bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Sclerostin and Irisin Are Related and Interact with Gender to Influence Adiposity in Adults with Prediabetes
Authors: Klangjareonchai Theerawut , Nimitphong Hataikarn , Saetung Sunee , Bhirommuang Nuttapimon , Samittarucksa Rattanapan , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Sudatip Rattana , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong
Published: September 2014

Objectives.Sclerostin, an osteocyte-specific protein, has been found to be related to adiposity and glucose metabolism. Irisin, a myokine, can affect browning of white fat and influence glucose and energy homeostasis. Taken together, this suggests a probable network among fat, bone, and muscle that may influence health outcomes. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship of circulating sclerostin and irisin and their association with adiposity (assessed by body mass index (BMI)).Materials/Methods.A cross-sectional study included 98 adults with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance. 75 gm OGTT was performed in all subjects. Fasting plasma samples were obtained for glycated hemoglobin, calcium, creatinine, serum sclerostin and irisin.Results.Circulating irisin and sclerostin were highly correlated(r=-0.4;P<0.001). After controlling for age, gender, and BMI, irisin was significantly related to sclerostin(P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that circulating sclerostin(β=-0.45;P<0.05)and irisin(β=-0.46;P<0.05)were negatively associated with BMI, independent of age in males. In females, no relationship of sclerostin or irisin to BMI was found.Conclusions.Circulating irisin and sclerostin are highly related. Interventions targeting irisin could affect sclerostin and vice versa.
Adrenal Disorders and the Paediatric Brain: Pathophysiological Considerations and Clinical Implications
Authors: Salpietro Vincenzo , Polizzi Agata , Di Rosa Gabriella , Romeo Anna Claudia , Dipasquale Valeria , Morabito Paolo , Chirico Valeria , Arrigo Teresa , Ruggieri Martino
Published: September 2014

Various neurological and psychiatric manifestations have been recorded in children with adrenal disorders. Based on literature review and on personal case-studies and case-series we focused on the pathophysiological and clinical implications of glucocorticoid-related, mineralcorticoid-related, and catecholamine-related paediatric nervous system involvement. ChildhoodCushing syndromecan be associated with long-lasting cognitive deficits and abnormal behaviour, even after resolution of the hypercortisolism. Exposure to excessivereplacement of exogenous glucocorticoidsin the paediatric age group (e.g., during treatments for adrenal insufficiency) has been reported with neurological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities (e.g., delayed myelination and brain atrophy) due to potential corticosteroid-related myelin damage in the developing brain and the possible impairment of limbic system ontogenesis.Idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH), a disorder of unclear pathophysiology characterised by increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, has been described in children with hypercortisolism, adrenal insufficiency, and hyperaldosteronism, reflecting the potential underlying involvement of the adrenal-brain axis in the regulation of CSF pressure homeostasis. Arterial hypertension caused bypaediatric adenomasortumoursof theadrenal cortexormedullahas been associated with various hypertension-related neurological manifestations. The development and maturation of the central nervous system (CNS) through childhood is tightly regulated by intrinsic, paracrine, endocrine, and external modulators, and perturbations in any of these factors, including those related toadrenal hormone imbalance, could result in consequences that affect the structure and function of the paediatric brain. Animal experiments and clinical studies demonstrated that the developing (i.e., paediatric) CNS seems to be particularly vulnerable to alterations induced by adrenal disorders and/or supraphysiological doses of corticosteroids. Physicians should be aware of potential neurological manifestations in children with adrenal dysfunction to achieve better prevention and timely diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Further studies are needed to explore the potential neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric long-term consequences of high doses of prolonged corticosteroid administration in childhood.
High-Resolution Imaging of Patients with Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy withCYP4V2Mutation
Authors: Gocho Kiyoko , Kameya Shuhei , Akeo Keiichiro , Kikuchi Sachiko , Usui Ayumi , Yamaki Kunihiko , Hayashi Takaaki , Tsuneoka Hiroshi , Mizota Atsushi , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the retinal morphology of eyes with Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) associated with aCYP4V2mutation using high-resolution imaging techniques. Three subjects with BCD underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations. High-resolution fundus images were obtained with an adaptive optics (AO) fundus camera. A common homozygous mutation was detected in the three patients. Funduscopic examination of the three patients revealed the presence of crystalline deposits in the retina, and all of the crystalline deposits were also detected in the infrared (IR) images. The crystals observed in the IR images were seen as bright reflective plaques located on the RPE layer in the SD-OCT images. The clusters of hyperreflective signals in the AO images corresponded to the crystals in the IR images. High-magnification AO images revealed that the clusters of hyperreflective signals consisted of circular spots that are similar to the signals of cone photoreceptors. Most of these circular spots were detected in healthy areas in the FAF images. There is a possibility that circular spots observed by AO are residual cone photoreceptors located over the crystals.
A Case of Adenomatous Goiter Involving Diffuse, Acute, and Painful Thyroid Enlargement after Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Shimo Toshiro , Tanaka Katsuhiro , Ogata Ryohei , Saito Wataru , Ohta Yusuke , Koike Yoshikazu , Yamashita Tetsumasa , Yamamoto Yutaka , Kurebayashi Junichi
Published: September 2014

The patient was a 44-year-old woman who exhibited a diffuse goiter during health screening. Her medical history did not include any significant medication-based treatment. An echographic examination detected a solid cystic tumor, which measured 21 × 14 × 10 mm, in her right thyroid lobe; however, she displayed normal thyroid function. After fine-needle aspiration cytology had been performed with a 22 G injection needle, the patient immediately complained of compression and pain extending from the front of her neck to her lower chin, which was not accompanied by dyspnea. A second echographic examination revealed diffuse and edematous enlargement and increased internal blood flow in the bilateral thyroid lobes as well as a thyroid nodule. We immediately iced the patient’s neck and administered 125 mg methylprednisolone via an intravenous infusion. Within one hour, her symptoms had markedly improved, but acute pain remained. Thus, we continued the steroid (prednisone) treatment, but the dose was gradually reduced from 10 mg/day to 5 mg/day at 1 week after the patient’s symptoms disappeared. The mechanism responsible for the patient’s condition remains unclear.
Fuzzy Similar Priority Method for Mixed Attributes
Authors: Ma Jinshan , Ji Changsheng , Sun Jing
Published: September 2014

Fuzzy similar priority ratio method is to select the most suitable one to the specific object from feasible alternatives. However, this method considering only the index values of real number has its disadvantages of inaccuracy in result and complexity in calculation. So, this method was extended to handle mixed attributes including real number, interval number, triangular fuzzy number, and trapezoidal fuzzy number. The proposed method decides the optimal alternative by the minimum of integrated nearness degrees calculated by all index vectors and the fixed index vectors based on the theory of similarity. The improved method can not only address mixed attributes but also simplify the calculation and improve the accuracy of result. A case study illustrated this method.
A New Pricing Scheme for Controlling Energy Storage Devices in Future Smart Grid
Authors: Zhu Jingwei , Chen Michael Z. Q. , Du Baozhu
Published: September 2014

Improvement of the overall efficiency of energy infrastructure is one of the main anticipated benefits of the deployment of smart grid technology. Advancement in energy storage technology and two-way communication in the electric network are indispensable components to achieve such a vision, while efficient pricing schemes and appropriate storage management are also essential. In this paper, we propose a universal pricing scheme which permits one to indirectly control the energy storage devices in the grid to achieve a more desirable aggregate demand profile that meets a particular target of the grid operator such as energy generation cost minimization and carbon emission reduction. Such a pricing scheme can potentially be applied to control the behavior of energy storage devices installed for integration of intermittent renewable energy sources that have permission to grid connection and will have broader applications as an increasing number of novel and low-cost energy storage technologies emerge.
Shape Optimization of Rubber Bushing Using Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Kaya Necmettin
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study is to design rubber bushing at desired level of stiffness characteristics in order to achieve the ride quality of the vehicle. A differential evolution algorithm based approach is developed to optimize the rubber bushing through integrating a finite element code running in batch mode to compute the objective function values for each generation. Two case studies were given to illustrate the application of proposed approach. Optimum shape parameters of 2D bushing model were determined by shape optimization using differential evolution algorithm.
Coordinated Control of Slip Ratio for Wheeled Mobile Robots Climbing Loose Sloped Terrain
Authors: Li Zhengcai , Wang Yang
Published: September 2014

A challenging problem faced by wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) such as planetary rovers traversing loose sloped terrain is the inevitable longitudinal slip suffered by the wheels, which often leads to their deviation from the predetermined trajectory, reduced drive efficiency, and possible failures. This study investigates this problem using terramechanics analysis of the wheel-soil interaction. First, a slope-based wheel-soil interaction terramechanics model is built, and an online slip coordinated algorithm is designed based on the goal of optimal drive efficiency. An equation of state is established using the coordinated slip as the desired input and the actual slip as a state variable. To improve the robustness and adaptability of the control system, an adaptive neural network is designed. Analytical results and those of a simulation using Vortex demonstrate the significantly improved mobile performance of the WMR using the proposed control system.
Linear and Nonlinear Schemes Applied to Pitch Control of Wind Turbines
Authors: Geng Hua , Yang Geng
Published: September 2014

Linear controllers have been employed in industrial applications for many years, but sometimes they are noneffective on the system with nonlinear characteristics. This paper discusses the structure, performance, implementation cost, advantages, and disadvantages of different linear and nonlinear schemes applied to the pitch control of the wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). The linear controller has the simplest structure and is easily understood by the engineers and thus is widely accepted by the industry. In contrast, nonlinear schemes are more complicated, but they can provide better performance. Although nonlinear algorithms can be implemented in a powerful digital processor nowadays, they need time to be accepted by the industry and their reliability needs to be verified in the commercial products. More information about the system nonlinear feature is helpful to simplify the controller design. However, nonlinear schemes independent of the system model are more robust to the uncertainties or deviations of the system parameters.
Dynamics of Alloplastic Bone Grafts on an Early Stage of Corticotomy-Facilitated Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Choi Hyung-Joo , Lee Dong-Yeol , Kim Tae-Woo
Published: September 2014

Alveolar augmented corticotomy is effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, but the effect only lasts for a relatively short time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying biology of the immediate periodontal response to orthodontic tooth movement after a corticotomy with alloplastic bone grafts. The results demonstrated that measurable tooth movement began as early as 3 days after the intervention in beagle dogs. Based on the results and histological findings, augmented corticotomy-facilitated orthodontic tooth movement might enhance the condition of the periodontal tissue and the stability of the outcomes of orthodontic treatment.
Video Self-Modeling Is an Effective Intervention for an Adult with Autism
Authors: Tsui Genevieve Hin Ha , Rutherford M. D.
Published: September 2014

With the increases in size and strength that come with adulthood, challenging behaviours among those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can become critical. Few studies have explored behavioural interventions in adults with ASD, though recent studies have shown video self-modeling (VSM) to be effective in children with ASD. VSM involves an individual watching videos of himself demonstrating prosocial behaviours, while those behaviours are pointed out and encouraged. In the current study, VSM was used to encourage prosocial behaviours and to reduce problematic behaviour displayed by an adult with ASD. Results reveal a decrease in the tendency to invade others’ personal space and make inappropriate loud noises. VSM may be an effective intervention and improve the lives of adults with ASD.
Numerical Study of Buoyancy Convection of Air under Permanent Magnetic Field and Comparison with That under Gravity Field
Authors: Song Kewei , Li Wenkai , Zhou Yang , Lu Yuanru
Published: September 2014

Magnetothermal free convection of air in a square enclosure under a nonuniform magnetic field provided by a permanent neodymium‐iron‐boron magnet is numerically studied. The natural convection under the gravity field alone is also studied for comparison. The physical fields of magnetizing force, velocity, and temperature as well as the local distribution characteristic of Nusselt number are all presented in this paper. The results show that the buoyancy convection of air in the square enclosure under magnetic field is quite different from that under the gravity field. The local value of Nusselt number under the magnetic field supplied by a permanent magnet with a residual magnetic flux density of about 4.5 Tesla can reach a high value of about three times larger than the maximum local value of Nusselt number under the gravity field. Relatively uniform distributions of temperature gradient and Nusselt number can be obtained along the cold wall of the enclosure under the magnetic field. A permanent magnet with high magnetic energy product with Br reaching to 3.5 Tesla can play a comparative role on the averaged Nusselt number compared with that under the gravity environment.
Quantification of Neurotransmitters in Mouse Brain Tissue by Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyun , Choi Juhee , Kim Hyung-Gun , Kim Hak Rim
Published: September 2014

A simple and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed for the determination of BH4, DA, 5-HT, NE, EP, Glu, and GABA in mouse brain using epsilon-acetamidocaproic acid and isotopically labeled neurotransmitters as internal standards. Proteins in the samples were precipitated by adding acetonitrile, and then the supernatants were separated by a Sepax Polar-Imidazole (2.1 mm × 100 mm, i.d., 3 μm) column by adding a mixture of 10 mM ammonium formate in acetonitrile/water (75 : 25, v/v, 300 μl/min) for BH4 and DA. To assay 5-HT, NE, EP, Glu, and GABA; a Luna 3 μC18(3.0 mm × 150 mm, i.d., 3 μm) column was used by adding a mixture of 1% formic acid in acetonitrile/water (20 : 80, v/v, 350 μl/min). The total chromatographic run time was 5.5 min. The method was validated for the analysis of samples. The calibration curve was linear between 10 and 2000 ng/g for BH4r2=0.995, 10 and 5000 ng/g for DAr2=0.997, 20 and 10000 ng/g for 5-HTr2=0.994, NEr2=0.993, and EPr2=0.993, and 0.2 and 200 μg/g for Glur2=0.996and GABAr2=0.999in the mouse brain tissues. As stated above, LC-MS/MS results were obtained and established to be a useful tool for the quantitative analysis of BH4, DA, 5-HT, NE, EP, Glu, and GABA in the experimental rodent brain.
Genetic Algorithm Based Approach in Attribute Weighting for a Medical Data Set
Authors: Varpa Kirsi , Iltanen Kati , Juhola Martti
Published: September 2014

Genetic algorithms have been utilized in many complex optimization and simulation tasks because of their powerful search method. In this research we studied whether the classification performance of the attribute weighted methods based on the nearest neighbour search can be improved when using the genetic algorithm in the evolution of attribute weighting. The attribute weights in the starting population were based on the weights set by the application area experts and machine learning methods instead of random weight setting. The genetic algorithm improved the total classification accuracy and the median true positive rate of the attribute weighted k-nearest neighbour method using neighbour’s class-based attribute weighting. With other methods, the changes after genetic algorithm were moderate.
Self‐Similarity Based Corresponding‐Point Extraction from Weakly Textured Stereo Pairs
Authors: Mao Min , Hao Kuang-Rong , Ding Yong-Sheng
Published: September 2014

For the areas of low textured in image pairs, there is nearly no point that can be detected by traditional methods. The information in these areas will not be extracted by classical interest‐point detectors. In this paper, a novel weakly textured point detection method is presented. The points with weakly textured characteristic are detected by the symmetry concept. The proposed approach considers the gray variability of the weakly textured local regions. The detection mechanism can be separated into three steps: region‐similarity computation, candidate point searching, and refinement of weakly textured point set. The mechanism of radius scale selection and texture strength conception are used in the second step and the third step, respectively. The matching algorithm based on sparse representation (SRM) is used for matching the detected points in different images. The results obtained on image sets with different objects show high robustness of the method to background and intraclass variations as well as to different photometric and geometric transformations; the points detected by this method are also the complement of points detected by classical detectors from the literature. And we also verify the efficacy of SRM by comparing with classical algorithms under the occlusion and corruption situations for matching the weakly textured points. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed weakly textured point detection algorithm.
Measurements of the Stiffness and Thickness of the Pavement Asphalt Layer Using the Enhanced Resonance Search Method
Authors: Zakaria Nur Mustakiza , Yusoff Nur Izzi Md. , Hardwiyono Sentot , Mohd Nayan Khairul Anuar , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: September 2014

Enhanced resonance search (ERS) is a nondestructive testing method that has been created to evaluate the quality of a pavement by means of a special instrument called the pavement integrity scanner (PiScanner). This technique can be used to assess the thickness of the road pavement structure and the profile of shear wave velocity by using the principle of surface wave and body wave propagation. In this study, the ERS technique was used to determine the actual thickness of the asphaltic pavement surface layer, while the shear wave velocities obtained were used to determine its dynamic elastic modulus. A total of fifteen locations were identified and the results were then compared with the specifications of the Malaysian PWD, MDD UKM, and IKRAM. It was found that the value of the elastic modulus of materials is between 3929 MPa and 17726 MPa. A comparison of the average thickness of the samples with the design thickness of MDD UKM showed a difference of 20 to 60%. Thickness of the asphalt surface layer followed the specifications of Malaysian PWD and MDD UKM, while some of the values of stiffness obtained are higher than the standard.
Detailed Photoisomerization Dynamics of a Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore Based Molecular Switch
Authors: Jiang Chen-Wei , Fang Ai-Ping , Zhao Di , Li Hong-Rong , Xie Rui-Hua , Li Fu-Li
Published: September 2014

With density-functional-based nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations,trans-to-cisandcis-to-transphotoisomerizations of a green fluorescent protein chromophore based molecule 4-benzylidene-2-methyloxazol-5(4H)-one (BMH) induced by the excitation to itsS1excited state were performed. We find a quantum yield of 32% for thetrans-to-cisphotoisomerization of BMH and a quantum yield of 33% for itscis-to-transphotoisomerization. For those simulations that did producetrans-to-cisisomerization, the averageS1excited state lifetime oftrans-BMH is about 1460 fs, which is much shorter than that ofcis-BMH (3100 fs) in those simulations that did producecis-to-transisomerization. For both photoisomerization processes, rotation around the central C2=C3 bond is the dominant reaction mechanism. Deexcitation occurs at an avoided crossing near theS1/S0conical intersection, which is near the midpoint of the rotation.
Importance of Nonperturbative QCD Parameters for Bottom Mesons
Authors: Upadhyay A. , Batra M.
Published: September 2014

The importance of nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD) parameters is discussed in context to the predicting power for bottom meson masses and isospin splitting. In the framework of heavy quark effective theory, the work presented here focuses on the different allowed values of the two nonperturbative QCD parameters used in heavy quark effective theory formula, and using the best fitted parameter, masses of the excited bottom meson states injp=1/2+doublet in strange and nonstrange sectors are calculated here. The calculated masses are found to be matching well with experiments and other phenomenological models. The mass splitting and hyperfine splitting have also been analyzed for both strange and nonstrange heavy mesons with respect to spin and flavor symmetries.
Economic Transition in the City of Paterson, New Jersey (America’s First Planned Industrial City): Causes, Impacts, and Urban Policy Implications
Authors: Owusu Thomas Y.
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the dynamics of economic change in the City of Paterson, New Jersey, from the time of its founding in the late eighteenth century to 1990, with emphasis on the post-1945 era. Analysis shows that from the time of its founding to the first half of the twentieth century, Paterson experienced a period of economic growth followed by economic decline in the 1960s, characterized by major changes in its principal industries of cotton, locomotives, and silk. Economic growth in Paterson up to the early part of the twentieth century is attributable to several locational factors, including the availability of water resources, transportation, labor supply, and markets. Its decline in the post-1945 era is attributable to a combination of local, national, and global economic factors including periods of depression, labor discord, product substitution, decentralization of economic activities, and deindustrialization. Economic decline resulted in a high rate of unemployment, poverty, and urban decay. The most significant effort to reverse urban decline in the city is the urban enterprise zone (UEZ) program. The impacts of this program on economic growth in the city, however, remain inconclusive.
Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction after Injury: A Review of Clinical and Experimental Therapies
Authors: Grinsell D. , Keating C. P.
Published: September 2014

Unlike other tissues in the body, peripheral nerve regeneration is slow and usually incomplete. Less than half of patients who undergo nerve repair after injury regain good to excellent motor or sensory function and current surgical techniques are similar to those described by Sunderland more than 60 years ago. Our increasing knowledge about nerve physiology and regeneration far outweighs our surgical abilities to reconstruct damaged nerves and successfully regenerate motor and sensory function. It is technically possible to reconstruct nerves at the fascicular level but not at the level of individual axons. Recent surgical options including nerve transfers demonstrate promise in improving outcomes for proximal nerve injuries and experimental molecular and bioengineering strategies are being developed to overcome biological roadblocks limiting patient recovery.
Sanitary Conditions of Food Vending Sites and Food Handling Practices of Street Food Vendors in Benin City, Nigeria: Implication for Food Hygiene and Safety
Authors: Okojie P. W. , Isah E. C.
Published: September 2014

Objective. To determine the sanitary conditions of vending sites as well as food handling practices of street food vendors in Benin City, Nigeria.Methodology. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using an observational checklist and researcher-administered questionnaire. 286 randomly selected vending units were surveyed, and their operators interviewed on their food handling practices.Results. A higher proportion, 259 (90.5%), of the observed vending sites appeared clean. The following sanitary facilities were observed in and around the respective food premises of the respondents: waste bin, 124 (43.4%), refuse dumpsite, 41 (14.3%), wash hand basin, 201 (71.2%), hand towel, 210 (73.4%), and soap, 220 (76.9%). There were also the presence of flies 118, (41.3%), and the presence of rats/cockroaches, 7 (2.4%). Respondents with tertiary education, 5 (38.5%), vended foods in environment with good hygiene status compared to those with secondary, 45 (31.7%), and primary education, 33 (27.3%). There was no statistically significant association between educational status and the hygiene status of food premise (P=0.362).Conclusion. This study showed that street food vending sites in Benin City were sanitary and that food vendors had good food handling practices.
The *Congruence Class of the Solutions to a System of Matrix Equations
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ping , Dong Chang-Zhou
Published: September 2014

We present the *congruence class of the least-square and the minimum norm least-square solutions to the system of complex matrix equationAX=C, XB=Dby generalized singular value decomposition and canonical correlation decomposition.
Global Practical Tracking by Output Feedback for Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Growth Rate and Time Delay
Authors: Yan Xuehua , Song Xinmin
Published: September 2014

This paper is the further investigation of work of Yan and Liu, 2011, and considers the global practical tracking problem by output feedback for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with not only unmeasured states dependent growth but also time-varying time delay. Compared with the closely related works, the remarkableness of the paper is that the time-varying time delay and unmeasurable states are permitted in the system nonlinear growth. Motivated by the related tracking results and flexibly using the ideas and techniques of universal control and dead zone, an adaptive output-feedback tracking controller is explicitly designed with the help of a new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, to make the tracking error prescribed arbitrarily small after a finite time while keeping all the closed-loop signals bounded. A numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the results.
Integer-Linear-Programing Optimization in Scalable Video Multicast with Adaptive Modulation and Coding in Wireless Networks
Authors: Lee Dongyul , Lee Chaewoo
Published: September 2014

The advancement in wideband wireless network supports real time services such as IPTV and live video streaming. However, because of the sharing nature of the wireless medium, efficient resource allocation has been studied to achieve a high level of acceptability and proliferation of wireless multimedia. Scalable video coding (SVC) with adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) provides an excellent solution for wireless video streaming. By assigning different modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) to video layers, SVC can provide good video quality to users in good channel conditions and also basic video quality to users in bad channel conditions. For optimal resource allocation, a key issue in applying SVC in the wireless multicast service is how to assign MCSs and the time resources to each SVC layer in the heterogeneous channel condition. We formulate this problem with integer linear programming (ILP) and provide numerical results to show the performance under 802.16 m environment. The result shows that our methodology enhances the overall system throughput compared to an existing algorithm.
On Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy of Order-α
Authors: Verma Rajkumar , Sharma BhuDev
Published: September 2014

Using the idea of Rènyi’s entropy, intuitionistic fuzzy entropy of order-α is proposed in the setting of intuitionistic fuzzy sets theory. This measure is a generalized version of fuzzy entropy of order-α proposed by Bhandari and Pal and intuitionistic fuzzy entropy defined by Vlachos and Sergiadis. Our study of the four essential and some other properties of the proposed measure clearly establishes the validity of the measure as intuitionistic fuzzy entropy. Finally, a numerical example is given to show that the proposed entropy measure for intuitionistic fuzzy set is reasonable by comparing it with other existing entropies.
On the Fekete and Szegö Problem for the Class of Starlike Mappings in Several Complex Variables
Authors: Xu Qing-Hua , Liu Tai-Shun
Published: September 2014

LetSbe the familiar class of normalized univalent functions in the unit disk. Fekete and Szegö proved the well-known resultmaxf∈S⁡a3-λa22=1+2e-2λ/(1-λ)forλ∈0, 1. We investigate the corresponding problem for the class of starlike mappings defined on the unit ball in a complex Banach space or on the unit polydisk inCn, which satisfies a certain condition.
Modelling and Practical Implementation of 2-Coil Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Zhou Hong , Zhu Bin , Hu Wenshan , Liu Zhiwei , Gao Xingran
Published: September 2014

Wireless power transfer (WPT) based on inductive coupling could be potentially applied in many practical applications. It has attracted a lot of research interests in the last few years. In this paper, the modelling, design, and implementation of a 2-coil WPT system are represented. The prototype system can be implemented using conventional power electronic devices such as MOSFETs with very low costs as it works in relative low frequency range (less than 1 MHz). In order to find out about the optimal working area for the WPT system, the circuit model based on the practical parameters from the prototype is built. The relationships between the exciting frequency, coupling, and output power are analyzed based on the circuit and magnetic principles. Apart from the theoretic study, the detailed implementation of the WPT prototype including the coil design, digital frequency generation, and high frequency power electronics is also introduced in this paper. Experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the circuit analysis. By carefully tuning the circuit parameters, the prototype is able to deliver 20 W power through 2.2 meter distance with 20–30% efficiency.
Efficient Iterative Methods with and without Memory Possessing High Efficiency Indices
Authors: Lotfi T. , Soleymani F. , Noori Z. , Kılıçman A. , Khaksar Haghani F.
Published: September 2014

Two families of derivative-free methods without memory for approximating a simple zero of a nonlinear equation are presented. The proposed schemes have an accelerator parameter with the property that it can increase the convergence rate without any new functional evaluations. In this way, we construct a method with memory that increases considerably efficiency index from81/4≈1.681to121/4≈1.861. Numerical examples and comparison with the existing methods are included to confirm theoretical results and high computational efficiency.
Left-Turning Vehicle Trajectory Modeling and Guide Line Setting at the Intersection
Authors: Wei Fulu , Guo Weiwei , Liu Xin , Liang Chunyan , Feng Tianjun
Published: September 2014

When left-turning vehicles are released from the multiple left-turning lanes at the signalized intersection, there will be conflicts among them, and the conflicts will affect the traffic operation and safety. In order to solve the problem, by extracting running trajectories of left-turning vehicles and analyzing distribution characteristics of trajectories, velocity changing characteristics, and flow changing characteristics, the left-turning vehicle’s trajectory model was established. On the basis of the above research, taking an example of quadruple left-turning lanes, the idea of setting left-turning guide line at the intersection was proposed. Through instance verification, we could get the conclusion that the method of using left-turning guide line to control vehicles’ turning process can effectively reduce traffic conflicts and delay and improve traffic efficiency.
A Quantitative Sensory Analysis of Peripheral Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer and Its Exacerbation by Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: de Carvalho Barbosa Mariana , Kosturakis Alyssa K. , Eng Cathy , Wendelschafer-Crabb Gwen , Kennedy William R. , Simone Donald A. , Wang Xin S. , Cleeland Charles S. , Dougherty Patrick M.
Published: September 2014

Peripheral neuropathy caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy, especially platins and taxanes, is a widespread problem among cancer survivors that is likely to continue to expand in the future. However, little work to date has focused on understanding this challenge. The goal in this study was to determine the impact of colorectal cancer and cumulative chemotherapeutic dose on sensory function to gain mechanistic insight into the subtypes of primary afferent fibers damaged by chemotherapy. Patients with colorectal cancer underwent quantitative sensory testing before and then prior to each cycle of oxaliplatin. These data were compared with those from 47 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients showed significant subclinical deficits in sensory function before any therapy compared with healthy volunteers, and they became more pronounced in patients who received chemotherapy. Sensory modalities that involved large Aβ myelinated fibers and unmyelinated C fibers were most affected by chemotherapy, whereas sensory modalities conveyed by thinly myelinated Aδ fibers were less sensitive to chemotherapy. Patients with baseline sensory deficits went on to develop more symptom complaints during chemotherapy than those who had no baseline deficit. Patients who were tested again 6 to 12 months after chemotherapy presented with the most numbness and pain and also the most pronounced sensory deficits. Our results illuminate a mechanistic connection between the pattern of effects on sensory function and the nerve fiber types that appear to be most vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced toxicity, with implications for how to focus future work to ameloirate risks of peripheral neuropathy. Cancer Res; 74(21); 5955–62. ©2014 AACR.
l-2-Hydroxyglutarate: An Epigenetic Modifier and Putative Oncometabolite in Renal Cancer
Authors: Shim Eun-Hee , Livi Carolina B. , Rakheja Dinesh , Tan Jubilee , Benson Daniel , Parekh Vishwas , Kho Eun-Young , Ghosh Arindam P. , Kirkman Richard , Velu Sadanan , Dutta Shilpa , Chenna Balachandra , Rea Shane L. , Mishur Robert J. , Li Qiuhua , Johnson-Pais Teresa L. , Guo Lining , Bae Sejong , Wei Shi , Block Karen , Sudarshan Sunil
Published: September 2014

Through unbiased metabolomics, we identified elevations of the metabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 2HG can inhibit 2-oxoglutaratre (2-OG)–dependent dioxygenases that mediate epigenetic events, including DNA and histone demethylation. 2HG accumulation, specifically the d enantiomer, can result from gain-of-function mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1, IDH2) found in several different tumors. In contrast, kidney tumors demonstrate elevations of the l enantiomer of 2HG (l-2HG). High-2HG tumors demonstrate reduced DNA levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), consistent with 2HG-mediated inhibition of ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which convert 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5hmC. l-2HG elevation is mediated in part by reduced expression of l-2HG dehydrogenase (L2HGDH). L2HGDH reconstitution in RCC cells lowers l-2HG and promotes 5hmC accumulation. In addition, L2HGDH expression in RCC cells reduces histone methylation and suppresses in vitro tumor phenotypes. Our report identifies l-2HG as an epigenetic modifier and putative oncometabolite in kidney cancer.

Significance: Here, we report elevations of the putative oncometabolite l-2HG in the most common subtype of kidney cancer and describe a novel mechanism for the regulation of DNA 5hmC levels. Our findings provide new insight into the metabolic basis for the epigenetic landscape of renal cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(11); 1290–8. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1243
Effect of adjunctive dipyridamole to DAPT on platelet function profiles in stented patients with high platelet reactivity
Authors: Park Yongwhi , Tantry Udaya , Ahn Jong-Hwa , Kim Kye Hwan , Koh Jin-Sin , Park Jeong-Rang , Hwang Seok-Jae , Kwak Choong Hwan , Hwang Jin-Yong , Gurbel Paul , Jeong Young-Hoon
Published: September 2014

Adjunctive use of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor can enhance antiplatelet and vasoprotective properties in patients with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PDE5 inhibitor dipyridamole on platelet function in stented patients with high platelet reactivity (HPR) during dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel. Patients with HPR after 600-mg clopidogrel loading were randomly assigned to adjunctive dipyridamole 75 mg twice daily to standard DAPT (DIP group; n = 45) or double-dose clopidogrel of 150 mg daily (DOUBLE group; n = 46) for 30 days. Platelet function was assessed at baseline and 30-day follow-up with platelet reactivity index (PRI) by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein-phosphorylation (VASP-P) assay and platelet aggregation (PA) by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA). Primary endpoint was PRI at 30-day follow-up. HPR was defined as PRI > 50%. Baseline platelet function did not differ between the groups. Following 30-day therapy, platelet function was significantly reduced in the DIP and DOUBLE groups (all p-values ≤ 0.004 and ≤ 0.068, respectively). PRI values were not significantly different between the two groups (mean difference: 3.1%; 95% confidence interval: –2.8% to 9.0%: p = 0.295). PA values and prevalence of HPR were similar between the groups. However, a significant number of patients still exhibited HPR in the DIP (75.6%) and DOUBLE (67.4%) groups. In conclusion, among stented HPR patients, adding dipyridamole to DAPT does not reduce platelet reactivity and prevalence of HPR compared with double-dose clopidogrel therapy, and therefore both strategies are inadequate to overcome HPR.
Inflammatory role and prognostic value of platelet chemokines in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Brandt Johanna , Herwald Heiko , Teupser Daniel , Küchenhoff Helmut , Karshovska Ela , Mause Sebastian , Siess Wolfgang , Wasmuth Hermann , Soehnlein Oliver , Koenen Rory , Weber Christian , Blanchet Xavier , Cesarek Katja , Hundelshausen Philipp von
Published: September 2014

Activated platelets and neutrophils exacerbate atherosclerosis. Platelets release the chemokines CXCL4, CXCL4L1 and CCL5, whereas myeloperoxidase (MPO) and azurocidin are neutrophil-derived. We investigated whether plasma levels of these platelet and neutrophil mediators are affected by the acute coronary syndrome (ACS), its medical treatment, concomitant clinical or laboratory parameters, and predictive for the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). In an observational study, the association of various factors with plasma concentrations of platelet chemokines and neutrophil mediators in 204 patients, either upon admission with ACS and 6 hours later or without ACS or CAD, was determined by multiple linear regression. Mediator release was further analysed after activation of blood with ACS-associated triggers such as plaque material. CXCL4, CXCL4L1, CCL5, MPO and azurocidin levels were elevated in ACS. CXCL4 and CCL5 but not CXCL4L1 or MPO were associated with platelet counts and CRP. CXCL4 (in association with heparin treatment) and MPO declined over 6 hours during ACS. Elevated CCL5 was associated with a progression of CAD. Incubating blood with plaque material, PAR1 and PAR4 activation induced a marked release of CXCL4 and CCL5, whereas CXCL4L1 and MPO were hardly or not altered. Platelet chemokines and neutrophil products are concomitantly elevated in ACS and differentially modulated by heparin treatment. CCL5 levels during ACS predict a progression of preexisting CAD. Platelet-derived products appear to dominate the inflammatory response during ACS, adding to the emerging evidence that ACS per se may promote vascular inflammation.

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Gregory Y. H. Lip, Editor in Chief.
Efficacy and safety of early parenteral anticoagulation as a bridge to warfarin after mechanical valve replacement
Authors: Mathew Joseph , Spyropoulos Alex , Yusuf Arif , Vincent Jessica , Eikelboom John , Shestakovska Olga , Fremes Stephen , Noora Joseph , Guo Linrui , Peterson Mark , Pai Menaka , Whitlock Richard
Published: September 2014

Limited evidence exists to guide the use of early parenteral anticoagulation following mechanical heart valve replacement (MVR). The purpose of this study was to compare the 30-day rates of thrombotic and bleeding complications for MVR patients receiving therapeutic versus prophylactic dose bridging regimens. In this retrospective cohort study we reviewed anticoagulation management and outcomes of all patients undergoing MVR at five Canadian hospitals between 2003 and 2010. The primary efficacy outcome was thromboembolism (stroke, transient ischaemic attack, systemic embolism or valve thrombosis) and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding at 30-days. Outcomes were compared using a logistic regression model adjusting for propensity score and in a 1:1 propensity matched sample. A total of 1777 patients underwent mechanical valve replacement, of whom 923 received therapeutic dose bridging anticoagulation and 764 received prophylactic dose bridging postoperatively. Sixteen patients (1.8 %) who received therapeutic dose bridging and fifteen patients (2.1 %) who received prophylactic dose bridging experienced the primary efficacy outcome (odds ratio [OR] 0.90; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.37 to 2.18, p=0.81). Forty-eight patients (5.4 %) in the therapeutic dosing group and 14 patients (1.9 %) in the prophylactic dosing group experienced the primary safety outcome of major bleeding (OR 3.23; 95 % CI, 1.58 to 6.62; p=0.001). The direction of the effects, their magnitude and significance were maintained in the propensity matched analysis. In conclusion, we found that early after mechanical valve replacement, therapeutic dose bridging was associated with a similar risk of thromboembolic complications, but a 2.5 to 3-fold increased risk of major bleeding compared with prophylactic dose bridging.
Graduated compression stockings to treat acute leg pain associated with proximal DVT
Authors: Shapiro Stan , Ducruet Thierry , Wells Philip , Rodger Marc , Kovacs Michael , Anderson David , Tagalakis Vicky , Morrison David , Solymoss Susan , Miron Marie-José , Yeo Erik , Smith Reginald , Schulman Sam , Kassis Jeannine , Kearon Clive , Chagnon Isabelle , Wong Turnly , Demers Christine , Hanmiah Rajendar , Kaatz Scott , Selby Rita , Rathbun Suman , Desmarais Sylvie , Opatrny Lucie , Ortel Thomas , Galanaud Jean-Philippe , Ginsberg Jeffrey , Kahn Susan
Published: September 2014

Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) causes leg pain. Elastic compression stockings (ECS) have potential to relieve DVT-related leg pain by diminishing the diameter of distended veins and increasing venous blood flow. It was our objective to determine whether ECS reduce leg pain in patients with acute DVT. We performed a secondary analysis of the SOX Trial, a multicentre randomised placebo controlled trial of active ECS versus placebo ECS to prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome.The study was performed in 24 hospital centres in Canada and the U.S. and included 803 patients with a first episode of acute proximal DVT. Patients were randomised to receive active ECS (knee length, 30–40 mm Hg graduated pressure) or placebo ECS (manufactured to look identical to active ECS, but lacking therapeutic compression). Study outcome was leg pain severity assessed on an 11-point numerical pain rating scale (0, no pain; 10, worst possible pain) at baseline, 14, 30 and 60 days after randomisation. Mean age was 55 years and 60% were male. In active ECS patients (n=409), mean (SD) pain severity at baseline and at 60 days were 5.18 (3.29) and 1.39 (2.19), respectively, and in placebo ECS patients (n=394) were 5.38 (3.29) and 1.13 (1.86), respectively. There were no significant differences in pain scores between groups at any assessment point, and no evidence for subgroup interaction by age, sex or anatomical extent of DVT. Results were similar in an analysis restricted to patients who reported wearing stockings every day. In conclusion, ECS do not reduce leg pain in patients with acute proximal DVT.
Binding of vitronectin and Factor H to Hic contributes to immune evasion of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3
Authors: Kohler Sylvia , Hallström Teresia , Singh Birendra , Riesbeck Kristian , Spartà Giuseppina , Zipfel Peter F. , Hammerschmidt Sven
Published: September 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 strains are highly resistant to opsonophagocytosis due to recruitment of the complement inhibitor Factor H via Hic, a member of the pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC) family. In this study, we demonstrated that Hic also interacts with vitronectin, a fluid-phase regulator involved in haemostasis, angiogenesis, and the terminal complement cascade as well as a component of the extracellular matrix. Blocking of Hic by specific antiserum or genetic deletion significantly reduced pneumococcal binding to soluble and immobilised vitronectin and to Factor H, respectively. In parallel, ectopic expression of Hic on the surface of Lactococcus lactis conferred binding to soluble and immobilised vitronectin as well as Factor H. Molecular analyses with truncated Hic fragments narrowed down the vitronectin-binding site to the central core of Hic (aa 151–201). This vitronectin-binding region is separate from that of Factor H, which binds to the N-terminus of Hic (aa 38–92). Binding of pneumococcal Hic was localised to the C-terminal heparin-binding domain (HBD3) of vitronectin. However, an N-terminal region to HBD3 was further involved in Hic-binding to immobilised vitronectin. Finally, vitronectin bound to Hic was functionally active and inhibited formation of the terminal complement complex. In conclusion, Hic interacts with vitronectin and simultaneously with Factor H, and both human proteins may contribute to colonisation and invasive disease caused by serotype 3 pneumococci.