bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity and related risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms among Israeli adolescents
Authors: Leiba Adi , Duek Adrian , Afek Arnon , Derazne Estela , Leiba Merav
Published: May 2017

Objective

Obesity has been associated with various malignancies, but a clear association between overweight and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) has not been established.

Methods

This study assessed the association between adolescent obesity and future risk for MPN. Data on 2,516,256 Israeli adolescents, who underwent a compulsory general health examination at ages 16 to 19, between 1967 and 2011, were linked to the National Cancer Registry in this nationwide, population‐based cohort study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for MPN associated with BMI measured at adolescence.

Results

The mean follow‐up of 19.86 ± 12.15 years reflected 49,977,521 person years, during which 433 examinees developed MPN, primarily chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia. Obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) in adolescence significantly predicted increased risk of MPN with HR (adjusted for sex) of 1.81 (95% confidence interval 1.13‐2.92,P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Adolescent obesity might be related to an increased incidence of myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Toll‐like receptor 4 mediates fat, sugar, and umami taste preference and food intake and body weight regulation
Authors: Camandola Simonetta , Mattson Mark P.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Immune and inflammatory pathways play important roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. This study investigated the role of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in orosensory detection of dietary lipids and sugars.

Methods

Taste preferences of TLR4 knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) male mice under a standard and a high‐fat, high‐sugar diet were assessed with two‐bottle tests. Gene expression of taste signaling molecules was analyzed in the tongue epithelium. The role of TLR4 in food intake and weight gain was investigated in TLR4 KO and WT mice fed a high‐fat and high‐sugar diet for 12 weeks.

Results

Compared to WT mice, TLR4 KO mice showed reduced preference for lipids, sugars, and umami in a two‐bottle preference test. The altered taste perception was associated with decreased levels of key taste regulatory molecules in the tongue epithelium. TLR4 KO mice on a high‐fat and high‐sugar diet consumed less food and drink, resulting in diminished weight gain.

Conclusions

TLR4 signaling promotes ingestion of sugar and fat by a mechanism involving increased preference for such obesogenic foods.
Mouth examination performance by children's parents and by adolescents in Fanconi anemia
Authors: Pivovar Allana , Furquim Camila Pinheiro , Bonfim Carmem , Torres‐Pereira Cassius Carvalho
Published: May 2017

Background

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by increased risk of developing malignant neoplasms, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study aims to ascertain the extent to which adolescents and guardians/parents of children with FA are aware of their oral cancer risks and assess their ability to perform mouth examination (ME).

Procedure

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among patients with FA (between 6 and 16 years) and their parents. A total of 45 patients, 19 children and 26 adolescents, participated in the study. Among children less than 12 years of age, caregivers performed ME and adolescents between 12 and 16 years of age performed mouth self‐examination (MSE). All parents were given a self‐reporting questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data, information about health‐related behaviors, and oral cancer awareness. Performance was evaluated using criteria for mucosal visualization and retracting ability. Subsequently, a dentist clinically examined all patient participants.

Results

Performance evaluation indicated that the examination quality was unsatisfactory in both groups. Statistical significance was found between ability to perform ME by marital status (P < 0.036), where divorced parents had more difficulty performing ME than nondivorced parents.

Conclusion

Oral mucosa surveillance performed by parents and adolescents seems to be inaccurate. However, as an oral examination is a relatively inexpensive form of secondary prevention, it merits attention to teaching the technique to patients with FA and their caregivers.
Comparison of Time to First Dose of Oral Morphine in the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Mitchell Sarah T. , Costello Tracy J. , Nedderman Kara M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To compare time to first dose of oral morphine used in the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) versus a special care nursery (SCN) setting.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was completed of patient data from two community hospitals in a single health network. Infants born at either facility between January 2013 and August 2015 were eligible for inclusion in the study if treated for NAS with a course of oral morphine. The primary outcome was time from birth to first dose of oral morphine. Secondary outcomes included details about the morphine treatment course, length of stay, and complications from NAS.

Results

A total of 54 patients (19 NICU patients and 35 SCN patients) fulfilled inclusion criteria for the study. The primary outcome of median time from birth to first dose of oral morphine did not differ between the two groups (42.5 hrs [NICU] vs 43 hrs [SCN], p=0.53). No significant differences were found between the morphine regimens used in the two units. The median length of hospital stay (27 days [NICU] vs 26 days [SCN], p=0.66) and median length of NICU/SCN stay (26 days [NICU] vs 23 days [SCN], p=0.75) were not statistically significantly different. Time between transfer to the NICU or SCN and administration of the first dose of oral morphine was significantly shorter in the SCN setting (28 hrs [NICU] vs 4 hrs [SCN], p=0.009).

Conclusions

This study found that infants treated for NAS had similar treatment in an NICU and an SCN. No difference was observed in time from birth to initiation of medication therapy. In addition, no differences were seen in all but one marker for quality of care including length of stay and cumulative morphine dose. Infants treated for NAS, whether in an NICU or SCN setting, can receive similar treatment and comparable outcomes.
An empirical model to predict temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity of amorphous polymers
Authors: Kommandur Sampath , Yee Shannon K.
Published: May 2017

Thermal conductivity in polymers has been theoretically and experimentally studied in good detail, but there is a need for more accurate models. Polymeric thermal conductivity exhibits a plateau‐like transition at temperatures around 10 K, which is not well accounted for by existing models. In this work, an empirical model that can predict temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity of amorphous polymers is developed. The model is based on kinetic theory and accounts for three sets of vibrational modes in polymers, and is developed using classical expressions, results of previous simulations, and experimental data. Fundamental material properties like density, monomer molecular weight, and speed of sound are the only input parameters. The model provides estimates for the locations of transitions between different sets of vibrational modes, an upper limit for the thermal conductivity, and temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity, which are in good agreement with experimental data. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1160–1170
Diagnostic methods for understanding the origin of forecast errors
Authors: Magnusson L.
Published: May 2017

Although the quality of medium‐range forecasts has increased considerably over the decades since the start of operational forecasts at the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), individual forecasts still occasionally experience very large errors. Often the phrasing ‘drop‐outs’ or ‘forecast busts’ is used for such episodes. The aim of this report is to use a combination of methods to track errors in three cases of extreme forecast errors between 2014 and 2016, to understand the error sources better. Manual error tracking and ensemble sensitivity are used to give a first guess for the source region and relaxation experiments are used to confirm the result. In the three cases investigated, the errors originated from the tropical eastern Pacific, western/central Canada and western Atlantic, respectively. The mechanisms behind the errors are discussed in the report. The results from this study can form a basis for further investigations of these cases and the methodology explained can be applied to understand future bust cases, to increase our knowledge of the origin and propagation of forecast errors.
Detecting snow at the den‐site scale in wolverine denning habitat
Authors: Magoun Audrey J. , Robards Martin D. , Packila Mark L. , Glass Tom W.
Published: May 2017

The relationship of wolverines (Gulo gulo) to persistent spring snow (PSS) may be obligate at the den‐site scale but this relationship has yet to be examined at this scale. Our objective was to detect snow at the den‐site scale in late May using low‐altitude aerial photography in wolverine denning habitat both in the Rocky Mountains of western United States and northwestern Alaska, USA. In the Rocky Mountains, we detected snow on 31 May 2016 in low to heavy categories in 82% of 40 transect segments flown through home ranges of 4 reproductive female wolverines that had denned in Idaho and Montana, USA, prior to our study. In the Alaska study area, we detected snow on 29 May 2016 at 4 den sites of reproductive female wolverines that denned in 2016. By then, snow remained only in occasional, widely scattered patches. Remnant snowdrifts remained at all 4 den sites. High‐latitude tundra habitats in Alaska may lose PSS sooner than montane habitats at the southern extent of wolverine distribution. To manage wolverines and their habitat and incorporate PSS in models of future wolverine habitat, we must understand the relationship of wolverines to snow and measure PSS at an appropriate resolution and scale that is biologically meaningful for the species. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Quantifying relative levels of solar radiation at bat roosts using pyranometers
Authors: Bondo Kristin J. , Brooks David R. , Brigham R. Mark
Published: May 2017

Although the amount of solar radiation received at roost sites used by bats has been speculated to be a factor driving roost‐site selection and roost switching behavior, few studies have scientifically quantified and recorded it over time. We demonstrated through a field test how silicon‐cell pyranometers, which are commonly connected to dataloggers and used in atmospheric studies to measure solar irradiance on a planar surface, can also be used to measure and record relative solar radiation levels at roost trees used by bats and other wildlife. Using commercially available pyranometers might not be feasible for many wildlife studies because they are expensive; we demonstrate how they can be built relatively simply and inexpensively, and calibrated with a commercial silicon‐cell pyranometer. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Web image search revealed large‐scale variations in breeding season and nuptial coloration in a mutually ornamented fish, Tribolodon hakonensis
Authors: Atsumi Keisuke , Koizumi Itsuro
Published: May 2017

Geographic variations in reproductive traits are important for evolutionary biology, but often difficult to investigate because of the need for a large‐scale survey and the ephemeral nature of secondary sexual characteristics. Here, using web image searches (Google Images and Twitter), we revealed large‐scale geographic variations (>1500 km) in breeding timing and nuptial coloration in the mutually ornamented fish, Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis). As this fish is easily caught and many anglers upload their photographs on the web, we were able to find a total of 401 high‐resolution photographs from all over Japan. Breeding periods were determined from dates of photographs with/without nuptial coloration, which matched with previous studies. We also found that breeding periods might have advanced three weeks over the last 80 years in the Chitose River, potentially because of climate change. Additionally, the pattern of latitudinal cline for breeding timing revealed delayed timing in higher latitudes, although regional variations were also high. Finally, we quantified the patterns of nuptial coloration for this mutually ornamented fish, and confirmed that over 80% of individuals showed typical colorations, but others showed rare phenotypes that were never previously described, including an intermediate coloration between T. hakonensis and a potentially hybridizing species, T. brandtii. Our web‐based method for estimating breeding phenology could be adopted for organisms with temporal sexual characteristics, such as plants (e.g., flowering time) and some fishes. Web image analyses are still preliminarily with many limitations, but could be promising for investigating variations in visible traits.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging examination in a patient with non‐magnetic resonance conditional pacemaker
Authors: Nakai Toshiko , Sato Toshiaki , Soejima Kyoko , Takamine Yusuke , Watanabe Mitsuru , Kobayashi Kazutaka , Oshima Hideki , Fukaya Chikashi , Okumura Yasuo , Ohkubo Kimie , Kunimoto Satoshi , Watanabe Ichiro , Yoshino Atsuo , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: May 2017

Clinical dilemmas arise when patients with a non‐magnetic resonance (MR) conditional pacemaker are required to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We encountered a pacemaker patient with debilitating non‐motor symptoms of Parkinson׳s disease, who required an MRI prior to deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. MRI was performed safely without adverse events despite the presence of a conventional pacemaker.
Long‐Term Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes After Hypoxic‐Ischemic Brain Injury: A Case‐Controlled Comparison to Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Harbinson Meredith , Zarshenas Sareh , Cullen Nora K.
Published: May 2017

Background

Despite the increasing rate of survival from hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury (HIBI), there is a paucity of evidence on the long‐term functional outcomes after inpatient rehabilitation among these nontrauma patients compared to patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Objectives

To compare functional and psychosocial outcomes of patients with HIBI to those of case‐matched patients with TBI 4‐11 years after brain insult.

Design

Retrospective, matched case‐controlled study.

Methods

Data at the time of rehabilitation admission and discharge were collected as part of a larger acquired brain injury (ABI) database at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) between 1999 and 2009. This study consisted of 11 patients with HIBI and 11 patients with TBI that attended the neuro‐rehabilitation day program at TRI during a similar time frame and were matched on age, admission Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, and acute care length of stay (ALOS). At 4‐11 years following brain insult, patients were reassessed using the FIM, Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ‐9), and the Mayo‐Portland Adaptability Inventory 4 (MPAI‐4).

Results

At follow‐up, patients with HIBI had significantly lower FIM motor and cognitive scores than patients with TBI (75.3 ± 20.6 versus 88.1 ± 4.78, P < .05, and 25.5 ± 5.80 versus 32.7 ± 2.54, P <.05, respectively) despite having a similar time frame postinsult (ie, 4‐11 years). In addition, there were significant differences in motor and total FIM change from admission to follow‐up between HIBI and TBI patients (P < .05). Patients with HIBI also had significantly lower scores on the DRS, PHQ‐9, and total MPAI‐4 at follow‐up (P < .05).

Conclusions

The study results suggest that patients with HIBI achieve less long‐term functional improvements compared to patients with TBI. Further research is warranted to compare the components of inpatient rehabilitation while adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics between these 2 groups of patients.

Level of Evidence

III
Use of Electroencephalography Brain‐Computer Interface Systems as a Rehabilitative Approach for Upper Limb Function After a Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Monge‐Pereira Esther , Ibañez‐Pereda Jaime , Alguacil‐Diego Isabel M. , Serrano Jose I. , Spottorno‐Rubio María P. , Molina‐Rueda Francisco
Published: May 2017

Background

Brain‐computer interface (BCI) systems have been suggested as a promising tool for neurorehabilitation. However, to date, there is a lack of homogeneous findings. Furthermore, no systematic reviews have analyzed the degree of validation of these interventions for upper limb (UL) motor rehabilitation poststroke.

Objectives

The study aims were to compile all available studies that assess an UL intervention based on an electroencephalography (EEG) BCI system in stroke; to analyze the methodological quality of the studies retrieved; and to determine the effects of these interventions on the improvement of motor abilities.

Type

This was a systematic review.

Literature Survey

Searches were conducted in PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial from inception to September 30, 2015.

Methodology

This systematic review compiles all available studies that assess UL intervention based on an EEG‐BCI system in patients with stroke, analyzing their methodological quality using the Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, and determining the grade of recommendation of these interventions for improving motor abilities as established by the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐based Medicine. The articles were selected according to the following criteria: studies evaluating an EEG‐based BCI intervention; studies including patients with a stroke and hemiplegia, regardless of lesion origin or temporal evolution; interventions using an EEG‐based BCI to restore functional abilities of the affected UL, regardless of the interface used or its combination with other therapies; and studies using validated tools to evaluate motor function.

Synthesis

After the literature search, 13 articles were included in this review: 4 studies were randomized controlled trials; 1 study was a controlled study; 4 studies were case series studies; and 4 studies were case reports. The methodological quality of the included papers ranged from 6 to 15, and the level of evidence varied from 1b to 5. The articles included in this review involved a total of 141 stroke patients.

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that BCI interventions may be a promising rehabilitation approach in subjects with stroke.

Level of Evidence

II
Validación de la traducción al idioma español del Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure
Authors: Aguilar-Barojas Saraí , Jiménez-Sastré Alejandro , Castillo-Orueta María Luisa
Published: May 2017

Introducción: El ambiente educacional es un aspecto vital para obtener resultados de calidad en las escuelas de medicina, por ello es importante contar con instrumentos confiables que evalúen la percepción de los estudiantes. De los instrumentos que existen, la escala Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) es la más utilizada a nivel internacional para ese fin. Objetivo: Validar la escala DREEM después de traducirla y adecuarla del idioma inglés al español-mexicano. Método: Para validar la traducción se utilizó metodología cualitativa que consideró traducción, retrotraducción y tres grupos focales. Para validar la consistencia interna se utilizó el cálculo del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y correlación corregida ítem-subescala, en lo expresado por una muestra de 110 estudiantes de medicina. Resultados: Sobre la traducción literal y primera adecuación hubo total coincidencia positiva de los traductores revisores en 40 de los 50 ítems. Diez ítems donde no hubo coincidencia, se volvieron a redactar de acuerdo con la reconciliación de las sugerencias de los traductores. A través de los grupos focales se identificaron ocho ítems que se adecuaron para que fueran comprendidos por los estudiantes, tratando de no modificar el campo semántico. El coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach calculado para la validación de la consistencia de las subescalas, resultó en la percepción de la enseñanza y los docentes >0.8, la autopercepción académica y la atmósfera >0.7 y la autopercepción social <0.6 considerándose la fiabilidad buena, aceptable y pobre, respectivamente. El alfa de Cronbach del DREEM global se calculó en 0.93 y se considera excelente. Conclusiones: La escala DREEM no perdió su fiabilidad con la traducción realizada, las sustituciones de términos y adecuaciones del original diseñado en idioma inglés, por lo tanto, se pueden aplicar en México a estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Medicina para indagar la percepción que tienen sobre el ambiente educacional.
Corynespora, Exosporium and Helminthosporium revisited - New species and generic reclassification
Authors: Voglmayr H. , Jaklitsch W.M.
Published: May 2017

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a multigene matrix of partial nuSSU-ITS-LSU rDNA, rpb2 and tef1 sequences were performed to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of Corynespora, Exosporium and Helminthosporium species. Based on phylogenetic
analyses and morphology, the genus Exosporium is synonymised with Helminthosporium, and the genus Corynespora is revealed as polyphyletic. Corynespora smithii is confirmed to be closely related to the generic type C. cassiicola and its morphology is
described and illustrated. Exosporium tiliae, Corynespora caespitosa, C. endiandrae, C. leucadendri and C. olivacea are recognised in Helminthosporium, and Splanchnonema quercicola and S. kalakadense are combined in
Helminthosporium. Based on pure culture studies and DNA sequence data, Massaria heterospora and Massarinula italica are shown to be the sexual morphs of Helminthosporium tiliae and H. microsorum, respectively. European accessions of Splanchnonema
quercicola are recognised to differ from the North American type and are described as Helminthosporium quercinum. The sexual morph of H. oligosporum is recorded and described for the first time. The generic type of Helminthosporium, H. velutinum, is
epitypified with a recent collection from the type host, Fagus sylvatica. Based on sequence data, Helminthosporium genistae is recognised as a distinct species. Several species for which subperidermal stromata have been reported are shown to be fungicolous on Diaporthales,
the “stromata” representing aborted and transformed host stromata or conidiomata: H. caespitosum, H. microsorum, H. quercicola and H. quercinum on Coryneum spp.; H. hispanicum on conidiomata of Juglanconis juglandina;
H. juglandinum on conidiomata of Diaporthe sp.; H. oligosporum and H. tiliae on Hercospora tiliae. The newly described H. austriacum is fungicolous on Amphisphaeria cf. millepunctata (Xylariales).
In Patagonian Lakes, Glacial Meltwater Lies Low
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: May 2017

A new study reveals key differences in ice-water interactions between glaciers that flow into lakes and glaciers that end in the sea.
Three‐dimensional AND flash memory
Authors: Kim Y. , Park I.H. , Kwon H.T. , Wee D. , Park B.‐G.
Published: May 2017

High‐density and high‐speed charge‐trapping AND flash memory array is fabricated for the first time. A reliability of 104 endurance cycles and uniform program/erase characteristics along with a threshold voltage window >3 V is obtained. The AND array has several advantages, such as high read current drivability regardless of the number of word‐lines, immunity to back‐pattern dependency, and fast bit‐sensing speed based on a parallel connected cell array structure, which are highly appropriate for three‐dimensional (3D) stacking. Finally, a novel 3D stacked vertical‐AND array is proposed to surpass the limitations of the conventional 3D NAND flash memories.
Effect of loop gain of ripple cancellation converter on twice‐line‐frequency voltage ripple in PFC converter
Authors: Cai Yaping , Xu Jianping , Liu Gao , Yao Zhanhui , Zhou Guohua
Published: May 2017

Power factor correction (PFC) converter with a twice‐line‐frequency ripple cancellation converter (RCC) has attracted much attention due to its ability of twice‐line‐frequency output voltage ripple cancellation and high power conversion efficiency. The audio susceptibility of buck‐type RCC operating in discontinuous conduction mode is derived and the effect of loop gain of RCC on the cancellation of twice‐line‐frequency output voltage ripple is studied. Experimental results of a 50 W prototype are presented to verify the analysis results.
Robust predictive filtering schemes for sub‐band CQI feedback compression in 3GPP LTE systems
Authors: Cordina Mario , Debono Carl J.
Published: May 2017

The third generation partnership project (3GPP) long‐term evolution (LTE) cellular system offers high data rate capabilities by leveraging several techniques including link adaptation and frequency selective scheduling. These techniques rely on accurate channel quality indicator (CQI) feedback reports that are sent by the user equipment (UE) to the evolved node B, a process which results in high signalling overhead. In this study, the authors propose a UE‐assisted sub‐band feedback compression scheme based on a predictive filtering technique to reduce this signalling overhead. Four schemes based on adaptive filters have been designed, implemented and tested in an LTE system level simulator. Simulation results indicate that the proposed compression scheme has shown efficacy with an overall CQI feedback signalling reduction of up to 92.5% whilst maintaining stable sector throughput, when compared with the standard 3GPP CQI feedback mechanism. Although the proposed scheme exhibits low computational and memory complexity, a reduced‐complexity scheme achieving an average computational load reduction of up to 35% is also presented.
Integrated fault‐tolerant control for a 3‐DOF helicopter with actuator faults and saturation
Authors: Lan Jianglin , Patton Ron J. , Zhu Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2017

This study proposes a fault estimation (FE)‐based fault‐tolerant control (FTC) strategy to maintain system reliability and achieve desirable control performance for a 3‐DOF helicopter system with both actuator drift and oscillation faults and saturation. The effects of the faults and saturation are combined into a composite non‐differentiable actuator fault function, which is approximated by a differentiable function and estimated together with the system state using a non‐linear unknown input observer. An adaptive sliding mode controller based on the estimates is developed to compensate the effects of the faults and saturation. Taking into account the bi‐directional robustness interactions between the FE and FTC functions, an integrated design approach is proposed to obtain the observer and controller gains in a single step, so as to achieve robust overall FTC system performance. In fault‐free cases, the proposed strategy can be considered as a new approach for anti‐windup control to compensate the effect of input saturation. Comparative simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design under different actuator fault scenarios.
Simple adaptive robust control schemes of uncertain strict‐feedback non‐linear time‐delay systems
Authors: Wu Hansheng
Published: May 2017

The main purpose of this study is to present a simple design method to synthesise the adaptive robust controllers for a class of uncertain strict‐feedback non‐linear systems with delayed state perturbations and external disturbances. In this study, such a simple design method is presented so that (i) the presented design method is easy to understand for the system designers; (ii) it is not necessary to know any information on the upper bound functions of non‐linear delayed state perturbations and the non‐linear functions due to the derivatives of the fictitious control functions to construct some state feedback control schemes; and (iii) the resulting adaptive robust control schemes are simple and easy to implement in practical engineering control problems. The adaptive robust controllers synthesised by the presented design method have a rather simple structure, and can guarantee the uniform exponential boundedness of the considered uncertain strict‐feedback non‐linear time‐delay systems. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the authors' simple design procedure and the corresponding simulations are made to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Dead‐beat predictive direct power control of voltage source inverters with optimised switching patterns
Authors: Cheng Chenwen , Nian Heng , Wang Xiaohe , Sun Dan
Published: May 2017

This study presents a novel dead‐beat predictive direct power control (PDPC) strategy working at nearly constant switching frequency for the voltage source inverter. The proposed strategy employs two active voltage vectors and one null voltage vector during every control period. To solve the problem of negative predicted duration time of active voltage vectors in the conventional dead‐beat PDPC strategy, an automatic updating mechanism is designed. When the predicted duration time is negative, the applied voltage vectors will be updated automatically without the need of reselecting voltage vectors or recalculation of the duration time. Accurate tracking of both active and reactive power can be achieved with small power ripples using the strategy proposed in this study. The proposed PDPC strategy shows excellent steady performance and fast dynamic responses. High sampling frequency can also be avoided and the calculation process is simple enough to be implemented on normal DSPs. Simulation and Experimental results are presented to validate the feasibility of the proposed dead‐beat PDPC strategy.
Joint angle–frequency estimation with spatiotemporal nested sampling
Authors: He Jin , Zhang Zenghui , Shu Ting , Tang Bin , Yu Wenxian
Published: May 2017

In this study, the authors propose a new method for joint estimation of angle and frequency parameters in pulsed Doppler radar systems. Unlike many existing methods, in which uniform sampling with Nyquist rate are used for spatiotemporal data acquisition, the presented method is based on the non‐uniform nested sampling. The basic idea of is to use the radar cross‐sections diversity in multiple coherent processing intervals to construct a virtual spatial–temporal manifold with extended degree of freedom. Through theoretical analysis and computer simulations, they show that the proposed method can offer better identifiability performance and higher parameter estimation accuracy, as compared with existing methods.
Non‐linear shrinkage‐based precision matrix estimation for space–time adaptive processing
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Tang Jun , Tang Bo
Published: May 2017

Space–time adaptive processing (STAP) is usually adopted in airborne and spaceborne radars for clutter suppression and slow moving target detection. However, for traditional sample covariance matrix inversion algorithm, there are usually not enough independent and identically distributed secondary samples to achieve a satisfactory performance. The diagonal loading methods are usually utilised to solve this finite sample problem. Nevertheless, the performance of diagonal loading STAP can be further improved by directly estimating the precision matrix and non‐linearly shrinking the eigenvalues of the samples covariance matrix. This study proposes a non‐linear shrinkage‐based precision matrix estimation algorithm for STAP. Also, a noise power estimation method is provided so that the proposed algorithm still works well even if the noise power is not known previously. The proposed algorithm has much better performance than the diagonal loading methods whether the sample size is smaller or larger than the dimension of the covariance matrix. Besides, in the condition that the clutter‐to‐noise ratio is large, which is often encountered in practice, the proposed algorithm also shows a comparatively good performance. Simulations are performed to validate the proposed algorithm.
Highly efficient approach to the simulation of variable‐speed induction motor drives
Authors: von Pfingsten Georg , Hameyer Kay
Published: May 2017

Loss modelling for induction machines operated as variable speed drives (VSD) is indispensable for designing highly utilised traction machines. Accurate loss modelling can be performed using finite‐element analysis (FEA). Since VSD have to deliver torque at different values of mechanical speed, the torque‐speed operating points are sought. For those torque‐speed operating points, the drive should be operated in the highest efficiency points. Finding these points from transient FEA requires the simulation of several ten to hundreds operating points in terms of stator current and rotor fundamental frequency. For that reasons, local loss modelling using FEA is very time consuming. This study will present a hybrid simulation approach coupling numerical and analytical models to reduce simulation time for simulation of the torque‐speed operating points. The simulation approach takes into account the inverter voltage and current limitations and finds the highest efficiency operating point for every torque‐speed operating point.
Architecture of a hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node for underground environmental monitoring
Authors: Mecocci Alessandro , Peruzzi Giacomo , Pozzebon Alessandro , Vaccarella Pietro
Published: May 2017

This study describes a sensor node powered by an energy harvesting method based on the watermill principle. This method is suitable whenever a sensor node has to be deployed in the nearby of an underground water line, such as a drainage system or an aqueduct. The operating scenario for whom this solution has been developed and employed is a wireless sensor network for the monitoring of the environmental conditions of the so‐called ‘Bottini’ in Siena, Italy. The ‘Bottini’ is a network of medieval aqueducts dug in the underground of the historic centre of the city, in which water still flows nowadays. Using the proposed energy harvesting system the sensor nodes are able to operate independently, minimising the maintenance and allowing the real‐time monitoring of environmental parameters, thanks, in order to manage the preservation of this ancient site. The entire system is composed of three parts: the power generation system, the data acquisition system and the wireless transmission system. The whole architecture has been tested in the operating scenario, precisely in ‘Fontebranda’, one of the biggest fountains in the ‘Bottini’ network.
Probing the lithium-response pathway in hiPSCs implicates the phosphoregulatory set-point for a cytoskeletal modulator in bipolar pathogenesis
Authors: Tobe Brian T. D. , Crain Andrew M. , Winquist Alicia M. , Calabrese Barbara , Makihara Hiroko , Zhao Wen-ning , Lalonde Jasmin , Nakamura Haruko , Konopaske Glenn , Sidor Michelle , Pernia Cameron D. , Yamashita Naoya , Wada Moyuka , Inoue Yuuka , Nakamura Fumio , Sheridan Steven D. , Logan Ryan W. , Brandel Michael , Wu Dongmei , Hunsberger Joshua , Dorsett Laurel , Duerr Cordulla , Basa Ranor C. B. , McCarthy Michael J. , Udeshi Namrata D. , Mertins Philipp , Carr Steven A. , Rouleau Guy A. , Mastrangelo Lina , Li Jianxue , Gutierrez Gustavo J. , Brill Laurence M. , Venizelos Nikolaos , Chen Guang , Nye Jeffrey S. , Manji Husseini , Price Jeffrey H. , McClung Colleen A. , Akiskal Hagop S. , Alda Martin , Chuang De-Maw M. , Coyle Joseph T. , Liu Yang , Teng Yang D. , Ohshima Toshio , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Sidman Richard L. , Halpain Shelley , Haggarty Stephen J. , Goshima Yoshio , Snyder Evan Y.
Published: May 2017

Significance

One-third of bipolar disorder (BPD) patients are lithium-responsive (LiR) for unknown reasons. Were lithium’s target to be identified, then BPD’s pathogenesis might be unraveled. We identified and mapped the “lithium-response pathway,” which governs the phosphorylation of
CRMP2
, a cytoskeleton regulator, particularly for dendritic spines: hence, a neural network modulator. Although “toggling” between inactive (phosphorylated) and active (nonphosphorylated) CRMP2 is physiologic, the “set-point” in LiR BPD is abnormal. Lithium (and other pathway-modulators) normalize that set-point. Hence, BPD is a disorder not of a gene but of the posttranslational regulation of a developmentally critical molecule. Such knowledge should enable better mechanistically based treatments and bioassays. Instructively, lithium was our “molecular can-opener” for “prying” intracellularly to reveal otherwise inscrutable pathophysiology in this complex polygenic disorder.
Bupivacaine Field Block With Clonidine for Postoperative Pain Control in Posterior Spine Approaches: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Abdel Hay Joe , Kobaiter-Maarrawi Sandra , Tabet Patrick , Moussa Ronald , Rizk Tony , Nohra Georges , Okais Nabil , Samaha Elie , Maarrawi Jospeh
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The synergistic effect of clonidine with bupivacaine, well established in peripheral nerve blocks, remains controversial in local field block for postoperative analgesia.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential analgesic benefit of adding clonidine to bupivacaine during preincisional field block in posterior approaches for spine surgeries.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-five patients were enrolled in this study and underwent lumbar spinal fusion (n = 80), lumbar laminectomy (n = 25), lumbar microdiscectomy (n = 94), or cervical laminectomy (n = 26). In each surgical subgroup, patients were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to receive either 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine alone (control group, n = 109) or with 150 μg clonidine (clonidine group, n = 116) in the form of a preincisional field block. Outcome parameters included area under the curve of pain from postoperative day D0 to D8 and rescue morphine consumption from D0 to D3.

RESULTS

The area under the curve was reduced in the clonidine group, particularly in the microdiscectomy subgroup, and without reaching statistical significance in the cervical laminectomy subgroup. Total rescue morphine consumption was reduced in the clonidine group, particularly at D1-D2, a benefit that was exclusive to the lumbar stenosis and lumbar fusion subgroups. Field block with clonidine, surgical subgroup, and the presence of preoperative spinal pain were factors independently influencing postoperative wound pain in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The addition of clonidine to local preincisional field block with bupivacaine resulted in better and prolonged postoperative analgesia in posterior lumbar spine surgeries, an effect that was more pronounced in patients with no preoperative spinal pain.
Evaluation of the added value of 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the diagnosis of pediatric brain lesions in clinical practice
Authors: Manias Karen , Gill Simrandip K , Zarinabad Niloufar , Davies Paul , English Martin , Ford Daniel , MacPherson Lesley , Nicklaus-Wollenteit Ina , Oates Adam , Solanki Guirish , Adamski Jenny , Wilson Martin , Peet Andrew C
Published: May 2017

Background

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) aids noninvasive diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors, but use in clinical practice is not well documented. We aimed to review clinical use of MRS, establish added value in noninvasive diagnosis, and investigate potential impact on patient care.

Methods

Sixty-nine children with lesions imaged using MRS and reviewed by the tumor board from 2014 to 2016 met inclusion criteria. Contemporaneous MRI diagnosis, spectroscopy analysis, histopathology, and clinical information were reviewed. Final diagnosis was agreed on by the tumor board at study end.

Results

Five cases were excluded for lack of documented MRI diagnosis. The principal MRI diagnosis by pediatric radiologists was correct in 59%, increasing to 73% with addition of MRS. Of the 73%, 19.1% (95% CI, 9.1%-33.3%) were incorrectly diagnosed with MRI alone. MRS led to a significant improvement in correct diagnosis over all tumor types (P = .012). Of diagnoses correctly made with MRI, confidence increased by 37% when adding MRS, with no patients incorrectly re-diagnosed. Indolent lesions were diagnosed noninvasively in 85% of cases, with MRS a major contributor to 91% of these diagnoses. Of all patients, 39% were managed without histopathological diagnosis. MRS contributed to diagnosis in 68% of this group, modifying it in 12%. MRS influenced management in 33% of cases, mainly through avoiding and guiding biopsy and aiding tumor characterization.

Conclusion

MRS can improve accuracy and confidence in noninvasive diagnosis of pediatric brain lesions in clinical practice. There is potential to improve outcomes through avoiding biopsy of indolent lesions, aiding tumor characterization, and facilitating earlier family discussions and treatment planning.
Microvascular Decompression for Patients With Hemifacial Spasm Associated With Common Trunk Anomaly of the Cerebellar Arteries—Case Study and Review of Literature
Authors: Refaee Ehab El , Rosenstengel Christian , Baldauf Joerg , Pillich Dirk T , Matthes Marc , Schroeder Henry W S
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Few previous studies have described the origin of both anterior and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries from one vessel as a common trunk anomaly. No previous studies have clearly described the aforementioned anomaly depending on intraoperative endoscopic visualization.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of a common trunk anomaly with hemifacial spasm, which makes microvascular decompression more challenging.

METHODS

All patients with common trunk anomaly associated with hemifacial spasm who received surgical treatment between 2006 and 2015 in our institution were identified in our prospectively collected database. Detection of the common trunk anomaly was performed using the intraoperative high-definition endoscopic inspection and confirmed by a retrospective review of the obtained operative videos.

RESULTS

Out of 248 cases of hemifacial spasm, 21 cases with a common trunk anomaly were detected, with an incidence rate of 8.5%. In 6 cases, the spasm was caused by more than 1 offending vessel “complex compression.” In 19 cases, total recovery occurred on follow-up, while in 1 case, 90% recovery occurred. One patient was spasm-free immediately after surgery, but died 3 wk after operation from herpes encephalitis.

CONCLUSION

Common trunk anomaly in hemifacial spasm is rare. The surgical technique is mostly identical to decompression with normally arising vessels. However, in case of a bifurcation situated close to the compression site where the offending vessel cannot be transposed freely, an extensive cushioning along the trunk and the offending vessels with teflon pledgets should be performed. The presence of a common trunk anomaly does not affect the surgical results.
Single-Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningioma in Elderly Patients: 25-Year Experience at a Single Institution
Authors: Hasegawa Hirotaka , Hanakita Shunya , Shin Masahiro , Koga Tomoyuki , Takahashi Wataru , Nomoto Akihiro K , Sakuramachi Madoka , Saito Nobuhito
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been accepted as a therapeutic option for intracranial meningiomas; however, the detailed data on outcomes in elderly patients remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To delineate the efficacy of SRS for meningiomas in elderly patients.

METHODS

The outcomes of 67 patients aged ≥65 yr who underwent SRS for benign intracranial meningioma (World Health Organization grade I) between 1990 and 2014 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 71 yr (range, 65-83 yr), and the mean and median follow-up were 62 and 52 mo (range, 7-195 mo), respectively. Tumor margins were irradiated with a median dose of 16 Gy, and the median tumor volume was 4.9 cm3 (range, 0.7-22.9 cm3).

RESULTS

Actuarial local tumor control rates at 3, 5, and 10 yr after SRS were 92%, 86%, and 72%, respectively. Previous surgery and parasagittal/falcine location were statistically significant predictive factors for failed tumor control. Mild or moderate adverse events were noted in 9 patients. No severe adverse event was observed. A higher margin dose was significantly associated with adverse events by univariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

SRS is one of the standard therapies for meningiomas in elderly patients, providing both favorable tumor control and a low risk of adverse events under minimum invasiveness.
Treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma: current standards and new developments
Authors: van Houdt Winan J. , Zaidi Shane , Messiou Christina , Thway Khin , Strauss Dirk C. , Jones Robin L.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare tumors and with complex treatment. In this manuscript we give an overview of current standards in treatment of this disease and discuss new developments.

Recent findings

Surgery with complete resection of the primary tumor is still the only curative modality. The role of preoperative radiotherapy is not clear and is currently being investigated in a clinical trial. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is not the standard of care but can be considered occasionally when complete resection is uncertain. Local and distant recurrent disease carries a dismal prognosis, although long-term survival can be achieved. Liposarcomas tend to recur locally, whereas distant recurrences are more often seen in leiomyosarcoma and other subtypes. Outcome improves when patients are treated in high volume sarcoma centers. In the metastatic setting, newer systemic agents have recently been approved.

Treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas is complex and all patients should be treated in a multidisciplinary sarcoma centers. Increasing international collaboration of expert centers in sharing expertise and performing clinical trials might lead to better treatment and improved survival.
Beyond Googling: The Ethics of Using Patients' Electronic Footprints in Psychiatric Practice
Authors: Fisher Carl E. , Appelbaum Paul S.
Published: May 2017

Electronic communications are an increasingly important part of people’s lives, and much information is accessible through such means. Anecdotal clinical reports indicate that mental health professionals are beginning to use information from their patients’ electronic activities in treatment and that their data-gathering practices have gone far beyond simply searching for patients online. Both academic and private sector researchers are developing mental health applications to collect patient information for clinical purposes. Professional societies and commentators have provided minimal guidance, however, about best practices for obtaining or using information from electronic communications or other online activities. This article reviews the clinical and ethical issues regarding use of patients’ electronic activities, primarily focusing on situations in which patients share information with clinicians voluntarily. We discuss the potential uses of mental health patients’ electronic footprints for therapeutic purposes, and consider both the potential benefits and the drawbacks and risks. Whether clinicians decide to use such information in treating any particular patient—and if so, the nature and scope of its use—requires case-by-case analysis. But it is reasonable to assume that clinicians, depending on their circumstances and goals, will encounter circumstances in which patients’ electronic activities will be relevant to, and useful in, treatment.