bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual Differences in Language Processing: Electrophysiological Approaches
Authors: Boudewyn Megan A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLanguage processing is a complex task that requires both specialized cognitive processes (e.g. speech decoding) and more general cognitive processes (e.g. working memory). Research on how individual differences in these processes influence language processing and comprehension has primarily relied on behavioral methods, such as reaction time measures, self‐paced reading, and eye‐tracking. However, a growing number of studies have used electrophysiological (EEG) techniques to study individual differences in language processing. EEG and event‐related potential (ERP) methods provide a unique link between neural activity and cognitive processing and can be used to draw specific inferences about the neural basis of language processing and its variability. The primary goal of this paper is to showcase EEG/ERP studies that have made significant contributions to the study of individual differences in how the brain processes language, over and above what would be possible using behavioral methods alone. A secondary goal of this paper is to highlight several methodological issues specific to research on individual differences in language processing and identify ways in which EEG/ERP studies can take advantage of what has been learned from previous research to minimize these issues.
The salt‐sensitive structure and zinc inhibition of Borrelia burgdorferi protease BbHtrA
Authors: Russell Theresa M. , Tang Xiaoling , Goldstein Jason M. , Bagarozzi Dennis , Johnson Barbara J. B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryHtrA serine proteases are highly conserved and essential ATP‐independent proteases with chaperone activity. Bacteria express a variable number of HtrA homologues that contribute to the virulence and pathogenicity of bacterial pathogens. Lyme disease spirochetes possess a single HtrA protease homologue, Borrelia burgdorferi HtrA (BbHtrA). Previous studies established that, like the human orthologue HtrA1, BbHtrA is proteolytically active against numerous extracellular proteins in vitro. In this study, we utilized size exclusion chromatography and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN‐PAGE) to demonstrate BbHtrA oligomeric structures that were substrate independent and salt sensitive. Examination of the influence of transition metals on the activity of BbHtrA revealed that this protease is inhibited by Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Mn2+. Extending this analysis to two other HtrA proteases, E. coli DegP and HtrA1, revealed that all three HtrA proteases were reversibly inhibited by ZnCl2 at all micro molar concentrations examined. Commercial inhibitors for HtrA proteases are not available and physiologic HtrA inhibitors are unknown. Our observation of conserved zinc inhibition of HtrA proteases will facilitate structural and functional studies of additional members of this important class of proteases.
Direct and Contextual Influence of Team Conflict on Team Resources, Team Work Engagement, and Team Performance
Authors: Costa Patrícia L. , Passos Ana M. , Bakker Arnold B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article focuses on team conflict's direct influence on both team work engagement and team performance, as well as on its moderator role in the relationship between team resources and team work engagement and in the relationship between team work engagement and team performance. Data were collected from 82 research teams and team leaders, using electronic questionnaires; data on these teams’ objective performance was also obtained. We found a direct influence of only task conflict on team work engagement. Moderation analysis revealed that relationship conflict weakens the relationship between team resources and team work engagement, whereas task conflict strengthens the relationship between team work engagement and team performance. Therefore, relationship conflict has a detrimental effect for the development of a positive emergent state of work engagement; on the contrary, discussing ideas positively influences the transformation of the team's level of engagement into objective performance.
The effects of high‐intensity interval training on glucose regulation and insulin resistance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jelleyman C. , Yates T. , O'Donovan G. , Gray L. J. , King J. A. , Khunti K. , Davies M. J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to quantify the effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of glucose regulation and insulin resistance compared with control conditions (CON) or continuous training (CT). Databases were searched for HIIT interventions based upon the inclusion criteria: training ≥2 weeks, adult participants and outcome measurements that included insulin resistance, fasting glucose, HbA1c or fasting insulin. Dual interventions and participants with type 1 diabetes were excluded. Fifty studies were included. There was a reduction in insulin resistance following HIIT compared with both CON and CT (HIIT vs. CON: standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.49, confidence intervals [CIs] −0.87 to −0.12, P = 0.009; CT: SMD = −0.35, −0.68 to −0.02, P = 0.036). Compared with CON, HbA1c decreased by 0.19% (−0.36 to −0.03, P = 0.021) and body weight decreased by 1.3 kg (−1.9 to −0.7, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in other outcomes overall. However, participants at risk of or with type 2 diabetes experienced reductions in fasting glucose (−0.92 mmol L−1, −1.22 to −0.62, P < 0.001) compared with CON. HIIT appears effective at improving metabolic health, particularly in those at risk of or with type 2 diabetes. Larger randomized controlled trials of longer duration than those included in this meta‐analysis are required to confirm these results.
Suberythemal Sun Exposures at Swedish Schools Depend on Sky Views of the Outdoor Environments – Possible Implications for Pupils’ Health
Authors: Pagels Peter , Wester Ulf , Söderström Margareta , Lindelöf Bernt , Boldemann Cecilia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMore scheduled outdoor stay is increasingly advocated for school children. This study measured 2nd, 5th and 8th graders’ erythemal UV‐exposure in September, March and May at four Swedish schools. We related those exposures, as fractions of total available ambient radiation, to the schools outdoor environments differing in amount of shade, vegetation, and peripheral city‐scape quantified as percentage of free sky view calculated from fish‐eye photographs. Exposures correlated with the sky views (with exceptions in May) and were suberythemal. The exposures were also below the threshold limit of the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for hazard evaluation of UVR but were potentially enough for adequate vitamin D formation according to a cited model calculation – as illustrated in the results and discussed. The school environments, typical in southern and middle Sweden, offer enough shade to protect children from overexposure during seasons with potentially harmful solar UV radiation. Pupils’ outdoor stay may be extended during September and March. In May extended outdoor stay of the youngest pupils requires a more UVR‐protective environment.
Childhood Respiratory Morbidity after Late Preterm and Early Term Delivery: a Study of Medicaid Patients in South Carolina
Authors: Odibo Imelda N. , Bird T. Mac , McKelvey Samantha S. , Sandlin Adam , Lowery Curtis , Magann E. F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing body of research documenting an increased risk of neonatal morbidity for late preterm infants (LPI, 340/7 weeks to 366/7 weeks) and early term infants (ETI, 370/7 weeks to 386/7 weeks) compared with term infants (TI, 390/7 to 416/7); however, there has been little research on outcomes beyond the first year of life. In this study, we examined respiratory outcomes of LPI and ETI in early childhood.MethodsSouth Carolina Medicaid claims data for maternal delivery and infant birth hospitalisations were linked to vital records data for the years 2000 through 2003. Medicaid claims for all infants were then followed until their fifth birthday or until a break in their eligibility. Infants born between 340/7 and 416/7 weeks were eligible. Infants with congenital anomaly, birthweight below 500 g or above 6000 g, and multiple births were excluded. We fit Cox proportional hazard models from which adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived.ResultsA total of 3476 LPI, 12 398 ETI, and 25 975 term infants were included. Both LPI and ETI were associated with an increased risk for asthma (LPI: HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10, 1.40; ETI: HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19), and bronchitis (LPI: HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00, 1.34; ETI: HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05, 1.2) at 3 to 5 years of age.ConclusionsLate preterm infants and early term infants are at increased risk for asthma and bronchitis.
Curvilinear shapes and the snake detection hypothesis: An ERP study
Authors: Van Strien Jan W. , Christiaans Gerwin , Franken Ingmar H. A. , Huijding Jorg 
Published: October 2015

AbstractConsistent with the snake detection hypothesis, previous ERP studies have established a larger early posterior negativity (EPN) in response to pictures depicting snakes than to pictures depicting other creatures. Here, we examined to what extent the curvilinear shape of the snake's body drives the larger EPN. To this end, we employed pictures of threatening and nonthreatening species with or without typical curvature. Participants watched a random rapid serial visual presentation of snake, worm, spider, and beetle pictures. The EPN was scored as the mean activity (225–300 ms after picture onset) at occipital and parieto‐occipital electrodes. Across electrodes, the EPN was significantly larger for snake pictures than for spider, worm, and beetle pictures, and for spider and worm pictures than for beetle pictures. The results suggest that curvilinear body shapes may partly drive the enhanced EPN. However, the unique cortical response to snakes is not fully explained by this mechanism, and is most probably also determined by other threat‐relevant cues.
VASA (DDX4) is a Putative Marker for Spermatogonia, Spermatocytes and Round Spermatids in Stallions
Authors: Kim JY , Jung HJ , Yoon MJ 
Published: October 2015

ContentsExpression of the protein DDX4/MVH, or VASA, has been reported in germ cells of several species. The main objectives of this study were to (i) investigate VASA expression patterns in testicular cells of stallions at two different reproductive stages (pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal) and (ii) evaluate the use of VASA antibody as a molecular marker for single germ cells from stallions. Testicular tissues were obtained from stallions and categorized as pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal based on the formation of lumen and status of spermatogenesis on the cross section of seminiferous tubules. The results of Western blot showed a VASA protein band located at 76 kDa, indicating that the rabbit antibody has a cross‐reactivity with horse testicular tissues. The result of immunolabelling showed that VASA was expressed in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia at both reproductive stages and in spermatocytes and round spermatids at the post‐pubertal stage. GATA4‐positive Sertoli cells and Leydig cells located in the interstitial space were not immunolabelled with VASA. These results suggest that VASA can be utilized as a molecular marker for germ cells of stallions at pre‐pubertal and post‐pubertal stages. Interestingly, immunolabelling intensity was significantly higher in pachytene spermatocytes compared to spermatogonia and round spermatid. VASA antibody was also effective for staining of single germ cell preparations. In conclusion, VASA protein expression can be used as a marker for identification of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids in testicular tissues of stallions.
Multinational Firms and Plant Divestiture
Authors: Norbäck Pehr‐Johan , Tekin‐Koru Ayça , Waldkirch Andreas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMultinational firms not only make acquisitions, but also frequently divest affiliates. Affiliate divestiture is the result of many factors, some internal and some external to the firm. Using detailed confidential survey data of Swedish multinationals, we are able to examine divestiture decisions within the context of the world‐wide affiliate network of the firm. In contrast, most existing studies of multinational exit focus on one country only. A model of mergers and acquisitions with financing constraints generates predictions regarding the correlation between affiliate size and the decision to sell. Consistent with this theory, we find that larger affiliates are more likely to be divested, but an increase in relative size of an affiliate reduces the probability of divestiture. Additional network characteristics, the presence of other affiliates nearby and sales of affiliates elsewhere, are also positively correlated with divestiture. We find no support for the notion of footloose multinationals.
Trade Frictions and Market Access of Developing Countries: A Product‐level Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bempong Nyantakyi Eugene , Husted Steven , Nishioka Shuichiro 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of trade frictions on export market access at the product level and the role these frictions have on the ability of developing countries to access world markets. We find distance and trade frictions are determinants of the probability of success in entering foreign markets. We examine whether there are any systematic biases from these frictions that further limit market access for exporters from developing countries. Our results suggest that developing countries are not differentially impacted by these factors.
In the National Interest: Construction and Destruction in Gaza City
Authors: Thirkell Lucy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article presents a case study of Gaza City as the product of various – and literally conflicting – attempts to ‘boost’ particular visions for the future of the city. It is an example of the complicated, globalized reality whereby competing nationalist efforts occupy the same urban space, which deserves a more prominent place in urban studies. In Gaza City, plans to construct, develop, or destroy speak over each other and produce results quite different from their stated aims. The ensuing cacophony has created an urban experience that has much to teach on the subject of multiple power sources and overstated urban plans in cities in the process of constructing for a developing national identity around the world.
Ethylene production in Botrytis cinerea‐ and oligogalacturonide‐induced immunity requires calcium‐dependent protein kinases
Authors: Gravino Matteo , Savatin Daniel Valentin , Macone Alberto , De Lorenzo Giulia 
Published: October 2015

SummaryPlant immunity against pathogens is achieved through rapid activation of defense responses that occur upon sensing of microbe‐ or damage‐associated molecular patterns, respectively referred to as MAMPs and DAMPs. Oligogalacturonides (OGs), linear fragments derived from homogalacturonan hydrolysis by pathogen‐secreted cell wall‐degrading enzymes, and flg22, a 22‐amino acid peptide derived from the bacterial flagellin, represent prototypical DAMPs and MAMPs, respectively. Both types of molecules induce protection against infections. In plants, like in animals, calcium is a second messenger that mediates responses to biotic stresses by activating calcium‐binding proteins. Here we show that simultaneous loss of calcium‐dependent protein kinases CPK5, CPK6 and CPK11 affects Arabidopsis thaliana basal as well as elicitor‐ induced resistance to the necrotroph Botrytis cinerea, by affecting pathogen‐induced ethylene production and accumulation of the ethylene biosynthetic enzymes 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase 2 (ACS2) and 6 (ACS6). Moreover, ethylene signaling contributes to OG‐triggered immunity activation, and lack of CPK5, CPK6 and CPK11 affects the duration of OG‐ and flg22‐induced gene expression, indicating that these kinases are shared elements of both DAMP and MAMP signaling pathways.
Cross‐country Services Versus Manufacturing Activity of Multinational Firms in Response to Services Versus Goods Policy
Authors: Egger Peter , Merlo Valeria , Wamser Georg 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper assesses the consequences of trade costs on goods and services for the distribution of foreign direct investment (FDI) across goods and services as well as across countries. The paper employs data on the universe of German FDI abroad which are collected at the firm level and aggregated for the purpose of this paper to two sectors – goods and services – and 79 countries, using data for the year 2005. Key findings are that services trade costs as reflected in the services trade restrictiveness index and bilateral investment treaty membership are the most important policy drivers of the activity of German‐owned multinational firms in both goods and services. An increase in services trade restrictions raises goods activity at the expense of services activity. This effect is more pronounced the more important host countries in terms of the German FDI are.
When an Importer's Protection of IPR Interacts with an Exporter's Level of Technology: Comparing the Impacts on the Exports of the North and South
Authors: Shin Wonkyu , Lee Keun , Park Walter G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUsing bilateral trade data of countries from 2000 to 2007, this paper contributes to the empirical literature on the role of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in global trade. The existing literature has focused on how IPRs in the destination country affect exports from a source country. In this paper, we add an additional dimension: the level of technology of the exporting country (LT). This is quite important for distinguishing the impact of IPRs on the exports of developed and developing countries, since the technology levels vary across countries at different stages of development and intellectual property rights better protect exports that are technologically advanced than exports that are imitative and potentially infringing. By factoring in the level of technology (LT), our empirical analysis makes the case that IPRs can act as a barrier to the exports from the South, especially the rapidly catching‐up economies, and thus be a source for the middle‐income trap phenomenon.
EU Trade Preferences and Export Diversification
Authors: Persson Maria , Wilhelmsson Fredrik 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSince at least the 1960s, the European Union (EU) has offered various kinds of non‐reciprocal trade preferences for developing countries. Originally, these trade preferences had at least two policy goals: (i) to increase export volumes for developing countries and thereby boost their export earnings and (ii) to facilitate export diversification. While extensive research has confirmed that the first of these goals is typically met, the second goal seems to have been largely forgotten by researchers as well as in policy circles. The aim of this paper was therefore to analyse the impact of the EU's non‐reciprocal trade preferences for developing countries on export diversification. Our estimation results suggest that some trade preference programmes, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), lead to increasing ranges of export products. By contrast, preferences offered to Mediterranean countries typically have no significant effects, and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) preferences actually have negative effects towards the end of our time period, suggesting that ACP countries may respond to preferences by specialising into fewer goods.
The Fiscal Framework in a Currency Union: Lessons from a Comparison between the Euro Area and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union
Authors: Hughes Hallett Andrew , Jensen Svend E. Hougaard 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper draws out lessons from the euro area (EA) that are transferable to the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) and other Caribbean economies with fixed exchange rates. Based on observations from both the EA and the ECCU, we present a new policy framework which is capable of imposing fiscal discipline, with the aim of avoiding the risk of unsustainable fiscal policies reappearing and of preventing monetary policy from being undermined by undisciplined national governments. In the ECCU case, we find that fiscal deficits are more a result of financial and trade imbalances than fiscal indiscipline per se. Consequently, constraints on overall debt, public and private, rather than direct limits on endogenous public deficits, appear to be the appropriate response.
Biological variation of thromboelastrography variables in 10 clinically healthy horses
Authors: Scruggs Jennifer L. , Flatland Bente , McCormick Karen A. , Reed Ann 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the utility of population‐based reference intervals (PRIs) for interpreting thromboelastography (TEG) variables in horses using biological variation data.DesignProspective cohort biologic variation study conducted over a 5‐week period.SettingVeterinary teaching hospital and research facility.AnimalsTen clinically healthy horses randomly selected from a veterinary school research and teaching herd.InterventionsHorse health was determined using physical examination, CBC, and biochemical and coagulation profiles prior to the start of the study. Subsequently, once weekly blood sampling for TEG testing was performed for 5 weeks.Measurements and Main ResultsThe 4 TEG variables reaction time (R), clot formation time (K), angle, and maximum amplitude (MA) were measured, and coefficient of variation representing within‐ and between‐horse biological variation (CVi and CVg, respectively) and coefficient of variation representing analytical variation (CVa) were calculated using a nested ANOVA after removing outlier data. The CVi, CVg, and CVa for R were 26.8%, 5.2%, and 5.9%; for K were 31.0%, 0.0%, and 5.9%; for angle were 9.4%, 6.2%, and 21.7%; and for MA were 3.4%, 4.1%, and 4.4%, respectively. Index of individuality (IOI) was then calculated for each variable using the formula IOI for R was 5.3, for angle was 3.8, and for MA was 1.4; IOI was not assessed for K.ConclusionsPRIs are appropriate for TEG variables, R, angle, and MA when interpreting results from individual horses based on calculated IOI values equal to or greater than 1.4. PRIs are likely appropriate when interpreting K, but IOI could not be calculated for this variable.