bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gravity current propagation up a valley
Authors: Jones Catherine S. , Cenedese Claudia , Chassignet Eric P. , Linden P. F. , Sutherland Bruce R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe advance of the front of a dense gravity current propagating in a rectangular channel and V-shaped valley both horizontally and up a shallow slope is examined through theory, full-depth lock–release laboratory experiments and hydrostatic numerical simulations. Consistent with theory, experiments and simulations show that the front speed is relatively faster in the valley than in the channel. The front speed measured shortly after release from the lock is 5–22 % smaller than theory, with greater discrepancy found in upsloping V-shaped valleys. By contrast, the simulated speed is approximately 6 % larger than theory, showing no dependence on slope for rise angles up to ${\it\theta}=8^{\circ }$. Unlike gravity currents in a channel, the current head is observed in experiments to be more turbulent when propagating in a V-shaped valley. The turbulence is presumably enhanced due to the lateral flows down the sloping sides of the valley. As a consequence, lateral momentum transport contributes to the observed lower initial speeds. A Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin like theory predicting the deceleration of the current as it runs upslope agrees remarkably well with simulations and with most experiments, within errors.
Customer dissatisfaction among older consumers: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: CAMERON MICHAEL P. , RICHARDSON MARGARET , SIAMEJA SIALUPAPU 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTWorldwide, populations are ageing and consequently so are the consumer profiles for most organisations. Understanding how best to ensure satisfaction in interactions with older customers, patients, members of organisations, and so on is therefore increasingly important. This paper examines two research questions: (a) How satisfied or dissatisfied are older people with their customer service experience, and what are the factors associated with dissatisfaction? and (b) What prompts older people to want to change service providers? The research questions are addressed using a mixed-methods approach – quantitative analysis of observation logs, supported by illustrative quotes from focus groups. We find that on the whole older people are generally satisfied with their interactions with organisations, although a substantial minority of interactions lead to dissatisfaction or lower-than-expected satisfaction. Dissatisfaction with interactions is mostly associated with impersonal communications, including interactions that are not conducted face to face, and those that are one-off interactions rather than repeated interactions. Media and communications firms prompted the greatest levels of dissatisfaction among older consumers. Dissatisfied older consumers from our sample are more than 12 times more likely to report an intention to switch providers than satisfied consumers. This highlights the potential costs to organisations of poor customer interactions with older people.
Design and locomotion analysis of a novel deformable mobile robot with worm-like, self-crossing and rolling motion
Authors: Tian Yaobin , Yao Yan-An , Ding Wan , Xun Zhiyuan 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThis paper presents a novel deformable mobile robot with five degrees of freedom (DOFs). The robot contains two equivalent expandable triangular platforms connected by three equivalent chains. Each platform is a regular triangle with a single DOF. Each chain consists of two links and three joints (one spherical joint at the middle of a chain, and one revolute joint at each end of the chain). Through kinematic and locomotion mode analysis, the robot exhibits three motion modes: worm-like, self-crossing, and rolling modes. The worm-like and self-crossing modes can be used for narrow passages (e.g., pipelines, holes, and caves). The rolling mode has three different directions at the initial state. By switching between these, the robot can operate on rough ground. To verify the locomotion modes and functionality of the robot, the results of a series of experiments performed on a manufactured prototype are reported.
We Must Create Beings with Moral Standing Superior to Our Own
Authors: RAKIĆ VOJIN 
Published: December 2014

Abstract:Several lines of reasoning have been employed to both approve and disapprove two of Nicholas Agar’s positions: his argument that the creation of postpersons (based on moral status enhancement) is imaginable and possible and his inductive argument disfavoring the creation of postpersons. This article discusses a number of these lines of reasoning, arguing that1)The creation of postpersons is imaginable if they are envisaged as morally enhanced beings.2)The creation of postpersons is justified, subject to the condition that we create morally enhanced postpersons.The reason given for the first point is that it is possible to imagine postpersons who are morally enhanced, provided that we consider moral enhancement as an augmented inclination to act in line with how we believe we ought to act. There are two reasons offered for the second point: the first indicates probability, and the second offers proof. That is, if we assume that the higher moral status of postpersons implies their enhanced morality, we can conclude, inductively, that (morally enhanced) postpersons will not be inclined to annihilate mere persons. For if mere persons have moral inhibitions against obliterating some species of a lower moral status than their own, morally enhanced postpersons will be even less likely to do the same to mere persons. In fact, they might consider it their moral duty to preserve those beings who enabled them to come into existence. Moreover, even if morally enhanced postpersons decide to annihilate mere persons, we can conclude, deductively, that such a decision is by necessity a morally superior stance to the wish of mere persons (i.e., morally unenhanced persons) to continue to exist.
THE FINITE FOURIER TRANSFORM OF CLASSICAL POLYNOMIALS
Authors: DIXIT ATUL , JIU LIN , MOLL VICTOR H. , VIGNAT CHRISTOPHE 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe finite Fourier transform of a family of orthogonal polynomials is the usual transform of these polynomials extended by$0$outside their natural domain of orthogonality. Explicit expressions are given for the Legendre, Jacobi, Gegenbauer and Chebyshev families.
The homeobox gene DLX4 promotes generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Tamaoki Naritaka , Takahashi Kazutoshi , Aoki Hitomi , Iida Kazuki , Kawaguchi Tomoko , Hatakeyama Daijirou , Inden Masatoshi , Chosa Naoyuki , Ishisaki Akira , Kunisada Takahiro , Shibata Toshiyuki , Goshima Naoki , Yamanaka Shinya , Tezuka Ken-ichi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by defined transcription factors has been a well-established technique and will provide an invaluable resource for regenerative medicine. However, the low reprogramming efficiency of human iPSC is still a limitation for clinical application. Here we showed that the reprogramming potential of human dental pulp cells (DPCs) obtained from immature teeth is much higher than those of mature teeth DPCs. Furthermore, immature teeth DPCs can be reprogrammed by OCT3/4 and SOX2, conversely these two factors are insufficient to convert mature teeth DPCs to pluripotent states. Using a gene expression profiles between these two DPC groups, we identified a new transcript factor, distal-less homeobox 4 (DLX4), which was highly expressed in immature teeth DPCs and significantly promoted human iPSC generation in combination with OCT3/4, SOX2 and KLF4. We further show that activation of TGF-β signaling suppresses the expression of DLX4 in DPCs and impairs the iPSC generation of DPCs. Our findings indicate that DLX4 can functionally replace c-MYC and supports efficient reprogramming of immature teeth DPCs.
The association between government healthcare spending and maternal mortality in the European Union, 1981–2010: a retrospective study
Authors: Maruthappu M , Ng KYB , Williams C , Atun R , Agrawal P , Zeltner T 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the association between reductions in government healthcare spending (GHS) on maternal mortality in 24 countries in the European Union (EU) over a 30‐year period, 1981–2010.DesignRetrospective study.Setting and populationTwenty‐four EU countries (a total population of 419 million as of 2010).MethodsWe used multivariate regression analysis, controlling for country‐specific differences in healthcare, infrastructure, population size and demographic structure. GHS was measured as a percentage of gross domestic product. Five‐year lag‐time analyses were performed to estimate longer standing effects.Main outcome measuresMaternal mortality rates.ResultsAn annual 1% decrease in GHS is associated with significant rises in maternal mortality rates [regression coefficient [R] 0.0177, P = 0.0021, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.0065–0.0289]. For every annual 1% decrease in GHS, we estimate 89 excess maternal deaths in the EU, a 10.6% annual increase in maternal mortality. The impact on maternal mortality was sustained for up to 1 year (R 0.0150, P = 0.0034, 95% CI 0.0050–0.0250). The associations remained significant after accounting for economic, infrastructure and hospital resource controls, in addition to out‐of‐pocket expenditure, private health spending and total fertility rate. However, accounting for births attended by skilled staff removed the significance of these effects.ConclusionsReductions in GHS were significantly associated with increased maternal mortality rates, which may occur through changes in the provision of skilled health professionals attending births. Examples of reduced GHS such as the implementation of austerity measures and budgetary reductions are likely to worsen maternal mortality in the EU.
Intervention Strategies for Reducing Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in Seafood: A Review
Authors: Wang Wen , Li Min , Li Yanbin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractVibrio parahaeomolyticus, a natural inhabitant in estuarine marine water, has been frequently isolated from seafood. It has been recognized as the leading causative agent for seafoodborne illness all over the world. Numerous physical, chemical, and biological intervention methods for reducing V. parahaeomolyticus in seafood products have been investigated and practiced. Each intervention method has distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on the processing needs and consumer preference. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various intervention strategies for reducing V. parahaeomolyticus in seafood with an emphasis on the efficiency of bacterial inactivation treatments and the changes in sensory qualities of seafood. In the meantime, reported researches on alternative technologies which have shown effectiveness to inactivate V. parahaemolyticus in seawater and other food products, but not directly in seafood are also included. The successful applications of appropriate intervention strategies could effectively reduce or eliminate the contamination of V. parahaeomolyticus in seafood, and consequently contribute to the improvement of seafood safety and the reduction of public health risk.
Intraoperative circulatory management using the FloTracTM system in laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Kitaguchi Kazuhiko , Gotohda Naoto , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kato Yuichiro , Takahashi Shinichiro , Konishi Masaru , Hayashi Ryuichi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionSeveral studies have shown that maintenance of the central venous pressure at a low level during liver surgery is effective for intraoperative management. However, others have suggested that stroke volume variation (SVV) may be a better predictor of fluid responsiveness than central venous pressure. The purpose of this study is to conduct a new type of circulatory management using the FloTracTM system in laparoscopic liver resection and to evaluate specific fluctuations in SVV.MethodsOf the laparoscopic liver resections that we performed between March 2012 and December 2013, we used the FloTrac system for intraoperative circulatory management in 21 cases. We analyzed the data, mainly the average value of SVV.ResultsThe average SVV value during liver transection was 5.2%–24.6% (mean, 17.0%), and 18 cases (86%) exceeded the conventional cut‐off value (13%). The average SVV value was 4.3%–18.2% (mean, 9.7%) when pneumoperitoneum was not in effect, whereas it was 7.3% greater on average during liver transection (mean, 17.0%). No perioperative complications developed.ConclusionThe average SVV value during laparoscopic liver transection (mean, 17.0%) exceeded the conventional cut‐off value, but in this study, no perioperative complications developed, which enabled safe management. We might be able to manage appropriate fluid control using FloTrac system in patients with laparoscopic liver resection. Therefore, it is necessary to set the target SVV and conduct prospective trials to verify the safety margin for intraoperative management in the future.
Discovering the unequal interest in popular online educational games and its implications: A case study
Authors: Zhang Meilan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDespite the growing scholarly interest in educational computer games, research on popular online educational games is rare. Little is known about which online educational games are popular and to what extent, what kind of users are more interested in these games and how interest in the games is related to academic performance. To fill this gap, this study analyzed Internet search, national educational assessment and sociodemographic data to examine the relationship between interest in a popular children‐oriented educational gaming site, academic performance and sociodemographic factors. Data analysis showed that disadvantaged youth may be more interested in the gaming site and that the interest was a negative predictor of academic performance in the subsequent year.
Marines, medics, and machismo: Lack of fit with masculine occupational stereotypes discourages men's participation
Authors: Peters Kim , Ryan Michelle K. , Haslam S. Alexander 
Published: December 2014

Women have made substantial inroads into some traditionally masculine occupations (e.g., accounting, journalism) but not into others (e.g., military, surgery). Evidence suggests the latter group of occupations is characterized by hyper‐masculine ‘macho’ stereotypes that are especially disadvantageous to women. Here, we explore whether such macho occupational stereotypes may be especially tenacious, not just because of their impact on women, but also because of their impact on men. We examined whether macho stereotypes associated with marine commandos and surgeons discourage men who feel that they are ‘not man enough’. Study 1 demonstrates that male new recruits' (N = 218) perceived lack of fit with masculine commandos was associated with reduced occupational identification and motivation. Study 2 demonstrates that male surgical trainees' (N = 117) perceived lack of fit with masculine surgeons was associated with reduced identification and increased psychological exit a year later. Together, this suggests that macho occupational stereotypes may discourage the very men who may challenge them.
Harnessing the power of Vδ2 cells in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Fowler D W , Bodman-Smith M D 
Published: December 2014

Summaryγδ T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that have been implicated in immunosurveillance against infections and tumours. In the peripheral blood of humans the γδ T cell pool is made up predominantly of Vδ2 cells, which can detect both foreign and self-metabolites of the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. This unique axis of antigen recognition enables Vδ2 cells to respond to a range of pathogenic infections as well as perturbations in endogenous isoprenoid biosynthesis that can occur during cell stress and malignant transformation. There has been growing interest in Vδ2 cells as a potential avenue for cancer immunotherapy, and a number of strategies have been utilized in an attempt to boost the anti-tumour response of Vδ2 cells in patients. In this review we discuss critically the evidence that Vδ2 cells contribute to the cytotoxic response against tumours and evaluate current immunotherapeutic approaches that target these cells in cancer patients, with specific focus on their shortcomings and how they may be improved.
Current practices in the identification of critical habitat for threatened species
Authors: Camaclang Abbey E. , Maron Martine , Martin Tara G. , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe term critical habitat is used to describe the subset of habitat that is essential to the survival and recovery of species. Some countries legally require that critical habitat of listed threatened and endangered species be identified and protected. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the identification of critical habitat has had much impact on species recovery. We hypothesized that this may be due at least partly to a mismatch between the intent of critical habitat identification, which is to protect sufficient habitat for species persistence and recovery, and its practice. We used content analysis to systematically review critical habitat documents from the United States, Canada, and Australia. In particular, we identified the major trends in type of information used to identify critical habitat and in occupancy of habitat identified as critical. Information about population viability was used to identify critical habitat for only 1% of the species reviewed, and for most species, designated critical habitat did not include unoccupied habitat. Without reference to population viability, it is difficult to determine how much of a species’ occupied and unoccupied habitat will be required for persistence. We therefore conclude that the identification of critical habitat remains inconsistent with the goal of protecting sufficient habitat to support persistence and recovery of the species. Ensuring that critical habitat identification aligns more closely with its intent will improve the accuracy of the designations and may therefore help improve the benefits to species recovery when combined with adequate implementation and enforcement of legal protections.
A model of posttraumatic epilepsy after penetrating brain injuries: Effect of lesion size and metal fragments
Authors: Kendirli M. Tansel , Rose Dominique T. , Bertram Edward H. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectivePenetrating brain injury (PBI) has the highest risk for inducing posttraumatic epilepsy, and those PBIs with retained foreign materials such as bullet fragments carry the greatest risk. This study examines the potential contribution of copper, a major component of bullets, to the development of epilepsy following PBI.MethodsAnesthetized adult male rats received a penetrating injury from the dorsal cortex to the ventral hippocampus from a high speed small bit drill. In one group of animals, copper wire was inserted into the lesion. Control animals had only the lesion or the lesion plus stainless steel wire (biologically inert foreign body). From 6 to up to 11 months following the injury the rats were monitored intermittently for the development of epilepsy with video–electroencephalography (EEG). A separate set of animals was examined for possible acute seizures in the week following the injury.ResultsTwenty‐two of the 23 animals with copper wire developed chronic epilepsy, compared to three of the 20 control rats (lesion and lesion with stainless steel). Copper was associated with more extensive injury. The control rats with epilepsy had larger lesions. In the acute injury group, there was no difference in the incidence of seizures (83% lesion plus stainless steel, 70% lesion plus copper).SignificanceCopper increases the risk for epilepsy and may increase damage over time, but there were no differences between the groups in the incidence of acute postinjury seizures. Lesion size may contribute to epilepsy development in lesion‐only animals. Copper may be an independent risk factor for the development of epilepsy and possible secondary injury, but lesion size also contributes to the development of epilepsy. The consequences of prolonged exposure of the brain to copper observed in these animals may have clinical implications that require further evaluation.
Consulting with young people to inform systematic reviews: an example from a review on the effects of schools on health
Authors: Jamal Farah , Langford Rebecca , Daniels Philip , Thomas James , Harden Angela , Bonell Chris 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increasing interest in involving the public in systematic reviews as they provide a shortcut to the evidence and arguably have greater influence over policy decisions and ultimately people's lives. Case examples of this involvement are rare, especially for reviews focused on children and young people. This study describes the process and impact of consulting with a young people's advisory group to inform decision making in a systematic review on the effects of schools and school environment interventions on children and young people's health.MethodsConsultations were conducted with a pre‐existing group of young people brought together to advise on public health research. Their views were sought at two key stages: (i) at the beginning when general views relating to the policy problem under study were elicited; and (ii) half‐way through to advise on how to focus the review on key priorities.ResultsYoung people's involvement in our review ensured that the scope of our review was appropriate and that issues which were important to young people were considered. The group was especially valuable in terms of prioritizing in a relevant and meaningful way. A crucial additional impact of involvement was young people providing ‘early signals’ of key themes for the synthesis.
An efficient intelligent search algorithm for the two‐dimensional rectangular strip packing problem
Authors: Wei Lijun , Qin Hu , Cheang Brenda , Xu Xianhao 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we present an efficient intelligent search algorithm for the two‐dimensional rectangular strip packing problem. This algorithm involves three stages, namely greedy selection, local improvement, and randomized improvement. The greedy selection stage provides a good initial solution for the local improvement stage, which then tries to improve the solution by a deterministic local search. The randomized improvement stage employs a simple randomized local search process, which does not need any control parameter. Each of these three stages uses a heuristic approach to construct solutions based on an improved scoring rule and the least‐waste‐first strategy. Extensive experiments show that, to the best of our knowledge, our proposed algorithm performs slightly better than all previously published metaheuristics for most of the benchmark instances.