SummaryThis paper proposes a recurrent neural fuzzy controller (RNFC) approach based on a self‐organizing improved particle swarm optimization (SOIPSO) algorithm used for solving control problems. The proposed SOIPSO algorithm can adaptively determine the number of fuzzy rules and automatically adjust the parameters in an RNFC. The proposed learning algorithm consisted of phases of structure and parameter learning. Structure learning adopts several subswarms to constitute the adjustable variables in fuzzy systems, and an elite‐based structure strategy determines the suitable number of fuzzy rules. This paper proposes an improved particle swarm optimization technique, which consists of the modified evolutionary direction operator (MEDO) and traditional PSO techniques. The proposed MEDO method used the EDO and migration operation to improve the search ability of a global solution. Finally, the proposed RNFC approach based on the SOIPSO learning algorithm (RNFC–SOIPSO) was adopted to control a magnetic levitation system. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed RNFC–SOIPSO model outperforms other models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ObjectiveHyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) impairs angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that HHcy impairs angiogenic growth through an iNOS dependent mechanism.MethodsWe used an ex‐vivo adult mouse choroid tissue model of VEGF‐stimulated angiogenesis. Mouse microvascular endothelial cells were studied in culture in parallel experiments.Results20μM homocysteine (Hcy) treatments significantly decreased the area of angiogenic outgrowth (8.9mm2 ± 0.31 vs 4.1mm2 ± 0.58; p<0.05). Hcy 1) canted the orientation of actin filaments (orientation in relation to explant center: 38.6ܰ±13.0ܰ vs 95.4ܰ± 6.5ܰ; p<0.05), 2) decreased the occurrence of cellular extensions beyond the leading edge of outgrowth (7 ± 0.89 vs 2.2 ±0.52; p<0.05), and 3) reduced the motility of dispersed cells (19.8μm/hr ±1.4 vs 13.1μm/hr ±1.7; p<0.05). Inhibition of iNOS with 1400W (10μM) rescued the effect of Hcy on area of outgrowth, occurrence of cellular extensions, and cell motility.ConclusionsHcy decreases angiogenic outgrowth by inhibiting motility and disrupting actin filament organization in part via an iNOS‐dependent mechanism. This work was supported by NIH grant #HL106548(SEB).

Structural control on drainage patterns has long been suggested to play an important role in the development of fluvial systems, including their map pattern. Along the western Taiwan orogenic wedge, a prominent drainage pattern change is present, from predominantly orogen parallel drainages in the south to river systems that flow perpendicular to the long axis of the mountain belt in the north. Such change likely reflects the temporal evolutionary process as the Taiwan orogen propagates southward. We propose that the flow direction change of river systems is produced by the development of the fold‐and‐thrust belt on the pro‐wedge side of the mountain belt and is facilitated by drainage reorganization that includes abrupt drainage captures and more gradual divide movements, permitting drainage basins to attain a geometrically stable configuration with time. Our observations in Taiwan demonstrate not only how tectonic uplift is effective at modifying river patterns in the early stages of orogenic development but also how time and increased stream power encourage river networks to adjust to more effective patterns in mature mountain belts.

Knowing bottom geoacoustic parameters is of great importance for using sonar systems effectively in shallow water. This study is based upon the vertical line array (VLA) in South China Sea experiment of the Asian Seas International Acoustic Experiment (ASIAEX), dated from May 3, 2001 to May 16, 2001, in which the ambient noise was also measured in shallow water. Beamforming is used to calculate the vertical directionality of ambient noise, but limited by the array element spacing, the major analysis frequency range is 100 to 400 Hz. Comparison between forward modeling (normal mode code) and experimental results show the energy ratio of up-looking and down-looking beams, which can be referred to the energy reflection coefficient of the bottom-potentially a function of angle and frequency. From the reflection coefficient, critical parameters of the sediments such as sound speed, density, and attenuation coefficient can be obtained. Finally, this result is verified by on-site chirp sonar surveys during the experiment, and also by other inversion investigation in this area using other sound source.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability and Alzheimer's disease. We explored the relation among BBB permeability, brain histopathology, amyloid‐beta (Abeta) transport and deposition and cognitive function in HHcy. We used C57Bl/6 mice with heterozygous deletion of cystathionine β‐synthase (Het) and wild‐type littermates (WT) [young: 5–9 mos; old: 12–29 mos]. BBB permeability was greater in Het compared to WT at all ages (p<0.05). Old, but not young, Het mice had greater cognitive impairment than any other group in Morris water maze tests (p<0.05). Old Het mice also showed greater inflammation (CD45+ and VCAM+) and leukoaraiosis in the fornix compared to WT (p<0.05) with concomitant evidence of disrupted autophagy in the hippocampus (increased caspase‐cleavage of beclin‐1; p<0.05). There were no differences for these measures among young or WT mice. There was no difference in levels of Abeta transporters in isolated cerebral microvessels (RAGE, LRP‐1, Pgp) or Abeta deposition in the brain with age or by Hcy level.Conclusionin mild HHcy, increased permeability of the BBB precedes the onset of brain histopathology and cognitive dysfunction, which is independent of Abeta deposition. Protecting the BBB from the effects of Hcy early in life may reduce the incidence or severity of cognitive decline later in life. Supported by NIH HL106548 (SEB).