bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crowd dynamics and conservation laws with nonlocal constraints and capacity drop
Authors: Andreianov Boris , Donadello Carlotta , Rosini Massimiliano D. 
Published: May 2014

In this paper we model pedestrian flows evacuating a narrow corridor through an exit by a one-dimensional hyperbolic conservation law with a point constraint in the spirit of [Colombo and Goatin, J. Differential Equations, 2007]. We introduce a nonlocal constraint to restrict the flux at the exit to a maximum value p(ξ), where ξ is the weighted averaged instantaneous density of the crowd in an upstream vicinity of the exit. Choosing a non-increasing constraint function p(⋅), we are able to model the capacity drop phenomenon at the exit. Existence and stability results for the Cauchy problem with Lipschitz constraint function p(⋅) are achieved by a procedure that combines the wave-front tracking algorithm with the operator splitting method. In view of the construction of explicit examples (one is provided), we discuss the Riemann problem with discretized piecewise constant constraint p(⋅). We illustrate the fact that nonlocality induces loss of self-similarity for the Riemann solver; moreover, discretization of p(⋅) may induce non-uniqueness and instability of solutions.
Disinvestment policy and the public funding of assisted reproductive technologies: outcomes of deliberative engagements with three key stakeholder groups
Authors: Hodgetts Katherine , Hiller Janet E , Street Jackie M , Carter Drew , Braunack-Mayer Annette J , Watt Amber M , Moss John R , Elshaug Adam G ,   the ASTUTE Health study group
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Measures to improve the quality and sustainability of healthcare practice and provision have become a policy concern. In addition, the involvement of stakeholders in health policy decision-making has been advocated, as complex questions arise around the structure of funding arrangements in a context of limited resources. Using a case study of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), deliberative engagements with a range of stakeholder groups were held on the topic of how best to structure the distribution of Australian public funding in this domain.

Methods
Deliberative engagements were carried out with groups of ART consumers, clinicians and community members. The forums were informed by a systematic review of ART treatment safety and effectiveness (focusing, in particular, on maternal age and number of treatment cycles), as well as by international policy comparisons, and ethical and cost analyses. Forum discussions were transcribed and subject to thematic analysis.

Results
Each forum demonstrated stakeholders’ capacity to understand concepts of choice under resource scarcity and disinvestment, and to countenance options for ART funding not always aligned with their interests. Deliberations in each engagement identified concerns around ‘equity’ and ‘patient responsibility’, culminating in a broad preference for (potential) ART subsidy restrictions to be based upon individual factors rather than maternal age or number of treatment cycles. Community participants were open to restrictions based upon measures of body mass index (BMI) and smoking status, while consumers and clinicians saw support to improve these factors as part of an ART treatment program, as distinct from a funding criterion. All groups advocated continued patient co-payments, with measures in place to provide treatment access to those unable to pay (namely, equity of access).

Conclusions
Deliberations yielded qualitative, socially-negotiated evidence required to inform ethical, accountable policy decisions in the specific area of ART and health care more broadly. Notably, reductionist, deterministic characterizations of stakeholder ‘self-interest’ proved unfounded as each group sought to prioritise universal values (in particular, ‘equity’ and ‘responsibility’) over specific, within-group concerns. Our results - from an emotive case study in ART - highlight that evidence-informed disinvestment decision-making is feasible, and potentially less controversial than often presumed.
Maximum toe flexor muscle strength and quantitative analysis of human plantar intrinsic and extrinsic muscles by a magnetic resonance imaging technique
Authors: Kurihara Toshiyuki , Yamauchi Junichiro , Otsuka Mitsuo , Tottori Nobuaki , Hashimoto Takeshi , Isaka Tadao 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between the maximum isometric toe flexor muscle strength (TFS) and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and to identify the major determinant of maximum TFS among CSA of the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.MethodsTwenty six young healthy participants (14 men, 12 women; age, 20.4 ± 1.6 years) volunteered for the study. TFS was measured by a specific designed dynamometer, and CSA of plantar intrinsic and extrinsic muscles were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To measure TFS, seated participants optimally gripped the bar with their toes and exerted maximum force on the dynamometer. For each participant, the highest force produced among three trials was used for further analysis. To measure CSA, serial T1‐weighted images were acquired.ResultsTFS was significantly correlated with CSA of the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses identified that the major determinant of TFS was CSA of medial parts of plantar intrinsic muscles (flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis, quadratus plantae, lumbricals and abductor hallucis). There was no significant difference between men and women in TFS/CSA.ConclusionsCSA of the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic muscles is one of important factors for determining the maximum TFS in humans.
Mammalian-wide interspersed repeat (MIR)-derived enhancers and the regulation of human gene expression
Authors: Jjingo Daudi , Conley Andrew B , Wang Jianrong , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Lunyak Victoria V , Jordan I King 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Mammalian-wide interspersed repeats (MIRs) are the most ancient family of transposable elements (TEs) in the human genome. The deep conservation of MIRs initially suggested the possibility that they had been exapted to play functional roles for their host genomes. MIRs also happen to be the only TEs whose presence in-and-around human genes is positively correlated to tissue-specific gene expression. Similar associations of enhancer prevalence within genes and tissue-specific expression, along with MIRs’ previous implication as providing regulatory sequences, suggested a possible link between MIRs and enhancers.

Results
To test the possibility that MIRs contribute functional enhancers to the human genome, we evaluated the relationship between MIRs and human tissue-specific enhancers in terms of genomic location, chromatin environment, regulatory function, and mechanistic attributes. This analysis revealed MIRs to be highly concentrated in enhancers of the K562 and HeLa human cell-types. Significantly more enhancers were found to be linked to MIRs than would be expected by chance, and putative MIR-derived enhancers are characterized by a chromatin environment highly similar to that of canonical enhancers. MIR-derived enhancers show strong associations with gene expression levels, tissue-specific gene expression and tissue-specific cellular functions, including a number of biological processes related to erythropoiesis. MIR-derived enhancers were found to be a rich source of transcription factor binding sites, underscoring one possible mechanistic route for the element sequences co-option as enhancers. There is also tentative evidence to suggest that MIR-enhancer function is related to the transcriptional activity of non-coding RNAs.

Conclusions
Taken together, these data reveal enhancers to be an important cis- regulatory platform from which MIRs can exercise a regulatory function in the human genome and help to resolve a long-standing conundrum as to the reason for MIRs’ deep evolutionary conservation.
Experimental analyses of metal-composite bonded joints: damage identification
Authors: de Medeiros Ricardo , Borges Emanuel Nunes , Tita Volnei 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The advent of composite co-cured and co-bonded integrated construction in aircraft structures has lead to the replacement of fastened joints with bonded joints between the skins and the stiffeners. Skin-stiffener debondings could occur due to impact or other operational reasons and it is usually internal failure. Damage identification of bonded components, which are often vital elements in many structures, is crucial for the prevention of failure of the entire structure. Thus, different researchers have investigated vibration-based methods as an alternative technique to be used in the structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Hence, this work consists of investigating experimentally through the vibration-based method, the dynamic behavior changes in a bonded metal-composite structure by using piezoelectric transducer and accelerometers in order to monitory the damage. The damage is an artificial debonding in the joint, which was simulated by inserting Teflon™ tapes within the joint. In-situ inspection as ensured by accelerometer and piezoelectric transducers (PZT) bonded to the structure. Indeed, with a simple comparison of the frequency response functions is difficult to conclude if there is damage in the structure, unless a large damage is presented. However, by using damage metrics, it is possible to identify the damage with more accuracy. Thus, the experimental results obtained by the accelerometers were compared to the data provided by the smart composite sensors (PZT). Finally, it was discussed the advantages and limitations of the experimental analyses and the identification technique proposal.
High dose tigecycline in critically ill patients with severe infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: De Pascale Gennaro , Montini Luca , Pennisi Mariano Alberto , Bernini Valentina , Maviglia Riccardo , Bello Giuseppe , Spanu Teresa , Tumbarello Mario , Antonelli Massimo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The high incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria among patients admitted to ICUs has determined an increase of tigecycline (TGC) use for the treatment of severe infections. Many concerns have been raised about the efficacy of this molecule and increased dosages have been proposed. Our purpose is to investigate TGC safety and efficacy at higher than standard doses.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data in the ICU of a teaching hospital in Rome. Data from all patients treated with TGC for a microbiologically confirmed infection were analyzed. The safety profile and efficacy of high dosing regimen use were investigated.

Results
Over the study period, 54 patients (pts) received TGC at a standard dose (SD group: 50 mg every 12 hours) and 46 at a high dose (HD group: 100 mg every 12 hours). Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter.baumannii (blaOXA-58 and blaOXA-23 genes) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (blaKPC-3 gene) were the main isolated pathogens (n = 79). There were no patients requiring TGC discontinuation or dose reduction because of adverse events. In the ventilation-associated pneumonia population (VAP) subgroup (63 patients: 30 received SD and 33 HD), the only independent predictor of clinical cure was the use of high tigecycline dose (odds ratio (OR) 6.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59 to 24.57; P = 0.009) whilst initial inadequate antimicrobial treatment (IIAT) (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.68; P = 0.01) and higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.87; P = 0.003) were independently associated with clinical failure.

Conclusions
TGC was well tolerated at a higher than standard dose in a cohort of critically ill patients with severe infections. In the VAP subgroup the high-dose regimen was associated with better outcomes than conventional administration due to Gram-negative MDR bacteria.
The socioeconomic status and family context of eating attitudes and dietary behaviours of children in Polish primary schools
Authors: Pilecki Maciej , Kowal Małgorzata , Woronkowicz Agnieszka , Kryst Łukasz , Sobiecki Jan 
Published: May 2014

Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the results of the Polish version of Maloney’s ChEAT-26, the socio-economical status of pre-pubertal pupils from Krakow schools and their family situation.Subject or material and methodsThe study group comprised 218 pupils that attended Grades from 4 to 6 and their mothers. The children’s ChEAT-26 results were related to family structure, emigration, parental education, the mother’s state of health and her subjective judgement of her state of health and her family circumstances, employment status and financial circumstances.ResultsDisordered eating attitudes of the children were elevated in families where one of the parents had emigrated. Parents with higher education levels tend to have a stronger influence on their child’s eating habits. The children of such parents are more aware of dietary standards, they tend to control their eating habits more but they also get less pleasure out of eating food. Having the mother achieve professional success, in her estimation, turned out to be positively correlated with an increased desire in her child to lose weight. A mother’s positive assessment of her family was correlated with her child’s greater compliance with the principles of healthy eating. Some of the observed correlations were different in the boys’ group and in the girls’ group.DiscussionAny discussion concerning the relationship of the obtained results with a change in the social circumstance, although likely, is only hypothetical.ConclusionsStudy has provided evidence of a connection between socioeconomic status, family variables and eating attitudes in young children in modern Poland.
Comparison of metabolic parameters and Framingham cardiovascular risk scores before and after in‐hospital treatment with antipsychotics
Authors: Wysokiński Adam , Kaźmierski Jakub , Kłoszewska Iwona 
Published: May 2014

Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Framingham cardiovascular risk scores in adult with schizophrenia after in-hospital treatment with antipsychotics.Subject or material and methodsFor 58 patients (36 women and 22 men) the following data was acquired on admission and at discharge: body height and weight, waist circumference, cigarette smoking, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TGA), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood pressure, concomitant use of antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic medications.ResultsMean TGA levels increased significantly (140.32 mg/dL vs. 180.17 mg/dL), other parameters did not change. MetS prevalence on admission and at discharge did not differ significantly, irrespective of definition used (IDF: 50.00% vs. 60.34%; ATPIII: 39.66% vs. 43.10%; ATPIII A: 46.55% vs. 51.72%). Two cardiovascular risk scores were reduced at discharge: stroke, 10-year (4.10% vs. 3.46%) and hypertension, 4-year (22.18% vs. 16.58%). Other Framingham risk scores did not change. Very high prevalence of abnormal body weight (up to 65%), abdominal obesity (63% in men and 89% in women), hypertension (>50%) and lipid abnormalities (31-64%) was found.DiscussionWe have found a very high rate of MetS in patients treated with antipsychotics. No metabolic parameters improved after hospital stay, while some worsened. This did not, however, result in increased risk of cardiovascular events. Abnormal body weight and lipid abnormalities were very common in our study population.ConclusionsOur results indicate that metabolic parameters should be monitored regularly, particularly in outpatient settings, and appropriate treatment should be introduced as soon as any significant changes are found.
Seeing Stars: Matthew Effects and Status Bias in Major League Baseball Umpiring
Authors: Kim Jerry W. , King Brayden G 
Published: May 2014

This paper tests the assumption that evaluators are biased to positively evaluate high-status individuals, irrespective of quality. Using unique data from Major League Baseball umpires' evaluation of pitch quality, which allow us to observe the difference in a pitch's objective quality and in its perceived quality as judged by the umpire, we show that umpires are more likely to overrecognize quality by expanding the strike zone, and less likely to underrecognize quality by missing pitches in the strike zone for high-status pitchers. Ambiguity and the pitcher's reputation as a “control pitcher” moderate the effect of status on umpire judgment. Furthermore, we show that umpire errors resulting from status bias lead to actual performance differences for the pitcher and team. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1967 . This paper was accepted by Jesper Sørensen, organizations.
Business Modeling to Improve Auditor Risk Assessment: An Investigation of Alternative Representations
Authors: Boritz J. Efrim , Carnaghan Carla , Alencar Paulo S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effects of alternative methods for documenting business models on audit risk assessment behavior. We consider tabular versus diagrammatic representations of the relationship between business model components such as environmental factors, strategic goals, internal processes and resources, and financial statement accounts. Multiple scenarios based on a real company were constructed and 24 participants, including audit partners, managers, and novice auditors performed a risk assessment for each scenario, presented in either a diagrammatic or a tabular format. The participants' verbal discussions as they performed the risk assessments were tape recorded, transcribed, and coded. A content analysis of the participants' coded verbal behavior indicates that the tabular presentation appears to elicit more frequent mention of accounts by the participants, while the diagram format leads to more mentions of other business model components. There is also some evidence of expertise effects.
This study indicates that a tabular presentation can possess many of the benefits often associated with a diagrammatic representation. However, in our study, obtaining such benefits involved the deliberate structuring of the tabular presentation to organize the components of the business model and the links between them and financial statement accounts.
STD Testing and Compliance with CDC and USPSTF HIV Testing Guidelines in a Regional Cohort of Emergency Departments
Authors: Hustey Fredric M. , Phelan Michael P. , O'keefe Sharon , Barbour Tracy M. 
Published: May 2014

In 2003, the CDC estimated that 1 million people in the USA were living with HIV/AIDS, and 25% were undiagnosed. For many such patients the ED may be the only contact with the health care system. This study assessed compliance with CDC and USPTF guidelines for HIV testing in patients seeking evaluation for STDs in a regional cohort of emergency departments. 13927 patients patients underwent screening for STDs during the study period. Only 397 (2.85%) also received HIV screening while 107 (0.8%) received both HIV and syphyllis screening as per federal recommendations.
Strengthening Civil Registration System in AP, India: Lessons from a 4 Year Study
Authors: Madala Jayaram , Sulgodu Ramachandra Srikrishna 
Published: May 2014

Civil Registration System (CRS) in India has been in vogue for more than 100 years now. Even after 4 decades of the enactment of the Act, there are wide inter-state and intra-state variations. Objectives 1. To assess the district wise reporting and registrations of births and deaths in AP from 2007 - 2010. 2. To make an urban vs. rural comparison of proportions of these registrations. 3. To identify factors influencing civil registration in AP and steps for strengthening CRS. The article discusses, determinants of civil registration in India & strategies for strengthening reporting & registrations.
Hydrophobic sponge for spilled oil absorption
Authors: Peng Lei , Yuan Shuai , Yan Ge , Yu Ping , Luo Yunbai 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAs the ecological damage caused by marine oil spills has become one main threat to marine ecological security, materials that can reduce environmental pollution are in high demand. In this study, a simple low‐cost method for fabricating a hydrophobic polyurethane sponge was investigated. Its hydrophobicity was evaluated through the measurement of the contact angles of water and oil. The mechanical properties, oil‐absorption capacity, and selectivity were also tested. The results show that this sponge exhibited good mechanical properties, a high absorption capacity and selectivity, and a high reusability (>200 times) in oil–water separation. More importantly, the absorbed oil could be collected by simple squeezing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40886.
Gedrungene Stützen aus UHPFRC mit hochfester Längsbewehrung
Authors: Steven Guido , Empelmann Martin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMit dem Einsatz von ultrahochfestem Beton und hochfester Längsbewehrung kann die Tragfähigkeit von Stahlbetonstützen deutlich erhöht werden. Um dieses Potenzial erschließen zu können, muss das Tragverhalten infolge Normalkraft und Biegung bekannt sein. Am iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig, wurden im Rahmen des von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft geförderten Schwerpunktprogramms SPP 1182 [1] experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchungen zum Trag‐ und Nachbruchverhalten von Stützen aus ultrahochfestem Faserbeton (UHPFRC) mit hochfester Längsbewehrung unter zentrischem und einachsig exzentrischem Längsdruck durchgeführt. In diesem Beitrag werden die Untersuchungsergebnisse und ein hieraus abgeleiteter Vorschlag zur Bemessung von gedrungenen UHPFRC‐Stützen in Anlehnung an den EC2 [2] vorgestellt. Zugleich werden Empfehlungen zur konstruktiven Durchbildung gegeben, die ein progressives Versagen verhindern.UHPFRC‐Columns with high‐strength longitudinal reinforcementThe bearing capacity of reinforced compression members can be significantly increased by the use of ultra‐high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and high‐strength longitudinal reinforcement. To develop this potential for reinforced concrete columns the bearing behaviour under axial force and bending must be known. The iBMB, department of concrete structures of the TU Braunschweig, has conducted experimental and theoretical research works on the bearing and post‐fracture behaviour of UHPFRC‐columns with high‐strength longitudinal reinforcement under centric and eccentric loads within the priority program SPP 1182 [1], which was funded by the German Research Foundation. This paper presents the results of the investigations and a proposal for the dimensioning of short UHPFRC‐columns in dependence on EC2 [2] and recommendations for a structural design in order to avoid a progressive collapse.