bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social proof in the human brain: Electrophysiological signatures of agreement and disagreement with the majority
Authors: Schnuerch Robert , Gibbons Henning 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPerceiving one's deviance from the majority usually instigates conformal adjustments of one's own behavior to that of the group. Using ERPs, we investigated the mechanisms by which agreeing and disagreeing with the majority are differentially represented in the human brain and affect subsequent cognitive processing. Replicating previous findings obtained in a slightly different paradigm, we found that learning about one's disagreement with the majority, as compared to learning about one's agreement with the majority, elicited a mediofrontal feedback negativity. Moreover, an enhanced posterior late positive complex was observed during the processing of agreement as compared to disagreement. Finally, when the to‐be‐judged faces were viewed for a second time, a stronger posterior P2 was observed for faces on whose judgment one had previously agreed with the majority than for those on which one had disagreed. We thus demonstrate that the brain places particular emphasis on the encoding of the rewarding experience of finding strong social proof for one's judgments. Likewise, having experienced agreement on the judgment of a certain item affects even the later reanalysis of this very item, as previous agreement increases early attention, as reflected in the P2. These findings corroborate and extend previous results and theories on the neurocognitive principles of social influence.
Aetiology and clinical characteristics of patients with bronchiectasis in a Chinese Han population: A prospective study
Authors: Qi Qian , Wang Wen , Li Tao , Zhang Yan , Li Yu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveBronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease with diverse causes that may differ in clinical features and thus treatment options. However, few large‐scale studies on the aetiology of bronchiectasis are currently available. This study aims to determine aetiology and clinical features of bronchiectasis in a Chinese Han population.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled adult patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis as confirmed by high‐resolution computed tomography at five general hospitals in Shandong from January 2010 to August 2014. Causes of bronchiectasis were sought by analysis of clinical history and auxiliary examinations (including serum immunoglobulin determination, saccharin test, Aspergillus skin prick test, autoantibody detection and electronic bronchoscopy).ResultsA total of 476 adult patients with bronchiectasis were included, and all patients were of Chinese Han ethnicity. Idiopathic (66.0%) was the most common cause, followed by post‐tuberculosis (16.0%). Other uncommon causes included post‐infective (3.8%), immunodeficiency (3.8%), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (4.0%), rheumatic diseases (4.4%) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (0.9%). Patients with post‐tuberculosis bronchiectasis had a higher frequency of upper lobe involvement (P < 0.05). Cylindrical bronchiectasis was the most common type of all causes, with varicose bronchiectasis occurring more frequently in post‐tuberculosis bronchiectasis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (P < 0.05). However, patients with different causes did not differ in lung function and sputum isolation rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P > 0.05).ConclusionsIn a Chinese Han population in Shandong, idiopathic bronchiectasis is the most common form of bronchiectasis followed by post‐tuberculosis bronchiectasis. Patients with different causes differ in distribution and pattern of bronchiectasis on computed tomography.
Modelling the Link Between US Inflation and Output: The Importance of the Uncertainty Channel
Authors: Conrad Christian , Karanasos Menelaos 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article employs an augmented version of the UECCC GARCH specification proposed in Conrad and Karanasos (2010) which allows for lagged in‐mean effects, level effects as well as asymmetries in the conditional variances. In this unified framework, we examine the twelve potential intertemporal relationships among inflation, growth and their respective uncertainties using US data. We find that high inflation is detrimental to output growth both directly and indirectly via the nominal uncertainty. Output growth boosts inflation but mainly indirectly through a reduction in real uncertainty. Our findings highlight how macroeconomic performance affects nominal and real uncertainty in many ways and that the bidirectional relation between inflation and growth works to a large extent indirectly via the uncertainty channel.
The Effects of Incidence of Care Needs in Households on Employment, Subjective Health, and Life Satisfaction among Middle‐aged Family Members
Authors: Fukahori Ryotaro , Sakai Tadashi , Sato Kazuma 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this study, based on longitudinal data, we investigate whether Japanese middle‐aged men and women become less likely to have a job and whether their sense of well‐being decreases when they have a family member who needs care. We find a consistent negative impact of having a family member who needs care on employment, but no impact on subjective health and life satisfaction. Further, the differences‐in‐differences (DID) estimation, based on both unmatched and matched data, shows that the Long‐Term Care Insurance (LTCI) introduced in 2000 did not mitigate the adverse impact on the probability of being employed.
Revisiting the Effects of Remittances on Bank Credit: A Macro Perspective
Authors: Brown Richard P.C. , Carmignani Fabrizio 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe investigate the effect of remittances on bank credit in developing countries. Understanding this link is important in view of the growing relevance of remittances as a source of external finance and of the beneficial impact that financial intermediation is likely to have on economic growth. Our contribution is twofold. First, we present a theoretical model of bank credit in a hypothetical remittances‐receiving country where: (1) the banking sector is imperfectly competitive; and (2) bank rates change infrequently because of the presence of adjustment costs. We show that in equilibrium, the relationship between remittances and bank‐credit is likely to be non‐linear. Second, we look at the evidence using a panel data set for a large group of developing and emerging economies over the period 1970–2009. We find that at initially low levels of remittances, an increase in remittances reduces the volume of credit extended by banks. However, at sufficiently high levels of remittances, the effect becomes positive. The turning point of the relationship occurs at a level of remittances of about 2.5% of GDP, which would imply that approximately 50% of our sample lies to each side of this threshold.
Regime Dependent Effects of Inflation Uncertainty on Real Growth: A Markov Switching Approach
Authors: Caglayan Mustafa , Kocaaslan Ozge Kandemir , Mouratidis Kostas 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe empirically investigate the effects of inflation uncertainty on output growth for the United States between 1960 and 2012. Modeling output dynamics within a Markov regime switching framework, we provide evidence that inflation uncertainty exerts a negative and regime‐dependent impact on output growth. A battery of sensitivity checks confirm our findings.
Low Inflation vs. Stable Inflation: Evidence from the UK, 1688–2009
Authors: Karras Georgios 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between inflation and inflation volatility. Using annual data from 1688 to 2009, the results show that UK inflation and its volatility have been positively correlated when inflation exceeds a certain value, but negatively correlated when inflation is below this threshold. The evidence also suggests that the break in the relationship occurs between annual inflation rates of 0.6% and 5.5%, which includes both the 2% inflation target of many central banks, and the 3.5% break point predicted by the New Keynesian model of Coibionet al. (2012).
Autofluorescence of eccrine sweat glands
Authors: Zhao HL. , Chen Y. , Zhao HJ. , Tan ZJ. , Zhang CP. , Fu XB. , Ma K. 
Published: June 2015

Background/PurposeThe monitoring of autofluorescence in skin tissue samples can have diagnostic and therapy significance. In this study, we are the first to describe autofluorescence of eccrine sweat glands, which is important and helpful for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases that involve the eccrine sweat glands.MethodsEccrine sweat gland autofluorescence in haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) stained skin tissue sections was observed under a fluorescence microscope, which was compared to the immunofluorescence of keratin 19 and 15 in the skin tissue sections. The single eccrine sweat glands from five volunteers including three males and two females were isolated and also observed under a fluorescence microscope. The autofluorescence intensity of the single eccrine sweat gland was measured using a laser confocal scanning microscope system.ResultsEccrine sweat gland autofluorescence in HE stained skin tissue sections appears green under GFP fliter system (470/40 nm) and red under N2.1 fliter system (515–560 nm). Furthermore, the single eccrine sweat gland showed various autofluorescence colours, including green under wide blue and red under wide green. The autofluorescence intensity of the single eccrine sweat gland was measured. The spectrum excited at 488 nm exhibited two peaks located at approximately 530 nm (11.54 ± 4.66) and 590 nm (10.38 ± 4.33). The results suggest flavin and lipopigment as the endogenous fluorophores.ConclusionThe autofluorescence of the HE stained eccrine sweat gland sections is simple and helpful for easily determining the structure of eccrine sweat glands. The autofluorescence of the single eccrine sweat gland may be due to the existence of flavin and lipopigment.
Materials used to simulate physical properties of human skin
Authors: Dąbrowska A. K. , Rotaru G.‐M. , Derler S. , Spano F. , Camenzind M. , Annaheim S. , Stämpfli R. , Schmid M. , Rossi R. M. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundFor many applications in research, material development and testing, physical skin models are preferable to the use of human skin, because more reliable and reproducible results can be obtained.PurposeThis article gives an overview of materials applied to model physical properties of human skin to encourage multidisciplinary approaches for more realistic testing and improved understanding of skin–material interactions.MethodsThe literature databases Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the terms ‘skin model’, ‘skin phantom’, ‘skin equivalent’, ‘synthetic skin’, ‘skin substitute’, ‘artificial skin’, ‘skin replica’, and ‘skin model substrate.’ Articles addressing material developments or measurements that include the replication of skin properties or behaviour were analysed.ResultsIt was found that the most common materials used to simulate skin are liquid suspensions, gelatinous substances, elastomers, epoxy resins, metals and textiles. Nano‐ and micro‐fillers can be incorporated in the skin models to tune their physical properties.ConclusionWhile numerous physical skin models have been reported, most developments are research field‐specific and based on trial‐and‐error methods. As the complexity of advanced measurement techniques increases, new interdisciplinary approaches are needed in future to achieve refined models which realistically simulate multiple properties of human skin.
Analysis of comedone, sebum and porphyrin on the face and body for comedogenicity assay
Authors: Baek J. H. , Ahn S. M. , Choi K. M. , Jung M. K. , Shin M. K. , Koh J. S. 
Published: June 2015

Background/PurposeMany ingredients used in cosmetics evoke a comedogenic response. Rabbit ear model (REM) is a useful method that can replace human in examining materials and products in early developmental stage. However, a number of studies pointed out its disadvantage that it overreacts to comedogenic materials. The purpose of this study was to find the most appropriate region for evaluating comedogenicity in human skin.MethodsSixty‐six female subjects (age 32.48 ± 10 years; range 20–52 years) with mild to moderate facial acne lesions were included in this study. The whole face, upper chest, and back of volunteers were photographed. Lesion (closed and open comedones) counting, instrumentation of sebum secretion level, and analysis of porphyrin number were performed. The entire study was performed under environmental conditions of specific relative temperature and humidity, controlled and maintained identically for each volunteer.ResultsIn case of closed comedone, forehead showed a significant correlation with frontal cheek, lateral cheek, chin, and upper back. Meanwhile, significant correlations were observed between frontal cheek and chin as well as lateral cheek and chest. As for open comedone, forehead showed a significant correlation with chin site. A significant correlation was also observed between front cheek and lateral cheek as well as between upper chest and back. Analyzing the correlation between the occurrence of comedones and sebum in each region, a significant correlation between closed comedone and sebum was observed in frontal and lateral cheek. Analyzing the correlation between the occurrence of comedones and porphyrine in each region, a significant correlation between open comedone and porphyrin was observed in chin.ConclusionWhen evaluating the comedogenicity of cosmetics ingredients or products, this study recommends using both of the methods of testing on back and directly testing on face according to the characteristics of the materials. In case of mild potent ingredients or products in particular, verification through usability test that the directly test on face will help securing reliability.
Public Officials and a “Private” Matter: Attitudes and Policies in the County Sheriff Office Regarding Violence Against Women*
Authors: Farris Emily M. , Holman Mirya R. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveThis article examines sheriffs’ attitudes and their offices’ policies concerning violence against women and assesses the connection between their attitudes and policies.MethodsUsing data from an original, national survey completed in the fall of 2012 of elected sheriffs (N = 553), we evaluate a battery of rape and domestic violence myths and examine the presence of various violence against women policies.ResultsWe find that many sheriffs express belief in inaccurate myths concerning violence against women. We find strong connections between sheriffs’ attitudes about women's equality and their attitudes about violence against women. In turn, their attitudes about gender‐based violence relate to training and policies for addressing these cases.ConclusionIn an office like that of the sheriff, with both bureaucratic and political elements, attitudes of political leaders influence policies. Our findings suggest an important connection between elected officials’ attitudes and policy actions beyond the traditional legislative arena.
A Point‐wise Approach to the Analysis of Complex Composite Structures Using Digital Image Correlation and Thermoelastic Stress Analysis
Authors: Crammond G. , Boyd S. W. , Dulieu‐Barton J. M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) and digital image correlation (DIC) are used to examine the stress and strain distributions around the geometric discontinuity in a composite double butt strap joint. A well‐known major limitation in conducting analysis using TSA is that it provides a metric that is only related to the sum of the principal stresses and cannot provide the component stresses/strains. The stress metric is related to the thermoelastic response by a combination of material properties known as the thermoelastic constant (coefficient of thermal expansion divided by density and specific heat). The thermoelastic constant is usually obtained by a calibration process. For calibration purposes when using orthotropic materials, it is necessary to obtain the thermoelastic constant in the principal material directions, as the principal stress directions for a general structure are unknown. Often, it is assumed that the principal stress directions are coincident with the principal material directions. Clearly, this assumption is not valid in complex stress systems, and therefore, a means of obtaining the thermoelastic constants in the principal stress directions is required. Such a region is that in the neighbourhood of the discontinuities in a bonded lap joint. A methodology is presented that employs a point‐wise manipulation of the thermoelastic constants from the material directions to the principal stress directions using full‐field DIC strain data obtained from the neighbourhood of the discontinuity. A comparison of stress metrics generated from the TSA and DIC data is conducted to provide an independent experimental validation of the two‐dimensional DIC analysis. The accuracy of a two‐dimensional plane strain finite element model representing the joint is assessed against the two experimental data sets. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental and numerical results in the adhesive layer; the adhesive is the only component of the joint where the material properties were not obtained experimentally. The reason for the discrepancy is discussed in the paper.
Modelling the long‐term deformation of the sedimentary substrate of Mt. Etna volcano (Italy)
Authors: Scudero Salvatore , De Guidi Giorgio , Imposa Sebastiano , Currenti Gilda 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis study investigates in detail the deformation events that have affected the sedimentary successions forming the substrate of Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). Based on the geometric reconstruction of a buried sedimentary marker, we have been able to identify and quantify the effects of three different mechanisms of deformation that have affected the area in the last 600 ka. Numerical results from Finite Element Method (FEM) applied to model viscoelastic deformation suggest the occurrence of a crustal doming process originating at the mantle‐crust transition (~16 km). We propose that the source of deformation is related to the diapiric uprise of hydrothermal material originating in altered ocean‐like crust and its emplacement at a shallower level in the crust. This process has great relevance in the volcanic system and should be considered for the full assessment of its origin and evolution.
The diagnostic accuracy of three rapid diagnostic tests for typhoid fever at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Maude Rapeephan R. , de Jong Hanna K. , Wijedoru Lalith , Fukushima Masako , Ghose Aniruddha , Samad Rasheda , Hossain Mohammed Amir , Karim Mohammed Rezaul , Faiz Mohammed Abul , Parry Christopher M. ,   CMCH Typhoid Study Group
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of three rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for typhoid fever in febrile hospitalised patients in Bangladesh.MethodsFebrile adults and children admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, were investigated with Bact/Alert® blood cultures and real‐time PCR to detect Salmonella enterica Typhi and Paratyphi A and assays for Rickettsia, leptospirosis and dengue fever. Acute serum samples were examined with the LifeAssay (LA) Test‐it™ Typhoid IgM lateral flow assay detecting IgM antibodies against S. Typhi O antigen, CTKBiotech Onsite Typhoid IgG/IgM Combo Rapid‐test cassette lateral flow assay detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against S. Typhi O and H antigens and SD Bioline line assay for IgG and IgM antibodies against S. Typhi proteins.ResultsIn 300 malaria smear‐negative febrile patients [median (IQR) age of 13.5 (5–31) years], 34 (11.3%) had confirmed typhoid fever: 19 positive by blood culture for S. Typhi (three blood PCR positive) and 15 blood culture negative but PCR positive for S. Typhi in blood. The respective sensitivity and specificity of the three RDTs in patients using a composite reference standard of blood culture and/or PCR‐confirmed typhoid fever were 59% and 61% for LifeAssay, 59% and 74% for the CTK IgM and/or IgG, and 24% and 96% for the SD Bioline RDT IgM and/or IgG. The LifeAssay RDT had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 91% when modified with a positive cut‐off of ≥2+ and analysed using a Bayesian latent class model.ConclusionsThese typhoid RDTs demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracies, and better tests are needed.
A precise spacing between the NPA domains of aquaporins is essential for silicon permeability in plants
Authors: Deshmukh Rupesh Kailasrao , Vivancos Julien , Ramakrishnan Gowsica , Guérin Valérie , Carpentier Gabriel , Sonah Humira , Labbé Caroline , Isenring Paul , Belzile Francois J. , Bélanger Richard R. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe controversy surrounding silicon (Si) benefits and essentiality in plants is exacerbated by the differential ability of species to absorb this element. This property is seemingly enhanced in species carrying specific nodulin 26‐like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), a subclass of aquaporins. In this work, our aim was to characterize plant aquaporins to define the features that confer Si permeability. Through comparative analysis of 985 aquaporins in 25 species with differing abilities to absorb Si, we were able to predict 30 Si transporters and discovered that Si absorption is exclusively confined to species that possess NIP‐III aquaporins with a GSGR selectivity filter and a precise distance of 108 amino acids (AA) between the asparagine–proline–alanine (NPA) domains. The latter feature is of particular significance since it had never been reported to be essential for Si selectivity. Functionality assessed in the Xenopus oocyte expression system showed that NIPs with 108 AA spacing exhibited Si permeability, while proteins differing in that distance did not. In subsequent functional studies, a Si transporter from poplar mutated into variants with 109‐ or 107‐AA spacing failed to import, and a tomato NIP gene mutated from 109 to 108 AA exhibited a rare gain of function. These results provide a precise molecular basis to classify higher plants into Si accumulators or excluders.
Plant Location, Wind Direction and Pollution Policy Under Offshoring
Authors: Zhao Laixun , Haruyama Tetsugen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe examine pollution policy in a unified three‐country framework, with the country in the middle playing double roles as both a polluter and a victim. We find that government preference over profits and consumer surplus to be important and so is environmentalism. In particular, the most downwind country has the least incentives to control pollution. Under oligopoly, several additional undesirable scenarios may arise, due to the interaction between wind direction and the incentive trade‐offs in rent‐shifting and pollution control. We analyse the mechanisms behind and provide policy guidance.