bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling, identification and compensation of hysteresis nonlinearity for a piezoelectric nano-manipulator
Authors: Zhang Yangming , Yan Peng
Published: September 2016

Hysteresis nonlinearity widely exists in piezoelectric actuated nano-positioning applications, which degrades their tracking accuracy and limits their precision positioning applications. This paper presents a novel hysteresis modeling and compensation approach to alleviate the adverse effect of the asymmetric and rate-dependent hysteresis nonlinearity for a piezoelectric transducer actuated servo stage. By integrating a generalized input function with the play operator of the classical Prandtl–Ishlinskii model, a novel polynomial-based rate-dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii (PRPI) model is proposed to capture the hysteresis behavior of the piezoelectric positioning stage, where a polynomial function of input and a time rate function of input are introduced to formulate the generalized input function. Meanwhile, a new adaptive differential evolution optimization algorithm is developed to identify the parameters of the proposed PRPI hysteresis model. Based on the PRPI hysteresis model with the identified parameters, an inverse feedforward controller is constructed to achieve the accurate tracking motion. Furthermore, the hysteresis compensation error of the proposed PRPI model is theoretically analyzed. Finally, comparative experiments are conducted, and the experimental results provided in this paper demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed inverse PRPI model compensation approach.
Thermomechanical modeling and experimental investigation of transformation-induced creep and stress relaxation in shape memory alloy wires
Authors: Zare Fateme , Jannesari Mohammad , Kadkhodaei Mahmoud , Mosaddegh Peiman
Published: September 2016

Creep and relaxation phenomena are being observed in shape memory alloys, not only at high temperatures but also at room temperature, due to their martensitic transformation. Transformation-induced creep and stress relaxation in shape memory alloys occur due to temperature variations during loading and unloading cycles. In this work, a one-dimensional fully coupled thermomechanical model was employed to develop a continuum framework for studying these behaviors in shape memory alloy wires. A decrease or increase in stress was observed during forward or reverse transformation at a constant amount of strain, showing the stress relaxation and stress recovery, respectively. Similarly, the model predicts that strain increases or decreases when stress is held fixed in the course of forward or reverse transformation, meaning the phenomena of creep and creep recovery, respectively. This model provides the ability of investigating the effects of different ambient temperatures, strain rates, applied stresses and strains, and wire radii on the creep and relaxation responses of shape memory alloys. Relaxation and creep experiments at different ambient temperatures and loading or unloading rates were also done on NiTi wires, and the theoretical predictions were shown to be in a good agreement with the empirical observations.
A multi-delay-and-sum imaging algorithm for damage detection using piezoceramic transducers
Authors: Lu Guangtao , Li Yourong , Wang Tao , Xiao Han , Huo Linsheng , Song Gangbing
Published: September 2016

The traditional delay-and-sum imaging algorithm usually requires sending an excitation pulse at each piezoceramic transducer and obtains a damage image by drawing only ellipses. A multi-delay-and-sum imaging algorithm is proposed for damage detection of thin-plate-like structures using sparse piezoceramic transducers. Compared with the traditional delay-and-sum imaging algorithm, the proposed algorithm sends only one excitation pulse for each detection. A reflection coefficient is employed in the proposed method to cancel the artifacts caused by the boundary reflection signals, and the reflection coefficient is determined by the distribution of piezoceramic transducers and strength of the reflection signals. An additional time compensation due to the excitation pulse is also made to reduce the error of damage locating. To increase the image pixel value of a damage, the damage image is obtained by drawing both ellipses and hyperbolas with transmitter–sensor pair signals. The experimental results obtained on an aluminum alloy plate demonstrate that the proposed multi-delay-and-sum imaging algorithm can identify a bonded mass damage efficiently and accurately.
Adaptive behaviors in multi-agent source localization using passive sensing
Authors: Shaukat Mansoor , Chitre Mandar
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the role of adaptive group cohesion in a cooperative multi-agent source localization problem is investigated. A distributed source localization algorithm is presented for a homogeneous team of simple agents. An agent uses a single sensor to sense the gradient and two sensors to sense its neighbors. The algorithm is a set of individualistic and social behaviors where the individualistic behavior is as simple as an agent keeping its previous heading and is not self-sufficient in localizing the source. Source localization is achieved as an emergent property through agent’s adaptive interactions with the neighbors and the environment. Given a single agent is incapable of localizing the source, maintaining team connectivity at all times is crucial. Two simple temporal sampling behaviors, intensity-based-adaptation and connectivity-based-adaptation, ensure an efficient localization strategy with minimal agent breakaways. The agent behaviors are simultaneously optimized using a two phase evolutionary optimization process. The optimized behaviors are estimated with analytical models and the resulting collective behavior is validated against the agent’s sensor and actuator noise, strong multi-path interference due to environment variability, initialization distance sensitivity and loss of source signal.
The torsional surface wave in a prestressed anisotropic intermediate poroelastic layer of varying heterogeneities
Authors: Kakar Rajneesh , Kakar Shikha
Published: September 2016

The aim of this paper is to study the behavior of the torsional surface wave in a heterogeneous initially stressed vertical fluid-saturated anisotropic layer sandwiched between inhomogeneous and homogeneous porous half-spaces. It has been considered that the mass density and rigidity of the upper half-space and intermediate layer are space dependent. The proposed model is solved to obtain different dispersion relations for the torsional surface wave in a heterogeneous poroelastic medium lying between two half-spaces. The influence of compressive stress and heterogeneity on torsional surface wave dispersion is shown numerically. It has been observed that heterogeneity, porosity, initial stress of the layer and inhomogeneity of the upper and porosity of lower half-spaces affect the torsional wave speed much. The wave analysis further indicates that the torsional surface waves travel faster in elastic half-spaces in comparison than in the fluid-saturated porous layer.
‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’: Exploring the role of support in women’s experiences of mastectomy without reconstruction
Authors: Archer Stephanie , Holland Fiona G , Montague Jane
Published: September 2016

This study explores the role of others in supporting younger women who opt not to reconstruct their breast post-mastectomy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s/40s. The women lived in England, had been diagnosed a minimum of 5 years previously and had undergone unilateral mastectomy. An interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three themes: Assuring the self: ‘I’ll love you whatever’, Challenging the self: ‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’ and Accepting the self: ‘I’ve come out the other side’. The women’s experiences of positive support and challenges to their sense of self are discussed.
Quantification of knock benefits from reformate and cooled exhaust gas recirculation using a Livengood–Wu approach with detailed chemical kinetics
Authors: Marsh David K , Voice Alexander K
Published: September 2016

In this work, a simple methodology was implemented to predict the onset of knock in spark-ignition engines and quantify the benefits of two practical knock mitigation strategies: cooled exhaust gas recirculation and syngas blending. Based on the results of this study, both cooled exhaust gas recirculation and the presence of syngas constituents in the end-gas substantially improved the knock-limited compression ratio of the engine. At constant load, 25% exhaust gas recirculation increased the knock-limited compression ratio from 9.0 to 10.8:1 (0.07 compression ratio per 1% exhaust gas recirculation) due to lower end-gas temperature and reactant (fuel and oxygen) concentrations. At exhaust gas recirculation rates above 43%, higher intake temperature outweighed the benefits of lower end-gas reactant concentration. At constant intake temperature, cooled exhaust gas recirculation was significantly more effective at all exhaust gas recirculation rates (0.10 compression ratio per 1% exhaust gas recirculation), and no diminishing returns or optimum was observed. Both hydrogen and carbon monoxide were also predicted to improve knock by reducing end-gas reactivity, likely through the conversion of high-reactivity hydroxy-radicals to less reactive peroxy-radicals. Hydrogen increased the knock-limited compression ratio by 1.1 per volume percent added at constant energy content. Carbon monoxide was less effective, increasing the knock-limited compression ratio by 0.38 per volume percent added. Combining 25% cooled exhaust gas recirculation with reformate produced from rich combustion at an equivalence ratio of 1.3 resulted in a predicted increase in the knock-limited compression ratio of 3.5, which agreed well with the published experimental engine data. The results show the extent to which syngas blending and cooled exhaust gas recirculation each contribute separately to knock mitigation and demonstrate that both can be effective knock mitigation strategies. Together, these solutions have the potential to increase the compression ratio and efficiency of spark-ignition engines.
School expectations and student aspirations: The influence of schools and teachers on Indigenous secondary students
Authors: Hynds Anne , Averill Robin , Hindle Rawiri , Meyer Luanna
Published: September 2016

Although there is extensive literature on the relationship between student motivation and achievement, less is known about how secondary schools create conditions that enable diverse groups of students to do their personal best. This article reports research into the development of school leadership in New Zealand secondary schools to enable Indigenous Māori students to achieve educational success as Māori. Data collection included school goal-setting plans for students, in-class observations, student surveys and interviews. Analyses revealed school goals reflected low expectations for Māori achievement and little evidence of culturally responsive practices in classrooms. Interviews with Māori students highlighted perceptions that their schools had low expectations for them and their learning, while analysis of Māori student surveys indicated lower academic aspirations in comparison with European peers. These results are discussed critically alongside specific recommendations for further research on the multiple influences of mainstream secondary school contexts on educational achievement outcomes for Indigenous students.
‘I was a scarf-like gangster girl’ – Negotiating gender and ethnicity on the street
Authors: Henriksen Ann-Karina
Published: September 2016

Drawing on an ethnographic study in Copenhagen, this article explores the gendered ethnicities of young women navigating multi-ethnic street terrains. The study includes an ethnically heterogeneous sample of 25 women aged 13–23 who are involved in street-oriented peer groups and activities. The analysis demonstrates how young women modify their lifestyle, language, body and posture to establish proximity to ethnic minority youth. By applying intersectional theory, the article explores gender and ethnicity as situational accomplishments, and it is argued that ethnic identifications in this context need to be explored as flexible and fluid, changing, not only over a lifetime, but within a single day. This exploration of young women’s gendered ethnicities adds to the limited research on the gendered and racialized dynamics of street culture.
On the circumstances of justice
Authors: Tebble Adam J
Published: September 2016

An epistemic account of the circumstances of justice allows one to make three important claims about the Humean and Rawlsian ‘standard account’ of those circumstances. First, and contrary to Hume, the possibility and necessity of justice are rooted not in limited beneficence or confined generosity, but in the epistemic insight that the knowledge relevant to deciding what to do with the fruits of social cooperation is for a variety of reasons uncentralisable. Second, and regardless of whether Rawlsian ethical disagreement is more persuasive as a circumstance of justice than Humean confined generosity, it does not explain the possibility and necessity of justice, for the uncentralisability of social knowledge would be decisive even under conditions of unanimity. Finally, the epistemic account not only shows what the circumstances of justice are but, contra Cohen’s critique of the standard account, also provides at least some guidance as to what justice itself may be.
Ethnic conflicts and riots in Italy: The case of Rome, 2014
Authors: Selmini Rossella
Published: September 2016

In this article I present an overview of Italian experiences of social unrest and riots, with a focus on the wave of protests and ethnic conflicts that occurred in some areas on the outskirts of Rome during the last months of 2014, when groups of Italian citizens – often led by right-wing politicians and neo-fascist political movements – organized street blocks, set fires in garbage containers, attacked buildings where refugees and asylum seekers were living and chased immigrants in these neighbourhoods. The case explored here, based on the first results of an ethnographic study, is an example of ethnic conflict in which immigrants – and Roma people – are the target of violent actions undertaken by natives, with an important role played by radical right movements in reinforcing the protest and in the decision to engage in rioting. I describe in detail the characteristics and the context of these events, analysing differences from and similarities to past Italian experiences of ethnic conflict and discussing the preliminary results of my work in relation to the main hypotheses discussed in the literature on ethnic conflicts.
Effects of Robot-Assisted Therapy for the Upper Limb After Stroke
Authors: Veerbeek Janne M. , Langbroek-Amersfoort Anneli C. , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Meskers Carel G. M. , Kwakkel Gert
Published: September 2016

Background. Robot technology for poststroke rehabilitation is developing rapidly. A number of new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the effects of robot-assisted therapy for the paretic upper limb (RT-UL). Objective. To systematically review the effects of poststroke RT-UL on measures of motor control of the paretic arm, muscle strength and tone, upper limb capacity, and basic activities of daily living (ADL) in comparison with nonrobotic treatment. Methods. Relevant RCTs were identified in electronic searches. Meta-analyses were performed for measures of motor control (eg, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the arm; FMA arm), muscle strength and tone, upper limb capacity, and basic ADL. Subgroup analyses were applied for the number of joints involved, robot type, timing poststroke, and treatment contrast. Results. Forty-four RCTs (N = 1362) were included. No serious adverse events were reported. Meta-analyses of 38 trials (N = 1206) showed significant but small improvements in motor control (~2 points FMA arm) and muscle strength of the paretic arm and a negative effect on muscle tone. No effects were found for upper limb capacity and basic ADL. Shoulder/elbow robotics showed small but significant effects on motor control and muscle strength, while elbow/wrist robotics had small but significant effects on motor control. Conclusions. RT-UL allows patients to increase the number of repetitions and hence intensity of practice poststroke, and appears to be a safe therapy. Effects on motor control are small and specific to the joints targeted by RT-UL, whereas no generalization is found to improvements in upper limb capacity. The impact of RT-UL started in the first weeks poststroke remains unclear. These limited findings could mainly be related to poor understanding of robot-induced motor learning as well as inadequate designing of RT-UL trials, by not applying an appropriate selection of stroke patients with a potential to recovery at baseline as well as the lack of fixed timing of baseline assessments and using an insufficient treatment contrast early poststroke.
Research on cutting mechanics of window bit cutting teeth
Authors: Kong Chunyan , Liang Zheng , Zhang Derong , Cai Rong
Published: September 2016

According to structural characteristics of dual-effect strong side-cut window bit (hereinafter referred to as window bit) and the theory of metal cutting and the rule of teeth arrangement of window bit, a cutting mechanical model of window bit cutting teeth is established, window bit geometric equations deduced and the solution of the cutter cutting mechanical model completed; finally, the casing window experiment is conducted with the dual-effect strong side-cut window bit developed to verify the accuracy of the cutting mechanical calculation model and the simulation results. The results show that the variation tendency of the main cutting force of the bit and the experimental data are similar in the windowing process, the simulation results can accurately reflect the change rule of the main cutting force and the requirements of engineering applications are basically met. The research results of this article provide theoretical basis for the analysis and calculation of the cutting force of the window bit and can serve as a reference for the design of deep/ultra-deep well casing window bits and cutting mechanics research.
The acute effect of maximal voluntary isometric contraction pull on start gate performance of snowboard and ski cross athletes
Authors: Haycraft Jade AZ , Gastin Paul B , Robertson Sam
Published: September 2016

This study investigated whether adding a maximal voluntary isometric contraction to developing snowboard and ski cross athletes’ warm-up could reduce start time. A secondary aim was to assess the appropriateness of start performance as a talent identification tool for junior athletes by determining whether differences in time could be explained by participant age and anthropometry. Twenty sub-elite athletes (male: n = 11, female: n = 9, age: 15.0 ± 1.4 years) participated. No differences were found for start time (7.5 m) between maximal voluntary isometric contraction and standardised (no-maximal voluntary isometric contraction) warm-up or gender (maximal voluntary isometric contraction; males: 1.36 ± 0.07 s, females: 1.41 ± 0.03 s, no-maximal voluntary isometric contraction; males: 1.35 ± 0.01 s, females: 1.38 ± 0.10 s, P > 0.05). A strong relationship between body mass and start time to 7.5 m ( r = −0.78, r2 = 0.61, P < 0.05) was observed. Use of maximal voluntary isometric contraction-based warm-ups with developing snowboard cross and ski cross athletes may not be beneficial to improving performance.
Coaching sprinting: Expert coaches’ perception of resistance-based training
Authors: Bolger R , Lyons M , Harrison AJ , Kenny IC
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to explore expert coaches’ perceptions of resistance-based training for sprinting. This research posed three broad questions: (i) What resistance exercises are being performed by competitive sprinters? (ii) Why coaches have selected these exercises over others? (iii) How athletics coaches control and implement their use in training? Participants for the study comprised seven expert track and field sprint coaches. Findings indicated that the coaches used a variety of resistance-based training including variations of the squat, Olympic weightlifting movements and deadlift, along with resisted running in the form of weighted jackets, hill running, and weighted sleds. They also used plyometric variations of bounding and specific drills. Particular emphasis was drawn towards variations of the squat and how exercises transferred from the weights room to the track. All coaches changed exercises to complement the focus from off-season to in-season. The main finding of this study relates to the current dearth of research to support evidence-based resistance exercise prescription for sprinters.
A review of therapeutic agents for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Hahn Stella S , Makaryus Mina , Talwar Arunabh , Narasimhan Mangala , Zaidi Gulrukh
Published: September 2016

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an uncommon, progressive and life threatening disease characterized by a proliferative vasculopathy of the small muscular pulmonary arterioles resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and eventually right ventricular failure. An increasing understanding of the pathobiology of PAH and its natural history has led to the development of numerous targeted therapies. Despite these advances there is significant progression of disease and the survival rate remains low. This article reviews the agents currently available for the medical management of PAH.
Determinants of health-related lifestyles among university students
Authors: Aceijas Carmen , Waldhäusl Sabrina , Lambert Nicky , Cassar Simon , Bello-Corassa Rafael
Published: September 2016

Aims:

The aim of this study was to investigate students’ health-related lifestyles and to identify barriers and social determinants of healthier lifestyles.

Methods:

An online survey, two focus groups and three in-depth interviews across 2014/2015. A stratified by school size and random sample ( n = 468) of university students answered a 67-item questionnaire comprising six scales: Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients–Short Version, CAGE, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale short version, and ad hoc scale for drug use/misuse. Stratified by gender, χ2 tests were run to test associations/estimate risks and three multivariate Logistic Regression models were adjusted. A thematic approach guided the analysis of qualitative data.

Results:

A total of 60% of the respondents were insufficiently physically active, 47% had an unbalanced diet and 30% had low mental wellbeing. Alcohol drinkers versus abstinent were almost equally distributed. A total of 42% of alcohol drinkers reported getting drunk at least once a month. Smokers accounted for 16% of the respondents. Identified risk factors for suboptimal physical activity were as follows: being a woman, not using the university gym and smoking. Risk factors for unbalanced diet were low mental wellbeing and drug use. Poor mental wellbeing was predicted by unbalanced diet, not feeling like shopping and cooking frequently, and a lack of help-seeking behaviour in cases of distress. Qualitative analysis revealed seven thematic categories: transition to new life, university environment and systems, finances, academic pressure, health promotion on campus and recommendations.

Conclusion:

This study provides robust evidence that the health-related lifestyles of the student population are worrying and suggests that the trend in chronic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles sustained over years might be unlikely to change in future generations. University students’ health-related lifestyle is a concern. Nine out of the identified 10 predictors of problematic physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing, were environmental/societal or institutional barriers. Universities must expand corporate responsibilities to include the promotion of health as part of their core values.
Evaluation of Pump Discontinuation and Associated Factors in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry
Authors: Wong Jenise C. , Boyle Claire , DiMeglio Linda A. , Mastrandrea Lucy D. , Abel Kimber-Lee , Cengiz Eda , Cemeroglu Pinar A. , Aleppo Grazia , Largay Joseph F. , Foster Nicole C. , Beck Roy W. , Adi Saleh ,   for the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: September 2016

Background:

The objectives of this study were to examine factors associated with insulin pump discontinuation among children and adults followed longitudinally for 1 year in the multicenter T1D Exchange clinic registry, and to provide participant-reported reasons for stopping pump therapy.

Methods:

We longitudinally followed 8935 participants of all ages using an insulin pump at the time of registry enrollment. Logistic regressions were used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with pump discontinuation. Pump discontinuation was self-reported by participants on a first annual follow-up survey.

Results:

The overall frequency of pump discontinuation was 3%. Discontinuation was higher in adolescents (4%) and young adults (4%) than in younger children (3%) or older adults (1%). In multivariate analysis of children between 6 and <13 and 13 and <18 years, participants who discontinued pump use were more likely to have higher HbA1c levels at baseline (adjusted P < .001 for both). The top participant-reported reasons for discontinuing the pump included problems with wearability (57%), disliking the pump or feeling anxious (44%), and problems with glycemic control (30%).

Conclusions:

In T1D Exchange registry participants, insulin pump discontinuation is uncommon, but more prevalent among adolescents and young adults, and youth with poor glycemic control. Given the known benefits of pump therapy, these populations should be targeted for support and education on troubleshooting pump use. Common reasons for discontinuation should also be considered in future device design and technological improvement.
Comparison of Transverse and Coronal Plane Stability at the First Tarsal-Metatarsal Joint With Multiple Screw Orientations
Authors: Feilmeier Mindi , Dayton Paul , Kauwe Merrell , Cifaldi Andrea , Roberts Britney , Johnk Hannah , Reimer Rachel
Published: September 2016

Intercuneiform instability has been recognized as a potential cause of hallux valgus recurrence following tarsal-metatarsal joint (TMTJ) fusion. Recommendations have been made for additional screw placement between the metatarsals and/or the cuneiforms to improve stability. The screw orientation that provides the best stability has not been documented. Twelve cadavers with the first TMTJ fixated were used for testing. Using a consistent force application of 15 pounds in both the transverse and coronal planes, we measured the change in intermetatarsal angle on radiographs. Force testing was repeated with screws deployed individually in the following orientations: first to second cuneiform (CC), first to second metatarsal (MM), and first metatarsal to middle cuneiform (MC). Our results indicate that stability of the first ray in the transverse and coronal planes is not improved with TMTJ fixation alone or with an additional CC screw. The MM screw consistently reduced first metatarsal instability in both planes. The MC screw had intermediate results. These findings strengthen the notion that first ray instability is complex and involves the tarsal and metatarsal articulations at multiple levels outside of the TMTJ alone.

Levels of Evidence: Diagnostic and Therapeutic, Level IV: Cadaveric Study
New Insights Into the Evolution of Color Terms or an Effect of Saturation?
Authors: Witzel Christoph
Published: September 2016

Through their thorough investigation of the Hadza, a nonindustrialized language community in Tanzania, Lindsey and colleagues (2015) developed a new approach to understand the evolution of color terms. In the present commentary, I discuss the possibility that some of their results might be explained by the lacking control of saturation of their color stimuli. The saturation of colors plays an important yet widely neglected role in color naming. The additional analyses presented here suggest that the results on Hadzane color naming could be due to variations in saturation in the stimulus set rather than being evidence for universal constraints on color term evolution.
Jumping for Fun? Negotiating Mobility and the Geopolitics of Foursquare
Authors: Halegoua Germaine R. , Leavitt Alex , Gray Mary L.
Published: September 2016

Rather than assume that there is some universal “right way” to engage social media platforms, we interrogate how the location-based social media practice known as “jumping” played out on the popular service Foursquare. We use this case to investigate how a “global” or universal system is constructed with an imagined user in mind, one who enjoys a particular type of mobility and experience of place. Through the analysis of official Foursquare policies and mission statements, discussions among developers, interviews with and conversations among Foursquare users, online traces left by jumpers, and correspondence between designers and users on discussion forums, we identify how certain practices and participants are discursively constructed as normative, while other practices and groups are marginalized. Through the study of “jumping,” and its association with Indonesian players in particular, we highlight tensions between the assumptions and industrial strategies of Foursquare designers and the emergent practices and norms of early adopters and avid participants. We argue that the practices of “Indonesian” Foursquare jumpers and the discourses surrounding their use of Foursquare illustrate that practices understood as transgressive or resistive might best be read as strategies for engaging with a platform as groups contend with marginalizing social, economic, and/or political conditions. The case study examined in this article highlights the practices of participants who attempt to integrate themselves into the design of a social media system and the “workarounds,” tensions, negotiations, and logics that manifest in that process.
Networks of social relations and underground economics: A study on a black market of bicycles in Shanghai
Authors: Qiang Ge
Published: September 2016

Mark Granovetter emphasized the effect of ongoing systems of social relations on economic actions. This essay uses a black market of bicycles as a critical case, based on field work from 2004 to 2008, to study the ongoing interaction between the networks of social relations and the economic actions in the case. I conclude that because of the characteristics of economic actions in the black markets and their environment, individual black market bicycle dealers are faced with a conflict between limited inventory and diversified demands from different customers. However, at the level of all dealers, the inventory is sufficient. Thus, the key issue in the black market is how to deliver information on diversified demands to the right dealer. The networks of social relations can do this. These networks are not based on blood or geographical ties, but originate from economic actions in the black market. The dealers use la guanxi (try to establish a relationship with somebody) to establish initial networks of social relations and jiang yiqi (be loyal to friends) to strengthen them with ongoing economic actions. Because of their function concerning information and trust, the networks soon construct a reciprocal model of transactions, which reduces risks and raises profits. In addition, as information and trust are accumulated through ongoing economic actions, a cartel of purchasing and prices emerges, changes the market again, and further raises profits. In addition, the economic actions, which are based on intermediary activities and the rapid movement of information, prevent the networks from developing into a mafia. The networks can also prevent potential malfeasance in economic actions.
The Chinese diaspora: The current distribution of the overseas Chinese population
Authors: Poston Dudley L , Wong Juyin Helen
Published: September 2016

In the present paper we draw on the extensive data resources of the 'Overseas Chinese Affairs Council in Taiwan in an analysis of the overseas Chinese worldwide as of c. 2010. We raise and endeavor to answer four basic questions: (1) How many overseas Chinese are there currently in the world? (2) How are they distributed among the world's countries and regions? (3) What have been their patterns of population change in past decades? (4) What characteristics of the receiving countries are related to their numbers of overseas Chinese? We begin with a brief discussion of diasporas and present some recent data on the larger of the non-Chinese diasporas to enable us to better evaluate the significance and importance of the Chinese diaspora. We then review the major patterns of previous Chinese emigrations to provide an overall perspective for the presentation of our empirical data on overseas Chinese. This is followed by a discussion of our data and its sources. We then present and analyze our current data on overseas Chinese for the period c. 2010–2011 and answer our four questions.
Intergenerational relations and Chinese elderly's subjective well-being: An analysis of differentials by gender and residence
Authors: Zhang Li
Published: September 2016

This research examines how intergenerational relations affect the Chinese elderly's subjective well-being, focusing on studying differences by gender and residence. Analyzing data from the 2011 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, the study shows that most forms of intergenerational support (both financial and non-financial) promote the Chinese elderly's positive feelings and reduce their negative feelings. The way in which intergenerational support affects elderly's subjective well-being varies by gender and residence. These findings should encourage future researchers to pay attention to elderly subgroup differentials when studying their subjective well-being.
Evaluating PROMIS Physical Function Measures in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tatsuoka Curtis , DeMarco Louis , Smyth Kathleen A. , Wilkes Stephen , Howland Molly , Lerner Alan J. , Sajatovic Martha
Published: September 2016

Activities of daily living can be affected by cognitive decline. Self-report measurement of functioning is attractive due to ease of data collection, low cost, and accessibility via technology-assisted means, and for understanding patient perspective. A concern is with reliability of such measurement as cognitive decline occurs. We compared a widely used, self-report “legacy” measure of functioning, Lawton and Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADLS), with a subset of physical functioning items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). The study sample consisted of 304 individuals of varying cognitive status: normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or early dementia. An expert consensus method was used to select PROMIS functional items most relevant to neurocognitive disorder and to identify major functional sub-domains. Selected PROMIS functional subscales and the IADLS were then evaluated with respect to cognitive status. Few PROMIS functional items were useful in identifying MCI, while we reaffirmed the utility of the IADLS. Also, even mild depression levels were found to have negative effects on functioning according to both PROMIS and IADLS.
LMAP: Lightweight Multigene Analyses in PAML
Authors: Maldonado Emanuel , Almeida Daniela , Escalona Tibisay , Khan Imran , Vasconcelos Vitor , Antunes Agostinho
Published: September 2016

Background

Uncovering how phenotypic diversity arises and is maintained in nature has long been a major interest of evolutionary biologists. Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies have remarkably increased the efficiency to pinpoint genes involved in the adaptive evolution of phenotypes. Reliability of such findings is most often examined with statistical and computational methods using Maximum Likelihood codon-based models (i.e., site, branch, branch-site and clade models), such as those available in codeml from the Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood (PAML) package. While these models represent a well-defined workflow for documenting adaptive evolution, in practice they can be challenging for researchers having a vast amount of data, as multiple types of relevant codon-based datasets are generated, making the overall process hard and tedious to handle, error-prone and time-consuming.

Results

We introduce LMAP (Lightweight Multigene Analyses in PAML), a user-friendly command-line and interactive package, designed to handle the codeml workflow, namely: directory organization, execution, results gathering and organization for Likelihood Ratio Test estimations with minimal manual user intervention. LMAP was developed for the workstation multi-core environment and provides a unique advantage for processing one, or more, if not all codeml codon-based models for multiple datasets at a time. Our software, proved efficiency throughout the codeml workflow, including, but not limited, to simultaneously handling more than 20 datasets.

Conclusions

We have developed a simple and versatile LMAP package, with outstanding performance, enabling researchers to analyze multiple different codon-based datasets in a high-throughput fashion. At minimum, two file types are required within a single input directory: one for the multiple sequence alignment and another for the phylogenetic tree. To our knowledge, no other software combines all codeml codon substitution models of adaptive evolution. LMAP has been developed as an open-source package, allowing its integration into more complex open-source bioinformatics pipelines. LMAP package is released under GPLv3 license and is freely available at http://lmapaml.sourceforge.net/.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: HOXA7 plays a critical role in metastasis of liver cancer associated with activation of Snail
Authors: Tang Bo , Qi Guangying , Sun Xiaoyu , Tang Fang , Yuan Shengguang , Wang Zhenran , Liang Xingsi , Li Bo , Yu Shuiping , Liu Jie , Huang Qi , Wei Yangchao , Zhai Run , Lei Biao , Guo Xinjin , He Songqing
Published: September 2016

Background

Liver cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related death in human. HOXA7 has been proved to be related with several cancers.

Method

The expression levels of HOXA7 were examined by Western blot, qRT-PCR or ICH. MTT was used to detect the proliferative rate of liver cancer cells. The invasive abilities were examined by matrigel and transwell assay. The metastatic abilities of liver cancer cells were revealed in BALB/c nude mice.

Results

In this report, we revealed that HOXA7 promoted metastasis of HCC patients. First, increased levels of HOXA7 were examined in liver cancer especially in metastatic liver cancer. Moreover, higher expression level of HOXA7 was associated with poorer prognosis of liver cancer patients. Overexpression of HOXA7 significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo meanwhile silencing HOXA7 significantly inhibited the aboves abilities of liver cancer cells. In this research, we identified that HOXA7 performed its oncogenic characteristics through activating Snail.

Conclusion

Collectively, we identify the critical role and possible mechanism of HOXA7 in metastasis of liver cancer which suggest that HOXA7 may be a potential therapeutic target of liver cancer patients.
M-Constants, Dominguez-Benavides coefficient, and weak fixed point property in Orlicz sequence spaces equipped with the p-Amemiya norm
Authors: Cui Yunan , Hudzik Henryk , Wisła Marek
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a formula for the M-constants $\mu_{n}(l_{\Phi,p})$

μ
n

(

l

Φ
,
p

)
of Orlicz sequence spaces $l_{\Phi,p}$

l

Φ
,
p

equipped with the p-Amemiya norm as well as for the equalities $\mu_{n}(l_{\Phi,p})=n$

μ
n

(

l

Φ
,
p

)
=
n
for any $n\in \mathcal{N}$
n
∈
N
are given. Moreover, the Fatou property, weak orthogonality, and the weak fixed point property of these spaces are discussed. Finally a direct formula for the Dominguez-Benavides coefficient of the spaces $l_{\Phi,p}$

l

Φ
,
p

is given in terms of the Orlicz function generating these spaces. Both, M-constants and Dominguez-Benavides coefficient, are strongly related to the fixed point theory.
The complete genome sequence of the methanogenic archaeon ISO4-H5 provides insights into the methylotrophic lifestyle of a ruminal representative of the Methanomassiliicoccales
Authors: Li Yang , Leahy Sinead C. , Jeyanathan Jeyamalar , Henderson Gemma , Cox Faith , Altermann Eric , Kelly William J. , Lambie Suzanne C. , Janssen Peter H. , Rakonjac Jasna , Attwood Graeme T.
Published: September 2016

Methane emissions from agriculture represent around 9 % of global anthropogenic greenhouse emissions. The single largest source of this methane is animal enteric fermentation, predominantly from ruminant livestock where it is produced mainly in their fermentative forestomach (or reticulo-rumen) by a group of archaea known as methanogens. In order to reduce methane emissions from ruminants, it is necessary to understand the role of methanogenic archaea in the rumen, and to identify their distinguishing characteristics that can be used to develop methane mitigation technologies. To gain insights into the role of methylotrophic methanogens in the rumen environment, the genome of a methanogenic archaeon has been sequenced. This isolate, strain ISO4-H5, was isolated from the ovine rumen and belongs to the order Methanomassiliicoccales. Genomic analysis suggests ISO4-H5 is an obligate hydrogen-dependent methylotrophic methanogen, able to use methanol and methylamines as substrates for methanogenesis. Like other organisms within this order, ISO4-H5 does not possess genes required for the first six steps of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Comparison between the genomes of different members of the order Methanomassiliicoccales revealed strong conservation in energy metabolism, particularly in genes of the methylotrophic methanogenesis pathway, as well as in the biosynthesis and use of pyrrolysine. Unlike members of Methanomassiliicoccales from human sources, ISO4-H5 does not contain the genes required for production of coenzyme M, and so likely requires external coenzyme M to survive.
Near complete genome sequence of the animal feed probiotic, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57
Authors: Schofield Benjamin J. , Skarshewski Adam , Lachner Nancy , Ouwerkerk Diane , Klieve Athol V. , Dart Peter , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: September 2016

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 is a bacterium isolated from lucerne for its ability to prevent feed spoilage. Further interest developed when ruminants fed with H57-inoculated hay showed increased weight gain and nitrogen retention relative to controls, suggesting a probiotic effect. The near complete genome of H57 is ~3.96 Mb comprising 16 contigs. Within the genome there are 3,836 protein coding genes, an estimated sixteen rRNA genes and 69 tRNA genes. H57 has the potential to synthesise four different lipopeptides and four polyketide compounds, which are known antimicrobials. This antimicrobial capacity may facilitate the observed probiotic effect.
A comparative study of enzyme initiators for crosslinking phenol-functionalized hydrogels for cell encapsulation
Authors: Roberts Justine J. , Naudiyal Pratibha , Lim Khoon S. , Poole-Warren Laura A. , Martens Penny J.
Published: September 2016

Background

Dityrosine crosslinking in proteins is a bioinspired method of forming hydrogels. This study compares oxidative enzyme initiators for their relative crosslinking efficiency and cytocompatibility using the same phenol group and the same material platform. Four common enzyme and enzyme-like oxidative initiators were probed for resulting material properties and cell viability post-encapsulation.

Results

All four initiators can be used to form phenol-crosslinked hydrogels, however gelation rates are dependent on enzyme type, concentration, and the oxidant. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or hematin with hydrogen peroxide led to a more rapid poly (vinyl alcohol)-tyramine (PVA-Tyr) polymerization (10–60 min) because a high oxidant concentration was dissolved within the macromer solution at the onset of crosslinking, whereas laccase and tyrosinase require oxygen diffusion to crosslink phenol residues and therefore took longer to gel (2.5+ hours). The use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant reduced cell viability immediately post-encapsulation. Laccase- and tyrosinase-mediated encapsulation of cells resulted in higher cell viability immediately post-encapsulation and significantly higher cell proliferation after one week of culture.

Conclusions

Overall this study demonstrates that HRP/H
2
O
2
, hematin/H
2
O
2
, laccase, and tyrosinase can create injectable,
in situ
phenol-crosslinked hydrogels, however oxidant type and concentration are critical parameters to assess when phenol crosslinking hydrogels for cell-based applications.
The Challenge of Ecology to the Humanities: An Introduction
Authors: Sullivan Heather I. , Malkmus Bernhard F.
Published: September 2016

The introduction to The Challenge of Ecology to the Humanities: Posthumanism or Humanism? sketches out the ambiguous response of the humanities to the long-term anthropological thinking about the human as an ecological being from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and the more recent constructivist worldviews typically discrediting biological thinking about humans as intrinsically “essentialist” and “nature” as cultural fabrication. The global ecological crisis, however, and an increasing awareness of the impact of human activity on the planet's ecosystems have forced the humanities to reassess such anthropological and biological assumptions. Recent strategies of the environmental humanities include either reformulating classic humanism with ecological frames or seeking alternative, “posthumanist” perspectives that avoid its inherent anthropocentrism. The special issue puts voices from historical, philosophical, and literary disciplines in dialogue with each other, with the goal of mapping out various possibilities for both the humanities and the environmental humanities.
Heimatand the Place of Humans in the World: Jenny Erpenbeck'sHeimsuchungin Ecocritical Perspective
Authors: Goodbody Axel
Published: September 2016

This article considers the human-nature relationship in modern Heimat (homeland) discourse and its depiction in literary representations of Heimat. The first part examines the environmental turn in thinking on Heimat in the 1970s and shows how it was part of a wider shift in the understanding of Heimat, which has paralleled developments in both spatial and ecocritical theory. It proposes that literary representations of the homeland can facilitate an alternative form of dwelling involving a new kind of attachment to place and a nondualist relationship with nature. The second part analyzes Jenny Erpenbeck's novel Heimsuchung (Visitation, 2008) through Gernot Böhme's ecological nature aesthetics and the material ecocriticism of Jane Bennett and of Serenella Iovino and Serpil Oppermann. Their respective “new humanist” and “posthumanist” theoretical frameworks offer insights into Erpenbeck's account of efforts to make the place described a home and of its function as homeland.