groups 2 and 3. The average marginal bone level measured at 1 and 3 years was 1.6 mm (SD = 0.8 mm) and 2.1 mm (SD = 0.2 mm), respectively, for group 1; 1.5 mm (SD = 1.3 mm) and 2.4 mm (SD = 0.6 mm), respectively, for group 2; 0.8 mm (SD = 1.4 mm) and 0.7 mm (SD = 0.9 mm), respectively, for group 3. Conclusions: The results of treatment using three regular platform Brånemark System implants supporting a fixed mandibular arch reconstruction were less favorable than the outcome that can be expected with a standard four‐ to six‐implant with one‐stage surgery.
Field performance of Solanum sisymbriifolium, a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes. II. Root characteristics
Authors: Timmermans B.G.H. , Vos J. , Stomph T.J. , Van Nieuwburg J. , Van der Putten P.E.L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHatching of potato cyst nematodes is induced by root exudates of Solanaceae, such as Solanum sisymbriifolium, and is therefore related to root length distribution of this crop. A mathematical model was derived to relate the hatching potential to root length density (RLD). A series of field experiments was carried out to study actual root length distribution of S. sisymbriifolium in relation to shoot properties and to provide input into the model. Using a modified Poisson distribution formula for the three‐dimensional distribution of roots in a volume of soil, the relation between the zone of influence of hatching agents and the RLD could be derived. On this basis, the minimal RLD was estimated, which is needed to expose 75%, 90% or 95% of cysts to root exudates, as a function of the length of the zone of influence of hatching agents on cysts. The logarithm of the total root length showed a linear relation with the logarithms of above‐ground biomass and with leaf area index. Root diameter distribution was the same for all crops examined and independent of soil depth. Fine roots (<0.4 mm in diameter) constituted around 50% of total root length. Using a zone of influence of 1.00, 0.75 and 0.50 cm around the centre of each root, a minimal RLD for sufficient soil exploration (75%) was estimated. Depth at which that minimal RLD was exceeded was linearly related to total root length (km m−2) and to above‐ground crop biomass, enabling estimations being made of the potential hatching efficacy as related to measurable properties of S. sisymbriifolium crops. The proposed approach to derive potential hatching effects from crop properties needs further validation; particularly, the distance of influence of root exudates is a critical factor.
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING FOR PROCESS OPTIMIZATION 1. AN ALGORITHM FOR DESIGN OF MULTI‐STAGE GRAIN DRYERS
Authors: BROOK ROGER C. , BAKKER‐ARKEMA FRED W. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTA dynamic programming algorithm for determining the optimum operational parameters and size of a multi‐stage concurrent flow dryer with intermediate tempering stages was developed. The objective function was based on energy and capital costs. The operational parameters were constrained by the desired final moisture content and the maximum allowable value of important grain quality factors.The two‐ and three‐stage concurrent flow dryers have a higher investment cost than the single stage unit, but were less expensive to operate due to the decreased grainflow rate in the single‐stage unit. On the basis of operating cost, the multi‐stage concurrent flow dryer was preferable to a comparable crossflow dryer for drying corn.
Metropolitan Colonisation and the Reinvention of Place: Class Polarisation along the Cessnock‐Pokolbin Fault‐Line
Authors: HOLMES JOHN , HARTIG KATE 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the emergence of a sharply delineated socioeconomic and sociocultural fault‐line between Cessnock's former coal towns and the immediately adjacent Hunter Valley Wine Country, centred on Pokolbin. We provide evidence that divergent culturally‐related class identities act as mutually reinforcing constraints on reciprocity between job‐deficit former coal towns and the job‐surplus wine country. We relate this to a consideration of time‐space dimensions in the interdependencies between the class and place identities of Cessnock and Pokolbin. These identities have been influenced by metropolitan colonisation, with the markedly differentiated absorption of these two locales into the enlarged metropolitan population‐work‐welfare‐housing‐leisure agglomeration. Further, we propose that the former coal towns and the wine country can both be seen as place‐specific representations of wider class‐related changes within Australian society. Our interpretations are founded on three current research directions: first, the role of culture as a critical intervening variable in class identities and actions; second, the current flux in class formations, most notably the loss of self‐identity and solidarity in the working class and the emergence of a new middle‐class sector dedicated to self‐realisation and self‐fulfilment; and third, recognition of class formation as a geographical process.
Towards Free Trade in the Pacific? The Genesis of the ‘Kava‐Biscuit War’ between Fiji and Vanuatu
Authors: CONNELL JOHN 
Published: February 2007

AbstractContemporary movements towards trade liberalisation have influenced economic development in Pacific island states, where opportunities for growth have always been restricted. The new free trade, centred on comparative advantage, is especially challenging for countries producing sugar, where diversification is difficult, and for the smallest states where trade options have always been limited. New regional trade agreements have been introduced in the Pacific as a step towards global free trade, but have emphasised trade rivalry and conflict, characterised by the ‘kava‐biscuit war’ between Fiji and Vanuatu, rather than complementary trade and cooperation. Movement towards free trade poses acute problems for island states, yet international agreements have not recognised their particular disadvantages, and continue to stress benefits that are nowhere apparent in the Pacific.
Going Bush: the Implications of Urban‐Rural Migration
Authors: COSTELLO LAUREN 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTraditionally, migration away from urban centres by those seeking lifestyle changes has been towards beach environments. More recently though, there have been small movements of people to rural environments seeking similar lifestyle changes. These movements to rural locales have been popularly referred to as treechange. Previous research on exurban migration has primarily focused on quantifying the migration process and attributes of the migrators. In contrast, this paper presents some preliminary findings on the impact of urban‐rural migration on a small, semi‐rural receiving area north of Melbourne. More specifically, it explores the impact that exurban migration has on local housing markets such as increases in house prices, decreases in affordability and declines in rental stock. The research also illustrates the divisions that appear in local communities between traditional residents and ‘newcomers’ over amenity issues and economic development.
Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against a Major Membrane Protein ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis
Authors: Bannantine John P. , Radosevich Thomas J. , Stabel Judith R. , Berger Sven , Griffin J. Frank T. , Paustian Michael L. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTTheMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis35-kDa major membrane protein (MMP) encoded by MAP2121c is an important membrane antigen recognized in cattle with Johne's disease. In this study, purified recombinant MMP was used to produce two stable monoclonal antibodies, termed 8G2 and 13E1, which were characterized by immunoblotting, epitope mapping, and immunofluorescence microscopy.