bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controllability of Nonlinear Impulsive Stochastic Evolution Systems Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Xiong Juxia , Liu Guiqing , Su Lijuan
Published: October 2015

We consider the infinite-dimensional dynamical control systems described by nonlinear impulsive stochastic evolution differential equations. Sufficient conditions for the complete controllability of nonlinear impulsive stochastic systems are formulated and proved under the reasonable assumption that the corresponding linear system is completely controllable.
Design and Evaluation of a Fully Implantable Control Unit for Blood Pumps
Authors: Unthan Kristin , Gräf Felix , Laumen Marco , Finocchiaro Thomas , Sommer Christoph , Lanmüller Hermann , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: October 2015

As the number of donor hearts is limited while more and more patients suffer from end stage biventricular heart failure, Total Artificial Hearts become a promising alternative to conventional treatment. While pneumatic devices sufficiently supply the patients with blood flow, the patient’s quality of life is limited by the percutaneous pressure lines and the size of the external control unit. This paper describes the development of the control unit of the ReinHeart, a fully implantable Total Artificial Heart. General requirements for any implantable control unit are defined from a technical and medical point of view: necessity of a Transcutaneous Energy Transmission, autonomous operation, safety, geometry, and efficiency. Based on the requirements, a prototype is designed; it incorporates a LiFePo4battery pack with charger, a rectifier for transcutaneous energy transmission, the motor’s driver electronics, and a microcontroller which monitors and controls all functions. In validation tests, the control unit demonstrated a stable operation on TET and battery supply and a safe switching from one supply to the other. The overall mean efficiency is 14% on TET and 22% on battery supply. The control unit is suitable for chronic animal trials of the ReinHeart.
Biological Behaviour and Enhanced Anticorrosive Performance of the Nitrided Superelastic Ti-23Nb-0.7Ta-2Zr-0.5N Alloy
Authors: Mitran Valentina , Vasilescu Cora , Drob Silviu Iulian , Osiceanu Petre , Calderon-Moreno Jose Maria , Tabirca Mariana-Cristina , Gordin Doina-Margareta , Gloriant Thierry , Cimpean Anisoara
Published: October 2015

The influence of gas nitriding surface treatment on the superelastic Ti-23Nb-0.7Ta-2Zr-0.5N alloy was evaluated. A thorough characterization of bare and nitrided Ti-based alloy and pure Ti was performed in terms of surface film composition and morphology, electrochemical behaviour, and short term osteoblast response. XPS analysis showed that the nitriding treatment strongly influenced the composition (nitrides and oxynitrides) and surface properties both of the substrate and of the bulk alloy. SEM images revealed that the nitrided surface appears as a similar dotted pattern caused by the formation of N-rich domains coexisting with less nitrided domains, while before treatment only topographical features could be observed. All the electrochemical results confirmed the high chemical stability of the nitride and oxynitride coating and the superiority of the applied treatment. The values of the corrosion parameters ascertained the excellent corrosion resistance of the coated alloy in the real functional conditions from the human body. Cell culture experiments with MG63 osteoblasts demonstrated that the studied biomaterials do not elicit any toxic effects and support cell adhesion and enhanced cell proliferation. Altogether, these data indicate that the nitrided Ti-23Nb-0.7Ta-2Zr-0.5N alloy is the most suitable substrate for application in bone implantology.
Characterization of Electrograms from Multipolar Diagnostic Catheters during Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ganesan Prasanth , Cherry Elizabeth M. , Pertsov Arkady M. , Ghoraani Behnaz
Published: October 2015

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in USA with more than 2.3 million people affected annually. Catheter ablation procedure is a method for treatment of AF, which involves 3D electroanatomic mapping of the patient's left atrium (LA) by maneuvering a conventional multipolar diagnostic catheter (MPDC) along the LA endocardial surface after which pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is performed, thus eliminating the AF triggers originating from the PVs. However, it remains unclear how to effectively utilize the information provided by the MPDC to locate the AF-sustaining sites, known as sustained rotor-like activities (RotAs). In this study, we use computer modeling to investigate the variations in the characteristics of the MPDC electrograms, namely, total conduction delay (TCD) and average cycle length (CL), as the MPDC moves towards a RotA source. Subsequently, a study with a human subject was performed in order to verify the predictions of the simulation study. The conclusions from this study may be used to iteratively direct an MPDC towards RotA sources thus allowing the RotAs to be localized for customized and improved AF ablation.
The Relevance of the High Frequency Audiometry in Tinnitus Patients with Normal Hearing in Conventional Pure-Tone Audiometry
Authors: Vielsmeier Veronika , Lehner Astrid , Strutz Jürgen , Steffens Thomas , Kreuzer Peter M. , Schecklmann Martin , Landgrebe Michael , Langguth Berthold , Kleinjung Tobias
Published: October 2015

Objective. The majority of tinnitus patients suffer from hearing loss. But a subgroup of tinnitus patients show normal hearing thresholds in the conventional pure-tone audiometry (125 Hz–8 kHz). Here we explored whether the results of the high frequency audiometry (>8 kHz) provide relevant additional information in tinnitus patients with normal conventional audiometry by comparing those with normal and pathological high frequency audiometry with respect to their demographic and clinical characteristics.Subjects and Methods. From the database of the Tinnitus Clinic at Regensburg we identified 75 patients with normal hearing thresholds in the conventional pure-tone audiometry. We contrasted these patients with normal and pathological high-frequency audiogram and compared them with respect to gender, age, tinnitus severity, pitch, laterality and duration, comorbid symptoms and triggers for tinnitus onset.Results. Patients with pathological high frequency audiometry were significantly older and had higher scores on the tinnitus questionnaires in comparison to patients with normal high frequency audiometry. Furthermore, there was an association of high frequency audiometry with the laterality of tinnitus.Conclusion. In tinnitus patients with normal pure-tone audiometry the high frequency audiometry provides useful additional information. The association between tinnitus laterality and asymmetry of the high frequency audiometry suggests a potential causal role for the high frequency hearing loss in tinnitus etiopathogenesis.
3D Reconstruction of Tree-Crown Based on the UAV Aerial Images
Authors: Xu Chao , Lu Zeping , Xu Guangquan , Feng Zhiyong , Tan Hongyan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: October 2015

The algorithm for 3D reconstruction of tree-crown is presented with the UAV aerial images from a mountainous area in China. Considering the fact that the aerial images consist of little tree-crown texture and contour information, a feature area extraction method is proposed based on watershed segmentation, and the local area correlation coefficient is calculated to match the feature areas, in order to fully extract the characteristics that can reflect the structure of tree-crown. Then, the depth of feature points is calculated using the stereo vision theory. Finally, the L-system theory is applied to construct the 3D model of tree. The experiments are conducted with the tree-crown images from UAV aerial images manually. The experiment result showed that the method proposed in this paper can fully extract and match the feature points of tree-crown that can reconstruct the 3D model of the tree-crown correctly.
T Helper Lymphocyte Subsets and Plasticity in Autoimmunity and Cancer: An Overview
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina A. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: October 2015

In response to cytokine signalling and other factors, CD4-positive T lymphocytes differentiate into distinct populations that are characterized by the production of certain cytokines and are controlled by different master transcription factors. The spectrum of such populations, which was initially limited to Th1 and Th2 subsets, is currently broadened to include Th17 and Treg subsets, as well as a number of less studied subtypes, such as Tfh, Th9, and Th22. Although these subsets appear to be relatively stable, certain plasticity exists that allows for transition between the subsets and formation of hybrid transition forms. This provides the immune system flexibility needed for adequate response to pathogens but, at the same time, can play a role in the pathogenic processes in cases of deregulation. In this review, we will discuss the properties of T lymphocyte subsets and their plasticity, as well as its implications for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
CTM Based Real-Time Queue Length Estimation at Signalized Intersection
Authors: Zhao Shuzhi , Liang Shidong , Liu Huasheng , Ma Minghui
Published: October 2015

Queue length is an important index of the efficiency of urban transport system. The traditional approaches seem insufficient for the estimation of the queue length when the traffic state fluctuates greatly. In this paper, the problem is solved by introducing the Cell Transmission Model, a macroscopic traffic flow, to describe the vehicles aggregation and discharging process at a signalized intersection. To apply the model to urban traffic appropriately, some of its rules were improved accordingly. Besides, we can estimate the density of each cell of the road in a short time interval. We, first, identify the cell, where the tail of the queue is located. Then, we calculate the exact location of the rear of the queue. The models are evaluated by comparing the estimated maximum queue length and average queue length with the results of simulation calibrated by field data and testing of queue tail trajectories. The results show that the proposed model can estimate the maximum and average queue length, as well as the real-time queue length with satisfactory accuracy.
Development of a Composite Electrospun Polyethylene Terephthalate‐Polyglycolic Acid Material: Potential Use as a Drug‐Eluting Vascular Graft
Authors: Nabzdyk Christoph S. , Chun Maggie , Pathan Saif G. , Nelson David W. , You Jin-Oh , Phaneuf Matthew D. , LoGerfo Frank W. , Pradhan-Nabzdyk Leena
Published: October 2015

Intimal hyperplasia (IH), an excessive wound healing response of an injured vessel wall after bypass grafting, typically leads to prosthetic bypass graft failure. In an approach to ameliorate IH, nondegradable poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET, which has been used in prosthetic vascular grafts for over 60 years, and biodegradable poly(glycolic acid) or PGA were electrospun using different techniques to generate a material that may serve as permanent scaffold and as a drug/biologic delivery device. PET and PGA polymers were electrospun from either a single‐blended solution (ePET/ePGA‐s) or two separate polymer solutions (ePET/ePGA‐d). ePET/ePGA‐d material revealed two distinct fibers and was significantly stronger than the single fiber ePET/ePGA‐s material. After 21 days of incubation in PBS, ePET‐PGA‐s showed fiber strand breaks likely due to the degradation of the PGA within the ePET‐ePGA‐s fiber, while the ePET/ePGA‐d material showed intact ePET fibers even after ePGA fiber degradation. The ePET/ePGA‐ material was able to release red fluorescent dye for at least 14 days. Attachment of human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) was similar to both materials. ePET/ePGA‐d materials maybe a step towards bypass graft materials that can be custom‐designed to promote cellular attachment while serving as a drug delivery platform for IH prevention.
A Hierarchical Reputation Evidence Decision System in VANETs
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Zhipeng , Qiu Xuesong , Liu Qian , Hao Yuwen , Zheng Jingchen
Published: October 2015

In VANETs, users are rational, independent, and selfish. Stimulation-based reputation management system is critical for them to avoid selfishness and promote network performance in large-scale VANETs. The current reputation mechanisms produce some problems, for example, overfull energy consumptions, confused collusion, and misreport. In order to detect selfish and collusive behaviors accurately and quickly, we propose a dynamic three-layer reputation evidence decision and management mechanism, which combine with Dempster-Shafer evidence integration mechanism to distinguish selfish nodes. In particular, the system helps in collusion avoidance through reporting falsified reputation evidences of colluders. In addition, we borrow ideas from Weber-Fechner’s law and design an adaptive reputation evidence gathering cycle for prolonging the lifetime of detector and overwhelming frequent polling for reputation evidences. The simulation results demonstrate that REDS has higher detection speed for selfish nodes and collusive observers and less network traffic of gathering reputations.
Identification and Biological Characterization ofLeishmania (Viannia) guyanensisIsolated from a Patient with Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Goiás, a Nonendemic Area for This Species in Brazil
Authors: Pires Alause da Silva , Borges Arissa Felipe , Cappellazzo Coelho Adriano , Dorta Miriam Leandro , Lino Junior Ruy de Souza , Pereira Ledice Inacia de Araújo , Pinto Sebastião Alves , Pelli de Oliveira Milton Adriano , de Matos Grazzielle Guimarães , Abrahamsohn Ises A. , Uliana Silvia Reni B. , Lima Glória Maria Collet de Araújo , Ribeiro-Dias Fátima
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to characterize clinical field isolates ofLeishmaniaspp. obtained from patients with American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) who live in Goiás state, Brazil. The presumed areas of infection were in Goiás, Tocantins, and Pará states. Three isolates of parasites were identified asL. (Viannia) braziliensisand one asL. (V.) guyanensis. Thein vitrogrowth profiles were found to be similar for all parasites. Nevertheless, in C57BL/6 mice,L. (V.) guyanensisinfection was better controlled thanL. (V.) braziliensis. Yet in C57BL/6 mice deficient in interferon gamma,L. (V.) guyanensislesions developed faster than those caused byL. (V.) braziliensisisolates. In BALB/c mice, the development of lesions was similar for isolates from both species; however, on the 11th week of infection, amastigotes could not be observed in macrophages fromL. (V.) guyanensis-infected mice. Thus,L. (V.) guyanensiscan be circulating in Goiás, a state where autochthonous cases of this species had not yet been reported. Considering the difficulties to differentiateL. (V.) guyanensisfromL. (V.) braziliensisat the molecular, morphological, and clinical (human and murine models) levels, the presence ofL. (V.) guyanensisinfections is possibly underestimated in several regions of Brazil.
The Effects of Viral Load Burden on Pregnancy Loss among HIV-Infected Women in the United States
Authors: Cates Jordan E. , Westreich Daniel , Edmonds Andrew , Wright Rodney L. , Minkoff Howard , Colie Christine , Greenblatt Ruth M. , Cejtin Helen E. , Karim Roksana , Haddad Lisa B. , Kempf Mirjam-Colette , Golub Elizabeth T. , Adimora Adaora A.
Published: October 2015

Background. To evaluate the effects of HIV viral load, measured cross-sectionally and cumulatively, on the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (pregnancy loss) among HIV-infected women enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study between 1994 and 2013.Methods. We assessed three exposures: most recent viral load measure before the pregnancy ended, log10copy-years viremia from initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to conception, and log10copy-years viremia in the two years before conception.Results. The risk of pregnancy loss for those with log10viral load >4.00 before pregnancy ended was 1.59 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99, 2.56) times as high as the risk for women whose log10viral load was ≤1.60. There was not a meaningful impact of log10copy-years viremia since ART or log10copy-years viremia in the two years before conception on pregnancy loss (adjusted risk ratios (aRRs): 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.92) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.11), resp.).Conclusions. Cumulative viral load burden does not appear to be an informative measure for pregnancy loss risk, but the extent of HIV replication during pregnancy, as represented by plasma HIV RNA viral load, predicted loss versus live birth in this ethnically diverse cohort of HIV-infected US women.
Mobility and Balance and Their Correlation with Physiological Factors in Elderly with Different Foot Postures
Authors: Mohd Said Aisyah , Manaf Haidzir , Bukry Saiful Adli , Justine Maria
Published: October 2015

This study determines (1) the correlation between mobility and balance performances with physiological factors and (2) the relationship between foot postures with anthropometric characteristics and lower limb characteristics among elderly with neutral, pronated, and supinated foot. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in community-dwelling elderly (age: 69.86 ± 5.62 years). Participants were grouped into neutral (n=16), pronated (n=14), and supinated (n=14) foot based on the foot posture index classification. Anthropometric data (height, weight, and BMI), lower limb strength (5-STS) and endurance (30 s chair rise test), mobility (TUG), and balance (FSST) were determined. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Body weight was negatively and moderately correlated (rs=-0.552,P<0.05) with mobility in supinated foot; moderate-to-high positive linear rank correlation was found between lower limb strength and mobility (rs=0.551to 0.804,P<0.05) for pronated and neutral foot. Lower limb endurance was negatively and linearly correlated with mobility in pronated (rs=-0.699) and neutral (rs=-0.573) foot. No correlation was observed in balance performance with physiological factors in any of the foot postures. We can conclude that muscle function may be the most important feature to make movement possible in older persons regardless of the type of foot postures.
A Hybrid Global Optimization Algorithm Based on Wind Driven Optimization and Differential Evolution
Authors: Bao Zongfan , Zhou Yongquan , Li Liangliang , Ma Mingzhi
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a new hybrid global optimization algorithm, which is based on the wind driven optimization (WDO) and differential evolution (DE), named WDO-DE algorithm. The WDO-DE algorithm is based on a double population evolution strategy, the individuals in a population evolved by wind driven optimization algorithm, and a population of individuals evolved from difference operation. The populations of individuals both in WDO and DE employ an information sharing mechanism to implement coevolution. This paper chose fifteen benchmark functions to have a test. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can be feasible in both low-dimensional and high-dimensional cases. Compared to GA-PSO, WDO, DE, PSO, and BA algorithm, the convergence speed and precision of WDO-DE are higher. This hybridization showed a better optimization performance and robustness and significantly improves the original WDO algorithm.
Water Absorption Behaviour and Its Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Flax Fibre Reinforced Bioepoxy Composites
Authors: Muñoz E. , García-Manrique J. A.
Published: October 2015

In the context of sustainable development, considerable interest is being shown in the use of natural fibres like as reinforcement in polymer composites and in the development of resins from renewable resources. This paper focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable green composites manufacturing using resin transfer moulding (RTM) process. Flax fibre reinforced bioepoxy composites at different weight fractions (40 and 55 wt%) were prepared in order to study the effect of water absorption on their mechanical properties. Water absorption test was carried out by immersion specimens in water bath at room temperature for a time duration. The process of water absorption of these composites was found to approach Fickian diffusion behavior. Diffusion coefficients and maximum water uptake values were evaluated; the results showed that both increased with an increase in fibre content. Tensile and flexural properties of water immersed specimens were evaluated and compared to dry composite specimens. The results suggest that swelling of flax fibres due to water absorption can have positive effects on mechanical properties of the composite material. The results of this study showed that RTM process could be used to manufacture natural fibre reinforced composites with good mechanical properties even for potential applications in a humid environment.
Assessment of Hip Fracture Risk Using Cross-Section Strain Energy Determined by QCT-Based Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Kheirollahi Hossein , Luo Yunhua
Published: October 2015

Accurate assessment of hip fracture risk is very important to prevent hip fracture and to monitor the effect of a treatment. A subject-specific QCT-based finite element model was constructed to assess hip fracture risk at the critical locations of femur during the single-leg stance and the sideways fall. The aim of this study was to improve the prediction of hip fracture risk by introducing a novel failure criterion to more accurately describe bone failure mechanism. Hip fracture risk index was defined using cross-section strain energy, which is able to integrate information of stresses, strains, and material properties affecting bone failure. It was found that the femoral neck and the intertrochanteric region have higher fracture risk than other parts of the femur, probably owing to the larger content of cancellous bone in these regions. The study results also suggested that women are more prone to hip fracture than men. The findings in this study have a good agreement with those clinical observations reported in the literature. The proposed hip fracture risk index based on strain energy has the potential of more accurate assessment of hip fracture risk. However, experimental validation should be conducted before its clinical applications.
Glucose Oxidase Induces Cellular Senescence in Immortal Renal Cells through ILK by DownregulatingKlothoGene Expression
Authors: Troyano-Suárez Nuria , del Nogal-Avila María , Mora Inés , Sosa Patricia , López-Ongil Susana , Rodriguez-Puyol Diego , Olmos Gemma , Ruíz-Torres María Piedad
Published: October 2015

Cellular senescence can be prematurely induced by oxidative stress involved in aging. In this work, we were searching for novel intermediaries in oxidative stress-induced senescence, focusing our interest on integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a scaffold protein at cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion sites, and on theKlothogene. Cultured renal cells were treated with glucose oxidase (GOx) for long time periods. GOx induced senescence, increasing senescence associatedβ-galactosidase activity and the expression of p16. In parallel, GOx increased ILK protein expression and activity. Ectopic overexpression of ILK in cells increased p16 expression, even in the absence of GOx, whereas downregulation of ILK inhibited the increase in p16 due to oxidative stress. Additionally, GOx reducedKlothogene expression and cells overexpressing Klotho protein did not undergo senescence after GOx addition. We demonstrated a direct link between ILK andKlothosince silencing ILK expression in cells and mice increasesKlothoexpression and reduces p53 and p16 expression in renal cortex. In conclusion, oxidative stress induces cellular senescence in kidney cells by increasing ILK protein expression and activity, which in turn reducesKlothoexpression. We hereby present ILK as a novel downregulator ofKlothogene expression.
Organotypic Cultures of Intervertebral Disc Cells: Responses to Growth Factors and Signaling Pathways Involved
Authors: Pratsinis Harris , Kletsas Dimitris
Published: October 2015

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is strongly associated with low back pain, a major cause of disability worldwide. An in-depth understanding of IVD cell physiology is required for the design of novel regenerative therapies. Accordingly, aim of this work was the study of IVD cell responses to mitogenic growth factors in a three-dimensional (3D) organotypic milieu, comprising characteristic molecules of IVD’s extracellular matrix. In particular, annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were cultured inside collagen type-I gels, while nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) supplemented collagen gels, and the effects of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) were assessed. All three growth factors stimulated DNA synthesis in both AF and NP 3D cell cultures, with potencies similar to those observed previously in monolayers. CSA supplementation inhibited basal DNA synthesis rates, without affecting the response to growth factors. ERK and Akt were found to be phosphorylated following growth factor stimulation. Blockade of these two signaling pathways using pharmacologic inhibitors significantly, though not completely, inhibited growth factor-induced DNA synthesis. The proposed culture systems may prove useful for further in vitro studies aiming at future interventions for IVD regeneration.
Effects of Surface Modification and Bulk Geometry on the Biotribological Behavior of Cross-Linked Polyethylene: Wear Testing and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Watanabe Kenichi , Kyomoto Masayuki , Saiga Kenichi , Taketomi Shuji , Inui Hiroshi , Kadono Yuho , Takatori Yoshio , Tanaka Sakae , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Moro Toru
Published: October 2015

The wear and creep deformation resistances of polymeric orthopedic bearing materials are both important for extending their longevity. In this study, we evaluated the wear and creep deformation resistances, including backside damage, of different polyethylene (PE) materials, namely, conventional PE, cross-linked PE (CLPE), and poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)- (PMPC-) grafted CLPE, through wear tests and finite element analysis. The gravimetric and volumetric degrees of wear of disks (3 or 6 mm in thickness) of these materials against a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy pin were examined using a multidirectional pin-on-disk tester. Cross-linking and PMPC grafting decreased the gravimetric wear of the PE disks significantly. The volumetric wear at the bearing surface and the volumetric penetration in the backside of the 3-mm thick PE disk were higher than those of the 6-mm thick PE disk, regardless of the bearing material. The geometrical changes induced in the PE disks consisted of creep, because the calculated internal von Mises stress at the bearing side of all disks and that at the backside of the 3-mm thick disks exceeded their actual yield strengths. A highly hydrated bearing surface layer, formed by PMPC grafting, and a cross-linking-strengthened substrate of adequate thickness are essential for increasing the wear and creep deformation resistances.
Prolactin and Dehydroepiandrosterone Levels in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Role of the Extrapituitary Prolactin Promoter Polymorphism at −1149G/T
Authors: Treadwell Edward L. , Wiley Kenneth , Word Beverly , Melchior William , Tolleson William H. , Gopee Neera , Hammons George , Lyn-Cook Beverly D.
Published: October 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has shown an association with high levels of prolactin, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and induction of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with the disease. This preliminary study examined the relevance of a −1149G/T functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1341239) in the promoter of the extrapituitary prolactin gene in a cohort of African American and European American women with lupus. Examination of this SNP revealed that the −1149TT genotype was correlated with higher levels of prolactin in serum and prolactin gene expression (p=0.0001) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Lower levels of DHEA in serum were demonstrated in lupus patients (p=0.001); those with the −1149TT genotype had the lowest levels of DHEA. Furthermore, a small subset of women who were on DHEA therapy and had a TT genotype showed a significant decrease in prolactin gene expression and lower disease activity scores (SLEDAI). Lupus patients, particularly African Americans, had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (p=0.0001) and TNF-α(p=0.042). This study suggests that the −1149TT genotype may be a risk factor for lupus and may predict who could possibly benefit from DHEA therapy; therefore, these results should be validated in a larger cohort with all ethnic groups.
New Results of Global Exponential Stabilization for BLDCMs System
Authors: Tian Fengxia , Zhen Fangchao , Zhou Guopeng , Liao Xiaoxin
Published: October 2015

The global exponential stabilization for brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) system is studied. Four linear and simple feedback controllers are proposed to realize the global stabilization of BLDCM with exponential convergence rate; the control law used in each theorem is less conservative and more concise. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the correctness of the proposed results.
Cognitive Interventions in Older Persons: Do They Change the Functioning of the Brain?
Authors: van Os Yindee , de Vugt Marjolein E. , van Boxtel Martin
Published: October 2015

Background. Cognitive interventions for older persons that may diminish the burden of cognitive problems and could delay conversion to dementia are of great importance. The underlying mechanisms of such interventions might be psychological compensation and neuronal plasticity. This review provides an overview of the literature concerning the evidence that cognitive interventions cause brain activation changes, even in damaged neural systems.Method. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in several international databases, Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane, and Psychinfo. The methodological quality was assessed according to the guidelines of the Dutch Institute for Health Care Improvement (CBO).Results. Nineteen relevant articles were included with varied methodological quality. All studies were conducted in diverse populations from healthy elderly to patients with dementia and show changes in brain activation after intervention.Conclusions. The results thus far show that cognitive interventions cause changes in brain activation patterns. The exact interpretation of these neurobiological changes remains unclear. More study is needed to understand the extent to which cognitive interventions are effective to delay conversion to dementia. Future studies should more explicitly try to relate clinically significant improvement to changes in brain activation. Long-term follow-up data are necessary to evaluate the stability of the effects.
Quantitative Evaluation of Tissue Surface Adaption of CAD-Designed and 3D Printed Wax Pattern of Maxillary Complete Denture
Authors: Chen Hu , Wang Han , Lv Peijun , Wang Yong , Sun Yuchun
Published: October 2015

Objective. To quantitatively evaluate the tissue surface adaption of a maxillary complete denture wax pattern produced by CAD and 3DP.Methods. A standard edentulous maxilla plaster cast model was used, for which a wax pattern of complete denture was designed using CAD software developed in our previous study and printed using a 3D wax printer, while another wax pattern was manufactured by the traditional manual method. The cast model and the two wax patterns were scanned in the 3D scanner as “DataModel,” “DataWaxRP,” and “DataWaxManual.” After setting each wax pattern on the plaster cast, the whole model was scanned for registration. After registration, the deviations of tissue surface between “DataModel” and “DataWaxRP” and between “DataModel” and “DataWaxManual” were measured. The data was analyzed by pairedt-test.Results. For both wax patterns produced by the CAD&RP method and the manual method, scanning data of tissue surface and cast surface showed a good fit in the majority. No statistically significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between the CAD&RP method and the manual method.Conclusions. Wax pattern of maxillary complete denture produced by the CAD&3DP method is comparable with traditional manual method in the adaption to the edentulous cast model.
A New Method to Optimize Semiactive Hybrid Energy Storage System for Hybrid Electrical Vehicle by Using PE Function
Authors: Zhang Cong , Min Haitao , Yu Yuanbin , Wang Qingnian , Sun Huanli
Published: October 2015

Although both battery and super-capacitor are important power sources for hybrid electric vehicles, there is no accurate configuration theory to match the above two kinds of power sources which have significantly different characteristics on energy and power storage for the goal of making good use of their individual features without size wasting. In this paper, a new performance is presented that is used for analysis and optimal design method of battery and super-capacitor for hybrid energy storage system of a parallel hybrid electrical vehicle. In order to achieve optimal design with less consumption, the power-energy function is applied to establish direct mathematical relationship between demand power and the performance. During matching process, firstly, three typical operating conditions are chosen as the basis of design; secondly, the energy and power capacity evaluation methods for the parameters of battery and super-capacitor in hybrid energy storage system are proposed; thirdly, the mass, volume, and cost of the system are optimized simultaneously by using power-energy function. As a result, there are significant advantages on mass, volume, and cost for the hybrid energy storage system with the matching method. Simulation results fit well with the results of analysis, which confirms that the optimized design can meet the demand of hybrid electric vehicle well.
Psychophysiological Associations between Chronic Tinnitus and Sleep: A Cross Validation of Tinnitus and Insomnia Questionnaires
Authors: Schecklmann Martin , Pregler Maximilian , Kreuzer Peter M. , Poeppl Timm B. , Lehner Astrid , Crönlein Tatjana , Wetter Thomas C. , Frank Elmar , Landgrebe Michael , Langguth Berthold
Published: October 2015

Background. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia in chronic tinnitus and the association of tinnitus distress and sleep disturbance.Methods. We retrospectively analysed data of 182 patients with chronic tinnitus who completed the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) and the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS). Descriptive comparisons with the validation sample of the RIS including exclusively patients with primary/psychophysiological insomnia, correlation analyses of the RIS with TQ scales, and principal component analyses (PCA) in the tinnitus sample were performed. TQ total score was corrected for the TQ sleep items.Results. Prevalence of insomnia was high in tinnitus patients (76%) and tinnitus distress correlated with sleep disturbance (r=0.558). TQ sleep subscore correlated with the RIS sum score (r=0.690). PCA with all TQ and RIS items showed one sleep factor consisting of all RIS and the TQ sleep items. PCA with only TQ sleep and RIS items showed sleep- and tinnitus-specific factors. The sleep factors (only RIS items) were sleep depth and fearful focusing. The TQ sleep items represented tinnitus-related sleep problems.Discussion. Chronic tinnitus and primary insomnia are highly related and might share similar psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms leading to impaired sleep quality.
Lost Polarization of Aquaporin4 and Dystroglycan in the Core Lesion after Traumatic Brain Injury Suggests Functional Divergence in Evolution
Authors: Liu Hui , Qiu Gou ping , Zhuo Fei , Yu Wei hua , Sun Shan quan , Li Fen hong , Yang Mei
Published: October 2015

Objective. To understand how aquaporin4 (AQP4) and dystroglycan (DG) polarized distribution change and their roles in brain edema formation after traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods. Brain water content, Evans blue detection, real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were used.Results. At an early stage of TBI, AQP4 and DG maintained vessel-like pattern in perivascular endfeet; M1, M23, and M1/M23 were increased in the core lesion. At a later stage of TBI, DG expression was lost in perivascular area, accompanied with similar but delayed change of AQP4 expression; expression of M1, M23, and DG and the ratio of M1/M2 were increased.Conclusion. At an early stage, AQP4 and DG maintained the polarized distribution. Upregulated M1 and M23 could retard the cytotoxic edema formation. At a later stage AQP4 and DG polarized expression were lost from perivascular endfeet and induced the worst cytotoxic brain edema. The alteration of DG expression could regulate that of AQP4 expression after TBI.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and High Strain‐Rate Energy Absorption Characteristics of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Woven Fiber‐Glass Composites
Authors: Kim Kiyun , Mantena P. Raju , Daryadel Seyed Soheil , Boddu Veera M. , Brenner Matthew W. , Patel Jignesh S.
Published: October 2015

The dynamic mechanical behavior and energy absorption characteristics of nano‐enhanced functionally graded composites, consisting of 3 layers of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forests grown on woven fiber‐glass (FG) layer and embedded within 10 layers of woven FG, with polyester (PE) and polyurethane (PU) resin systems (FG/PE/VACNT and FG/PU/VACNT) are investigated and compared with the baseline materials, FG/PE and FG/PU (i.e., without VACNT). A Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) was used for obtaining the mechanical properties. It was found that FG/PE/VACNT exhibited a significantly lower flexural stiffness at ambient temperature along with higher damping loss factor over the investigated temperature range compared to the baseline material FG/PE. For FG/PU/VACNT, a significant increase in flexural stiffness at ambient temperature along with a lower damping loss factor was observed with respect to the baseline material FG/PU. A Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) was used to evaluate the energy absorption and strength of specimens under high strain‐rate compression loading. It was found that the specific energy absorption increased with VACNT layers embedded in both FG/PE and FG/PU. The compressive strength also increased with the addition of VACNT forest layers in FG/PU; however, it did not show an improvement for FG/PE.
Titanium-Nitride Coating of Orthopaedic Implants: A Review of the Literature
Authors: van Hove Ruud P. , Sierevelt Inger N. , van Royen Barend J. , Nolte Peter A.
Published: October 2015

Surfaces of medical implants can be enhanced with the favorable properties of titanium-nitride (TiN). In a review of English medical literature, the effects of TiN-coating on orthopaedic implant material in preclinical studies were identified and the influence of these effects on the clinical outcome of TiN-coated orthopaedic implants was explored. The TiN-coating has a positive effect on the biocompatibility and tribological properties of implant surfaces; however, there are several reports of third body wear due to delamination, increased ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear, and cohesive failure of the TiN-coating. This might be due to the coating process. The TiN-coating process should be optimized and standardized for titanium alloy articulating surfaces. The clinical benefit of TiN-coating of CoCrMo knee implant surfaces should be further investigated.
The Relevance of Interoception in Chronic Tinnitus: Analyzing Interoceptive Sensibility and Accuracy
Authors: Lau Pia , Miesen Miriam , Wunderlich Robert , Stein Alwina , Engell Alva , Wollbrink Andreas , Gerlach Alexander L. , Junghöfer Markus , Ehring Thomas , Pantev Christo
Published: October 2015

In order to better understand tinnitus and distress associated with tinnitus, psychological variables such as emotional and cognitive processing are a central element in theoretical models of this debilitating condition. Interoception, that is, the perception of internal processes, may be such a psychological factor relevant to tinnitus. Against this background, 20 participants suffering from chronic tinnitus and 20 matched healthy controls were tested with questionnaires, assessing interoceptive sensibility, and participated in two tasks, assessing interoceptive accuracy: the Schandry task, a heartbeat estimation assignment, and a skin conductance fluctuations perception task assessing the participants’ ability to perceive phasic increases in sympathetic activation were used. To test stress reactivity, a construct tightly connected to tinnitus onset, we also included a stress induction. No differences between the groups were found for interoceptive accuracy and sensibility. However, the tinnitus group tended to overestimate the occurrence of phasic activation. Loudness of the tinnitus was associated with reduced interoceptive performance under stress. Our results indicate that interoceptive sensibility and accuracy do not play a significant role in tinnitus. However, tinnitus might be associated with a tendency to overestimate physical changes.
Model for Estimation Urban Transportation Supply-Demand Ratio
Authors: Wu Chaoqun , Pei Yulong , Gao Jingpeng
Published: October 2015

The paper establishes an estimation model of urban transportation supply-demand ratio (TSDR) to quantitatively describe the conditions of an urban transport system and to support a theoretical basis for transport policy-making. This TSDR estimation model is supported by the system dynamic principle and the VENSIM (an application that simulates the real system). It was accomplished by long-term observation of eight cities’ transport conditions and by analyzing the estimated results of TSDR from fifteen sets of refined data. The estimated results indicate that an urban TSDR can be classified into four grades representing four transport conditions: “scarce supply,” “short supply,” “supply-demand balance,” and “excess supply.” These results imply that transport policies or measures can be quantified to facilitate the process of ordering and screening them.
Monte Carlo Simulation for the Morphology and Kinetics of Spherulites and Shish-Kebabs in Isothermal Polymer Crystallization
Authors: Ruan Chunlei , Liu Chuntai , Zheng Guoqiang
Published: October 2015

Monte Carlo method is used to capture the evolution of spherulites and shish-kebabs and to predict the crystallization kinetics in isothermal polymer crystallization. Effects of nucleation density and growth rate of spherulites, nucleation density, and length growth rate of shish-kebabs, respectively, on crystallization are investigated. Results show that nucleation densities of both spherulites and shish-kebabs strongly affect crystallization rate as well as morphology. An increase in nucleation density of either spherulites or shish-kebabs leads to a quicker crystallization rate and a smaller average spherulite size. It is also shown that nucleation density of shish-kebabs has a stronger impact on crystallization rate. Growth rate of spherulites and length growth rate of shish-kebabs also have significant effect on crystallization rate and morphology. An increase in growth rate of spherulites or length growth rate of shish-kebabs also speeds up the crystallization rate; additionally, a decrease in growth rate of spherulites or an increase in length growth rate of shish-kebabs results in a more highly anisotropic shish-kebab structure and a smaller average size of spherulites. Results also show that the effect of growth rate of spherulites is more important than the effect of length growth rate of shish-kebabs on crystallization.
Functional and Phenotypic Plasticity of CD4+T Cell Subsets
Authors: Caza Tiffany , Landas Steve
Published: October 2015

The remarkable plasticity of CD4+T cells allows individuals to respond to environmental stimuli in a context-dependent manner. A balance of CD4+T cell subsets is critical to mount responses against pathogen challenges to prevent inappropriate activation, to maintain tolerance, and to participate in antitumor immune responses. Specification of subsets is a process beginning in intrathymic development and continuing within the circulation. It is highly flexible to adapt to differences in nutrient availability and the tissue microenvironment. CD4+T cell subsets have significant cross talk, with the ability to “dedifferentiate” given appropriate environmental signals. This ability is dependent on the metabolic status of the cell, with mTOR acting as the rheostat. Autoimmune and antitumor immune responses are regulated by the balance between regulatory T cells and Th17cells. When a homeostatic balance of subsets is not maintained, immunopathology can result. CD4+T cells carry complex roles within tumor microenvironments, with context-dependent immune responses influenced by oncogenic drivers and the presence of inflammation. Here, we examine the signals involved in CD4+T cell specification towards each subset, interconnectedness of cytokine networks, impact of mTOR signaling, and cellular metabolism in lineage specification and provide a supplement describing techniques to study these processes.
A Review of Secure Routing Approaches for Current and Next-Generation Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Abazeed Mohammed , Saleem Kashif , Derhab Abdelouahid , Orgun Mehmet A. , Fisal Norsheila , Al-Muhtadi Jalal , Zubair Suleiman
Published: October 2015

Multimedia applications are gradually becoming an essential—and flourishing—part of our daily lives. The area of wireless sensor networks is not an exception to this trend, as multimedia data have attracted the attention of researchers. Their importance is due to the shift of focus from traditional scalar sensors to sensors equipped with multimedia devices, as well as to the next-generation wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs). The highly sensitive nature of multimedia traffic makes data routing with security even more important in WMSNs. This paper discusses the challenges of secure routing in WMSNs, where most of the proposed works in the literature deal with routing and security as individual issues. A critical and comprehensive review of state-of-the-art routing and security approaches for WMSNs is presented, followed by the discussion of their limitations and features. It is hoped that this extensive review and discussion ultimately identifies the future research directions and the open challenges of secure routing approaches in WMSNs.
Accurate Real-Time Traffic Speed Estimation Using Infrastructure-Free Vehicular Networks
Authors: He Zongjian , Cao Buyang , Liu Yan
Published: October 2015

Real-time traffic speed is indispensable for many ITS applications, such as traffic-aware route planning and eco-driving advisory system. Existing traffic speed estimation solutions assume vehicles travel along roads using constant speed. However, this assumption does not hold due to traffic dynamicity and can potentially lead to inaccurate estimation in real world. In this paper, we propose a novel in-network traffic speed estimation approach using infrastructure-free vehicular networks. The proposed solution utilizes macroscopic traffic flow model to estimate the traffic condition. The selected model only relies on vehicle density, which is less likely to be affected by the traffic dynamicity. In addition, we also demonstrate an application of the proposed solution in real-time route planning applications. Extensive evaluations using both traffic trace based large scale simulation and testbed based implementation have been performed. The results show that our solution outperforms some existing ones in terms of accuracy and efficiency in traffic-aware route planning applications.