bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haptic Communication in Collaborative Virtual Environments
Authors: Wang Jinling , Chellali Amine , Cao Caroline G. L. 
Published: December 2015

Objective: To understand the interaction between haptic and verbal communication, we quantified the relative effect of verbal, haptic, and haptic-plus-verbal feedback in a collaborative virtual pointing task. Background: Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) provide a medium for interaction among remote participants. Better understanding of the role of haptic feedback as a supplement to verbalization can improve the design of CVEs. Methods: Thirty-six participants were randomly paired into 18 dyads to complete a 2-D pointing task in a CVE. In a mixed experimental design, participants completed the task in three communication conditions: haptic only (H), verbal only (V), and haptic plus verbal (HV). The order of the conditions presented to the participants was counterbalanced. Results: The time to task completion, path length, overshoot, and root mean square error were analyzed. Overall, performance in the V and HV conditions was significantly better than in the H condition. H was the least efficient communication channel but elicited response with the shortest reaction time. When verbalization was not available, the use of the haptic device was more likely to be exaggerated to ensure information transmission. When verbalization was used, participants converged on the use of a Cartesian coordinate system for communicating spatial information. Conclusion: Haptic communication can be used to complete a collaborative virtual task but is less efficient than verbal communication. A training period may help to improve the efficiency of haptic communication. Application: These results can be used to design remote collaboration tasks incorporating haptic components and for improving the design of CVEs that support haptic communication.
SPIDER
Authors: Strayer David L. , Fisher Donald L. 
Published: December 2015

Objective: The objective was to identify key cognitive processes that are impaired when drivers divert attention from driving. Background: Driver distraction is increasingly recognized as a significant source of injuries and fatalities on the roadway. Method/Results: A “SPIDER” model is developed that identifies key cognitive processes that are impaired when drivers divert attention from driving. SPIDER is an acronym standing for scanning, predicting, identifying, decision making, and executing a response. Conclusion: When drivers engage in secondary activities unrelated to the task of driving, SPIDER-related processes are impaired, situation awareness is degraded, and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle may be compromised. Application: The pattern of interference helps to illuminate the sources of driver distraction and may help guide the integration of new technology into the automobile.
What can increase the default risk in local governments?
Authors: Navarro-Galera Andrés , Lara-Rubio Juan , Buendía-Carrillo Dionisio , Rayo-Cantón Salvador 
Published: December 2015

Concern has been expressed by international organisations and in previous studies about the financial situation of local governments, and the question of debt has been identified as a crucial element in efforts to overcome the current financial crisis. However, the variables that can affect the financial soundness of these governments have not been sufficiently studied, despite their direct relation to the credit risk premium. In this article, we aim to identify risk factors for default by local governments, and provide useful information to municipal financial managers. We conducted an empirical study of 148 Spanish municipalities and analysed data from four years, applying a random effects logistic regression model. Our findings reveal that a lower population density, less dependent population, falling levels of per capita income and the presence of progressive local government are all risk factors for default by local governments. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the general financing structure variable and debt composition and maturity variable do influence the risk of default by local governments. Points for practitioners The findings of this article can provide useful information for managers and politicians responsible for the financial management of local governments, in particular, by enabling them to better understand the risk premiums assigned by banks. Specifically, by identifying the risk factors for default, this article highlights the warning signs of this risk, so that suitable arguments may be expressed in negotiating loan repayment schedules and interest rates, and in designing financial viability and restructuring plans.
Intercultural policy and multi-level governance in Barcelona: mainstreaming comprehensive approach
Authors: Zapata-Barrero Ricard 
Published: December 2015

The main purpose of this article is to analyse Barcelona’s mainstreaming approach to intercultural policy from the beginning of its immigration process. My key questions are threefold: (a) why was Barcelona attracted by the intercultural approach so early in 1997? (b) how can we understand the consolidation of interculturalism? and (c) how can its successful permanent endurance (16 years) be explained, given different migratory contexts/political governments? I will argue that Barcelona’s status as a key player within the multi-level system of Catalan and Spanish governance has been a favourable key factor. I will first feature the mainstreaming approach, and then defend the argument that the vertical dimension has helped to strengthen the legitimacy of the horizontal dimension, as it has provided a favourable environment in which interculturalism can flourish. I conclude by highlighting the fact that the analysis of Barcelona helps to provide new meanings for the multi-level governance debate in diverse European cities. Points for practitioners Multi-level governance and cities networks influence the policy design and the consolidation of cities’ diversity policies. There is an assumed link for cities between intercultural policies and the mainstreaming approach in diversity policies. The relationship between the vertical and horizontal dimensions of multi-level governance plays a key role in promoting a favourable environment for these policies to thrive.
National culture and public service motivation: investigating the relationship using Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions
Authors: Kim Sangmook 
Published: December 2015

Much research has focused on finding and explaining the antecedents, correlates, and outcomes of public service motivation (PSM), but little is known about the influence of national context on individuals’ PSM. Previous research suggests that national culture may exert an independent influence on individuals’ PSM. This article examines PSM as an individual-level variable that is related to national culture, which is represented by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Using data from the International Social Survey Programme (2005), I investigate the relationship between cultural dimensions and individuals’ PSM. This article demonstrates that masculinity and indulgence are positively related to individuals’ PSM, whereas individualism is negatively associated with individuals’ PSM. However, power distance and uncertainty avoidance have a non-significant relationship with PSM. This article provides partial support for the thesis that national culture is associated with individuals’ PSM, but future research is required to explicate the relationship of cultural characteristics to individuals’ PSM. Points for practitioners Culture influences certain types of behavior both directly and indirectly. The article suggests that cultural tendencies such as masculinity, indulgence, and collectivism have a significant positive influence on individuals’ PSM. Organizational education and socialization enhancing these cultural values are likely to foster employees’ PSM.
Comparing local politicians’ and bureaucrats’ assessments of democratic participation: the cases of Norway and Sweden
Authors: Pierre Jon , Røiseland Asbjørn , Peters B. Guy , Gustavsen Annelin 
Published: December 2015

Given the increasing emphasis on delivery and output as a source of legitimacy for local government, how do politicians and civil servants perceive conventional, input-based channels for citizens’ influence on government in relationship to performance and output-oriented opportunities to influence public service? This article compares the attitudes of senior local politicians and civil servants in Norwegian and Swedish local authorities on these issues. The analysis draws on a data set collected among political and administrative leaders in Norwegian and Swedish local authorities. We also compare a service sector where public management reform has been extensive (care of the elderly) with a service sector where regulation and law enforcement dominates (planning and construction). The analysis suggests that there is a significant similarity between politicians’ and bureaucrats’ attitudes, although politicians accord greater importance to input-based channels of influence and to throughput than do bureaucrats. Points for practitioners Public management reform provides a new channel for clients to influence public service directly through the providers of those services and not through conventional political channels. This article studies how politicians and public servants in Norwegian and Swedish municipalities evaluate conventional and new channels for clients to influence service delivery. We also compare service sectors where such choice is extensive with areas where choice is much more constrained. Overall, we find that politicians tend to favor conventional political channels for clients’ influence whereas public servants take a more positive view of clients approaching the executive side of the local authority.
Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Growth Factor Delivery on Cartilage Repair in a Mini-Pig Model
Authors: Fisher Matthew B. , Belkin Nicole S. , Milby Andrew H. , Henning Elizabeth A. , Söegaard Nicole , Kim Minwook , Pfeifer Christian , Saxena Vishal , Dodge George R. , Burdick Jason A. , Schaer Thomas P. , Steinberg David R. , Mauck Robert L. 
Published: December 2015

Objective We have recently shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) embedded in a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel and exposed to chondrogenic factors (transforming growth factor–β3 [TGF-β3]) produce a cartilage-like tissue in vitro. The current objective was to determine if these same factors could be combined immediately prior to implantation to induce a superior healing response in vivo relative to the hydrogel alone. Design Trochlear chondral defects were created in Yucatan mini-pigs (6 months old). Treatment groups included an HA hydrogel alone and hydrogels containing allogeneic MSCs, TGF-β3, or both. Six weeks after surgery, micro-computed tomography was used to quantitatively assess defect fill and subchondral bone remodeling. The quality of cartilage repair was assessed using the ICRS-II histological scoring system and immunohistochemistry for type II collagen. Results Treatment with TGF-β3 led to a marked increase in positive staining for collagen type II within defects ( P < 0.05), while delivery of MSCs did not ( P > 0.05). Neither condition had an impact on other histological semiquantitative scores ( P > 0.05), and inclusion of MSCs led to significantly less defect fill ( P < 0.05). For all measurements, no synergistic interaction was found between TGF-β3 and MSC treatment when they were delivered together ( P > 0.05). Conclusions At this early healing time point, treatment with TGF-β3 promoted the formation of collagen type II within the defect, while allogeneic MSCs had little benefit. Combination of TGF-β3 and MSCs at the time of surgery did not produce a synergistic effect. An in vitro precultured construct made of these components may be required to enhance in vivo repair in this model system.
Pattern, Determinants, and Impact of HIV Spending on Care and Treatment in 38 High-Burden Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Granich Reuben , Gupta Somya , Montaner Julio , Williams Brian , Zuniga José M. 
Published: December 2015

Achieving the 90-90-90 targets by 2020 requires increased focus, resources, and efficiency to provide earlier access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: We used 2009 to 2013 National AIDS Spending Assessment data to assess HIV care and treatment spending in 38 high-burden, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Results: In 2013, 23 of the 38 high-burden countries spent less than 50% of total HIV spending on care and treatment. HIV spending on ART per people living with HIV (PLHIV; adjusted) averaged US$299 (US$32-US$2463). During 2009 to 2013, a 10% increase in average spending on care and treatment per PLHIV was associated with an increase in ART coverage of 2.4% and a decrease in estimated AIDS-related death rate of 2.4 per 1000 PLHIV. Discussion: HIV spending in high-burden LMICs does not consistently reflect the new science around the preventative and clinical benefits of earlier HIV diagnosis and ART initiation.
Professional Care for Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction: What does the Research Say?
Authors: Sutton Philip M. 
Published: December 2015

In recent years, national and international medical and mental-health associations typically have emphasized the potential harmfulness of professional care for unwanted same-sex attraction (SSA or homosexuality) and behavior. State legislatures in the US and legislative bodies in other countries either have passed or are considering passing laws which would penalize professionals who provide professional care for unwanted SSA—to minors and/or adults—including the loss of the license to practice. This paper was written as a response to the present situation in the UK. The paper reviews the universal ethics of all medical and mental-health professionals to avoid harm and do good (non-maleficence/non-malfeasance and beneficence); discusses the documented potential for harm when using every mental-health treatment for every presenting problem; clarifies steps taken by the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity (Alliance), its clinical and research divisions, the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality Institute (NARTH Institute) and its international division, the International Federation for Therapeutic Choice (IFTC), to promote ethical professional care for unwanted SSA; clarifies the injustice and presumed ideological biases of the medical and mental-health associations’ warning about the potential for harm for psychotherapy only for unwanted SSA and not all psychotherapy approaches; and documents that the research purporting to show this harmfulness, in the research authors own words, does not do so. Recommendations to promote scientific integrity in the conduct and reporting of relevant research are offered. Lay summary There has been a lot of controversy about the potential harmfulness of professional care for unwanted same-sex attraction and behavior (SSA or homosexuality). This paper reviews the ethics of all medical and mental health professionals to avoid harm and do good; discusses the known potential for harm when using any mental health treatment for any problem; clarifies steps taken to promote ethical professional care for unwanted SSA; notes the injustice and possible biases of those who warn about the potential for harm of psychotherapy for unwanted SSA; and documents that the research said to show this harmfulness, in the research authors′ own words, does not do so.
Deltex1 is inhibited by the Notch–Hairy/E(Spl) signaling pathway and induces neuronal and glial differentiation
Authors: Cheng Yi-Chuan , Huang Yin-Cheng , Yeh Tu-Hsueh , Shih Hung-Yu , Lin Ching-Yu , Lin Sheng-Jia , Chiu Ching-Chi , Huang Ching-Wen , Jiang Yun-Jin 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Background
Notch signaling has been conserved throughout evolution and plays a fundamental role in various neural developmental processes and the pathogenesis of several human cancers and genetic disorders. However, how Notch signaling regulates various cellular processes remains unclear. Although Deltex proteins have been identified as cytoplasmic downstream elements of the Notch signaling pathway, few studies have been reported on their physiological role.

Results
We isolated zebrafish deltex1 (dtx1) and showed that this gene is primarily transcribed in the developing nervous system, and its spatiotemporal expression pattern suggests a role in neural differentiation. The transcription of dtx1 was suppressed by the direct binding of the Notch downstream transcription factors Her2 and Her8a. Overexpressing the complete coding sequence of Dtx1 was necessary for inducing neuronal and glial differentiation. By contrast, disrupting Dtx1 expression by using a Dtx1 construct without the RING finger domain reduced neuronal and glial differentiation. This effect was phenocopied by the knockdown of endogenous Dtx1 expression by using morpholinos, demonstrating the essential function of the RING finger domain and confirming the knockdown specificity. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were unaltered in Dtx1-overexpressed and -deficient zebrafish embryos. Examination of the expression of her2 and her8a in embryos with altered Dtx1 expression showed that Dxt1-induced neuronal differentiation did not require a regulatory effect on the Notch–Hairy/E(Spl) pathway. However, both Dtx1 and Notch activation induced glial differentiation, and Dtx1 and Notch activation negatively inhibited each other in a reciprocal manner, which achieves a proper balance for the expression of Dtx1 and Notch to facilitate glial differentiation. We further confirmed that the Dtx1–Notch–Hairy/E(Spl) cascade was sufficient to induce neuronal and glial differentiation by concomitant injection of an active form of Notch with dtx1, which rescued the neuronogenic and gliogenic defects caused by the activation of Notch signaling.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that Dtx1 is regulated by Notch–Hairy/E(Spl) signaling and is a major factor specifically regulating neural differentiation. Thus, our results provide new insights into the mediation of neural development by the Notch signaling pathway.
Efficient differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to arterial and venous endothelial cells under feeder- and serum-free conditions
Authors: Sriram Gopu , Tan Jia Yong , Islam Intekhab , Rufaihah Abdul Jalil , Cao Tong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundHeterogeneity of endothelial cells (ECs) is a hallmark of the vascular system which may impact the development and management of vascular disorders. Despite the tremendous progress in differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) towards endothelial lineage, differentiation into arterial and venous endothelial phenotypes remains elusive. Additionally, current differentiation strategies are hampered by inefficiency, lack of reproducibility, and use of animal-derived products.MethodsTo direct the differentiation of hESCs to endothelial subtypes, H1- and H9-hESCs were seeded on human plasma fibronectin and differentiated under chemically defined conditions by sequential modulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways for 5 days. Following the initial differentiation, the endothelial progenitor cells (CD34+CD31+cells) were sorted and terminally differentiated under serum-free conditions to arterial and venous ECs. The transcriptome and secretome profiles of the two distinct populations of hESC-derived arterial and venous ECs were characterized. Furthermore, the safety and functionality of these cells upon in vivo transplantation were characterized.ResultsSequential modulation of hESCs with GSK-3 inhibitor, bFGF, BMP4 and VEGF resulted in stages reminiscent of primitive streak, early mesoderm/lateral plate mesoderm, and endothelial progenitors under feeder- and serum-free conditions. Furthermore, these endothelial progenitors demonstrated differentiation potential to almost pure populations of arterial and venous endothelial phenotypes under serum-free conditions. Specifically, the endothelial progenitors differentiated to venous ECs in the absence of VEGF, and to arterial phenotype under low concentrations of VEGF. Additionally, these hESC-derived arterial and venous ECs showed distinct molecular and functional profiles in vitro. Furthermore, these hESC-derived arterial and venous ECs were nontumorigenic and were functional in terms of forming perfused microvascular channels upon subcutaneous implantation in the mouse.ConclusionsWe report a simple, rapid, and efficient protocol for directed differentiation of hESCs into endothelial progenitor cells capable of differentiation to arterial and venous ECs under feeder-free and serum-free conditions. This could offer a human platform to study arterial–venous specification for various applications related to drug discovery, disease modeling and regenerative medicine in the future.
A comparative study on the convergence rate of some iteration methods involving contractive mappings
Authors: Fathollahi Shahin , Ghiura Adrian , Postolache Mihai , Rezapour Shahram 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe compare the rate of convergence for some iteration methods for contractions. We conclude that the coefficients involved in these methods have an important role to play in determining the speed of the convergence. By using Matlab software, we provide numerical examples to illustrate the results. Also, we compare mathematical and computer-calculating insights in the examples to explain the reason of the existence of the old difference between the points of view.
Integrated EpCAM‐independent subtraction enrichment and iFISH strategies to detect and classify disseminated and circulating tumors cells
Authors: Lin Peter Ping 
Published: December 2015

AbstractApplication of tumor cell surface adhesion molecule EpCAM‐dependent antibody capture, and intracellular cytokeratins (CKs)‐dependent immunostaining strategies to detect disseminated or circulating tumor cells (DTCs or CTCs), is limited by highly heterogeneous and dynamic expression or absence of EpCAM and/or CKs in CTCs and DTCs, particularly in their capturing and identifying CTCs/DTCs shed from diverse types of solid tumor, thus being biased and restricted to the only both EpCAM and CK positive cancer cells. Moreover, heterogeneity of chromosome and tumor biomarker of CTCs/DTCs cannot be co‐examined by conventional CK/EpCAM‐dependent techniques. Accordingly, a novel integrated cellular and molecular approach of EpCAM‐independent subtraction enrichment (SE) and immunostaining‐FISH (iFISH®) has recently been successfully developed. SE‐iFISH® is able to effectively enrich, comprehensively identify and characterize both large and small size non‐hematopoietic heteroploid CTCs, DTCs and circulating tumor microemboli in various biofluid specimens of either cancer patients or patient‐derived‐xenograft mice. Obtained tumor cells, free of anti‐EpCAM perturbing and hypotonic damage, are eligible for primary tumor cell culture as well as a series of downstream analyses. Highly heterogeneous CTCs and DTCs could be classified into subtypes by in situ phenotyping protein expression of various tumor biomarkers and karyotyping of chromosome aneuploidy performed by iFISH®. Each CTC subtype may correlate with distinct clinical significance in terms of tumor metastasis, relapse, therapeutic drug sensitivity or resistance, respectively.