bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameterization of the three-dimensional room transfer function in horizontal plane
Authors: Bu Bing , Abhayapala Thushara D. , Bao Chang-chun , Zhang Wen
Published: September 2015

This letter proposes an efficient parameterization of the three-dimensional room transfer function (RTF) which is robust for the position variations of source and receiver in respective horizontal planes. Based on azimuth harmonic analysis, the proposed method exploits the underlying properties of the associated Legendre functions to remove a portion of the spherical harmonic coefficients of RTF which have no contribution in the horizontal plane. This reduction leads to a flexible measuring-point structure consisting of practical concentric circular arrays to extract horizontal plane RTF coefficients. The accuracy of the above parameterization is verified through numerical simulations.
Sparing the region of the salivary gland containing stem cells preserves saliva production after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: van Luijk Peter , Pringle Sarah , Deasy Joseph O. , Moiseenko Vitali V. , Faber Hette , Hovan Allan , Baanstra Mirjam , van der Laan Hans P. , Kierkels Roel G. J. , van der Schaaf Arjen , Witjes Max J. , Schippers Jacobus M. , Brandenburg Sytze , Langendijk Johannes A. , Wu Jonn , Coppes Robert P.
Published: September 2015

Avoiding irradiation of the region of the parotid gland containing stem cells reduces the risk of xerostomia (dry mouth).
CT-guided injection of a TRPV1 agonist around dorsal root ganglia decreases pain transmission in swine
Authors: Brown Jacob D. , Saeed Maythem , Do Loi , Braz Joao , Basbaum Allan I. , Iadarola Michael J. , Wilson David M. , Dillon William P.
Published: September 2015

Delivery of resiniferatoxin under CT guidance around lumbar dorsal root ganglia in pigs resulted in selective deletion of nociceptive neurons and lasting analgesia.
Two Essential Light Chains Regulate the MyoA Lever Arm To Promote
Toxoplasma
Gliding Motility
Authors: Williams Melanie J. , Alonso Hernan , Enciso Marta , Egarter Saskia , Sheiner Lilach , Meissner Markus , Striepen Boris , Smith Brian J. , Tonkin Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

Key to the virulence of apicomplexan parasites is their ability to move through tissue and to invade and egress from host cells. Apicomplexan motility requires the activity of the glideosome, a multicomponent molecular motor composed of a type XIV myosin, MyoA. Here we identify a novel glideosome component, essential light chain 2 (ELC2), and functionally characterize the two essential light chains (ELC1 and ELC2) of MyoA in
Toxoplasma
. We show that these proteins are functionally redundant but are important for invasion, egress, and motility. Molecular simulations of the MyoA lever arm identify a role for Ca
2+
in promoting intermolecular contacts between the ELCs and the adjacent MLC1 light chain to stabilize this domain. Using point mutations predicted to ablate either the interaction with Ca
2+
or the interface between the two light chains, we demonstrate their contribution to the quality, displacement, and speed of gliding
Toxoplasma
parasites. Our work therefore delineates the importance of the MyoA lever arm and highlights a mechanism by which this domain could be stabilized in order to promote invasion, egress, and gliding motility in apicomplexan parasites.

IMPORTANCE
Tissue dissemination and host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites such as
Toxoplasma
are pivotal to their pathogenesis. Central to these processes is gliding motility, which is driven by an actomyosin motor, the MyoA glideosome. Others have demonstrated the importance of the MyoA glideosome for parasite motility and virulence in mice. Disruption of its function may therefore have therapeutic potential, and yet a deeper mechanistic understanding of how it works is required. Ca
2+
-dependent and -independent phosphorylation and the direct binding of Ca
2+
to the essential light chain have been implicated in the regulation of MyoA activity. Here we identify a second essential light chain of MyoA and demonstrate the importance of both to
Toxoplasma
motility. We also investigate the role of Ca
2+
and the MyoA regulatory site in parasite motility and identify a potential mechanism whereby binding of a divalent cation to the essential light chains could stabilize the myosin to allow productive movement.
Epigenetics and Proteomics Join Transcriptomics in the Quest for Tuberculosis Biomarkers
Authors: Esterhuyse Maria M. , Weiner January , Caron Etienne , Loxton Andre G. , Iannaccone Marco , Wagman Chandre , Saikali Philippe , Stanley Kim , Wolski Witold E. , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Schick Matthias , Aebersold Ruedi , Linhart Heinz , Walzl Gerhard , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: September 2015

An estimated one-third of the world's population is currently latently infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis. LatentM. tuberculosisinfection (LTBI) progresses into active tuberculosis (TB) disease in ~5 to 10% of infected individuals. Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to monitor disease progression are urgently needed to ensure better care for TB patients and to decrease the spread of TB. Biomarker development is primarily based on transcriptomics. Our understanding of biology combined with evolving technical advances in high-throughput techniques led us to investigate the possibility of additional platforms (epigenetics and proteomics) in the quest to (i) understand the biology of the TB host response and (ii) search for multiplatform biosignatures in TB. We engaged in a pilot study to interrogate the DNA methylome, transcriptome, and proteome in selected monocytes and granulocytes from TB patients and healthy LTBI participants. Our study provides first insights into the levels and sources of diversity in the epigenome and proteome among TB patients and LTBI controls, despite limitations due to small sample size. Functionally the differences between the infection phenotypes (LTBI versus active TB) observed in the different platforms were congruent, thereby suggesting regulation of function not only at the transcriptional level but also by DNA methylation and microRNA. Thus, our data argue for the development of a large-scale study of the DNA methylome, with particular attention to study design in accounting for variation based on gender, age, and cell type.

IMPORTANCEDNA methylation modifies the transcriptional program of cells. We have focused on two major populations of leukocytes involved in immune response to infectious diseases, granulocytes and monocytes, both of which are professional phagocytes that engulf and kill bacteria. We have interrogated how DNA methylation, gene expression, and protein translation differ in these two cell populations between healthy individuals and patients suffering from TB. To better understand the underlying biologic mechanisms, we harnessed a statistical enrichment analysis, taking advantage of predefined and well-characterized gene sets. Not only were there clear differences on various levels between the two populations, but there were also differences between TB patients and healthy controls in the transcriptome, proteome, and, for the first time, DNA methylome in these cells. Our pilot study emphasizes the value of a large-scale study of the DNA methylome taking into account our findings.
Defining New Therapeutics Using a More Immunocompetent Mouse Model of Antibody-Enhanced Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Pinto Amelia K. , Brien James D. , Lam Chia-Ying Kao , Johnson Syd , Chiang Cindy , Hiscott John , Sarathy Vanessa V. , Barrett Alan D. , Shresta Sujan , Diamond Michael S.
Published: September 2015

With over 3.5 billion people at risk and approximately 390 million human infections per year, dengue virus (DENV) disease strains health care resources worldwide. Previously, we and others established models for DENV pathogenesis in mice that completely lack subunits of the receptors (IfnarandIfngr) for type I and type II interferon (IFN) signaling; however, the utility of these models is limited by the pleotropic effect of these cytokines on innate and adaptive immune system development and function. Here, we demonstrate that the specific deletion ofIfnarexpression on subsets of murine myeloid cells (LysM Cre+Ifnarflox/flox[denoted asIfnarf/fherein]) resulted in enhanced DENV replicationin vivo. The administration of subneutralizing amounts of cross-reactive anti-DENV monoclonal antibodies to LysM Cre+Ifnarf/fmice prior to infection with DENV serotype 2 or 3 resulted in antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection with many of the characteristics associated with severe DENV disease in humans, including plasma leakage, hypercytokinemia, liver injury, hemoconcentration, and thrombocytopenia. Notably, the pathogenesis of severe DENV-2 or DENV-3 infection in LysM Cre+Ifnarf/fmice was blocked by pre- or postexposure administration of a bispecific dual-affinity retargeting molecule (DART) or an optimized RIG-I receptor agonist that stimulates innate immune responses. Our findings establish a more immunocompetent animal model of ADE of infection with multiple DENV serotypes in which disease is inhibited by treatment with broad-spectrum antibody derivatives or innate immune stimulatory agents.

IMPORTANCEAlthough dengue virus (DENV) infects hundreds of millions of people annually and results in morbidity and mortality on a global scale, there are no approved antiviral treatments or vaccines. Part of the difficulty in evaluating therapeutic candidates is the lack of small animal models that are permissive to DENV and recapitulate the clinical features of severe human disease. Using animals lacking the type I interferon receptor only on myeloid cell subsets, we developed a more immunocompetent mouse model of severe DENV infection with characteristics of the human disease, including vascular leakage, hemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia, and liver injury. Using this model, we demonstrate that pathogenesis by two different DENV serotypes is inhibited by therapeutic administration of a genetically modified antibody or a RIG-I receptor agonist that stimulates innate immunity.
Low-dose ofatumumab for rituximab-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Bonanni Alice , Rossi Roberta , Murtas Corrado , Ghiggeri Gian Marco
Published: September 2015

Drug resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (DRNS) remains a therapeutic dilemma. In this pilot study, the efficacy of the new fully humanised, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ofatumumab was tested in 4 children with persistence of proteinuria for at least 12 months in spite of a full drug approach (including rituximab). We used a low-dose 2-infusion ofatumumab model (300+700 mg/1.73 m22 weeks apart) using specified premedication. Transient normalisation of proteinuria (persisting for 2 months) was achieved in 1 child while another presented stable remission after 12 months; both had normal renal function. The outcome was not modified in the remaining 2 children presenting an impaired renal function. These results demonstrate that low-dose ofatumumab may induce remittance of proteinuria in children with a long story of DRNS and normal renal function. Further studies are needed to test whether higher doses of ofatumumab can also modify proteinuria in patients with impaired renal function.
Unique case of pneumomediastinum due to penetrating injury to the mediastinum
Authors: Kornmann Verena N N , van Ravesteyn Leontien M , Reif Hansjörg M , Sallevelt Peter E J M , Krol Ruby M
Published: September 2015

Pneumomediastinum is a rare condition, and mostly occurs following traumatic or iatrogenic tracheal and oesophageal perforation, but spontaneous pneumomediastinum has also been described. We report a case of a 17-year-old woman who presented with a penetrating neck wound after a fall down the stairs. She had an extensive pneumomediastinum without signs of tracheal or oesophageal laceration, rib fractures, pneumothorax or haematothorax. The contaminated wound was surgically explored and extensively lavaged. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment was given and the patient recovered without complications. Direct perforating trauma to the mediastinum is a severe entity, but can be treated by lavage and prophylactic antibiotic therapy.
The psychological factor ‘self-blame’ predicts overuse injury among top-level Swedish track and field athletes: a 12-month cohort study
Authors: Timpka Toomas , Jacobsson Jenny , Dahlström Örjan , Kowalski Jan , Bargoria Victor , Ekberg Joakim , Nilsson Sverker , Renström Per
Published: September 2015

Background

Athletes’ psychological characteristics are important for understanding sports injury mechanisms. We examined the relevance of psychological factors in an integrated model of overuse injury risk in athletics/track and field.

Methods

Swedish track and field athletes (n=278) entering a 12-month injury surveillance in March 2009 were also invited to complete a psychological survey. Simple Cox proportional hazards models were compiled for single explanatory variables. We also tested multiple models for 3 explanatory variable groupings: an epidemiological model without psychological variables, a psychological model excluding epidemiological variables and an integrated (combined) model.

Results

The integrated multiple model included the maladaptive coping behaviourself-blame(p=0.007; HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.61), and an interaction between athlete category and injury history (p<0.001). Youth female (p=0.034; HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.95) and youth male (p=0.047; HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.99) athletes with no severe injury the previous year were at half the risk of sustaining a new injury compared with the reference group. A training load index entered the epidemiological multiple model, but not the integrated model.

Conclusions

The coping behaviourself-blamereplaced training load in an integrated explanatory model of overuse injury risk in athletes. What seemed to be more strongly related to the likelihood of overuse injury was not the athletics load per se, but, rather, the load applied in situations when the athlete's body was in need of rest.
Melanoma mortality following skin cancer screening in Germany
Authors: Boniol Mathieu , Autier Philippe , Gandini Sara
Published: September 2015

Objectives

In 2003, a skin cancer screening campaign based on total body skin examination was launched in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. 20% of adults aged 20 and over were screened. In 2008, a 48% decline in melanoma mortality was reported. In the same year, skin screening was extended to the rest of Germany. We evaluated whether melanoma mortality trends decreased in Germany as compared with surrounding countries where skin screening is uncommon. We also evaluated whether the initial decreasing mortality trend observed in Schleswig-Holstein was maintained with a longer follow-up.

Setting and participants

Regional and national melanoma mortality data from 1995 to 2013 were extracted from the GEKID database and the Federal Statistical Office. Mortality data for Germany and surrounding countries from 1980 to 2012 were extracted from the WHO mortality database.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Age-adjusted (European Standard Population) mortality rates were computed and joinpoint analysis performed for Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and surrounding countries.

Results

In Schleswig-Holstein, melanoma mortality rates declined by 48% from 2003 to 2008, and from 2009 to 2013 returned to levels observed before screening initiation. During the 5 years of the national programme (2008–2012), melanoma mortality rates increased by 2.6% (95% CI −0.1 to 5.2) in men and 0.02% (95% CI −1.8 to 1.8) in women. No inflexion point in trends was identified after 2008 that could have suggested a decreasing melanoma mortality. Trends of cutaneous melanoma mortality in Germany from 1980 to 2012 did not differ from those observed in surrounding countries.

Conclusions

The transient decrease mortality in Schleswig-Holstein followed by return to pre-screening levels could reflect a temporal modification in the reporting of death causes. An in-depth evaluation of the screening programme is required.
Individual patient data meta-analysis of self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP-SMART): a protocol
Authors: Tucker Katherine L , Sheppard James P , Stevens Richard , Bosworth Hayden B , Bove Alfred , Bray Emma P , Godwin Marshal , Green Beverly , Hebert Paul , Hobbs F D Richard , Kantola Ilkka , Kerry Sally , Magid David J , Mant Jonathan , Margolis Karen L , McKinstry Brian , Omboni Stefano , Ogedegbe Olugbenga , Parati Gianfranco , Qamar Nashat , Varis Juha , Verberk Willem , Wakefield Bonnie J , McManus Richard J
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Self-monitoring of blood pressure is effective in reducing blood pressure in hypertension. However previous meta-analyses have shown a considerable amount of heterogeneity between studies, only part of which can be accounted for by meta-regression. This may be due to differences in design, recruited populations, intervention components or results among patient subgroups. To further investigate these differences, an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of self-monitoring of blood pressure will be performed.

Methods and analysis

We will identify randomised trials that have compared patients with hypertension who are self-monitoring blood pressure with those who are not and invite trialists to provide IPD including clinic and/or ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure at baseline and all follow-up points where both intervention and control groups were measured. Other data requested will include measurement methodology, length of follow-up, cointerventions, baseline demographic (age, gender) and psychosocial factors (deprivation, quality of life), setting, intensity of self-monitoring, self-monitored blood pressure, comorbidities, lifestyle factors (weight, smoking) and presence or not of antihypertensive treatment. Data on all available patients will be included in order to take an intention-to-treat approach. A two-stage procedure for IPD meta-analysis, stratified by trial and taking into account age, sex, diabetes and baseline systolic BP will be used. Exploratory subgroup analyses will further investigate non-linear relationships between the prespecified variables. Sensitivity analyses will assess the impact of trials which have and have not provided IPD.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not include identifiable data. Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed publication and by international conference presentations.

Conclusions

IPD analysis should help the understanding of which self-monitoring interventions for which patient groups are most effective in the control of blood pressure.
Gender differences between WOMAC index scores, health-related quality of life and physical performance in an elderly Taiwanese population with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Fang Wen-Hui , Huang Guo-Shu , Chang Hsien-Feng , Chen Ching-Yang , Kang Chi-Yu , Wang Chih-Chien , Lin Chin , Yang Jia-Hwa , Su Wen , Kao SenYeong , Su Sui-Lung
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the importance of the WOMAC index score, health-related quality of life and physical performance in each domain affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to identify gender differences in the importance of these domains and physical performances.

Material and methods

We performed a population-based study for radiographic knee OA among participants aged more than 65 years. Demographic data were collected and anthropometric measurement, radiographic assessment, the WOMAC index score, the short-form 12 (SF-12), the Timed and Up to Go Test (TUGT) and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) were performed.

Result

There were 901 individuals (409 males and 492 females) aged 74.04±6.92 (male: 76.35±7.33; female: 72.12±5.92) years included in this study. The WOMAC scores of participants with OA were higher than those without OA in males and females (male: 11.97±15.79 vs 8.23±12.84, p<0.001; female: 10.61±14.97 vs 7.59±3.31, p=0.032). The physical component summary (PCS) score was only significant in females with knee OA (62.14±24.66 vs 66.59±23.85, p=0.043), while the mental component summary (MCS) score was only significant in males with knee OA (78.02±18.59 vs 81.98±15.46, p=0.02). The TUGT and FTSST were not significant in individuals with and without OA in males and females. Moreover, the multivariate results for the WOMAC score were significant for females (3.928 (95% CI 1.287 to 6.569), p=0.004).

Conclusions

The PCS domains of SF-12 and MCS domains of SF-12 are crucial in Taiwanese females and elderly males, respectively, with knee OA. Different evaluation and treatment strategies based on gender differences should be considered in elderly Taiwanese patients with knee OA to improve their quality of life.
The CHICO (Children's Cough) Trial protocol: a feasibility randomised controlled trial investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a complex intervention to improve the management of children presenting to primary care with acute respiratory tract infection
Authors: Turnbull Sophie L , Redmond Niamh M , Lucas Patricia , Cabral Christie , Ingram Jenny , Hollinghurst Sandra , Hay Alastair D , Peters Tim J , Horwood Jeremy , Little Paul , Francis Nick , Blair Peter S
Published: September 2015

Introduction

While most respiratory tract infections (RTIs) will resolve without treatment, many children will receive antibiotics and some will develop severe symptoms requiring hospitalisation. There have been calls for evidence to reduce uncertainty regarding the identification of children who will and will not benefit from antibiotics. The aim of this feasibility trial is to test recruitment and the acceptance of a complex behavioural intervention designed to reduce antibiotic prescribing, and to inform how best to conduct a larger trial.

Methods and analysis

The CHICO (Children's Cough) trial is a single-centre feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing a web-based, within-consultation, behavioural intervention with usual care for children presenting to general practitioner practices with RTI and acute cough. The trial aims to recruit at least 300 children between October 2014 and April 2015, in a single area in South West England. Following informed consent, demographic information will be recorded, and symptoms and signs measured. Parents/carers of recruited children will be followed up on a weekly basis to establish symptom duration, resource use and cost of the illness to the parent until the child's cough has resolved or up to 8 weeks, whichever occurs earlier. A review of medical notes, including clinical history, primary care reconsultations and hospitalisations will be undertaken 2 months after recruitment. The trial feasibility will be assessed by: determining acceptability of the intervention to clinicians and parent/carers; quantifying differential recruitment and follow-up; determining intervention fidelity; the success in gathering the data necessary to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis; and collecting data about antibiotic prescribing rates to inform the sample size needed for a fully powered RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the North West—Haydock Research Ethics Committee, UK (reference number: 14/NW/1034). The findings from this feasibility trial will be disseminated through research conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN23547970.
Evaluation of the usefulness at national level of the dairy cattle health and production recording systems in Great Britain
Authors: Velasova M. , Drewe J. A. , Gibbons J. , Green M. , Guitian J.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to formally evaluate, qualitatively, the ability of existing recording systems to generate accurate and reliable estimates of the frequency of selected health conditions in the dairy herd of Great Britain. Fifty‐nine recording systems were identified, of which 36 had their key characteristics defined through a web‐based questionnaire. Nineteen of them were further assessed following the SERVAL, a SuRveillance EVALuation framework against a set of 12 attributes: benefit, bias, communication, coverage, data collection, data management, data analysis, data completeness, flexibility, multiple utility, representativeness and stability/sustainability. The evaluated systems showed considerable differences in their coverage, implementation and objectives. There were overlaps in recorded conditions, with Johne's disease, bovine viral diarrhoea, mastitis and lameness being recorded by most of the systems. Selection bias, data ownership and lack of integration of data from different systems appeared to be a key limitation on the future use of existing systems for nationwide monitoring. The results showed that even though the individual systems can provide reliable estimates of dairy health for individual farmers, none of the systems alone could provide accurate and reliable estimates for any of the conditions of interest at national level.
Exploration of the power of routine surveillance data to assess the impacts of industry‐led badger culling on bovine tuberculosis incidence in cattle herds
Authors: Donnelly C. A. , Bento A. I. , Goodchild A. V. , Downs S. H.
Published: September 2015

In the UK, badgers (Meles meles) are a well‐known reservoir of infection, and there has been lively debate about whether badger culling should play a role within the British Government's strategy to control and eventually eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in cattle. The key source of information on the potential for badger culling to reduce cattle TB in high‐cattle‐TB‐incidence areas remains the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT). In late 2013, two pilot areas were subjected to industry‐led badger culls. These culls differed importantly from RBCT culling in that free‐ranging as well as cage‐trapped badgers were shot, and culling took place over a longer time period. Their impacts will be harder to evaluate because culling was not randomised between comparable areas for subsequent comparisons of culling versus no culling. However, the authors present calculations that explore the power of routine surveillance data to assess the impacts of industry‐led badger culling on cattle TB incidence. The rollout of industry‐led culling as a component of a national cattle TB control policy would be controversial. The best possible estimates of the effects of such culling on confirmed cattle TB incidence should be made available to inform all stakeholders and policy‐makers.
Design of a superconducting linear synchronous motor with YBCO coil magnet
Authors: Li Jing , Tang Junjie , Zhang Ya
Published: September 2015

The forces of the flat single-sided linear motor with four superconducting coils on the excitation system were presented by experimental method. The influences of the coil height and number of turns on the forces were investigated by the simulation method. Although the maximum thrust increased monotonically with the value of turns, the corresponding increment of the thrust decreased with the value of turns. The thrust reaches a certain saturation value with increasing the height of the superconducting coil. Continuing to increase the height of the coil could lead to an increase of the normal force. The superconducting linear motor is finally designed with the capability to generate thrust of 1 kN/m.
The effects of magnetization process on levitation characteristics of a superconducting bulk magnet
Authors: Jiang J. , Gong Y. M. , Li Y. H. , Liang G. , Yang X. S. , Cheng C. H. , Zhao Y.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, a bulk YBCO superconductor was magnetized in a chosen magnetic field generated from a superconducting magnet (SM) after field cooling process. The effects of magnetization process with different magnetization intensities on levitation forces and relaxation characteristics were investigated. From the results, it can be confirmed that the superconducting bulk magnet (SBM) magnetized with proper magnetization intensity was beneficial to improve the levitation characteristics of the magnetic levitation system. Nevertheless, when the magnetization intensity exceeded 0.85T, the levitation forces and the relaxation characteristics of the SBM attained saturation.
ESTIMATION OF CONTROL ENERGY AND CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: WANG DINGJIE , JIN SUOQIN , WU FANG-XIANG , ZOU XIUFEN
Published: September 2015

The controlling of complex networks is one of the most challenging problems in modern network science. Accordingly, the required energy cost of control is a fundamental and significant problem. In this paper, we present the theoretical analysis and numerical simulations to study the controllability of complex networks from the energy perspective. First, by combining theoretical derivation and numerical simulations, we obtain lower bounds of the maximal and minimal energy costs for an arbitrary normal network, which are related to the eigenvalues of the state transition matrix. Second, we deduce that controlling unstable normal networks is easier than controlling stable normal networks with the same size. Third, we demonstrate a tradeoff between the control energy and the average degree (or the maximum degree) of an arbitrary undirected network. Fourth, numerical simulations show that the energy cost is negatively correlated with the degree of nodes. Moreover, the combinations of control nodes with the greater sum of degree need less energy to implement complete control. Finally, we propose a multi-objective optimization model to obtain the control strategy, which not only ensures the fewer control nodes but also guarantees the less energy cost of control.
Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Auto-Tuning Proportional Integral Controller for Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Douiri Moulay Rachid , Belghazi Ouissam , Cherkaoui Mohamed
Published: September 2015

This study presents a novel neuro-fuzzy (NF)-based auto-tuning proportional integral controller (NFATPI) for accurate speed control, and to ensure optimal drive performances of the indirect field controlled induction motor drive, under system disturbances and uncertainties. The training mechanism of the proposed NF have been developed and illustrated through mathematical formulations. Then, the NF parameters have been updated on-line using a suitable training algorithm. The learning rates of the NF are derived on the basis of the discrete Lyapunov function is also illustrated, in order to confirm the stability and the performance of prediction of the proposed NFATPI. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the strategy NFATPI as a robust controller for high performance industrial motor drive systems.
A Novel Interactively Recurrent Self-Evolving Fuzzy CMAC and Its Classification Applications
Authors: Wang Jyun-Guo , Tai Shen-Chuan , Lin Cheng-Jian
Published: September 2015

In this paper, an Interactively Recurrent Self-evolving Fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (IRSFCMAC) model is developed for solving classification problems. The proposed IRSFCMAC classifier consists of internal feedback and external loops, which are generated by the hypercube cell firing strength to itself and other hypercube cells. The learning process of the IRSFCMAC gets started with an empty hypercube base, and then all of hypercube cells are generated and learned online via structure and parameter learning, respectively. The structure learning algorithm is based on the degree measure to determine the number of hypercube cells. The parameter learning algorithm, based on the gradient descent method, adjusts the shapes of the membership functions and the corresponding fuzzy weights of the IRSFCMAC. Finally, the proposed IRSFCMAC model is tested by four benchmark classification problems. Experimental results show that the proposed IRSFCMAC model has superior performance than traditional FCMAC and other models.
Chapter 10 Distribution and significance of basaltic eruptive centres: São Miguel, Azores
Authors: Ferreira T. , Gomes A. , Gaspar J. L. , Guest J.
Published: September 2015

Basaltic volcanism occurs at all the active volcanic systems of São Miguel. For the last 30 ka, the eruption of basaltic magma has been particularly significant in the areas between the three polygenetic volcanoes – Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas – and two basaltic fields have developed: the Picos Fissural Volcanic System (PFVS) and the Congro Fissural Volcanic System (CFVS). About 5 ka ago volcanic activity at CFVS ended abruptly and since then almost all basaltic activity has been concentrated at the PFVS, where about 30 eruptions have taken place. Despite the absence of eruptive activity, the Congro system represents one of the most active seismic areas in the archipelago. It shows episodes of volcanic deformation that are indicative of magma ascent, which halted beneath the volcanic system. Two historical eruptions are associated with the PFVS. The 1563 eruption at Pico do Sapateiro was of basaltic composition, whereas that of the 1652 eruption was, for almost two centuries, also considered to be basaltic. This event had, however, a Vulcanian style and involved the production of large amounts of fine ash and the growth of three trachyte domes with associated coulées. It was accurately described in contemporary historical accounts.
Increasing blood flow to exercising muscle attenuates systemic cardiovascular responses during dynamic exercise in humans
Authors: Ichinose Masashi , Ichinose-Kuwahara Tomoko , Kondo Narihiko , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: September 2015

Reducing blood flow to working muscles during dynamic exercise causes metabolites to accumulate within the active muscles and evokes systemic pressor responses. Whether a similar cardiovascular response is elicited with normal blood flow to exercising muscles during dynamic exercise remains unknown, however. To address that issue, we tested whether cardiovascular responses are affected by increases in blood flow to active muscles. Thirteen healthy subjects performed dynamic plantarflexion exercise for 12 min at 20%, 40%, and 60% of peak workload (EX20, EX40, and EX60) with their lower thigh enclosed in a negative pressure box. Under control conditions, the box pressure was the same as the ambient air pressure. Under negative pressure conditions, beginning 3 min after the start of the exercise, the box pressure was decreased by 20, 45, and then 70 mmHg in stepwise fashion with 3-min step durations. During EX20, the negative pressure had no effect on blood flow or the cardiovascular responses measured. However, application of negative pressure increased blood flow to the exercising leg during EX40 and EX60. This increase in blood flow had no significant effect on systemic cardiovascular responses during EX40, but it markedly attenuated the pressor responses otherwise seen during EX60. These results demonstrate that during mild exercise, normal blood flow to exercising muscle is not a factor eliciting cardiovascular responses, whereas it elicits an important pressor effect during moderate exercise. This suggests blood flow to exercising muscle is a major determinant of cardiovascular responses during dynamic exercise at higher than moderate intensity.
Cardiac responses to hypoxia and reoxygenation in Drosophila
Authors: Zarndt Rachel , Piloto Sarah , Powell Frank L. , Haddad Gabriel G. , Bodmer Rolf , Ocorr Karen
Published: September 2015

An adequate supply of oxygen is important for the survival of all tissues, but it is especially critical for tissues with high-energy demands, such as the heart. Insufficient tissue oxygenation occurs under a variety of conditions, including high altitude, embryonic and fetal development, inflammation, and thrombotic diseases, often affecting multiple organ systems. Responses and adaptations of the heart to hypoxia are of particular relevance in human cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, in which the effects of hypoxic exposure can range in severity from transient to long-lasting. This study uses the genetic model system Drosophila to investigate cardiac responses to acute (30 min), sustained (18 h), and chronic (3 wk) hypoxia with reoxygenation. Whereas hearts from wild-type flies recovered quickly after acute hypoxia, exposure to sustained or chronic hypoxia significantly compromised heart function upon reoxygenation. Hearts from flies with mutations in sima, the Drosophila homolog of the hypoxia-inducible factor alpha subunit (HIF-α), exhibited exaggerated reductions in cardiac output in response to hypoxia. Heart function in hypoxia-selected flies, selected over many generations for survival in a low-oxygen environment, revealed reduced cardiac output in terms of decreased heart rate and fractional shortening compared with their normoxia controls. Hypoxia-selected flies also had smaller hearts, myofibrillar disorganization, and increased extracellular collagen deposition, consistent with the observed reductions in contractility. This study indicates that longer-duration hypoxic insults exert deleterious effects on heart function that are mediated, in part, by sima and advances Drosophila models for the genetic analysis of cardiac-specific responses to hypoxia and reoxygenation.
Differences in the dynamic baroreflex characteristics of unmyelinated and myelinated central pathways are less evident in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Turner Michael J. , Kawada Toru , Shimizu Shuji , Fukumitsu Masafumi , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: September 2015

The aim of the study was to identify the contribution of myelinated (A-fiber) and unmyelinated (C-fiber) baroreceptor central pathways to the baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial pressure (AP) in anesthetized Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; n = 8) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; n = 8). The left aortic depressor nerve (ADN) was electrically stimulated with two types of binary white noise signals designed to preferentially activate A-fibers (A-BRx protocol) or C-fibers (C-BRx protocol). In WKY, the central arc transfer function from ADN stimulation to SNA estimated by A-BRx showed strong derivative characteristics with the slope of dynamic gain between 0.1 and 1 Hz ( Gslope) of 14.63 ± 0.89 dB/decade. In contrast, the central arc transfer function estimated by C-BRx exhibited nonderivative characteristics with Gslope of 0.64 ± 1.13 dB/decade. This indicates that A-fibers are important for rapid baroreflex regulation, whereas C-fibers are likely important for more sustained regulation of SNA and AP. In SHR, the central arc transfer function estimated by A-BRx showed higher Gslope (18.46 ± 0.75 dB/decade, P < 0.01) and that estimated by C-BRx showed higher Gslope (8.62 ± 0.64 dB/decade, P < 0.001) with significantly lower dynamic gain at 0.01 Hz (6.29 ± 0.48 vs. 2.80 ± 0.36%/Hz, P < 0.001) compared with WKY. In conclusion, the dynamic characteristics of the A-fiber central pathway are enhanced in the high-modulation frequency range (0.1–1 Hz) and those of the C-fiber central pathway are attenuated in the low-modulation frequency range (0.01–0.1 Hz) in SHR.
Twin Support Vector Machine Method for Identification of Wiener Models
Authors: Al-Dhaifallah Mujahed
Published: September 2015

Twin support vector regression is applied to identify nonlinear Wiener system, consisting of a linear dynamic block in series with static nonlinearity. The linear block is expanded in terms of basis functions, such as Laguerre or Kautz filters, and the static nonlinear block is determined using twin support vector machine regression. Simulation of a control valve model and pH neutralization process have been presented to show the features of the proposed algorithm over support vector machine based algorithm.
A Theorem for Finding Maximum Temperature in Wet Grinding
Authors: González-Santander J. L. , Martín G.
Published: September 2015

We consider the solutions found in the literature for heat transfer in surface grinding, assuming a constant heat transfer coefficient for the coolant acting on the workpiece surface and a constant or linear heat flux profiles entering into the workpiece. From the integral form of the time-dependent temperature field reached in the workpiece, assuming the previous conditions, we prove that the maximum temperature always occurs in the stationary regime on the workpiece surface within the contact zone between the wheel and the workpiece. This result assures a very rapid method for the theoretical computation of the maximum temperature.
A Hybrid Intelligent Multisensor Positioning Methodology for Reliable Vehicle Navigation
Authors: Li Xu , Xu Qimin , Chan Chingyao , Li Bin , Chen Wei , Song Xianghui
Published: September 2015

With the rapid development of intelligent transportation systems worldwide, it becomes more important to realize accurate and reliable vehicle positioning in various environments whether GPS is available or not. This paper proposes a hybrid intelligent multisensor positioning methodology fusing the information from low-cost sensors including GPS, MEMS-based strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) and electronic compass, and velocity constraint, which can achieve a significant performance improvement over the integration scheme only including GPS and MEMS-based SINS. First, the filter model of SINS aided by multiple sensors is presented in detail and then an improved Kalman filter with sequential measurement-update processing is developed to realize the filtering fusion. Further, a least square support vector machine- (LS SVM-) based intelligent module is designed and augmented with the improved KF to constitute the hybrid positioning system. In case of GPS outages, the LS SVM-based intelligent module trained recently is used to predict the position error to achieve more accurate positioning performance. Finally, the proposed hybrid positioning method is evaluated and compared with traditional methods through real field test data. The experimental results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Model Selection and Evaluation Based on Emerging Infectious Disease Data Sets including A/H1N1 and Ebola
Authors: Liu Wendi , Tang Sanyi , Xiao Yanni
Published: September 2015

The aim of the present study is to apply simple ODE models in the area of modeling the spread of emerging infectious diseases and show the importance of model selection in estimating parameters, the basic reproduction number, turning point, and final size. To quantify the plausibility of each model, given the data and the set of four models including Logistic, Gompertz, Rosenzweg, and Richards models, the Bayes factors are calculated and the precise estimates of the best fitted model parameters and key epidemic characteristics have been obtained. In particular, for Ebola the basic reproduction numbers are 1.3522 (95% CI (1.3506, 1.3537)), 1.2101 (95% CI (1.2084, 1.2119)), 3.0234 (95% CI (2.6063, 3.4881)), and 1.9018 (95% CI (1.8565, 1.9478)), the turning points are November 7,November 17, October 2, and November 3, 2014, and the final sizes until December 2015 are 25794 (95% CI (25630, 25958)), 3916 (95% CI (3865, 3967)), 9886 (95% CI (9740, 10031)), and 12633 (95% CI (12515, 12750)) for West Africa, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, respectively. The main results confirm that model selection is crucial in evaluating and predicting the important quantities describing the emerging infectious diseases, and arbitrarily picking a model without any consideration of alternatives is problematic.
Automatic Classification of Normal and Cancer Lung CT Images Using Multiscale AM-FM Features
Authors: Magdy Eman , Zayed Nourhan , Fakhr Mahmoud
Published: September 2015

Computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems provide fast and reliable diagnosis for medical images. In this paper, CAD system is proposed to analyze and automatically segment the lungs and classify each lung into normal or cancer. Using 70 different patients’ lung CT dataset, Wiener filtering on the original CT images is applied firstly as a preprocessing step. Secondly, we combine histogram analysis with thresholding and morphological operations to segment the lung regions and extract each lung separately. Amplitude-Modulation Frequency-Modulation (AM-FM) method thirdly, has been used to extract features for ROIs. Then, the significant AM-FM features have been selected using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) for classification step. Finally,K-nearest neighbour (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), naïve Bayes, and linear classifiers have been used with the selected AM-FM features. The performance of each classifier in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity is evaluated. The results indicate that our proposed CAD system succeeded to differentiate between normal and cancer lungs and achieved 95% accuracy in case of the linear classifier.
Identification of Bexarotene as a PPARγAntagonist with HDX
Authors: Marciano David P. , Kuruvilla Dana S. , Pascal Bruce D. , Griffin Patrick R.
Published: September 2015

The retinoid x receptors (RXRs) are the pharmacological target of Bexarotene, an antineoplastic agent indicated for the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). The RXRs form heterodimers with several nuclear receptors (NRs), including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), to regulate target gene expression through cooperative recruitment of transcriptional machinery. Here we have applied hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry to characterize the effects of Bexarotene on the conformational plasticity of the intact RXRα:PPARγheterodimer. Interestingly, addition of Bexarotene to PPARγin the absence of RXRαinduced protection from solvent exchange, suggesting direct receptor binding. This observation was confirmed using a competitive binding assay. Furthermore, Bexarotene functioned as a PPARγantagonist able to alter rosiglitazone induced transactivation in a cell based promoter:reporter transactivation assay. Together these results highlight the complex polypharmacology of lipophilic NR targeted small molecules and the utility of HDX for identifying and characterizing these interactions.
Clinical Outcomes in Men and Women following Total Knee Arthroplasty with a High‐Flex Knee: No Clinical Effect of Gender
Authors: Nassif Jeffrey M. , Pietrzak William S.
Published: September 2015

While it is generally recognized that anatomical differences exist between the male and female knee, the literature generally refutes the clinical need for gender‐specific total knee prostheses. It has been found that standard, unisex knees perform as well, or better, in women than men. Recently, high‐flex knees have become available that mechanically accommodate increased flexion yet no studies have directly compared the outcomes of these devices in men and women to see if gender‐based differences exist. We retrospectively compared the performance of the high‐flex Vanguard knee (Biomet, Warsaw, IN) in 716 male and 1,069 female knees. Kaplan‐Meier survivorship was 98.5% at 5.6–5.7 years for both genders. After 2 years, mean improvements in Knee Society Knee and Function scores for men and women (50.9 versus 46.3; 26.5 versus 23.1) and corresponding SF‐12 Mental and Physical scores (0.2 versus 2.2; 13.7 versus 12.2) were similar with differences not clinically relevant. Postoperative motion gains as a function of preoperative motion level were virtually identical in men and women. This further confirms the suitability of unisex total knee prostheses for both men and women.
Stability of a Class of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems with Markovian Switching
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Li Wuquan
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the stability of a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with Markovian switching via output-feedback. Based on the backstepping design method and homogeneous domination technique, an output-feedback controller is constructed to guarantee that the closed-loop system has a unique solution and is almost surely asymptotically stable. The efficiency of the output-feedback controller is demonstrated by a simulation example.