bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural differences in conceptual models of ride comfort for high‐speed trains
Authors: Lee Joo Hwan , Jin Beom Suk , Ji Yong Gu , Yun Myung Hwan 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study focuses on an analysis of the difference in cultural experiences for similar services through analyzing the difference in conceptual models of ride comfort for passengers of KTX (Korea Train eXpress) and TGV (Train a Grand Vitesse). These trains operate with identical platforms; KTX was introduced by K‐TGV (Korea‐TGV) based on TGV (French high‐speed train). For the conceptual models of ride comfort, this study surveyed 200 KTX passengers on the Seoul‐‐Busan line (duration: 2 hours 30 minutes) and surveyed 150 France TGV passengers on the Paris‐‐Marseilles line (duration: 2 hours 40 minutes). The conceptual models of ride comfort were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). In the results of the study, though there were differences in cultural environment (e.g., physical environment, body size, etc.) and cultural mentality (e.g., preference, unconscious rule, etc.), the models of ride comfort for both countries shared similar critical factors. However, there were significant differences in loading values of ride comfort for these critical factors. In particular, there were differences of 1.5 to 2 times between the two models regarding the subfactors seat factor and human fatigue factor. In conclusion, this study elicits that experience factor is the most influential on ride comfort, and cultural factors are applied as essential variables in ride comfort improvement. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulating short‐circuiting flow in a constructed wetland: the implications of bathymetry and vegetation effects
Authors: Min Joong‐Hyuk , Wise William R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractShort‐circuiting flow, commonly experienced in many constructed wetlands, reduces hydraulic retention times in unit wetland cells and decreases the treatment efficiency. A two‐dimensional (2‐D), physically based, distributed modelling approach was used to systematically address the effects of bathymetry and vegetation on short‐circuiting flow, which previously have been neglected or lumped in one‐dimensional wetland flow models. In this study, a 2‐D transient hydrodynamics with advection‐dispersion model was developed using MIKE 21 and calibrated with bromide tracer data collected at the Orlando Easterly Wetland Cell 7. The estimated topographic difference between short‐circuiting flow zone and adjacent area ranged from 0·3 to 0·8 m. A range of the Manning roughness coefficient at the short‐circuiting flow zone was estimated (0·022–0·045 s m−1/3). Sensitivity analysis of topographical and vegetative heterogeneity deduced during model calibration shows that relic ditches or other ditch‐shaped landforms and the associated sparse vegetation along the main flow direction intensify the short‐circuiting pattern, considerably affecting 2‐D solute transport simulation. In terms of hydraulic efficiency, this study indicates that the bathymetry effect on short‐circuiting flow is more important than the vegetation effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation of the enhancement of field‐scale effective matrix diffusion coefficient in a single fracture using a semi‐analytical power series solution
Authors: Liou Tai‐Sheng 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA power series solution for convergent radial transport in a single fracture (PCRTSF) is developed. Transport processes considered in PCRTSF include advection and hydrodynamic dispersion in the fracture, molecular diffusion in the matrix, diffusive mass exchange across the fracture‐matrix interface, and mixing effects in the injection and the extraction boreholes. An analytical solution in terms of a power series in Laplace domain is developed first, which is then numerically inverted by de‐Hoog et al.'s algorithm. Four dimensionless parameters determine the behaviour of a breakthrough curve (BTC) calculated by PCRTSF, which are, in the order of decreasing sensitivity, the matrix diffusion factor, two mixing factors, and the Peclet number. The first parameter is lumped from matrix porosity, effective matrix diffusion coefficient, fracture aperture, and retardation factors. Its value increases as the matrix diffusion effect becomes significant. A non‐zero matrix diffusion factor results in a − 3/2 slope of the tail of a log–log BTC, a common property for tracer diffusion into an infinite matrix. Both mixing factors have equal effects on BTC characteristics. However, the Peclet number has virtually no effect on BTC tail. PCRTSF is applied to re‐analyse two published test results that were obtained from convergent radial tracer tests in a discrete, horizontal fracture in Silurian dolomite. PCRTSF is able to fit the field BTCs better than the original channel model does if a large matrix diffusion coefficient is used. Noticeably, the ratio of field‐scale to lab‐scale matrix diffusion coefficients can be as large as 378. This enhancement of the field‐scale matrix diffusion coefficient may be ascribed to the presence of a degraded zone at the fracture‐matrix interface because of karstic effects, or to flow channeling as a result of aperture heterogeneity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro evaluation of porous poly(L‐lactic acid) scaffold reinforced by chitin fibers
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Liu Xinhui , Dong Wei , Feng Qingling , Cui Fuzhai , Uo Motohiro , Akasaka Tsukasa , Watari Fumio 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this study, the previously reported porous three‐dimensional poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds reinforced by the chitin fibers (PLLA/CF) with and without the link were evaluated in vitro. Firstly, pH value of the phosphate buffered saline lixiviums of the PLLA/CF with different content of the chitin fibers was measured to get an appropriate content of the chitin fibers in the PLLA/CF. Then, the cell functions (attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase per unit cell, total protein per unit cell, and osteonectin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin gene expression) of human osteoblast‐like cells (SaOS2) cultured on the PLLA/CF with the link, PLLA/CF without the link and PLLA scaffold were compared. The results showed that the link treatment did not significantly influence the pH value of the lixiviums of the scaffolds, 30% volume content might be an appropriate content of the chitin fibers in PLLA/CF scaffold to keep the pH value of the lixiviums of the scaffolds between 7.0 and 7.2 during the lixiviation time of 16 weeks, the PLLA/CF scaffold was significantly better for the attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the osteoblast than PLLA, the link treatment did not significantly influence these cells activities, which further suggested that PLLA/CF with the link treatment might be an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Medical‐grade silicone induces release of proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells without activating T cells
Authors: Miro‐Mur Francesc , Hindié Mathilde , Kandhaya‐Pillai Renuka , Tobajas Vanessa , Schwartz Simo , Alijotas‐Reig Jaume 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFor more than 40 years, silicone implants had been employed in aesthetic, cosmetic medicine, and plastic surgery. Although adverse reactions produced by these products are rare, cases of immuno‐mediated reactions have been reported. To evaluate the aspects of immuno‐reactivity to medical‐grade silicone dermal filler, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 39 individuals were studied. PBMC used include individuals with silicone injection‐related delayed adverse reactions, with silicone injections, and healthy control. Silicone induced production of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in all three groups. Notably, elevated production of IL‐6 was observed in nonstimulated PBMC and also the percentage of CD4+CD69+ T cells was higher in PHA‐stimulated PBMC from individuals with silicone injection‐related adverse reactions when compared with other two groups. However, IFN‐γ was not released in silicone‐stimulated or silicone+LPS‐stimulated PBMC from any group and no production of IL‐2 was measured indicating no proliferative response of PBMC. Subsequently, no CD4+CD69+ T cells were observed in these conditions. Finally, the inflammatory response in silicone‐stimulated cultures of monocyte‐derived macrophages with autologous lymphocytes is lesser than that observed in PBMC. In conclusion, silicone induces a release of proinflammatory cytokines but does not act as a polyclonal activator of CD4+ T cells. Thus, silicone is mounting an immune response in individuals with silicone‐related adverse effects but is not silicone antigen‐dependent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Treatment of severe amitriptyline intoxication with plasmapheresis
Authors: Kolsal Ebru , Tekin Ishak Özel , Piskin Etem , Aydemir Cumhur , Akyüz Mehmet , Çabuk Hasan , Eldes Nilüfer , Numanoglu Varim 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTricyclic antidepressant poisoning is one of the most common causes of serious intoxication. Here, we report a 2‐year‐old girl with severe amitriptyline (70 mg/kg) intoxication. She was in comatose, had generalized tonic clonic seizure, ventricular tachycardia, and wide QRS complexes. Although she did not respond to classical therapies, very good clinical response to plasmapheresis was obtained and she developed no complications. Thus, plasmapheresis may be an effective treatment modality in poisoning with drugs, which bind to plasma proteins with high affinity. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell density‐dependent changes in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization via the P2Y2 receptor in rat bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Ichikawa Jun , Gemba Hisae 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are an interesting subject of research because they have characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. We investigated intracellular Ca2+ signaling in rat BMSCs. Agonists for purinergic receptors increased intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i). The order of potency followed ATP = UTP > ADP = UDP. ATP‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was suppressed by U73122 and suramin, but not by pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS), suggesting the functional expression of G protein‐coupled P2Y2 receptors. RT‐PCR and immunohistochemical studies also showed the expression of P2Y2 receptors. [Ca2+]i response to UTP changed with cell density. The UTP‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was greatest at high density. Vmax (maximum Ca2+ response) and EC50 (agonist concentration that evokes 50% of Vmax) suggest that the amount and property of P2Y2 receptors were changed by cell density. Note that UTP induced Ca2+ oscillation at only medium cell density. Pharmacological studies indicated that UTP‐induced Ca2+ oscillation required Ca2+ influx by store‐operated Ca2+ entry. Carbenoxolone, a gap junction blocker, enhanced Ca2+ oscillation. Immunohistochemical and quantitative real‐time PCR studies revealed that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells declined but the mRNA expression level of the P2Y2 receptor increased as cell density increased. Co‐application of fetal calf serum with UTP induced Ca2+ oscillation at high cell density. These results suggest that the different patterns observed for [Ca2+]i mobilization with respect to cell density may be associated with cell cycle progression. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 372–381, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in atomic resolution in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy and 1Å aberration corrected in situ electron microscopy
Authors: Gai Pratibha L. , Boyes Edward D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAdvances in atomic resolution in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy for direct probing of gas‐solid reactions, including at very high temperatures (∼2000°C) are described. In addition, recent developments of dynamic real time in situ studies at the Angstrom level using a hot stage in an aberration corrected environment are presented. In situ data from Pt/Pd nanoparticles on carbon with the corresponding FFT/optical diffractogram illustrate an achieved resolution of 0.11 nm at 500°C and higher in a double aberration corrected TEM/STEM instrument employing a wider gap objective pole piece. The new results open up opportunities for dynamic studies of materials in an aberration corrected environment. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smart technology: the leadership challenge
Authors: Kakabadse Nada K. , Lee‐Davies Linda , Kakabadse Andrew 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

This paper takes a lateral approach toward developing discussion around the challenge for the modern‐day leader in the area of fast‐moving technological change. It isolates Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a barometer for the typical multi‐level manifestations any leader can expect from the implementation of any new technology.

Rather than focus on operational change itself, this paper embraces emotional and ethical considerations without specific or cosmetically prescribed answers. Written to provoke individual thought, the text contains a range of catalytic concepts so leaders can develop their own diagnostic/evaluative approach and plan their own tailored strategy using the knowledge they have of their own business.

An interesting and harder result of ethical conflict along with a mixed emotional cost–benefit analysis emerges as a serious matter for leaders to factor into their calculative vision at both tactical and strategic levels. The paper concludes that only through carefully considered leadership development can the paradoxes created by such new technology be effectively handled.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic planning tools and techniques in Jordan: awareness and use
Authors: Aldehayyat Jehad S. , Anchor John R. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the awareness and use of strategic planning tools and techniques by Jordanian public companies in the financial, service, and industrial sectors. A cross‐sectional survey was employed rather than in‐depth, case study‐type analysis. Single respondents, rather than multiple respondents, participated in the study for each company. This is the first study of the use of strategic planning tools and techniques in Jordan and one of the first in the Middle East as a whole.

The main findings of this research are: that the most used techniques by Jordanian companies are financial analysis (for own business), PEST or STEP analysis, Porter's five‐forces analysis, and analysis of key (critical) success factors; that the managers of these companies have an awareness of most of the techniques surveyed; and that the use of strategy tools and techniques relates more to the size of company and less to the age and nature of business.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From operating efficiency to competitive edge: lessons from small firms in Botswana
Authors: Temtime Z. T. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Today's business environment is characterized by stiff competition, rapid technological advancements, and changing requirements of customers and employees. To grow and survive in this turbulent environment, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must balance the emphasis they put on the improvement of short‐term operational efficiency and long‐term competitiveness. Due to the apparent lack of resources and expertise, most SMEs pay very little attention to long‐term competitiveness and dynamism. Preoccupied with operational bits and pieces, SMEs lack strategic awareness and orientation.

Strategic awareness is a mental process of continually evaluating organizational and environmental factors and improving on how they are identified, recognized, influenced, and interpreted, and consequently used in making strategic business decisions. The widespread use of short‐term‐oriented, non‐formal business planning practices indicates lack of strategic awareness and competitiveness among SMEs.

This paper examines the degree of emphasis attached by SMEs, during their business planning, to the achievement of long‐term competitive advantages by presenting evidence from a recent empirical study based on data collected from 91 SMEs and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation.

The findings indicated that SMEs put greater emphasis on short‐term profitability and operational efficiency than developing strategic awareness and long‐term competitiveness. Although this could be attributed to the relative lack of resources required for the implementation of strategic planning, policy deployment, and positioning, SMEs should be assisted to think and act strategically if they are to survive and grow in today's turbulent and dynamic markets.

Government agencies, policy‐makers, consultants, non‐governmental organizations, and other small business support agencies must redirect their efforts toward bridging the gap between short‐term operational efficiency and strategic competitiveness and sustainability. This paper provides managerial and policy implications for SMEs, SME support agencies, government and non‐government agencies, and future research.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the temporal dynamics of tourism demand in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Cho Vincent 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUsing the monthly statistics of tourists from four different origins (America, Europe, Asia and Oceania) among seven places in the Asia Pacific region for a period from January 1991 to December 2005, we investigate these 28 time series using the Holt‐Winters method, artificial neural network and numerical graphical plots. Interesting comparisons on level fluctuations, trends and seasonal patterns of the time series among the Asia Pacific region are explored. These findings enable us to understand more about the temporal aspect of tourism demand in the Asia Pacific region. In sum, this paper lays out the importance of understanding the trend and seasonality indices in details. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of prior psychological symptoms and combat exposure to post Iraq deployment mental health in the UK military
Authors: Rona Roberto J. , Hooper Richard , Jones Margaret , Iversen Amy C. , Hull Lisa , Murphy Dominic , Hotopf Matthew , Wessely Simon 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study assessed the contribution of baseline psychological symptoms, combat exposure, and unit support in the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychological distress. From 2004–2006, 67% of a random sample of 2,820 participants who had been assessed for psychological symptoms in 2002 were reassessed. Baseline psychological symptoms, combat exposure, and unit support factors were associated with the outcomes and the effect sizes for combat exposure were marked for PTSD symptoms. Adjustment for baseline psychological symptoms did not modify the pattern of association of group cohesion and combat exposures. The authors concluded that combat exposure and group cohesion have an effect on mental health outcomes independent of previous mental health status, which explains why screening prior to deployment is ineffective.
The effect of multilevel upper airway surgery on continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Friedman Michael , Soans Rohit , Joseph Ninos , Kakodkar Samir , Friedman Jacob 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective:To investigate the effect of multilevel upper airway surgery (USA) on subsequent continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Study Design:Fifty‐two patients who underwent multilevel UAS with persistent symptoms of OSAHS represent the cohort for this study. All patients had undergone manual CPAP titrations both pre‐ and postoperatively. Patients were used as their own controls and were compared pre‐ and postoperatively with regard to body mass index, full night polysomnography (PSG), optimal CPAP pressure settings, presence of rapid eye‐movement (REM) sleep, identification of mouth leakage, and CPAP compliance.Results:Postoperative values for apnea index (AI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), and minimum oxygen saturation (min SaO2) were all significantly decreased from their preoperative levels. Compliance with CPAP therapy significantly increased from a mean 0.02 ± 0.14 hours per night prior to surgery to a 3.2 ± 2.6 hours per night following surgery (P < .001). In addition, the optimal CPAP pressure setting decreased significantly for a preoperative value of 10.6 ± 2.1 cm H2O to 9.8 ± 2.1 cm H2O following surgery. Fifty of the 52 patients (96.2%) studied were able to maintain optimal pressure settings without mouth leak, postoperatively.Conclusions:In this study, most patients who had persistent symptoms of OSAHS after multilevel UAS did not have significant mouth leak that would preclude CPAP therapy. In this cohort of patients, CPAP pressure setting as well as compliance was significantly improved postoperatively. Laryngoscope, 119:193–196, 2009
Minimally invasive endoscopic pericranial flap: A new method for endonasal skull base reconstruction
Authors: Zanation Adam M. , Snyderman Carl H. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Kassam Amin B. , Gardner Paul A. , Prevedello Daniel M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:One of the major challenges of cranial base surgery is reconstruction of the dural defect. Following a craniofacial resection, the standard reconstructive technique is direct suture repair of the dural defect with a fascial graft and rotation of an anteriorly based pericranial scalp flap to cover the dura. The introduction of endoscopic techniques and an endonasal approach to the ventral skull base has created new challenges for reconstruction. The nasoseptal flap has become the workhorse for vascularized endoscopic skull base reconstruction; however at times, the septal mucosal flap may be unavailable for reconstruction. This can be due to prior surgical resection or involvement of the nasal septum by sinonasal cancer. We have developed a minimally invasive endoscopic pericranial flap for endoscopic skull base reconstruction. The use of a pericranial scalp flap for reconstruction during endonasal skull base surgery using minimally invasive techniques has not been previously reported.Methods:We performed cadaveric studies to illustrate feasibility of an endoscopic pericranial flap for endonasal skull base reconstruction, then applied this novel technique to an elderly patient after endonasal skull base and dural resection of an esthesioneuroblastoma.Results:The technical report of the minimally invasive pericranial flap is outlined and the advantages and limitations during endonasal skull base reconstruction are discussed. The patient had excellent healing of her skull base and had no evidence of any postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak.Conclusions:The minimally invasive endoscopic pericranial flap provides another option for endonasal reconstruction of cranial base defects. There is minimal donor site morbidity, and it provides a large flap that can cover the entire ventral skull base. The issues of intranasal tissue tumor involvement and the need for radiotherapy make the endoscopic pericranial flap an ideal reconstruction for anterior cranial base defects resulting from endonasal sinonasal and skull base cancer resections. Laryngoscope, 119:13–18, 2009