bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Real-Time Detection System for Augmented Reality Driving
Authors: Hsu Kuei-Shu , Wang Chia-Sui , Jiang Jinn-Feng , Wei Hung-Yuan
Published: October 2015

Augmented reality technology is applied so that driving tests may be performed in various environments using a virtual reality scenario with the ultimate goal of improving visual and interactive effects of simulated drivers. Environmental conditions simulating a real scenario are created using an augmented reality structure, which guarantees the test taker’s security since they are not subject to real-life elements and dangers. Furthermore, the accuracy of tests conducted through virtual reality is not influenced by either environmental or human factors. Driver posture is captured in real time using Kinect’s depth perception function and then applied to driving simulation effects that are emulated by Unity3D’s gaming technology. Subsequently, different driving models may be collected through different drivers. In this research, nearly true and realistic street environments are simulated to evaluate driver behavior. A variety of different visual effects are easily available to effectively reduce error rates, thereby significantly improving test security as well as the reliability and reality of this project. Different situation designs are simulated and evaluated to increase development efficiency and build more security verification test platforms using such technology in conjunction with driving tests, vehicle fittings, environmental factors, and so forth.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy versus Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Matched Comparison Study
Authors: Hu Che-Yuan , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Huang Chao-Yuan , Ou Yen-Chuan , Hung Shun-Fa , Chung Shiu-Dong , Pu Yeong-Shiau
Published: October 2015

Objectives. To investigate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (HANU) and robotic-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU).Methods. Patients who underwent RANU were matched by sex, age (±5 years), and tumor location to those who underwent HANU; 18 matched pairs were included.Results. Each group consisted of five men and 13 women. The mean age was 70.4 years in RANU group and 69.6 years in HANU group (p=0.646). Each group contained 10 patients with tumor location in the renal pelvis, five in the ureter, and three in both sites. The median follow-up time was 6.1 months for the RANU group and 47.8 months for the HANU group. The demographic and pathological data did not differ significantly. The RANU group had significantly less blood loss (p<0.001), resumed oral intake earlier (p=0.043), and had shorter hospital stays (p=0.014) but higher pain scores associated with their wounds (p=0.043). The oncological outcomes were comparable with those of the HANU group.Conclusions. Our results show that the RANU and HANU groups have comparable operative, early postoperative, and functional outcomes. A longer follow-up period would be needed for final comparison of oncological outcome.
Coexpression Network Analysis of miRNA-142 Overexpression in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Thapa Ishwor , Fox Howard S. , Bastola Dhundy
Published: October 2015

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules, which are differentially expressed in diverse biological processes and are also involved in the regulation of multiple genes. A number of sites in the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of different mRNAs allow complimentary binding for a microRNA, leading to their posttranscriptional regulation. The miRNA-142 is one of the microRNAs overexpressed in neurons that is found to regulateSIRT1andMAOAgenes. Differential analysis of gene expression data, which is focused on identifying up- or downregulated genes, ignores many relationships between genes affected by miRNA-142 overexpression in a cell. Thus, we applied a correlation network model to identify the coexpressed genes and to study the impact of miRNA-142 overexpression on this network. Combining multiple sources of knowledge is useful to infer meaningful relationships in systems biology. We applied coexpression model on the data obtained from wild type and miR-142 overexpression neuronal cells and integrated miRNA seed sequence mapping information to identify genes greatly affected by this overexpression. Larger differences in the enriched networks revealed that the nervous system development related genes such asTEAD2, PLEKHA6, andPOGLUT1were greatly impacted due to miRNA-142 overexpression.
Bayesian Estimation of the True Prevalence and of the Diagnostic Test Sensitivity and Specificity of EnteropathogenicYersiniain Finnish Pig Serum Samples
Authors: Vilar M. J. , Ranta J. , Virtanen S. , Korkeala H.
Published: October 2015

Bayesian analysis was used to estimate the pig’s and herd’s true prevalence of enteropathogenicYersiniain serum samples collected from Finnish pig farms. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test were also estimated for the commercially available ELISA which is used for antibody detection against enteropathogenicYersinia. The Bayesian analysis was performed in two steps; the first step estimated the prior true prevalence of enteropathogenicYersiniawith data obtained from a systematic review of the literature. In the second step, data of the apparent prevalence (cross-sectional study data), prior true prevalence (first step), and estimated sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic methods were used for building the Bayesian model. The true prevalence ofYersiniain slaughter-age pigs was 67.5% (95% PI 63.2–70.9). The true prevalence ofYersiniain sows was 74.0% (95% PI 57.3–82.4). The estimates of sensitivity and specificity values of the ELISA were 79.5% and 96.9%.
An Image Watermarking Scheme Using Arnold Transform and Fuzzy Smooth Support Vector Machine
Authors: Sun Lin , Xu Jiucheng , Zhang Xingxing , Tian Yun
Published: October 2015

With the development of information security, the traditional encryption algorithm for image has been far from ensuring the security of image in the transmission. This paper presents a new image watermarking scheme based on Arnold Transform (AT) and Fuzzy Smooth Support Vector Machine (FSSVM). First of all, improved AT (IAT) is obtained by adding variables and expanding transformation space, and FSSVM is proposed by introducing fuzzy membership degree. The embedding positions of watermark are obtained from IAT, and the pixel values are embedded in carrier image by quantization embedding rules. Then, the watermark can be embedded in carrier image. In order to realize blind extraction of watermark, FSSVM model is used to find the embedding positions of watermark, and the pixel values are extracted by using quantization extraction rules. Through using improved Arnold inverse transformation for embedding positions, the watermark coordinates can be calculated, and the extraction of watermark is carried out. Compared with other watermarking techniques, the presented scheme can promote the security by adding more secret keys, and the imperceptibility of watermark is improved by introducing quantization rules. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms many existing methods against various types of attacks.
An Energy-Efficient Transmission Protocol for RNC-Based Cooperative WSNs with Partial Energy Harvesting Nodes
Authors: Cheng Yulun , Yang Longxiang
Published: October 2015

This paper addresses the energy-efficient transmission for the scenario of cooperative wireless sensor networks with partial energy harvesting (EH) nodes. A new EH decoding-recoding policy is proposed by regarding the EH constraints and the characteristics of random network coding. We develop an energy efficiency model to investigate the tradeoff mechanism between the saved energy and the waiting time of the EH node, through which the corresponding parameters in the policy are also optimized. Moreover, we propose a novel transmission protocol by embedding the considered policy in the opportunistic reception algorithm. The decoding failure probability is then derived to examine its transmission reliability. The obtained theoretical and simulation results indicate that the proposed protocol achieves superiority in energy efficiency; meanwhile, it can also provide similar transmission reliability under specific conditions, as compared to the conventional algorithms in the two-hop model.
Nonlinear Dynamics of a Nutrient-Phytoplankton Model with Time Delay
Authors: Mei DeBing , Zhao Min , Yu Hengguo , Dai Chuanjun , Wang Yi
Published: October 2015

We consider a nutrient-phytoplankton model with a Holling type II functional response and a time delay. By selecting the time delay used as a bifurcation parameter, we prove that the system is stable if the delay value is lower than the critical value but unstable when it is above this value. First, we investigate the existence and stability of the equilibria, as well as the existence of Hopf bifurcations. Second, we consider the direction, stability, and period of the periodic solutions from the steady state based on the normal form and the center manifold theory, thereby deriving explicit formulas. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate the main theoretical results.
Adaptive Graph Cut Based Cloud Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhang Zhong
Published: October 2015

We focus on the issue of cloud detection in wireless sensor networks (WSN) and propose a novel detection algorithm named adaptive graph cut (AGC) to tackle this issue. We first automatically label some pixels as “cloud” or “clear sky” with high confidence. Then, those labelled pixels serve as hard constraint seeds for the following graph cut algorithm. In addition, a novel transfer learning algorithm is proposed to transfer knowledge among sensor nodes, such that cloud images captured from different sensor nodes can adapt to different weather conditions. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm not only achieves better results than other state-of-the-art cloud detection algorithms in WSN, but also achieves comparable results compared with the interactive segmentation algorithm.
Contribution of Electronic Medical Records to the Management of Rare Diseases
Authors: Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Lewandowski Elisabeth , Copin Henri
Published: October 2015

Purpose.Electronic health record systems provide great opportunity to study most diseases. Objective of this study was to determine whether electronic medical records (EMR) in ophthalmology contribute to management of rare eye diseases, isolated or in syndromes. Study was designed to identify and collect patients’ data with ophthalmology-specific EMR.Methods.Ophthalmology-specific EMR software (Softalmo software Corilus) was used to acquire ophthalmological ocular consultation data from patients with five rare eye diseases. The rare eye diseases and data were selected and collected regarding expertise of eye center.Results.A total of 135,206 outpatient consultations were performed between 2011 and 2014 in our medical center specialized in rare eye diseases. The search software identified 29 congenital aniridia, 6 Axenfeld/Rieger syndrome, 11 BEPS, 3 Nanophthalmos, and 3 Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.Discussion.EMR provides advantages for medical care. The use of ophthalmology-specific EMR is reliable and can contribute to a comprehensive ocular visual phenotype useful for clinical research.Conclusion.Routinely EMR acquired with specific software dedicated to ophthalmology provides sufficient detail for rare diseases. These software-collected data appear useful for creating patient cohorts and recording ocular examination, avoiding the time-consuming analysis of paper records and investigation, in a University Hospital linked to a National Reference Rare Center Disease.
Reliability of Force-Velocity Tests in Cycling and Cranking Exercises in Men and Women
Authors: Jaafar Hamdi , Attiogbé Elvis , Rouis Majdi , Vandewalle Henry , Driss Tarak
Published: October 2015

The present study examined the reliability of the force-velocity relationship during cycling and arm cranking exercises in active males and females. Twenty male and seventeen female physical education students performed three-session tests with legs and three-session tests with arms on a friction-loaded ergometer on six different sessions in a randomized order. The reliability of maximal power(Pmax), maximal pedal rate(V0), and maximal force(F0)were studied using the coefficient of variation (CV), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the test-retest correlation coefficient(r). Reliability indices were better for men (1.74 ≤ CV ≤ 4.36, 0.82 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97, and 0.81 ≤r≤ 0.97) compared with women (2.34 ≤ CV ≤ 7.04, 0.44 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98, and 0.44 ≤r≤ 0.98) and in cycling exercise (1.74 ≤ CV ≤ 3.85, 0.88 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.98, and 0.90 ≤r≤ 0.98) compared with arm exercise (2.37 ≤ CV ≤ 7.04, 0.44 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.95, and 0.44 ≤r≤ 0.95). Furthermore, the reliability indices were high forPmaxandF0whatever the expression of the results (raw data or data related to body dimensions).PmaxandF0could be used in longitudinal physical fitness investigations. However, further studies are needed to judgeV0reliability.
Genetic Diversity and Incidence of Virulence-Associated Genes ofArcobacter butzleriandArcobacter cryaerophilusIsolates from Pork, Beef, and Chicken Meat in Poland
Authors: Zacharow Iwona , Bystroń Jarosław , Wałecka-Zacharska Ewa , Podkowik Magdalena , Bania Jacek
Published: October 2015

Incidence of 9 virulence-associated genes and genetic diversity was determined in 79A. butzleriand 6A. cryaerophilusisolates from pork, beef, and chicken meat. AllA. butzleriisolates harboured thetlyAgene, and most of them carriedciaB,mviN,pldA,cadF, andcj1349genes.ciaBwas found to occur with higher frequency in poultry if compared with pork (p=0.0007), whileirgAwas more frequent in poultry than in beef (p=0.007). All 6A. cryaerophilusisolates harboured theciaBgene, whilemviNandtlyAwere detected in 3 out of these isolates. Only one isolate carried thecadFgene. All beef-derivedA. cryaerophilusisolates carriedciaB,mviN, andtlyAgenes.A. cryaerophilusisolates from chicken meat harbouredciaBgene only. The pork-derived isolate harbouredciaBandcadFgenes. Seventy-four genotypes were distinguished within 79A. butzleriisolates. Nineteen from 21 isolates derived from beef and pork were found to be closely related toA. butzlerifrom chicken meat. Each of the 6A. cryaerophilusisolates was found to have unique genotype. We demonstrated that closely related genotypes can spread within pork, beef, and chicken meat populations ofA. butzleribut notA. cryaerophilus.
Characteristics of Humidity-Temperature Changing in the Below-Grade Concrete Structure by Applying Waterproofing Materials on the Exterior Wall
Authors: Chang Sang-Mook , Oh Sang-Keun , Seo Deok-Suk , Choi Sung-Min
Published: October 2015

The water leakage in an underground space cannot easily be repaired owing to the characteristics of the underground space, which not only causes continuous inconvenience to the apartment residents but also facilitates condensation. Thus, the effects of different waterproofing methods in underground spaces on changes in temperature and humidity should be quantitatively studied to establish strong measures for the condensation issue. In this study, two types of specimens were produced separately by dividing the waterproofing materials applied to underground structures into exterior and interior waterproofing construction methods; thereafter, changes in the temperature and humidity inside the specimens were observed. The test results of the evaluation regarding condensation in underground structures indicated that when exterior waterproofing materials are applied, thermal insulation maintains a steady interior temperature and keeps the humidity at an appropriate level, thereby preventing the creation of an environment conducive to the occurrence of condensation.
Amylose-Based Cationic Star Polymers for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Nishimura Tomoki , Umezaki Kaori , Mukai Sada-atsu , Sawada Shin-ichi , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: October 2015

A new siRNA delivery system using a cationic glyco-star polymer is described. Spermine-modified 8-arm amylose star polymer (with a degree of polymerization of approximately 60 per arm) was synthesized by chemoenzymatic methods. The cationic star polymer effectively bound to siRNA and formed spherical complexes with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 230 nm. The cationic 8-arm star polymer complexes showed superior cellular uptake characteristics and higher gene silencing effects than a cationic 1-arm polymer. These results suggest that amylose-based star polymers are a promising nanoplatform for glycobiomaterials.
Multiobjective Design of Turbo Injection Mode for Axial Flux Motor in Plastic Injection Molding Machine by Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Kuo Jian-Long , Chang Meng-Ti
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a turbo injection mode (TIM) for an axial flux motor to apply onto injection molding machine. Since the injection molding machine requires different speed and force parameters setting when finishing a complete injection process. The interleaved winding structure in the motor provides two different injection levels to provide enough injection forces. Two wye-wye windings are designed to switch two control modes conveniently. Wye-wye configuration is used to switch two force levels for the motor. When only one set of wye-winding is energized, field weakening function is achieved. Both of the torque and speed increase under field weakening operation. To achieve two control objectives for torque and speed of the motor, fuzzy based multiple performance characteristics index (MPCI) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to find out the multiobjective optimal design solution. Both of the torque and speed are expected to be maximal at the same time. Three control factors are selected as studied factors: winding diameter, winding type, and air-gap. Experimental results show that both of the torque and speed increase under the optimal condition. This will provide enough large torque and speed to perform the turbo injection mode in injection process for the injection molding machine.
A Novel Highly Thermostable Multifunctional Beta-Glycosidase from CrenarchaeonAcidilobus saccharovorans
Authors: Gumerov Vadim M. , Rakitin Andrey L. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: October 2015

We expressed a putativeβ-galactosidase Asac_1390 from hyperthermophilic crenarchaeonAcidilobus saccharovoransinEscherichia coliand purified the recombinant enzyme. Asac_1390 is composed of 490 amino acid residues and showed high sequence similarity to family 1 glycoside hydrolases from various thermophilic Crenarchaeota. The maximum activity was observed at pH 6.0 and 93°C. The half-life of the enzyme at 90°C was about 7 hours. Asac_1390 displayed high tolerance to glucose and exhibits hydrolytic activity towards cellobiose and various aryl glucosides. The hydrolytic activity withp-nitrophenyl (pNP) substrates followed the order pNP-β-D-galactopyranoside (328 U mg−1), pNP-β-D-glucopyranoside (246 U mg−1), pNP-β-D-xylopyranoside (72 U mg−1), and pNP-β-D-mannopyranoside (28 U mg−1). Thus the enzyme was actually a multifunctionalβ-glycosidase. Therefore, the utilization of Asac_1390 may contribute to facilitating the efficient degradation of lignocellulosic biomass and help enhance bioconversion processes.
Experimental Study on the Thermal Response of PCM Energy Storage Block with Hole Ventilation
Authors: Zhuang Sunqi , Zhang Yuan , Zhu Qin , Yan Renqiao , He Jiapeng
Published: October 2015

Under the condition of Nanjing, the effect by the velocity variation of night ventilation on the thermal response of the south wall built by phase-change materials (PCMs) blocks with different configurations has been investigated and analyzed. It shows that the thermal performance when the PCM is placed nearby inner side in hollow block is better than that of the outer side. Meanwhile, the maximum amplitude of the temperature on the interior surface when the PCM is placed at the inner side is 58.3% higher than that of the outer side. The optimal flow velocity of both A and B is 2 m/s. Meanwhile, the minimum amplitudes of the temperature on the interior surface are 1.74°C and 3.72°C as well as the retardation coefficients are 8 h and 7 h. Compared to the structure configuration without ventilation, the heat flow was reduced 38.2% and 29.3%, respectively, and the equivalent heat resistance increased by 115.8% and 88.6%.
Treatment of Cancer Pain by Targeting Cytokines
Authors: Vendrell I. , Macedo D. , Alho I. , Dionísio M. R. , Costa L.
Published: October 2015

Inflammation is one of the most important causes of the majority of cancer symptoms, including pain, fatigue, cachexia, and anorexia. Cancer pain affects 17 million people worldwide and can be caused by different mediators which act in primary efferent neurons directly or indirectly. Cytokines can be aberrantly produced by cancer and immune system cells and are of particular relevance in pain. Currently, there are very few strategies to control the release of cytokines that seems to be related to cancer pain. Nevertheless, in some cases, targeted drugs are available and in use for other diseases. In this paper, we aim to review the importance of cytokines in cancer pain and targeted strategies that can have an impact on controlling this symptom.
Comparative Aquatic Toxicity of Gold Nanoparticles and Ionic Gold Using a Species Sensitivity Distribution Approach
Authors: Botha Tarryn L. , James Tanyn E. , Wepener Victor
Published: October 2015

Gold nanoparticles (nAu) are used in drug delivery systems allowing for targeted cellular distribution. The effects of increased use and release of nanoparticles into the environment are not well known. A species sensitivity distribution (SSD) allows for the ecotoxicological hazard assessment of a chemical based on single species toxicity tests. Aquatic toxicity needs to be related to particle characterization in order to understand the effects. The behaviour of nAu in the medium changed as the concentration increased. The toxic potential of ionic gold and nAu was expressed as a hazardous concentration where 5% of species will be harmed (HC5). The HC5 for nAu was much higher (42.78 mg/L) compared to the ionic gold (2.44 mg/L). The differences between the hazard potentials of nAu and ionic gold were attributed to the nAu not releasing any Au ions into solution during the exposures and following an aggregation theory response. Exposures to ionic gold on the other hand followed a clear dose dependent response based on the concentration of the ionic metal. Although SSDs present an indication of the relative hazard potential of nanoparticles, the true worth can only be achieved once other nanoparticle characteristics and their behavior in the environment are also considered.
Spratelloides atrofasciatus Schultz, 1943, a valid species of round herring (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae)
Authors: ISHIMORI HIRO O , HIDAKA KOUICHI , YAMAMURO TAIHEI , YOSHINO TETSUO
Published: October 2015

The western Pacific marine clupeoid fish, Spratelloides atrofasciatus Schultz, 1943, previously regarded as a synonym of S. gracilis (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846), is redescribed here as a valid species on the basis of the holotype and 115 non-type specimens collected from the Ryukyu Islands. Both S. atrofasciatus and S. gracilis are similar chiefly in having a midlateral band that does not fade anteriorly. S. atrofasciatus differs from Spratelloides gracilis in having fewer anal fin rays, pectoral fin rays, vertebrae and gillrakers. Spratelloides atrofasciatus also has a shorter head length, a shorter upper jaw length, a shorter snout length, a wider lateral band equal to the eye diameter; numerous black pigment spots on the inner side of the gill opening that are visible from the outside in preserved specimens (vs not visible in S. gracilis). The two species are sympatrically distributed in the Ryukyu Islands. Spratelloides atrofasciatus matures from 32 mm SL and grows to a known maximum size of 45mm SL, while S. gracilis matures from about 50 mm SL and grows to over 100 mm SL.
Review of the aphid genus Aspidophorodon Verma, 1967 with descriptions of three new species from China (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae)
Authors: CHEN JING , ZHANG BIN , ZHU XICHAO , JIANG LIYUN , QIAO GEXIA
Published: October 2015

The aphid genus Aspidophorodon Verma, 1967 is reviewed, with descriptions of three new species from China, namely Aspidophorodon (Aspidophorodon) cornuatus Qiao sp. nov., Aspidophorodon (Aspidophorodon) musaicus Qiao sp. nov., and Aspidophorodon (Aspidophorodon) obtusus Qiao sp. nov.. Aspidophorodon sinisalicis Zhang, 1980 and Trichosiphonaphis lijiangensis Zhang, Zhong & Zhang, 1992 are considered as junior synonyms of Aspidophorodon (Aspidophorodon) salicis Miyazaki, 1971, syn. nov.. The Chinese endemic genus Margituberculatus Zhang, Zhong & Zhang, 1992 is proposed as a junior synonym of Aspidophorodon (Eoessigia) David, Rajasingh & Narayanan, 1972, syn. nov., this subgenus is thereby recorded from China for the first time and Margituberculatus longituberculatus Zhang, Zhong & Zhang, 1992 is referred to as Aspidophorodon (Eoessigia) longituberculatus (Zhang, Zhong & Zhang, 1992) comb. nov.. A generic diagnosis and keys to Aspidophorodon species are given. Molecular evidence to support the validity of new species and their subgeneric affiliation is also provided.
Kassinasma, a new generic replacement name for Kassinella Keller 1970 (Anthozoa: Streptelasmatida) non Borissiak 1956 (Brachiopoda: Strophomenacea)
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: October 2015

The genus Kassinella was established by Keller (1960: 90) for extinct Lower Carboniferous (Tournaisian) corals from Kazakhstan. The name, however, is preoccupied by the senior homonym Kassinella Borissiak (1956: 50) (Brachiopoda), equally honouring N. G. Kassin, famous geologist and explorer of Kazakhstan.
A new genus and species of Micropterous Blissidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea) from Ecuador
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY
Published: October 2015

The new genus Barrerablissus and the new species B. strigosus are described from Napo Province, Ecuador. A key to the known genera of the Western Hemisphere Blissidae with apterous or micropterous condition is included. Dorsal and ventral view and digital photographs of head, pronotum, scutellum, metathoracic scent gland auricle and male genital capsule are added.
Whom Do Immigrants Marry? Emerging Patterns of Intermarriage and Integration in the United States
Authors: Lichter Daniel T. , Qian Zhenchao , Tumin Dmitry
Published: October 2015

We document patterns of intermarriage between immigrants and natives during a period of unprecedented growth in the size and diversity of America’s foreign-born population. Roughly one in six U.S. marriages today involve immigrants and a large share includes U.S.-born partners. Ethno-racial background clearly shapes trajectories of immigrant social integration. White immigrants are far more likely than other groups to marry U.S.-born natives, mostly other whites. Black immigrants are much less likely to marry black natives or out-marry with other groups. Intermarriage is also linked with other well-known proxies of social integration—educational attainment, length of time in the country, and naturalization status. Classifying America’s largest immigrant groups (e.g., Chinese and Mexican) into broad panethnic groups (e.g., Asians and Hispanics) hides substantial diversity in the processes of marital assimilation and social integration across national origin groups.
From Undesirable to Marriageable
Authors: Lee Jennifer
Published: October 2015

Asian Americans are at the vanguard of rising intermarriage in the United States. Once deemed “undesirable” and “unassimilable,” Asian Americans have become the most “marriageable” racial minority group in the country. In this article, I posit that the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act altered the socioeconomic profiles of Asian immigrants to the United States, thereby making them more desirable partners in the marriage market. Further, I explain interracial “marriageability” as a social construction and document how the rising rate of intermarriage has resulted in a growing Asian multiracial population that experiences fewer social identity constraints than do other multiracial Americans. Some demographers claim that these trends reflect a “diversity explosion,” in which racial boundaries are upending, especially for Asian Americans. However, the gendered patterns of intermarriage and the persistence of racial and gender stereotypes, including the “model minority” trope in the case of Asian Americans, indicate that while Asians may have achieved racial mobility, racial boundaries persist and inhibit full incorporation.
Regulating Mixed Marriages through Acquisition and Loss of Citizenship
Authors: de Hart Betty
Published: October 2015

Mixed marriages have always had an ambiguous and often problematic relationship with the law. On one hand, mixed marriages have been seen as a key indicator of sociocultural integration into mainstream society. In terms of the law, this perception has been expressed, for example, as privileged access to citizenship status for immigrant family members of citizens. On the other hand, mixed marriages have been seen as a threat to society and social cohesion. In this article, I argue that these contradictory perceptions of mixed relationships have informed the development of citizenship law over time. Building on literature on the regulation of mixed marriages in law, as well as gender and citizenship law, I use the Netherlands as a case study to demonstrate how citizenship law has been used as a tool to prevent certain types of “undesirable” mixed couples and how this approach has informed Dutch citizenship law until today.
The Children of Intermarriage in Four European Countries
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: October 2015

This article tests the thesis that intermarriage fosters the integration of immigrants by studying the children of intermarriage. Using secondary school–based questionnaire data from England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, I compare the children of mixed marriages to second-generation immigrants and to children of native origins. Three dimensions of integration are measured: social integration (contacts with natives), cultural integration (religiosity and family values), and economic integration (school achievement tests). I examine the effect of intermarriage on these outcomes as well as interactions with gender, socioeconomic status, destination country, and origin group. Our findings show that the outcomes for the children of mixed origins are in between the outcomes of immigrants and natives. In some respects, mixed children are exactly halfway, confirming a model of additive effects of parental origins. In other cases, mixed children are closer to immigrants than to natives, pointing to a model of stigmatization and ethnic retentionism.
Cultural and Identity Transmission in Mixed Couples in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Le Gall Josiane , Meintel Deirdre
Published: October 2015

Drawing on eighty interviews with mixed couples in Quebec, this article discusses how parents in such unions negotiate strategies of cultural transmission and develop “identity projects” for their children, that is, blueprints for the children’s ethnic identities. Our data show that instead of one person having to take on the other’s culture, and the children adopting that culture, both partners usually embrace cultural differences as enriching for themselves, their children, and the society in which they live. It is not so much a question of transmitting a “heritage” but rather making available a set of virtual cultural resources to the child that he or she will activate (or not) later in life. We argue that through the choices they make, mixed couples contribute to shaping a society where plural identities are normalized. In so doing, they become important agents of social change and participate in the creation of an enduring diversity, a long-term transformation of Quebec society, and even contribute to the multiple meanings of “Quebecois.”
A reciprocating wear study on the effect of surfactant concentration and sliding speed in the electro codeposited Ni/SiCp metal matrix composites
Authors: Gul Harun , Uysal Mehmet , Akbulut Hatem , Alp Ahmet
Published: October 2015

In this present work, Ni/SiC metal matrix composite coatings were prepared from a modified Watt’s type electrolyte containing nano-SiC suspended particles by direct current plating method to increase the wear resistance of Ni. The influence of surfactant content on codeposition of SiC particles within the matrix and tribological properties were investigated. A wide particle size range (between 0.1 and 1.0 µm) was chosen to provide a high load bearing ability for the codeposited layers. The wear tests were carried out at different sliding speeds by using a constant load. The influence of sliding speed on the tribological performances of the coatings has been investigated by using a reciprocating ball-on disk apparatus. Wear resistances and friction coefficients of Ni/SiC composites were decreased by increasing sliding speed due to temperature-controlled surface oxidation. The change in wear mechanisms by changing surfactant content and sliding speeds were also comprehensively studied.
To treat or not to treat basilic vein aneurysms? A clinical dilemma
Authors: Spataro Catena , Donati Marcello , Basile Francesco
Published: October 2015

Superficial venous aneurysms are a very uncommon disease probably associated with thrombosis and recurrent pulmonary thromboembolisms. Surgical treatment is safe and is performed in symptomatic cases. Surgical repair of superficial venous aneurysms is a recommended treatment, and no postoperative complications usually occur. The aim of this study is to report our experience treating superficial venous aneurysms, because they can cause devastating consequences. Obviously, they should be surgically treated if they are symptomatic, but there exists the possibility of complications such as thromboembolic events; however, they are unpredictable. Thus, the only solution to remove the potential risk of developing pulmonary or other embolic events is prophylactic surgery and anticoagulant therapy, also in low-risk patients.
Diffusion-weighted imaging in oral squamous cell carcinoma using 3 Tesla MRI: is there a chance for preoperative discrimination between benign and malignant lymph nodes in daily clinical routine?
Authors: Wendl Christina M , Müller Steffen , Eiglsperger Johannes , Fellner Claudia , Jung Ernst M , Meier Johannes K
Published: October 2015

Background

Preoperative staging of cervical lymph nodes is important to determine the extent of neck dissection in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Purpose

To evaluate whether a preoperative discrimination of benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (3T) is feasible for clinical application.

Material and Methods

Forty-five patients with histological proven OSCC underwent preoperative 3T-MRI. DWI (b = 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm2) was added to the standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. Mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCmean) were measured for lymph nodes with 3 mm or more in short axis by two independent readers. Finally, these results were matched with histology.

Results

Mean ADC was significantly higher for malignant than for benign nodes (1.143 ± 0.188 * 10−3 mm2/s vs. 0.987 ± 0.215 * 10−3 mm2/s). Using an ADC value of 0.994 * 10−3 mm2/s as threshold results in a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 65%, positive predictive value of 31%, and negative predictive value of 93%.

Conclusion

Due to a limited sensitivity and specificity DWI alone is not suitable to reliably discriminate benign from malignant cervical lymph nodes in daily clinical routine. Hence, the preoperative determination of the extent of neck dissection on the basis of ADC measurements is not meaningful.
Neighborhood Context, Youthful Offending, and Peer Selection
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine whether neighborhood context, as measured by maternal ratings of neighborhood disorder, predicted future offending behavior and association with antisocial peers. Putative relationships between neighborhood context, peers, and offending behavior were tested in all 1,725 adolescent members of the National Youth Survey. Consistent with the hypothesis that neighborhood context can either promote or inhibit the delinquent peer selection process, neighborhood disorder predicted peer selection (own offending → delinquent peers) but not peer influence (delinquent peers → own offending). Gender moderated this relationship such that an effect was found only for boys. These findings indicate that a negative psychological environment resulting from neighborhood disorder and weak informal social control can encourage offending behavior in neighborhood boys and facilitate the selection of antisocial peers. As with the parent–peer selection relationship observed in an earlier study on parental role modeling and youth offending, neighborhood climate has a bearing on future offending by virtue of its ability to support or block conditions known to suppress early delinquency and the formation of antisocial peer networks.
Materials characterization of explanted polypropylene hernia mesh: Patient factor correlation
Authors: Smith Sarah E , Cozad Matthew J , Grant David A , Ramshaw Bruce J , Grant Sheila A
Published: October 2015

This study quantitatively assessed polypropylene (PP) hernia mesh degradation and its correlation with patient factors including body mass index, tobacco use, and diabetes status with the goal of improving hernia repair outcomes through patient-matched mesh. Thirty PP hernia mesh explants were subjected to a tissue removal process followed by assessment of their in vivo degradation using Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis analyses. Results were then analyzed with respect to patient factors (body mass index, tobacco use, and diabetes status) to determine their influence on in vivo hernia mesh oxidation and degradation. Twenty of the explants show significant surface oxidation. Tobacco use exhibits a positive correlation with modulated differential scanning calorimetry melt temperature and exhibits significantly lower TGA decomposition temperatures than non-/past users. Chemical and thermal characterization of the explanted meshes indicate measurable degradation while in vivo regardless of the patient population; however, tobacco use is correlated with less oxidation and degradation of the polymeric mesh possibly due to a reduced inflammatory response.
Numerical and experimental results for the frequency response of plates in similitude
Authors: Meruane V , De Rosa Sergio , Franco Francesco
Published: October 2015

The concept of structural similitude provides a powerful tool for engineers and scientists to predict the behaviour of a structure using an appropriate scaled model. Even tough theoretical and numerical investigations of similarity conditions or scaling laws have shown to be feasible, their accuracy is not necessarily guaranteed when these laws are applied to real (experimental) structures. Herein, structural scaling laws are investigated for the analysis of the dynamic response of simple flexural plates. Specifically, the possibility to define exact and distorted similitudes is discussed through numerical and experimental data. This paper focuses on exact and distorted similitudes in the analysis of the dynamic response of flexural plates. The similitude laws are defined by invoking the classical modal approach and looking for (in)equalities in the structural dynamic response. A total of seven aluminium rectangular plates with one clamped edge are modelled in finite elements and tested experimentally to study the effect of distorted similitudes and experimental variations in the performance of the predicted dynamic response.
Motor position control algorithm for an automated manual transmission of the agricultural tractor
Authors: Kim Jihwan , Lee Hyeongcheol
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a motor position control algorithm for an automated manual transmission (AMT) of the agricultural tractor, based on modified linear quadratic tracking (LQT). In this paper, the modified LQT is derived from the conventional LQT by applying the Luenberger observer in order to design an output feedback controller. A dynamic model of the actuator is derived to represent characteristics of the worm geared DC motor and the proposed control algorithm is applied and tuned with the model. The proposed position control algorithm of the worm geared motor using the modified LQT can improve disturbance rejection performance without changing the hardware configuration of the AMT. The simulation results show the validity of the proposed control algorithm.
An adaptive variable structure control of the robot satellite system with floating base in Cartesian space
Authors: Zhang Fuhai , Fu Yili , Wang Shuguo
Published: October 2015

Aiming at the non-parametric and time-varying parametric uncertainty problems such as the external disturbances, smooth parameter variations and jump parameter changes existing in the robot satellite system with floating base, an adaptive variable structure trajectory tracking control method in Cartesian space is proposed. The dynamics equation in joint space of the robot satellite system with floating base is established based on the extended manipulator model, and the dynamics model of the system in Cartesian space is derived considering external disturbances to the manipulator and the base simultaneously. An adaptive variable structure controller is designed by adopting the composite adaptive control combined with variable structure control under the condition that the bounds of external disturbances and parameter variations are unknown, and the robustness analysis of the controller is performed. The simulation of a two-link planar robot satellite system with floating base adopting the control method presented is implemented. The simulation result shows that the end-effector of the robot satellite with floating base has a good capability of trajectory tracking in Cartesian space.
Manufacturing and study on influence of changes in center distance in circle arc-involute-circle arc gear pump operating at high pressure and high speed
Authors: Hao Minghui , Zhou Yang , Hao Shuanghui
Published: October 2015

This study examined the effect of changes in center distance on a circular-arc gear pump that operates at high pressure and high speed. In principal these types of gear pumps have no trapped-oil and flow ripples. The effect of changes in center distance caused by assembly, machining, radial force and oil film force on the performance of circular-arc gear pumps was studied. The results show that the flow rate, axial force and torque increased linearly with an increase in variables [Formula: see text]. Computer aided manufacturing for ball end milling has been developed to simulate the process of numerical control of the rotors of circular-arc gear pumps. Two methods for assessing interference are provided. The trajectories of the centers of ball end milling for rough and finish machining are simulated.
Modeling pantograph–catenary arcing
Authors: Zhu Guang-ya , Gao Guo-qiang , Wu Guang-ning , Gu Zhen , Wu Jie , Hao Jing
Published: October 2015

The performance of the pantograph–catenary system plays a significant role in determining the reliability and safety of a high-speed train. With an increase in train speed, repeated separations between the pantograph and catenary result in an increased number of arcing events, which exacerbate the levels of damage on the pantograph–catenary system, leading to frequent train accidents. The arcing event is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by various factors, and involves interactions between the electromagnetic, thermal and airflow fields. The high temperatures generated by an arc result in ablation of material in the pantograph–catenary system, thus reducing its life expectancy. In order to investigate the mechanism of this damage to the pantograph–catenary system, a model of the arcing phenomenon is established and analyzed. In the proposed model, a set of arc plasma conservation equations are solved to determine the temperature distribution in the arc. The influences of different experimental conditions on the characteristics of the arc and the temperature distributions in the catenary wire and pantograph strip are calculated and discussed. Finally, the results obtained in the simulation studies are compared with realistic arc images recorded using a high-speed camera, and a good agreement is found.
Characteristics and information searched for by French patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A web-community data-driven online survey
Authors: Meunier B , Jourde-Chiche N , Mancini J , Chekroun M , Retornaz F , Chiche L
Published: October 2015

Introduction

To provide information about the needs of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using Carenity, the first European online platform for patients with chronic diseases.

Methods

At one year after its creation, all posts from the Carenity SLE community were collected and analysed. A focused cross-sectional online survey was performed.

Results

The SLE community included 521 people (93% females; mean age: 39.8 years). Among a total of 6702 posts, 2232 were classified according to disease-related topics. The 10 most common topics were ‘lupus and …’ either ‘treatment’, ‘fatigue’, ‘entourage’, ‘sun exposure’, ‘diagnosis’, ‘autoimmune diseases’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘contraception’, ‘symptoms’ or ‘sexuality’. 112 SLE patients participated in the online survey. At the time of diagnosis, only 17 (15%) patients had heard of SLE and 84 (75%) expressed a need for more information on outcomes (27%), treatments (27%), daily life (14%), patients' associations (11%), symptoms (8%), the disease (8%) and psychosocial aspects (7%). When treatment was initiated, 48 patients (43%) would have liked more information about side effects (46%), long-term effects (21%), treatment duration/cessation (12.5%) and type (10%) and mechanism of action (8%) of treatments. All participants except one had used the internet to find information about SLE. Sources of information included healthcare providers (51%/61%/67%), journals/magazines (7%/12%/6%), lupus Websites (51%/77%/40%), web forums/blogs (34%/53%/19%), patients' associations (11%/23%/9%) accessed at ‘just before diagnosis’, ‘just after diagnosis’ and ‘before treatment initiation’.

Conclusions

Online patient communities provide original unbiased information that can help improve provision of information to SLE patients.
Torsional failure of water-filled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ye Hongfei , Li Rui , Zheng Yonggang , Zhang Zhongqiang , Zong Zhi , Zhang Hongwu
Published: October 2015

The failure behavior of water-filled carbon nanotubes under the torsional moment is investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The computational results indicate that the shear modulus can be slightly increased but the critical buckling angle can be greatly enhanced by the water filling as compared to the empty carbon nanotubes. The enhancement in the critical buckling angle is almost comparable to that induced by the copper filling. However, the critical failure angle of carbon nanotubes decreases with the increase in the packing density of water, and it is reduced by about 50% when the water density reaches 1.2 g/cm3. Moreover, the researches on the defective water-filled carbon nanotubes reveal that the torsional property of the carbon nanotubes can be influenced by the density and distribution of the Stone–Wales defects. The present findings can provide a theoretical guidance for the stability assessment of nanochannels and the potential application for the drug delivery and release.