bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crawling is associated with more flexible memory retrieval by 9‐month‐old infants
Authors: Herbert Jane , Gross Julien , Hayne Harlene 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn the present experiment, we used a deferred imitation paradigm to explore the effect of crawling on memory retrieval by 9‐month‐old human infants. Infants observed an experimenter demonstrate a single target action with a novel object and their ability to reproduce that action was assessed after a 24‐hr delay. Some infants were tested with the demonstration stimulus in the demonstration context and some infants were tested with a different stimulus in a different context. Half of the infants in each test condition were crawling at the time of participation and half were not. Both crawling and non‐crawling infants exhibited retention when tested with the demonstration stimulus in the demonstration context, but only infants who were crawling by 9 months of age exhibited retention when tested with a different stimulus in a different context. These findings demonstrate that the onset of independent locomotion is associated with more flexible memory retrieval during the first year of life.
Social grooming in the kindergarten: the emergence of flattery behavior
Authors: Fu Genyue , Lee Kang 
Published: February 2007

Abstract The present study examined the emergence of flattery behavior in young children and factors that might affect whether and how it is displayed. Preschool children between the ages of 3 and 6 years were asked to rate drawings produced by either a present or absent adult stranger (Experiments 1 and 2), child stranger (Experiments 2 and 3), classmate, or the children's own teacher (Experiment 3). Young preschoolers gave consistent ratings to the same drawing by the person regardless of whether the person was absent or present. In contrast, many older preschoolers gave more flattering ratings to the drawing when the person was present than in the person's absence. Also, older preschoolers displayed flattery regardless of whether the recipient was an adult or a child. However, they displayed flattery to a greater extent towards familiar individuals than unfamiliar ones, demonstrating an emerging sensitivity to social contexts in which flattery is used. These findings suggest that preschoolers have already learned not to articulate bluntly their true feelings and thoughts about others. Rather, they are able to manipulate their communications according to social context.
LIKELIHOOD MOMENT ESTIMATION FOR THE GENERALIZED PARETO DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Zhang Jin 
Published: February 2007

SummaryTraditional methods for estimating parameters in the generalized Pareto distribution have theoretical and computational defects. The moment estimator and the probability‐weighted moment estimator have low asymptotic efficiencies. They may not exist or may give nonsensical estimates. The maximum likelihood estimator, which sometimes does not exist, is asymptotically efficient, but its computation is complex and has convergence problems. The likelihood moment estimator is proposed, which is computationally easy and has high asymptotic efficiency.
THE WRAPPED t FAMILY OF CIRCULAR DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Pewsey Arthur , Lewis Toby , Jones M. C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThis paper considers the three‐parameter family of symmetric unimodal distributions obtained by wrapping the location‐scale extension of Student's t distribution onto the unit circle. The family contains the wrapped normal and wrapped Cauchy distributions as special cases, and can be used to closely approximate the von Mises distribution. In general, the density of the family can only be represented in terms of an infinite summation, but its trigonometric moments are relatively simple expressions involving modified Bessel functions. Point estimation of the parameters is considered, and likelihood‐based methods are used to fit the family of distributions in an illustrative analysis of cross‐bed measurements. The use of the family as a means of approximating the von Mises distribution is investigated in detail, and new efficient algorithms are proposed for the generation of approximate pseudo‐random von Mises variates.
ON LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION FOR DISCRETELY OBSERVED MARKOV JUMP PROCESSES
Authors: Dehay Dominique , Yao Jian‐Feng 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe parameter estimation problem for a Markov jump process sampled at equidistant time points is considered here. Unlike the diffusion case where a closed form of the likelihood function is usually unavailable, here an explicit expansion of the likelihood function of the sampled chain is provided. Under suitable ergodicity conditions on the jump process, the consistency and the asymptotic normality of the likelihood estimator are established as the observation period tends to infinity. Simulation experiments are conducted to demonstrate the computational facility of the method.
A New Approach to Currency Depreciation
Authors: Batra Ravi , Beladi Hamid 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCurrency depreciation has been studied conventionally in terms of three hypotheses—the elasticities approach, the monetary approach and the absorption approach. In this paper we offer another hypothesis called the price approach, wherein the balance of payment disequilibrium results from an inappropriate price level. Specifically, a country has a trade surplus if the equilibrium price level is below that compatible with balanced trade; by contrast, it has a trade deficit if the price level is above that compatible with balanced trade. We illustrate the price approach with the experience of currency devaluations that have occurred in emerging markets since 1997.
The Role of Effective Modeling in the Development of Self‐Efficacy: The Case of the Transparent Engine*
Authors: Scheibe Kevin P. , Mennecke Brian E. , Luse Andy 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTComputing technology augments learning in education in a number of ways. One particular method uses interactive programs to demonstrate complex concepts. The purpose of this article is to examine one type of interactive learning technology, the transparent engine. The transparent engine allows instructors and students to view and directly interact with educational concepts such as Web‐enabled software development. The article first presents a framework describing transparent engines. The framework details four types of transparent engines: (1) enactive mastery/manipulatable, (2) enactive mastery/nonmanipulatable, (3) vicarious experience/manipulatable, and (4) vicarious experience/nonmanipulatable. Following this, we present the results of an experiment designed to examine this framework by testing its predictions for one quadrant, vicarious experience/nonmanipulatable. The results support the framework in that students taught concepts with the aid of the vicarious experience/nonmanipulatable transparent engine had significantly higher domain‐specific self‐efficacy compared to those taught the same concepts without this tool.
Learning From the Pros: Influence of Web‐Based Expert Commentary on Vicarious Learning About Financial Markets*
Authors: Ford Matthew W. , Kent Daniel W. , Devoto Steven 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTWeb‐based financial commentary, in which experts routinely express market‐related thought processes, is proposed as a means for college students to learn vicariously about financial markets. Undergraduate business school students from a regional university were exposed to expert market commentary from a single financial Web site for a 6‐week period. When compared to a control group, students in the experimental group were found to possess higher levels of financial market awareness. Degree of engagement, as approximated by measures of project exposure time and effort, was significantly related to market awareness. Finance majors were found to be more engaged in the process than nonfinance majors. Although this study should be considered exploratory in nature, findings support the notion of using Web‐based vicarious learning processes in financial education. Future research can extend the generalizability of these findings, as well as shape vicarious learning mechanisms for use across business disciplines.
A Study of Disciplinary, Structural, and Behavioral Effects on Course Outcomes in Online MBA Courses
Authors: Arbaugh J. B. , Rau Barbara L. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThis article reports the results of a 2‐year study examining the effects of subject matter, course structure, and participant behaviors on students' perceived learning and satisfaction with delivery medium in Web‐based courses of an MBA program in the midwestern United States. Using finance as the referent discipline, we found statistically significant differences in the mean course outcomes (students' perceived learning and satisfaction with delivery medium) associated with 13 business disciplines. Although most of these disciplinary differences ceased to be significant predictors of student perceived learning as structural and behavioral characteristics were incorporated into the model, these differences remained significant predictors of perceived delivery medium satisfaction. We also found that some structural and behavioral characteristics were significant predictors of course outcomes, but in opposite directions. For instance, media variety was a positive predictor of delivery medium satisfaction but a negative predictor of perceived learning, while learner–learner interaction positively predicted perceived learning but negatively predicted delivery medium satisfaction. These findings suggest that instructors of online graduate courses must manage trade‐offs in balancing students' learning with their perceptions of the internet as a course delivery medium.
Technology Readiness, Learning Goals, and eLearning: Searching for Synergy
Authors: Van Der Rhee Bo , Verma Rohit , Plaschka Gerhard R. , Kickul Jill R. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTMore and more business schools are offering classes online or classes using a mix of face‐to‐face and online elements. In this article, we focus on how technology readiness and learning‐goal orientation influence students' preference toward these mixed classes. We conducted a large‐scale survey to determine whether students who are technology ready would place higher utility on enrolling in mixed classes and/or whether there exists a participation bias such that students with low learning‐goal orientation place higher utility on enrolling in mixed classes. We found that overall students who are more technology ready do place higher utility on enrolling in mixed classes, but that learning‐goal orientation does not influence this decision. We conclude with implications and recommendations for business schools that are interested in offering mixed classes.
Sporotrichosis: Success of Itraconazole Treatment
Authors: Baroni Adone , Palla Marco , Iovene Maria Rosaria , Faccenda Franco , Aiello Francesco Saverio , Puca Rosa Valentina , Satriano Rocco Alfredo 
Published: February 2007

An 82‐year‐old man with hypothyroidism presented with an ulcerated nodule on the dorsum of his left hand (Figure 1). The lesion had been present for about 3 months. Similar lesions were present along the lymphatic distribution of the dorsum of his left forearm, proximal to the first lesion, as well as the dorsum of his right forearm. Laboratory findings were normal. Immune complexes, complement 3, and complement 4 were negative. A biopsy from an ulcerated nodule was taken for both histologic examination and culture. Hematoxylin and eosin sections showed a nonspecific chronic granulomatous reaction. No fungi were detected by periodic acid‐Schiff stain and methenamine silver stain. Culture of tissue obtained from a skin biopsy of 1 lesion placed directly on Sabouraud agar produced colonies of Sporothrix schenckii (Figure 2). The diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis was confirmed.
Ulcerated nodules on the dorsum of the hand. image Sporothrix culture (left); and under the electron microscope (right) image
Melatonin cycle in the fiddler crab Uca pugilator and influence of melatonin on limb regeneration
Authors: Tilden Andrea R. , Rasmussen Paul , Awantang Ruth M. , Furlan Scott , Goldstein Jessica , Palsgrove Michael , Sauer Angeline 
Published: February 2007

Tilden AR, Rasmussen P, Awantang RM, Furlan S, Goldstein J, Palsgrove M, Sauer A. Melatonin cycle in the fiddler crab Uca pugilator and influence of melatonin on limb regeneration. J. Pineal Res. 1997; 23:142–147. © Munksgaard, CopenhagenAbstractMelatonin was measured over 24 hr in the eyestalks of Uca pugilator by means of radioimmunoassay; crabs were acclimatized either to a LD 12:12 photoperiod or constant darkness. A significant peak occurred at 13.00 hr in the LD 12:12 crabs. A photophase peak in melatonin has only been reported in one other species, also a crustacean. In constant darkness, two melatonin peaks occurred, one at 16.00 hr and the other 12 hr later; these results suggest that the melatonin cycle is a true circadian rhythm. HPLC with ultraviolet‐visible detection was used to confirm the identity of melatonin immunoactivity. The influence of melatonin on regeneration of the walking legs was also examined: eyestalks were either removed or left intact, and limb bud length was measured every other day for at least 17 days in control and melatonin‐treated crabs (60 μg ml‐1 seawater). Melatonin significantly increased the rate of limb regeneration in both eyestalk‐intact and eyestalk‐removed groups; this is contrary to results of regeneration studies in other phyla, in which similar melatonin concentrations inhibited regeneration.
Quantitative research on skin pore widening using a stereoimage optical topometer and Sebutape®
Authors: Jo Ho Youn , Yu Dong Soo , Oh Chil Hwan 
Published: February 2007

Background/aims: The treatment of skin pore widening is concerned with cosmetics sciences, but an objective and quantitative measurement method of the severity of skin pore widening has not been developed. In this study, bioengineering methods were applied to evaluate skin pore widening. The results from bioengineering measurements were compared with clinical visual assessment.Methods: In order to quantify skin pore widening, three‐dimensional data of skin pore were produced by a stereoimage optical topometer (SOT). The sizes of follicular infundibulum were measured quantitatively, with reserved sebum by Sebutape®. 50 female volunteers were divided into two groups. Group A was tested by the cosmetics including active ingredient and group B by placebo. The constricting effect of skin pores by cosmetics was measured for immediate effect and long‐term effect.Results: In the immediate effect, there was no statistical difference between groups A and B in visual scoring. In SOT, the size of the skin pores of group A had changed after application of cosmetics but there were no changes in group B. In the long‐term effect, there was no statistical difference between groups A and B in visual scoring. TA, TV, SA, and SV of skin pores of groups A and B were decreased in 3 and 6 months by SOT. In Sebutape® measurement, there was decreased volume of reserved sebum in groups A and B. The result of the Sebutape® study was similar to that of SOT.Conclusion: Evaluation of skin pore change by visual assessment is difficult, but bioengineering tools are more reliable and useful methods for the assessment of skin pore change.
Functional analyses of the eyelid skin constituting the most soft and smooth area on the face: contribution of its remarkably large superficial corneocytes to effective water‐holding capacity of the stratum corneum
Authors: Pratchyapruit Walaiorn , Kikuchi Katsuko , Gritiyarangasan Pimonpun , Aiba Setsuya , Tagami Hachiro 
Published: February 2007

Background/purpose: The eyelid constitutes a unique area on the face because of its soft, smooth and thin skin distinct from that of other facial portions. Its softness facilitates their easy compliance to blinking movement, which is indispensable to protect the wet surface of the eyeball. Moreover, the skin of the eyelid does not show any prominent follicular orifices or an oily appearance even in adults. Despite such uniqueness, its biophysical characteristics have remained unclear as compared with other facial skin.Methods: We conducted non‐invasive instrumental measurements on the skin of the upper eyelid of 22 healthy Japanese adults in comparison with those of the adjacent facial skin, i.e. the cheek and nose. Additionally, we examined 10 adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) whose facial skin remained clinically free from skin lesions for at least 2 months.Results: The eyelid skin showed high transepidermal water loss like other facial skin. Its skin surface hydration state was as high as that of the adjacent skin, despite the fact that the eyelid skin revealed extremely low amounts of surface lipids unlike its neighboring skin regions. However, in contrast to small corneocytes found in other facial areas, the corneocytes of the eyelid skin displayed a significantly larger surface size, suggesting that slow turnover of its stratum corneum (SC) takes place to allow sufficient maturation of the corneocytes, enabling them to exert efficient water‐binding capacity. Its pH tended to be higher than that of the adjacent skin. Its superficial blood flow was significantly higher than that of others, although skin color assessment showed lower color values for redness than those of the other facial skin sites. In clinically non‐lesional skin of adult AD patients, we found increased blood circulation and a higher parameter for redness, suggesting the presence of invisible mild inflammation in the dermis even long after subsidence of visible inflammatory changes.Conclusion: Our present biophysical findings suggest that, although the eyelid skin is poor in surface lipids, its extraordinary large superficial corneocytes play an important role in maintaining sufficient hydration state of its skin surface to keep it soft and flexible, enabling its good compliance with the blinking movement.
Influence of skin colour on the detection of cutaneous erythema and tanning phenomena using reflectance spectrophotometry
Authors: Latreille Julie , Gardinier Sophie , Ambroisine Laurence , Mauger Emmanuelle , Tenenhaus Michel , Guéhenneux Sabine , Morizot Frédérique , Tschachler Erwin , Guinot Christiane 
Published: February 2007

Background/purpose: This research aims at assessing the influence of baseline skin colour on the ability of reflectance spectrophotometry to detect cutaneous erythema induced by a low concentration of methyl nicotinate (2.5 mM) (first objective), and to detect tanning induced by ultraviolet rays (UVA+UVB) at infra‐erythemal doses (second objective).Methods: Two independent studies were conducted to reach their respective objectives, on 27 women for the first study and on 12 women for the second study. Skin colour measurements were expressed in two different ways: percentages of reflected light at increasing wavelengths λ (400 nm<λ<700 nm, at 10 nm intervals), and chromametric coordinates of the CIELab 1976 system and individual typological angle (ITA°). Partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed to identify percentages of reflected light that allow the discrimination of the observations obtained after methyl nicotinate application from those obtained after water application (control). The same method was used for the discrimination of the measurements obtained after UV irradiation from those obtained before UV irradiation (control).Results and discussion: The cutaneous erythema induced by a low concentration of methyl nicotinate was detected only in subjects with fair to very fair skin defined by ITA≥40°. The assumption is that in the darkest skins, the emitted light is mainly absorbed by the melanin in the epidermis. Otherwise, after UV irradiation, the tanning was detectable only for individuals with fair to dark skin defined by ITA <50°. This can be explained by the fact that UV stimulation of the fairest skin subjects, known to be melano‐compromised individuals, can only produce a weak tanning that our study did not succeed in detecting.
A cephalometric study on craniofacial morphology of Iranian children with beta‐thalassemia major
Authors: Amini F , Jafari A , Eslamian L , Sharifzadeh S 
Published: February 2007

Structured abstractAuthors –  Amini F, Jafari A, Eslamian L, Sharifzadeh SObjective –  To study cephalometric and facial features of Iranian children with beta‐thalassemia major.Design –  Lateral cephalometric radiographs of thalassemic patients and controls who were matched for age, sex and ethnic origin were analyzed and compared.Setting and Sample Population –  A total of 30 thalassemic patients (18 male and 12 females) from Aliasghar Hospital, and 30 controls from the Orthodontic Department of Azad University.Outcome measure –  Size and shape differences in the craniofacial complex between thalassemic patients and controls.Results –  All thalassemic patients had a Class II skeletal base relationship with an average ANB angle of 8.75°. There was no record of dramatic maxillary prognathism. However, the mandible of the thalassemic patients appeared to be smaller in size and more retruded in the face. A pronounced vertical growth direction was evident from angular and linear measurements. The dental deviations in thalassemic patients were mainly seen in the proclination and significant overeruption of incisors and increased overjet. Marked convex lower face and prominent upper and lower lips were evident from soft‐tissue measurements.Conclusion –  Anemia does not only produce overgrowth of the maxilla. It also produces a retardation of condylar and ramal growth of the mandible producing Class II skeletal pattern.
Successful treatment of generalized eruptive histiocytoma with PUVA
Authors: Lan Ma H. , Metze Dieter , Luger Thomas A. , Steinhoff Martin 
Published: February 2007

SummaryGeneralized eruptive histiocytoma (GEH) is a rare benign skin disease mainly affecting adults which belongs to the family of non‐Langerhans‐cell histiocytoses. A 32‐year‐old Caucasian woman developed disseminated, monomorphic papules of the trunk after a common cold with sinusitis. Mucous membranes, palms and soles were spared. She also suffered from arthralgia without fever or night sweats. After one month, the patient noticed progression of the reddish papules involving the trunk, extremities and face. Clinical as well as histological examination and immunohistochemistry led to the diagnosis of GEH. The clinical examination and laboratory testing were normal, except for eosinophilia in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. No neoplastic diseases were found during thorough examinations. Systemic PUVA therapy produced rapid regression of the skin lesions. After 10 treatments the lesions began to regress leaving slight papules and multiple brown hyperpigmentations. The lesions resolved completely after 20 PUVA treatments. No relapses occurred. Systemic PUVA therapy represents a promising option for the treatment of GEH.